Connected Or Disconnected Patents (Class 340/687)
  • Patent number: 11343869
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a communication unit configured to perform in parallel a first communication using a first wireless communication method conforming to 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard and a second communication using a second wireless communication method conforming to the 3GPP standard, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a radio wave state in at least one of the first communication and the second communication while the communication unit performs in parallel the first communication and the second communication, and a notification unit configured to output to a user a warning in a case where the first communication and the second communication are not performable in parallel due to the radio wave state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11309663
    Abstract: A connector includes a sensing member inserted into the second housing along the first direction, and a sensing mechanism allowing the sensing member to advance to a predetermined engaged position along the first direction when the first housing and the second housing are completely fitted, and locking the sensing member at a position before the engaged position when the first housing and the second housing are not completely fitted. The sensing member includes an exposed portion exposed to an outer space when the sensing member is in the engaged position. In the exposed portion, a first surface exposed to a side opposite to a side of a central axis of the second housing is an inclined surface or an arc-shaped surface extending in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and facing a side opposite to a side of the first housing in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiro Saito
  • Patent number: 11151511
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for notifying a user about an estimated time of consumption of a product. The system includes an electronic device, and a processor. The electronic device is integrated with a portion of a container of a product and configured to transmit a plurality of data relating to the amount of product in the container. The processor is configured to perform steps of a method. The method initiates with a step to receive from the electronic device the plurality of data relating to the amount of product in the container. The above step is then followed by another step i.e. based on the received plurality of data; calculate a usage pattern for the product in the container. The above step is then followed by another step i.e. based on the usage pattern; calculate an estimated time of consumption of the product in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: impacX.io Ltd.
    Inventor: Nimrod Kaplan
  • Patent number: 11016056
    Abstract: A device (1) for determining a measured variable, that allows an as simple as possible adaptation to the measurement conditions, is achieved in that the device (1) has a sensor unit (2) and a transmitter (3). The sensor unit (2) generates an electric primary signal in dependence on the measured variable, and communicates the primary signal via an analog output interface (4) to the transmitter (3) which processes the primary signal. Furthermore, the sensor unit (2) and transmitter (3) are advantageous by themselves, and the sensor unit (2) preferably allows for offline calibration under constant surrounding conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Koch, Andreas Schwaner
  • Patent number: 10990771
    Abstract: A system for storing and monitoring grain includes a grain bin for storing grain and a plurality of sensor cables suspended within the grain bin, the sensor cables comprising sensors for sensing one or both of the temperature and humidity of the grain. The system further includes a mobile device for reading codes on each of the sensor cables, wherein the mobile device assigns a cable location inside the grain bin to each of the sensor cables. In a manual setup, the mobile device displays a representation of a cable configuration, displays a request to connect the sensor cables in indicated locations and then assigns the cable locations to each sensor cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: AG GROWTH INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Erron Leafloor, Craig Nimegeers
  • Patent number: 10861378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive LED display device which comprises a control terminal, a plurality of unit information acquisition systems, a plurality of LED modules, a plurality of interactive sensors and interactive effective induction systems. The control terminal is connected to the plurality of unit information acquisition systems. Each unit information acquisition system is connected to the plurality of LED modules. Each LED module is connected to the plurality of interactive effective induction systems. Each effective induction system is connected to one or more interactive sensors. The present invention also relates to a display method of an interactive LED display device. The LED display device and the display method have a preferred adaptability to serious circumstance, an enhanced stability of interactive display and bring out strengthened interactive display effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN UNIVIEW LED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Guo, Feng Qi, Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 10777073
    Abstract: A warning device for use with a computerised warning system, the warning device including: a securement mechanism configured for arrangement between at least one of a secured configuration wherein the securement mechanism is configured to secure the warning device to a person's body, or to an item of clothing or accessory worn or carried on the person's body, and, an unsecured configuration wherein the securement mechanism is configured to allow release of the warning device from securement to the person's body, or to the item of clothing or accessory worn or carried on the person's body; a sensor module configured for sensing when the securement mechanism has been arranged in to the unsecured configuration, and, for sensing at least one type of interaction with the warning device when the securement mechanism has been arranged in the unsecured configuration; and a communication module communicably-connected with a computer server of the computerised system and configured for communicating information to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Defond Electech Co., Ltd., Defond Components Limited
    Inventor: Massimo Fontanili
  • Patent number: 10674235
    Abstract: A fiber port management system that can be connected between network devices and network appliances is provided. The fiber port management system includes a housing, one or more hydra cables within the housing, one or more indicators and a controller. The housing has a front panel with a plurality of low density fiber connectors and a rear panel with a plurality of high density fiber connectors. The hydra cable is positioned within the housing and connects one of the plurality of high density fiber connectors to two or more of the plurality of low density fiber connectors. The one or more indicators are associated with each of the plurality of low density fiber connectors and each of the plurality of high density fiber connectors. The controller is located within the housing and is used to control the operation of the indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FIBER MOUNTAIN, INC.
