Combined For Response Patents (Class 340/522)
  • Patent number: 8941501
    Abstract: A self-policing system for preventing oneself from drunk driving features a key for inserting into an ignition switch of an automobile and a base. A base anterior end features a keyhole for receiving the key. A barbed first key camp is operatively connected to a first solenoid located in a base anterior cavity and is biased via a first spring. A barbed second key clamp is operatively connected to a second solenoid boated in the base anterior cavity and is biased via a second spring. A base posterior end features a breathing aperture located on a tip. A base posterior cavity features an alcohol sensor and a power supply each operatively connected to a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Travis Debijl
  • Patent number: 8941484
    Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein the method includes detecting a plurality of events within a security system, evaluating the events using one of a first expression defined by ?r?Qconf(f(r)?mrg(r)), a second expression defined by ?r?R|f(r)?mrg(r)|dr and a third expression defined by ?r?Rconf(f(r)?mrg(r))dr, where r is a size of a neighborhood around a data point, f(r) is a Local Correlation Integral (LOCI) of r, mrg(r) is a margin of r, R is a predetermined set of intervals of neighborhood sizes, Q is a predetermined discrete set of neighborhood sizes and conf(d) is a non-linear confidence function being 0 for near distance to the data point and quickly approaching 1 for larger distances, comparing a value of the evaluated expression with a threshold value and setting an alarm upon detecting that the value exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Vacha, Vit Libal, Valerie Guralnik
  • Patent number: 8922335
    Abstract: A weapons container for releasing a defense weapon includes a cabinet, a cabinet door, and an interior securing the defense weapon. Upon detection of a fingerprint input by a biometric sensor, a surveillance camera captures video and an audio intercom provides communication with a central command center. A recording system saves the video and audio to a storage database. A delay release lock secures the defense weapon for an amount of time and releases the defense weapon depending on a signal from the central command center. A communications system is connected over a network to the central command center, a local authority, and an emergency responder. The communications system notifies the local authority or the emergency responder upon detection of the fingerprint input and streams the video and audio to the central command center and at least one of the local authority and the emergency responder over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Deweese, Brandon Delibro
  • Publication number: 20140361886
    Abstract: A gunshot detection system provides an audio and visual surveillance system, embodied within a Gunshot Detector (GSD) attached to a building's walls and ceilings and a Firearm Event Detector (FED) worn on a person's outer clothing. In both embodiments, the system of the invention detects the physical signatures of a firearm discharge, specifically sound from a muzzle blast and light from a muzzle flash. The system would be linked to a software program and/or electronic transducer(s) and/or microprocessor(s) and/or electronic Logic Circuitry (using algorithms, logic gates) that would apply one or more identification algorithms to distinguish firearm discharge from other signals. Either embodiment may be linked to an emergency notification system or to a “Guardian Barrier System” (GBS) wherein a facility or premises, for example a school, is equipped with electromagnetically releasable and electromagnetically lockable doors such that facility or premises may be automatically locked down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Vince Cowdry
  • Patent number: 8890677
    Abstract: A system capable of monitoring an area and detecting a disturbance with the area. The system has a plurality of ultra-wide band radio frequency tags, each of the tags including a digital signal processing module configured to monitor changes in radio frequency multipath properties of received packets transmitted by at least one other of the tags. Changes in the radio frequency multipath properties may be caused by a disturbance indicative of an object in the vicinity of the tags. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zebra Enterprise Solutions Corp.
