House Arrest System, Wandering, Or Wrong Place Patents (Class 340/573.4)
  • Patent number: 9024750
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses a method and system for calibrating an electronic monitoring device having a housing and a strap being connected to a first end and a second end of the housing. The method provides for calibrating a transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap. Then, the signal is generated and transmitted along the strap from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Calibrating the transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap provides for minimizing the power level to a lowest transmission power level detectable by a receiver located in the housing or until the signal is lower than a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John Christopher Defant
  • Patent number: 9024814
    Abstract: One or more human attributes extracted from a micro-impulse radar (MIR) signal is correlated to a temporary identity or phenotypic identity of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9013314
    Abstract: An indicating system and method having a parent unit communicable with a child unit is provided. In an embodiment for the indicating system and method of the present invention, the child unit may be responsive to receiving a signal from the parent unit for communicating instructions (e.g., traffic signal based, protective based etc.) which may result in a visual, and/or audio and/or tactile indication being provided to the user of the child unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system may communicate instructions, praise or other information, educational or otherwise to a child unit via actuators on the parent unit or by an auto mode feature utilizing signal strength detection/proximity sensing technology. Safety enhancing features, entertainment and encouragement features may be incorporated into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jordan Rivard Golomb, Christopher J. Golomb, Terry Rivard, Scott Rivard
  • Patent number: 9013315
    Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl W. Riley, Timothy J. Receveur, David L. Ribble
  • Patent number: 9013313
    Abstract: Improvements in a bed pre exit patient monitor to determine when a patient has moved to an edge of a bed prior to the patient leaving the bed by measuring load on a single wheel by slightly lifting the wheel with load sensing rods that measure the wheel load. A variety of different alarm signals are used signal to warn a care giver. The device is self-contained, self-secures and removes itself from a variety of different diameter wheels. The device can auto calibration when the wheel is initially lifted and also calibrate when a patient is resting on a bed. The monitoring establishes a threshold load without a patient and with a patient to allow the software to determine when the on an edge of a bed and also when a patient has completely left the bed. Software filtering rejects patient movement to prevent false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Alan Paine
  • Patent number: 9007203
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system for notifying electronic anklet information to prevent sexual violence by searching information regarding a person wearing an electronic anklet using an application on a smartphone whether the person is located within a predetermined radius from a user and by notifying the existence of the electronic anklet wearer within a predetermined range using an alarm, vibration, or a text message, and a method thereof. When the electronic anklet is within a reference distance, a text message may be displayed on a smartphone, vibration may be generated, an alarm may be output, an electronic anklet wearer located within a predetermined radius from the user may be searched for, and the user may immediately ask for help at a risk of sexual violence using an application installed in the smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Gunsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 9008281
    Abstract: Provided is a cordless telephone system including a base unit (100) connected to a telephone line and a handset (200) configured to transmit and receive radio waves to and from the base unit via wireless channel, wherein the handset includes a strength measurement unit (20) configured to measure a radio wave strength when the radio waves transmitted by the base unit are received by the handset, and a control unit (10) configured to measure a distance between the base unit and the handset based on a result of measurement performed by the strength measurement unit and to perform a prescribed safety management action when the distance becomes larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Ashizuka
  • Patent number: 9007202
    Abstract: A human being tracking and monitoring system comprising parent and child units, each of which include a microcontroller, a transceiver, a crystal, a battery, a voltage regulator and a switch with all of these elements except the battery being strategically positioned on one side of a circuit board, manual activation of the two switches in a first predetermined manner establishing a communication link between the parent and child units wherein a plurality of random identification signals are generated, this communication link between said parent and child units being broken by activation of the switches in a second predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Benson Chan, Jianzhuang Huang, Subahu Desai
  • Patent number: 9000930
    Abstract: A system and method for performing hand hygiene compliance. The method includes receiving a notification that an individual has entered a physical location. The notification is received by a node in a wireless mesh network that includes a plurality of nodes corresponding to objects in the physical location. A hand hygiene protocol is identified for the individual. It is determined that the individual has not followed the hand hygiene protocol. The determining is performed by software executing on the nodes in the wireless mesh network and responsive to a previous and a current location of the individual relative to the objects in the physical location. The individual is notified in response to determining that the individual has not followed the hand hygiene protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Pelland, Morgan J. Lowery, Richard S. Walters
