Fail-safe Patents (Class 340/507)
  • Patent number: 11558573
    Abstract: A sensor includes a determining circuit and an output circuit. The determining circuit receives a first signal from a pixel in response to light and outputs a second signal associated with occurrence of an event, based on the first signal. Based on the second signal being received in a time period between a first time when a third signal is received from a processor and a second time when a condition is satisfied, the output circuit outputs a fourth signal associated with occurrence of the event in the time period to the processor after the second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Donghee Yeo, Junseok Kim, Heejae Jung, Hyunsurk Ryu
  • Patent number: 11508224
    Abstract: A security system architecture and method of operation that combines a local security network with control panel and sensors, a central monitoring station (CMS), and a separate operator computer server that provides a web portal for both the homeowner and CMS, that maintains a persistent connection between the control panel and CMS allowing failsafe dual-path signaling. This dual-path signaling technique is extended to provide an effective “smash and grab alarm”, and various approaches to dual-path signal management are disclosed including handshaking, persistent domain monitoring, relayed Operator 3-to-CMS signaling, etc. Improved processes for remotely accessing video are also disclosed along with an improved process for remote control panel configuration, and control panel interfacing with home automation appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Securenet Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Stuart Wilson, Andrew Wilson
  • Patent number: 11366502
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for early detection of fan failure in a computing device, such as a server. A management device located in the computing device or remote from the computing device can receive information about the fan duty and use the fan duty information to determine a safe fan speed below which future or imminent fan failure can be inferred. The management device can receive the current speed of the fan and compare it with the safe fan speed to determine if the fan is likely to fail, in which case the management device can direct the computing device to perform mitigation action and/or a maintenance warning can be sent. The maintenance warning can result in replacement of the failing or soon-to-fail fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yung-Fu Li, Yi-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 11169096
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting degradation of a fiber optic in a strap of a body-worn device that is removably attached to an appendage or other location of a person or animal. A fiber optic is embedded within the strap. A light source emits light energy through the optical interface and into the fiber optic and a light sensor receives and detects light energy from the fiber optic. If the light energy is not received and detected from the fiber optic, the light energy is increased until the light energy is received and detected or reaches a maximum light energy at which time tampering is declared. If the light energy reaches a pre-determined threshold which is less than the maximum light energy, it is declared that the body-worn device requires servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Cell Detect, Inc.
    Inventors: David Segal, Chris Defant
  • Patent number: 11082017
    Abstract: An amplifier comprising a gain stage with a feedback network comprising two ports between which at least three capacitors are connected in series and between each pair of capacitors a resistor is connected to a predetermined voltage. The gain stage is provided in a feedback loop over a primary amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: PURIFI APS
    Inventors: Bruno Putzeys, Lars Risbo
  • Patent number: 10868064
    Abstract: An imaging device is provided in which a shield wiring is arranged between signal lines of a first set out of a plurality of signal lines, and, in which signal lines of a second set out of a plurality of signal lines are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Wada, Daisuke Yoshida, Fumihiro Inui
  • Patent number: 10708976
    Abstract: A vehicle system has a first communication processor connected to a vehicle network, a second communication processor connected to the first communication processor, and a vehicle processor configured to communicate with the first and second communication processors. The vehicle processor is programmed to, in response to received vehicle data via the vehicle network, communicate the vehicle data to a server via the first communication processor. The vehicle processor is further programmed to, in response to received infotainment data via the second communication processor, output the infotainment data to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Alexander, Peter Treman, Kenneth James McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 10700228
    Abstract: A solar cell module and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes forming a plurality of strings to which a plurality of solar cells are connected; disposing a target string at a repair device, the target string including a target solar cell having a defect; separating the target solar cell from the target string by selectively thermally processing a connection area of a target intercell connector and the plurality of conductive wirings fixed to the target solar cell; disposing a new solar cell at the target string; and connecting the plurality of conductive wirings fixed to the new solar cell to the target intercell connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Daeseon Hyun, Bojoong Kim, Byungjun Kang, Junhan Kwon, Minpyo Kim
  • Patent number: 10698568