    Inventor: Dan Raphaeli
  • Patent number: 8890676
    Abstract: A first alert and a second alert are received. The first alert indicates a first fault related to a first component of the multiple components and the second alert that indicates a second fault related to a second component of the multiple components. The first component affects the second component such that the first fault caused the second fault. A correlation between the first alert and the second alert is determined and, based on the determined correlation, a determination is made that the first fault is a root cause of the first alert and the second alert. An indication that the first fault is the root cause of the first alert and second alert is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Taliver Brooks Heath
  • Publication number: 20140320283
    Abstract: A method of distinguishing leak detection and canister disengagement in a reduced pressure treatment system includes monitoring an actual power level and a source pressure of a reduced pressure pump. The actual power level is compared to a target power level, and the source pressure is compared to a first alarm pressure and a second alarm pressure. A leak alarm is indicated when the actual power level is greater than the target power level and the source pressure is greater than the first alarm pressure. A canister disengaged alarm is indicated when the actual power level is greater than the target power level and the source pressure is less than the second alarm pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Lawhorn
  • Patent number: 8854203
    Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus that establishes a connection between a mobile computing device and a second computing device. A notification of an initiating event is received from the second computing device. Physical movement of the mobile computing device is determined during a time period defined by the notification of the initiating event and a triggering event. An alert is output when determined physical movement is below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Lantian Zheng, Zhi Weng
  • Patent number: 8847756
    Abstract: A bed includes bed status indicators, such as a pair of spaced lamp modules that are illuminated to signify a satisfactory status or an unsatisfactory status of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Tallent, William G. Pittenger, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, James L. Walke
  • Patent number: 8847750
    Abstract: An occupancy detection network controls illumination from lighting devices in each of a plurality of defined areas. Motion detection modules and sound detection modules provide output signals based on detected occupancy in each defined area. The sound detection modules automatically adjust sorting criteria over time in accordance with identified sound characteristics associated with occupancy, detect sound in the associated defined area in accordance with the sorting criteria, and provide an output signal based on the detected sound. A central lighting controller is linked to the detection modules via a common bidirectional data bus. The controller receives an output signal, determines an occupancy state for the associated defined area, and controls lighting devices in the area to be turned on and off in accordance with the determined occupancy state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaveh Malakuti
  • Patent number: 8810424
    Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad for location on or adjacent a device such that a user must stand on the floor pad in order to normally use the device. The floor pad has at least one switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected on the floor pad and a closed position when the switch is activated by weight pressure detected on the floor pad. A transmitter is provided for transmitting a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A warning device is activated when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Rodolfo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8810360
    Abstract: The status of a device is controlled by detecting (403) the presence of a user; changing the status of a device to a first state (405) if the presence of a user is detected within a first, predetermined zone; changing the status of the device to the second state (407) if the presence of a user is detected outside a second, predetermined zone, the first, predetermined zone being smaller than and being wholly contained within the second, predetermined zone; and maintaining (407) the current state of the device if the presence of a user is detected outside of the first, predetermined zone and within the second predetermined zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: TP Vision Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Tommaso Gritti, Steven Leonardus Josephus Dimphina Elisabeth Van De Par
  • Patent number: 8803690
    Abstract: The system includes a computer-readable memory having a data structure configured to store information about a time-based event for a patient having reduced cognitive abilities, and optionally also electronic data reflecting the patient's cognitive ability. A networked computer system coupled to the computer-readable memory provides an information communicating interface to the patient. The computer system is programmed to monitor context information relevant to the patient and to dynamically adjust the presentation of the stored information based on the context, and optionally also based upon the patient's cognitive ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Junqua, Gary David Sasaki, Ricardo Teixeira, Philippe Morin
  • Patent number: 8779921
    Abstract: An adaptive security network, sensor node and methods for detecting and responding to anomalous events in a security network are provided herein. In general, the adaptive security network comprises a plurality of sensor nodes interconnected to form a communication network, wherein each sensor node is configured for detecting an anomalous event occurring within a vicinity of the sensor node and for identifying the detected anomalous event as a specific threat-event, a specific non-threat event or an unidentified event. In addition, the adaptive security network comprises a central processing and control system coupled to the plurality of sensor nodes for receiving an event notification message from at least one of the sensor nodes indicating an identity of an anomalous event detected by the at least one sensor node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Solio Security, Inc.
