Having Plural Distinct Sensors (i.e., For Surrounding Conditions) Patents (Class 340/539.22)
  • Patent number: 8031069
    Abstract: A tamper-proof electronic security seal which includes a bolt and a locking element and an electronic seal element. The bolt has a head and a hollow shank extending therefrom having a longitudinal bore formed therein. The shank is dimensioned to pass through a lock hasp and has a free end formed for locking engagement with the locking element. The electronic seal element is formed for mechanical connection to the bolt head, and includes an electrical power source, a control unit, communications means responsive to the control unit and a sensor adapted for insertion into the longitudinal bore of the shank, and connected to the control unit. In response to a severing of the shank and the sensor inserted therein, the control unit is operative to activate the communications means to emit an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Oded Yair Cohn, Zvi Ben-Shalom
    Inventors: Oded Yair Cohn, Zvi Ben Shalom
  • Patent number: 8026808
    Abstract: A method for displaying an indication of data collected via a wireless network sensor involves processing the collected data to generate reports. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The method displays an indication of parsed events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. Another method displays a representation of a location of each sensor in the wireless network sensors in a monitored environment and information related to data collected via the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, Jennifer R. Yi
  • Patent number: 8022807
    Abstract: Techniques are described for establishing a two-way voice communication session with an alarm system. The alarm system may establish a two-way voice communication session with an operator associated with a monitoring service that provides monitoring services for alarm events detected by the alarm system. The alarm system also may establish a two-way voice communication session with a notification recipient that is interested in receiving notifications associated with events detected by the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Martin, Stephen Scott Trundle, David Saul Goldfarb, David James Hutz
  • Patent number: 8018320
    Abstract: With a method and a System for tongue based control of computers and/or aids, particularly for severely disabled persons it is the intention to ease the communication capabilities of severely disabled persons and their control of their aids, where the costs of producing the system are low, thereby avoiding the drawbacks of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: TKS A/S
    Inventor: Lotte Najanguaq Søvsø Andreasen Struijk
  • Patent number: 8013737
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a location having at least one sensor for sensing a change in at least one condition using voice tags to announce alarms. The system includes a registration process where a voice recorder and a digital conversion unit form digital voice tags from recorded speech representing the type and location of sensors. The voice tag is sent as part of an alarm message or pre-stored in a control panel for later retrieval such that the type and location of an alarm is reproduced vocally at the time of the alarm. The registration process may be completed with a registration module which may be a keypad or the voice recorder may be included in the sensors. Additional features include sensor location change notification to ensure the stored voice tag represents the current location of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: UTC Fire and Security Corporation
    Inventors: Ankit Tiwari, Jae-Hyuk Oh, Christian M. Netter, Luiz Fer Bacellar, Thomas M. Gillis
  • Patent number: 7986229
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing sensing data in a tag and a method thereof are provided. According to the present invention, data measured by the sensor is stored in volatile memory and important data from among the data stored in the volatile memory is stored in non-volatile memory according to a pre-set data loss prevention mechanism so that a battery and the tag including the battery have a longer life and stability of data can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Junho Yeo, Josef Preishuber-Pfluegl, Alex Janek, Andreas Schuhai, Hae-Won Son, Jae-Young Jung, Hee-Sook Mo, Ji-Hoon Bae, Gil-Young Choi, Cheol-Sig Pyo, Jong-Suk Chae
  • Patent number: 7982603
    Abstract: In order to easily provide data successively generated from a real world sensor network in a time series to a user, a unit for generally and flexibly performing mapping between a source for generating physical electronic information (for example, a tiny sensor node) and sensing data to be provided to the user is provided. Therefore, a manager of the sensor network is composed of a device management table for mapping among a wireless sensor node, a wireless base station, and a data managing server, a real world model table capable of including device information and giving plural attributes, a registration/search processing unit for registering/searching that information, and a data manager for data mapping between the tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Moriwaki, Toshiyuki Odaka, Kazuo Yano
  • Patent number: 7982602
    Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7982601
    Abstract: RFID tags, methods and systems for total asset management, in-transit visibility and bio-metric verification and authorization. The system comprises an active, multi-modal, bi-directional RFID tag having a primary communication mode RF transceiver and a secondary mode IR/US transceiver. The tag includes sensors, such as bio-metric, and memory containing user bio-metric data. A reader and illuminator(s), preferably IR and/or US, are communicatively coupled with the tag and adapted to provide command and control signals to the tag and receive data/information from it. The user's bio-metric data is read by the sensor, compared to the data base and verification communicated to an access or point of sale device. The tag looks for illuminators and reports to the reader the IDs of those it sees. The detection history permits tracking and locating tagged objects or persons, such as theme park guests. If no illuminator signal is seen, the tag sends a special signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Innovation Law Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Corrado, Rex T. Logan