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an improved cellular user quality of experience (QoE) are disclosed. The system can comprise a database including multiple cell towers and their operating frequencies. The system can also include a database of frequencies for a plurality of user equipment (UE). The system enables user to input a chosen UE, a chosen location, and a connection type. The system can then provide a compatibility map depicting the coverage provided by cell towers proximate the chosen location that operate at the same frequencies as the chosen UE. Improved knowledge of UE and cell tower compatibility in areas of interest to the user can improve cellular customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, and reduce UE returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Edward Harrison
  • Patent number: 10655363
    Abstract: An integrated lock body system for securing access points. An electronic door lock has a lock body, at least one electrical component within the lock to be monitored, and at least one output for connection to an external unit located remotely from the electronic door lock for monitoring load resistance between the external unit and the electronic door lock. A circuit is mounted adjacent to or within the electronic lock body. The circuit includes an electrical connection to the at least one electrical component within the electronic door lock and an external electrical output for connection to the external unit. The circuit further includes at least one resistor between the electrical connection to the at least one electrical component within the electronic door lock and the external electrical output, the at least one resistor imparting a desired load resistance capable of being monitored by the external unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Piantek, Richard D. Sangster, Jr., Scott B. Lowder
  • Patent number: 10615585
    Abstract: A method for mitigating an electrical actuator fault in a system containing multiple actuators includes: applying multiple predetermined conditions to each of multiple actuators in a vehicle system to identify when at least one of the multiple actuators is in a faulted condition; and increasing an input voltage to all of the actuators to increase an output of the at least one of the multiple actuators in the faulted condition to mitigate the faulted condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yao Hu, Xinyu Du, Joshua J. Sanchez, Paul E. Krajewski
  • Patent number: 10600300
    Abstract: A rotary sampling valve for a multi-point aspirated gas or smoke detection system, the rotary sampling valve including multiple sets of inlet ports, whereby, in a first operation mode, air is drawn via all inlet points simultaneously and, in a second operation mode, air is drawn via one inlet port from each set of inlet ports simultaneously. A multi-point aspirated gas or smoke detection system including a rotary sampling valve is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: XTRALIS GLOBAL
    Inventor: Alasdair James Williamson
  • Patent number: 10180452
    Abstract: A test tool for a low voltage devices is described. The test tool comprises a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a diode sensor, a testing module, and an indicator. The voltage sensor determines a voltage between a first and second electrical wire from an alternating current (AC) transformer. The current sensor determines a current between the first and second electrical wires. The diode sensor determines a presence of a diode connected to the first and second electrical wires based on the current and the voltage. The testing module identifies one or more installation diagnostics related to a device to be coupled with the AC transformer. The indicator generates a visual or audible indicator corresponding to the one or more installation diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Nortek Security & Control LLC
    Inventors: Ernesto Alonzo Marin, Angel De La Rosa
  • Patent number: 10146725
    Abstract: A method is described for checking the correct functioning of a serial data transmission in a bus system having at least two bus users. The bus users are connected to the bus via a bus connection unit and exchange messages via the bus. The sending access to the bus for each message is granted to a bus user via the arbitration process according to CAN standard ISO 11898-1, this bus user becoming the sender for this message. The messages have a logic structure according to the CAN standard, i.e., are composed of a start of frame bit, arbitration field, control field, data field, CRC field, acknowledge field, and end of frame field. The correct functioning of the data transmission is checked during the transmission by comparing a transmission signal, sent to the bus connection unit, to the reception signal (CAN_RX) received by the bus connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Hartwich, Franz Bailer, Christian Horst, Arthur Mutter
  • Patent number: 10043262
    Abstract: An abnormal image detection device includes a reliability determination part that determines whether or not each pixel of a parallax image has a low reliability. The reliability determination part has an edge intensity determination section. For each respective pixel of original images, the edge intensity determination section determines whether or not the respective pixel is smaller than or equal to a threshold value, and if the respective pixel is smaller than or equal to the threshold value, the reliability determination part determines that a corresponding one of the pixels in the parallax image, which corresponds to the respective pixel, is a pixel having the low reliability. A computation part computes a total number of pixels of the parallax image that each has the low reliability. An abnormality determination part that when the total number of pixels exceeds a predetermined value, determines that the parallax image is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Akasaka, Takahiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 9940824
    Abstract: Systems and methods of self-monitoring notification appliances are provided. A self-monitoring notification appliance can include a notification device and a monitoring sensing device. The notification device can produce one or more signals, and the monitoring device can sense a visual and/or acoustic characteristic of the one or more signals to determine successful operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Berezowski, Jesse J. Otis
