Moisture Or Humidity (e.g., Rain) Patents (Class 340/602)
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Patent number: 11933514Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed. The air conditioner comprises a storage, and a processor for identifying a target space on the basis of first gas sensing data, moving the air conditioner to the target space, acquiring information about a gas type on the basis of second gas sensing data sensed within the target space and reference data stored in the storage, and performing an air conditioning operation on the basis of the information about the gas type, wherein the gas sensing data is sensed by a sensor comprising a plurality of sensing modules that react to different gases.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jaehong Kim, Yongwon Jeong, Joonho Kim, Jangpyo Park, Sanghun Lee
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Patent number: 11846522Abstract: An apparatus is configured to perform a method for generating warning polygons for weather events in a geographic region. The method includes receiving measurement data from one or more sensors, identifying at least one location from the measurement data, identifying a map tile within a predetermined distance to the at least one location, defining an index including the map tile in response to identification that the map tile is within the predetermined distance to the at least one location, calculating a confidence level for the map tile accessed from the index, comparing the confidence level for the map tile to a threshold confidence level, clustering the map tile in a map tile cluster in response to the confidence level exceeding the threshold level, and calculating a polygon based on the map tile cluster such that the polygon intersects the geographic region.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: HERE Global B.V.Inventor: Leon Stenneth
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Patent number: 11824957Abstract: The disclosure herein pertains to a content creation service utilizing micro-services. The content creation service divides up the tasks for content creation including extracting a start portion, a stop portion, and merging the stop portion, start portion, and segments between the start portion and the stop portion. The content creation service utilizes micro-services in order to perform the tasks. Advantageously, use of micro-services allow for improved scalability and faster processing.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2023Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kristopher Kosmatka, Saurav Sengupta, Evan Statton, Lionel Bringuier
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Patent number: 11761840Abstract: A system for detecting water in an environment includes a first sensor configured to provide first feedback indicative of a temperature of the environment, a second sensor configured to provide second feedback indicative of a humidity of the environment, and an electronic circuit having a processor configured to execute one or more instructions stored on a memory of the electronic circuit. The one or more instructions are configured to receive the first feedback from the first sensor, receive the second feedback from the second sensor, generate a risk score by comparing the first feedback and the second feedback to baseline data stored on the memory of the electronic circuit, and provide an indication of a water detection event when the risk score is equal to or exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventor: Matthew T. Flachsbart
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Patent number: 11641943Abstract: The cabinet-protecting waterproof mat is specifically designed to prevent water damage for sink base cabinets and to alert the owner when there is water leakage. The main mat is waterproof, mildew resistant, and catches water that may have dripped or leaked on the main pad, surrounded by an elevated lip. The mat has a battery-powered sensor to detect when water is collecting on the mat. Furthermore, the sensor is connected to a speaker to emit beeping noises when water is detected or if the battery needs replacing. The volume of said beeping can be set to high or low, and the power can be turned on or off by corresponding buttons.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Jesus Martinez
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Patent number: 11623613Abstract: An optical rain sensor including a plurality of light detecting elements and a plurality of peripheral light emitting elements disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and surrounding a central light emitting element disposed on the PCB, wherein, in a first mode of operation, the central light emitting element is configured to emit light beams toward the plurality of light detecting elements, and wherein, in a second mode of operation, each of the peripheral light emitting elements is configured to emit light beams toward the plurality of light detecting elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.Inventors: Mindaugas Ketlerius, Mangirdas Rasiulis
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Patent number: 11480711Abstract: The present invention may be used for forecasting various weather phenomena including but not limited to flyby anomalies, cyclones, tornadoes, killer (rogue) waves, earthquakes, lightning, sprites, and temperature fluctuations. The invention is based on knowledge of physical and mathematical models regarding the occurrence of Kukharev regions (i.e., K regions) resulting from gravitational resonances occurring within the Earth-Moon-Sun system (and similar systems located elsewhere). These gravitational resonances and combinations thereof, among other things, cause jumps in atmospheric pressure. Such jumps can be recorded and extrapolated to predict the locations and times of the occurrence of Kukharev regions and, in turn, the associated weather-related effects.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Inventor: Vadim Kukharev