  • Patent number: 7982600
    Abstract: A hybrid communication terminal-alarm system is described, for individual use or for use in public facilities. A communication terminal, such as cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), fixed or mobile phone, etc, has one or more built-in alarm sensors. The sensors are capable of identifying various hazards and/or potentially dangerous events and appropriately warning the person(s) that may be affected, by the respective event. The alarm may be acoustic (e.g. a sound or a voice message) or optic (flashing light). The system also transmits automatically a distress message to a third party for help, as/if needed. The distress message may be transmitted over the public wireless or wireline network, or over a private network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Marian Gavrila, Gabriel Patulea
  • Patent number: 7978067
    Abstract: A system for remotely identifying, tracking, and monitoring transported goods includes a sensing and communications device (14) embedded in a shipping container (2). The sensing and communications device (14) includes onboard sensors (58,60,62) and wirelessly communicates with external sensors (24,26) to receive environmental and structural condition data. The device (14) communicates the data via either an RF interface (52,54) or a cellular telephone system interface (48,50) to a remote monitoring station (68). The remote monitoring station (68) analyzes the data, presents the data to a user, and enables the user to program the device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Wagner, John Redmond, Scott Higgins, Jason Amschler
  • Patent number: 7973656
    Abstract: A device for detecting a suspicious activity, efficiently performing surveillance of a person and vehicle detected by a surveillance camera. The device uses signal generation means, a sensor for receiving a signal from the signal generation means, and image data taken by the camera. The device detects mobile bodies, such as a person and a vehicle, included in an image taken by the camera and uses them as mobile body information, uses as authentication information an ID number represented by a signal received by the sensor, defines permitted activities and prohibited activities according to authorized activities corresponding to authentication information, and issues an alarm when the device detects that an activity represented by mobile body activity information is a illegal or prohibited activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Eiki Ishidera
  • Patent number: 7970734
    Abstract: A data collection apparatus includes a network of sensing units for sensing a parameter. Each sensing unit of the network of sensing units includes a sensor, a first data storage device, a first receiving device, and a first transmitting device. The first data storage device is for storing data from the sensor. The first transmitting device is for transmitting data derived from the sensor. The apparatus also includes a single control unit. The single control unit includes a second receiving device, a second transmitting device, and a second data storage device. The second receiving device is for receiving data transmitted from the network of sensing units. The second data storage device is for storing the data received from the network of sensing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W Arms
  • Patent number: 7965200
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing security of areas in an aircraft. The method is provided for managing aircraft security. A set of sensors associated with a set of secured areas is monitored for an indication of a compromised space within a cabin of the aircraft. In response to receiving a signal from a sensor in the set of sensors identifying a breach, an area for the breach in the cabin is identified to form an identified area. A visual indication device associated with the identified area is identified to form an identified visual indication device. A presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bret L. Lamoree, Mark E. Wentland, James P. Schalla, Bradley J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7965183
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system for determining authenticity of substances. The system comprises a plurality of RF sensors distributed in a predefined location pattern relative to a location for placing a substance under analysis. Each of the RF sensors is configured to transmit a response to an interrogation signal with a unique identifier. The system also comprises an RF transmitter that transmits sequences of interrogation signals over different frequency bands at one or more power levels and an RF receiver that receives responses to the sequences of interrogation signals transmitted from the RF sensors. The system further comprises a response pattern analyzer that determines response patterns for the RF sensors to the interrogation sequences and transmits a difference indicator if at least one of the determined response patterns varies from as predetermined signature of an authentic substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Vibeke Libby
  • Publication number: 20110140830
    Abstract: A device, system and method for monitoring conditions within an environment in which an item is disposed includes a reusable environment monitoring tag operably connected to a return postcard that can be disposed adjacent an item to be monitored, the tag equipped to sense and store surrounding environmental conditions thereof and an electronic reader electronic reader which upon receipt of the a return postcard having the tag therein in a predetermined range receives environmental data sensed and stored by the tag and analyze the data. The method includes mailing the return postcard to a receiving site for reading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: T. Randall Lane
