Having Plural Distinct Sensors (i.e., For Surrounding Conditions) Patents (Class 340/539.22)
-
Patent number: 8744522Abstract: A portable security system includes an image capturing module for capturing one or more images and an image analysis module in operable communication with the image capturing module, the image analysis module configured to (i) recognize, from the one or more images captured, one or more events related to detection of moving objects, (ii) selectively identify a finite number of spatial relationships of the moving objects, and (iii) analyze the one or more images within the portable security device to classify the finite number of spatial relationships of the moving objects corresponding to predefined moving object data stored on a data storage unit located within the portable security device. Also, an image transmission module for transmitting the one or more images recognized, selectively identified, and analyzed by the image analysis module to one or more external sources is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Eugene Evanitsky
-
Patent number: 8738077Abstract: The mobile radio unit (phone, smartphone) comprises body 16 with an incorporated processor 1. The processor 1 is connected with memory 2, display 3, audible alarm aids 4, keyboard 5, power unit 6, navigator 9, and transceiver 15. The radio unit is equipped with radiation detector 8, electronic amplifier 7 and interface 10 connected to the processor 1. The detector 8 provides measuring alpha-, beta-, gamma- and neutron emissions and solar radiation levels. The processor 1 is provided with software, which ensures both communication functions and control, warning of exposure levels, measuring background radiation, building diagrams illustrating state of human organs. The keyboard 5 comprises keys for dosimeter and/or radiometer mode control. The detector 8, the interface 10 and the amplifier 7 can be placed in the mobile unit body 16 or in separate detachable unit. Thus, there was constructed an efficient mobile unit, which ensures an extended functionality.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Vladimir Aleksandrovich Elin
-
Patent number: 8737976Abstract: Methods and systems for providing information regarding monitored computer systems to wireless devices are provided. Information may be requested by a wireless device and displayed on the wireless device in a browser. The web server application may detect the wireless device, and may also then specially format the response, including the requested information formatted for optimized delivery and/or display on a wireless device. The web server application may also send a message to a wireless device about events associated with the monitored computer systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Guy R. Hagan
-
Patent number: 8736426Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Pyramid Meriden Inc.Inventor: George Bucci
-
Patent number: 8738280Abstract: Methods for pedestrian unit (PU) communication activity reduction in pedestrian-to-vehicle communication networks include obtaining safety risk information for a pedestrian at risk for involvement in an accident and using the risk information to adjust a PU communication activity. In some embodiments, the activity reduction is achieved without implementing understanding of surroundings. In other embodiments, the activity reduction is based on risk assessment provided by vehicles. In some embodiments, the activity reduction includes PU transmission reduction. In some embodiments the transmission activity reduction may be followed by reception activity reduction for overall power consumption reduction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Autotalks Ltd.Inventor: Onn Haran
-
Patent number: 8731512Abstract: A system for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient; the system including: (a) at least one sensor unit situated proximately with the patient; the at least one sensor unit sensing and indicating at least one aspect of a personal context of the patient; (b) at least one long-range communication unit configured for wireless communication with a remote patient care monitoring facility via a wireless communication network; and (c) at least one short-range communication unit communicatingly coupled with the at least one sensor unit and with the at least one long-range communication unit; the at least one short-range communication unit and the at least one long-range communication unit cooperating to convey information from the at least one sensor unit to the remote patient care monitoring facility regarding the personal context of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: GenerationoneInventors: Jaime Borras, Don Rosen, Jeffrey A. Wolf
-
Patent number: 8730035Abstract: Of the various technological features disclosed in the present specification, a structure according to the one technological feature is as follows. A lighting apparatus changeable between an illuminating state and a non-illuminating state comprising: a non-contact motion sensor arranged to sense a movement of a hand near the lighting apparatus; and a controller arranged to control the lighting apparatus in the non-illuminating state to change from the non-illuminating state to the illuminating state in response to the movement of hand sensed by the non-contact motion sensor, and to control the lighting apparatus in the illuminating state to cause a change in illumination with the illuminating state kept in response to the same movement of hand sensed by the non-contact motion sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsunori Nagashima, Masahide Tanaka
-