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Patent number: 11453367Abstract: An information processing system includes a vehicle and a server that is able to communicate with the vehicle. The server stores weather information indicating the weather. The vehicle receives the weather information from the server and acquires an image in which a scene outside the vehicle is captured when an operating state of an onboard device is not a prescribed operating state corresponding to the weather indicated by the weather information. The vehicle or the server detects the weather from the image. The server updates the weather information to indicate the weather detected from the image when the weather detected from the image and the weather indicated by the weather information do not match and provides information to a client using the updated weather information.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Eiichi Kusama, Masatoshi Hayashi, Hisanori Mitsumoto, Kuniaki Jinnai, Makoto Akahane, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Daisuke Kato
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Patent number: 11388280Abstract: A device monitors a battery charge level and battery-usage patterns and provides alerts in accordance therewith.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard R. Dellinger, Andre M. J. Boule, Patrick L. Coffman, Donald W. Pitschel, Emily Clark Schubert
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Patent number: 11371950Abstract: A moisture detection element includes: an insulating substrate of an insulating material; an application part which is formed on the insulating substrate and to which a voltage is applied; an output part which is formed on the insulating substrate and configured to output a voltage signal corresponding in response to a current flowing through an electric path via water molecules adhering to a surface of the insulating substrate under the voltage applied to the application part; and a conductive film which is electrically insulated from the application part and the output part and is provided on the insulating substrate. An insulating film of an insulating material is provided on the application part, the output part, and the conductive film.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Hironori Wakana, Masuyoshi Yamada
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Patent number: 11368673Abstract: A device for detecting a soiling of a transparent cover of at least one transmitting window and/or one receiving window of an optical sensor. The device includes at least one hologram structure, an image sensor, and a processing unit. The at least one hologram structure is designed to at least partially deflect light beams incident through the transparent cover, or light beams reflected by an inner side of the transparent cover, in the direction of the image sensor. The image sensor is designed to detect at least one image signal as a function of the deflected light beams, and the processing unit is designed to detect a soiling of the transparent cover as a function of the at least one detected image signal. An optical sensor including the device, and a method for detecting a soiling of the transparent cover, are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Annette Frederiksen, Stefanie Hartmann
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Patent number: 11074797Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a status of a building comprising a first sensor configured to detect a first condition in the space and a second sensor configured to detect a second condition in the space is disclosed. The system may further comprise a memory for storing one or more rules each configured to identify one or more issues in the space based on the first and/or second conditions in the space and a communications module configured to communicate with a remote device over a network. A controller may be configured to apply the one or more rules to the first and second detected conditions in the space to identify the one or more issues and provide a notification to the remote device via the communications module.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Ademco Inc.Inventors: Christopher Heintzelman, Brian Beale, David J. Emmons, Joseph Bodkin, John Cronin
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Patent number: 10889989Abstract: A roof monitoring system for flat and low slope roofs having a membrane (10) applied over an underlying support structure or subroof (11) wherein air passing between the membrane and the subroof passes through a vent (1) having sensors (12) located therein to collect data.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: V2T IP, LLCInventor: Adam Olen
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Patent number: 10865787Abstract: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for monitoring operation of a pump are provided. In some embodiments, a system comprises: a pressure switch, comprising: a PCB within a housing; a power supply; a wireless gateway module configured to establishes a wireless connection to a wireless network; a pressure sensor; a microcontroller that: establishes a second wireless connection to a mobile device; receives instructions from the mobile device; connect to the first wireless network based on the instructions; determine pressure; control operation of the pump based on the pressure; determine that a fault has occurred, automatically stop operation of the pump, and send a message to a server over the first wireless network; and receive instructions from the mobile device via the server and the first wireless network to change a setting of the pressure switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Bishop, Hassan Khalid