  • Patent number: 9901293
    Abstract: Sensors and methods for measurement of an analyte in a medium within a living animal are described. The sensor may include an inductive element that may receive power from an external device. The sensor may also include a charge storage device (CSD) and a memory. The sensor may perform analyte measurements initiated by the external device using power received from the external device and convey the analyte measurements to the external device using the inductive element. The sensor also may perform autonomous analyte measurements using the on board charge device's power and store the autonomous analyte measurements in the memory. The sensor may convey one or more stored analyte measurements to the external device using the inductive element using power received from the external device. The sensor may include a CSD-powered clock and a CSD-powered measurement scheduler that initiate the autonomous analyte measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew DeHennis, Szymon Tankiewicz, Todd Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 9831828
    Abstract: A solar cell testing apparatus is provided that tests bypass diodes in a solar cell string constructed by connecting a plurality of solar cell modules, which include solar cells and the bypass diodes, in series for failures in the open position. The solar cell testing apparatus includes a unidirectional element that is connected between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the solar cell string, and a voltage applier that applies a test voltage across the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar cell string to which the unidirectional element is connected. The solar cell testing apparatus also includes a current detector that detects a current flowing in the solar cell string, and a processor that executes processes that measure a current value of a shorted current of a solar cell string and tests for failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: HIOKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masao Higuchi, Fumio Tokutake
  • Patent number: 9824561
    Abstract: An alarm apparatus, for detecting radiation and/or pollutants including smoke and carbon monoxide, comprises an alarm circuit including a detector for radiation and/or pollutants and an audible alarm emitting device. A power supply circuit, connectable to an external AC power supply, supplies power to the alarm circuit. A controller operates the power supply circuit in a first mode of operation in which it supplies current to the alarm circuit at a first power level less than that required to energize the audible alarm emitting device and, in response to the detection of radiation and/or pollutants, operates the power supply in a second mode of operation in which it supplies current to the alarm circuit at a second power level sufficient to energize the audible alarm emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sprue Safety Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Brigham, Stuart Hart
  • Patent number: 9818273
    Abstract: A secure passive RFID tag system comprises at least one base station and at least one passive RFID tag. The tag includes a fiber optic cable with the cable ends sealed within the tag and the middle portion forming an external loop. The loop may be secured to at least portions of an object. The tag transmits and receives an optical signal through the fiber optic cable, and the cable is configured to be damaged or broken in response to removal or tampering attempts, wherein the optical signal is significantly altered if the cable is damaged or broken. The tag transmits the optical signal in response to receiving a radio signal from the base station and compares the transmitted optical signal to the received optical signal. If the transmitted optical signal and the received optical signal are identical, the tag transmits an affirmative radio signal to the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dirac Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Faranak Nekoogar, Matthew Reynolds, Scott Lefton, Farid Dowla, Richard Twogood
  • Patent number: 9762179
    Abstract: A solar cell testing apparatus tests bypass diodes in a solar cell string, which is constructed of solar cell modules including solar cells and the bypass diodes, for open-position failures and includes: a unidirectional element connected between positive and negative electrodes of the solar cell string so as to permit passage of the current outputted when the solar cells generate power; a voltage applier that apples a test voltage, which exceeds a sum of forward direction voltages of the bypass diodes and sets the negative electrode potential higher than the positive electrode potential, across the positive and negative electrodes; a current detector that detects a current flowing in the solar cell string; and a processor that tests for open-position failures by comparing currents detected before and after application of the test voltage with the unidirectional element connected between the electrodes of the solar cell string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HIOKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masao Higuchi, Fumio Tokutake
  • Patent number: 9681587
    Abstract: A cooling system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention employs a fan cartridge that includes a fan and a fan controller and is configured for mounting within an electronics cabinet's warm air return path in a data center cooling system. The fan cartridge may also include a display panel which may be used to convey operational information relative to the fan cartridge. A plurality of such fan cartridges may be mounted within the electronic cabinet's warm air return path to provide redundant air flow supply for the associated electronics cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: PCE, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Germagian
  • Patent number: 9651604