    Inventors: Mohammad H. Raza, David G Stone, Aristito Lorenzo, Phuc Minh Ly
  • Patent number: 10644452
    Abstract: A wiring system includes a plurality of connectors (C1 to C9). Each connector includes a first connector housing (10), a second connector housing (20) and a connector identifying member (30). The first connector housing (10) includes an identifying member holding portion for holding the connector identifying member (30). The second connector housing (20) includes a restraint releasing portion for releasing the restraint of the connector identifying member (30) only when the first and second connector housings (10, 20) are connected properly. Each connector identifying member (30) holds identification information for distinguishing the connector to which the connector identifying member belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyamura, Kazuaki Takeda, Masaaki Tabata, Yasuo Omori
  • Patent number: 10611236
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a fuel tank, a control module, a fuel access detection device, a fuel level sensor, and a reaction assembly. The fuel access detection device detects the accessibility of the fuel, and transmits a first signal indicative of the accessibility of the fuel to the control module. The fuel level sensor detects a volume of the fuel, and transmits a second signal related to the volume of the fuel to the control module. The reaction assembly is coupled to the control module and performs a first reaction and a second reaction after the first reaction. In the first reaction the reaction assembly is commanded by the control module based on the first signal, and in the second reaction the reaction assembly is commanded by the control module based on the second signal when the volume of the fuel is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Kreiling, David J. Rulseh
  • Patent number: 10392205
    Abstract: Example safety systems for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example safety system includes a first sensor installed at the loading dock to sense the vehicle approaching the loading dock, where the first sensor is to provide a feedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle approaching the loading dock. An alarm device mounted at a lower elevation than a lowermost edge defining an opening that of the doorway. The alarm device being between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the opening defining the doorway. The alarm device to provide an alarm signal to warn to a pedestrian in a path of the approaching vehicle in response to the feedback signal sensing the vehicle approaching the loading dock. The alarm signal being at least one of a visual warning or an audible warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Boston, Troy L. Russell
  • Patent number: 10188203
    Abstract: An oral cleaning system provides motivating feedback to a user before brushing and includes: a power toothbrush (10); one or more sensors (26) on or within the toothbrush; a processor (30) within the toothbrush configured to process sensor information obtained from the one or more sensors during a first brushing session of a user; and a feedback system (40) on or within the toothbrush responsive to the processor and configured to communicate brushing information to the user at a time subsequent to the first brushing session but before a second brushing session of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Edgar Martinus Van Gool, Mark Thomas Johnson, Steven Charles Deane, Johannes Hendrikus Maria Spruit, Amir Hussein Rmaile, Pieter Horstman, Okke Ouweltjes
  • Patent number: 10116092
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an electrical contact assembly that includes an electrical contact and an electrically insulative guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: FCI USA LLC
    Inventors: Hung-Wei Lord, Michael Scholeno
  • Patent number: 9939483
    Abstract: A connector mating assurance system includes a user-worn sensor unit configured to be worn on or near a user's hand. The sensor unit has an audible sensor configured to be located in a vicinity of a mating zone for electrical connectors. The audible sensor is configured to detect an audible sound when the electrical connectors are mated. The system includes a user-worn controller connected to the audible sensor. The controller receives audio signals from the audible sensor, processes the audio signals to determine a connector mating status, and provides feedback to the user relating to the connector mating status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Khalil John Maalouf, Abraham L. Shocket
  • Patent number: 9896282
    Abstract: Example safety systems for use at a loading dock are disclosed. An example safety system includes a sensor installed at the loading dock. The sensor provides a feedback signal in response to sensing the vehicle. An alarm device is mounted below a lowest elevation of the doorway. The alarm device is positioned between the first lateral plane and the second lateral plane of the doorway. An alarm signal is emitted by the alarm device in response to the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Boston, Troy L. Russell
  • Patent number: 9845209
    Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example method includes moving a barrier via a vehicle restraint drive unit relative to a main body proximate the dock between a fully extended position to block the vehicle, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position; monitoring a status of the barrier as the barrier moves through the plurality of intermediate positions; comparing the status to a reference value; determining that an event has occurred based on the comparison of the status and the reference value; and providing an output in response to determining that the event has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Rite Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
  • Patent number: 9751702