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Patent number: 10629042Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for communicating data from a flame detector. A method may comprise detecting, by the flame detector, data related to a fire event; communicating, by the flame detector, the fire event data to a wireless device; forwarding, by the wireless device, the fire event data to a cloud database; accessing the fire event data, via the cloud database, by a central server controlled by an operator of the flame detector; analyzing, by the central server, the fire event data; automatically generating a report based on the analysis of the fire event data, by the central server; and communicating the generated report to a customer employing the flame detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Bharat Kumar Mallela, Akshay Krishnaji Ratnaparkhe, Amit Garg, Bindu Ganesh, Sheetal Hanagandi, Abhishek Mathur
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Patent number: 10598645Abstract: A testing system used for an air sensing device is disclosed, the testing system includes a controller, a vacuum test cabinet, a molecule generator, a vacuum pump, a VOC sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a heater. The vacuum test cabinet accommodates the air sensing device to be tested. The controller controls the vacuum pump to extract air from the vacuum test cabinet so as to create a predetermined vacuum level. The controller controls the molecule generator to generate a quantitative gas and transmits the quantitative gas to the vacuum test cabinet. The controller obtains a system value of gas data. The controller obtains a measure value of the gas data of the air sensing device and compares the measure value with the system value to determine whether the air sensing device senses correctly.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Ming Kao, Yuan-Ping Hsieh
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Patent number: 10533981Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring air quality data from removable and/or replaceable sensor, processing and storing the acquired data, and transmitting the processed data to backend server is enabled. The apparatus includes a microcontroller coupled with a Universal Sensor Interface (USI). The USI may include an element configured to transmit continuous electrical power to a removable and/or replaceable sensor, an element configured to transmit intermittent electrical power during time intervals corresponding to sensing intervals, an element configured to transmit an indication that the removable and/or replaceable sensor is currently coupled with the sensor interface, and one or more elements configured as a serial peripheral interface. A modular sensor system is thereby enabled, configurable to manage multiple removable and replaceable sensors such as air quality sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong KongInventors: Wei-Ying Yi, Kwong-Sak Leung, Yee Leung
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Patent number: 10518717Abstract: A video-camera device comprises a motherboard, and a daughterboard comprising a video-camera module the optical axis of which is perpendicular to a main plane of the daughterboard. The motherboard includes a rigid main segment comprising image-processing electronic components. The motherboard including a secondary segment made of the same material as, and integrally formed with, the main segment. The secondary segment is partially surrounded by a void. The secondary segment has a rectilinear border defining the junction between the main segment and the secondary segment. The rectilinear border defines a pivot axis of the secondary segment. The daughterboard is mounted perpendicularly on the secondary segment in such a way that the secondary segment is inclinable relative to the surface of the main segment about the pivot axis in order to allow the angle of inclination between the optical axis of the video-camera module and the main segment to be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Miroslaw Zurowski, Slawomir Jarczok, Przemyslaw Antos
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Patent number: 10443938Abstract: The present invention provides a retrofit device to automatically shut off a clothes dryer to prevent over drying. The device includes a humidity sensor apparatus for placement inside a clothes dryer. The Sensor communicates with a Receiver device connected to an electrical wall outlet and to the electrical plug of the clothes dryer. The Receiver turns off the power to the clothes dryer when the humidity level in the clothes dryer drops to a predetermined level, as detected by the Sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GA INNOVATION, LLCInventor: Malcolm Clare Charles Armstrong
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Patent number: 10427645Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that uses data from different types of on-board sensors to determine whether meteorological precipitation is failing near the vehicle. The vehicle may include an on-board camera capturing image data and an on-board accelerometer capturing accelerometer data. The image data may characterize an area in front of or behind the vehicle. The accelerometer data may characterize vibrations of a windshield of the vehicle. An artificial neural network may run on computer hardware carried on-board the vehicle. The artificial neural network may be trained to classify meteorological precipitation in an environment of the vehicle using the image data and the accelerometer data as inputs. The classifications of the artificial neural network may be used to control one or more functions of the vehicle such as windshield-wiper speed, traction-control settings, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ramchandra Ganesh Karandikar, Nikhil Nagraj Rao, Scott Vincent Myers, Francois Charette
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Patent number: 10380878Abstract: Systems and methods for self-administering a sound test to verify operation of a speaker and/or alarm within a hazard detection system are described herein. The sound test can verify that the audible sources such as the alarm and speaker operate at the requisite loudness and frequencies. In addition, the sound test can be self-administered in that it does not require the presence of a person to initiate or verify that the audible sources are functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Lawrence Frederick Heyl, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Steven Clark, Andrew W. Goldenson, Dietrich Ho, Nicholas Unger Webb, Julia Deluliis, Tyler Moore, Ben Manuto
