Condition Responsive Indicating System Patents (Class 340/500)
  • Patent number: 7667587
    Abstract: A data communications apparatus for communicating with another apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 7663478
    Abstract: A mount system for a monitor extends and retracts the monitor. The mount system includes a first arm pivotably coupled to a second arm so that that the monitor extends and retracts in a substantially straight line. One or more motors may be incorporated into the mount system to adjust the viewing angle of the monitor through a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: CLO Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Sung I. Oh, Hang-Koo Yeo
  • Patent number: 7664618
    Abstract: The present invention such as active diagnostic algorithms is developed not only to realize the early detection of degraded vacuum pumps for the protection of pump failure but also to provide their predictive maintenance. According to the present invention, it is possible to find simple and effective ways to deal with technical problems arising from the large variability of the pump-by-pump operation characteristics and the multiple process conditions where pumps run under the idle operation and gas-loaded operation conditions alternately, especially in semiconductor manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Wan Sup Cheung, Jong Yeon Lim, Kwang Hwa Chung, Soo Gab Lee
  • Patent number: 7659813
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Prenova, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Chambers, Kenneth Van Meter, Edward M. Smith, Patrick T. Golden
  • Patent number: 7656276
    Abstract: The travel situation of a vehicle is detected by sensors and a sensor section 110 recognizes the moving state of the vehicle and outputs event signals. A processing section 180 has a sound emission control section that acquires a MIDI message to be used for notifying the travel situation by means of a MIDI sound source generating section. At the same time, it recognizes the priority level of the event signal to be used for notification in terms of urgency or significance and defines the parameter value of the MIDI message so as to bring the localized sound image of the sound to be emitted from a speaker located substantially at the center relative to a driver according to the priority level. Then, it has a sound emitting section 150 emit the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Takahashi, Motoji Hashimoto, Fumio Isozaki
  • Patent number: 7656285
    Abstract: A system in which one or more alarm sources (10), can wirelessly communicate with a receiver (30), to activate an alarm and does not contain any identification that indicates the communication's source (10). The system may include “repeaters” (40), whose function is to relay the communication from one station to another over distances longer than can be reached by a single transmitter (10), Apparatuses for transmitting (10), repeating (40), and receiving (30), are also disclosed, as well as a communication system comprised of various elements of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.v.
    Inventors: Kim Johnnie Hansen, Carlton B. Morgan, Thomas Dean Lyster
  • Patent number: 7656110
    Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
  • Patent number: 7652564
    Abstract: A mobile phone set includes a clock unit that counts time and a non-contact IC that receives time data indicative of current correct time from an RFID reader/writer. When the non-contact IC receives the time data, the time of the clock unit is corrected based on the received time data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takuya Otsuki
  • Publication number: 20100013627
    Abstract: A system for generating a threat alert in an infrastructure component is provided. The system includes at least three acoustic sensors disposed at a pre-determined spacing apart from each other on the infrastructure component, wherein each of the sensors is configured to detect a signal corresponding to an outcome that causes damage to the infrastructure component. The system also includes a processing circuitry coupled to each of the at least three acoustic sensors, wherein the processing circuitry configured to filter noise from the signal and generate a threat signal. The system further includes a monitoring center configured to generate a shock alarm in response to the threat signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Corey Nicholas Bufi, Steven Hector Azzaro, Peter Sam Allison
  • Patent number: 7647202
    Abstract: A system (30) includes an analysis engine (34) and a notification engine (38) for selective notification of a condition (72) of an apparatus (26) monitored by a monitoring device (28). A method executed by the system (30) receives (116) data elements (58) from the monitoring device (28), processes (118) the data elements (58) to detect the condition (72) of the apparatus (26), and determines that the condition (72) defines an exception (74) to a normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26). A first notice (60) of the condition (72) is conveyed (146) to a responsible party (59) at a first instance of determination of the exception (74), and conveyance of a second notice (60) is prevented (140) at a second, subsequent, instance of determination of the exception (74). In addition, communication of the normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventor: Donald R. Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 7646853
    Abstract: A security central station monitors a plurality of individual subscriber security systems installed in residential or commercial accounts. Each security system at an account is programmed to periodically place a telephone call to the security central station receiver, and then to send a signal to the security central station receiver over the placed telephone call. The ten digit telephone number of the account is programmed into the security central station as the ten digit account number of record. When the signal sent by the security system is received by the security central station receiver, the security central station compares the ten digit caller telephone number with the ten digit account number of record. Normally, the ten digit caller telephone number will match the ten digit account number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Martin, Richard H. Hinkson
  • Patent number: 7646297