    Abstract: A grounding grid breakpoint diagnostic method for a transient electromagnetic method, based on a transient electromagnetic detection apparatus. The method comprises: (101) disposing a test line at a position above a grounding grid to be diagnosed on the ground, and determining coordinates of a detection point; (102) obtaining information about coordinates of the detection point, and coinciding the center of the transient electromagnetic detection apparatus with the coordinates of the detection point; (103) performing, by the transient electromagnetic detection apparatus, measurement along the test line point by point, so as to obtain measurement data; (104) processing, by using diagram forming software, the measurement data to form a longitudinal resistivity cross-section diagram of the detection point according to a preset formula; (105) determining whether a breakpoint occurs at the detection point according to the longitudinal resistivity cross-section diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: State Grid Chongqing Electric Power Co. Electric Power Research Institute, State Gride Corporation of China
    Inventors: Xingzhe Hou, Jin Fu, Qian Wang, Minghui Bao, Gaolin Wu, Shiyu Tang, Yongliang Ji, Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 9646380
    Abstract: The application discloses an image data processing device for generating output image data which represents an output image including a first region image to be displayed in a first region and a second region image to be displayed in a second region adjacent to the first region. The image data processing device includes an extractor configured to extract a part of first image data representing a first image as first extraction data representing the first region image and a part of second image data representing a second image to be viewed and compared simultaneously with the first image as second extraction data representing the second region image. The extractor processes the first extraction data and the second extraction data to generate the output image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kei Tasaka
  • Patent number: 9560201
    Abstract: A method for personalizing communication services includes setting a series of selectable options as a default for a system that provides personalized communication services. When a communication from an initiating party is received, a computer of the system automatically determines, based on environmental data provided for the communication independent of information provided by the initiating party during the communication, predictive information that predicts potential objectives potentially sought by the initiating party in initiating the communication. Probabilities are assigned, based on the predictive information, that selectable options will address the potential objectives. The default series of selectable options are dynamically updated based on the assigned probabilities. Communications with the initiating party are in accordance with a script that includes the dynamically updated series of selectable options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P., AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Ted Stine, Joseph Anthony Speeney
  • Patent number: 9495233
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods, systems, mechanisms, techniques, and apparatuses for implementing an error framework for a microprocessor and for a system having such a microprocessor. The error framework may alternatively be implemented by a hardware component, such as a peripheral device for integration into a system. In one embodiment, an error framework of a microprocessor or a hardware component includes an error detection unit to capture an error within the hardware component; a state detection unit to capture error context information when the error is detected within the hardware component; an error event definition unit to define a unique error event representing a combination of the error and the error context information; and a configuration unit to define an error event response based on the unique error event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Cameron McNairy, David Heckman, Jenna Mayfield, Scott Hoyt
  • Patent number: 9467358
    Abstract: An alarm triggering device (200) for a security system (10), includes an interface (210) arranged so as to connect the alarm triggering device (200) to a central monitoring station (100) of the security system (10) via a wireless connection (50); elements (220) for triggering an alarm in the case of detection of a predetermined event; supply elements (230) for enabling the power supply of the alarm triggering system from a supply source; fault detection elements (240) for detecting an operating fault of the triggering device; and signaling elements (250) for signaling, to the alarm triggering device (200), the operating fault of the alarm triggering device (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: FINSECUR
    Inventors: Laurent Pichard, Stephane Dimarco, Jacques Lewiner
  • Patent number: 9454892
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a sound generator includes at least one coupler module, a signal evaluation element, and an output element. The device is coupled by at least one coupler module with the sound generator for purposes of monitoring the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Pfannenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Pfannenberg
  • Patent number: 9448053
    Abstract: A microwave motion sensor including a transmitting device, a signal processing device, a signal processing device, and a path switching device is disclosed. The transmitting device transmits a microwave signal to a space under detection. The receiving device receives a reflected microwave signal reflected from the space under detection. The signal processing device processes the reflected microwave signal received by the receiving device to judge whether there is a disturbance in the space under detection, wherein the signal processing device generates the microwave signal. The path switching device is coupled to the signal processing device and the transmitting device and results in different phase shifts to a plurality of transmission paths travelled by the microwave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Je-Kuan Jau, Ping-Hsun Wu
  • Patent number: 9412247