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Patent number: 10206570Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for obtaining physiological measurements of a patient using an adaptive body network are provided. In one example, a wireless medical sensor may include physiological sensor circuitry, wireless transceiver circuitry, and control circuitry. The physiological sensor circuitry may be capable of obtaining a physiological measurement of a patient. The wireless transceiver circuitry may be capable of joining a wireless web that includes at least one other wireless medical sensor, through which the wireless transceiver circuitry may communicate the physiological measurement to an external device. The control circuitry may be capable of determining a data update rate at which to operate the physiological sensor or the wireless transceiver circuitry, or a combination thereof, based at least in part on a status of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Edward M. McKenna, Daniel Lisogurski
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Patent number: 10012767Abstract: An acoustic disdrometer is provided for measuring precipitation. The acoustic disdrometer has an acoustic transducer positioned within an acoustic chamber defined by an acoustic shell. Precipitation impacting the acoustic shell generates sound waves that are collected by the acoustic transducer for processing.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Arable Labs, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Adam Wolf, Benjamin Joseph Siegfried, Adam Lee Smith
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Patent number: 9898922Abstract: Systems and methods for self-administering a sound test to verify operation of a speaker and/or alarm within a hazard detection system are described herein. The sound test can verify that the audible sources such as the alarm and speaker operate at the requisite loudness and frequencies. In addition, the sound test can be self-administered in that it does not require the presence of a person to initiate or verify that the audible sources are functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Lawrence Frederick Heyl, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Steven Clark, Andrew W. Goldenson, Dietrich Ho, Nicholas Unger Webb, Julia Deluliis, Tyler Moore, Ben Manuto
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Patent number: 9880143Abstract: The invention provides a sensor system, mote and a motes-system. The sensor system is configured for being contained in a container having a maximum outer dimension less than 10 millimeter and for sensing at least one environmental parameter (T, P, pH, ?). The sensor system includes at least one sensor configured for measuring the at least one environmental parameter and for generating a sensed value (xT, xP). The sensor system includes a storage element and a timer in which the at least one sensor is configured to measuring the at least one environmental parameter at each time triggers (t1, t2, . . . ) from the timer and for storing a sensed value (xT, xP). The sensor system further includes an energy storage comprising a chargeable capacitor being chargeable via electro-magnetic radiation of a predefined frequency, and wherein the sensor system is configured to initiate a sequence of sensed values when the energy storage is charged or is being charged.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: INGU Solutions Inc.Inventors: Heinrich Johannes Wörtche, Elena Talnishnikh, Johannes Hubertus Gerardus Van Pol
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Patent number: 9841533Abstract: An acoustic disdrometer is provided for measuring precipitation. The acoustic disdrometer has an acoustic transducer positioned within an acoustic chamber defined by an acoustic shell. Precipitation impacting the acoustic shell generates sound waves that are collected by the acoustic transducer for processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Arable Labs, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Adam Wolf, Benjamin Joseph Siegfried, Adam Lee Smith
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Patent number: 9823286Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and an electrical connector disposed along the housing. The electrical connector includes one or a plurality of electrical contacts having at least a portion thereof exposed to an exterior of the housing. An interface circuit is operable with the electrical connector and coupled to one or more electrical contacts of the electrical connector to interact with a complementary connector when connected to the electrical connector. A moisture detection circuit is to detect moisture contacting the electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Nathan M Connell, James Bender, Ernest Sirois
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Patent number: 9802355Abstract: Environmental control units are disclosed. In an aspect, an environmental control unit for use with additive manufacturing and other VOC and particle emitting processes are disclosed. In an aspect, an environmental control unit comprising one or more filters, an air handler, a temperature control device, one or more sensors and a control unit is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: MADE IN SPACE, INC.Inventor: Michael Snyder