  • Patent number: 9000973
    Abstract: A personal electronic device such as a smart phone can include a micro-impulse radar (MIR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9000893
    Abstract: A food source information transferring system for a livestock meat-packing facility and a related method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the food source information transferring system is capable of reading tag-identifying information in a hook RFID tag incorporated in a hook that can be hung on a hook machine. An animal carcass attached to the hook then undergoes meat chopping, cutting, and/or packing operations in the meat-packing facility. For each meat package produced, a data set associated with the tag-identifying information in the hook RFID tag can be paired with a data set associated with a meat package label attached to the meat package. This dynamic and robust data association between the hook RFID tag and the meat package label enables a food source information database in the food source information transferring system to preserve and trace detailed food source information at various levels of meat production and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hana Micron America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Bok Kwak
  • Patent number: 9000928
    Abstract: A system and method for effectively communicating information using at least one mode of communication is described, in which information recipients proximate to a communications device within a pre-determined space and during a pre-determined time period are identified, from whom physiological state information is obtained that, when coupled with other characteristics information, is used to select from a plurality of information elements at least one information element to better target the information elements. The information element is then provided to the communications device so that it may be provided to the information recipients in the pre-determined space in a manner that is sensed by the information recipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Brian William Higgins
  • Patent number: 9000907
    Abstract: A safety system using a network connected to a vehicle to alert a client device of an operator, a first responder, a dedicated emergency dispatch service, a bystander or combinations thereof to the presence of an occupant in a vehicle passenger compartment of a vehicle indicating the occupant's temperature has exceeded or dropped below a life threatening threshold. The system uses a plurality of pressure sensors in vehicle seats, a first plurality of optical infrared frequency sensors located in the passenger compartment for measuring air temperature values of the passenger compartment, a plurality of second optical infrared frequency sensors measuring occupant temperature values in the passenger compartment and, in embodiments, at least one front seat motion sensor and at least one back seat motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Paul F. Rembach, Don Leslie Bockhorn
  • Patent number: 8988220
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an intruder inside a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a load sensor coupled to the vehicle, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the load sensor and is configured to monitor the load in the vehicle after the vehicle is vacated and locked and to determine if the load in the vehicle changes by more than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig R. Markyvech, Clark E. McCall
  • Patent number: 8988226
    Abstract: A device operable as an electronic shark deterrent has a high-voltage pulse signal waveform generator for pulses to be applied to electrodes immersed in water to deter sharks and other aquatic creatures. A preferred output waveform has a train of pulse bursts of alternating-polarity pulses in a series. Preferably, the timing intervals between pulses are of irregular duration, the amplitudes of pulses are varied to be irregular, and the interval between pulse bursts is kept to less than about 5 seconds, in order to be more effective as a shark deterrent signal. The device has the signal waveform generator enclosed in a thin, planar case mounted to a belt connector and a fastener strap for attachment to a part of a user's body. It can include a water-detection probe for automatic activation when immersed in water, a status LED indicator, and electrodes embedded in a layer at opposite ends of the fastener strap with an insulative screen layer for reducing electrostatic effects on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: Wilson Vinano, Clifford Lau
  • Publication number: 20150070176
    Abstract: A system and method provides a wireless tether device for configuration with a first machine participating as a member of a tethered group of machines moving direction. Components within the wireless communication device are utilized to maintain a preset distance between the first machine and a second machine in the tethered group of machines. When the preset distance is not maintained, the system and method instruct the first machine to return to the tethered group of machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Gordon D. Fong, Cuauhtemoc Perez, C. Bart Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8971932
    Abstract: An apparatus, system or method for use of encrypted or confidential location or position, time, and unique identifier information (LPTI Information) comprising mobile device encoded unique identifiers (UIs), to register the presence of one or more persons in a retail or service store or outlet, vehicle, financial, educational, governmental, transportation, shipping, cargo, residential, vacation, travel, power generation or distribution, water or food supply or storage, or data storage location or position, for use in identifying potential suspects, conspirators, participants or witnesses for criminal, regulated, tort, or prohibited activity for use by law enforcement or a court, and which information is kept encrypted until authorized access is granted to law enforcement or a court by issuance or a warrant or other appropriate legal authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Secure Sigint, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Mapes
