Tilt Patents (Class 340/689)
  • Publication number: 20120119907
    Abstract: A warning stanchion that has a vertical support structure, a belt receptacle affixed to the vertical support structure, a tilt sensor, and a warning signal generator in communication with the belt receptacle and the tilt sensor. Typically, a plurality of the warning stanchions are used to created a warning barrier around an object so that the warning signal generates a signal when the warning barrier is breached. The warning signal generator may emit a visual warning, an audio warning, or a frequency signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph John TEUCHERT
  • Patent number: 8179286
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a system for sensing cargo loads and trailer movement that includes a mobile wireless communications system. A mobile computing platform is mounted on a remote vehicle and operatively connectable across the mobile wireless communications system. Sensor data are collected and stored in the mobile wireless communications system and the mobile computing platform, and may be transmitted across the mobile wireless communications system. At least one program is stored either in the mobile wireless communications system or the mobile computing platform, or both, for using the sensor data to determine equipment use, placement, and positioning in relation to a vehicle and sending one or more sensitivity reports to the asset manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Juan Faus, Mark Dominic Parisi
  • Patent number: 8179277
    Abstract: A device for maintaining a flag in a desired position, and comprising a position transducer is disclosed. A support mounts the position transducer on a flagstaff. An alarm indicates a deviation in the position of the transducer from the desired position. The alarm has an audio output. The audio output of the alarm optionally indicates the direction of the deviation whereby a user may correct the position of the flag. The position transducer may comprise a central conductive member and a plurality of contacts surrounding that central conductive member. More particularly, the central conductive member may be a conductive ball resting on a concave conductive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Hunter Hollander
  • Publication number: 20120105244
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body, a display module, a storage module, an input module, and a control module all assembled to the main body. The storage module is used for storing a plurality of image files. The control module is electrically connected to the display module, the input module, and the storage module. When the display module displays the image files, the control module drives the display module to adjust a viewing direction of the image files according to a format data of the image files, which is an exchangeable image file format (EXIF), and adjusts an input mode of the input module according to an operation status of the main body. An electronic device and an operation method thereof are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lung-Hsun Song, Li-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 8169333
    Abstract: A motion detector, in particular suitable for animals, comprising at least one motion element, wherein an element movable within a predetermined area is located, which brings about an electrical connection in at least one position, wherein the movable element is a magnetic element, which can move along a path of travel formed by a cavity in the motion element, and wherein, near the path of travel, at least one magnetically sensitive switching element is placed, which can be influenced by the magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: NEDAP Agri B.V.
    Inventors: Albertino Bernardo M. Verstege, Otto Theodorus J. Zents, Hans Benedictus
  • Patent number: 8164448
    Abstract: A security fence for swimming pools is provided to be so positioned as to surround the water of a swimming pool. The security fence comprises fence sections which are linked to an alarm system. The fence sections are moveable between a non-signaling position and an alarm signaling position. When the fence sections are in the non-signaling position and a given fence section is engaged with sufficient force it is moved to the alarm signaling position thereby signaling the alarm. The foregoing prevents a user, such as a child, from entering the pool water when the alarm system has been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Boudreau
  • Patent number: 8164454
    Abstract: ID proximity systems and methods for monitoring a movement of an object. A method comprises the steps of: using a second transponder to receive data transmitted by a first transponder attached to the object; and modifying the data based on at least one characteristic of the second transponder, wherein the second transponder is situated within a predetermined distance from the first transponder. The second transponder modifies the data by adding an identifier that corresponds to an operator. The second transponder may be worn by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Beverage Metrics Holding Ltd.
