Specified Housing Patents (Class 340/693.5)
  • Patent number: 8094010
    Abstract: A programmable communicator device is disclosed having a wireless communications circuit, including an antenna, configured to receive a transmission, and an identity module having a unique identifier. The programmable communicator further includes a processing module including program code configured to determine if the transmission is from an authenticated caller by determining whether a received transmission contains the unique identifier, and memory configured to store telephone numbers or IP addresses received in transmissions from an authenticated caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Eveline Wesby-van Swaay
  • Patent number: 8077030
    Abstract: A separated tracking device includes a first portion including a location determining device operative to receive signals from a positioning system, a wireless communication device operative to communicate the location data from the first portion to a second portion of the tracking device, the second portion including a wireless data transceiver operable to transmit the location data to a remote server. In a particular embodiment, the first portion of the tracking device is attached to a first shoe and the second portion of the tracking device is incorporated in a second shoe. In another embodiment, the second portion of the tracking device is incorporated in a hand-held device. A method for manufacturing a separated tracking device and a method of operating a separated tracking device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Global Trek Xploration Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Kaminski, Jb Bittner Eriksen, Ronald L. Pellegrini, Patrick E. Bertagna
  • Publication number: 20110298632
    Abstract: This alarm system operates on 110 volt AC and provides audio and light illumination. Toggle switch (19) is enclosed in switch box (28). It has a flat rectangular flexible extension strip (20) attached to its knob (24). Switch box (28) is attached to assembly bracket (17), component (16). Assembly bracket (17) is then fastened to either a wall on the swinging side of a single door or to the stationary side of a double door, as applicable. Bracket (17) is designed to insure proper distance for a door swinging in and out to strike a flat rectangular flexible extended strip. (20) at the optimum moment to turn switch (19) on and off which activates/deactivates an alarm circuit. This occurs when main wall mounted toggle switch (40) is turned on. Template (35) is used to designate the location of attaching assembly bracket (17), component 10 to either a door or wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony P. Romeo
  • Patent number: 8072330
    Abstract: A hard cover product with a pair of cover boards attached to an outer liner in spaced-relation to define a spine, with a thin-film ink-circuit security device printed on a laydown area, and having an inner liner. The laydown area can be defined in the spine, and the inner liner or an inner body attached to the cover boards conceals the printed security device from casual observation of its presence. The laydown area can be defined on a surface of a sheet laminated to another sheet to define one of cover boards. The laminated sheets sandwich the printed security device without a surface indication of the presence of the ink-circuit printed security device therein. In another aspect, the thin-film ink-circuit security device printed on a surface of the cover board is concealingly covered by the inner or the outer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Smartguard, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Hunt Nichols, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8063774
    Abstract: A sensor node for deployment in association with an earth surface has a biodegradable plastic housing, an electronic circuit board within the housing, and at least one battery for providing electrical energy to the circuit board. The circuit board has a non-toxic substrate and at least one lead-free solder element. Each battery is a non-toxic battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 8063758
    Abstract: An alert device comprising a plug adapted for insertion into a 12-volt electrical receptacle of a vehicle; a cover disposed on a second end of the plug; a microprocessor operatively connected to a vehicle power supply and to a backup power supply, when the vehicle is turned on the microprocessor is powered via the vehicle power supply; an audio controller connected to the microprocessor and to a speaker; a light component connected to the microprocessor; wherein when the vehicle is turned off an interrupt is triggered on the microprocessor and the microprocessor generates a first output command to the light component to activate the light component and generates a second output command to the audio controller to reproduce a pre-recorded message over the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Dhanraj Mohan
  • Patent number: 8058984
    Abstract: A computing system for managing site security through a communication device includes a mobile communication device, a notification, and the communication device. Using BLUETOOTH technology, the mobile communication device communicates with and activates the communication device and the notification. The communication device detects any noteworthy event and captures visual data accordingly, and transmits the visual data to the mobile communication device. The notification generates visual and audio alerts. A related method and storage medium with instructions for performance of the method also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kun-Fu Liu
  • Patent number: 8054186
    Abstract: The animal repellent apparatus provides a safety reflector with a solar powered ultrasonic signal audible to deer and other animals. The apparatus is used in place of currently existing reflectors and is of like shape and size. The ultrasonic signal is repulsive to such animals and thereby wards them away from roads that use the apparatus. The low profile, impact resistant apparatus has a reflector on each side for visibility to motorists in either direction of traffic flow. While differing little from typical reflectors in outward appearance, the apparatus is internally equipped with a rechargeable battery, protected solar panel, and a sound chip for emitting the ultrasonic signal. Since the apparatus requires no patterned deployment, installation is straightforward and requires no measured or other particular arrangement. The apparatus can be installed sequentially, or sporadically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Ray, Sue B. Ray
