House Arrest System, Wandering, Or Wrong Place Patents (Class 340/573.4)
  • Patent number: 8350709
    Abstract: An occupant support 20 augmented with a detection system for assessing the condition of an occupant includes first and second detectors 58, 62 for detecting presence of the occupant, an occupancy detector for determining if the occupant is occupying the occupant support and an analyzer for assessing whether a presence indication from each of the first and second detectors and an occupancy indication from the occupancy detector correspond to a satisfactory condition of the occupant or an unsatisfactory condition of the occupant. A presence detection system for determining the condition of a target comprises a first and second detectors for detecting presence of the target in first and second regions, and an analyzer for assessing whether presence indications established by the presence detectors correspond to a satisfactory condition of the target or an unsatisfactory condition of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Joseph Receveur
  • Publication number: 20130002433
    Abstract: Various embodiments herein provide system, method, and software solutions to facilitate not only timely, compliant monitoring of individuals housed within facilities, such as detention facilities, but also solutions that discover visible and latent behavior and mental conditions, among other potential issues that may be easily overlooked. Some embodiments focus on data collection and other embodiments focus on applying analytics to collected data to discover conditions and states of individuals, groups, a facility or portion thereof, staff, and procedures. Yet further embodiments include both data collection and analytic discovery. Some embodiments may also include messaging and other data processing and communication mechanisms implemented to facilitate compliance, safety, and monitoring accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: CODEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brett Wilmeth, Kenneth L. Dalley
  • Publication number: 20120326876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a functional table for patient transportation, including: a patient supporter which supports a patient laid thereon and allows the patient to be horizontally slidably transported, with its both sides being changed in their angle with respect to a vertical axis of the patient; a support frame which is located in the central bottom of the patient supporter and allows the patient supporter to be vertically moved; a base frame which is connected to the bottom of the support frame and supports the whole of functional table; and at least three transporting wheels which are connected to the base frame and allow the functional table to be freely moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Keimyung University Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Moo Seong Cho, Jae Young Bae
  • Publication number: 20120326875
    Abstract: A system and method for alerting a parent or guardian when a child has crossed a threshold of a room or other area is provided. The system includes positioning an alarm module at a desired threshold, with the alarm module creating an invisible plane at a selected angle. A transmitting module is place on a child. The transmitting device emits a signal, such as an RFID signal, that can be read by the alarm module if the transmitter crosses through the plane. Once the signal is read, an alarm is set off to emit a noise that will alert the parent or guardian that the child has passed through the predetermined threshold and that the parent or guardian should check to see where the child has gone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Deborah Coppola
  • Patent number: 8334766
    Abstract: A tracking system for tracking the location of a plurality of persons, objects and groups of persons or objects or combination of persons and objects which allows creating person or object communities (such as vehicles, objects having a high monetary value or objects that continuously need to be monitored such as guns or medical equipment) and keep tracking of the communities in real time worldwide, as well as registering a tracking history of each person or object and creating customized monitoring zones worldwide and tracking rules for setting customized alarms, for example when the distance among one or more members of the group or members of different groups are greater or lesser than an predetermined value when a member of the group exits a predetermined area or is near a predetermined area or when a person or object remains in a single spot for more or less than a predetermined period of time, which is useful for monitoring the security of a person or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: RFID Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Jose-Adalberto Terán-Matus, Martin Hernández-Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20120313787
    Abstract: An infant security system comprising a pad, where the pad provides a surface upon which to rest an infant; a sensor within the pad, where the sensor detects when the infant is on the pad and where the sensor activates an alarm when the infant is lifted from the pad; an alarm receiver, where the alarm receiver is a remote device separate from the pad, where the alarm receiver receives a signal from the sensor after the sensor activates the alarm, and where the alarm receiver notifies a user that the infant has moved; and a keypad on the alarm receiver, where the keypad deactivates the alarm receiver after the user enters a deactivation code into the keypad. The alarm receiver may include a speaker that sounds and a light that flashes when the alarm is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ines Moreno, Javier Moreno