    Inventor: David Teller
  • Publication number: 20120075111
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a visual indicator for optimizing the position of a mobile device when the mobile device is being used in a hands free mode. One or more position components in the mobile device can determine the position of the mobile device. The position of the mobile device can be compared to ideal or predetermined positions for improved performance quality. A visual indicator can be provided to provide an indication on whether the mobile device is in an optimal position. The visual indicator can take several forms including an illustration showing how the mobile device should be moved, an animation showing how the mobile device should be moved, colors providing an indication whether the position is acceptable, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Craig Eric RANTA
  • Patent number: 8143820
    Abstract: A motor control device operable to rotate a motor based on an actuated direction of an operation knob of an operation switch in a direction corresponding to the actuated direction has direction selector switches provided corresponding to respective actuated directions of the operation knob, and open/close elements provided between the direction selector switches and a power supply. Each of the open/close elements is turned on when a control current is supplied thereto. When the operation knob is actuated, the direction selector switch corresponding to the actuated direction is turned on, a control current is supplied from the power supply to the open/close element connected to the relevant switch, and the predetermined open/close element is turned on. A drive current that flows from the power supply into the motor through a current carrying path of the open/close element is controlled according to a ON/OFF status of each of the open/close elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Sakuma
  • Publication number: 20120068852
    Abstract: A tool system with a mount configured to be removably coupled to a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Oleksiy Sergyeyenko, Christopher J. Murray, Michael L. Agronin
  • Patent number: 8139026
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and device for controlling the display of elements n a screen on an electronic device, according to an orientation of the device. In the system, a graphics management system for elements displayed in a screen on a display on an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: a sensor; an movement detection module connected to the sensor providing an orientation signal registering a notable signal from the sensor; and a graphical user interface (GUI) adjustment module to determine a new layout for the elements being displayed on the display utilizing orientation data provided by the movement detection module. The sensor may provide orientation data indicating a new orientation of the device. Also, the GUI adjustment module may provide the new layout by shifting a position of one or more of the elements in the screen to reflect the new orientation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Jason Griffin
  • Patent number: 8138922
    Abstract: Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. Each of a plurality of data tags stores identification information. At least one of the data tags is removable and capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the data tag substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed data tag and permits communication of the identification information via another data tag at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Binforma Group Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Lindsay, Herb Flores Velazquez, Fung-Jou Chen, Eric Francis Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120026001
    Abstract: A method executes a gyroscope function to unlock a portable electronic device. A user can rotate the portable electronic device to set a predetermined rotation direction and a predetermined rotation angle for unlocking the portable electronic device. In an unlock procedure, the gyroscope detects the rotated portable electronic device and outputs detected information of the portable electronic device. If the rotation direction and the rotation angle are the same as the predetermined rotation direction and the predetermined rotation angle, the locked portable electronic device is unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: PO-TAI HUANG, CHIA-HUI LIAO
  • Publication number: 20110304472
    Abstract: A display system utilizes a tilting sensor in a viewing device to transmit a wireless signal containing tilting information to a display device when a person who puts on the viewing device has tilting movements about an axis that connects between the viewing device and the display device. The display device adjusts a multimedia content displayed on a panel according to the tilting information by physically rotating the panel about the same axis or rotating the multimedia content about the same axis before the content is displayed on the panel to synchronize with the tilting angle of the viewing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Hsu-Chi Chou, Li-Jen Chao, Chih-Heng Chiu, Chung-Won Shu
  • Publication number: 20110298631
    Abstract: An alert device is positioned on a bed, such as on the head region of the bed. The alert device is configured to detect or otherwise measure the angle of orientation of the head region such as relative to the horizontal plane. The alert device is configured to provide an alert when the angle orientation of the head region falls outside a predetermined value or range of values. The alert may be any audio, visual, or tactile means of notifying a user as to an alarm condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Anthony Tunnell, David Conrad Willms, David John Bennett
  • Patent number: 8071936
    Abstract: An optical sensing device comprising a shell, at least one light emitting member, at least one optical sensing member and a shading member is disclosed. The shell is formed with a black-body condition space therein, and the light emitting member projects a light beam into the black-body condition space. The optical sensing member is located within the shell and neighboring to the black-body condition space. The shading member is movably arranged within the black-body condition space. At least one end surface of the shading member is contacted with the shell and formed with at least one recess. When the shading member moves to at least one shading region within the black-body condition space, the optical sensing member is shaded by the shading member; and when the shading member moves apart the shading region, the optical sensing member senses the light beam to accordingly send out a sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Edison Opto Corporation
