Force Or Stress Patents (Class 340/665)
  • Patent number: 8169332
    Abstract: A tactile device includes a touch input surface in any number of forms including a force sensitive touch screen. In this embodiment a cover captures a transparent screen located on capacitive sensors. Touching the screen produces signals from each sensor that can be combined to identify the location of the touch and the force exerted by that touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pressure Profile Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Son
  • Patent number: 8154413
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each subject in a network of subjects. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor is connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ProactiCare LLC
    Inventors: Barton Dring, John Ross
  • Patent number: 8155837
    Abstract: An operating device includes a plurality of steering wheel switches provided on a steering wheel, a display part in which function icons representing functions of the steering wheel switches are arranged in the substantially same layout as the steering wheel switches, and a contact detection device for detecting contact or access by the driver's thumb with respect to the steering wheel switches. If the contact detection device detects the contact or access by the driver's thumb with respect to one of the steering wheel switches, the function icon associated with the one steering wheel switch is highlighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tazuko Aoki, Hitoshi Kumon, Tadahiro Kashiwai
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120062387
    Abstract: A device for filtering human interface device inputs based on motion. The device includes a motion event generator configured for generating at least one motion event based on information readings associated with a movement of a patient care device and at least one motion detecting filter, and an input filter applicator, the input filter applicator configured for applying a set of input filters to the at least one motion event, thereby generating a filtered output event that indicates a status of the movement of the patient care device. In one embodiment, the device rejects, modifies or accepts an event from an input by utilizing information from the at least one motion event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel Vik, Gregory Borges, Sreelal Chandrasenan, Donald Halbert, Jeffrey L. Gaetano
  • Publication number: 20120056750
    Abstract: Provided are a pressure sensor device and an emergency informing apparatus. The pressure sensor device includes a portable frame including a concave portion, a connector connected to the frame across the concave portion, a sensor disposed side by side with the connector and connected to the frame across the concave portion, a guard disposed to cover the connector and the sensor and extending in a direction perpendicular to a heading direction of the connector on a plane where the connector and the sensor are disposed, and a pressing unit disposed in the guard unit to cover the sensor and applying a pressure to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: H3 SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Joon Kim, Sung-Dae Lim
  • Publication number: 20120050056
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a leg of an oilfield platform, the platform having a plurality of legs, each leg with a plurality of chords, each chord with a corresponding rack, the platform including a rack-and-pinion leg jacking system with a motor and gear system with pinions for jacking the legs up. The method, in certain aspects, including providing a load monitor with a strain sensing apparatus on a selected pinion of each rack-and-pinion system, providing a rack path differential monitoring system for monitoring rotation of the selected pinions to provide an indication of a linear displacement of the selected pinions for comparison to indicate rack path differential for racks of the legs of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Bernardino Lenders, James Simpson Grant
  • Patent number: 8125347
    Abstract: A display component implements a text entry system for a device, such as a cell phone or other handheld device, has various layers that mimic characteristics of a conventional keyboard. A keyboard is displayed on a dynamic touch screen display. When a key is pressed by a user, the surface area of the key on the display depresses, thereby mimicking a conventional keyboard that would typically be used with a desktop or laptop computer. The display component is comprised of various layers or panels. One layer is a compressible touch sensitive or touch screen layer. Adjacent to this layer is a compressible display layer. Another layer is a deformable or cushion layer for supporting a specific weight, such as the weight of user fingers or hands. Adjacent to the deformable layer is a lower touch sensitive layer which has a coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Fahn
  • Patent number: 8115648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat occupancy sensor (10) comprising at least two switch elements (12, 14) which can be activated by pressure. Said elements can be associated with the surface of a seat and are arranged at a certain distance from each other in such a manner that a first switch element (12) is associated with a first area of the seat and a second switch element (14) is associated with a second area of the seat. According to the invention, the first and second switch elements (12, 14) are connected to each other in such a manner that a logical AND-linkage is produced. The first and second switch elements are, for example, serially connected in a particularly simple embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A., Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Holger Lorenz, Karsten Henze
  • Patent number: 8106787
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and computer program whereby a signal generated by a touch screen device is received in response to a tactile input from a user on an input surface of the touch screen panel. In response, presenting information to a user, the information comprising a warning that the user is exerting an excessive amount of force on a surface of the touch screen panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Juha Harri-Pekka Nurmi
  • Patent number: 8102270
    Abstract: A patient position apparatus includes a plurality of sensing conductors and a control module operatively coupled to the sensing conductors. The sensing conductors are arranged along a substantially planar surface. The sensing conductors provide sensing information in response to a patient being within proximity of the sensing conductors. The control module selectively adjusts fluid pressure of at least one inflatable cell in response to the sensing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: KAP Medical
    Inventors: Raj K. Gowda, Richard Jeff Garcia
  • Patent number: 8102276
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pathfinder Energy Sevices, Inc.