    Inventor: David Curtiss
  • Patent number: 8754768
    Abstract: A system for managing hazards in a construction site is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes a hazard management system comprising a hazard context database, a sensor interface, and a hazard analysis engine. The sensor interface is configured to acquire a site data feed that is representative of a construction site. The hazard analysis engine is configured to (i) instantiate a hazard object by comparing the site data feed to hazard criteria of the plurality of hazard contexts, (ii) update the hazard object based on the site data feed, (iii) generate hazard notification criteria related to the hazard object, (iv) obtain worker attributes from the site data, and (v) transmit a hazard notification to an output device when the worker attributes cause satisfaction of the hazard notification criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Prieto
  • Publication number: 20140159892
    Abstract: An activity monitor which can be pre-programmed at the factory, the doctor's office or the pharmacist, or that can be programmed by the user. The activity monitor is affixed to a medicine bottle or container and activity associated with the bottle or container, such as movement, opening, volume changes, etc. are monitored in view to the schedule. If the schedule indicates that a dose of medicine should be taken at a particular time, but the monitored activity does not determine that the medicine has been taken, an alert signal will be issued to alert the user that it is time to take the medicine. In addition, if the monitored activity indicates that the medicine bottle has been opened prior to a scheduled time, then a tamper alert can be triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Patent number: 8723666
    Abstract: A building (2) having an information facility for use in an emergency and for enabling emergency services to obtain information on the building (2) likely to be necessary for use in tackling the emergency, and the building (2) being such that: (i) the information on the building (2) is accessed via an information container (4); (ii) the information container (4) is on an outside part of a building; (iii) the information container (4) comprises a body (8), a door (10) for closing the body (8), and control means (12) for accessing the information on the building (2); (iv) the information on the building (2) is stored in memory means (14); and (v) the control means (12) electronically accesses the information in the memory means (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Stuart Graham Edwards
  • Patent number: 8698624
    Abstract: A method includes energizing an ultrasound driver to emit ultrasonic energy in a space, sensing ultrasonic energy within the space, determining an occupancy condition of the space in response to sensing ultrasonic energy reflected from the ultrasound driver, and determining the occupancy condition of the space in response to sensing ultrasonic energy in the space that was not emitted by the ultrasound driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Hick
  • Patent number: 8665083
    Abstract: A system for providing communications for container security is provided. The system includes a sensing system for monitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container; and a satellite transceiver element for receiving signals from the first transceiver element and for forwarding the received signals via satellite uplink to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GlobalTrak, LLC
    Inventors: Linda G. Easley, Ronald L. Martin
  • Patent number: 8648718
    Abstract: An event detection system includes a processor, an electronic tracking device, and one or more transmitters. Each of the one or more transmitters can be configured to be associated with a particular individual of a group of individuals. The processor can be configured to cluster data from the one or more transmitters, and the processor can be configured to analyze the clustered data to determine a group behavior pattern among the group of individuals. In an embodiment, video data can be combined with the electronic tracking device data in the event detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Yunqian Ma, Rand P. Whillock, Bruce W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8641615
    Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: NXstage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger
  • Patent number: 8633809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coupler device, processing apparatus and method of processing a plurality of body-coupled communication signals which have been detected by using an electrode arrangement with a plurality of electrodes or electrode segments (40, 42; 40, 43). Respective transmission parameters of the body-coupled communication signals are estimated and at least one of a selecting and weighting processing is applied to the detected body-coupled communication signals based on the estimated transmission parameters. Then, the processed body-coupled communication signals are combined to generate a diversity output signal. Thereby, robustness against coupler misplacement and user convenience is increased in body-coupled or body-based communication systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Tim Corneel Wilhelmus Schenk, Johannes Aldegonda Theodorus Marie van den Homberg, Alberto Fazzi
  • Patent number: 8622147
