Holdup Patents (Class 340/574)
  • Patent number: 8081952
    Abstract: A mobile communications device for communicating with a wireless network is described. The device includes a processor, a communications sub-system connected to the processor for exchanging signals with the wireless network and with the processor, a user input device connected to the processor for sending user input signals to the processor in response to user inputs. A security module is associated with the processor for automatically taking a security action upon detecting a predetermined security user input through the user input device. The security action can include sending a duress message and/or wiping data stored on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: David Thornton, Neil Patrick Adams, Herb Little
  • Patent number: 8031078
    Abstract: The invention is a key chain holder with clock and audible alarm. The invention includes a housing that contains the alarm, which is actuated by a spring-loaded trigger. The spring-loaded trigger requires at least 5 pounds of pressure in order to set off the alarm. The invention also includes a hand strap and flash light. The clock displays the time and date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Liestman
  • Patent number: 8022809
    Abstract: A system which is able to take inventory of products stored in high rise racks and immediately provide the inventory information to an information system for immediate processing and which makes use of remote electronic identification means for each product, box, etc. and each row of a correspondent rack, thus allowing the system to read great amounts of information at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: RFID Mexico, S.A. De C.V.
    Inventors: Eduardo Ruiz Esparza Flores, Jose Adalberto Teran Matus, Rafael Guillermo Ramos Elizondo
  • Patent number: 7969327
    Abstract: A device for managing an awakening phase, in flight, of a pilot in the cockpit of an airplane, following a rest period, to guarantee his or her return to a state estimated compatible with flying operations, also called state of vigilance, wherein it includes management means for inducing progressive physical stimuli for generating an awareness by the resting pilot that his or her rest period is over, starting a procedure in the form of actions to be carried out by the pilot, means for displaying the procedure drawn up by the management means. The management device includes a warning device in case a state of hypo-vigilance is detected in the pilot, which is activated when the pilot is assumed to be in a state of vigilance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Laure Christophe, Garance Pin
  • Patent number: 7965160
    Abstract: A magnetically actuated apparatus, which enlarges, extends and makes continuous magnetic fields used by magnetically controlled devices, such as a magnetic reed switch for use in physical security monitoring systems is shown. Apparatus includes a sensor and a magnetic actuator for use with a movable closure member. The sensor is mounted into to a fixed support member that is arranged for displacement relative to a second movable support member. The sensor has a pair of contacts that are connectable to an electronic circuit. The contacts form a switch that is actuated by the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator comprises a unique elongated magnet with specific polarity or a plurality of aligned, alike permanent magnets that are mountable to the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Mahlon William Edmonson
  • Patent number: 7941130
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for using location information associated with wireless devices. The system includes a wireless device, a location system, and a feature server. The wireless device includes any wireless apparatus having wireless communications capabilities. The location system can generate location information pinpointing the location of the wireless device. The feature server can use the location information to determine whether to execute an action in accordance with subscriber rules. A large number of applications may be implemented to execute the action via a number of communications channels, including without limitation, a wireless communications network, a computer network, and a public switched telephone system, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Robert T. Moton, Jr., Mark J. Enzmann, Samuel N Zellner
  • Patent number: 7933556
    Abstract: A multimode cordless telephone system that can be used for remote video monitoring. The system includes a base station, at least one camera that is in wireless communication, at least periodically, with the base station, and a cordless handset, having a viewing screen, also in wireless communication, at least periodically, with the base station, the cordless handset having a first mode that is operable when the cordless handset is within a predetermined range of the base station wherein the cordless handset operates in conjunction with the base station to provide telephonic communication and image monitoring of images captured by the cameras, and a second mode that is operable when the cordless handset is beyond the predetermined range of the base station wherein the cordless handset communicates with the base station over the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to monitor images captured by the cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: VTech Telecommunications Limited
    Inventors: Ralph Tischler, Gordon Ryley
  • Patent number: 7928851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a personal alarm system including a communication device for transmitting a signal to a recipient such as a signal monitoring center or rescue or other emergency authorities. An interface module, including a user-programmable memory and a user interface, controls the communication device. A triggering key is used to activate the interface module in the case of an emergency, thereby causing the communication device to transmit a signal to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Celphinder Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Sydney Devlin Stanners, Kam Keung Fung
  • Patent number: 7894849