  • Publication number: 20120309359
    Abstract: A subscription system and corresponding method of operation for monitoring user's well being is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing, at a user monitor module, a first indicator for the user well being; providing, at a receiving module operably coupled to the user monitor module, a first threshold for the first indicator; receiving, at the receiving module, the first indication; comparing the first indication and the first threshold; generating a secondary indication when the comparison indicates that the first indication equals or exceeds the first threshold; receiving, at a supervisory module coupled to the receiver module, the secondary indication; and informing a supervisor that the first threshold has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Humbard
  • Patent number: 8321124
    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: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: C2 Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benedict S. Curatolo, Thomas E. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 8294584
    Abstract: A monitor implements a protocol for evaluating the sufficiency of a worker's hand washing activity in a desirably sanitary area. After a quantity of cleanser has been dispensed to the worker, data representative of the frequency, amplitude and duration of hand reciprocation by the worker are combined according to a predetermined mathematical proposition to provide a hand cleansing quality indicator. The indicator is then compared to a predetermined threshold level to determine if the protocol has been satisfied. Preferably, the predetermined mathematical proposition includes variable multipliers which can be selected to reflect the importance to the user of the frequency, amplitude and duration components of the proposition and the user can also select the predetermined pass/fail threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald N. Plost
  • Patent number: 8289170
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a proximity of a person to a machine includes a first transmitter unit carried by the person, a plurality of receiver units located on the machine at know locations, and a processing unit including data defining a first boundary around the machine. The first transmitter unit transmits a magnetic proximity signal having a predetermined signal strength and a predetermined signal frequency. Each of the plurality of receiver units is for determining a received signal strength of the received magnetic proximity signal. The processing unit: determines a location of the first transmitter unit relative to the machine based on the received signal strength of the magnetic proximity signal and the known location of the plurality of receiver units; and outputs a proximity warning signal if the location of the transmitter relative to the machine is within the first boundary around the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Alliance Coal, LLC
    Inventors: Aric Pryor, Mark Watson, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock, Christopher J. Elpers, Evan M. Buchanan, Christopher Gander, Timothy M. DeBaillie
  • Patent number: 8289171
    Abstract: To alert a user of dangerous driving or parking conditions, a personal navigation device for providing a safety notification includes a positioning device for determining position of the personal navigation device, a networking device for receiving safety information corresponding to the position from a safety data server, a display for displaying a user interface and a map, and a processor. The processor generates a query including the position, controls the networking device to send the query to the safety data server, parses the safety information received from the safety data server, and modifies the user interface displayed by the display based on the safety information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Mitac International Corp.
    Inventor: Simon Dean Morley
  • Patent number: 8279057
    Abstract: A bed occupancy state detection method includes detecting loads applied to a head side right portion, a head side left portion, a foot side right portion, and a foot side left portion of a bed platform by first to fourth load detecters, respectively, judging whether or not a prescribed judgment formula is satisfied based on load values outputted from the first to fourth load detecters, and notifying information on a bed occupancy state of an object in cases where it is judged that a judgment formula is satisfied from a judgment result at the judgment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hirose
  • Patent number: 8279062
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tracking systems and methods for monitoring the location of an asset or group of assets. In particular, the present invention provides systems for monitoring the location of a large group of assets. Furthermore, the present invention provides systems and methods for identifying an asset within a group of assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Amstr. Investments 19 K.G., LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Burneske, Fred F. Schleifer
  • Publication number: 20120242486
    Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: monitoring a participant's movement, the participant's movement is movement to a sequence of locations; identifying a movement area based on the participant's movement in a physical activity; generating a safety zone encompassing the movement area; monitoring an intrusion into the safety zone; and generating a notification of a dangerous situation based on the intrusion for displaying on a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TELENAV, INC.