Patent number: 8723691Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a pedestrian safety system. One example pedestrian safety system may include a sound collector configured to collect an audio signal in an environment of a pedestrian; a processor configured to analyze the collected audio signal to determine whether the audio signal is associated with a vehicle and a distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian; and a notification device configured to notify the pedestrian when the processor determines that the audio signal is associated with the vehicle and the distance is less than a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventors: Mengyang Li, Di Zhang
-
Patent number: 8717161Abstract: An H2S (hydrogen sulfide) system includes a lockout configuration that temporarily disables wireless communication while leaving one or more H2S sensors and audible alarms still functioning in case an H2S hazardous event occurs during the lockout period. Example H2S systems and methods include various means for initiating or ensuring the lockout configuration is in effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Crook W. Gary
-
Patent number: 8710983Abstract: The present application describes a sensor network and method for monitoring and detecting intrusion activities in accordance with various illustrative embodiments. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first input from a first sensor at a first sensor node of a wireless ad hoc sensor network, and comparing the first input to a first predefined input threshold associated with an intrusion activity. The method also includes wirelessly communicating an indication of the intrusion activity to a gateway device via a second sensor node of the wireless ad hoc sensor network. The gateway device may include an interface between the wireless ad hoc sensor network and a user-interactive system configured to monitor the wireless ad hoc sensor network.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Integrated Security CorporationInventor: Bernard M. Malkowski
-
Patent number: 8710961Abstract: An anti-fake battery pack and an identification system thereof has a casing and multiple battery cells, each of which as a battery body, an inner identifier mounted outside the battery body, a protection layer mounted around outside of the battery body and the outer identifier formed on the protection layer. An external identifying device has to read a first and second identification codes from the inner and outer identifiers to determine whether the battery cell is authentic or not. In addition, the inner identifier is covered by the protection layer, so the inner identifier can not stolen without breaking the protection layer with the outer identifier. Therefore, the identifying system provides double identifying procedures to increase security of identification and decrease the possibility of copying the first and second identification codes.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Chih-Ang Yao
-
Patent number: 8708901Abstract: A health monitoring system includes a waveguide that receives a wave transmitted from an external power source and that guides the wave to reach within a width of a rectenna. The waveguide may include a negative refractive index medium and/or a surface plasmon medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: University of Seoul Industry Cooperation FoundationInventor: Doyeol Ahn
-
Patent number: 8710982Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sending messages regarding an emergency at a facility. The messages can be sent to an emergency response service or directly to another facility through a wireless mesh network. The wireless mesh network can comprise one or more nodes that route measurement data, such as utility meter reading data. The emergency messages can be assigned a higher priority so that they travel through the wireless mesh network more quickly. A device receiving an emergency message may identify the address of the associated facility, for example, by identifying an address associated with utility service also provided at the same facility. The address can be forwarded to an emergency response service and a confirmation or other message may be sent back to the facility. A device at a facility may receive various messages from a control center, such as a weather center, over the wireless mesh network.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Emmanuel Monnerie, Jeffrey B. Shudark, Stephen J. Chasko
-
Patent number: 8707075Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of the proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module. One of the modules is operable as a leaf node having a sleep mode to conserve energy and an interactive mode. The central computer can send a message to the leaf node commanding it to stay awake in order to receive subsequent communications.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Memsic Transducer Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Alan Broad, Rahul Kapur, Jaidev Prabhu, Martin Albert Turon, Ning Xu, Xin Yang, Matt Miller
-
Patent number: 8698624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Hick
-
Patent number: 8692668Abstract: A wireless node for monitoring landslide conditions has at least one tubular probe body deployed in a borehole in a landslide prone area and anchored to rock below soil, multiple sensors carried by and deployed within and or outside of the tubular probe body for measuring geologic motion, hydrologic saturation and pressure at three or more levels of soil above the rock, a data acquisition board in communication with the sensors carried by and or deployed within or outside of the probe body, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the data acquisition board and accessible to a local area wireless network (LAWN). Geologic and hydrologic data of layers of soil above the anchor rock is from the sensors deployed on or near the probe body, the data qualified against threshold readings to provide graduating levels of alerts culminating in a warning of a landslide.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Amrita Vishwa VidyapeethamInventor: Maneesha V. Ramesh