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Patent number: 9800713Abstract: Configuration of detection of physical conditions in and/or around a communication apparatus is described. Further, configuration of an action responsive to the detection of physical conditions, or changes in physical conditions, is described. The communication apparatus may output a user notification in response to a moisture detection notification. A user interface of the communication apparatus may receive a user response. Further actions may be then taken based on the user response to the user notification. Alternatively or in addition, an end-user may predetermine a set of actions to be performed in response to the moisture event. Further, a respective set of actions may be specified for several possible severity levels or thresholds values of the moisture detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: HZO, Inc.Inventors: James Douglas Dempster, Jason Maynard
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Patent number: 9791869Abstract: A control unit is added to the environmental tester including a thermostat-humidistat container, an air conditioner, a first temperature and humidity sensor for measuring temperature and humidity in the thermostat-humidistat container, a controller for receiving a first signal from the first temperature and humidity sensor to control the air conditioner. The control unit includes a second temperature and humidity sensor configured to measure the temperature and humidity distribution in the thermostat-humidistat container, and an additional unit configured to receive the first signal and set values for the temperature and the humidity from the controller, and receive a second signal from the second temperature and humidity sensor, compute a correction value from the received first signal, second signal, and set values, and send the correction value to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: NAGANO SCIENCE CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuichiro Kobayashi, Yuichi Sakamoto
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Patent number: 9794708Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting audio jack connection anomalies such as moisture or a partial insertion of an audio jack plug with an audio jack receptacle are provided. In an example, a method for detecting an audio jack insertion anomaly can include ramping on a first detection current source of a detection circuit coupled to a detection terminal of a first audio jack connector, receiving a reference information at a comparator of the detection circuit, receiving a voltage of the detection terminal at the comparator, providing comparison information at an output of the comparator, the comparison information indicative of a comparison of the voltage of the detection terminal and the reverence information, and wherein a first state of the comparison information indicates the audio jack insertion anomaly is due to moisture at the first audio jack connector.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventor: John R. Turner
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Patent number: 9769579Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting audio jack connection anomalies such as moisture or a partial insertion of an audio jack plug with an audio jack receptacle are provided. In an example, a method for detecting an audio jack insertion anomaly can include ramping on a first detection current source of a detection circuit coupled to a detection terminal of a first audio jack connector, receiving a reference information at a comparator of the detection circuit, receiving a voltage of the detection terminal at the comparator, providing comparison information at an output of the comparator, the comparison information indicative of a comparison of the voltage of the detection terminal and the reverence information, and wherein a first state of the comparison information indicates the audio jack insertion anomaly is due to moisture at the first audio jack connector.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventor: John R. Turner
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Patent number: 9671306Abstract: An easy-to-use, installation-free water leak warning device having a sturdy hollow body enclosing essential functioning elements including a power source, an amplifier, a speaker, and portions of two electrodes. The water leak warning device is preferably small in size and may be placed at potential water leak or flooding spots. The essential functioning elements are operatively connected with conductive material so that when leaked water flows to where the device is located, an audible signal can be emitted to alert the user of the device to prevent further leakage and mitigate any damage.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Widget Lab Inc.Inventor: Joshua Scharf
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Patent number: 9454893Abstract: Systems and methods for self-administering a sound test to verify operation of a speaker and/or alarm within a hazard detection system are described herein. The sound test can verify that the audible sources such as the alarm and speaker operate at the requisite loudness and frequencies. In addition, the sound test can be self-administered in that it does not require the presence of a person to initiate or verify that the audible sources are functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Lawrence Frederick Heyl, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Jr., Steven Clark, Andrew W. Goldenson, Dietrich Ho, Nicholas Unger Webb, Julia Deluliis, Tyler Moore, Ben Manuto
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Patent number: 9432763Abstract: An easy-to-use, installation-free water leak warning device having a sturdy hollow body enclosing essential functioning elements including a power source, an amplifier, a speaker, and portions of two electrodes. The water leak warning device is preferably small in size and may be placed at potential water leak or flooding spots. The essential functioning elements are operatively connected with conductive material so that when leaked water flows to where the device is located, an audible signal can be emitted to remind the user of the device to prevent further leakage and mitigate any damage.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Widget Lab Inc.Inventor: Joshua Scharf