    Abstract: Stovetop fires are among the more prevalent of resident fire hazards and smoke detectors are among the most prevalent and economical forms of residential fire alarms. Automatic stovetop fire extinguishers can prevent property damage and even personal injury; however, these stovetop fire extinguishers may also limit smoke emissions and the subsequent detection of smoke. While an initial fire may be efficiently subdued by an automatic stovetop fire extinguisher, it is often desirable to alert present and future occupants of a fire hazardous condition. A sound based fire alarm system and method are described herein, which detects a sound burst emitted upon deployment of an automatic stovetop fire extinguisher and triggers a continuous fire alarm to alert occupants of a potentially fire hazardous condition. Alarm signals can be audible, visual, or both. The system may be a stand alone system and use battery power for affordability and ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WilliamsRDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent W. Williams, Andrew W. Stell, Preston N. Weintraub
  • Patent number: 8624729
    Abstract: A monitoring system having an ad-hoc network of wireless sensor stations. Each sensor station is provided with one or more sensors suitable for monitoring one or more physical parameters of interest and collecting information. The sensor stations are configured to process the collected information using appropriate distributed computational algorithms such that nearby sensor stations can exchange information with each other in the ad-hoc network to evaluate the situation in a specific location at a specific moment in time employing combined information of the nearby sensor stations in the area. The information is transmitted via the ad-hoc network to information consumers only if necessary, based on the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Defendec Inc.
    Inventors: Jürgo-Sören Preden, Jaanus Tamm, Madis Uusjärv, Villu Arulaane
  • Patent number: 8618926
    Abstract: A safety system for passenger space in an enclosed vehicle includes a thermostat having a threshold temperature and an ambient temperature sensor in the passenger space to generate a signal representing the threshold temperature in the passenger space. An occupant sensor in the passenger space generates a signal representing the presence of an occupant of the passenger space. The system further includes a GPS locator, a radio transmitter and a controller. The controller receives the signal representing the threshold temperature in the passenger space and the signal representing presence of an occupant of the passenger space. It is in communication with the GPS locator and includes a timer measuring time from the ambient temperature signal exceeding the temperature threshold value, a timer threshold value and a signal output generator. A first output signal to the radio transmitter is generated which in turn is transmitted as an alert to a key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Pelar Thompson
  • Patent number: 8608658
    Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger
  • Patent number: 8610558
    Abstract: A method and network for detecting multiple events is provided. The method includes detecting at least one subordinate event constituting a superordinate event, determining whether another subordinate event constituting the superordinate event exists in a time window other than a current time window in which the detected subordinate event is included, and determining that the superordinate event has occurred and reporting the determination, if the subordinate events constituting the superordinate event exist within a duration of the superordinate event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Je-Hyok Ryu
  • Patent number: 8604932
    Abstract: Method and system for monitoring a vehicle driver includes an optical imaging system that obtains images of the driver, and a processor coupled to the optical imaging system and arranged to analyze the images obtained by the optical imaging system to locate a head of the driver in the images and monitor the driver's head or a part thereof over time. The processor also determines, based on the monitoring of the driver's head or part thereof, whether the driver has lost the ability to operate the vehicle. A reactive component is affected by the processor's determination that the driver has lost the ability to operate the vehicle, and requires action by the driver to indicate regaining of the ability to operate the vehicle or exerting control over the vehicle to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: David S Breed, Wendell C Johnson, Wilbur E DuVall
  • Publication number: 20130321144
    Abstract: A portable device is equipped with a signaling circuit that responds to a searching signal (e.g., hand clap, light flash, RF signal, infrared light) generated to locate the portable device when it is misplaced or lost. The device generates a location signal to enable the user to find the device. The location signal may be an audible, light, vibration, or other signal that calls attention to the device to enable the user to find it. The device may also sense events which cause it to disable the sensor, render it less sensitive, or suppress the generation of the location signal. The sensed event is any event, e.g., heat, motion, which indicates that the device is not, in fact, lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Patent number: 8547239
    Abstract: A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit, containing the fluid medicament, and an indicator unit adapted to be detachably coupled to the patient attachment unit. A method for monitoring the fluid medicament includes independently setting a flow rate of a fluid medicament with the patient attachment unit. A pressure and/or a flow rate of the fluid medicament is sensed with a sensor located in a separate indicator unit in a sensing mode. A status of the fluid medicament delivery device is determined based at least in part on the pressure and/or the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: CeQur SA