    Inventor: Chung-Ping Feng
  • Publication number: 20110291849
    Abstract: A self-illuminating handle assembly for a release mechanism of an emergency egress system for a vehicle. The handle assembly includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and providing a sensor signal in response thereto, and a sensor-activated switch assembly for causing the handle assembly to self-illuminate in response to the sensor signal. The sensor could be a so-called tilt sensor for sensing when the vehicle orientation is tilted beyond a threshold tilt orientation, or an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) for sensing when the vehicle has undergone an acceleration or deceleration beyond a threshold, indicative of a crash or the vehicle having been exposed to an explosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: James M. Helms, Michael L. Hafften
  • Publication number: 20110279284
    Abstract: An angle control alarm for a sickbed comprises a housing and a alarm circuit, he alarm circuit comprises a control chip which has a first two pins electrically connected to a power source, a second two pins electrically connected to two alarm lights via two resistances, a third two pins electrically connected to a speaker by another two resistances, a seventh pin electrically connected to two gravity switches by a capacitance, and a eighth pin electrically connected to the power source by another capacitance. The angle control alarm can be used on different sickbeds, when the head of the sickbed is lowered to an angle less than 30 degrees, sound and light alarms will be activated to generate alarm signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Mei-Sheng TENG
  • Patent number: 8059000
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a particular state of a body is sensed. In response to the sensing, at least one action is taken to modulate a projected adverse interaction between the body or a portion thereof and at least one object in the environment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Cameron A. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110254694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety means for a construction machine having a carrier unit and an actuation unit, which is adjustable with respect to the carrier unit, comprising at least one detecting means for detecting the current position of the actuation unit relative to the carrier unit, an indication means with which the current position of the actuation unit relative to the carrier unit can be indicated, and an evaluation unit, by means of which, depending on at least one input value, at least one adjustment range of the actuation unit can be determined, in which the actuation unit is adjustable at a given safety against tilting of the construction machine, whereby the adjustment range can be indicated together with the current position of the actuation unit by means of the indication means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: BAUER MASCHINEN GMBH
    Inventors: Martin LANZL, Josef HAAS, Markus MAYR, Manfred ANGERMEIER, Thomas ELSNER
  • Patent number: 8035497
    Abstract: An apparatus and a computer implemented method for monitoring and recording the orientation data for an object. The orientation apparatus comprises an outer casing. Inside the outer casing is an orientation device that comprises six chambers, with a ball sensor in each chamber, and a ball. The orientation apparatus also comprises a data recorder for recording an event history of the orientation device, and a communicator for conveying the event history.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Ciccaglione, Mark E. Maresh, Robert T. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20110234395
    Abstract: An apparatus used for reducing the incidence of aspiration in patients using a two-axis inclinometer is disclosed. The apparatus uses a two-axis inclinometer that is attached in the region of the patient's upper body to measure the absolute angular elevation of the patient's upper body, which is then transmitted to a display or other output device. In one embodiment, the instrument can be mounted to the head of a bed in a plurality of orientations and accurately measure the absolute angular elevation of the patient's upper body. In other embodiments the absolute angular elevation of the patient's upper body information is processed and transmitted to the nurses' station or to a data recorder. The disclosure also relates to a method for measuring the physical orientation of a patient, using such two-axis inclinometer apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: EGRESSON, LLC
    Inventors: Michael David Johnson, Robert Louis Clark, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110227751
    Abstract: An exemplary sunroof for mounting in a vehicle roof is provided. The sunroof includes a panel and a warning apparatus. The sunroof includes a first bottom surface for facing toward an inside of the vehicle. The warning apparatus includes a PCB attached to the panel, and a warning unit mounted on the first bottom surface and electrically connected to the PCB. The warning unit is configured to send an emergency alert signal when the panel is raised up to be substantially perpendicular to the vehicle roof. A vehicle includes the sunroof is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YUAN-LUNG KUO, HOU-YAO LIN
  • Publication number: 20110215942
    Abstract: A flasher module, installable on a ladder, incorporates multiple high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are coupled to an electro-chemical power source (battery or single cell). The LEDs may be wired for a continuous “ON” condition, but are preferably connected to flasher circuitry. For maximum visible intensity, the flasher circuitry is designed so that all LEDs flash simultaneously about one to two times per second. A first embodiment flasher module is sized to install within the uppermost portion of a ladder rail of C-shaped cross section. A second embodiment module, which provides a larger viewing angle, incorporates the LEDs within a bar that is mountable beneath the uppermost rung of the ladder. Either embodiment of the invention may be equipped with a gravity-actuated switch, which will turn on the flasher circuitry whenever the ladder is deployed at an angle greater than 45 degrees from horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Cockrell, Christopher James Wilderotter, Aaron Ray Drumright