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Patent number: 9335251Abstract: An environmental sensor is disclosed. The environmental sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including a light sensor, a surface through which ambient light can pass to reach a light sensor and a light source operable to illuminate the surface, whereby at least some of the light from the light source is reflected by the surface onto the light sensor. The environmental sensor is operable to determine the presence of a fouling layer on the surface by comparing measurements of ambient light and reflected light by the at least one light sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Aly Aamer Syed, Manvi Agarwal
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Patent number: 9326462Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soil moisture sensor for interrupting an irrigation schedule of an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor comprises a relatively flat body with two lower electrodes and two lower anchoring barbs. A receiver receives moisture readings from the sensor and compares moisture data to a predetermined moisture interrupt value or limit, over which irrigation is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Thomas H. Runge, Jason Lester Hill, James Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9299239Abstract: Disclosed herein is a monitoring device comprising a sensor or probe for measuring an environmental condition inside a building, a display unit for displaying the level of the environmental condition, and a communication device that transmits text messages if the level of the environmental condition passes a predetermined threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Travis John Gieck
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Patent number: 9279780Abstract: A filter assembly has a qualified filter element that filters fuel, a filter housing for the qualified filter element and a water-in-fuel sensor that senses presence of water in the filter housing. An electrical resistance of the water-in-fuel sensor changes based upon whether the qualified filter element is installed in the housing. A filter assembly can also have a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on at least one of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. A plurality of wires are disposed on at least the other of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. The control circuit determines that the qualified filter element is installed in the filter housing based on a change in the electrical current in the plurality of wires.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.Inventors: Jared M. Gwin, Sainath Reddy Racha, Gregory D. Shope, Yiming Z. Jiang
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Patent number: 9226076Abstract: An acoustic module, such as a microphone or speaker module, includes an acoustic membrane that vibrates to produce acoustic waves and an acoustic cavity through which acoustic waves produced by the membrane travel. A liquid removal mechanism removes liquid from the acoustic cavity. Such a liquid removal mechanism may include the acoustic membrane, heating elements, hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic surfaces, and so on. In some cases, the liquid removal mechanism may remove liquid from the acoustic cavity upon connection of the acoustic module and/or an associated electronic device to an external power source.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jesse A. Lippert, Nikolas T. Vitt, Christopher Wilk, Rex Tyler Ehman
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Patent number: 9224285Abstract: Alarm system technology, in which an alarm event is detected at a property monitored by an alarm system when the alarm system was set in an armed state. Based on detection of the alarm event, an alarm probability score that indicates a likelihood of the alarm event being an emergency situation is determined and the alarm event is handled based on the determined alarm probability score.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Alarm.com IncorporatedInventor: Stephen Scott Trundle
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Patent number: 9185360Abstract: A system mounted on a vehicle for detecting an obstruction on a surface of a window of the vehicle, a primary camera is mounted inside the vehicle behind the window. The primary camera is configured to acquire images of the environment through the window. A secondary camera is focused on an external surface of the window, and operates to image the obstruction. A portion of the window, i.e. window region is subtended respectively by the field of view of the primary camera and the field of view of the secondary camera. A processor processes respective sequences of image data from both the primary camera and the secondary camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: MOBILEYE VISION TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventors: Gideon Stein, Ofer Hadassi
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Patent number: 9146207Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for sensing moisture within an electronic device are disclosed. A device may include a housing and a display defining an exterior of an electronic device and an interior of the electronic device. Further, the device may include an integrated circuit (IC) within the electronic device and a control element within the electronic device. The device may also include a moisture sensor such as an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, or both. The moisture sensor, which may be part of the IC, together with the control element may sense moisture within the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: HZO, Inc.Inventors: Marcellus Harper, Jason Maynard, Blake Stevens, Max Sorenson
