Specific Environmental Sensor Patents (Class 340/539.26)
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Patent number: 8269633Abstract: Multiple identical data loggers are produced on sheet material and then separated to produce individual products for distribution to separate locations. A continuous roll of tape sheet material comprises a contiguous series of data loggers which each include a cover sheet, a transponder, a sensor, a power source (such as a battery), an antenna, a microprocessor, an adhesive layer and means to separate individual data logger elements from one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: White Box, Inc.Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, Michael A. Macchiarelli
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Patent number: 8269627Abstract: A status monitoring device for a fenestration unit is provided. The device is positioned in or on the fenestration unit and includes a panel position sensor and a lock status sensor. The device is capable of transmitting panel position data and lock status data to a remote device, trigger an audible alarm on the device or the remote device, trigger a visual alarm on the device or the remote device, or a combination of these.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Andersen CorporationInventors: Sachin Gore, David Plummer, Daniel Timmerman
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Patent number: 8264344Abstract: A mobile surveillance appliance receives sensed data over a wireless link from a remote sensing post which monitors a remotely monitored space having a predefined spatial location and transmits the sensed data. The mobile surveillance appliance provides a display of the sensed data from monitored space and an intervention controller which, when activated responsive to an event perceived on the display, encodes the predefined spatial location and an event melioration onto a remote intervention request, and transmits the intervention request to a remote intervener. The remote sensing post, mobile surveillance appliance, and remote intervener may communicate using SIP messaging.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shze Chew Lee, Andrew M. Gutman
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Patent number: 8264365Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising of a remote microphone, attached to a portable radio, incorporating a motion sensing component, such as a Solid State Accelerometer, and an orientation sensing component, such as a Solid State Gyroscope or a multidirectional Solid State Accelerometer and activated by the wearer's motionlessness and subsequently activates the Emergency Alert and sends out an audible distress signal, a radio frequency (RF) distress signal, or both, as if the wearer had pressed the Emergency Alert button.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Eric Sacknoff
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Patent number: 8258943Abstract: The present invention relates to a ubiquitous sensor network-based system and method for automatically managing food sanitation. The system includes at least one sensor node (100) configured to measure and store sensing information, compare measured values with preset values, and generate a warning message. A sink node (200) mediates between the sensor node and a management server (400) and between the mobile terminal and the management server. A mobile terminal (300) reads food information using an RFID reader or a barcode reader, transmits the food information, measures and stores sensing information, compares the measured values with preset values, and generates a warning message. The management server (400) generates a control command, transmits the control command to the sensor node or the mobile terminal, and notifies a manager of an urgent situation and a location of the kitchen appliance if received data is a warning message.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: First-Tech CorporationInventors: Jae Ill Park, Jung Gyu Kim, Byung Rak Son
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Patent number: 8248262Abstract: An event recognition and response system includes an event sensor. An event recognition engine is coupled to the event sensor. An action profile database is coupled to the event recognition engine. The event recognition engine is operable to receive an event input from the event sensor, compare the event input to a plurality of action profiles in the action profile database and, upon determining that at least one action profile in the action profile database matches the event input, perform a predetermined action.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Charles Delbert Robison, Jr., Douglas Evan Messick, Kyle Eric Cross
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Patent number: 8248264Abstract: When a major failure is detected, display of a measurement value on a display section is stopped, and instead of the measurement value, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the major failure, is displayed on the display section. When a minor failure is detected, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the minor failure, and a measurement value are alternately displayed on the display section by being switched one from the other.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Shimakata, Miho Egawa
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Patent number: 8248252Abstract: A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, which can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support streaming monitoring information to a customer for analysis or sending a command activating a device connected to a remote unit. Remote units associated with the same location may be in a pool, comprising one active unit and one or more spare units, in which the server automatically identifies the active unit. The server may support analyzing monitoring information according to an expected cycle pattern of a ventilation system at the monitored facility.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Schechter Tech, LLCInventors: Harry J. Schechter, Kevin Felichko