-
Patent number: 8686849Abstract: A method of wirelessly transmitting alarm signals includes wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal from a transmitting station. It is determined whether an acknowledgement signal wirelessly transmitted from an access point in response to the access point receiving the alarm signal has been received by the transmitting station. A relaying station is woken up and kept awake during a plurality of periodic time intervals for overhearing transmissions from the transmitting station. If it is determined that an acknowledgement signal from the access point has not been received by the transmitting station, then the alarm signal is wirelessly re-transmitting from the transmitting station during at least one of the time intervals in which the relaying station is awake. The alarm signal is received at the relaying station. The alarm signal is transmitted from the relaying station to the access point.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Huang Lee, Murat Senel
-
Patent number: 8680989Abstract: A device including a sensor to detect information around the device, an audio component to output an audible alert if an emergency event is detected, a display device to render emergency data from the device, and a controller to use the information to identify an emergency event of a user and select the emergency data from the device based on the emergency event, wherein the emergency data is associated with the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Moses George
-
Publication number: 20140070943Abstract: Monitoring method and arrangement includes sensor systems arranged at different locations and that detect or measure a property of air at its location, at least one of which is situated on a fixed asset, a monitoring facility, and a communication system coupled to each sensor system and which generates a signal indicative of data provided by the sensor system and sends the signal to the monitoring facility. Data provided by the sensor systems and sent via the communication system is analyzed at the monitoring facility in association with a location of each sensor system, provided for example, by a location determining system associated with each sensor system or the communication system. An alert system may be coupled to the monitoring facility and generates an alert based on the data analysis. One or more of the sensor systems may be incorporated into a cell phone or personal digital assistant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventor: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
-
Patent number: 8669863Abstract: The medical information band is an electronic control unit removably attached to a band that may be worn by a user or attached to a medication bottle. The electronic control unit displays all the information of drugs that the user takes, and provides an electronic alert to remind the user when to take the medication, or when the medication has reached its expiration date. The electronic control unit includes a temperature sensor, and alerts the user when the medication must be moved to a different location with a more appropriate storage temperature. Moreover, the electronic control unit may also display the personal information and the health status of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Fahad M. F. S. Alhuwaishel
-
Patent number: 8665082Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently collecting data at a remote device with a device that is able to use both analog and digital signals, especially those that are compliant with serial data interface twelve (SDI-12) protocol. The collected data is compressed into a packet and sent to a base station where it is made available. Additionally, the present invention is able to produce alarms in response to the detection of an alarm condition. This data is able to be viewed from virtually anywhere.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Arthroscopic Surgery Associates CorporationInventors: Gregory M. Glenn, Damon Silva, Timothy Henry
-
Patent number: 8653965Abstract: A monitoring system of the present disclosure has at least one monitor that collects personal health data, stores the personal health data in memory, and transmits at least one data packet comprising the personal health data and at least one identifier for identifying the monitor and a gateway computing device communicatively coupled to the at least one monitor and communicatively coupled to a network, the gateway computing device receives from the monitor the at least one data packet and transmits the at least one data packet over the network. In addition, the monitoring system has a server computing device communicatively coupled to the network, the server computing device receives from the gateway computing device the data packet and stores the data packet in memory associated with a user identifier.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Integrity Tracking, LLCInventors: Chris A. Otto, Chirag D. Patel, Hugh A. Hartwig, Corey L. Sanders
-
Patent number: 8653933Abstract: A system of devices comprises a plurality of sensor devices and a central gateway device. Each sensor device comprises communicating means for communicating with the central gateway device, storage means storing a unique identifier, and display means displaying a location identifier. The central gateway device comprises communicating means for communicating with the plurality of sensor devices, and storage means storing the unique identifiers of the plurality of sensor devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Mark L. Hitchin