    Inventors: Greg Peatfield, Peter Gravesen
  • Patent number: 8542109
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system that provides foliage penetration is disclosed employing an array of field disturbance transceivers operating at UHF frequencies. The array of transceivers generate a multiplicity of electromagnetic wave fields between nearby units and detect the presence of intruders by detecting disturbances in these fields. The emitted UHF signals used to generate the electromagnetic wave fields are also used to provide the communication link between transceivers in the array and to a control station. The control station facilitates the operation of the array from a remote monitoring site. A unique method of array deployment provides multiple opportunities to detect an intruder and secondarily provides redundant communication links in case of a sensor failure. Automatic means of setting detection thresholds based on environmental conditions assures a high probability of detection along with a low false alarm rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Walker Butler, John Edward Bjornholt
  • Patent number: 8537008
    Abstract: A bed includes bed status indicators, such as a pair of spaced lamp modules that are illuminated to signify a satisfactory status or an unsatisfactory status of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Tallent, William G. Pittenger, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, James L. Walke
  • Publication number: 20130214924
    Abstract: An intelligent construction cone includes a light pervious body rotatable relative to a body. A rotating device is mounted to the light pervious body and driven by a driving device to rotate the light pervious body. A distance detector sends a distance signal to a controller coupled to the driving device. The distance detector is jointly rotatable with the light pervious body to eliminate detection dead angle. A warning device is coupled to the controller and generates a warning message responsive to the distance signal. A lighting device is coupled to the controller and provides illumination. A light sensor and a humidity sensor are coupled to the controller and detect environmental brightness and environmental humidity, respectively. The warning message and intensity of the illumination are adjusted according to a distance between an object and the distance detector, the environmental brightness, and the environmental humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Ho KO
  • Patent number: 8508356
    Abstract: A portable device is equipped with a signaling circuit that responds to a searching signal (e.g., hand clap, light flash, RF signal, infrared light) generated to locate the portable device when it is misplaced or lost. The device generates a location signal to enable the user to find the device. The location signal may be an audible, light, vibration, or other signal that calls attention to the device to enable the user to find it. The device may also sense events which cause it to disable the sensor, render it less sensitive, or suppress the generation of the location signal. The sensed event is any event, e.g., heat, motion, which indicates that the device is not, in fact, lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Patent number: 8502660
    Abstract: An occupancy sensing system includes a driver to emit energy in a space, and a sensor to detect energy reflected within the space. An electrical load for the space is controlled in response to an occupancy condition determined in response to the detected energy. The driver may be selectively de-energized. In some embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an unoccupied period. In other embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an occupied period. In some further embodiments, the driver may be de-energized in response to detecting other sources of the type of energy emitted by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Hick
  • Patent number: 8477042
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes first, second, third and four outputs configurable for first and second wiring configurations of notification appliance circuits. The arrangement also includes a configurable terminal arrangement having first and second configurations corresponding to the first and second wiring configurations, and an end-of-line resistor. The configurable terminal arrangement in the first configuration couples the end-of-line resistor between the third and fourth outputs. The configurable terminal arrangement in the second configuration decouples the end-of-line resistor from the third and fourth outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: James Henson
  • Patent number: 8451112
    Abstract: A method and apparatus generating a departure alert for an event based on a current location. The method may comprises: obtaining scheduling data associated with a first event, wherein the first event scheduling data includes a first event time value and a first event location value, obtaining a device location value, obtaining a current time value, determining if the first event location value and the device location value differ by more than a event location threshold, upon a determination that the first event location value and the device location value differ by more than the event location threshold, estimating a first travel time value from the device location and the first event location, generating a departure time value by comparing the first event time value and the estimated first travel time value, and generating a departure alert by comparing the departure time value and the current time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
