Disturbance Of Electric Field Patents (Class 340/561)
  • Patent number: 12027026
    Abstract: A personal proximity alert device and associated behavior modification system configured to monitor and/or detect a hand of a user or another person or object penetrating a personal protection zone around the facial area of the user and to alert users to such detected risks and/or to the presence of others approaching within a predetermined minimum socially safe distance to reduce the likelihood of accidentally transmitting viruses or other pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Conservention, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Shaw, Steven E. Shaw, Mark Small, Steve Wisner
  • Patent number: 11914856
    Abstract: A method for dynamically spatially visualizing in real time or historically tag localization and sensing data in a User Interface through the combined GUI elements of a Floor Layout view. An indoor map view visually indicates tags as colored dots moving within boundaries of Readers. Localization data from these tags are used to position and move them in a spatially accurate way. Playback controls GUI which allows for pausing or to instantly view historical tag localization and sensing data by dragging the playback control's scrubber backwards in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Peytec Inc.
    Inventors: Peyman Moeini, Akbar Ahmari, Furat Al-Obaidy, Arghavan Asad, Dishan Fernando, Xavier Navajothy Fernando, Sammy Guergachi, Muhammad Jaseemuddin, Xiaofeng Li, Ryan Murari, Farah Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 11794448
    Abstract: A sensor device has an insulative non-woven fabric and a conductive fabric forming an electrode. The conductive fabric is joined to one surface of the non-woven fabric by at least one of fusion and seaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadamitsu Sato, Sascha Kunzmann, Unmesh Ghoshdastider, Martin Oehler
  • Patent number: 11626007
    Abstract: A home occupancy status and information system may be used to track information about human and animal occupants within a structure, and provide information to first responders in the event of an emergency. A rescue beacon may be positioned near an entrance to a home, and when an audible alarm or alarm signal is detected by the beacon it will provide visual alerts and/or audible alerts to attract the attention of a first responder, and will provide information on occupants in the home, such as a number of pets, a number of humans, and other information. A rescue device may also be carried by each pet or other occupant in the house, which may be activated by a wireless signal from a rescue beacon, or by a detected alarm audio/signal. When activated, the rescue device will provide audible and/or visual alerts to aid first responders in locating the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: J&M Creative Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Ulleweit, Jeffrey A. Jablonski, Matthew B. Sunday, Joseph Althaus, Blake J. Dalton, Michael O. Crowley
  • Patent number: 11488461
    Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving the safety of a vehicle in relation to occurrences of smoke and fire. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring, from a radar of a subject vehicle, radar data about a passenger cabin of the subject vehicle. The method includes determining a current state of the passenger cabin according to the radar data. The method includes, responsive to identifying that the current state indicates smoke is present within the passenger cabin, controlling the subject vehicle to generate a response to the smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignees: Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Toyota Connected North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon P. Roberts, Yang Ding, Daniel W. Reaser, Christopher J. Macpherson, Keaton Khonsari, Derek A. Thompson, Sergei I. Gage
  • Patent number: 11350238
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing an unattended computer. The systems and methods provide an additional layer of security for computer systems by using network presence sensing (NPS) to detect the presence or absence of a user physically present at a computer system and if an authorized user is detected as having departed, taking a security action in response. The response may be to lock the computer, encrypted sensitive data, and so forth. The concept may also be applied at a facilities level, in computing pools, and in other instances physical presence or absence of a user at a computer is indicative of a need for a change in system state. This change could be security related, or could pertain to other resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Ivani, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Wootton, Boris Dieseldorff
  • Patent number: 11050422
    Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit for determining a complex electric current of at least one capacitive sense-guard sensor. The circuit includes an alternating signal voltage source, wherein each guard electrode is electrically connectable to the signal voltage source, a current measurement circuit having at least one measurement channel to determine a measurement current through a sense electrode, and at least one diagnostics channel to determine, with reference to an AC ground potential, a diagnostic current flowing through a guard electrode and a sense electrode of a capacitive sensor, and a remotely controllable switching unit, which in a measurement switching state is configured to electrically connect the sense electrode of the capacitive sensor to the measurement channel, and in a diagnostic switching state is configured to electrically connect the sense electrode to the diagnostics channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventor: Laurent Lamesch