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating feedback. In one aspect, a method includes receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is associated with a mobile device of a user; aggregating the received sensor data to generate aggregated sensor data; processing the aggregated sensor data to determine an aggregated metric; comparing the aggregated metric to a target associated with the user to determine a measure of performance; and generating feedback based on the determined measure of performance. Further, the mobile device can comprise a mobile personal services device that includes one or more of an audio sensor, a video sensor, an environmental sensor, a biometric sensor, a location sensor, an activity detector, and a health monitor. The feedback can be displayed on the mobile personal services device. The feedback also can be displayed in near real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Alex M. Kass, Lucian P. Hughes, Owen E. Richter, Dana Le, Daniel Farina
  • Patent number: 7789869
    Abstract: A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Carolyn Berland, Barbro Moberg-Alehammar
  • Patent number: 7778802
    Abstract: A system that utilizes wireless devices as guard tour checkpoint data collection and checkpoint data communication devices is disclosed. The wireless devices have the capability of reading various types of checkpoints and communicating the collected checkpoint data with a computer via a cellular telephone communication system and either a land-based telephone network or the Internet or a cellular data communication device. Alternatively, a Wi-Fi network or the Wi-Fi network and the Internet can be used to communicate collected checkpoint data with the computer. The computer stores and processes the data according to guard tour expected performance parameters, such as rules, schedules, and exceptions, and then generates the necessary commands to produce exception notifications and reports at various types of peripheral equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: TimeKeeping Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. O'Flaherty, Barry J. Markwitz
  • Patent number: 7750799
    Abstract: A means for a person in distress to use a mobile device to communicate covertly with an Emergency Response Center is provided. The means contains a response designed not to alert an abductor of the communication as well as to indicate whether the person is indeed in distress. The means also allows the Emergency Response Center to locate both the distressed person and a mobile device using GPS or triangulation. The device may be in regular operation mode or in distress mode. When the device is in the distress mode, it will appear to be in normal operating mode if in operation or it will appear to be off if off. In addition, the device may be used for forensic purposes since it may provide voice and video data of the situation at an emergency location to the Emergency Response Center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rhonda L. Childress, David Bruce Kumhyr, Stephen James Watt
  • Patent number: 7683790
    Abstract: Snap hook assemblies in which additional components have been incorporated are detailed. The assemblies maintain the general shapes of carabiners rather than those of conventional versions of the incorporated components. Included among the incorporated components may be light sources, knife blades, compasses, can or bottle openers, and watches, for example, although other components may be incorporated instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Abstrac Products, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Hanson Luquire
  • Patent number: 7679479
    Abstract: A magnetically actuated apparatus, which enlarges, extends and makes continuous magnetic fields used by magnetically controlled devices, such as a magnetic reed switch for use in physical security monitoring systems is shown. Apparatus includes a sensor and a magnetic actuator for use with a movable closure member. The sensor is mounted into to a fixed support member that is arranged for displacement relative to a second movable support member. The sensor has a pair of contacts that are connectable to an electronic circuit. The contacts form a switch that is actuated by the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator comprises a unique elongated magnet with specific polarity or a plurality of aligned, alike permanent magnets that are mountable to the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mahlon William Edmonson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7642919
    Abstract: Signalling and localisation device for an individual in the sea, including an ultrasonic wave transmitter constituting an individual alarm unit carried by the individual in the sea designed to transmit carrier waves of primary signals; a surface surveillance means arranged on the surface of the sea and provided with: a submersed antenna capable of picking up the primary signals transmitted by individual alarm unit; means of transmitting secondary ultrasonic signals, these transmission means: means capable of calculating the position of individual alarm unit as a function of the ultrasonic signals received in response to secondary ultrasonic signals and of converting this information into the coordinates of a global positioning system; a unit for transmitting radio waves capable of sending signals representing these coordinates to a mobile or fixed alarm processing centre equipped with a radio receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Stephane Leal, Jean-Yves Besson
  • Patent number: 7573380
    Abstract: A method (300) for requesting help by a user of a communication device (102) is disclosed. The method includes initiating (304) an emergency call by the user and successively attempting (306) to transmit a distress message to a communication system from a plurality of communication systems based on a predefined priority sequence. The predefined sequence includes a list of the communication systems (104, 106, 108, 110, and 112) arranged according to a pre-assigned priority wherein a satellite based system (112) is preferably assigned the lowest priority. Once one of the systems acknowledges the distress message, the user is notified. The method includes automatically accessing the satellite-based distress system (312), when attempts to detect the other communication systems based on the predefined sequence have failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Ellis A. Pinder