    Abstract: Wheel chock systems for use at loading docks and other locations are described herein. In some embodiments, the wheel chock systems can include a wheel chock assembly that is positionable in contact with a vehicle wheel to restrain the vehicle at a loading dock. The wheel chock assembly can include a sensor target, and a corresponding sensor can be mounted to, for example, an outer wall of the loading dock or a wheel chock storage cradle mounted to the outer wall. In operation, the sensor can emit a wireless signal (e.g., an electromagnetic signal) that is reflected off of the sensor target and received back by the sensor when the wheel chock has been positioned in a blocking relationship relative to the vehicle wheel to restrain the vehicle at the loading dock. The sensor can be operably connected to a loading dock signal system (e.g., a signal light system) that displays appropriate signals to loading dock personnel based on detection of proper wheel chock placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Daryl Day
  • Patent number: 9738467
    Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint apparatus includes a barrier movable between a fully extended position to restrain a vehicle at a loading dock, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle restraint apparatus, where the sensor is to monitor at least one of a barrier or a vehicle. The sensor includes a camera to capture an image of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle. A controller is to receive the captured image from the camera, the controller to determine at least one of a characteristic of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
  • Patent number: 9679450
    Abstract: Security systems and methods are disclosed. A security system can be employed with a mobile, unpowered container having a door movable between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The security system can include an enclosure and a switch movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration upon movement of the door between the open orientation and the closed orientation. The security system can further include a battery pack in communication with the switch. The security system can also include a security device. The battery pack can be configured to operably power the security device when the switch is in the closed configuration. The security system can be attached to the container with a magnet and/or an array of magnets enclosed in a flexible magnetic mat. The security system can be deployed for a plurality of deployment cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy G. Shuttleworth
  • Patent number: 9502788
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a non-conductive block assembly defining a plurality of passages and a resilient wire support defining a plurality of passages. The resilient wire support is coupled to the block assembly with each resilient wire support passage aligned with one block assembly passage. A conductor unit includes a plurality of conductor assemblies. Each conductor assembly includes a first socket and a second socket, and each such conductor assembly is disposed partially in a block assembly passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: LABINAL, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, Richard George Benshoff, James Michael McCormick
  • Patent number: 9481531
    Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body proximate a dock, a vehicle restraint drive unit, and a barrier coupled to the vehicle restraint drive unit and the main body. The barrier is movable relative to the main body between an extended position, a retracted position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. A sensor provides a plurality of position feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sensed positions of the barrier when the barrier moves along the plurality of intermediate positions. A controller receives the plurality of position feedback signals, performs a plurality of comparisons of the plurality of position feedback signals with a stored reference, and generates an output signal based on the compared value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley J. Stone, Jason Senfleben, Paul J. Maly
  • Patent number: 9426032
    Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map embodiments of patch fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin, Shahriar B. Allen
  • Patent number: 9411243
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units that are each configured to be detachably mountable and include an image carrier; an irradiation unit configured to irradiate respective image carriers of the plurality of image forming units with light to form one or more electrostatic latent images along a direction of the rotational driving; a detection unit configured to detect the electrostatic latent images; a determination unit configured to determine mounted states of the plurality of image forming units based on a detection result by the detection unit; and a control unit configured to perform control such that, for each of the image carriers, the electrostatic latent images are not formed on an image carrier in a period in which at least one of the one or more electrostatic latent images is formed on a different image carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Suzuki, Yoshitaka Hibi, Hironori Kato, Naoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 9153134
    Abstract: A visual back-up guidance device and system for trailers and vehicles includes a guidance device having a durable main body, a plurality of indicators represented by a left turn indicator, a GO indicator, a STOP indicator, and a right turn indicator, a speaker and a plurality of control inputs. A visual back-up guidance system includes the guidance device and a driver unit having another plurality of indicators represented by a left turn indicator, a GO indicator, a STOP indicator, and a right turn indicator, that is communicatively linked to the guidance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: John Warner, Wendy Warner
  • Patent number: 9117352
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic device having a high anti-theft effect with a simple structure. The electronic device includes: a fixed panel; a detachable panel which is attached to or detached from the fixed panel; a first sensor which detects detaching of the detachable panel from the fixed panel; and a second sensor which detects detaching of the detachable panel from the fixed panel. A controller (CPU) restricts some of the plurality of functions when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor detects that the detachable panel is detached from the fixed panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: JVCKENWOOD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9013321