    Abstract: A system is provided, wherein the system includes a fire alarm system within a secured area, a call station of the fire alarm system, and a cellphone that includes at least one fire detection device and that forms a cellular connection with the fire alarm system, wherein the fire alarm system determines a location of the cellphone based upon the cellular connection, and wherein the fire alarm system detects a fire within the secured area and provides instructions through the cellphone for exiting the secured area based upon the detected location of the cellphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Vinayak Sadashiv Kore, Sunil M. Ingawale
  • Patent number: 9239025
    Abstract: A condensation monitoring system for a vehicle comprises a humidity estimation module and a condensation detection module. The humidity estimation module estimates a humidity in one of an air intake system and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system associated with an engine of the vehicle. The condensation detection module generates a condensation signal indicating that condensation is present in the one of the air intake system and the EGR system when the humidity is greater than a predetermined humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Clarke, Anthony Truscott, Radek Motal
  • Patent number: 9171453
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for smoke detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of training a classifier for a smoke detector comprises inputting sensor data from a plurality of tests into a processor. The sensor data is processed to generate derived signal data corresponding to the test data for respective tests. The derived signal data is assigned into categories comprising at least one fire group and at least one non-fire group. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) training is performed by the processor. The derived signal data and the assigned categories for the derived signal data are inputs to the LDA training. The output of the LDA training is stored in a computer readable medium, such as in a smoke detector that uses LDA to determine, based on the training, whether present conditions indicate the existence of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Bruce Warmack, Dennis A. Wolf, Steven Shane Frank
  • Patent number: 9157996
    Abstract: Multiple signals are received from multiple receivers in a motion sensor. Each signal is amplified and undergoes a gain adjustment individually to generate multiple preamplified received ultrasonic signals. A separate demodulator circuit receives a different preamplified received ultrasonic signal and generates a sum of the demodulated signals and a difference between the demodulated signals. A low pass filter corresponding to a demodulator circuit removes the sum of the demodulated signals. The mixer circuit combines the difference between the demodulated signals to generate an integrated circuit. The gain of each preamplifier may be adjusted based on a sensitivity setting, target levels of the preamplifier, and a level of a preamplified ultrasonic signal, resulting in an integrated motion sign that originated from multiple signals to different receivers in the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Brian Eugene Elwell
  • Patent number: 9147325
    Abstract: An emergency communication system that is capable of broadcasting a live message to a specific zone of a protected structure, recording the live transmission, and repeating the recorded message to the same protected zone. In certain embodiments configured to protect multiple zones, the system further permits broadcast of a second live message to another zone of the structure, recording the second live broadcast, and repeating the second recorded message in the same zone to which the message was broadcast live. The system includes hardware such as a processing element and speaker assemblies and a computer program for instructing the processing element to carry out the transmission, recording, and re-broadcasting of messages through the speaker assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Vishal Agrawal, Gary Bond, Paul Kohne, Shawn Thompson, Kevin Montgomery, Sean Titus
  • Patent number: 9146145
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium in a container. including: a probe unit, which has a sensor electrode and a guard electrode; and an electronics unit, which supplies the sensor electrode with an activating signal and which supplies the guard electrode with a guard signal; An amplifying unit; and a limiting element arranged in series between the guard electrode and the output of the amplifying unit. The amplifying unit supplies via the limiting element the guard electrode with the guard signal; and the amplifying unit supplies via the limiting element the sensor electrode with the activating signal. The evaluating unit is provided, which determines and/or monitors the process variable based on an electrical current signal measurable at the sensor electrode, and the activating signal and/or the guard signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Armin Wernet, Roland Dieterle, Kaj Uppenkamp
  • Patent number: 9135801
    Abstract: A fully mechanical pneumatic line-type excessive heat or/and fire detector, and, system, methods, and applications thereof, for detecting and warning of conditions of excessive heat or/and fire. The detector includes a detector testing switch apparatus for testing operable condition and status of the excessive heat or/and fire detector, and is operatively connectable to an externally located system control device, as an overall detection system. The detector is automatically or manually activated. The system includes the excessive heat or/and fire detector. Detector and system are configured and operable according to rate of temperature rise or/and fixed temperature type detection modes. Applicable in a wide variety of environments, such as of vehicle engines or machine, which may involve generation of excessive heat or/and fire, where there is need to detect and warn of a condition of excessive heat or/and fire, in a practical, reliable, robust, and cost effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: FireSys Ltd.