  • Patent number: 10995736
    Abstract: A method for detecting fatigue state of cog belt of wind power generator set is provided, including acquiring pitch angles satisfying preset condition, acquiring signal characteristic values corresponding to the pitch angles, selects from the pitch angles according to acquisition timing sequence of signal characteristic values pitch angles at which signal characteristic value changes, performing characteristic statistics on selected pitch angles to acquire characteristic statistic value and determining whether the cog belt is in fatigue state by comparing characteristic statistic value with predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qingtian Wang, Jie Zhou, Tao Sun
  • Patent number: 10935357
    Abstract: A proximity fuse includes an electric-field (E-field) sensor to detect electrical disturbances from an object that is external and distinct from a device carrying the proximity fuse. The E-field sensor detects or senses E-fields versus time in order to provide omnidirectional coverage of the device carrying the proximity fuse. When the device carrying the fuse is a missile having warhead, the proximity fuse is connected with detonation logic that detonates the warhead at a desired time to destroy or neutralize the object, which is typically a threat, such as another missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Michael N. Mercier
  • Patent number: 10917773
    Abstract: One example discloses a near-field wireless device, including: a near-field antenna having a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface; wherein the conductive surfaces are configured to carry non-propagating quasi-static near-field electro-induction (NFEI) signals; a tuning circuit coupled to the near-field antenna and having a set of tuning parameters; a controller coupled to the tuning circuit; wherein the controller is configured to monitor a loading of the near-field antenna; wherein the controller is configured to adjust the tuning parameters if the loading is different from a preselected loading; and wherein the controller is configured to set a user present status in response to a predefined threshold change in the set of tuning parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Anthony Kerselaers, Liesbeth Gommé
  • Patent number: 10899181
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a grid circuit having dimensions corresponding to an inner surface of a tire, a computational device coupled to the grid circuit, and a wireless communications device coupled to the computational device. The wireless communications device is configured to transmit detection of damage to the grid circuit. A computer-implemented method includes monitoring a grid circuit positioned in a tire to detect damage to conductors of the grid circuit, detecting damage to at least one of the conductors of the grid circuit, and transmitting information about the damage to a computer of a vehicle. A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a computational device coupled to a grid circuit in a tire, information about damage to the grid circuit and outputting an indication that the tire is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Dennes, Junfeng Xu, John A. Rohe
  • Patent number: 10383178
    Abstract: A composite heating device for homogeneous heating of surfaces, especially curved surfaces, such as in particular for homogeneous heating of steering wheels, the composite heating device having a heating element and a multipart thermally conductive layer that includes at least two thermally conductive portions with different thermal conductivities, a first portion of the thermally conductive portions being in contact with the heating element. Steering wheel integrating such a composite heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Alexei Boulbitch, Thomas Wittkowski
  • Patent number: 10308273
    Abstract: A steering wheel heater device including: a heating wire; a power line connected in series to the heating wire, for supplying the heating wire with power; a ground line connected in series to the heating wire; a lead-out wire connected to a point along a wiring pattern formed of the heating wire; and a contact detection circuit electrically connected to the wiring pattern formed of the heating wire through the lead-out wire, wherein a portion of the wiring pattern is connected in series between the ground line and the contact detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Naitou, Shinji Fujikawa, Tsuyoshi Nishio, Nobuharu Katsuki
  • Patent number: 9604649
    Abstract: A method and system for determining whether a driver of a vehicle is in contact with a steering wheel of the vehicle is provided. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of generating a perturbation signal that causes vibration of the steering wheel and receiving a steering signal from a steering system sensor configured to provide an indication of at least one of a steering torque and a steering movement of a component of an electronic power steering system of the vehicle. The method further includes the steps of mixing the perturbation signal and the steering signal to produce a heterodyne signal and generating a driver contact signal indicative of whether the driver of the vehicle is in contact with the steering wheel of the vehicle, the value of the driver contact signal dependent on characteristics of the heterodyne signal relating to the perturbation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Pastor, Kenneth L. Oblizajek, Jin-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9525498