  • Patent number: 8970342
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method with at least one presence detector, wherein the presence detector has a radio transmitter. The system further comprises at least one radio receiver that is constructed in such a manner as to receive and evaluate signals of the presence detector transmitted via radio. The radio receiver further comprises at least one device that acts on downstream units as a function of the evaluation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: EnOcean GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Armin Anders, Christian Bach
  • Patent number: 8963722
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors monitoring the audience. The circuitry is configured to analyze said sensor data to identify characteristic movement patterns of one or more members of the audience. The circuitry is configured to select music and generate verbal communication other than music to address the audience, based on the identified characteristic movement patterns. The circuitry is further configured to output said selected music and said verbal communication. A corresponding method for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz Hohl
  • Publication number: 20150048948
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and method for monitoring movement in relation to locations about which data is available from one or more sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: BI Incorporated
    Inventors: James J. Buck, JR., Joseph P. Newell, Cady Lynn Brooks
  • Publication number: 20150048949
    Abstract: A medication administration system that includes a system of pillboxes, a pharmacy workstation, and a system of attendant workstation. The pharmacy workstation reads RFID or barcode tags on the pillboxes and medication wrappers containing medication units as the medication units are checked into the pillboxes to ensure that the pillboxes are filled in accordance the appropriate prescription regimens. The attendant workstations read the RFID or barcode tags on the pillboxes and medication wrappers as the medication units are checked out of the pillboxes to ensure that the medications are administered in accordance the appropriate prescription regimens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Arthur Koblasz
  • Publication number: 20150042476
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a device that provides haptic, auditory and/or visual indications representing a swimmer's deviation from an intended path. Visual indications can be displayed on one or more lenses of the swimmer's goggles. In this way, the swimmer can receive continuous guidance to swim in a desired direction without lifting his head to sight. The device can be configured as a base unit that can be worn on the head and an eyepiece that is attached to a lens of the swimmer's goggles. The eyepiece can include one or more LEDs for displaying the visual indications based on information received from the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Holm, Raymond Rogers
  • Publication number: 20150029029
    Abstract: A system includes a patient environment in an area, a first accelerometer attached to the first patient environment, a second accelerometer disposed in the area, and a processing system to detect an activity of a patient in the area using vibration data received from the first and the second accelerometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew Alan Hopcroft, Jerome Rolia, Sharad Singhal, Charles Edgar Bess, Henri J. Suermondt
  • Patent number: 8928483
    Abstract: A system is configured to receive information associated with a location of a user device; retrieve information associated with a location at which a user, of the user device, is to be during a period of time; determine whether to assign, to the user device, a late status or an absent status based on the location of the user device, the assigned location, and the period of time; assign a late status when the location of the user device does not match the assigned location when the period of time begins; send, to another user device, a notification that the user device is late to the assigned location based on the assigning of the late status; assign an absent status when the location of the user device does not match the assigned location during the period of time; and send to the other user device, another notification that the user device was absent from the assigned location based on the assigning of the absent status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Azim Nasir, Afshin Moshrefi, Nader Gharachorloo
  • Publication number: 20140361899
    Abstract: Methods of trend analysis for information related to released criminal offenders, the methods include accessing geospatial location information including date and time information for released criminal offenders and identifying repeated visits by one of the released criminal offenders within a defined proximity of a particular geospatial location, identifying a movement pattern of one of the released criminal offenders, correlating the movements of one the released criminal offenders to the movements of a subscriber, correlating the proximity of one of the released criminal offenders to a location where criminal activity has occurred, or comparing the geospatial location with previous activity of the released offender to predict potential future criminal activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson
  • Publication number: 20140347187
    Abstract: A methodology determining a response to exposure of a monitored person to a prohibited substance is provided. The methodology includes: first receiving movement data representing movement of the monitored person over time; second receiving an indication that a monitored person has been exposed to a quantity of a prohibited substance; first determining, from the received movement data, movement activity of the monitored person for a period of time before the exposure was detected; second determining a risk parameter based on at least (a) the amount of the quantity of the prohibited substance, and (b) the movement activity; issuing a notice to a supervising authority in substantially real time when the second determining results in a risk parameter that is above a first threshold; and issuing a notice to a supervising authority in non-real time when the second determining results in a risk parameter that is below the first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Satellite Tracking of People LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Freathey