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed providing the automatic, self configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user's environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Aaron
  • Patent number: 7646330
    Abstract: Communication between a remote locator and a transponder is used to determine the relative position of the transponder. The transponder and locator each include a transmitter and a receiver. The locator transmits an inquiry in the form of a relatively powerful cyclically encoded signal with repetitive elements, uniquely associated with a target transponder. Periodically, each transponder correlates its coded ID against a possible inquiry signal, determining frequency, phase and framing in the process. Upon a match, the transponder transmits a synthesized response coherent with the received signal. The locator integrates multiple cyclical response elements, allowing low-power transmissions from the transponder. The locator correlates the integrated response, determines round-trip Doppler shift, time-of-flight, and then computes the distance and angle to the transponder. The transponder can be wearable, bionically implanted, or attached to, or embedded in, some object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Karr
  • Publication number: 20100001854
    Abstract: An analyzer includes: an information storage medium that is attached to a reagent vessel and is capable of communicating with an external device through radio waves of a predetermined frequency; a writing unit that writes history information that is generated as a reagent in the reagent vessel is used into the information storage medium; a reading unit that reads the history information from the information storage medium that is attached to the reagent vessel containing the reagent to be used; and a determining unit that determines whether a proper analysis is performable using the reagent in the reagent vessel, to which the information storage medium is attached, based on the history information read by the reading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keijiro KOJIMA
  • Patent number: 7639153
    Abstract: A user interface for an electronic device, the interface comprising first and second parts arranged for relative displacement, said first part comprising a magnet and said second part comprising a first hall effect sensor for sensing a displacement of said magnet along a first axis and a second hall effect sensor for sensing a displacement of said magnet along a second axis, wherein said magnet moves relative to said first and second hall effect sensors in response to movement of said second part relative to said first part; a plurality of switch settings, each of said switch settings comprised of a unique combination of a magnet position along said first axis and a magnet position along said second axis; and control electronics coupled to said first and second hall effect sensors for converting the combination of a current position of said magnet along said first axis and a current position of said magnet along said second axis into a selected one of said plurality of switch settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: The Flewelling Ford Family Trust
    Inventors: Timothy D. F. Ford, Stephane Gascon
  • Patent number: 7636051
    Abstract: A statistical value update unit calculates the fluctuation of measurement data. A filtering processing unit extracts a normal white noise component from the fluctuation of the measurement data using an adaptive lattice filter. A statistical test unit determines whether or not the variance of the normal white noise component is out of a predetermined scope in reference distribution. A change decision unit detects a stationary change of the status of a target system based on a detection ratio of an outlier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Imai, Akiko Yamada, Hitoshi Yamada, Hitoshi Ueno, Koji Nakamichi, Akira Chugo
  • Publication number: 20090310272
    Abstract: An energy savings and surge protection devices device that saves electrical energy by optimizing the power factor in single-phase and three-phase applications through the use of capacitors (10) with fixed levels of capacitance and variable capacitance capacitors (13) while providing selectable periods of correction for periods of high or low energy demand through the use of on/off switches/buttons (6), timers (12), meters (17), and servo-loop controls (14) which are used to activate and deactivate capacitors (10) with fixed levels of capacitance and/or discreet capacitive cells (15) of variable capacitance capacitors (13). Additionally, surge protection is promoted through the use of surge arresters (11), also called metal oxide varistors (MOVs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: William D. Howell
  • Patent number: 7633964
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a communication apparatus, a communication system and a communication method enabling efficient transmission in accordance with a situation of a wired transmission line and capable of reducing an influence by a radiation power of the transmission line. The communication apparatus of the invention executes wired transmission using a plurality of sub carriers and includes a transmission signal generator for generating a transmission signal, and a transmission signal controller for controlling a transmission power of the transmission signal generated by the transmission signal generator based on a radiation power in a transmission line in correspondence with a frequency of the sub carrier, and a transmitter for transmitting the transmission signal the transmission power of which is controlled by the transmission signal controller via the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mutsuhiko Oishi, Tsunehiro Hanada, Fumio Ichihara, Akihiro Yamashita, Masahiro Maki, Toshiyuki Wakisaka
  • Publication number: 20090295564
    Abstract: Shipping containers are networked for transferring data between the shipping containers. The shipping containers include sensors for detecting conditions associated with the shipping containers. The conditions sensed by any shipping container whether transported by rail or ship is transmitted from an ad hoc network, via a gateway configured for satellite or cellular communications for example, to a container-tracking application server or equivalent computer system. The computer system is remotely located to the shipping container for central compilation, analysis, and/or display of data regarding the shipping containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert W. TWITCHELL, JR.