    Inventor: Todd Matthew Witkemper
  • Patent number: 8269607
    Abstract: A proximity location system and method thereof for locating a communications device. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) proximity location tag is arranged in a proximity of the communications device and detected thereby. A proximity location key included in the RFID proximity location tag is acquired by the communications device and forwarded to a location information server. The location information is queried for location information associated with the proximity location key. Based on the location information, data transmitted by the communications device is routed to the appropriate receiver of the data. The location information is also provided to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence W Ciesla, Ken Davis, Monica Ann Marics
  • Patent number: 8253556
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a Mobile Communications Terminal (MCT) equipped with a GPS function that automatically transmits the information on the current position of the MCT after the power of the MCT is turned off. The MCT comprises a GPS Receiver Unit 105 for receiving signal data from a GPS satellite, a Position Determining Unit 107 for determining a current position of the MCT based on the aforesaid signal data, a Positional Information Transmitter Unit 108 for automatically transmitting information on the position obtained by the Position Determining Unit 107 and other information, a Controller Unit 104 for sending a request command to the Positional Information Transmitter Unit 108, and a Timer Circuit Unit 102 for turning on the MCT at a predetermined time interval, after power of the MCT is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Toshihiko Mizukami
  • Patent number: 8253576
    Abstract: A system for search and rescue includes a rescue beacon including a radiation source to emit radiation, at least a portion of which includes ultraviolet c-band radiation, and an ultraviolet c-band detector to detect the ultraviolet c-band radiation to enable locating of the rescue beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: John George Witzel, Benjamin P. Dolgin, Steven Cotten, Michael Andrew Brennan, Jorge Gutierrez, William Suliga
  • Patent number: 8253560
    Abstract: An adjunct device includes a first housing for coupling to a handheld wireless communication device via a communication port of the handheld wireless communication device. A short-range wireless receiver receives a first RF paging signal from a remote wireless device. A user interface emits a first detectable alert signal in response to the first RF paging signal to assist the user in locating the handheld wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: THL Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler, Robert M. Kennard
  • Patent number: 8253559
    Abstract: A wireless device includes a user interface that generates a first location request signal in response to an indication from a user to locate a handheld wireless communication device. A short-range wireless transmitter transmits a first RF paging signal in response to the location request signal. An adjunct device is coupled to the handheld wireless communication device via a communication port of the handheld wireless communication device. The adjunct device emits a first detectable alert signal in response to the first RF paging signal to assist the user in locating the handheld wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: THL Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler, Robert M. Kennard
  • Patent number: 8232877
    Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: receiving a context boundary; receiving a boundary criteria for the context boundary; identifying a personal physical characteristic for monitoring a monitored person; detecting a personal noncompliance to the boundary criteria based on a discrepancy of the personal physical characteristic; and generating an alert based on the personal noncompliance for displaying on a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Telenav, Inc.
    Inventor: Aliasgar Mumtaz Husain
  • Patent number: 8232888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity detection system. The invention provides a proximity detection system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response. In the proximity detection system, the generator generates the magnetic field for a first predefined time period, and thereafter senses for a radio frequency response signal from the radio frequency device within a second predefined time period. The invention also provides for shaping proximity detection zones by overlaying magnetic field boundaries to produce a different boundary. The invention also provides for varying the strength of magnetic fields by adjusting a width of a timed pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Strata Proximity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Frederick, Paul L. Hammond
  • Patent number: 8228204
    Abstract: A client device for creating a virtual fence includes a locator that determines a location of the client device. The client device includes a receiver that receives speech data and transmits the speech data to a speech processor that isolates an individual voice signature from the speech data. The client device includes a profile storage that stores profile information of a user of the client device. The client device includes an alarm generator that generates an alarm based on the isolated individual voice signature and the location of the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Mostafa Tofighbakhsh
  • Publication number: 20120182148
    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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: ALAN PAINE
  • Patent number: 8218810
    Abstract: A signaling device is disclosed that transmits a signal to a personal monitoring system. The signaling device may include an array of RLC components that determine the frequency of the signaling device. The frequency may be tuned by adding or removing RLC components from impacting the frequency. The signaling device may also include a wake-up mechanism for activating the signaling device for normal use and a signal indicating that a predetermined useful life is about to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert C. Griess, Thomas A. Murray, Eugene I. Nosov
  • Patent number: 8217796