  • Patent number: 7557720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, personal alarm device. The device features a housing comfortably held within one hand of its user. The device provides emergency tools, particularly in the event of an automotive emergency such as a vehicle accident. These features include a mechanism to cut through the web material of vehicle's seatbelts, and a mechanism to break the vehicle's windows. Both such features providing emergency means of escape for the vehicle's occupants. The inventive device further includes electronic circuits providing a flashlight function, and an emergency flasher, and also an audible alarm function. The device is water resistant and also may be provided from materials which make it visible in the dark, prior to activation of any of its functions. The inventive device also serves the routine function of a key ring so that it will always be available to the user in the event of an automotive emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Crestwood Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Bennett S. Rubin, Richard C. Adamany
  • Patent number: 7551079
    Abstract: A distress signal system for protecting a person. There is an aesthetic piece; an activation module coupled to the aesthetic piece, wherein the activation module emits an activation signal when exposed to a triggering phenomenon; a notification module in communication with the activation module, wherein the notification module produces an electromagnetic notification signal upon receiving the activation signal, the notification module including: a global positioning module; a cellular telephone; and a microphone in communication with the notification module, wherein the electromagnetic notification signal comprises real-time audio information from the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Lory Ortelle
  • Patent number: 7486194
    Abstract: The present invention provides a personal alarm system including a communication device for transmitting a signal to a recipient such as a signal monitoring center or rescue or other emergency authorities. An interface module, including a user-programmable memory and a user interface, controls the communication device. A triggering key is used to activate the interface module in the case of an emergency, thereby causing the communication device to transmit a signal to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sydney Devlin Stanners
    Inventors: Sydney Devlin Stanners, Kam Keung Fung
  • Patent number: 7479890
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method of operation for evaluating body activity relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a processor that is associable with a sensor for sensing dynamic and static accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor is operable to process the sensed dynamic and static accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic and an environmental representation to thereby determine whether the evaluated body activity is within environmental tolerance. The processor operates to monitor both activity and inactivity relative to the environmental representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: iLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lehrman, Michael E. Halleck, Alan R. Owens, Edward L. Massman
  • Patent number: 7479891
    Abstract: A rescue and safety device for swimming-pools and amusement parks, consisting of a wristband containing a cardiac-arrest detector, a panic button, a location device and, optionally, a water detector, triggered by immersion syncope, cardiac arrest or an accident; a rescue device, especially if an inflatable grid has been installed on the bottom of the pool, that can uplift any person in difficulties from the bottom of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Claire-Lise Boujon
  • Patent number: 7474208
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for locating an object. The system may include, for example, an object electromagnetic receiver, an audio amplifier, an audio transducer, and an object microprocessor coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver and the audio amplifier. The object microprocessor is configured to ascertain whether a valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, and if so, read a digital sound file, and ascertain whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold. If the signal strength is not above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a maximum sound level indicator signal; and if the signal strength is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a second tier sound level indicator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Ira Klein
  • Patent number: 7432805
    Abstract: Notifying a user of a device event, including receiving a device event, associating the device event with a user, receiving an RFID signal from a user's RFID tag, determining the user's location in dependence upon the RFID signal, selecting a user notification appliance in dependence upon the user's location, and notifying the user of the device event with the selected user notification appliance. In typical embodiments, associating the device event with a user also includes reading a user ID from a device record for the device. In typical embodiments, associating the device event with a user also includes identifying the location of the device, identifying a previous location of the user, and associating the device event with a user in dependence upon the location of the device and the previous location of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kavita K. Agrawal, William K. Bodin, Gregory W. Rybczynski, Derral C. Thorson
  • Patent number: 7427924
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control includes connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control and a controller with respect to the sensor. A steering input count signal and/or steering wheel rotation signal is provided from the sensor to the controller and an alarm is activated when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level and/or the steering wheel rotation signal exceeds a maximum level. The alarm may trigger physical responses within the vehicle including audible, visual, engine management and/or similar responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Triodyne Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Ferrone, Charles Sinkovits
  • Patent number: 7423538
    Abstract: A child alert system that uses radio transmitters and receivers to provide the location of a child, adult or object to which a transmitter unit of the system is attached. The transmitter unit includes a panic button for allowing the wearer of the transmitter unit to send a panic signal when they feel endangered. The system further includes signaling when the transmitter is submerged, when the vital signs of the wearer fall below a certain threshold, or when the transmitter is tampered or removed from the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas A. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7414535