    Abstract: An arrangement (102, 100) for monitoring the operation of a transmitter antenna system (112). The transmitter antenna system is adapted for the emission of one or more information signals (M1.1 , M2.1 , M3.1 , M4.1). The arrangement for monitoring is provided with a retrieval arrangement (102) for retrieving a first detection signal which is a measure for the reflection signal in the transmitter antenna system. According to the invention, the arrangement for monitoring is further provided with a detection arrangement (100) which is adapted to establish whether, in the frequency characteristic of the first detection signal, frequency components that are different from the one or more information signals (M1.1 , M2.1 , M3.1 , M4.1) are present in the first detection signal and to generate a second detection signal if this is the case. This way, the occurrence of an arc in a transmitter antenna system can be reliably established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUT FUR RUNDFUNKTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Kruger, Joachim Von Parpart
  • Patent number: 9495569
    Abstract: A system and method to detect an event associated with a first object relative to a second object and a support is provided. The system can include an antenna at a support to receive the first object, a tag reader in communication with the antenna and a tag located on the second object. In response to detecting a change in impedance of the antenna associated with the presence of the first object, the tag reader communicates a presence signal. In response to detecting the tag within a threshold proximity of the tag reader, the tag reader generates a tag signal. A remoter server is operable to detect an association of the first and second objects based on a comparison a time associated with each of the tag signal and the presence signal, and in response then creates an output indicative of a detected event based on the association for illustration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Theurer, Judith Guzzo, Douglas Forman, Brandon Good, Todd Scarola, Shaopeng Liu, Robert Wallace, David Smith
  • Patent number: 9354082
    Abstract: A server includes: an allocation unit that switches areas responsible for the respective meter readers based on an order for allocating a plurality of meter readers of a meter reader management unit and an order for allocating areas of an area management unit to allocate the switched area to the respective meter readers; and an instructing unit that instructs the allocated meter readers to read the corresponding areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Nippon Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Shingo Dekamo
  • Patent number: 9184311
    Abstract: A cloud tracking system for photovoltaic power plant is disclosed. The cloud tracking system for photovoltaic power plant can include plurality of cloud shadow sensors positioned on the perimeter of the photovoltaic power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Baldwin, Kevin Collins
  • Patent number: 9144041
    Abstract: A combination of capacitive, mutual capacitive, and inductive proximity and touch sensing is used to detect the presence and nature of nearby objects to a wireless device. When the proximity of metal or a user is sensed the output power of a Wi-Fi module in the device is reduced so as to prevent harm to the user and/or the Wi-Fi transmitter amplifier circuits. Inductive sensors located at the four corners of the wireless device are used to detect metal, and capacitive sensors are used to detect a capacitance change or shift due to the presence of a user's hand, body or metal. In addition, the capacitive sensors may be located at the four corners of the device and can measure changes in the mutual capacitance coupling between these capacitive sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Edwin Curtis, Yann LeFaou, Fanie Duvenhage
  • Patent number: 9035770
    Abstract: An intruder barrier is provided that includes multiple generally parallel transparent slats acting as burglar bars with at least some, and preferably all, of the transparent slats having associated therewith a conductive path extending at least from a first end region of a slat to a second end region thereof. The conductive path is capable of conducting electricity or electromagnetic radiation along the length of the slat and is associated with an output to an alarm system that may be configured to trigger an alarm when the conductive characteristic of a slat is terminated by virtue of the slat being at least partially severed, broken, or removed from its operative position. Typically the transparent slats are secured to a fixed surrounding frame of an opening window. The invention in a further embodiment includes transparent slats for use in such an intruder barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Marius de Wet de Villiers
  • Publication number: 20150015397
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine operates to read card data from user cards and to cause a determination to be made that the read data corresponds to at least one of a user and account that is authorized to operate the machine. The machine operates responsive at least in part to the determination to perform a transaction function and to cause the account to be assessed an amount corresponding to the transaction function. The machine includes a housing including a currency holding area, and operates to generate signals responsive to unauthorized access to the currency holding area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Mike LAWVER, Steven R. DAVIS, Mark A. DOUGLASS, Neil GROMLEY, Timothy M. DEWELL
  • Patent number: 8933805