  • Patent number: 8013728
    Abstract: A system and method for providing emergency warnings for a rollover vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a warning system for an automobile including a power source configured to provide a current, a control circuit coupled to the power source, at least one position sensor coupled to the control circuit, the at least one position sensor configured to detect at least one position of the automobile with respect to a ground surface, and at least one light source coupled to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to control current flow to the at least one light source based on the at least one position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Eric George Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8005347
    Abstract: A drop sensor detects a drop of a device. When the drop of the device is detected, a sub CPU allows a counter to count a drop time. When the device drops for a predetermined time or more, the sub CPU controls a regulator so that the regulator forcibly disconnects an electric power to be supplied to a hard disc, and writes a drop occurrence flag into a nonvolatile memory. When the power supply is again turned on, a main CPU allows a display section to display information indicating that the power supply is disconnected due to the drop of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Limited
    Inventor: Junichi Kasuya
  • Patent number: 7961109
    Abstract: Provided are a fall detecting apparatus and method and an emergency aid system and method using the same. The fall detecting apparatus includes a storing unit configured to store fall data vectors; an angular velocity measuring unit configured to measure an angular velocity value; an acceleration measuring unit configured to measure an acceleration value; an acceleration extracting unit configured to extract a kinetic acceleration value and a gravitational acceleration value by filtering the acceleration value measured by the acceleration measuring unit; and a fall determining unit configured to convert the angular velocity value, which is measured by the angular velocity measuring unit, and the kinetic acceleration value and the gravitational acceleration value, which are extracted by the acceleration extracting unit, into a fall data vector, and determine a use's fall by comparing the converted fall data vector with the fall data vector stored in the storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae-Won Jang, Sa-Kwang Song, Myung-Eun Lim, Soo-Jun Park, Seon-Hee Park, Taehyoung Zyung, Soo-Young Oh
  • Patent number: 7956725
    Abstract: One or more accelerometers may be coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, so that the response of the RFID tag indicates the acceleration being sensed by the accelerometer(s). In some embodiments the accelerometers may be powered from the RF energy harvested by the RFID tag from a received RF signal. The sensed acceleration indicated in the response may be used to determine a motion and/or an orientation of an object coupled to the accelerometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110128156
    Abstract: A ball-rolling type orientation sensor includes a housing, a light emitter, two light receivers, and a rolling ball. The housing has a ring-shaped tunnel and a first opening connecting to the tunnel and two second openings respectively located on two sides of the first opening. The light emitter is arranged at the first opening and emitting light into the tunnel through the first opening. The light receivers are respectively arranged at the second openings and receiving light from the tunnel through the second openings. The rolling ball is arranged in the tunnel, whereby while the ball-rolling type orientation sensor is tilting, the rolling ball rolls toward the direction of gravity force, a portion of light emitted from the light emitter is reflected to one of the light receivers by the rolling ball, the light receivers respectively receive light with predetermined intensities and correspondingly output electric signals with predetermined strengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Tsung-Ting SUN, Chung-Ping FENG
  • Patent number: 7944369
    Abstract: This invention relates to a security device, system and method for use in monitoring an object or person, the device being mountable to an object or person and including a tilt sensing means having a tilt sensor and a control means configured and adapted to detect tilt movement of the said object or person and generating an alarm signal when the detected change of tilt movement of the said object or person exceeds a tilt alarm threshold, the change of tilt movement is between a predetermined normal state of alignment of the said object or person relative to a reference plane and the preset threshold level for triggering an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Brett Ellis Appleyard, Marcus Stephen Tetro, Philip Edmund Derisley Wakeman
  • Publication number: 20110084848
    Abstract: An illuminated level has a housing containing a solid body pivotally mounted in the housing and forming a pendulum which can pivot to a first position in which the surface is accurately level. A light path is provided through the solid body having an exit opening at the pivot point and an entry opening the opposite end. A source of laser light on the housing is arranged to transmit light through an orifice on the housing so that the light through the orifice enters the entry opening to pass along the path when the solid body is in the first position and is prevented from entering the entry opening when the solid body is out of the level position. A light receiver in the housing at the outlet is responsive to the passage of light through the path for providing a sound indicating when the solid body is in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Lafreniere
  • Patent number: 7902993