    Abstract: A system for deterring an attack and adding with identification and apprehension of an attacker is disclosed. A vessel containing materials capable of leaving stain, odor, or other markings on the attacker and the victim are employed. Comparison of the materials found on the victim and on the attacker will help establish the connection between the two and aid in the positive identification of the attacker. The system further provides for an audio and light alarm as additional ways for the victim to discourage the attacker. Also included is a tool that will aid the victim in escaping from the attacker's vehicle or other surroundings and a device that will help attract attention to the victim and the attacker. Alternatively, miniature devices are employed that remove samples of the attacker's skin, bone, hair, tissue or bodily fluids and store the same. Subsequent analysis of these samples enables identification of the attacker. Similar devices are also employed to lodge themselves into attacker's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Russell Minoru Hanabusa, Jennie Kao Hanabusa
  • Patent number: 7394384
    Abstract: A personal locator beacon including: an outer case open at one end and an inner case having a major portion removably received within the outer case leaving a minor portion extending outside the outer case; a wireless transmitter and a power supply within the inner case; and a switch for automatically connecting the power supply to the wireless transmitter to thereby activate the wireless transmitter to transmit a signal when the major portion of the inner case is removed from the outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tracme Beacons Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Joseph Peter Rainczuk, Tilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7394386
    Abstract: A system and method to provide location signaling for service, such as a request for transport from a child to his or her parent(s) to be picked up from school, for example. A dedicated communication device has location capabilities and a control to request service for the bearer. At least one monitoring communication device, such as one for each parent, is operable to receive a location with a request for service and acknowledge same. A secure domain manager can be used to; receive the location and request service instruction, deliver the location and request service instruction to the monitoring device(s), obtain an acknowledgment from one monitoring device, and send the acknowledgment to the other monitoring devices and the bearer's communication device. Communication is only allowed between the bearer's device and monitoring devices. The location of the communication device can be tracked, and navigation can be provided thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Nowlan
  • Publication number: 20080102785
    Abstract: A means for a person in distress to use a mobile device to communicate covertly with an Emergency Response Center is provided. The means contains a response designed not to alert an abductor of the communication as well as to indicate whether the person is indeed in distress. The means also allows the Emergency Response Center to locate both the distressed person and a mobile device using GPS or triangulation. The device may be in regular operation mode or in distress mode. When the device is in the distress mode, it will appear to be in normal operating mode if in operation or it will appear to be off if off. In addition, the device may be used for forensic purposes since it may provide voice and video data of the situation at an emergency location to the Emergency Response Center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Rhonda L. Childress, David Bruce Kumhyr, Stephen James Watt
  • Publication number: 20080068183
    Abstract: In accord with a first computer-implemented method, 1) a plurality of duress codes are assigned to a number of users; 2) different response policies are configured for different ones of the duress codes; and 3) access to the response policies is provided via an interface of a policy engine. The response policies are retrieved, via the interface, as users enter ones of the duress codes into ones of a number of computer systems. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: John R. Diamant
  • Publication number: 20080030350
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal for communication includes a panic button to generate a loud audible signal and a speaker connected to the panic button to broadcast the loud audio signal as a loud audio sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: George Brenner
  • Patent number: 7277692
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting audio data for use in establishing an audio recording such as a surround sound recording are described. One exemplary method includes recording audio data at a plurality of mobile terminals located in a plurality of location zones in a given location, sending the recorded audio data from the plurality of mobile terminals to a central network server, and the central network server recording the received audio data into a plurality of audio tracks that may be used in establishing an audio recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Bryce A. Jones, Jason Delker
  • Patent number: 7260420
    Abstract: A system includes a wireless device (101) and at least one stimulator pad (400, 500). The stimulator pad (400, 500) has a set of electrodes (404) that are in communication with the wireless device (101). The stimulator pad (400, 500) is worn on the skin of a user. The wireless device (101) is operable to receive an incoming signal and to place an electric potential on the conductors (404) so that various areas of the user's body are stimulated and the user will receive notification of the incoming signal in a completely silent manner. The pad (400) can be either wired or wireless and can be used to deliver therapeutic body stimulation as well. In another embodiment, the wireless device (101) controls at least one stimulator pad (400, 500) independent of any incoming signal received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Patino, Jose E. Korneluk, James L. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20070182572