    Inventor: Junichi Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20120013475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location of a wireless device using radio waves and pressure measurements is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of Radio Signal Strength (RSS) measurements are used to trilaterate an approximate location of the wireless device. The wireless device also takes pressure measurements that are compared with a second pressure measurement made by at least one other pressure sensor at a known elevation and in a local area near the wireless device. This comparison is used to generate an accurate estimate of the elevation of the wireless device. The accurate estimate of elevation may be combined with the RSS measurements to yield an accurate estimate of the location of the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard O. Farley, Dimosthenis Kaleas, Gianni Giorgetti
  • Patent number: 8098141
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a touch sensitive wearable band having a touch sensing circuit; and an electronic device configured to receive signals generated from the touch sensing circuit to provide an indication to a user of the touch sensitive wearable band. In accordance with an another example embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises providing a touch sensitive wearable band having a touch sensing circuit; and configuring an electronic device to receive signals generated from the touch sensing circuit to provide an indication to a user of said touch sensitive wearable band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Anssi Ilmari Vanska, Jarkko Tapio Saunamaki
  • Patent number: 8094035
    Abstract: A safety device for a storage rack can include a length of webbing configured to span across a rear side of the storage rack. A sensor device can be coupled to one end of the webbing and a signaling device can be configured to communicate with the sensor device. The signaling device can include a selectively actuatable alert indicator. The sensor device can be operable to sense an increase in tension in the webbing when an item is placed in a position on the storage rack so as to engage the webbing. The sensor device can generate a signal indicative of the increase in tension and communicate the signal to the signaling device. The signaling device can be operable to actuate the at least one alert indicator responsive to the communicated signal so as to provide an indication of a position of the item relative to the storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell C. Lane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8089369
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a check fixture for measuring the accessibility of a lower car seat anchor to a user installing a car seat, and methods thereof. One embodiment of a check fixture comprises a body having a rear end and a front end, the body defining a longitudinal axis. The front end comprises an anchor-engaging structure and the rear end comprises a force gauge interface. The fixture also comprises a flange at least partially circumferentially positioned around the body at a longitudinal position a distance from the front end. The flange includes a bearing surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the bearing surface sized and configured so that when the front end is moved into engagement with the anchor, the bearing surface engages the seating material adjacent the access aperture. The engagement of the flange with the seating material generates a reactive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Slavko Stojanovic, Michael Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110316712
    Abstract: A strain measurement device to assess the integrity of a structural repair to a surface comprises a detector, a processor, and a memory module coupled to the processor. The memory module comprises logic instructions stored in a computer readable medium which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to use the detector to obtain a first strain measurement from an external strain indicator, use the detector to obtain a second strain measurement from the measurement sensor after at least one stress test is applied to the structural repair, and generate a signal when a difference between the first strain measurement and the second strain measurement exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: KEITH L. MCIVER, Aristidis Sidiropoulos, Russell L. Keller, Cong N. Duong
  • Patent number: 8085154
    Abstract: A circuit and method for providing an improved bed pad, seatbelt or floor mat sensor monitoring system with the ability to detect a connection failure between the monitoring module and the target sensor by monitoring the connection for loss of data being transmitted or returned (looped back) by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Smart Caregiver Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Williams, Timothy G. Long
  • Publication number: 20110309944
    Abstract: A patient table system for medical applications is provided. The table system comprises: a table top; at least one sensor configured to measure information representative of a pressure exerted by a patient on the table top when the patient is in a lying position; and a safety detector configured to compare the measured information with reference data of the table top mechanical resistance and to provide an alert depending on the result of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ramanan Lakshminarayanan
  • Patent number: 8079733
    Abstract: An indicator for emitting a light is provided, the indicator comprising a plate-shaped member which has a stress-concentrating section for causing stress concentration, and a stress-transmitting section for transmitting, to the stress-concentrating section, a stress generated due to an external force; wherein the stress-concentrating section is provided with a stress light-emitting section which is formed of a stress light-emitting material that emits the light in response to a change of the stress. The stress-concentrating section can be arranged such that the stress-concentrating section is not hidden by a finger when the force is applied to the indicator with the finger or the like. The visibility of the light emission can be secured by the light emission effected by the stress light-emitting material applied to the stress-concentrating section which is not hidden by the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Sugahara
  • Publication number: 20110298627
    Abstract: A flex-mount sensor has an electrical contact portion that is at least partly surrounded by a lower housing. The lower housing has a central portion. A flexible adhesive strip has an opening that is placed over the upper portion. An upper housing serves as a cap that sandwiches the flexible material between the upper and lower housings. Lateral portions of the flexible material are used to join the sensor to an article for theft-deterrent purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: MTI, INC.