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Patent number: 9057683Abstract: An image pickup lens has a focal length far from a position of a transparent member. An image pickup device is put on the side of the transparent member the same as that of a light source and takes reflected light including regular reflection from an interface between an adhered object on the other surface of the transparent member and air. Assuming an incident angle of the emitted light on the transparent member when the light reflected in regular reflection by the other surface of the transparent member is incident on the image pickup lens being ?s, an incident angle of a typical light beam of the emitted light falls within ?s?30 deg through ?s and an incident angle of a main element of the emitted light is less than ?s.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Izumi Itoh, Hideaki Hirai
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Publication number: 20150137981Abstract: A method of detecting cooling-loss event early is provided. The method includes defining a relative humidity limit and change threshold for a given space, measuring relative humidity in the given space, determining, with a processing unit, whether the measured relative humidity is within the defined relative humidity limit, generating a warning in an event the measured relative humidity is outside the defined relative humidity limit and determining whether a change in the measured relative humidity is less than the defined change threshold for the given space and generating an alarm in an event the change is greater than the defined change threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Fernando J. Marianno
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Patent number: 9035800Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an interior of a fuel tank. Information about a fuel level and moisture in the interior of the fuel tank of a platform is generated using a fuel sensor unit in the interior of the fuel tank. The fuel sensor unit comprises a sensor configured to be located in the interior of the fuel tank and generate information about the fuel level in the fuel tank and the moisture in the fuel tank and a wireless unit electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless unit is configured to receive the information from the sensor and transmit the information using wireless signals. A number of actions is identified based on the information about the interior of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jason Philip Bommer, Andrew M. Robb
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Publication number: 20150097678Abstract: Ambient amount of a hazardous condition may be monitored. A mode may be set to a state indicative of the hazardous condition being present in the ambient environment. It may then be determined that the amount of the hazard in the ambient environment has dropped below a threshold hazardous condition level. A time period may then be tracked during which the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has remained below the threshold hazardous condition level. It may be determined that the time period has reached at least a threshold duration, during such time period the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector having remained below the threshold hazardous condition level. An indication of the hazardous condition easing may be output in response to the time period being at least the threshold duration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: David Sloo, Nick Webb, Matthew L. Rogers, Anthony M. Fadell, Jeff Lee, Sophie Le Guen, Andrew W. Goldenson
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Patent number: 9000932Abstract: An electric apparatus including a display and a process unit is provided. The display has an active area and a peripheral area. The display panel including an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate opposite to the active device array substrate and a display medium between the active device array substrate and the opposite substrate. The active device array substrate has a plurality of active devices disposed in the active area and a humidity sensor disposed in the peripheral area. The humidity sensor is a thin film transistor having a metal oxide semiconductor layer. The process unit is electrically connected to the humidity sensor. The process unit calculates a humidity value according to a sensing current from the humidity sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Wang, Chia-Chun Yeh, Ted-Hong Shinn
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Patent number: 8988232Abstract: Ambient amount of a hazardous condition may be monitored. A mode may be set to a state indicative of the hazardous condition being present in the ambient environment. It may then be determined that the amount of the hazard in the ambient environment has dropped below a threshold hazardous condition level. A time period may then be tracked during which the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has remained below the threshold hazardous condition level. It may be determined that the time period has reached at least a threshold duration, during such time period the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector having remained below the threshold hazardous condition level. An indication of the hazardous condition easing may be output in response to the time period being at least the threshold duration.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: David Sloo, Nick Webb, Matthew L. Rogers, Anthony M. Fadell, Jeff Lee, Sophie Le Guen, Andrew W. Goldenson
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Patent number: 8981946Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soil moisture sensor for interrupting an irrigation schedule of an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor comprises a relatively flat body with two lower electrodes and two lower anchoring barbs. A receiver receives moisture readings from the sensor and compares moisture data to a predetermined moisture interrupt value or limit, over which irrigation is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Thomas H. Runge, Jason Lester Hill, James Zimmerman