  • Patent number: 8054191
    Abstract: A signaling device for electrical monitoring devices, in particular for short circuit and/or ground fault indicators, and for optical, visually perceptible signaling with at least one luminous element is provided. The signaling device has a housing having a housing wall and a region formed in the housing wall so as to cover the luminous element. A printed circuit board is disposed in the housing. The luminous element is arranged within the housing and directly on the printed circuit board. The housing wall is formed such that it is at least light-transmissive in the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dipl.-Ing. H. Horstmann GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Ciupka
  • Patent number: 8049633
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Carol E. Anway
  • Patent number: 8049636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hand held tool monitoring apparatus (10). The hand held tool monitoring apparatus (10) comprises a mount, which in use of the hand held tool monitoring apparatus forms part of a hand held tool (22), and a monitoring component (12) configured to be releasably attached to the mount. The monitoring component (12) comprises an operative part of the hand held tool monitoring apparatus (10) and the hand held tool monitoring apparatus further comprises a vibration sensor and a timer. The vibration sensor is operable to sense vibration of the hand held tool (22) and to provide a vibration signal in response to sensed vibration when the monitoring component is attached to the mount. The timer is operative in dependence on the vibration signal to record a duration of vibration of the hand held tool (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Reactec Limited
    Inventors: Mark-Paul Buckingham, John Paul McKeown, Tim Kent, Charles Keepax, Stephen Dickson, Donald Black
  • Patent number: 8046196
    Abstract: In a network sensor assembly, network environmental monitor, and associated fabrication methods, a network sensor assembly comprises a panel configured for mounting on a surface, a plurality of addressable sensors coupled to the panel that sense environmental conditions at the surface, a memory device that stores configuration information associated with the plurality of addressable sensors, and a bus. The bus is communicatively coupled to the plurality of addressable sensors and the memory device and is configured for communicatively coupling the network sensor assembly to a network node for communicating data associated with the sensed environmental conditions in a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chris F. Felcman, David A. Moore, Gary S. Landrum
  • Patent number: 8031078
    Abstract: The invention is a key chain holder with clock and audible alarm. The invention includes a housing that contains the alarm, which is actuated by a spring-loaded trigger. The spring-loaded trigger requires at least 5 pounds of pressure in order to set off the alarm. The invention also includes a hand strap and flash light. The clock displays the time and date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Richard E. Liestman
  • Patent number: 8026825
    Abstract: An alarm pull station includes a housing, an alarm indicator carried within the housing, an alarm activation mechanism carried within the housing, such that the alarm activation mechanism is adjacent to the alarm indicator, and configured to generate an alarm signal, and a sensor carried within the housing such that the sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to a sensed condition and the alarm indicator is activated in response to the signal generated by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Santos
  • Patent number: 8013719
    Abstract: A combination low voltage light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a yard wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. Outdoor lighting and sound is produced with low voltage lighting that is wired or solar powered for operation. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Edward H. Haase
  • Patent number: 8013744
    Abstract: An enhanced method and apparatus are provided for tracking and managing a plurality of packagings, particularly packagings containing radioactive and fissile materials. A radio frequency identification (RFID) surveillance tag is provided with an associated packaging. The RFID surveillance tag includes a tag body and a back plate including predefined mounting features for mounting the surveillance tag to the associated packaging. The RFID surveillance tag includes a battery power supply. The RFID surveillance tag includes a plurality of sensors monitoring the associated packaging including a seal sensor. The seal sensor includes a force sensitive material providing a resistivity change responsive to change in a seal integrity change of the associated packaging. The resistivity change causes a seal integrity tag alarm. A tag memory stores data responsive to tag alarms generated by each of the plurality of sensors monitoring the associated packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Han-Chung Tsai, Yung Y. Liu
  • 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: 8004412
    Abstract: An electronic device with external antenna identification function includes a plurality of external antenna modules, each of which includes an antenna and an identification tag unit for generating a specific identification signal to identify the external antenna module according to a query signal, a connection port, a identification tag authorizing module, coupled to the connection port, for outputting the query signal when one of the plurality of external antenna modules is connected to the connection port and for generating a identification result according to the specific identification signal generated by the external antenna module, and a radio transceiver module, coupled to the connection port and the identification tag authorizing module, for transmitting and receiving corresponding radio signals according to the identification result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yin-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7995192