    Inventor: Eli Hatsir
  • Patent number: 9117360
    Abstract: The present invention provides a low battery trouble signal delay circuit for a smoke detector configured for periodically measuring environmental conditions and for producing a fire alarm signal when smoke is detected in the environment. The trouble signal delay circuit has a battery, a comparator configured for receiving a voltage measurement signal from the battery and a reference voltage measurement signal and sending a resulting signal to an activator circuit, at least one activator in the activator circuit that is user activated upon receiving a first input; and at least one low battery trouble signal annunciator connected to the activator circuit and configured for indicating that the voltage measurement signal is below the reference voltage measurement after receiving a signal from the comparator. The activator temporarily disables the low voltage trouble signal when activated for a silencing time period, while maintaining the operation of the fire alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Conforti
  • Patent number: 9111426
    Abstract: A system detects presence of particles in the air of guest rooms of facilities such as motels and hotels for example that indicate that guests are engaged in recreational smoking. The system provides an indication to the facility manager of such behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SFJC, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Engelmann, Kevin Nicholson, Quang (Tim) Nguyen, Kelvin A. Kosbab, Michael J. Masek, Jeffrey R. Frank
  • Patent number: 9007200
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a process method and apparatus for preventing an alarm jitter, which are applied to an ASON system. The method comprises: obtaining a time interval weight T between generation and recovery of an alarm of a device through a pretest (S202); comparing the time interval weight T with a predetermined standard time interval W of the device, and determining an alarm jitter processing policy to be adopted according to a magnitude relation between the time interval weight T and the standard time interval W, wherein the alarm jitter processing policy comprises performing a jitter preventing process for alarm information reported by a lower layer according to a priority and/or a type of an alarm (S204); and performing the jitter preventing process by using the alarm jitter processing policy (S206). The solution improves stability of a control plane, and increases flexibility and process capability of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Zhenlv Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150091721
    Abstract: A system for monitoring signal level of a signal in a communications network, comprising a monitor that includes (i) a receiver to receive the signal from the network, (ii) a detector for detecting signal level values of the signal, and (iii) a sensor for sensing temperatures at the monitoring point in association with the signal level values. The system further comprises (i) means for evaluating the signal level values relative to an alarm reference, (ii) means for issuing alarms based on an alarm criterion defined in terms of the signal level values and the alarm reference, (iii) means for deriving an empirical relationship between signal level and temperature from the signal level values and temperatures, and (iv) means for adjusting the alarm criterion in accordance with the empirical relationship, such that temperature-dependent variations of signal level are substantially accounted for in issuing alarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Victor M. Zinevich
  • Patent number: 8952803
    Abstract: A regional security system includes a control panel which can receive one or more delay parameters, associated with a type of sensor or detector, or a portion of a region being monitored. The delay parameters can be stored in a programmable storage unit. When an alarm indicator has been received from one of the sensors or detectors, an alarm indicating message along with an associated, programmed and pre-stored delay can be forwarded to a central station. If the system is disarmed before the delay interval has terminated, a cancel message can be sent to the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Blum, Raymond J. Jordan, Catherine C. Sottile-Ramos
  • Patent number: 8930083
    Abstract: An electric power steering system is provided. It comprises a steering assist assembly and a motor assembly that actuates the steering assist assembly. A control module that provides steering assist commands to the motor assembly, the control module including a circuit board having a first portion having circuits thereon and a second portion that includes at least one sensor circuit that receives signals from at least one sensor subsystem. A potting material coats only the first portion of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Gillman, John R. Hoffman, Brian T. Murray, Wayne B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8912894
    Abstract: Apparatus located in a common box for providing a combination of fire and burglar alarm protection including a fire alarm control panel for providing fire alarm protection, a burglar alarm control panel which provides burglar alarm functionality mounted on the fire alarm control panel, a power supply coupled to the burglar bus to power only the burglary alarm control panel and burglar devices, a first switch located between the burglar alarm control panel and the fire alarm control to initiate operation of the burglar alarm system when closed; and a second switch located to provide power to all burglar alarm devices connected to the burglar module when closed. The first switch, when open, suspends only the operation of the burglar alarm control panel, and the second switch, when open, removes power from all burglar devices connected to the burglar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Carrieri