    Abstract: A bipole is fitted in a warning system socket for removably receiving a hazard warning system in order to set one of at least two operating modes of the hazard warning system. An electric characteristic of the bipole can be read out electrically by an electronic control of the hazard warning system via two electric contact pairs which are in contact with each other in the received state of the hazard warning system. In particular, the bipole is used via at least one pair of electric contacts, the pair being generally provided for externally connecting an optical and/or acoustic alarm emitter, in order to read in the electric characteristic of the bipole. The bipole is preferably a passive electric resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Urs Kästli, Matthias Nyikos, Beat Schmid, Reto Steiner
  • Patent number: 9007230
    Abstract: A verification system including a block gage configured to connect to a voltage source comprising a ground terminal and a positive terminal, and to receive a top cover configured to mate with a base unit for a storage device. The block gage includes a plurality of pins, each of which being configured to: be electrically insulated from each other, form a completable circuit, be electrically connected to the positive terminal, and correspond in location and height to a top cover contact point in the base unit or a keep out point in the base unit. The block gage includes a spring mounted probe configured to be electrically connected to the ground terminal, wherein when the top cover contacts the spring mounted probe and a pin of the plurality of pins, a completable circuit for the contacted pin is completed, thereby indicating that the top cover contacted the contacted pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhd 'Adi Saifuddin Mohamed Arsad, Ai Ling Ng
  • Patent number: 9000949
    Abstract: A parking space monitoring system, with multiple microprocessors for handling various parking space management conditions, including at least one of the following conditions: (1) Space Occupancy (vehicle detection); (2) Parking Meter Status; (3) Display of Parking Policy to Motorists; (3) Motorist User Interactions; (4) Maintenance User Interactions; (5) Radio Communications with a Central management system and Network; and (6) Coordination of the operation between various ones of the microprocessors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Streetsmart Technology LLC
    Inventors: Scott Keller, Chris Krstanovic, Tom Swiedler, David Fasciano, Eric Groft
  • Patent number: 8994547
    Abstract: Methods of automatically tracking a patching connection between a first connector port of a patch panel and a second connector port of a network device are provided in which a sensor is used to detect that a first end of a patch cord has been inserted into the second connector port. The patch cord has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel. A first conductor of the control channel of the patch cord is biased to power an integrated circuit chip on the network device. In response to the detection by the sensor, a first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the patch cord to the network device. A second signal is received over the control channel of the patch cord in response to the first signal. The second signal includes a unique identifier that is associated with the second connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Michael German
  • Patent number: 8988204
    Abstract: A communication unit periodically transmits a request signal toward a prescribed range. When a transmitter exists in the range where the request signal can be received, it sends identification information in a responsive manner. A comparison ECU compares the identification information provided from the communication unit with a predetermined value, and if both of them match with each other, notifies a matching notification to a power source management ECU. On receipt of the matching notification from the comparison ECU, the power source management ECU notifies a lighting-up request for providing an instruction for lighting-up of a light-emitting unit to a body ECU. Upon receipt of the lighting-up request, the body ECU activates a lighting-up command LON. As a result, the light-emitting unit is lit up and notifies a user of the position of a charging port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Suzuki, Motohiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8981961
    Abstract: A connection validation apparatus includes a connector engagement mechanism configured to physically engage a connector to connect the connector to a connector interface. The apparatus further includes a connection indication detector located on the connector engagement mechanism and configured to detect at least one of a sound and a vibration corresponding to a secure connection of the connector with the connector interface. The apparatus also includes a connection indicator output unit configured to provide an indication to a user that the connector is securely connected with the connector interface based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Benjamin V. Fasano
  • Publication number: 20150061881
    Abstract: A method for displaying a status of an electronic device having a cover attached thereto. The cover has a screen window formed on a part of the cover. The method includes determining whether the cover is open or closed; checking an operation of a status indicator while the cover is closed; and displaying information corresponding to the operation of the status indicator in at least a part of a screen area that is exposed through the screen window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Seong-Joon Jeon, Joon-Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8947221