    Abstract: Component removal detection may be accomplished by a variety of systems and techniques. In one embodiment, a system for component movement detection may include a payment module, a fuel dispenser, and a movement detection device. The fuel dispenser may receive the payment module and enclose the payment module at a first position defined by a fixed position of the payment module relative to the fuel dispenser. The movement detection device may be communicably coupled to the payment module and may detect a first value at the first position and a second value at a second position of the payment module, where the second position may be different from the first position. Further, the movement detection device may transmit the second value to the payment module, where the payment module may activate a security measure based upon a difference in the first and second values greater than an adjustable absolute limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael DeMarco
  • Patent number: 7880598
    Abstract: An apparatus and a computer implemented method for monitoring and recording the orientation data for an object. The orientation apparatus comprises an outer casing. Inside the outer casing is an orientation device that comprises six chambers, with a ball sensor in each chamber, and a ball. The orientation apparatus also comprises a data recorder for recording an event history of the orientation device, and a communicator for conveying the event history.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Michele Ciccaglione, Mark Edmund Maresh, Robert Tucker Sanders
  • Publication number: 20100315254
    Abstract: Device (10) for detecting wrong position of a container (2) in a container handling machine (1), comprising a movable contact element (11) provided with a trigger (34) coupled to an alarm sensor (33), said contact element (11) having a rest position wherein the trigger (34) blocks said alarm sensor (33), and a tilted position wherein the trigger (34) actuates the alarm sensor (33) to stop movement of the container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Sebastien Morand
  • Patent number: 7841094
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical instrument with an angle indicator and a method for operating the same enabling simple monitoring of instrument inclination and operation in a large angle range. The optical instrument comprises a base portion, a head portion tiltable relative to the base portion within a device angle range, a base angle indicator attached to the base portion for determining a base angle of the base portion and a determination unit for determining an indication angle range of the head portion based on the base angle and the device angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Trimble Kaiserslautern GmbH
    Inventor: Lars Schumacher
  • Patent number: 7839297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote controller for controlling playback of multimedia files. The remote controller includes a controller body and a receiver. By changing the inclination statuses of the controller body and pressing down the button on the external surface of the controller body, the user can remotely control playback of the multimedia files. The multimedia file playback remote controller of the present invention is small in size and thus convenient for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzu-Chiang Shih
  • Patent number: 7825820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing security to a user of an electronic device are provided. An electronic device can be configured to enter a prevention mode in response to detecting a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby providing security. Embodiments are described wherein the device, upon entering a prevention mode, may transmit a security transmission, in the form of a telephone call or an e-mail. This security transmission, when received by a security entity, can lead to the security entity dispatching an officer to the device's location, or to the security entity placing a telephone call to the device's owner, thereby providing security. Embodiments are also provided whereby the device, upon entering a prevention mode, may enter a lock-down mode. When in lock-down mode, the device may become inaccessible by any user, or alternatively may be accessed only if a security password is provided by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Lee
  • Patent number: 7812736
    Abstract: A probe has internal circuitry capable of operating in a plurality of different modes, for example a variety of filter modes and turn off modes. A switch on the probe sends an input to a controller which is arranged to set the mode in response to operation of the switch. The switch may be a push button which is operated externally of the probe by means of an actuator in the form of a plunger. The probe has a workpiece-contacting stylus mounted on a seat from which it is deflectable. The stylus and the seat may comprise the switch. An indicator, e.g., an LED, indicates the mode in response to an output from the controller. The controller outputs a plurality of indications of different modes in a sequence and a mode is selected by operating the switch once the desired mode is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David Collingwood, Jonathan Paul Fuge, Geoffrey Salt
  • Publication number: 20100224444
    Abstract: A safety device for measuring and indicating the level of a ladder having rungs extending between a pair of elongated ladder rails, the safety device comprising a housing dimensioned to be inserted into one of the rungs of the ladder, an electronic sensor disposed in the housing, a controller disposed in the housing, which is in electronical communication with the sensor, at least one indicator, and a power supply for supplying power to the device. The electronic sensor measures the inclination of the ladder to produce a measured inclination which the controller compares to a stored predetermined level value to produce a comparison signal. The at least one indicator receives the comparison signal and indicates to the user the comparison signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Simeonov, Hongwei Hsiao, John Powers
  • Publication number: 20100223582
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for analyzing movements of a handheld electronic device. The system comprises: memory; a microprocessor; a first module to generate movement data responsive to movements of the device, such as rotational movements; a second module providing instructions to the microprocessor to map the movement data against symbols representing an input movement string and store the string representation in the memory; and a third module. The third module provides instructions to the microprocessor to analyze data relating to the string representation against data relating to a gesture string representing a gesture related to a command for the device to determine if the gesture has been imparted on the device; and if the string representation sufficiently matches the gesture string, executes a command associated with the gesture on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alton Hugh DODS