  • Patent number: 7961088
    Abstract: A portable security system for monitoring an asset has one or more alarm sensors and a wireless transmitter/receiver that communicates via wireless communication with a host system. The portable security system is switchable between a disabled (partially powered) state and an enabled (fully powered state) in response to commands received from the host system. In an aspect, the portable security system has a plurality of alarm sensors which a user can separately activate and deactivate via the host system. In an aspect, the portable security system includes a base unit and an auxiliary unit. The base unit includes one or more of the alarm sensors that serves a dual purpose depending on whether the base unit is mated with the auxiliary unit. In an aspect, the host system can be utilized by multiple users to manage portable security systems associated with the respective users, including management by group. In an aspect, the host system notifies a user(s) of an alarm condition(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cattail Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Francis J. Rosenthal, Maureen Silber
  • Patent number: 7952476
    Abstract: A mobile security system is described herein. A detector communicates with a mobile device if an event has occurred. The event may be various types of events, such as fire or motion. Once the mobile device receives the communication of the event occurrence, the mobile device may, among others, sound an alarm or communicate with a central monitoring system to notify emergency services of the occurrence. The mobile device may also communicate with another communication device, such as another cell phone or a computer, using various forms of communication. The detector may be an integral part of the mobile device, i.e. fixed part of the mobile device, or may be detachable. The detector may also be wholly separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Mark Edward Causey, Scott Andrus, Adrianne Binh Luu, Kevin W. Jones, Coulter C. Henry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7948373
    Abstract: A method for reducing power consumption of sensors (2) within a sensor network (1), wherein a central controller (3) calculates a transmission schedule for said sensors (2) on the basis of a correlation between sensor data transmitted from said sensors (2) to the central controller (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Nikolaus Bauer, John G. Rooney, Paolo Scotton
  • Patent number: 7944353
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and reporting a critical event. Events may be continually detected by sensors and processed as digitized data. The digitized data may be compared to signature data stored in glossaries. If a match exists between the digitized data and the signature data, the event may be reported. An analysis of the event may be performed and based on a result of the analysis, an alarm notice may be sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Clifton E. Grim, III, Rex Edward Marzke, Gary A. Ward, John David Wilson
  • Patent number: 7944338
    Abstract: In an RFID system including RFID tags each incorporating a sensor, accuracy of measurement by the sensor can be improved. For example, when measurements are performed several times by using RFID tags each incorporating a sensor unit, generation of a carrier directed from an RFID reader/writer to the RFID tags is stopped for a predetermined period every time when a measurement ends. By this means, the chip temperature of the RFID tag increased due to power consumption in each measurement can be reduced to, for example, ambient temperature every time when a measurement ends. Therefore, an error in measurement by the sensor unit can be reduced, thereby achieving accurate measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Nemoto, Hiroshi Yoshigi, Yoshiaki Yazawa, Kazuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7940177
    Abstract: A security zone is monitored for intrusion detection by dispersing therein a plurality of sensor nodes that, when an intrusion is detected, communicate with their neighboring sensor nodes without protocols other than a first tone. As the intrusion is detected by more sensor nodes, there is an increase in sensor node transmissions and, hence, an increase in the total power density in the security zone which is detected by a remote monitor for detecting and localizing the intrusion and providing an alert. In addition, certain of the sensor nodes also transmit a continuous second tone received by other sensor nodes. When an intrusion occurs, the transmission is blocked causing the receiving nodes to transmit the first tone to alert neighboring nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Jerry A. Krill
  • Patent number: 7936264
    Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7928840
    Abstract: A method and system of preventing a loss/theft of a surveillance target including a mobile device using a wireless personal area network (PAN) or a wireless local area network (LAN) which can receive, from the mobile device included in the surveillance target via a gateway, location information of the surveillance target generated by using mobile device information for the surveillance target, the mobile device information being collected by a sensor of the mobile device, and signal information communicated between the mobile device and a fixed device, can determine whether there is a loss or theft by comparing surveillance target information and a permission standard, and can provide alert information including the location information of the surveillance target when the loss or theft occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sun-Jin Kim, Junghae Seo, Sun-Joong Kim, Cheol Sig Pyo, Jong-Suk Chae
  • Patent number: 7919326