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Patent number: 8237559Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sending environmental data by means of a mobile terminal device, comprising the steps of detecting said environmental data, evaluating said environmental data, determining if said evaluated environmental data is to be sent, and sending said environmental data in case of an affirmative determination.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Wolfgang Theimer, Thomas Schetelig
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Patent number: 8232884Abstract: A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Greg R. Pattok, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Scott R. Edwards, Darin D. Tuttle, Christopher D. Stirling
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Patent number: 8228183Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Arthroscopic Surgery Associates CorporationInventors: Gregory M. Glenn, Damon Silva, Timothy Henry
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Patent number: 8224286Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for reducing power consumption of a radio communication device. In a solution according to the invention an audio signal is monitored (801) and the radio communication devise is activated to transmit (802) a radio signal containing information of the audio signal only when (803) the audio signal contains speech. The power consumption of the radio communication device can be reduced without a need for manual control actions that could limit the freedom of action of a person who is using of the radio communication device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Savox Communications Oy AB (Ltd)Inventor: Hasse Sinivaara
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Patent number: 8217783Abstract: A method of conserving energy and natural resources transported in subsurface pipelines and preventing environmental contamination therefrom by identifying the subsurface location of leaks of oil, gas, water or other natural resources transported in these pipelines includes adhering a continuous tape having a plurality of uniquely identified radio frequency identification (RFID) tags mounted thereon axially along the pipeline and use of a mobile robotic device to identify the specific location of a leak in the pipeline, thereby preventing loss of energy and water traveling through pipeline, contamination of these fluids and environmental contamination, and the use of additional fuel to replenish these lost natural resources.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Samir Mekid, Abdelhafid Bouhraoua
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Patent number: 8207846Abstract: In an electronic device having a graphical output device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics of the output device includes sensing at least one environmental condition, selecting display characteristics of the electronic device based on the environmental condition, and selectively altering size of text displayed on the graphical output device in response to the selected display characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Arthur Anthonie Van Hoff, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 8207850Abstract: Jungle canopy surveillance apparatus and method for surveillance of human presence in a jungle canopy environment includes a plurality of sensor-relay units configured to be disposed on or near the jungle floor, and configured to detect human presence and wirelessly transmit a corresponding detection signal. At least one of the sensor-relay units is configured to receive a detection signal from another sensor-relay unit and to relay the thus-received detection signal. An artificial intelligence center is configured to be disposed on or near the top of the jungle canopy, and is configured to (i) receive at least one of the detection signal and the relayed detection signal, (ii) analyze the received at least one of the detection signal and the relayed detection signal using artificial intelligence software, and (iii) transmit a corresponding report signal to a receiving platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Inventors: Christopher William Weller, James Henry Boschma
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Patent number: 8199016Abstract: An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Ian J. Forster, Yukihiko Sasaki
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Patent number: 8199000Abstract: A wireless patient monitoring system forms a Network Around a Patient (NAP) and includes sensor nodes configured to acquire patient data from a patient. A gateway device is in bi-directional wireless communication with the sensor nodes for a plurality of defined communication frames. The gateway device is configured to transmit a beacon message to the sensor nodes at each of a plurality of frequencies. The sensor nodes are further configured to receive the beacon message from the gateway device and transmit the acquired patient data to the gateway device at each of the plurality of frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Anderson Fergus Ross, David Michael Davenport
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Patent number: 8199022Abstract: A system and method are provided for coordinating the installation and removal a motor control center subunit with the power connection and interruption thereof. A system of interlocks and indicators causes an operator to install a motor control center subunit into a motor control center, and connect supply and control power thereto, in a particular order. Once installed, a test module system included with the subunit provides for pass-through connection of signals from equipment test points. The test module can thus relay internal conditions of the subunit to the operator without a need for disengaging or opening the subunit.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Robert A. Morris, Scott E. McPherren, Edgar Yee
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Patent number: 8199003Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Jeffrey Aaron