    Inventor: Wade C. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20110298628
    Abstract: A device may include a first locking mechanism configured to connect a first end of the device to a needle, a second locking mechanism configured to connect a second end of the device to a syringe, a pressure transducer, a microprocessor and a light emitting diode. The pressure transducer may be configured to measure a first pressure at a first time and a second pressure at a second time. The microprocessor may be configured to receive the first pressure and the second pressure from the pressure transducer, determine a pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, and determine a time difference between the first time and the second time. The light emitting diode may be configured to signal when the needle is properly situated based on the pressure difference and the time difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: MOBITECH REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Christian Haller, David Mandel
  • Patent number: 8072342
    Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit connected between a voltage input and a voltage output of an electronic device to protect against excessive current is disclosed. The overcurrent protection circuit includes first to fifth resistors, a relay comprising a coil and a normally closed switch, a pnp transistor, and a break-over element. When a current between the voltage input and the voltage output is greater or equal to a rated current of the electronic device, the npn transistor is turned on, while the coil is powered on to control the switch to be opened, therefore the voltage output cannot output voltage, which can protect against excessive current damaging the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Publication number: 20110291848
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently stop and latch a door are presented. A first bracket component is attached to a door frame and has an overhang portion, comprising a holder component, that extends into the doorway to act as a door stop. A second bracket component, comprising an extended portion, is desirably adjusted in position in relation to the holder component and attached to the door such that the extended portion has a desired amount of overlap on the holder component, wherein the amount of overlap corresponds to an amount of latching force in accordance with the force profile associated with the extended portion based at least in part on shape of the extended portion. An operation device is attached to the first bracket component and/or second bracket component and the door latching holds the door in the desired position to facilitate operations of the operation component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael N. Burdenko
  • Publication number: 20110260878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting a load and/or fill status of a medical waste container (10) with a supporting unit (12) designed for the detachable mounting of the medical waste container (10), a pressure sensor unit (14) allocated to the supporting unit (12) and designed to interact with the waste container when the latter is placed on the supporting unit in such a way that as reaction to an application of pressure by the waste container caused by an attachment and/or filling process a pressure sensor signal is generated, an electronic evaluation unit (16) connected downstream of the pressure sensor unit and designed to evaluate the pressure sensor signal and to emit an activation signal to an alarm and/or signal unit (18) when a magnitude of the applied pressure and/or a level of the pressure sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Heinz Rigling
  • Patent number: 8044817
    Abstract: A portable electronics distress detection system includes at least one strain gage and an alarm circuit. The strain gage is mountable to an element of the portable electronic device. The alarm circuit includes a Wheatstone bridge associated with each strain gage, with each strain gage providing a resistance input to an arm of the associated Wheatstone bridge. When a mechanical stress is imposed on the portable electronic device, the strain gage changes the resistance input to the arm of the associated Wheatstone bridge, producing a nonzero voltage output from the Wheatstone bridge. The alarm circuit activates the portable electronic device user interface if the Wheatstone bridge voltage output exceeds a predetermined set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Solcz
  • Publication number: 20110242010
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal device includes a display unit, a sensing unit, a carrier disposed on the display unit and covering the sensing unit, a data processing unit connected with both the sensing unit and the display unit, and a handheld housing for accommodating the aforementioned units therein while exposing the carrier therefrom, wherein the carrier is adapted to carry and convey an external force to the sensing unit such that the data processing unit is enabled to receive and then calculate the magnitude of the external force sensed by the sensing unit and thereby provide an external force sensing function to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ASKEY COMPUTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ting-Lin Chang, Ching-Feng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8028643
    Abstract: The all-directional fall sensor of the present invention includes a first casing defining a first interior space filled with a liquid and a floater buoyed by the liquid inside the first casing. The floater includes an indicator having indicative materials therein. The indicator includes a body defining a chamber, which is divided into at least a first portion and a second portion with a first sealing member located therebetween. The indicative materials are contained in the second portion of the chamber and are sealed therein with the first sealing member. When the all-directional fall sensor is applied with a force, the first sealing member would be dislocated and thus the indicative materials are dispersed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Sheau-Shi Pan, Feng-Yu Yang, Fu-Lung Pan
  • Patent number: 8009056
    Abstract: A movement monitor includes a sensor pad for sensing when a weight is placed on the sensor pad and when the weight is removed from the sensor pad. A sleeve encloses the sensor pad. A control flap is formed in the sleeve for enclosing an alarm circuit coupled to the sensor pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: United Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted R. Greene