-
Publication number: 20140032114Abstract: A navigation system integrated with knowledge of active emergency alerting system alert data and up to date Doppler weather radar data, to provide a visual representation of an alert area and/or current weather patterns on a map, and to automatically navigate a subscriber device away from an affected area, e.g., an alert area, an area under severe weather. The inventive navigation system displays NEXRAD Doppler weather radar data on a map by integrating a NEXRAD feed into the map and allowing a user to enable/disable the NEXRAD feed as a map overlay. The inventive navigation system also automatically routes or reroutes a subscriber device to avoid areas under severe weather. The navigation system is also integrated with a conventional CMSP gateway in an emergency alerting system to provide: a visual representation of an alert area on a map and to automatically route/reroute a subscriber device around an alert area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Titus, Dara Ung, Theresa Whitehurst, Jay Whitehurst, Austin Klahn, Brant Clark
-
Patent number: 8638222Abstract: Controllable device selection based on controller location is described. In embodiments, a companion utility is executed by a portable device to interface the portable device with a selected one of multiple controllable devices via a wireless network. A location of the portable device can be determined based on a positioning unit that is integrated with the portable device. A controllable device can then be selected that is proximate the location of the portable device for input control of the controllable device via the wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Eric R Soldan, Bradley R Pettit, Nosherwan Minwalla, Nicolae Surpatanu
-
Patent number: 8633819Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.Inventor: Jay Brosius
-
Patent number: 8635020Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically entering favorite locations into a navigation system is provided. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving information regarding a location from an object within a vehicle using a navigation system. An identifier to the information and the information and identifier are stored in the navigation system. The user may retrieve the information from the navigation system using the identifier. The information from the objects may be received in various wireless formats, including RFID, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lisa Seacat DeLuca, Clive Hannah
-
Patent number: 8629762Abstract: Systems and methods for locating one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are provided. A phase difference of received information signals of illuminated RFID tags is utilized to locate the RFID tags. One or more exciters transmit interrogation signals to illuminate the RFID tags in which the exciters may have a plurality of antenna selectively configured to transmit through two or more antennas and to receive on one antenna. Multiple reads of the same RFID tag can also be performed to generate a probability model of the location of the RFID tag. An enhanced particle filter is applied to probability model to determine the exact location of the RFID.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Mojix, Inc.Inventors: Ramin Sadr, Scott Stephens, Christopher Jones
-
Patent number: 8626193Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: OnAsset Intelligence, Inc.Inventors: Adam Crossno, Bruce C. Lutz
-
Patent number: 8624730Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying and providing warnings of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other environmental occurrences. Temperature, pressure, seismic activities and other environmental conditions are measured with improved granularity using sensors at multiple locations. More extensive distribution of sensors is enabled using existing networks, such as utility (e.g., gas and electricity) meter networks. Network traffic is improved by screening information locally so that only limited information is sent for central processing. A given location, for example, may compare its own and its neighbors measurements against a profile to identify the probable existence of a tornado before sending a message to a central processing device. Upon receiving such a message and possibly other information (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Chasko
-
Patent number: 8624709Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a camera in a surveillance system. The method and system use a mathematical rotation between a first coordinate system and a second coordinate system in order to calibrate a camera with a map of an area. In some embodiments, the calibration can be used to control the camera and/or to display a view cone on the map.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Intergraph Technologies CompanyInventors: Andrew D. Estes, Johnny E. Frederick
-
Patent number: 8624729Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Defendec Inc.Inventors: Jürgo-Sören Preden, Jaanus Tamm, Madis Uusjärv, Villu Arulaane
-