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine if a vehicle computing system (VCS) has been placed in a monitoring mode. The processor is also configured to detect and log the connection or disconnection of any remote devices. The processor is further configured to flag logs if the VCS is in a monitoring mode. Also, the processor is configured to detect the presence of a known vehicle driver or the termination of the monitoring mode and report any flagged logs upon known driver detection or monitoring mode termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Robert Dauzet
  • Publication number: 20150022365
    Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a status of an entrance associated with a dwelling, monitoring an occupancy in relation to the dwelling, and upon detecting an occupant of the dwelling departing from the dwelling and the status of the entrance of the dwelling is in an open state, generating a notification. In some cases, the entrance includes at least one of a doorway, a garage door, a gate, and a window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jeremy B. Warren
  • Patent number: 8903605
    Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Gregory Bambenek, Bhupendra A. Patel, David Manuel Rogers, Thomas M. Herline
  • Patent number: 8902075
    Abstract: A pre-cover-opening power-off method, comprising the steps of: (a) fixing a bolt casing to a bolt; (b) connecting a motion sensor to a safety protecting and monitoring unit in a wired or wireless manner; and (c) activating the motion sensor to send out a command to permit power delivery for an electrical equipment to operate, and when the bolt casing is taken off, the motion sensor is activated to send out a command to cut off a power supply for the electrical equipment or give out an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shanxi Quan'an New Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chunping Guo, Xiaoyan Guo, Xiaopeng Guo
  • Publication number: 20140347189
    Abstract: A device includes a container having multiple different types of ports. A cable detection transceiver may be used to receive signals from a cable near the container. A visual indicator is coupled to the cable detection transceiver to provide a visual indication of a port corresponding to the cable near the container. A cable may contain a near field transmitter coupled proximate the connector to transmit signals representative of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnold S. Weksler, Russell Speight VanBlon, John Carl Mese, Nathan J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8890650
    Abstract: A method of operating a communication device to interface with a machine system comprises projecting a human-machine interface (HMI) system for the machine system on a surface, wherein the HMI system comprises a plurality of commands associated with the machine system, detecting an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a fluid motion in air performed by the user corresponding to a selection of a command of the plurality of commands associated with the machine system, and transferring the selected command for delivery to the machine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thong T. Nguyen, Steven J. Scott
  • Patent number: 8884757
    Abstract: An anti-tampering protection assembly for sensing tampering with at least one conductor, the anti-tampering protection assembly including unpredictably varying signal generating circuitry, connected to the at least one conductor, for providing unpredictably varying signals on the at least conductor and tampering sensing circuitry for sensing tampering with the at least one conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventors: Efi Sasson, Yuval Ben-Zion, Ofer Itshakey
  • Patent number: 8872668
    Abstract: One illustrative embodiment includes an apparatus for detecting if a fastener moves from a first position to a different second position. The apparatus includes a first connector for connecting a first side of a contact bridge to the fastener for movement in response to movement of the fastener, and a second connector for connecting a second side of the contact bridge to an object to remain stationary relative to the object. One of the first and second sides of the contact bridge includes first and second spaced apart electrical conductors; the other side includes a third electrical conductor. The third electrical conductor is positionable to contact the first and second electrical conductors when the fastener is in the first position, and the third electrical conductor may be spaced apart from at least one of the first and second electrical conductors when the fastener is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: SST Wireless Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Graham Schnare
  • Publication number: 20140292526
    Abstract: A mobile device has a memory, a socket and a controller. The socket is configured to receive a plug, and the controller is configured to detect that a plug is received in the socket; determine that a start point has been reached and in response thereto activate a safety application; and detect that the plug is removed from the socket, and, in response thereto, cause the safety application to activate an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: XH MOBILE SOLUTIONS AB
    Inventors: Gustaf Hansson, Mijo Balic, Jan Westström
  • Publication number: 20140266760
    Abstract: The present invention is a container cap sensors, chips, transmitters, and receiver, to record, transmit, and receive data regarding the time intervals between when the container cap was last placed on or taken off of a container. The container cap is for use with pharmaceutical and other health care related vials, bottles and containers. The data transmission is used to monitor a patient's drug administration times and intervals, and allows the patient and/or the patient's caregiver to review the administration data. The container cap of the present invention is streamlined, easy to use, reliable, and inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Timer Cap Company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Million Burke, JR., Howard David Goldberg, Philip John Tomasi, Lawrence M. Twersky
  • Publication number: 20140266761
    Abstract: A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8838279