  • Patent number: 7627456
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for dynamically tasking one or more surveillance resources includes a first logical layer identifying a collection requirement (CR) and a second logical layer identifying one or more surveillance resources in the CR. Each of the surveillance resources includes one or more sensors. The system also includes a third logical layer specifying how each of the sensors in the surveillance resources in the CR should carry out surveillance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Eric L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7622944
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for securing an integrated circuit. A pair of conductive security traces are arranged on an integrated circuit. Driver means provide complementary HIGH and LOW voltage levels to a respective first end of each of the conductive security traces. A first switch means temporarily interrupts the driver means and isolates the pair of conductive security traces. A second switch means temporarily connects the first ends of the isolated pair of conductive security traces to each other so that both conductive traces are at the same voltage. The voltage at the first end of one of the security traces at the LOW voltage is then boosted to one-half of the HIGH voltage level (VDD/2) by the HIGH (VDD) voltage level at the first end of the other security trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Ziomek
  • Publication number: 20090284381
    Abstract: Indicator devices and systems for explosion proof enclosures are described. The indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, a first and second contact, a means for preventing the first contact from contacting the second contact, and an indicator. Upon an increase in a temperature or a pressure near the means for preventing (for example, within the enclosure), the means for preventing allows the first and second contacts to contact, thereby completing an electrical circuit from a power source to the indicator (such as a light or an alarm). The indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an explosion proof enclosure containing critical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 7619234
    Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation emission unit includes a housing and an aperture located on the housing. A radiation source includes a light emitting diode configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within a range of about 240 nm and about 280 nm. A radiation reflector is disposed proximate to the radiation source and configured to direct the radiation emitted from the radiation source through the aperture in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Syntronics L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael K. Thorsted
  • Publication number: 20090278679
    Abstract: A method for providing event notification to an application is disclosed. The method may include sending a message to an operating system (OS) driver when a first event occurs. Code in a BIOS associated with the first event may be executed after the OS driver receives the message. A first notification generated by the BIOS may be provided to the OS driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: James Dailey, Lakshmipriya Kothandaraman, Alok Pant, Balasingh Samuel
  • Patent number: 7613590
    Abstract: A power tool system and method of using the same is provided. The system can include a programmable microprocessor device including at least one input mechanism, and a memory having instructions and/or other information. The system can also include a display; at least one power tool having at least one sensor operable for monitoring a parameter associated with operation of the power tool. The system can further include a communications device connectable in signal communication with both the programmable microprocessor device and the at least one sensor and program instructions. The method can include the steps of (i) using stored program instructions to generate power tool related information on at least one display and (ii) collecting power tool related data using a programmable microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Health Hero Network, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7609153
    Abstract: A control apparatus in a crime prevention system comprises a communication unit that notifies each managed apparatus that the application of power to that apparatus is to be managed; a registration unit that, in response to an answer to the notification from an apparatus, registers the apparatus as a managed apparatus to indicate that the application of power to the apparatus is to be managed; and a power control unit that controls whether to apply power to the apparatus based on information registered with the registration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Akihiro Hatakenaka
  • Patent number: 7606681
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow a user to monitor, diagnose, and configure a process. A user interface may be presented that displays data received from process monitors, sensors, and multivariate models. The user interface may be interactive, allowing a user to select which composite and multivariate models are displayed. The user interface and multivariate model may be constructed and updated in real time. The user interface may present various data and interfaces, such as a representation of a composite variable in a multivariate model, a representation of the contribution of process variables to the composite variable, and a representation of a subset of the process variables. The user may select a point of the composite variable for analysis, and the interface may indicate the contribution and values of process variables at the selected point. The interface may be transmitted to a remote user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Esmaili, Sanjay Mehta, Debashis Neogi, Carlos A. Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 7606680
    Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from an assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when problems arise, repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and it can perform external quality control in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Ken'ichi Okuno, Hiroyuki Morihara, Tadayuki Yamaguchi, Tomomi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7598860
    Abstract: An application to use of a robotic controller board to manage the influx of data from one or more sensors, and to send that data, in RS232 or serial form, to a Computing Device (see CLAIM VIII). In this case, the images attached are created from a Prototype built for a Palm Handspring Visor Prism PDA with an Eye Module 2 Camera to sense heat, motion, direction and distance from objects from the Scanning device. The Prism also has onboard Clock and Palm OS software that can be used, like Notepad, to take notes, and other built in applications for the user to store data about an incident(s) that the Scanner is recording or had recorded. The Application in its prototype form, and as shown, is short ranged and is meant to be used by a coordinated number of users to find changes hazardous to human life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Francis Niemi
  • Patent number: 7596458
    Abstract: Tracking vibrations on a pipeline network includes installing multiple vibration recorders on the pipeline network, with each recorder including a sensor, a timer, a processor, and a digital communication device. At each vibration recorder, vibration signals are received from the sensor at programmed times under the control of the processor of the vibration recorders and processed by the processor. The processed vibration signals are communicated from the vibration recorder to a reader device using the digital communication device. Thereafter, the processed vibration signals from the one or more reader devices are collected at a central computer system. Finally, the collected processed vibrations signals are analyzed at the central computer system to determine abnormal vibration patterns and to obtain measures of any leaks present in the pipeline network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Flow Metrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lander
  • Patent number: 7592923
    Abstract: A smoke detection and escape indication system includes a master controller in communication a base unit and a satellite unit. The base unit and the satellite unit are each in wireless communication with one another and include a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a sensor for detecting a hazard and an escape indication mechanism. The base unit and the satellite unit cooperate to indicate an escape route by coordinating respective escape indication mechanisms in the event that one of the units detect a hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: L.I.F.E. Support Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Lax
  • Patent number: 7589645
    Abstract: This invention allows for the precise determination of an aircraft's landing conditions and whether an aircraft has experienced a hard landing that exceeds the allowable design loads of the aircraft's landing gear. The system comprises a computer that measures signals from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) at high data rates (e.g. 100 Hz) and also records signals from the aircraft avionics data bus. The computer compares the output from the inertial measurement unit's accelerometers against at least one predetermined threshold parameter to determine whether the aircraft's three dimensional landing deceleration is safely within the design allowances or other regulatory limitations, or whether the landing event needs further investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Messier-Dowty Inc.
    Inventor: R. Kyle Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7590499
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, and systems that support measuring and conveying energy consumption by an electrical device. An apparatus includes an energy sensor that measures an incremental energy value consumed by an electrical device. Apparatus obtains the incremental energy value, accumulates an energy usage measurement in accordance with the incremental energy value, provides requested information about energy consumption of the electrical device in response to a request from a network controller, and adjusts the energy usage measurement in accordance with the requested information. The total energy consumption may be partitioned into at least one energy component, in which the at least one energy component corresponds to the energy consumption of the electrical device during an associated time interval. A network controller may use the energy consumption information to determine a new set temperature for a thermostat unit that instructs the device control logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Computime, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wai-leung Ha, Kairy Kai Lei
  • Publication number: 20090224905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm engineering aiding system for aiding engineering of an alarm generated in a plant. There are provided an alarm generating scenario file in which types of pseudo alarms and generation timings are defined, a plant instrumentation information DB for storing instrumentation information of the plant, and a pseudo alarm generating section for generating the pseudo alarm based on the alarm generating scenario file, and adding instrumentation information of the plant while referring to the plant instrumentation information DB when the pseudo alarm is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Okada
  • Patent number: 7583186
    Abstract: A method is provided for the use-dependent information presentation in a motor vehicle. In order to provide use-dependent information presentation in a motor vehicle acceptable to the vehicle user, the following actions occur. Information intended for the presentation for a plurality of different types of use of the motor vehicle are transmitted and stored in the motor vehicle. The type of use of the vehicle is determined. And, the information from the plurality of information for the different types of use, which had been intended for the presentation for the determined type of use, is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Kuhls, Horst Kiessling