Patent number: 8620343Abstract: Inexpensive position sensing devices that allow widespread use and availability of position information are disclosed. One embodiment of the position-sensing device acquires, down converts and extracts raw position data from position signals. Then, the position-sensing device wirelessly transmits the raw position data to a position-computing device, which converts the raw position data into the position of the device. The position-computing device can also receive auxiliary information from auxiliary sensors, and perform analyzes based on the position and the auxiliary information. The position-computing device can re-transmit the position and auxiliary information to a remote site for further analysis and/or central storage. The remote site can also download information to the position-computing device. The position-computing device can also control an actuator to perform an operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.Inventors: Chung Lau, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
-
Publication number: 20130335219Abstract: The present application describes a sensor network and method for monitoring and detecting intrusion activities in accordance with various illustrative embodiments. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first input from a first sensor at a first sensor node of a wireless ad hoc sensor network, and comparing the first input to a first predefined input threshold associated with an intrusion activity. The method also includes wirelessly communicating an indication of the intrusion activity to a gateway device via a second sensor node of the wireless ad hoc sensor network. The gateway device may include an interface between the wireless ad hoc sensor network and a user-interactive system configured to monitor the wireless ad hoc sensor network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventor: Bernard M. Malkowski
-
Patent number: 8610582Abstract: An exercise monitoring apparatus capable of allowing a user to conveniently check a progressed exercise state and capable of properly controlling an exercise amount, by comparing a progressed exercise amount measured based on scheduling information received from an external apparatus and acceleration information of the exercise monitoring apparatus, with a goal exercise amount, and by visually providing a comparison result, a system and an exercise monitoring method thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Younghyeog Jeon, Beomoh Kim, Heejin Park, Gyuseog Hong, Seungjin Jang, Jeongmee Koh, Youngdon Hwang
-
Patent number: 8610557Abstract: A system includes a fire extinguisher station having a number of sensors to detect various predetermined conditions that can be communicated in alarms to a central station. The central station receives alarms from the fire extinguisher and determines whether to contact emergency personnel and/or building maintenance personnel. Other items of emergency equipment can be included in the system for improved detection and response to emergency conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Sr., John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
-
Patent number: 8607617Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of oxygen containers 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 signal to the remote central station that includes information about predetermined internal and/or external conditions such as the level of oxygen stored in the tank, a pressure condition of material stored in the tank, a lack of presence of the tank in an installed position, or the presence of an obstruction restricting access to the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
-
Patent number: 8604911Abstract: In one embodiment, an RF disturbance detection system is provided that includes: an RF interrogator configured to transmit an RF interrogation signal; and a plurality of RF transceiver modules configured to respond to the RF interrogation signal by transmitting unique RF response signals, wherein the RF interrogator is further configured to periodically interrogate the RF transceiver modules to detect the power of the corresponding response signals so as to detect any changes in the response signal powers over time.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Tialinx, Inc.Inventors: Afshin Niktash, Farrokh Mohamadi
-
Publication number: 20130321148Abstract: An apparatus comprises at least one frame, wheels operatively connected to the frame, at least one processor operatively connected to the frame, a plurality of gas detectors operatively connected to the processor, and at least one wireless transceiver operatively connected to the processor. Further, a rechargeable power storage unit is operatively connected to the processor, the gas detectors, and the wireless transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Dushyant R. Daga, Jennifer L. Gardner-Dimitri, Michael A. Graziano, David M. Sweeney, III
-
Publication number: 20130314229Abstract: The present invention provides an alarm information transmission method, a sensor node device and a gateway node device so as to solve the problem in the prior art that alarm information generated by a sensor node cannot be transmitted in time. The method comprises: receiving, by a gateway node, indication information indicating that alarm information is desired to be sent from a sensor node that is ready to send the alarm information; determining corresponding emergency communication resource information from predetermined indication information and emergency communication resource information for transmitting the alarm information in accordance with the indication information; and broadcasting, by the gateway node, the determined emergency communication resource information and instructing the sensor node that receives the emergency communication resource information to transmit the alarm information in accordance with the emergency communication resource information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: Kui Tu, Ping Li
-
Patent number: 8593287Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.Inventors: Gary Hayter, Martin J. Fennell, Lei He, Mark K Sloan
-