    Abstract: An optoelectronic safety sensor (10) is set forth for the contactless measurement of paths and/or speeds of the safety sensor (10) or of a first object connected in a fixed position to the safety sensor (10) with respect to a second object (12) moved relatively to the first object, which form a potential source of danger, wherein the safety sensor (10) has a light source (20), a light receiver (16) with a plurality of light reception elements and has an evaluation unit (22), with the evaluation unit (22) being configured to determine by means of an optical correlation process and/or by evaluation of the optical flow the path and/or the speed from at least two images of a surface structure (18, 18a, 18b) of the second object (12) taken sequentially by the light receiver (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Martin Wüstefeld
  • Patent number: 7990281
    Abstract: A doorbell chime (100) can comprise a chassis (101), a cover (104) having a mechanical-cover identifier (105, 106), a mechanical-cover identifier detector (103) (to detect when the cover is at least substantially disposed in the installed position), and a chime (102) mounted in the chassis. This chime is configured to operate in a first mode of operation (302) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector detects the cover and in a second mode of operation (303) (that is different than the first mode of operation) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector does not detect the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: HeathCo, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Blaise Tylicki, Timothy Gale Birdwell, Thomas Michael Gott, Jimmy David Claiborne
  • Patent number: 7990280
    Abstract: An exit alarm system housed in an escutcheon for activating upon movement of an interior latch operator. The system is mounted to the interior side of a door with a latch assembly including an interior latch operator. The system may include an alarm, a trigger, and an electronic module. The trigger is responsive to movement of the interior latch operator. The electronic module may be electrically connected to a power source for providing an input signal to the alarm. Upon motion of the interior latch operator, the trigger may cause the electronic module to send an activating input signal to the alarm. The alarm may be a sound transducer. A switch may be provide to arm the system. A tamper switch may be provided to cause the electronic module to activate the alarm upon removal of the escutcheon. The system may be applied to retrofit an existing door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: John Steven Gray
  • Patent number: 7978079
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic tag, and more particularly to an electronic tag including an insulating cap. When the electronic tag is being made, the insulating cap is arranged adjacent to heat-sensitive electronic components. The insulating cap protects the electronics from the heat generated when injection molding with hot plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Destron Fearing Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph K. Geissler, Steven Lewis
  • Patent number: 7978070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamper respondent covering (10) wherein the covering (10) is adapted for mounting on a surface having at least one item (14, 16) disposed thereon, said tamper respondent covering (10) comprising a covering member defining a recess (28), and at least one non-metallic detecting element having an electrical characteristic disposed on said covering member, wherein said covering member is adapted for mounting on the surface and covering and protecting said at least one item (14, 16) on the surface such that damage to said at least non-metallic detecting element results in a detectable variation to said electrical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7969305
    Abstract: A security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller, and a memory operably coupled to the controller for initially providing a security disarm code (SDC) to a programmable key including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller and a memory operably coupled to the controller. The programmable key subsequently provides the SDC to a security device configured for attachment to the merchandise and including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller, and a memory operably coupled to the controller. Thereafter, the security device is disarmed by using the programmable key to verify the SDC in the memory of the key with the SDC in the memory of the security device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio, Ian R. Scott
  • Patent number: 7969321
    Abstract: A smoke detector adapted for installation within a bracket of a ceiling downlight; the smoke detector comprising a lower body portion adapted for engagement with said bracket, and an upper body portion extending upwardly from said lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: John Spellman
  • Patent number: 7961111
    Abstract: A home control protection system includes at least one surge protection strip having a plurality of power outlet receptacles, and a wall mountable central control unit that is in electrical communication with the at least one surge protection strip. The surge protection strip includes a replaceable surge protector module. The surge protection strip includes a circuit for detecting and counting the number of power surges which are shunted by the surge protector module, and compares the number of power surges with a predetermined threshold power surge number that corresponds to a predicted maximum number of power surges before failure of the surge protector module will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventors: Prapan Paul Tinaphong, Eric M. Michielutti, Louis E. Lenzi, Joseph Craig Engle
  • Patent number: 7948375