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, personal alarm device. The device features a housing comfortably held within one hand of its user. The device provides emergency tools, particularly in the event of an automotive emergency such as a vehicle accident. These features include a mechanism to cut through the web material of vehicle's seatbelts, and a mechanism to break the vehicle's windows. Both such features providing emergency means of escape for the vehicle's occupants. The inventive device further includes electronic circuits providing a flashlight function, and an emergency flasher, and also an audible alarm function. The device is water resistant and also may be provided from materials which make it visible in the dark, prior to activation of any of its functions. The inventive device also serves the routine function of a key ring so that it will always be available to the user in the event of an automotive emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Bennett S. Rubin, Richard C. Adamany
  • Patent number: 7245204
    Abstract: A system and method is described for alerting authorities during a vehicle carjacking or carnapping. The method includes a first step of providing a vehicular radiotelephone communication system with speech recognition and a controller operable to monitor at least one vehicular system. A next step includes defining at least one predetermined sequence of operation of the at least one vehicular system for triggering a silent alert. The sequence can include spoken words or vehicle control operation. A next step includes monitoring the at least one vehicular system for the defined at least one predetermined sequence, such as a hidden switch activation for example. A next step includes activating a silent alert upon detection of the at least one predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Temic Automotive of North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Abigail Z. Ramos, Cy M. Fieldman, Maria L. Mazur, Vijay S. Raisinghani
  • Patent number: 7196629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sensing information about the position and/or movements of the body of a living being or a part of the body inside the body, in particular for use in a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps: Send (18) an electromagnetic signal (15) that includes, according to the invention, frequencies in the radar range, to a predetermined area of the body of a living being, Receive (20) an electromagnetic signal (22) reflected from the area of the body, Evaluate (30) the captured receive signal (22) with regard for the difference in delay time and/or frequency relative to the transmit signal (15) to determine the information. With the method according to the present invention, the breathing and heart rate and the position of the body of a driver of a motor vehicle can be monitored in contactless fashion during the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Oliver Ruoss, Michael Mahler, Juergen Seidel
  • Patent number: 7193531
    Abstract: Using a mobile terminal while moving, a user has a voice conversation with a security terminal provided by a security service provider. This conversation creates a situation in which it is possible to immediately send an alarm if an emergency occurs, thus repelling assaulters or abductors lurking near the user. The mobile terminal is provided with GPS or the like, and position information of the mobile terminal is sent to the security terminal. The security service provider takes advertisements from advertisers selling goods or services, and prepares conversation scenarios that are the content of the conversations for automatic response based on those advertisements. The security terminal firstly provides the user with a voice conversation partner proxy service based on the conversation scenarios and secondly detects emergencies by detecting emergency messages from the mobile terminal or detecting the interruption of the conversation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hayuru Ito, Shigeru Yamada, Yuji Kijima
  • Patent number: 7193520
    Abstract: An anti-hijacking apparatus for aircraft and airports including combinations of the following elements: panic/silent alarms hidden on the aircraft, brake locks on the aircraft which can be controlled remotely, tire deflating devices which can be controlled remotely, a fuel line shut-off valve which can be controlled remotely, a fortified cockpit door, bullet proof backs to cockpit seats, a flight system remote control which protects high rise buildings from aircraft collisions, smoke generators, gas dispensers, and other methods of obscuring vision in the passenger cabin, and stun devices and tranquilizer darts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel Shear
  • Patent number: 7183947
    Abstract: System and method of wireless remote control of various defense systems installed aboard an airplane, wherein such defense systems comprise at least one of releasing gases, releasing chemical sprays, fogging, spraying sticky glue, firing laser guns, and sounding alarms. Small easy to conceal, microprocessor based transmitter means communicate with receivers, which are configured and adapted to be part of the control circuitry for the defense measures aboard the airplane. The transmitter means further have bi-directional telemetry means, to facilitate communications among crew members and ground personnel, while hostile situation is likely or is present aboard the aircraft. In one aspect of the invention the transmitter means can also activate auto flight navigation system, if required. The wireless remote control system of the invention can have more than one type of transmitter, with various levels of software lockouts, for different crew members to activate the defense systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Birinder R. Boveja, Angely Widhany
  • Patent number: 7180426
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for using an light source to incapacitate a subject in which the light source strobes by a spatial scanning through a pattern and a temporal flashing at a rate sufficient to cause incapacitation. The strobing (meaning both spatial scanning and temporal flashing is in a pattern to prevent the subject from escaping the strobing effect. The flashing is timed so that each flash point in the pattern will flash at a rate and sequence to cause incapacitation. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is an array of LEDs or laser diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Optech Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir Rubtsov
  • Patent number: 7130664