    Abstract: A method of tracking a status of a catalytic process in a mixture incorporates the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that have corrosive-sensitive coatings. The coatings are removable, by a corrosive in the mixture, at a rate that tracks with the rate at which a catalytic-driven process progresses. As coatings on the RFID tags are removed by the corrosive in the mixture, the digital signatures returned by the RFID tags change, in response to the corrosive damaging the RFID tags. By quantifying the number of damaged RFID tags, a determination can be made as to the progress status of the catalytic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Angell, James R. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 7916017
    Abstract: Provided is a wireless sensor network operating method considering energy efficiency. The method for operating a wireless sensor network including clusters of sensor nodes includes: selecting a cluster head based on residual energy amounts of the sensor nodes by increasing a probability that a sensor node with a greater amount of residual energy than the others is selected as a cluster head; transmitting an advertisement message from the selected cluster head to the sensor nodes to form a cluster; and transmitting sensing data acquired in each sensor node to the cluster head. Accordingly, this method can extend lifespan of sensor nodes by not transmitting/receiving data on residual energy amounts and positions between sensor nodes, and increase the entire lifespan of a wireless sensor network by reducing a probability that a sensor node having a relatively small residual energy amount is selected as a cluster head consuming much energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Hee Yong Youn, Ki Young Jang
  • Patent number: 7916025
    Abstract: An improved system for tracking luggage and other such objects. The system features a transmitter tag for attachment to an object to be tracked and a receiver. When the tag comes within range of the receiver, the receiver provides notification to the user both visually and audibly. Audible notification can occur through the receiver's speaker, a wireless phone, a PDA, or an iPod or other portable music player. GPS capabilities allow the tag to store and transmit its exact coordinates to assist in locating the tag. Airport and airline security personnel can access the tag data with a dedicated interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Lockwinn Technology
    Inventors: Howard J. Locker, Timothy Q. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7902976
    Abstract: An assembly (13) for monitoring ionising radiation comprises a detector substrate (2) for generating electronic charge responsive to incident ionising radiation, the detector substrate (2) having an array of ionising radiation sense volumes (12) formed in it. A circuit substrate (14) supporting an array of read-out circuits (16) corresponding to the array of sense volumes is mechanically and electrically coupled to the detector substrate (14). Each of the read-out circuits (16) is switchable between first and second charge integration modes for receiving charge from a corresponding sense volume. A charge integration circuit (30) is configured in the first charge integration mode to integrate charge corresponding to sensing of a single ionising radiation detection event in a corresponding sense volume and in the second charge integrating mode to integrate charge corresponding to sensing a plurality of ionising radiation detection events in the corresponding sense volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Radiation Watch Limited
    Inventors: Peter Trevor Doughty, Michael John Anderson, David Jeremy Prendergast, Ian Benson
  • Patent number: 7895884
    Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of fluid containers, e.g., portable tanks or fluid pipelines, includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a wireless signal to the remote central station upon detection of predetermined internal conditions, such as an out-of-range pressure condition of fluid contained within the volume of the container, or upon detection of predetermined external conditions, such as the lack of presence of the container in its installed position or the presence of an obstruction to viewing of or access to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 7898411
    Abstract: A multi-mode asset tracking and monitoring system and method is provided that enables comprehensive reporting of asset position, status, and alerts. In one embodiment, the multi-mode system and method is based on the addition of a local network monitoring system to a wide area satellite network monitoring system. In this example, the local network monitoring system would add container presence and status monitoring in crowded environments (e.g., within a port facility, on-board a ship, etc.), while the wide area satellite network monitoring system would provide tracking and monitoring coverage when the container is in dispersed environments. Both the local and wide area monitoring systems work together to provide end-to-end container tracking and monitoring to thereby ensure continuous container tracking and monitoring from container loading to container unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Brosius
  • Patent number: 7893827
    Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7890235
    Abstract: A system for controlling a work machine and work tool from a remote controller. The remote controller sends a control signal to a receiver assembly and machine controller. The machine controller processes the control signal to determine the location of the remote controller relative to the receiver assembly and to alter operational characteristics of the machine or work tool based on the control signal or the location of the remote controller relative to the receiver assembly. The system may include a tag system to detect the presence of workers at the jobsite and to alter operation of the machine and work tool based upon the location of the workers relative to the machine or work tool. In another embodiment, a signal may be transmitted from the work machine and detected by a remote receiver assembly. A processor uses the detected signal to determine the position of the remote receiver assembly relative to the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin P. Self, Nathan Kiner
  • Patent number: 7884753