  • Patent number: 8444921
    Abstract: As an elegant solution for minimizing false positives returned by a sensor tuned to an analyte molecule, filters constructed of carbon nanotubes are positioned relative to the sensor to limit the sensor to being exposed to molecules within a defined range of sizes, with too-big molecules being excluded from reaching the sensor by one filter, and too-small molecules being pumped out through another, finer filter before the sensor is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Concepts and Technologies International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Lukasik
  • Patent number: 8441359
    Abstract: A fire distinguishing device includes: a detection device which detects an outbreak of a fire; a fire presence/absence distinguishing device which distinguishes the presence or absence of the fire; and a cumulative time determining device which determines the cumulative time required for distinguishing the presence or absence of the fire, in the fire presence/absence distinguishing device. The cumulative time determining device distinguishes an environment type of an environment where the detection device is installed, or a phenomenon type of a phenomenon being detected by the detection device, and further determines the cumulative time according to the distinguished environment type or phenomenon type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Kumiko Ando, Atsushi Mammoto, Isao Asano, Hiroshi Nishizaki, Takashi Shimokawa, Sadataka Yuchi
  • Patent number: 8384552
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation monitoring system that has a radiation detector for making radiation measurements within a monitored area. An occupancy sensor may be provided for detecting a presence of an entity in the monitored area, and a motion sensor may be provided for detecting a motion of the entity in the monitored area. In a typical embodiment, a radiation measurement collection system is provided which has a first program logic element for collecting the radiation measurements as collected radiation measurements when the presence of the entity is detected and the motion of the entity is detected. Also provided is a method for monitoring an area for intermittent sources of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nucsafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Pauly, William Richardson, Richard S. Seymour
  • Patent number: 8378807
    Abstract: A Bluetooth connection establishment method and system is provided for facilitating establishment of a communication channel between a master device and a target slave device. The method has the steps of broadcasting an inquiry signal for discovering a slave device and transmitting an inquiry response signal. The inquiry response signal is communicated from the slave device to a master device and the inquiry response signal indicates that the inquiry signal has been received by the slave device. The method requests at the master device that the at least one slave device transmits identification information. A slave device list is displayed. An alarm is transmitted by the at least one slave device that received the inquiry signal and a second alarm is transmitted by a target slave device selected from the slave device list in response to an alarm trigger signal transmitted by the master device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun Kyoung Lee, Eui Soon Park, Sung Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8362894
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a departure notification from a travel assistance system are disclosed. A source location, a destination location and a desired destination arrival time are received at a travel assistance system. At least one travel parameter operable to affect departure time from the source location to the destination location is received at the travel assistance system. A departure time from the source location that enables arrival at the destination location at approximately the desired destination arrival time based on the source location, the destination location, the desired destination arrival time and the at least one travel parameter is determined. A departure notification is issued from the travel assistance system to a client system. The departure notification includes the departure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Rupal Bhavin Shah
  • Patent number: 8354938
    Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad which has a switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected and a closed position when activated by weight pressure. A transmitter transmits a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A remotely located module has a receiver for the signal from the transmitter. A control circuit is operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated. A warning device is activated by the control circuit when in the monitoring state when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position. A reset switch resets the control circuit from the monitoring state to the ready state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Rodolfo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8354935