    Abstract: A touchless transmitter is described. The transmitter includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of an object. The transmitter further includes a sensor adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a level of sensitivity of the sensor. The transmitter also includes an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to a receiver upon detecting the presence of the object, and the transmitter includes an indicator configured to provide an output upon detecting the presence of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Controlled Entry Distributors, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Kofford, Luigi Bignotti
  • Patent number: 8842010
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas G Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 8816851
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of distributed lighting control are disclosed. One embodiment includes a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a light, a sensor associated with the light for sensing a change of light intensity per unit of time greater than a sense threshold, and a controller. The controller is operative to determine if the light is within an area, activate the light at a preselected area light intensity if a light associated with the sensor is within the area and the sensed change of light intensity per unit of time is greater than the sense threshold, and if the light is not within the area, then the light only activates if motion is additionally detected, thereby increasing light intensity over a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: enLighted. Inc.
    Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Premal Ashar
  • Patent number: 8791839
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of recognizing the presence of a passenger in front of a door of a transit vehicle comprises directing an ultrasound transmitter/receiver at a volume of space adjacent the door, emitting an ultrasound pulse into the empty volume, recording and integrating intensity of the echoes and storing the integrated value as a standard value, repeatedly emitting an ultrasound pulse into the volume, and comparing the integrated values to the standard value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Citta, Robert Urman
  • Patent number: 8786432
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a cantilevered element including a coating material having an affinity for at least one compound. The apparatus further includes a first capacitive plate and a second capacitive plate that are each spaced from and capacitively coupled to the cantilevered element. The first capacitive plate is configured to induce a vibration in the cantilevered element at a frequency related to a mass of the cantilevered element. A frequency detector is coupled to the second capacitive plate to detect a change in vibrational frequency of the cantilevered element as a result of at least one particle of the at least one compound coupling to the coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 8754771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device and a system for preventing false alarms in a theft-preventing system comprising a magnetic field for detecting at least one metal object in a first detection zone and means for determining a time-difference; said method comprising the steps of detecting a first change in a parameter indicative of the magnetic field in said first detection zone; detecting a second change in the parameter indicative of the magnetic field in said first detection zone; determining a time-difference between the detection of said first change in said parameter and the detection of said second change in said parameter; and performing an action based on said time-difference. In this way, false alarms due to a metal detector falsely detecting for example movement of metal-doors in a first detection zone may be reduced/eliminated. Additionally, the false alarms due to an opening and/or closing of a door with metal parts acting as an active tag may be reduced/eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alert Metalguard APS
    Inventors: Verner Falkenberg, Soren Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8665090
    Abstract: A multi-modal load control system includes a sensor that operates as an occupancy sensor in a first mode of operation and operates as a vacancy sensor in a second mode of operation. The load control system comprises a load control circuit adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and an electrical load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the load in response to sensor, which is operable to detect occupancy or vacancy conditions in a space in which the sensor is located. In the first mode of operation, the load control circuit turns the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition and turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition. In the second mode of operation, the load control circuit turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition and does not turn the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Bull
  • Patent number: 8659424
    Abstract: A system to detect subsurface activity. The system employs vibration sensor pairs, with each sensor pair having a shallow sensor and a deep sensor. Outputs of the sensors of a pair are processed together and events are detected based on the relative values detected by the sensors of the pair. When signal energy departs from a detected background level, the relative amplitude and frequency content of vibrations measured at the shallow and deep sensors may be compared. The comparison may be performed, at least in part, using a classifier that discriminates between subsurface activity and surface activity. The outputs of sensor pairs may be aggregated to make a determination of whether subsurface activity exists and/or its location. Aggregation may involve comparing the outputs of the same sensor pair at multiple time intervals or may involve comparing the outputs of arrayed sensor pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Raytheon BBN Technologies, Corp., US Army Corps of Enginees