  • Patent number: 8890695
    Abstract: A system and method provides a notification to a user via a wireless communication device when the wireless communication device leaves a predetermined area. Components within the wireless communication device are utilized to determine the location of the wireless communication device. When the wireless communication device is no longer within the predetermined area, a notification is provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: TV-Tether, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon D. Fong, Cuauhtemoc Perez, C. Bart Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140333440
    Abstract: A patient safety system including an adjustable bed and a patient monitoring system is disclosed herein. The adjustable bed can automatically adjust to a safe default configuration when the safety system detects that a care provider has left the patient's room or when the safety system detects that the patient is trying to leave the bed. The patient monitoring system can send an alert to the care provider and/or sound an alarm if the patient tries to leave the bed and a care provider is not present with the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Massi Joe E. Kiani
  • Patent number: 8884813
    Abstract: One or more computers are configured to determine a human stress condition corresponding to one or more physical or physiological parameters extracted from one or more micro-impulse radar (MIR) signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8884751
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable monitor for use by elderly/infirm individuals that desires a significant degree of independence but recognizes that their ability to handle many situations by themselves is or will become substantially attenuated. In one embodiment, the portable monitor includes: (a) a sensor system that receives data reflecting environmental and personal aspects associated with the monitored individual from various sensors, (b) a user interface that allows the monitored individual to interact with the monitor; (c) a communication interface that provides for the ability to communicate with a third party if the monitored individual is or is likely to enter into a situation in which assistance is likely needed; and (d) a processing system for processes data produced by sensor system and data input from the user interface to determine if the monitored individual is in a situation or likely is in a situation in which assistance is likely needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Albert S. Baldocchi, David D. Minter
  • Patent number: 8878681
    Abstract: A method of location based proximity alert retrieves, from a location based proximity alert physical server, a current location of wireless client devices and determines if it is within a given area. The method accesses, from the location based proximity alert physical server, a physical law enforcement database comprising a restraining order target identifier and a restraining order limit identifier. A geo-proximity alert message is transmitted if the current location of the restraining order target identifier matches the restraining order limit identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Gehrke, Chih Wang, Farhad Kasad
  • Patent number: 8872664
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, devices, and systems to monitor activity. One method to monitor activity includes monitoring activity of an individual including detecting a sensor activated by an individual during the individual's daily activities. The embodiment also includes comparing the sensor activation to a predetermined sensor activation timeframe, determining whether to initiate an alert based upon the comparison, and checking for at least one other sensor activation to confirm whether an alert should be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Healthsense, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Bischoff, Alan P. Shilepsky, Lina Long
  • Patent number: 8866619
    Abstract: A presence detection system (1) for detecting a presence of an object (3), particularly a person or an animal or vehicle, within an area (5) divided in detection zones (9A;9B;9C;9D) covering the area. The system comprises a movement detection device (11A;11B;11C;11D) for detecting a movement of the object. The system further comprises an electronic processing device (13) for storing information relating to a position of the object in a zone-wise way, based on a detected movement of the object. The electronic processing device is configured for determining the presence of the object within the area based on a detected movement of the object and stored information relating to the position of the object. The system is highly sensitive and highly prevents false presence detections. The invention also relates to a method for presence detection, and a lighting system comprising the presence detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Engel Johannes Antonius Knibbe, Roger Peter Anna Delnoij, Mareike Klee, Willem Franke Pasveer, Biju Kumar Sreedharan Nair, John Brean Mills
  • Patent number: 8862378
    Abstract: A security and tracking apparatus includes at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transmitting the location of each signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. A method to locate a person, animal, or object, includes providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein each respective signaling unit is adapted for identifying the location of the signaling units and for transmitting the location of the signaling units when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: C2 Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benedict S. Curatolo, Thomas E. Cornelius
  • Publication number: 20140292519