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the detection of portable electronic device functionality. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a chemically coated antenna to serve as a trigger for device functionality detection. The chemically coated antenna may be passively or actively detected. In active detection, a detection apparatus releases a chemical which reacts or otherwise respods with the chemical trigger in a detectable manner. The detection apparatus detects the reaction, which is specific to the functionality of the portable electronic device. In passive detection, a detection device simply detects the chemical trigger, which is specific to the portable electronic device functionality. Other trigger embodiments utilizing optics, radio frequency (RF) signals, sound waves, and magnetic identification are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Jeffrey Goldberg, John Thommana, Arty Chandra, Alain Charles Louis Briancon
  • Patent number: 7944352
    Abstract: A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hadronex, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Drake, Gregory M. Quist
  • Patent number: 7944361
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Carol E. Anway
  • Patent number: 7940167
    Abstract: A battery-powered occupancy sensor for detecting an occupancy condition in a space comprises first and second batteries, an occupancy detector circuit, a controller, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting a first wireless signal in response to the occupancy detector circuit detecting the occupancy condition in the space. The controller and the wireless transmitter are powered by the first battery, while only the occupancy detector circuit is powered by the second battery, such that the occupancy detector circuit is isolated from noise generated by the controller and the wireless transmitter. The occupancy detector circuit draws a current having a magnitude of approximately 5 microamps or less from the second battery. The occupancy sensor transmits a second wireless signal is response to determining that the voltage of one of the batteries has dropped too low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Steiner, Andrew Peter Schmalz, Greg Edward Sloan
  • Patent number: 7936269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a registration sign for vehicles, where the registration sign (2) comprises a sign package (38) consisting of individual plastic film sections (6a, 9a), a bottom sheet (18) and a front panel (12), and also comprises a frame (21) which surrounds the sign package. According to the invention, the registration sign (2) comprises in addition at least one transponder (50) for receiving and/or transmitting radio signals and the transponder (50) is embedded in the frame (21). The present invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a registration sign whereby at least one transponder (50) is fastened on and/or in the sign package (38) for the registration sign (2) and the transponder 50 is embedded in the frame (21) when the latter is injection-molded round the edges of the sign package (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AB Scandinavian Motorcenter
    Inventors: Jan Persson, Kent Fält
  • Patent number: 7936278
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided, including a first body, which has a display screen, a second body, which is slidably connected to the first body, and a door unit, which opens and closes a battery compartment disposed between the first and second bodies, in which the door unit is concealed and made externally visible according to the position of the second body relative to the first body, and in which the door unit can be opened and closed when it is externally visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-jin Ahn, Yo-han Park
  • Patent number: 7928851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a personal alarm system including a communication device for transmitting a signal to a recipient such as a signal monitoring center or rescue or other emergency authorities. An interface module, including a user-programmable memory and a user interface, controls the communication device. A triggering key is used to activate the interface module in the case of an emergency, thereby causing the communication device to transmit a signal to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Celphinder Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Sydney Devlin Stanners, Kam Keung Fung
  • Publication number: 20110068917
    Abstract: An emergency notification system includes a single-motion user input device and a processor in data communication therewith. The system includes an input jack for connecting the processor to a communication network for allowing communication between the processor and an emergency response entity. A microphone and a speaker are in data communication with the processor. The processor includes programming for causing the processor to actuate the microphone and the speaker to allow audio communication between a user and the emergency response entity through the communication network upon activation of the single-motion user input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Rudolph Puana, Lynn Puana
  • Patent number: 7911327
    Abstract: A vibration device is provided. The vibration device includes a case, a vibrator, a coil, and a spring. The vibrator is disposed inside the case and including a magnet, a yoke, and a weight. The coil is supported by the case. The spring allows the vibrator to be elastically supported by the case. The spring includes a first coupling portion coupled to the vibrator, a second coupling portion coupled to the case, and a connecting portion connecting the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion. The second coupling portion is disposed on a concentric circle with respect to a center of the first coupling portion. A region in which the second coupling portion is disposed on the concentric circle ranges from 40% or more to less than 100% of a total region of the concentric circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kap Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7907062
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the condition of a power outlet and for reducing or interrupting power in the event that a condition of the outlet circuitry indicates that a potentially dangerous situation exists. The device can also include a reporting function to alert a user as to the existence of the dangerous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Sotrage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Norbert A. Feliss, Karl Arthur Flechsig, Donald Ray Gillis, Sylvia Lui Lee