    Inventors: Peter Allen Krumhansl, William Coney, Richard Mullen, Jason R. McKenna, Michael Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 8624734
    Abstract: In an intruder identifying method and device, an intruder identifying sensor device identifies an intruder as a detection target to be originally detected by determining whether a variation style for a predetermined time of intruder intrusion state information based on the reception signal of the electric wave receiving unit during a time period from the time when the intruder identifying sensor device detects an intruder till the time when the intruder identifying sensor device does not detect the intruder is a predetermined variation style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Inomata, Atsuhisa Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20130321151
    Abstract: An intruder barrier is provided that includes multiple generally parallel transparent slats acting as burglar bars with at least some, and preferably all, of the transparent slats having associated therewith a conductive path extending at least from a first end region of a slat to a second end region thereof. The conductive path is capable of conducting electricity or electromagnetic radiation along the length of the slat and is associated with an output to an alarm system that may be configured to trigger an alarm when the conductive characteristic of a slat is terminated by virtue of the slat being at least partially severed, broken, or removed from its operative position. Typically the transparent slats are secured to a fixed surrounding frame of an opening window. The invention in a further embodiment includes transparent slats for use in such an intruder barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Marius de Wet de Villiers
  • Patent number: 8558713
    Abstract: A weight based occupant detection device that includes a weight sensing device installed in a vehicle seat in a manner effective to sense weight on a seating surface. The weight sensing device is configured to output a weight signal indicative of an occupant weight of a seat occupant residing on the vehicle seat. The occupant detection device also includes a seat orientation angle sensing device that is configured to output an orientation angle signal indicative of a seat orientation angle. The occupant detection device may also include an accelerometer for sensing vertical acceleration of the vehicle seat, and a seat backrest angle device for measuring the angle of the seat backrest. The occupant detection device compensates a signal from the weight sensing device for errors caused by seat orientation, seat vertical acceleration and seat backrest angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Griffin, Andrew H. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8537009
    Abstract: A dosimeter is disclosed for use in container including outer walls defining an interior volume, the dosimeter including: a radon detection element adapted to detect a radon level for the interior volume; a neutron detection element adapted detect a neutron level for the interior volume. The dosimeter is adapted to measure the radon level and neutron level for a period of time, compare the measured radon level to a first threshold, compare the measured neutron level to a second threshold, and determine information indicative of the presence or absence of fissile material within the interior volume based on the comparisons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Angel Secure Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Hess, Fred Hewitt Smith
  • Patent number: 8502666
    Abstract: Methods for remote detection of humans can include the step of transmitting vertically polarized electromagnetic signals into an area of interest (AOI) when no humans are present. A first time domain measurement of return response signal energy from the AOI can be accomplished to establish a background signal. A second time domain measurement of response signal energy from the AOI can be made when at least one human is present, to establish a background-plus-human signal. The two signals can be subtracted to yield a reference time domain human signal. The electromagnetic signal is periodically re-transmitted. The background subtracted from subsequent response energy, and the result compared to the reference time domain human signal. A visual or audible indication occurs when the resulting signal matches the reference signal. Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) of the time domain signals can be used to yield frequency responses, which can be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel Tam, Aldo Monges, Marcus Maurer, Chris Dilay
  • Patent number: 8487632
    Abstract: An electrostatic sensor for a vehicle includes a loop-shaped electrode arranged in a seat bottom of the vehicle, and a sensor portion to detect a weak electric field generated between the electrode and a chassis of the vehicle when a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode. The electrode has an imaginary center line linearly extending in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. The electrode defines a resistance distribution approximately symmetrical in a left-and-right direction of the vehicle relative to the imaginary center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Ootaka
  • Patent number: 8483262