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Patent number: 8190729Abstract: A present invention provides a method for controlling roles of nodes in a network comprised of enormous nodes dynamically and distributed autonomously in such a way that the entire network can operate distributed autonomously. A method for controlling a field value u0 of node in a network comprises: a step of determining an initial value of said field value u0, and a step of updating said field value u0, the step of updating comprising: advertising said field value u0 to adjacent nodes, measuring an environment parameter ? from the environment of the node, receiving field values un of the said adjacent nodes, recording the field values un, calculating a new field value u0 from the field value u0, the field values un of the adjacent nodes and the environment parameter ? in such a way that field values of nodes whose environment parameter ? are within a constant range agree with given distribution, deleting the previous field value u0, and recording said new field value u0.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignees: KDDI Corporation, Tatsuya SudaInventors: Takeshi Kubo, Toru Hasegawa, Tatsuya Suda
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Patent number: 8179273Abstract: A display for a faulted circuit indicator is disclosed. A plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged so that at least one diode is visible to a person approaching the faulted circuit indicator from a determined angle of approach. When a fault is detected, the faulted circuit indicator flashes the plurality of light-emitting diodes in a predetermined pattern depending on whether a permanent or temporary fault is detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Laurence V. Feight
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Patent number: 8179251Abstract: A wireless sensor network includes an initial set of anchors at known locations, and a set of sensors at unknown locations. Ranges, from each sensor to at least three of the anchors, determine a position, an anchor ranging weight, and an anchor position weight. For each anchor, the anchor ranging weight and the anchor position weight form a combined weight. A weighted least square (WLS) function for the positions and the combined weights is minimized to determine a position of the sensor, and a sensor position weight. The sensor is identified as being a member of a set of candidate anchor nodes, and the candidate anchor node with a largest sensor position weight is selected to be transformed to another anchor to minimize propagation of errors in the positions of the set of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Nayef Alsindi, Chunjie Duan, Jinyun Zhang
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Patent number: 8169306Abstract: A system with haptic effects includes a first surface, a second surface with a flexible arm portion, a coupling that couples the flexible arm portion to the first surface, and a haptic effect generator attached to the first surface. The flexible arm portion includes a coupling portion, and the coupling is received in the coupling portion. The haptic effect generator causes movement of the first surface relative to the second surface, and the flexible arm limits the movement of the first surface and elastically returns the first surface substantially to its original position relative to the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventors: Robert Schmidt, Charles B. Banter
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Patent number: 8159340Abstract: A remote wireless network includes a plurality of sensors/transmitters wherein each sensor is uniquely identifiable and lends its unique identity to the transmitter to which it is attached.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: R3 Sensors, LLCInventors: Mark E. Peters, Robert B. Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 8159360Abstract: A display for a faulted circuit indicator is disclosed. A plurality of light-emitting diodes is arranged so that at least two diodes are visible to a person approaching the faulted circuit indicator from a determined angle of approach. When a fault is detected, the faulted circuit indicator flashes the plurality of light-emitting diodes in a progression pattern to indicate the direction to the fault relative to the faulted circuit indicator.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Laurence V. Feight
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Patent number: 8159341Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing monitoring of hazardous materials, including collecting environmental data via one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the environmental data including one or more environmentally detectable reference points; comparing the environmental data to a set of current ambient conditions, the environmental data detectable in a reference frame by the one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the reference frame including at least one of the one or more environmentally detectable reference points; performing an alert determination according to the comparison of the environmental data to the set of ambient conditions; and transmitting the alert determination to an existing fault detection system for the hazardous material source to enable the existing fault detection system to override a status rating of the hazardous materials source.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: THORAD CorporationInventor: Michael Jay Waugh