    Abstract: A method of monitoring objects such as offenders, the method including the steps of: providing an electronic monitoring device for attachment to an object to be monitored; providing a tamper evident tether for attachment of the electronic monitoring device to the object to be monitored; attaching the electronic monitoring device to the object to be monitored using the tamper evident tether; and remotely monitoring the electronic monitoring device in order to monitor the location of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: G4S Monitoring Technologies Limited
    Inventor: John Potter
  • Patent number: 8847756
    Abstract: A bed includes bed status indicators, such as a pair of spaced lamp modules that are illuminated to signify a satisfactory status or an unsatisfactory status of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan R. Tallent, William G. Pittenger, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, James L. Walke
  • Publication number: 20140266733
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes multiple sensors used to monitor aspects of a patient positioned on a support surface of the patient support apparatus. The outputs from the sensors are used, alone or in combination with other signals, to perform any one or more of the following: distinguishing between new and old patients entering onto the support surface; automatically zeroing a scale system on the support apparatus; distinguishing between objects and humans positioned on the support surface; determining if a patient is sleeping or awake; monitoring and characterizing movement levels of the patient; recording for subsequent display a log of likely events regarding the support surface; proposing identifications of objects added to or removed from the support surface; automatically re-arming a patient exit alert system; recording force outputs prior to and during a patient exit from the support apparatus; and transmitting the recorded force outputs to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Hayes, David Terrance Becker, Aaron Douglas Furman, Brandon J. Buckingham, Michael W. Steffler, Richard A. Derenne, Joshua Elmer Mix, Annie Désaulniers
  • Patent number: 8831627
    Abstract: A tamper resistant and easily adjustable mobile tracking device is provided, or alternatively may be created by adding appropriate programming to a GPS enabled cellular communications device, by which location data and other information is transmitted to an administrative hub for processing and distribution according to operator defined parameters. Confirmed two-way communications are possible with mobile devices having display screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Omnilink Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Aninye, Yoganand Rajala
  • Patent number: 8830054
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided including receiving sensor data from a mobile device corresponding to a first user. A user state of the first user is predicted based on the sensor data. A request is transmitted to the first user to confirm the predicted user state, and a notification is transmitted regarding the predicted user state to a second user responsive to the first user's confirmation of the predicted user state or the first user's failure to respond to the request. A computing system for monitoring and reporting activity of a mobile device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: WaveMarket, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Weiss
  • Patent number: 8823529
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system having a motion detection unit with a sensor and a control unit having control circuitry and at least one light. Wiring extends between the two units and couples a motion sensor with the control circuitry. A door sensor is coupled with the control circuitry. The light is illuminated to provide a silent alarm when motion is detected and the door is closed. Also disclosed is a method of installation that includes attaching a motion detector unit and the control unit to wall surfaces on opposite sides of the door and extending wiring through the doorway to operably couple the two units. The motion sensor may be installed to define a detection zone having a lower boundary which is at least about 18 inches above a patient support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: DRS Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Donald N. Reed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8797159
    Abstract: An occupancy sensor detects expected and unexpected occupancies in a monitored area with an expected occupancy schedule. The occupancy sensor includes a real time clock, a memory, a sensor element, a processor, indicator lights and a network interface. The occupancy sensor transmits an occupancy correction signal to a network if the actual occupancy of the monitored area does not match the expected occupancy state of the monitored area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kirkpatrick, Russikesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 8786447
    Abstract: A high voltage detection assembly is worn by a user to provide a warning signal when high voltage is detected in close proximity to the user. The assembly includes a housing having a bottom, a top, and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom and the top defining an interior space. A voltage sensor is coupled to the housing. A processor is positioned in the interior space of the housing and electrically coupled to the voltage sensor. A speaker is coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the processor. The processor transmits an audible signal through the speaker when the voltage sensor detects ambient voltage in excess of a pre-determined voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan C. Wise
  • Patent number: 8779925
    Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. A virtual fence is defined around the containment area, as well as around optional exclusion zones within the containment area, during system set up through communication between the base units and a trackable device as the user walks around the desired border. Visualization software enables the user to verify that the location of the fence is as desired and that the system is operating properly using a computing device having a display screen. In use, the system employs improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base units and the collar to discount errant measurement values in terms of their contribution to the current calculation of the dog's location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T Rich, Christopher Kamery, Marko Lubic, Wade Patterson, Steve Conrad, Jason S. Gurley, Terry G. Phillips, John J. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8760310