  • Patent number: 7990277
    Abstract: A call cord comprising an electrical wire or cable having one end thereof located at a nurse's station or other remote location to which it is desired to send an alert signal and a second end terminating proximate a medical patient or other user and including a push-button type switch. Intermediate the opposite ends of the call cord, there is provided a housed switch of the present invention whose actuation is a function of the physical engagement of the house switch within a operatively cooperative fixed mounting bracket for the housed switch. In the present invention, actuation of the housed switch may be accomplished as a function of the association or disassociation of the housed switch relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis R. Varney
  • Publication number: 20110181433
    Abstract: An acoustic wave probe which includes an acoustic wave conversion element which receives an acoustic wave, a liquid-tightly sealed protecting unit which contains the acoustic wave conversion element, a portion of the protecting unit being an acoustic wave transmitting part having high acoustic wave transmittance, a detecting unit which detects a flexure amount denoting a degree of deformation of the protecting unit, and a notifying unit which notifies whether the flexure amount detected by the detecting unit is larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takatoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7986242
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector subassembly associated with a removable component, and a second connector subassembly associated with a host component to which the removable component is removably connectable. One and only one of the first and second connector subassemblies is floatable relative to its associated component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    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: 7986218
    Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Yasumi Capital, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Watters, David L. Huestis, Alfred J. Bahr, Namal Priyantha, Palitha Jayaweeera
  • Publication number: 20110175745
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) can include a manually positionable articulated arm portion, a measurement device attached to the first end, a structural component of the AACMM, wherein the structural component has an axial direction, at least three strain gage sensors, each having a sensitive axis, coupled to the structural component, wherein the sensitive axis of each strain gage sensor is oriented approximately parallel to the axial direction, each strain gage sensor is approximately intersected by a transverse plane perpendicular to the axial direction, each strain gage sensor produces an analog strain gage signal, and the strain gage sensors are disposed to provide data sufficient to determine a bending strain at any point residing on both the structural component and the transverse plane and an electronic circuit that receives the position signal and provides data corresponding to a position of the measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul C. Atwell, Burnham Stokes
  • Publication number: 20110175744
    Abstract: Shoe having at least one pressure sensor provided in the shoe cushioning element, as well as system components for emitting, receiving and evaluating the signals of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Walter Englert, Oliver Braun, Thorsten Habel, Martin Gierich, Florian Hoeflinger, Mirko Janetzke, Christian Holzer
  • Patent number: 7982621
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling power of an electronic device, controlled by a touch input. To this end, a power control apparatus for an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed including a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch by a user's finger or the like, and a temperature sensor for sensing a body temperature detected through the touch. Through such a touch sensor and such a temperature sensor, the power control apparatus senses the touch and body temperature of a user, and controls the power of the electronic device. As a result, even without a separate power button installed on the outside of the electronic device, it becomes possible to control the power of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Ik Park, Soon-Youl Kwon
  • Patent number: 7978084
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes one or more sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and turn on a room light if a change in position of a body relative to a support surface of the bed is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    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: 7978090
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for safely and securely storing materials. A plurality of smart tiles sense traffic and generate traffic data. A network transmits the traffic data from the smart tiles. A computer determines a plurality of normal traffic patterns from the traffic data. In addition, the computer detects an abnormal traffic pattern from the traffic data. The computer activates a security response in response to the abnormal traffic pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bradford O. Brooks, Larry M. Ernst, Joan L. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20110156921
    Abstract: A machine includes at least one piston and a pump shaft. A method for detecting a leak in the machine includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor disposed on at least one of an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe of the machine, receiving a rotational speed signal and an angular shaft position signal from a speed and position sensor disposed on the machine, calculating a rotational speed and an angular shaft position of the pump shaft, calculating at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude of the received vibration signal, low pass filtering the at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude, calculating a deviation amplitude as a magnitude of a complex difference between the filtered amplitude and a base amplitude, and monitoring the deviation amplitude to detect a leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Age Kyllingstad
  • Patent number: 7969315
    Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring physical stresses placed on a user has a sensor body with pressure sensors for sensing pressure and generating a pressure data signal indicating the pressures sensed. An alert mechanism functions to alert the user when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensors exceeds predetermined threshold force levels. The sensor device is utilized to enable a method of monitoring the physical stresses and alerting the user when the predetermined threshold force levels are exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: MedHab, LLC