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Patent number: 8155664Abstract: A network of wireless radios automatically conserves energy, directs the operation of equipment, and locates assets and personnel. The network may identify changes in the occupancy of a building area and automatically alter the building environment according to predetermined settings, personal preferences, or unexpected conditions. The wireless radios also may include sensors that monitor specific parameters, the parameters may relate to building environment conditions or operating equipment. The network may automatically alter the operating building equipment in response to the parameters received. The wireless radios also may be portable and mounted upon movable items, such as personal identification devices, office furniture, equipment, containers, or other assets. The network may locate the movable items within a building based upon signals received from the wireless radios. The network also may track the movement of the movable items within a building. The wireless radios may operable as a mesh network.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 8154402Abstract: A wireless temperature sensor network includes a base station unit which transmits query signals cyclically addressing a plurality of temperature sensor transponder units. The transponder units are passive and derive operating power from the query signal to encode measured temperature data into a reply signal which is received by the base station. In a dual carrier embodiment, the query signal and reply signals are transmitted on separate frequencies. In a backscattering embodiment, the antennas of the transponder units can be switched between an absorption mode in which the query signal is received and a reflection mode in which the query signal is reflected back to the base station. The transponder antennas are switched in such a manner as to encode temperature data in the reflected signal to form a reply signal. The network embodiments are particularly applicable to space based platforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Reza Tayrani, Richard D. Young, Nick J. Rosik, Mark E. Stading, Shaun L. Champion, Ives H. Philip, Tho X. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8144020Abstract: A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Thermocline Ventures, LLCInventors: Graham E. Snyder, Courtney Hopkins Mann
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Patent number: 8138915Abstract: A method for rendering an alert message on a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal is received at the digital radio broadcast receiver. Data corresponding to an alert message comprising type information for identifying a type of the alert message and message information is detected. If the type information satisfies a triggering condition for a type of alert message pre-selected by a user of the digital radio broadcast receiver, the message information is rendered at the digital radio broadcast receiver. A digital radio broadcast receiver that performs the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: iBiquity Digital CorporationInventor: Marek Milbar
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Patent number: 8138909Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignees: Smiths Detection Inc., Smiths Detection—Watford LimitedInventors: Jay Lewington, John Walter Czajka, Douglas Jason Green, Carmelo Volpe
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Patent number: 8138922Abstract: Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. Each of a plurality of data tags stores identification information. At least one of the data tags is removable and capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the data tag substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed data tag and permits communication of the identification information via another data tag at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Binforma Group Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Jeffrey D. Lindsay, Herb Flores Velazquez, Fung-Jou Chen, Eric Francis Wagner
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Patent number: 8138918Abstract: An intrusion detection and tracking system includes a plurality of nodes, a DP and a gateway. The nodes are disposed about an area and form a wireless network to be monitored, the nodes are configured to receive data and transmit data frames with a signal strength indicator and/or a link quality indicator in the frames. The DP is communicatively connected to the network and configured to analyze variations in the signal strength indicator and/or link quality indicator to detect and track disturbances to an electromagnetic field in the area. The gateway is configured to form a data link between the network and the DP.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Toni S. Habib, Wassim S. Habib
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Patent number: 8138928Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including an event notification appliance including first and second light sources configured to indicate an event, including a fire and/or alert.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LPInventors: Daniel G. Farley, Todd Shearer, John Durst
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Patent number: 8134462Abstract: Disclosed is a floating sensor system having a casing that encloses a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a digital processor and a non-volatile memory. The casing also encloses a data bus that connects the microcontroller to an external environment sensor, an RF transceiver, and a battery. The non-volatile memory includes a history file that maintains a record of events sensed by the external environment sensors. The digital processor is configured to establish a pattern of expected external environmental behavior based on the record of events. The digital processor is also configured to emit a signal through the RF transceiver from the system when an unexpected event occurs.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nghia Tran, Michael R. Blackburn
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Patent number: 8134468Abstract: A pest detection device includes a housing with a sensor and one or more bait members. The sensor includes one or more of a chisel-shaped electrically conductive trace carried on a substrate, a low resistance electrically conductive ink defining an electrical pathway on a substrate with a pointed profile, and/or a substrate including a directional grain structure oriented in a predefined manner relative to an electrically conductive pathway.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLCInventors: Mike P. Tolley, Joseph J. DeMark, Donald E. Williams, III, Thomas H. Atkinson, Andrew H. Wurtz, Amy J. Griffin, Eva A. Chin, Marc L. Fisher