    Abstract: A sensor includes a transceiver configured to receive a wireless signal from an interrogator and to reflect the wireless signal back. The sensor also includes an antenna-switching modulator configured to modulate a radar cross-section of the sensor by repeatedly switching an antenna between, for example, a short-circuit position and an operational circuit position. The operational circuit position could be associated with an impedance matched receiver, and the short-circuit position could be associated with ground. Also, the sensor could be further configured to transmit the wireless signal to a second sensor and to receive a reflected wireless signal from the second sensor, and the sensor could further include a phase comparator configured to compute a phase difference between the transmitted wireless signal and the reflected wireless signal. The phase comparator could be further configured to compute a distance between the sensor and the second sensor based on the phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Peczalski, Fouad Nusseibeh
  • Patent number: 7884717
    Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Icove & Associates, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
  • Patent number: 7884714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for altering settings on portable electronic devices based upon the surrounding sounds. The system and method create a series of improvements in electronic devices that enable a person to have a greater possibility to hear their name being called, important signals or emergency vehicles while using their electronic devices are in use by the instant user. An example embodiment (i) provides at least one sensor connected to a portable device, each sensor detecting surrounding sounds; (ii) recognizing a specific sound among the surrounding sounds by the at least one sensor by matching the specific sound to one of a plurality of reference sounds; and (iii) altering settings of the portable device from a first setting to a second setting, in a first event the specific sound matches with one of the plurality of reference sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Voorhuis PLC, Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
  • Patent number: 7880609
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for real-time management of mobile resources. The management system includes an on board system, a processor, and a data center. The on board system is provided with the mobile resource to be managed and includes a number of sensors to monitor various conditions. Each sensor collects information independently and asynchronously with respect to the other sensors. The processor collects the information from the sensors and saves it in the form of synchronous data. A continuous two-way connection is established between the on board system and the data center across a wireless communication network. The data center monitors at least one sensed state from the sensors based on receipt of the synchronous data from the on board system. The data center can also provide instructions to the on board system in response to the state that is being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Carrier Web LLC
    Inventors: Arthur T. Viegers, Tristan Fenton-May, Roualeyn Fenton-May, John C. Marous
  • Patent number: 7881671
    Abstract: A system supporting data retrieval from a plurality of wireless sensor nodes is defined. The system includes the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a data retrieval device. The plurality of wireless sensor nodes include a transceiver receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal. The second signal includes a sensed datum or an encoded statistic based on the sensed datum identified at the plurality of wireless sensor nodes. The data retrieval device includes a plurality of antennas transmitting the first signal toward the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and receiving the second signal from the plurality of wireless sensor nodes, and a processor coupled to receive the received second signal from the plurality of antennas, the processor defining a virtual receive signal from the received second signal for the plurality of antennas and processing the defined virtual receive signal to determine the identified sensed datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Akbar M. Sayeed, Thiagarajan Sivanadyan
  • Patent number: 7880767
    Abstract: A security system and method for mass transit and mass transportation whereby high capacity mobile vehicles such as ships, buses, planes, trains and subways transporting large numbers of passengers or cargo, are continuously monitored and secured. Sensors are utilized to detect and alert the presence of radioactive or explosive materials on board as well as within close proximity of the vehicle. Sensors are also used to identify and track cargo and people, such as drivers, operators, employees, crew, and passengers, and provide continuous location and tracking thereof from the point of initial entry to the final point of exit. Additionally, a global positioning system (GPS) provides location data, and wireless data and telecommunications link provides two-way data and voice communication with any designated remote location by using one of several modes of wireless telecommunication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Chinigo
  • Patent number: 7881939
    Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions associated with an individual in a region includes at least one speech input transducer and speech processing software coupled thereto. Results of the speech processing can initiate communications with a displaced communications device such as a telephone or a computer to provide a source of feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Lee D. Tice
  • Patent number: 7876225
    Abstract: A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Alex K. Jones, James T. Cain, Peter J. Hawrylak, Frank Marx, Raymond R. Hoare
  • Patent number: 7868755