    Abstract: The Child Seat Safety System provides drivers (common vehicles) with an alarm and monitoring system for the attachment of safety harnesses and temperature readings for respective child seat occupants within the car. The monitoring component details the attached “status” of said harnesses through indicator lights on the main operator dashboard along with on the system device. Alarm features automatically warn either the driver or surrounding bystanders or emergency personnel of alarm situation including temperature variances, harness disengagement, accident or unattended occupant warnings. The Child Seat Safety System can reduce the risk of small children being injured due to unattached seat belts during accident, braking or collision, and can reduce exposure to unhealthy temperatures either during driving or from extended lengths of time being unattended in a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Marcus Alexander Trummer
  • Patent number: 8212665
    Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cars-N-Kids LLC
    Inventors: Gregory B. Schoenberg, Robert S. Steffen
  • Patent number: 8212669
    Abstract: A Remote Area Monitoring System (RAMS) for detecting movement in a disallowed direction through a passageway (P). The RAMS monitors two volumetric spaces that are established by the system, both of which spaces are defined with respect to depth, width, and height. Both a warning zone and an alarm zone are defined for each space. The warning zone protects against inadvertent incursion into the protected spaces; while the alarm zone protects against intentional intrusions thereinto by movement in the disallowed direction. The RAMS automatically monitors both zones and does not require human vigilance to detect and warn of an incursion or intrusion. Human traffic, in both directions through the zones, is monitored; as well as the movement of objects. Movement of humans is detected using a sensor (16) employing machine vision technology including multiple overhead modules (12) linked together so to cover the passageway through which pedestrians travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: BAS Strategic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam F. Brunetti, Peter C. Davis, Katrin G. Helbing, Chethen B. Reddy, Gary D. Roberts, David M. Stinnet
  • Patent number: 8214142
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods that find the quickest route between two locations on a graph with multi-edge constraints in a time and space efficient manner. In some embodiments, Dijkstra's algorithm is split into separate universes when a) a multiple-edge constraint is reached, and b) along each edge of a multi-edge constraint. In some embodiments, the split is performed for the purpose of finding the quickest (i.e. lowest weighted) route to the intersection(s) at the end of the constraints. These universes, in some embodiments, are merged or discarded when the intersection at the end of the constraint is found. Using these systems and methods, in some embodiments, the shortest path between two locations of a multi-edge constrained road network can be efficiently determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Telogis, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl David James Cerecke, David John Mitchell, Ralph James Mason
  • Publication number: 20120161971
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Azim Nasir, Afshin Moshrefi, Nader Gharachorloo
  • Patent number: 8209264
    Abstract: An entering and leaving management system is provided. The management system includes a management terminal including: an authentication history information acquisition section configured to acquire authentication history information; a registered person image acquisition section configured to acquire a registered person image recorded associated with personal identification data of the authentication history information; an image acquisition section configured to acquire an image of a person to be authenticated, recorded associated with an authentication time of the authentication history information; and a listing section configured to list the registered person images and the image of the person to be authenticated on the operation screen side by side with the authentication history information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Wakabayashi, Takeshi Mio, Seiji Okumura
  • Publication number: 20120154155
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an individual includes a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the individual at a location. A programmable logic controller is coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the presence or absence of the individual. The programmable logic controller is configured to send an alarm signal to an alarm generating device if the individual is absent from the location at a first preset time, if the individual is present in the location at a second preset time, or if the individual is absent from the location for more than a selected interval of time between the first preset time and the second preset time. A user may place the system in a standby mode to prevent an alarm signal from being sent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: John Brasch
  • Patent number: 8203455
    Abstract: A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kun-Ta Lee, Chih Lo, Ching-Yen Lee, Ching-Hua Lee, Ching-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 8199009
    Abstract: A remote area monitoring system is configured to detect movement in a disallowed direction through a space. The system monitors two volumetric spaces that are established by the system, both of which spaces are defined with respect to depth, width and height. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more stereoscopic sensors for capturing image information of the space, a processor processing the image information to detect movement of humans or objects in a disallowed direction through the space, and an alarm indicator. The system may also include workstation configured to display and store the image information. The workstation may have multiple levels of access, such as basic user, supervisor and technician level access. The workstation may display a log of alarm or related events and permit selection of events and viewing of image information associated with the events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BAS Strategic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam F. Brunetti
  • Patent number: 8188869