    Abstract: Clip-worn apparatuses having sensor clips configured to detect whether electronic devices, such as communications headsets, are being worn (i.e., “donned” or “DON'd”) or are not being worn (i.e., “doffed” or “DOFF'd”) by a user. An exemplary clip-worn apparatus includes a DON/DOFF sensor clip having a clip with a first end and an opposing second end. The first end includes a source (e.g., a light source). The opposing second end includes a detector (e.g., a light detector). When the clip-worn apparatus is DOFF'd, a detection path between the source and the detector is clear and unobstructed. When the clip-worn apparatus is DON'd (by clipping the DON/DOFF sensor clip to a target object, e.g., a user's ear), the target object becomes positioned between the source and the detector, thereby obstructing the detection path between the source and the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Kenneth Rosener
  • Patent number: 8754768
    Abstract: A system for managing hazards in a construction site is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes a hazard management system comprising a hazard context database, a sensor interface, and a hazard analysis engine. The sensor interface is configured to acquire a site data feed that is representative of a construction site. The hazard analysis engine is configured to (i) instantiate a hazard object by comparing the site data feed to hazard criteria of the plurality of hazard contexts, (ii) update the hazard object based on the site data feed, (iii) generate hazard notification criteria related to the hazard object, (iv) obtain worker attributes from the site data, and (v) transmit a hazard notification to an output device when the worker attributes cause satisfaction of the hazard notification criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Prieto
  • Publication number: 20140159905
    Abstract: A network tracking server-based service that implements an efficient network management of location requests associated with tracking a prisoner's wireless tracking device. The tracking server initiates location requests associated with a given prisoner (or the like) tracking device in a trustworthy, but much more efficient and manageable technique, from the perspective of the network. Network management of prisoner device tracking is made efficient when inside a given geofence, but once outside the prescribed geofence a more detailed inquisition is immediately launched—even before the top of the hour (or whenever the typical periodic location request occur). From a management perspective, once detected to no longer be inside (and thus is outside) an expected or assigned geofence, the prisoner tracking device is presumed less trustworthy, and thus then periodic location requests to the tracking device are initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8751148
    Abstract: A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. Some or all of the components of the navigation system may be disposed within a wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Carter, Stephen E. Hannah, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 8749347
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for authenticating the identity of an authorized custodian of a physical item and activating a tracking device concealed in the physical item in the event the item is removed from a controlled area or accessed by an unauthorized individual. In particular, according to some embodiments, the identity of an authorized custodian of a physical item stored in a controlled area is authenticated by: recording an image of an iris of the authorized custodian in a database; capturing an image of an iris of an individual attempting to remove the physical item from the controlled area; and verifying, prior to allowing removal of the physical item, that the captured image of the iris of the individual attempting to the physical item matches the recorded image of the iris of the authorized custodian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt D. Newman, Michael J. O'Hagan, Debashis Ghosh, David Joa, Timothy J. Bendel
  • Patent number: 8742901
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for detecting a change in environmental conditions utilizing sampling circuitry configured to sample an environmental sensor while a processor remains in a low-power state or a sleep state. According to some embodiments, a pre-filter performs a simplified analysis of the sensor samples to determine if the processor should wake and perform additional analysis on stored sensor samples. Specific examples are provided for detecting motion using passive infrared detectors. Accordingly, systems and methods for reducing the power consumption of a motion detection system are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Miller, Guy Rahamim
  • Patent number: 8742935
    Abstract: Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable mediums that store instructions executable by one or more processors to perform a method for detecting a fallen person are presented. The present technique includes identifying a reference plane and a reference line in a designated space monitored using one or more range-controlled radars. These radars are coupled to one or more antennas configured to define fields of the range-controlled radars to one or more portions of the designated space, where at least one portion corresponds to the reference plane. The range-controlled radars detect presence of one or more parameters corresponding to a subject disposed in the designated space. The parameters, for example, include one or more physiological parameters and one or more motion parameters. The range-controlled radars then identify the subject as the fallen person if the one or more physiological parameters corresponding to the subject are detected proximate the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Edward Cuddihy, Jeffrey Michael Ashe, Corey Nicholas Bufi, Sahika Genc