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by at least one piezoelectric cable that completely defines the perimeter. The monitoring system utilizes at least one piezoelectric cable that generates electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a processing system to determine event classification and location. The monitoring system alerts users and connects to an existing security system to notify third-parties. The monitoring system includes functionality to communicate with a calibration unit and calibrate itself. The monitoring system also includes functionality to interface with a pet containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Radio System Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, Randal D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 8482273
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting stray voltage anomalies in electric fields are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for detecting an electrical field may comprise: at least one sensor probe for generating data corresponding to an electrical field detected by the at least one sensor probe, wherein the at least one sensor probe comprises at least one electrode; a processor, coupled to the at least one sensor probe, for analyzing the data to identify a voltage anomaly in the electric field; and an indicator, coupled to the processor, for alerting a user to a presence of the voltage anomaly in the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Power Survey LLC
    Inventors: David Kalokitis, Leonard Joshua Schultz, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois, Vincent Paragano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8456304
    Abstract: A security system for detecting physical intrusion in a monitored area including a plurality of radio units arranged in a network around the monitored area to determine received signal strength and pass variations thereof through the radio units to a base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric van Doorn, Sendil Rangaswamy
  • Patent number: 8410932
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor array including a sensor electrode which detects the intrusion of an object, a shield electrode and a background electrode. A control and evaluation circuit is coupled to the sensor electrode which detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode. The sensor electrode periodically evaluates at least one of a current and voltage profile to detect the capacitance change. The shield electrode is coupled to the sensor electrode through the control and evaluation circuit such that it has no influence on the measured capacitance. The background electrode is controlled such that its potential is periodically switched between the reference potential and a second potential. When the sensor electrode is coupled with the first potential, the background electrode may be located on the reference potential. When the sensor electrode is not coupled with the first potential, the background electrode may be located on the second potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Van Gastel
  • Patent number: 8400302
    Abstract: A sensing system is disclosed that uses at least one conductive plate and associated electronic circuitry to provide an output that is indicative of an object's position in relation to the at least one conductive plate. The sensing system is provided with a high impedance drive signal that varies as a result of the location of an object relative to the at least one conductive plate. The electronic circuitry receives a high impedance drive signal value as an input and a processor uses the value to calculate a digital output indicative of the object's position. The high impedance drive signal value is monitored over time enabling the objects position, displacement, pressure, movement, impact and energy to be determined. This data is output to a display and may also be transmitted to a person located remotely from the object being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zephyr Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Keith Russell, Paul Benjamin Mallinson, Stephen Christopher Kent, Christopher Michael Solomon
  • Publication number: 20130043995
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 8378819
    Abstract: A main electrode is located in a vehicle seat. A guard electrode is located between a grounded vehicle body and the main electrode. A detection unit selectively applies an alternating voltage signal to the main electrode and the guard electrode, sets the main electrode and the guard electrode to be in an open state or a grounded state, detects an electric current of one of the main electrode and the guard electrode, converts the selected electric current into a voltage value, and detects an overcurrent in the main electrode and the guard electrode. A control unit determines the main electrode and the guard electrode to be an open failure, a power supply short failure, a grounded failure, or a short failure with the guard electrode, according to one or a combination of the voltage value and detection or non-detection of an overcurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Ootaka
  • Patent number: 8373560
    Abstract: When commonly using a receiving antenna and a transmitting antenna having mutually opposing characteristics, the present invention makes it possible to commonly use the antennas without deteriorating the characteristics of both antennas. In a communication apparatus including both of an RF-ID function circuit to perform contactless communication with an external reader/writer device and a reader/writer function circuit to perform contactless communication with an external RF-ID, there is disposed a common antenna shared therebetween. And, a transmitting and receiving resonance frequency switching circuit is connected in parallel to the common antenna; when selecting each function, a resonance frequency is automatically changed by the transmitting and receiving resonance frequency switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Jirou Uchiyama, Shigeki Sakurai, Masashi Yamaga