  • Patent number: 7889064
    Abstract: A combined tire pressure gauge and remote tire pressure display includes a port adapted to couple to a vehicle tire valve stem and to open a valve in the valve stem; a chamber in physical communication with the port; a local pressure transducer in the chamber for detecting a pressure of a fluid within the vehicle tire and providing an output signal representative of the detected pressure; a wireless receiver for receiving a signal identifying a tire pressure sensor and having a detected tire pressure and for providing an output signal; a processor for receiving the output signal from the pressure transducer and the output signal from the wireless receiver, and for providing a processor output signal indicative of an identified tire and a value of the detected pressure, in a remote tire display mode, and for providing a processor output signal indicative of a detected tire pressure, in a tire pressure gauge mode; and a display coupled to the processor for providing a visible indication of detected pressure val
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Measurement Limited
    Inventor: Steven Petrucelli
  • Patent number: 7889092
    Abstract: An alert device is disclosed. The alert device has at least one light, at least one speaker, and a communication system configured to receive an alert notification containing instructions for each of at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one light, at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one speaker, and an overall duration of the alert notification. The alert device further has a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one light, the at least one speaker, and the communication system. The controller is configured to monitor the communication system for the alert notification, decode the alert notification, activate the at least one light and the at least one speaker for their respective at least one patterns and durations of activation, and deactivate the at least one light and the at least one speaker after the overall duration elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Alertus Technologies
    Inventors: Jason Adam Volk, Blake Andrew Robertson
  • Publication number: 20110012742
    Abstract: An activity monitor which can be pre-programmed at the factory, the doctors office or the pharmacist, or that can be programmed by the user. The activity monitor is affixed to a medicine bottle or container and activity associated with the bottle or container, such as movement, opening, volume changes, etc. are monitored in view to the schedule. If the schedule indicates that a dose of medicine should be taken at a particular time, but the monitored activity does not determine that the medicine has been taken, an alert signal will be issued to alert the user that it is time to take the medicine. In addition, if the monitored activity indicates that the medicine bottle has been opened prior to a scheduled time, then a tamper alert can be triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Patent number: 7872588
    Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring tag for wearing about the appendage of an individual. It includes a self-contained transmitter module that is located in a housing and transmits radio signals to a base unit, for receipt by the base unit if within a predetermined range. If the individual wearing the monitoring tag moves outside this range then the base unit can trigger an alarm or send a warning signal. The housing has an opening for receiving the end of a flexible elongate strap to secure the tag around the appendage of the individual. The strap is attached to the housing inside the opening using a clip, which has structure for fixedly securing it to the strap and structure for fixedly securing it in the opening. Once the clip is attached to the housing it cannot be removed unless a weakened or frangible region between the securing structures is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Guidance IP, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Ian Potter, Graeme Lindsay Jonathan Paterson
  • Patent number: 7868747
    Abstract: The vehicle reversing radar alarm of this invention pertains to the field of alarming device and particularly relates to a vehicle reversing radar alarm for cars. The vehicle reversing radar alarm consists of a frame mount, a camera assembly, a support means for camera, mounting holes for ultrasonic sensors, a circuit board and a rear cover. The ultrasonic sensors are mounted into the mounting holes for ultrasonic sensors arranged on the frame mount. The camera assembly is mounted into the mounting holes for camera assembly arranged on the frame mount. The support means for camera covers the camera assembly and is fixed on the frame mount by screws. There are rotation axes at both ends of the camera assembly and the camera assembly can rotate together with the rotation axes. This invention has a simple structure and a reasonable design, and it is easy to mount it and convenient to use it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Wenhai Tang, Jun Luo, Desheng Li
  • Patent number: 7859425
    Abstract: The invention provides for exchanging a complete luminous unit (24) instead of exchanging the individual components such as a battery (64). For this purpose, at least one energy-saving light-emitting diode (56) as luminous means, a battery (64) and a magnetically actuable reed contact (66) serving as switching element are combined as luminous unit (24). The use of a cost-effective light-emitting diode (56) and a battery (64) formed in space-saving fashion in accordance with the low power demand of the light-emitting diode (56) permits a compact configuration of the luminous unit (24). The fact that the luminous unit (24) can be inserted into the floating body (22) as a unit and can be exchanged as a unit obviates a complicated battery change or change of luminous means entailing the risk of leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Chemring Defence Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Glasa, Holger Galley, Thorsten Kothe, Oliver Schultz
  • Patent number: 7855637