    Abstract: To shorten a period of time necessary for performing routine inspections and reduce costs by monitoring a state such as a contact failure of a switching equipment which constitutes a power reception circuit or a branch circuit of a substation through a simple construction. A sensor attached IC tag application high voltage equipment is constructed by detachably mounting a sensor attached IC tag at a position where a sensor of a sensor attached IC tag obtains a physical quantity of a detection target, wherein the sensor attached IC tag is configured to communicate with an externally located IC tag reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiro Hanai, Haruhisa Wada, Hirokazu Takagi, Shiro Maruyama, Masayuki Sato
  • Patent number: 7868756
    Abstract: A zone shaping method and system. The method comprises receiving by a computing system from a sensory infrastructure transmitter attached to an object data associated with the first object. The object is located within a zone area. The computing system calculates a location within the zone area for the object. The computing system receives first environmental data associated with a first environmental condition in the zone area from a first sensor. The computing system analyzes the data, the location, and the first environmental data. The computing system generates based on results of the analysis, a first modified zone area associated with the zone area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Holger H. Maier, Amadeus Podvratnik, Torsten E. Teich
  • Publication number: 20110002250
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting and receiving an emergency indication during an emergency information broadcast. An eNB is configured to broadcast, and a wireless transmit receive unit is configured to receive, a paging signal including a first emergency indication, a set of system information blocks including emergency information and the paging signal without the first emergency indication while broadcasting the system information blocks including the emergency information. The eNB determines a time period for including the first emergency indication in the paging signal has expired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter S. Wang, Jean-Louis Gauvreau, Paul Marinier, Shankar Somasundaram
  • Patent number: 7864064
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oil and gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment, is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fugitive Emissions Detection Device, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick A. Lawson, Michael S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7859398
    Abstract: A method of maintaining and controlling a plurality of wireless light fixtures includes providing the light fixtures in a structure, wirelessly receiving respective operational data from each of the light fixtures at a central location, aggregating the received respective operational data to form an aggregation of operational data, and analyzing at least a portion of the aggregation of operational data. The method further includes performing one or both of (i) controlling the operation of a first selected one or more of the light fixtures based on a result of the analyzing step by wirelessly transmitting respective operational commands from the central location to each of the first selected one or more of the light fixtures, and (ii) causing a maintenance related action to be taken with respect to each of a second selected one or more of the light fixtures based on a result of the analyzing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Davidson, Charles J. Luebke
  • Patent number: 7860495
    Abstract: On a first level of the wireless building automation architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct wireless communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy is provided by receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry Inc.
    Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 7855636
    Abstract: A method for dynamically changing a control panel response to a transmission from one or more multi-output sensors. The transmission includes a state of a plurality of sensitivity levels for each multi-output sensor indicating multiple outputs. The method comprising the steps of receiving a transmission from the multi-output sensor, determining a source of the transmission, determining a state of each of the sensitivity levels determining if at least one selection criterion is set for selecting one of the plurality of sensitivity levels included in the transmission based upon the determined source. One of the sensitivity levels is selected based upon the determination and an alarm is generated based upon said selected sensitivity level. If more than one selection criterion is set, a priority for the selection criterion is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Martin, Thomas S. Babich
  • Patent number: 7848906
    Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion A. Keyes, IV, Trevor Duncan Schleiss, Mark J. Nixon, Ron Eddie, Terrence L. Blevins, Ram Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7843336
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of sensors and a monitoring system that are capable of wireless communication. A first of the sensors senses information relating to a specified condition and sends a wireless message with information relating to the specified condition to a second of the sensors. The first sensor also sends another wireless message relating to the specified condition to the monitoring system. The second sensor may also sense information relating to the specified condition, and the message sent to the monitoring system may include information derived from the information sensed by both the sensors. The second sensor may modify its functionality in response to the wireless message sent by the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard P. Kucharyson
  • Patent number: 7843356
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a threat detection and monitoring apparatus with an integrated display system. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for use as a public safety and emergency messaging system adapted to detect and identify threats in the surrounding environment and display useful information regarding the threat or other public information to the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Infraegis, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Webb