Patent number: 8587433Abstract: According to the product administration system of the present embodiment, the radio tag having the acceleration sensor and the inquiry unit for communication with the radio tag are provided, the inquiry unit sets a direction of acceleration and a threshold value of the acceleration in the direction in the radio tag by communication, and the set radio tag responds to an inquiry from the inquiry unit when it exceeds the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Sadatoshi Oishi
-
Publication number: 20130300561Abstract: Provided are a wireless communication device and a communication device control method that include a set of templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances. The templates may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived or inferred by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors and then may be compared to the templates to determine a matching template. An action script is then executed based at least partially on the matching template which may include the contacting of a responding party.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Jeffrey A. Aaron
-
Patent number: 8581707Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Pyramid Meriden Inc.Inventor: George Bucci
-
Patent number: 8577294Abstract: A user configurable security profile defining relationships between a plurality of communications devices is utilized to secure a communications device in response to an occurrence of an event. In an example embodiment, the devices are linked together using a short range wireless communications protocol. If one of the devices becomes disconnected from the link, another device determines what actions to take based on the profile and the specific actions associated with the disconnected device. A device can be unlocked by providing a code, PIN, password, or the like. A legitimate disconnection from the link, such as turning a device off, or the battery dying, will not result in the remaining devices being locked. If a device is stolen and not recovered, the user can reconfigure the security profile to exclude the stolen device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Mark Edward Causey, Scott M. Andrus, Adrianne B. Luu, Kevin W. Jones
-
Patent number: 8570179Abstract: A sensor is coupled to a device positioned within an enclosure and is configured to determine the status of the device or its surrounding environment. The sensor transmits the information to a central computer and/or a local indicator. Once the information is received at the central computer, the information is processed for the operators and maintainers to interpret. Based on the information received, the operators and maintainers may implement procedures to maintain the device or its surrounding environment under observation. In certain embodiments, the central computer provides instructions to a second device within or adjacent to the enclosure to implement corrective actions. In some embodiments, the sensor is coupled to a microcontroller which performs analysis received from the sensor and provides instructions to the second device to implement corrective actions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: David Carr Holloway, Kerop D. Janoyan, Matthew J. Whelan
-
Patent number: 8565757Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for assessing call integrity of calls communicated via a mobile device. In particular, physical aspects of the mobile device that are related to call integrity are identified. The physical condition of the mobile device is then monitored based on the identified physical aspects. The data retrieved from monitoring the physical aspects of the mobile device is then provided to a physical condition assessment component that determines an assessed physical condition of the mobile device. Based on the assessed physical condition of the mobile device, call integrity of calls communicated via the mobile device is determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Tuan Quoc Tran, Jason Norwood Ward, Kimberly Rae Raddatz
-
Patent number: 8564410Abstract: A process for monitoring containers including use of a severable security lock with an radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna adapted sever upon dislocation of the lock. The process utilizes an electronic identification number to ensure security lock integrity. The process includes detecting the security lock in transit by the use of mobile and fixed transmission units at regional boundaries. Updates are provided to an event log associated with the security lock.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Paul Llewellyn Greene
-
Patent number: 8552861Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for a biodegradable sensor device for mesh networking applications. In an embodiment of the invention, a biodegradable sensor device for mesh networking applications is provided. The device includes a frame formed of biodegradable material such as a mixture of polylactic acid and a resin, a biodegradable battery such as a flexible biodegradable lithium ion battery, an antenna, an environmental event detector formed from biodegradable material responsive to a change in environmental conditions, and signal generating circuitry configured to be responsive to detecting an environmental event by broadcasting a signal to other sensor devices in a mesh network and also to re-broadcast signals received from other sensor devices in the mesh network.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Paul R. Bastide, Matthew E. Broomhall, Robert E. Loredo
-
Patent number: 8552884Abstract: A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators. In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Klaus Biester, Norbert Lenz, Peter Kunow, Steffen Gebauer, Martin Trog, Volker Zabe