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a method for identifying a container for containing contents such as solid, liquid, or gaseous materials. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. A valve assembly is positioned over an opening in the container for controlling the flow of contents from the container. The wireless communication device is mounted within the valve assembly, and preferably within the ball. The wireless communication device communicates information to an interrogation reader. The temperature associated with the container and/or its contents may be determined by various techniques including thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the container, measuring the discharge rate in a discharge capacitor associated with the wireless communication device, and determining the maximum energy absorption frequency of the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Patent number: 7830258
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is an encoder for commissioning RFID transponders and includes a housing encasing a motor assembly, wireless communication means for transferring instructions and data from and to a remote host, on-board memory, a processor, and an antenna with corresponding mechanism to encode and verify a programmable RFID transponder within a protective enclosure. The present invention further includes novel methods for commissioning RFID transponders, as well as methods for recycling and reusing various components including the protective enclosure and RFID transponders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ADASA, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarke W. McAllister
  • Patent number: 7825821
    Abstract: A holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) has individual positions or compartments for dosage units (102, 102?, 202, 302). Each of the dosage units has a supply receptacle (104, 104?, 204, 304) and a dispensing head (103, 103?, 203, 303) that are connected to each other. The holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) is equipped with a means for active user guidance (105, 105?, 210, 305) which, in a process of dispensing measured substance quantities from the different dosage units into a receiving container (411), directs the user in taking out and returning the different dosage units that are seated in the holding rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Luechinger, Matthias Gietenbruch
  • Patent number: 7821418
    Abstract: This invention relates to a safety system comprising an elongate signal carrying device having a first end and a second end. At least a part of the elongate signal carrying device is selectively manipulable at a manipulation point to generate a measurable non-electric signal that can be carried by the signal carrying device. The safety system further comprises an output device for causing an audible or visible alarm signal or an electric signal to be outputted in response to the non-electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Cronapress Limited
    Inventors: Ian Parker, Ken Naylor, Fred Keery, Christopher M Butler
  • Patent number: 7808383
    Abstract: A support includes a base having an outwardly extending projection with a passageway therethrough, and having a tag receiving portion configured to removably support a tag on the base adjacent one end of the passageway. A different arrangement involves a tag that includes a housing having an opening therethrough and having an annular surface around the opening, an annular gasket engaging the annular surface, and circuitry within the housing having a sensor located in the region of the opening and having a transmitter that can transmit wireless signals. A method includes defining a passageway that provides fluid communication between an interior and exterior of a container, supporting a tag on the exterior of the container, and causing the tag to sense, at a location in the region of an end of the passageway, a condition within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikola Cargonja, Timothy R. Redler, Richard D. Lockyer, Kent G. Merritt
  • Patent number: 7796047
    Abstract: An apparatus for fire detection in an electrical equipment rack includes a suction pipe system which communicates with the rack monitored through at least one suction opening and through which a representative air sample is drawn from the rack, an early fire detection module having at least one detector unit for detecting at least one fire parameter in the air sample extracted through the suction pipe system, and a controller for issuing an early fire detection signal in response to the result detected with the at least one detector unit. The early fire detection module is configured as a rackmount to be inserted into the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Amrona AG
    Inventors: Ernst Werner Wagner, Carsten Heller
  • Patent number: 7782216
    Abstract: A fan detecting apparatus for detecting operation of at least two fans includes at least two airflow detecting units with two signal transmitting terminals, a judging unit with at least one judging terminal, and at least two identity indicating units electrically coupled to the corresponding at least two airflow detecting units respectively. The airflow detecting units detect airflow of the fans, and output control signals to corresponding identity indicating units when airflow from corresponding fans is no longer detected. Each of the identity indicating units has an identity code corresponding to a fan which is electrically coupled to the airflow detecting unit, and transmits the identity code to the judging terminal of the judging unit when it receives the control signal. The judging unit indicates which of the fans is no longer producing detectable airflow according to the identity codes received at its judging terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7777640
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an audible alarm system that utilizes air-conveying ductwork to transport the audible alarm signal from the point of origination to a distant location. This system is low cost and improves the safety of individuals and reduces the potential loss of property by providing early and better hazard communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Tryggvi Emilsson