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote notification device in electronic communication with a user's personal communication device that alerts the user that the personal communication device is receiving an incoming telecommunications signal. A user who is not in operable contact with the communication device is alerted to the incoming call, message, or page by the remote notification device, which is in operable contact with the user, and alerts the user with a suitable indication (e.g., visual, audible, and/or tactile). The remote notification device preferably permits the user to not alter his or her desired appearance in social situations. The remote notification device is easily concealable or integral to an article of clothing, piece of jewelry, piercing, or accessory that the user desires to wear or carry independent of the desire to be notified of incoming calls, messages, or pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel P. Williams
  • Patent number: 7126484
    Abstract: Snap hook assemblies in which additional components have been incorporated are detailed. The assemblies maintain the general shapes of carabiners rather than those of conventional versions of the incorporated components. Included among the incorporated components may be light sources, knife blades, compasses, can or bottle openers, and watches, for example, although other components may be incorporated instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: L. Hanson Luquire
  • Patent number: 7110866
    Abstract: A security enhanced automatic pilot system for an air vehicle. Upon a change of trajectory for an air vehicle during flight, the pilot is requested to confirm the change in trajectory. Through the placement of the pilot's finger on a fingerprint sensor, messages can be sent regarding the reason for the trajectory change. A first finger can represent a normal message, whereas a second message can represent a security message. Where a security message is sent, the automatic pilot system can automatically direct the air vehicle to a predetermined flight path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Julius Vivant Dutu
  • Patent number: 7106197
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring persons within predetermined areas has a plurality of tags irremovably applicable to persons and contain data characteristic of the person. At least one sensor for senses the presence of each person and is operationally connectable to each tag (2) via an ether. A supervision and control unit is operationally connected to the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventors: Maurizio Gaiotto, Giovanni Pradella
  • Patent number: 7091866
    Abstract: When an emergency push-button is depressed, an alarm sound output part in a portable telephone set outputs a high volume level alarm sound, and a flashlight part 8 emits light or flickered light. Furthermore, at the time of the light emission from the flashlight part 8, a camera 7 picks up an evidence photograph and causes the picked-up photograph to be automatically transmitted to a predetermined mail address of police or a guard company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takahisa Nishibori
  • Patent number: 7088250
    Abstract: A fatigue-level estimation apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a heat rate calculator and a fatigue level estimator. The heart rate calculator receives a signal indicative of a heartbeat of an object to be estimated to calculate a heart rate signal changing sequentially in time. The fatigue level estimator estimates a fatigue level of the object by detecting a sharp and transient rise in the heartbeat in the heart rate signal. The fatigue-level estimation has less influence resulting from individual differences, while still maintaining high reliability in the estimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuo Yasushi
  • Patent number: 7084771
    Abstract: A child alert system that uses radio transmitters and receivers to provide the location of a child, adult or object to which a transmitter unit of the system is attached. The transmitter unit includes a panic button for allowing the wearer of the transmitter unit to send a panic signal when they feel endangered. The system further includes signaling when the transmitter is submerged, when the vital signs of the wearer fall below a certain threshold, or when the transmitter is tampered or removed from the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas A Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7079021
    Abstract: An emergency shutdown test system, wherein the emergency shutdown test system includes an emergency shutdown device controller and sensors to provide data to the controller, the controller having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and an auxiliary input, wherein an emergency shutdown test is stored in the memory, and the auxiliary input is adapted to receive a binary signal and sensor data. Routines are stored in the memory and are adapted to be executed on the processor to cause the emergency shutdown test to be performed in response to the receipt of the binary signal at the auxiliary input and to cause sensor data to be recorded in the memory during the emergency shutdown test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventors: Jimmie L. Snowbarger, Riyaz M. Ali
  • Patent number: 7019663
    Abstract: Described is a system and method for tracking an asset. The system may include an RF tag coupled to the asset; a wireless wide area network (“WWAN”) including a plurality of transceivers and having a first coverage area; and a plurality of wireless local area networks (“WLAN”). Each of the WLANs has a second coverage area within the first coverage area. In addition, the system includes a computer which communicates with the WWAN and the WLANs. The computer generates a signal to be transmitted to the asset using a first transceiver of the WWAN. The asset receives the signal and generates a response signal; the asset transmits the response signal to a particular WLAN within which second coverage area the asset is located via a plurality of second transceivers. The computer determines the location of the asset within the second coverage area as a function of the response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Sharony
  • Patent number: 6992589
    Abstract: A security monitor receives an indication of a robbery from a security system. In response, an alert generator sends an alert to a plurality of employee terminals, where the alert causes each of the employee terminals to preemptively display a notification of the robbery and prompt for and record an employee's observations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Rebecca M. Marsh