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Patent number: 8134470Abstract: A remote control system relating to a remote control and a base charger. A rechargeable battery contained within the remote control is charged when rested within a charging position of the base charger. Once a user removes the remote control from the charging position, the remote control doubles as a portable hazard detector that operates in a sustained manner for as long as the rechargeable batter has power. This means that the remote control will emit an alert noise if a hazard such as smoke or high level of carbon monoxide is detected by internal sensors located within the remote control. The base charger also has sensors and an alert speaker to inform the user of a potential hazard. In addition, the base charger is in communication with the remote control so that a user can locate a missing remote control.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Milton L. Agurs
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Patent number: 8115608Abstract: System for providing a hazardous materials hazardous material alert. The system includes a method for transmitting a hazardous material alert for use with a vehicle that is transporting hazardous material. The method comprises steps of detecting a hazard event, and transmitting the hazardous material alert in response to the hazard event, wherein the hazardous material alert includes information relating to the hazardous material.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Steven J. Davis, John Harvey, Lynne Patrick, Scott Rusnak
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Patent number: 8115634Abstract: A system for detecting access to an article, including an RFID tag, a reader detecting the RFID tag via wireless communication, and a container including conductive material. The container encloses the article, the conductive material surrounding the RFID tag and substantially preventing wireless communication between the RFID tag and the reader unless the container is opened. Detection of the RFID tag indicates that the container has been opened and the article has been accessed. A host computer may be notified of the detection and may receive from the RFID tag information associated with the article for inventory and accounting purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Gtech Rhode Island CorporationInventor: Thomas J. Napolitano
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Patent number: 8115626Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert Hick, Daniel M. Wright
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Patent number: 8106768Abstract: The method of operation applies to a self-powered home automation sensor device for detecting the existence of and/or for measuring the intensity of a first physical phenomenon, comprising a means of converting an effect of a second physical phenomenon into electrical energy and a means of determining the instantaneous power of this second physical phenomenon that can be converted into electrical energy, wherein a normal, first mode of operation of the device or an energy-saving second mode of operation of the device is activated according to a value defined on the basis of the determination of the instantaneous power that can be converted into electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Somfy SasInventor: Alexander Neumann
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Publication number: 20120019381Abstract: A swim monitor comprising a motion sensing device and a controller is provided. The motion sensing device is capable of detecting motion in a plurality of mutually orthogonal axes and the controller is arranged to capture motion data generated by the motion sensing device and to generate swim motion information with reference to the motion data collected. The controller is arranged to generate swim style information with reference to a rhythmic motion pattern detected in at least one selected motion direction. Such a swim monitor provides a compact device for swim monitoring and a simple solution to proved swim style information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Dayton Technologies LimitedInventor: Paul Anthony Yuen
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Patent number: 8102242Abstract: A group of associated transponders are respectively attached to a plurality of objects, such as sensors or containers. Each transponder includes a memory, a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. The memory stores group data, which includes data related to the respective attached objects. The controller causes the transmitter to autonomously transmit a group interrogation signal and to transmit a response signal in response to receipt of a group interrogation signal from another transponder of the group. The response signal includes at least some of the stored group data. The receiver receives both the group interrogation signals and the response signals from the other transponders of the group. The controller controls the transmitter and receiver and causes the memory to store data related to the respective object to which the transponder is attached and to store the group data included in the received response signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventors: Lincoln H. Charlot, Jr., David L. Acosta, James H. Swindell
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Patent number: 8102250Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention provide a user customizable monitoring system. For example, in one embodiment, the user customizable monitoring system includes a set of user-programmable portable sensors and a communication hub for enabling a user to customize features associated with the set of user-programmable portable sensors. In one embodiment, the communication hub is further configured to receive data from the set of user programmable portable sensors and perform a user specified action based on the received data. In some embodiments, a user selects any desired combination of different types of user-programmable portable sensors that come preconfigured to operate with the communication hub. Additionally, in some embodiments, a user may configure particular parameters associated with a user-programmable portable sensor using the communication hub.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company LLCInventor: Kweku David Fleming