  • Patent number: 7576659
    Abstract: A smoke detector system having a base unit and multiple satellite units is provided. The base unit detects various hazards, i.e., smoke or carbon monoxide, and broadcasts a radio frequency signal to activate warning devices on the various satellite units. The satellite units include a radio frequency receiver to receive the signal broadcasted by the base unit. The warning devices include a laser cannon, a speaker, a strobe light, and a wireless camera separately or in combination with other warning devices. Alternatively, each base unit may include one or more of the warning devices and a radio frequency receiver, and each satellite unit may include the detection devices and a radio frequency transmitter. In this way, each device in the system may activate warning devices in each other device in the system when a hazard is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: L.I.F.E. Support Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Lax
  • Patent number: 7577548
    Abstract: Described is a system for diagnosis and prognosis of a component. The system is configured to receive a signal from a component. The signal is representative of a current health observation of the component. The system also computes a present likelihood of the component failure based on the signal. Additionally, the system computes a future likelihood of failure of the component for a given future mission. Through diagnosis, a user can determine the present health of the component, and based on the present health and future mission, determine whether or not the component will fail in the future mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories
    Inventors: Krzysztof W Przytula, Shubha Kadambe, Narayan Srinivasa
  • Patent number: 7573379
    Abstract: A device when activated, disables a fleeing vehicle from within the operator's vehicle. The device mounts directly to the operator's vehicle. This device is controlled by the operator from within the vehicle by way of a control panel. When deemed necessary, the system is armed using a switch mounted on said panel. This allows for deployment upon activation of said switch. Upon positioning of operator car, the switch is activated, extending spike strip laterally. This places the spike strip under the pursued vehicle, in front of one or more of the tires. The operator applies the brakes of said vehicle, causing the spike strip to travel under the pursued vehicle's tire, disabling the vehicle. Upon traveling under the tire, the operator removes pressure from switch, causing the unit to safely stow itself. The system can then be re-deployed at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: Pursuit Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Moormeier, Todd Cory O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 7567887
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for detecting an abnormal event for process units of a Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit. The method compares the operation of the process units to a statistical and engineering models. The statistical models are developed by principle components analysis of the normal operation for these units. In addition, the engineering models are based on partial least squares analysis and correlation analysis between variables. If the difference between the operation of a process unit and the normal model result indicates an abnormal condition, then the cause of the abnormal condition is determined and corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Emigholz, Sourabh K. Dash, Stephen S. Woo
  • Publication number: 20090174542
    Abstract: A system for increasing awareness and enhancing visibility of a sign that includes a base attached to the sign panel, a plurality of illumination devices coupled to the base, a power source, and a controller coupled to the illumination devices and the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Sharon Gentry, Jordyn Wintersole, Alyssa Wolf, Sara Yazdi, Hannah Zeitler
  • Publication number: 20090160646
    Abstract: A technique is provided for monitoring and tracking inventories within one or more assets. The technique includes sensing a plurality of parameters associated with each of the one or more assets. The plurality of parameters includes a positional information of the asset. The technique further includes activating RFID tags attached to the inventories and generating a response based upon the responses received from the RFID tags, and monitoring and tracking inventories based on the sensed parameters and the generated response to ensure integrity and validate a chain of custody of the asset or the inventories during a supply chain process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patricia Denise Mackenzie, Judith Ann Guzzo, Joseph James Salvo
  • Publication number: 20090160634
    Abstract: A system for management of port terminal operations is disclosed as one of the embodiments of the invention. The system includes a plurality of task communication devices, a plurality of first and second display devices, and a task dispatch system. Each of the task communication devices is associated with a respective one of a plurality of transportation equipment, and receives a signal indicative of at least one task to be completed by the associated transportation equipment. Each of the task communication devices has one of the first display devices and one of the second display devices coupled to it. Each first display device displays a first aspect of the at least one task. Each second display device displays a second aspect of the at least one task. The task dispatch system causes signals each of which indicative of at least one task to be completed by a respective one of the transportation equipment to be transmitted to the plurality of task communication devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher James Alsop, Thomas James Rucker, Donald H. Taylor, Bruce Kevin Kuenzi
  • Patent number: 7551093