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for activating a carbon monoxide detector. The method includes the steps of the carbon monoxide detector measuring a current carbon monoxide level, the carbon monoxide detector comparing the current carbon monoxide level with a first threshold value, determining whether the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value, entering an alarm state upon detecting that the current carbon monoxide level exceeds the first threshold value after a first predetermined time period, determining from memory whether the carbon monoxide detector had previously been in an alarm state before activation and upon detecting that the current carbon dioxide level does not exceed the first threshold and the carbon monoxide detector was previously in the alarm state, resuming the alarm state after a second predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Rauworth
  • Publication number: 20130002420
    Abstract: A medical workstation is defined by a supporting structure having at least one medical diagnostic instrument disposed thereupon. A first display is further disposed on a first side of the supporting structure and a second display is disposed on a second side of the supporting structure in a manner substantially opposite from the first display. Each of the first and second displays are interconnected to the at least one medical diagnostic instrument to permit at least one of the displays in order to display diagnostic results and are tandemly or independently controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Perkins, Douglas J. Linquest, Thaddeus J. Wawro, Kristin A. Metz, Peter H. Soderberg, Bonita L. Labosky, Robert L. Vivenzio
  • Publication number: 20120326858
    Abstract: Enterprise related alert messages are distributed via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The enterprise community (e.g., a company, a business, or a firm, a school, a corporation, a department of transportation, a law enforcement agency, commuter service, or the like) is provide the ability to distribute enterprise related information via the EAS. Enterprise related alerts can be generated automatically, semi-automatically, and/or manually. Enterprise related alerts can be used to notify TV and radio broadcasters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kevin Daly, DeWayne Allan Sennett
  • Patent number: 8335617
    Abstract: A sensor detection controller is used in combination with a capacitive sensor that is mounted on a seat of a vehicle in such a manner that a capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes according to whether the seat is occupied. The sensor detection controller has a fault detection mode and a normal detection mode. The sensor detection controller includes a signal source for applying an amplitude signal to the capacitive sensor, a switch for switching a signal path, through which the amplitude signal is applied, between the fault detection mode and the normal detection mode, a signal detector for detecting a change in a voltage or a current of the amplitude signal when the amplitude signal is applied, and an impedance member connected to the signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Satake, Noboru Maeda, Hiroyuki Mori, Kouji Ootaka
  • Publication number: 20120313773
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed towards a system and method for awakening a user from a period of sleep by applying a stimulus of light for a period determined from a comparative analysis of the user's sleep stage and a desired wake time. One exemplary method includes setting an alarm time and then monitoring motion sensors to detect movements of the user that indicate the user is in a stage of light sleep. When it is determined that the user has entered a stage of light sleep, the alarm time may be compared with the timing of the light stage of sleep. If the alarm time coincides with the sleep stage timing, an alarm comprised of a gradually intensifying stimulus of light can be triggered to awaken the user. In some embodiments, the gradually intensifying stimulus of light can be made to simulate a dawn event of the sun rising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Leonor F. Loree, IV
  • Patent number: 8319638
    Abstract: A motion detector and a method for detecting a tampering of the motion detector. The tampering can include a spraying or brushing of a lens of the motion detector. The motion detector comprises a lens, a single sensing section for detecting infrared signals within a protected area, and detecting vibrations on the lens in the form of acoustic signals, the vibrations and the infrared signal causing a voltage change in the single sensing section, a first and second amplifier for amplifying the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, first and second filter for filtering the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, a microcontroller for determining if the detected voltage change is consistent with a pattern that is indicative of tampering or motion and alarm generating section for generating a tamper alarm or a motion alarm based upon the determination by the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120293320
    Abstract: A working method for a calendar system includes: setting information of an event. Storing the information of the event, tracking a location of a user and comparing the location of the user with a location of the event when the deadline of the event is not passed to determine whether a distance between the two locations is greater than a preset distance. Comparing a time at present with a time period when the event can be dealt with to determine whether the event can be dealt with at present if the distance between the location of the user and the location of the event is less than the preset distance. In addition, informing the user to deal with the event if the time at present is in the time period when the event can be dealt with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-HSIEN LEE, CHANG-JUNG LEE, CHIH-PING LO