  • Patent number: 8362912
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hitting in a restricted zone during game play includes a signal generator for signaling the location of a restricted zone in a playing area contained by a barrier. A proximity detector receives the signal generated by the signal generator. An indicator indicates when the proximity detector is within the restricted zone, the signal generator and the indicator being carried by a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Botting, Rocky Botting
  • Patent number: 8358208
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for sensing a body includes measuring an impedance of a body occupying a seat over a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measured impedance of the body with a predefined body model. The method also includes determining whether the predefined body model corresponds to the measured impedance of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Armin Satz, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Mario Motz, Martin Orasch
  • Patent number: 8354925
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting change in an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system for detecting change in an environment includes an RF noise source configured to transmit an RF noise signal into the environment and to vary a parameter of the RF noise signal, and an interrogator configured to communicate with a plurality of communication devices distributed in the environment over a plurality of communication channels. The system also includes a detection system configured to receive information related to performances of the plurality of communication channels from the interrogator, to generate a fingerprint of the environment for each of the plurality of communication channels based on the performance of the communication channel at different values of the parameter of the RF noise signal, and to detect a change in the environment when one or more of the fingerprints deviates from a respective baseline fingerprint by a certain amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vibeke Libby, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 8325038
    Abstract: A fiber optic mesh intrusion detection system includes a mesh structure made from twisted fiber optic cable to form a plurality of rhombic openings. For each of the crossings, a fastener is wrapped around the crossed fiber optic cable, serving both to provide the mesh structure and to protect the crossing points from tampering. Embodiments include fasteners having rotationally symmetric, interlocking portions such that when wrapped around the crossed cable the portions engage each other to hold the fastener in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Lee Suk Cho
  • Patent number: 8319649
    Abstract: An electronic insect electrocution device with an integral display and counting means that displays the number of discharges, or “zapped” insects is herein disclosed. The device comprises a lamp enclosed within an enclosure comprising series of alternating grids energized by a voltage increasing device, which electrocutes any insects that fly towards the lamp. A numeric digital display is provided on the top of the enclosure and reflects the current number of discharges or killed insects. The counter is provided with an input signal that detects the voltage fluctuation of the grid every time an insect is killed. This detection circuit drives a counting circuit which interfaces with the counter. It is reset every time the unit is unplugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: James E. Devane
  • Patent number: 8280302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for communication, and a program that makes it possible to provide a communication environment not limited by a use environment. An electrode controlling unit 261 in a transmitting device 260 checks a state of capacitive coupling of each of an electrode 271 and an electrode 272 in an electrode unit 262 with surroundings, controls connection of each electrode to a transmitting unit 263 according to a result of the check, and makes the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 function as a transmission signal electrode or a transmission reference electrode, the transmission signal electrode and the transmission reference electrode being different from each other. The transmitting unit 263 connects the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 to an amplifying unit under control of the electrode controlling unit 261, and transmits a signal to a communication medium 280 via one of the electrodes. The present invention is applicable to communication systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Kubono, Susumu Kusakabe, Yoshihito Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8274386
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of an electric field generated by the human/animal body can include providing a passive antenna system for detecting changes in the ambient electric field due to interaction of the ambient with the charges generated by the human/animal body, and a high impedance sensor that is fixed to the encapsulated wire antenna. The result is a passive human/animal detection system without any moving parts. The antenna can be an encapsulated wire, and the wire length can be chosen according the desired application. For systems that are intended to detect the presence of a human being or animal, the encapsulated wire can have a length of one hundred feet or more, and a grid of wires can be used for detection within an Area of Interest (AOI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jack Y. Dea, Daniel Tam