    Abstract: Technology generally directed to operation of loading dock equipment such as vehicle restraints, dock levelers, overhead doors/openers, barrier gates, lights, and linked or unlinked control systems is disclosed herein. The disclosed technology may be employed to power electrical loading dock systems from batteries and/or alternative power sources, including “green” power sources. For example, the technology may be employed at new, temporary, and/or mobile facilities having any number of loading docks where reliable commercial power may not be readily available. Further, the technology may also be employed at warehouses in remote and/or developing areas where electrical infrastructure is not available and/or reasonably priced. The technology may be embodied as methods, apparatuses, manufactures (e.g., computer- and/or processor-readable storage and/or other mediums), and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin I. Blackwell, Brett A. Walford, Lowell Blake Whitley, Michael Story, Allan Thomson
  • Patent number: 8836530
    Abstract: According to another general aspect, a method of managing a first user's use of an apparatus may include automatically detecting, via at least one sensor operably coupled with the apparatus a presence of the first user within a detection area, wherein the first user is authorized to use the apparatus. In various embodiments, the method may also include automatically detecting, via the at least one sensor, a change in the first user's status in relation to the apparatus. In some embodiments, the method may further include automatically adjusting, based upon the first user's status change, at least one authorization level of the first user, wherein the authorization level dictates, at least in part, how the first user may use the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Bowers, Kevin Tom
  • Patent number: 8816853
    Abstract: A self-shunting security system for detecting the absence or presence of a removable auxiliary alarm assembly for preventing theft of one or more products operatively connected to said system. A port is operatively attached to circuitry and is adapted to receive the removable auxiliary alarm assembly. A shunting assembly is also operatively attached to the circuitry and is disposed in relation to the port for detecting the absence or presence of the removable auxiliary alarm assembly within the port. The port and shunting assembly are in parallel electrical configuration. The shunting assembly automatically forms a first closed circuit when the removable auxiliary alarm assembly is not inserted into the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., Thomas J. Beach, Lucas P. Swartwood, Bruno M. L. Telles, Weitong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8816875
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a hollow probe provided at its longitudinal tip with a temperature measuring unit having a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, electrodes neighboring to the temperature sensor and arranged in the hollow of the probe, and a determining unit for determining whether temperature measuring unit is in appropriate contact with a measurement target portion of a user or not, based on a change in electrostatic capacity sensed using the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hiramatsu, Yasuo Fujita, Yoshihito Nakanishi, Yoshihide Onishi, Daisuke Ishihara, Atsuko Fukui, Masaki Tomioka, Katsuyoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8803702
    Abstract: An instrument status display displaying on a screen, in a tree format, respective indicators corresponding to instruments controlled in a hierarchical structure, having an installation time mark acquiring portion acquiring, as an applicable installation time mark, a time mark that is nearest to a reference time mark without being later than the reference time mark, where the time mark is a time mark for the connection of an instrument, from an installation/removal event history database; an alert event acquiring portion acquiring alert event information notified from an instrument over the interval from the applicable installation time mark, acquired by the installation time mark acquiring portion, up until the reference time mark; a display formatter determining a display format of an indicator based on alert event information; and a displaying portion displaying, on a screen, an indicator in a display format determined by the display formatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Mamoru Kagoura
  • Publication number: 20140203945
    Abstract: A connection validation apparatus includes a connector engagement mechanism configured to physically engage a connector to connect the connector to a connector interface. The apparatus further includes a connection indication detector located on the connector engagement mechanism and configured to detect at least one of a sound and a vibration corresponding to a secure connection of the connector with the connector interface. The apparatus also includes a connection indicator output unit configured to provide an indication to a user that the connector is securely connected with the connector interface based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan F. Benner, Benjamin V. Fasano
  • Patent number: 8760309
    Abstract: A wear sensor system, compressors using the wear sensor system and methods of detecting wear on a bearing. The wear sensor system includes a stationary housing-mounted circuit comprising a first inductor electrically connected to a voltage source and a rotating shaft-mounted circuit comprising a second inductor electrically connected to a capacitor. When there is no metal-to-metal contact between the shaft of the compressor and the housing into which the shaft is mounted, the housing-mounted circuit inductively charges the shaft-mounted capacitor and reduces a current level when the shaft mounted capacitor is charged. Likewise, when there is metal-to-metal contact between the shaft and the housing (which is indicative of bearing wear), the shaft-mounted circuit is grounded; this causes the housing-mounted circuit to increase the current level. This increased current level may be output to a suitable device for display or other indicia of bearing wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Vyas Mussro