    Abstract: A kit monitoring and tracking the location of at least one animal includes a GPS implant designed to be transplanted subcutaneously into an animal, and capable of communicating spatial information related to the location of the animal. A first receiver allows the user to receive the spatial information communicated from the GPS implant and related to the location of the animal. The first receiver is adapted to transmit the spatial information communicated from the GPS implant to a smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Carole A. Wangrud
  • Patent number: 8188862
    Abstract: An apparatus for remotely detecting metal objects carried by a person includes an antenna and a signal generator coupled to the antenna operable to cause the antenna to emit a first electromagnetic signal to the person at a frequency that is known to be resonant with the human body. The apparatus further includes a data capture device operable to capture response signal energy received by the antenna, the response signal energy being provided from the person in response to the first electromagnetic signal. Processing circuitry for the apparatus is operable to determine whether the response signal energy is indicative whether or not the person is carrying an appreciable amount of metal, based on reference response templates for persons that are known to be metal-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel Tam, Jodi McGee, Aldo Monges
  • Patent number: 8183999
    Abstract: An emergency locating system can include emergency transceivers and locator transceivers. The emergency transceivers can be capable of transmission of spread-spectrum encoded messages, and can be actuated by a user to send a distress message. A locator transceiver can be capable of receiving the distress messages and performing two-way ranging to determine a distance between the locator transceiver and the emergency transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications, Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Giallorenzi, Eric K. Hall, Michael D. Pulsipher, Kyle L. Henderson, Kent M. Erickson, Marc J. Russon
  • Patent number: 8179255
    Abstract: The personal security purse comprises a handbag, suitcase, backpack, purse, or luggage that has a security device integrated into the design. The security device comprises a panic button located on the purse, a video recording means, an audio recording means, a speaker. The security device can be remotely operated via a remote control. The security device may also include a plurality of alarm sensors as well as a GPS unit for location based services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Muraguet Lamore, Myrtha Lamore
  • Publication number: 20120105232
    Abstract: A subscription system and corresponding method of operation for monitoring user's well being is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing, at a user monitor module, a first indicator for the user well being; providing, at a receiving module operably coupled to the user monitor module, a first threshold for the first indicator; receiving, at the receiving module, the first indication; comparing the first indication and the first threshold; generating a secondary indication when the comparison indicates that the first indication equals or exceeds the first threshold; receiving, at a supervisory module coupled to the receiver module, the secondary indication; and informing a supervisor that the first threshold has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Humbard
  • Publication number: 20120105233
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a bed frame having a head end and a foot end and control circuitry carried by the bed frame. The control circuitry receives information about conditions of the patient support apparatus. A light is coupled to the bed frame adjacent the foot end and is coupled to the control circuitry. The light is in a first state when the patient support apparatus is operating normally and the light is in a second state when the control circuitry detects an alert condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Bobey, Stephen L. Douglas, Eric R. Meyer, Jonathan H. Mueller, Robert Petrosenko, Stephen R. Schulte, Andrew F. Skinner, Michael Z. Sleva, Richard B. Stacy, Daniel K. Stevens, Mayur Yermaneni
  • Patent number: 8169328
    Abstract: A combined proximity monitoring and locating system including a wearable unit, a proximity detector, and a control subsystem. The proximity detector includes a receiver for receiving the wearable unit transmitter signal, a processing subsystem configured to signal an alert if the wearable unit transmitter signal strength is below a pre-established minimum, and a tracking subsystem configured to assist in locating the wearable unit based on the signal strength of the wearable unit transmitter signal. A control subsystem is responsive to an indication that the alert has been signaled. The control subsystem includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit a transponder activation signal, and an RF antenna network for relaying the transponder activation signal to a receiver of the portable unit to activate the transponder thereof. A tracking unit includes a receiver configured to receive the transponder signal of the wearable unit to locate the wearable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LoJack Operating Company, LP
    Inventors: William R. Duvall, Joseph T. Lipowski, James Justice, Vincentzio I. Roman
  • Patent number: 8169335
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a methods and apparatus for optimizing and calibrating a magnetic field generator. In various embodiments, the magnetic field generator includes a signal generator for outputting a voltage and a magnetic field generating circuit including a shunt that may be used to change a value of inductance in the magnetic field generating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Strata Proximity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Frederick, Dwight Medley
  • Patent number: 8164461