  • Patent number: 8902062
    Abstract: A method for determining the displacement of or the tampering with a device is provided. The method includes determining an effective displacement in an X direction of a device, determining an effective displacement in a Y direction of the device, and determining an effective displacement in a Z direction of the device. The method also include determining if any one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, or the effective displacement in the Z direction is greater than a predetermined threshold, and when at least one of the effective displacement in the X direction, the effective displacement in the Y direction, and the effective displacement in the Z direction is great then the predetermined threshold, determining that the device has been displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: VenkataChalapathi Terugu, Vinayak Sadashiv Kore, Andrew G. Berezowski
  • Patent number: 8869448
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling a crossing gate being installed at an entrance/exit way of a vehicle and controlling entrance/exit of the vehicle, including: a password setting unit for setting a combined row of input numbers or characters as a password; a signal sensing unit for sensing a change in an amount of light of light signal patterns of the vehicle; and a controller including a first signal converter that analyzes the sensed change in the amount of light of light signal patterns of the vehicle and that converts the analyzed light signal patterns into a Morse code, a second signal converter that converts the converted Morse code into a combined row of numbers or characters, and a driving controller that controls opening/closing of the crossing gate depending on whether the converted combined row of numbers or characters is the same as the password set by the password setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sung Chang Telecom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jai-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8866610
    Abstract: A hospital bed obstacle detection device and related method for detecting an obstacle between first and second components of a hospital bed is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl W. Riley, Keith A. Huster, Gregory J. Figel, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 8860568
    Abstract: A security system for monitoring alarming situations inside of a home security safe and communicating alarm activation is taught which consists of a central processor, that receives input, processes sensed situations, stores information and provides an output alarm. A number of event detecting sensors, an IP surveillance camera and an electric circuit switch provide input into the central processor. Wireless communication and a memory activity log of keypad usage input are also provided. Output from the processor sends information to a central station, having an alarm enunciator and battery backup. Information is sent through a land line, or WIFI/wireless circuit, to a central monitoring station. There are two embodiments differing only in the interconnection between functional elements. A hard wired embodiment for OEM construction and a wireless WIFI embodiment is for aftermarket installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron M. Baker
  • Patent number: 8854194
    Abstract: Remote monitoring and inspection of measurement devices, emergency equipment, parking spaces, and other items is accomplished by using an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) to capture an image containing information about the monitored item. A signal containing information about the image (e.g., data representing the captured image or data indicating the state of the captured image) is transmitted to a remote central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan T. McSheffrey, Terrance Riedel
  • Publication number: 20140266674
    Abstract: A control panel is used to monitor events within a security system or other automation system. In the event an intruder enters a physical location, the intruder may attempt to damage the control panel to disrupt its operation. One or more sensors of the control panel may detect disruption in the operation of the control panel. Example sensors may detect an impact force, sudden acceleration, removal from a mounted location, or disruption of communication with an input/output element, such as a display device. When an event is detected at the control panel itself, the control panel can send a signal to a remote service provider, and the remote service provider can follow-up with the customer. The control panel and/or remote service provider may also determine when the control panel loses partial or complete power loss to identify the disruption as a potential crash-and-smash entry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Nye, Jungtaik Hwang
  • Patent number: 8816869
    Abstract: The circuit monitoring device is disclosed. The device is for monitoring circuit resistance. At configurable thresholds digital flags are triggered, the device can be used as a Security/Building management system. The device uses open technology is fully scaleable and allows programmable logic controllers to be used as security management systems. Using a soft logic option a PC could take the place of the PLC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tessler Research Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Bullmore