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Patent number: 8099130Abstract: A wireless sensor network for monitoring one or more selected environmental characteristics. Multiple wireless signal transceivers, disposed in respective portions of a selected environment, respond to one or more wireless beacon signals by selectively collecting, processing and storing data corresponding to one or more characteristics of such portions of the selected environment, and by selectively transmitting respective wireless response signals containing selected portions of such data. Alternatively, multiple wireless signal transceivers, disposed in respective sub-networks in portions of a selected environment, collect and convey data corresponding to one or more characteristics of such selected environment portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Brian L. Halla, Ahmad Bahai
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Patent number: 8089355Abstract: An apparatus and method provide the automatic, self-configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user's environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Jeffrey Aaron
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Publication number: 20110309931Abstract: A wirelessly-linked RFID tracking system is disclosed herein. The system includes low-power wirelessly-linked RFID readers in communication with a mine radio network to detect and transmit information received from a plurality of RFID tags. The RFID readers transmit tag information to a local server for providing notification and/or alarm information to system users as required under the Miner Act of 2006. The RFID readers may further include environmental sensors to sense and communicate environmental conditions wirelessly. In addition, the optional capability of hi-intensity warning LEDs mounted on the reader devices, may be deployed to alert personnel of an emergency condition even when hundreds of feet away from the device, irrespective of background noise prevalent in mining operations. The disclosed system communicatively links a plurality of wireless RFID readers to each other and/or to the mine radio network to create a data path from an underground environment to a surface environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventor: Mark D. Rose
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Patent number: 8078711Abstract: A front-end gateway unit is designed for integration to a remote ecological environment monitoring system that is equipped with a wireless sensor network (WSN) system installed at a remote site, such as a farmland or a garden, for the purpose of allowing the WSN system to exchange data with a back-end host server via a wireless communication system. The front-end gateway unit is characterized by the capability of using either the WSN system or a built-in sensing module for collecting ecological data, and the capability of combining geographical location data in the ecological data. This feature allows the collection of a comprehensive set of ecological data (including geographical location, temperature, humidity, sunlight data, wind speed, and pest number) for transfer to the back-end host server, such that research/management personnel at the local site can conveniently browse these ecological data and learn the ecological conditions of the remotely monitored area.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Joe-Air Jiang, En-Cheng Yang, Chwan-Lu Tseng, Chia-Pang Chen, Tzu-Shiang Lin, Yung-Cheng Wu, Chen-Ying Lin, Chu-Ping Tseng, Shih-Hsiang Lin, Chih-Sheng Liao, Shih-Hao Szu, Chung-Wei Yen, Kuang-Chang Lin, Zong-Siou Wu, Fu-Ming Lu
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Patent number: 8077012Abstract: A system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first clock signal generator generating a first clock signal at a first frequency, and a second clock signal generator generating a second clock signal at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. The first clock signal is used to calibrate the second clock signal generator. An RFID device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a crystal controlled first clock signal generator generating a first clock signal at a first frequency, a second clock signal generator generating a second clock signal at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency, and an activate circuit. The second clock signal generator is inactive until activated by the activate circuit. The first clock signal is used to calibrate the second clock signal generator. Methods are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Intelleflex CorporationInventors: Naresh Batra, Robert Olah, William Henry Bares
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Patent number: 8072324Abstract: Monitoring data is received from a remote device and represents a current status value of a monitored condition at the remote device. The monitored condition is characterized by a current state that can be any one of a number of possible states. A determination is made as to whether the current status value of the monitored condition as indicated by the received data satisfies a hysteresis criterion associated with the current state of the monitored condition. If the current status value of the monitored condition satisfies the hysteresis criterion, then a determination is made as to whether the hysteresis criterion has been continuously satisfied for a specified persistence period. If the hysteresis criterion has been continuously satisfied for the specified persistence period, then the current state of the monitored condition is changed to reflect the current status value of the monitored condition, and the changed current state is recorded.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: iControl, Inc.Inventor: David Lee Erickson