  • Patent number: 7786883
    Abstract: An electronic level indicator for facilitating the leveling of RV's including battery-powered base and handheld mobile units with an RF link between them. A sensor in the base generates a coded signal transmitted to the mobile unit which activates LED's in a pattern showing low corners of the RV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: CIPA USA
    Inventors: George M. Davison, III, Peter A. Meier, Jason R. Rogge, Louis J. Cremonese
  • Publication number: 20100176961
    Abstract: A cargo loading system for loading freight into or out of the cargo hold, the system comprising: a tilt control means which can be actuated by control signals in such a way that variances in tilt of a palletized load can be immediately righted; a control panel for actuation by personnel; a power source to the control panel; and a trailer base connected to the tilt control means for accepting freight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Donald M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7752763
    Abstract: An electric drill having a function for preventing drilling of unexpected oblique hole. Further in the electric drill, when the direction of drilling is displaced in drilling work using the electric drill, it is sensed automatically to stop the drilling. The electric drill (1) performs drilling in the direction perpendicular a workpiece (7) and have a tilt sensor (10) mounted on a tilt sensor mounting surface (8) defined in parallel to the ground surface. When the rotation axis (C) of the drill positioned perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece is tiled to an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the tilt sensor (10) senses the tilt shutoff a drive current of the electric drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7755476
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for determining the optimal servicing position for equipment or parts thereof. The system and apparatus of the present invention improves efficiency of equipment servicing, safety of mechanics or service persons and accuracy of determining various optimal servicing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Dwyer
  • Patent number: 7750817
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Beverage Metrics Holding Ltd
    Inventor: David Teller
  • Publication number: 20100134311
    Abstract: A device for maintaining a flag in a desired position, and comprising a position transducer is disclosed. A support mounts the position transducer on a flagstaff. An alarm indicates a deviation in the position of the transducer from the desired position. The alarm has an audio output. The audio output of the alarm optionally indicates the direction of the deviation whereby a user may correct the position of the flag. The position transducer may comprise a central conductive member and a plurality of contacts surrounding that central conductive member. More particularly, the central conductive member may be a conductive ball resting on a concave conductive electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Hunter Hollander
  • Publication number: 20100134312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an input device and method of a portable terminal. The present invention includes generating an input event by a first input mode, generating a second input event by a motion of the portable terminal simultaneously or consecutively with the input event, and controlling operation of an application program according to the user function of the portable terminal in consideration of the first and second input events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun Young PARK, Seung Woo Shin, Hyun Su Hong, Woo Jin Jung, Jung Yeob Oh, Myeong Lo Lee, Jin Yong Kim, Kyung Hwa Kim
  • Publication number: 20100137022
    Abstract: The invention discloses a mobile communication apparatus. The mobile communication apparatus includes a sensing module, a determining module, and a switching module. The sensing module senses a rotational parameter of the mobile communication apparatus. The determining module is electrically connected to the sensing module for determining whether the rotational parameter reaches a threshold. The switching module is electrically connected to the determining module for switching the mobile communication apparatus to a first communication mode or maintaining the mobile communication apparatus in the first communication mode when determining that the rotational parameter reaches the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: INVENTEC APPLIANCES CORP.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hong YANG, Gui-Qing WAN
  • Publication number: 20100121604
    Abstract: A rotating imaging system has a rotating portion, an idler, at least one sensor, a tilt sensor and a processor. The rotating portion has a diameter and rotates about a central axis. The idler rotates about an axis parallel to the central axis, and has a second diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the rotating portion. The rotating portion and the idler engage with each other such that both rotate simultaneously. The at least one sensor detects flags on the idler as the idler rotates. The tilt sensor is mounted to the rotating portion and determines a rotation angle of the rotating portion within a range of one revolution, and the processor determines an absolute rotation of the rotating portion based on at least a signal from the at least one sensor and the rotation angle determined by the tilt sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander Vaisburd, Leonid Yakubovsky
  • Patent number: 7688184
    Abstract: A tilt angle sensor detects a tilt angle of a vehicle and outputs a tilt angle signal indicative of the tilt angle. A tire-side communication element is disposed on a tire of the vehicle, and sends a reply signal in response to the tilt angle signal. A chassis-side communication element communicates with the tire-side communication element. A controller starts a communication between the tire-side and the chassis-side communication elements when the tilt angle signal is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold. The controller determines that the tire is stolen when the chassis-side communication element disables to receive the reply signal from the tire-side communication element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Shimomura, Hideki Saitoh