    Abstract: A method and a device for warning a driver, the magnitude of the generated warning signal being a function of the probability of the driver inattentiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Maass
  • Publication number: 20090146803
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to monitoring and notification apparatus capable of monitoring events at various locations. The apparatus includes a sound receiving unit which receives audio content from various locations. A user can select which of the location is monitored at any one time. In one embodiment, this selection is made depending on the orientation of the sound receiving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Abigail Sellen, Lorna Brown, Abigail Durrant, David Frohlich, Sian Lindley, Gerard Oleksik, Dominic Robson, Francis Rumsey, John Williamson
  • Publication number: 20090146807
    Abstract: A multifunction camera includes an image capturing unit, a sensing unit, a storing unit, a control unit, and a warning unit. The image capturing unit is for capturing images. The sensing unit is for obtaining current environmental parameters of an immediate environment where the multifunction camera is used. The storing unit is for storing the images, the current environmental parameters, and predetermined safe environmental parameters. The control unit is for receiving the current environmental parameters, and comparing the current environmental parameters with the predetermined safe environmental parameters, and generating a warning signal if any of the current environmental parameters is outside a range of the corresponding predetermined safe environmental parameter. The warning unit is for activating a warning indicator in response to the warning signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-HSING CHANG
  • Patent number: 7546223
    Abstract: A process and system of energy signal detection, which improves sensitivity, performance and reliability thereof and reduces false alarms by distinguishing between noise and real signals, includes the steps of receiving a plurality of data samples and generating a predetermined number of constructed sample windows of constructed samples in time, determining a control range for each of said constructed sample windows, determining whether there is an alarm pre-condition by comparing relationship between successive constructed sample windows, and generating an output signal when the alarm pre-condition is qualified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: EE Systems Group Inc.
    Inventors: James Parker, Randall Wang
  • Publication number: 20090141173
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver, radio or other apparatus provides an emergency alert function with a priority override feature to ensure that users are informed of significant emergency events. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a signal receiving element operative to receive emergency alert signals providing an emergency message. A processor is operatively coupled to the signal receiving element and detects if a condition associated with the emergency message exists. The processor processes the emergency alert signals in accordance with user settings for the emergency alert function if the condition does not exist. The processor overrides the user settings and enables an alert output if the condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Pugel
  • Patent number: 7541923
    Abstract: A method for and system of intrusion detection by using ultrasonic signals are provided. The method includes a training phase and a detection phase. The training phase includes capturing multi-echo signals when no intrusion is present under surveillance. The captured ultrasonic multi-echo signals are analyzed and features are extracted, learned and modularized. The detection phase includes a continuous collection of ultrasonic multi-echo signals. The captured signals are analyzed and features are extracted to compare with the features learned during the training phase. When intrusion is present, the features will be substantially different from the features learned in the training phase. Thus, an intruder can be detected. Experimental results indicate that when MDR is less than 0.1%, the FAR would be less than 2.5% for the invention. Therefore, this invention is applicable to intrusion detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Yi-Tsung Chien
  • Patent number: 7541920
    Abstract: Systems and methods that can enhance protection of alarms and events within an industrial control environment are provided. An alarm security component employs cryptographic mechanisms and techniques to encrypt alarms and/or events related to field devices of an industrial controller system. Also included is a two-way mutual authentication using cryptography, thereby ensuring that an alarm is a valid alarm and that the clients using the alarms are authorized alarm clients. Effectively, the innovation can regulate access to alarms and events by unauthorized external entities (e.g., monitors and/or users) by employing cryptographic mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Tambascio, Kenwood H. Hall, John J. Baier, Eric G. Dorgelo, Charles M. Rischar, David K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090135007
    Abstract: The present invention is an alerting system having one or more sensors for capturing sensory data, one or more processors and one or more memories having program code to (1) capture sensory data from the one or more sensors; (2) capture attribute data representing information about the sensors used to capture the sensory data; (3) process the sensory data from the one or more sensors to detect primitive events in the sensory data; (4) correlate two or more primitive events, the primitive events weighted by the attribute data of the sensors used to capture the sensory data; and (5) perform one or more actions based on the correlation performed in the correlating step. The system may also be connected to one or more legacy systems, such as FBI, Interpol, or other criminal database systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: John J. Donovan, Daniar Hussain