    Inventors: Janice Marie Ross, Johnny Ross, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110148645
    Abstract: A ladder warning system comprises a pressure sensor attachable to a first step of a ladder; one or more warning devices; and a battery that distributes current to the one or more warning devices upon the pressure sensor sensing pressure exerted on the first step of the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Sarmiento
  • Publication number: 20110148668
    Abstract: A system and a method for protecting a resistive touch panel of a communication device includes setting a pressure threshold level, obtaining parameter values of the resistive touch panel and location information of the touch point and calculating the value of the touch resistance. The system and the method further includes confirming a pressure level corresponding to a range of the calculated resistance value, and outputting audio alerts using the alarm unit to prompt that the press action on the resistive touch panel is too forceful if the confirmed pressure level is not lower than the pressure threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: JUN LI, ZHONG-LIANG TANG
  • Patent number: 7966084
    Abstract: A communication terminal includes a housing a sound sensing device, a tap determination circuit, and a controller. The housing at least partially encloses the sound sensing device, the tap determination circuit and the controller. The sound sensing device is configured to generate an electrical sense signal from an incident audible signal. The tap determination circuit is configured to determine the presence of a component of the sense signal that is associated with a physical tap on the housing and to generate an indication of an operator input based on the determined presence of the component of the sense signal that is associated with a physical tap. The controller is configured to utilize the indication of an operator input to perform one or more communication terminal functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Truls Bengtsson, Bjorn Hansson
  • Publication number: 20110095898
    Abstract: An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact or palm pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: REDXDEFENSE, LLC
    Inventors: Regina Elvira Dugan, Khaled F. Eltomi, Thomas Emory McVeigh, Jack Kotowicz
  • Patent number: 7911339
    Abstract: A shoe wear out sensor (100,210,310) includes at least one detector (104,312) for sensing a physical metric that changes as a sole of a shoe wears out, a processor (102) configured to process the physical metric over time to determine if the shoe is worn out, and an alarm (106) for informing a user of the shoe when the sole is worn out. A body bar sensing system (500) includes a housing (502) with at least one detector (506) for sensing a physical metric that indicates a repetition movement of the housing when attached to the body bar, a processor (504) for processing the physical metric over time to determine repetitions thereof, and a display (508,512) for informing a user of the repetitions. A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Perry Youngs
  • Publication number: 20110061697
    Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to receive sensor data measurements associated with usage of a mobility aid device and extract sensor feature parameters from the sensor data measurements. The computer readable storage medium further includes executable instructions to derive a usage state corresponding to the usage of the mobility aid device, based on the sensor feature parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christian Behrenbruch, William Kaiser, Majid Sarrafzadeh, Maxim Batalin
  • Publication number: 20110063120
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive alarm system for solving the problem of arm pump commonly experienced by competitive motocross riders is provided. The system comprises motorcycle grips which incorporate one or more pressure sensors. The pressure sensors provide a signal to a control unit which compares the magnitude of the pressure sensor signal to a predetermined threshold value. When the predetermined threshold value is exceeded the control unit activates an alarm and maintains the alarm until the rider's grip pressure falls below the predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value is a pressure magnitude which when exceeded by a rider is likely to lead the onset of arm pump. Means are provided for individually tailoring the predetermined threshold value to the specific needs of an individual rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Ronnie Ebner
  • Publication number: 20110057802
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the state of calibration of a digital x-ray detector having a solid state sensor with a plurality of pixels, a scintillating screen and at least one embedded microprocessor, the system having means for capturing a digital image and a computer operable during normal diagnostic use of the detector, in cooperation with at least one embedded microprocessor, for performing pixelwise computations on the image and calculating a misregistration metric indicative of movement of the solid state sensor relative to the scintillating screen. A defect metric indicative of abnormal properties of pixels in the solid state sensor is calculated. It is then determined whether one or both of the misregistration metric and the defect metric exceeds a respective, preselected threshold value. The user of the system is alerted to conduct a calibration of the detector when either one or both of the respective threshold values have been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Karin Topfer, Richard T. Scott, Timothy J. Wojcik
  • Patent number: RE42614
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each caregiver subject in a network of caregivers subjects. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor is connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ProactiCare LLC
    Inventors: Barton Dring, John Ross
  • Patent number: RE42991
    Abstract: A door alarm system is provided which activates an alarm when a door (such as the door to the patient's room, a bathroom door within the patient room, etc.) is closed with something (such as a sheet, cord or the like) over the top of door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Door Switch
    Inventor: Francis E. Cook