    Abstract: One system embodiment includes providing a number of sensors for monitoring an individual in performing a number of tasks from a list of tasks to be completed, the number of tasks each including, an associated number of steps to be completed by the individual, monitoring the performance of a task from the list by using at least one of the number of sensors, providing the individual with a number of step instruction prompts associated with the steps of the task, and obtaining task performance information corresponding to the performance of the task by the individual. The task performance information includes step prompt information including the number of step instruction prompts provided during performance of the task, sensor data from the at least one of the number of sensors, and adjusting the list of tasks to be completed based on the task performance information of the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Healthsense, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 8159339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a child monitoring system. The child monitoring system includes a plurality of caregiver units and a child monitoring unit. The child monitoring unit is communicably coupled to the plurality of caregiver units and the plurality of caregiver units are configured to communicate amongst each other. The child monitoring unit is configured to detect an audible sound of the child. A signal responsive of the audible sound of the child is generated and transmitted to at least one caregiver unit of the plurality of caregiver units. Further, the child monitoring unit is configured to receive a signal responsive of instructions of the at least one caregiver of the plurality of caregivers from the at least one caregiver unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Audrey McCrone
  • Publication number: 20120086575
    Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has at least three modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen A. Dixon, Douglas J. Menkedick, William L. Jacques, James W. Jones, James K. Findlay, Jack Wilker, JR., Eugene E. Osborne, Carl W. Riley
  • Patent number: 8154395
    Abstract: A portable child safety seat system has three lightweight, easily transferable modular components. The system utilizes one or more pressure sensor switches configured to be placed under the cushion of a vehicle's infant seat or cushions of multiple infant seats to detect the presence of a child in that seat. Electrical lines connect the pressure sensor switch to an interface unit which contains a back-up electrical power source, i.e. a rechargeable battery. The interface unit is in turn connected by electrical lines to a controller component which has a plug section for receiving electricity and a display section to indicate the presence of the child in the infant seat. When a child is in the infant seat and the vehicle's engine is running, the pressure sensing switch is closed and electricity is directed to light the display section of the controller. When the engine is not running, electricity is directed from the back-up battery to light the display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Marc Taylor
  • Patent number: 8149110
    Abstract: A movable boundary detection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a receiver operable to receive a positioning signal including actual position coordinates of a movable device in a first space and a memory module including a memory to store predefined position coordinates for defining boundaries of a second space being located within the first space. A processor module is communicatively coupled to the receiver and the memory module and operable to compare the actual position coordinates to the predefined position coordinates. An indicator is communicatively coupled to the processor module and operable to indicate when the actual position coordinates are outside the predefined position coordinates for indicating that the device is outside the second space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
  • Patent number: 8138882
    Abstract: An approach is provided that that uses an electronic multi-touch floor covering that has numerous sensors to identify shapes. The electronic multi-touch floor covering identifies a shape of an object that is in contact with the surface of the electronic multi-touch floor covering. An entity record is then retrieved from a data store, such as a database, with the retrieved entity record corresponding to the identified shape. Actions are then retrieved from a second data store with the actions corresponding to the retrieved entity record. The retrieved actions are then executed by the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lydia Mai Do, Travis M. Grigsby, Pamela Ann Nesbitt, Lisa Anne Seacat
  • Patent number: 8134473
    Abstract: A sheet switch (142) has a bottom layer (144) and a top layer (160). First and second conductors (148, 162) located on the bottom layer (144) form two separate conductive paths, with a voltage potential applied to the conductors (148, 162). The top layer (160) includes a ground conductor (172). Spacers (178) are positioned between the top and bottom layers (160, 144). When forces are externally applied, the spacers (178) collapse and the ground conductor (172) contacts the first and second conductors (148, 162), and establishes a conductive path therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: CHG Hospital Beds Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Roussy
  • Publication number: 20120056747
    Abstract: There is provided a bed monitoring system comprising a sensor for detecting and measuring the pressure or force exerted on a bed; and a processor configured to process signals from the sensor to identify a pressure or force pattern that is characteristic of a state of a user relative to the bed; wherein the pressure or force pattern is identified by examining the measured pressure or force over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Kurt Stadlthanner, Andreas Brauers
  • Publication number: 20120050048
    Abstract: An electronic locator system comprised of at least a beacon, a display assembly and a key. The beacon receives a GPS signal, calculates its position and wirelessly re-broadcasts the encrypted position. The display assembly is only able to receive and decrypt the encrypted position information when in close proximity to the key. The location of the beacon is thereby only available to the person who has both the display assembly and the key. Because both the key and the display assembly must be in close proximity to each other the likelihood of an unauthorized person being able to receive location of the beacon is reduced. Optionally, the display assembly may have alert parameters to notify the user of the display assembly when the beacon has crossed a predetermined boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Johnston Sandra, Luz E. LaTorre