Configured To Promote Sensing Capability (e.g., Smoke Detector) Patents (Class 340/693.6)
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Patent number: 11137340Abstract: [Object] To provide a particle detection sensor that is compact-and-flat designed and manufacturable at low cost. [Solution] A particle detection sensor (1) includes light transmissive resin (5) that encapsulates a light emitting element (3) and a light receiving element (6), and a reflective surface (7) that is arranged on the light transmissive resin (5) and reflects output light (8) radiated from the light emitting element (3) toward an incident light field area (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshifumi Masuda, Akifumi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10063040Abstract: An electrical connection box applicable to a wire harness includes a case including a housing space that is formed inside by a first member and a second member facing each other along an opposite direction and that houses a substrate, and a locking part that is locked to a fixing object surface. The first member includes a first protrusion, and the second member includes a second protrusion formed to face the first protrusion and an abutting part that abuts on the fixing object surface in a state in which the locking part is locked to the fixing object surface, generates a pushing force along the opposite direction, and has the substrate sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Masayuki Nagano
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Patent number: 9742991Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk design for an advanced photographic system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a self-contained, automated photobooth kiosk. In embodiments of the invention, the photobooth kiosk is capable of taking a 360 degree panoramic photograph or sequence of photographs of a subject and surrounding background. For instance, a customer of the photobooth kiosk may stand in the center of the photobooth and have his or her picture taken with a plurality of specialized “machine vision” cameras, with the images sent to a central processor such as a computer for processing into a 360 degree panoramic photograph or video clip. After the photo-taking session, the customer may collect prints of the pictures at the kiosk, similar to presently available photobooths.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventor: Robert Frank Latorre
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Patent number: 9030330Abstract: A carbon monoxide safety device detects levels of carbon monoxide producible by a device and deactivates the device upon detection of a predetermined level of carbon monoxide. The device includes a housing and a processor coupled to the housing. A plurality of wires is electrically coupled to the processor. A sensor is operationally coupled to the processor wherein the sensor measures a level of carbon monoxide. A switch is operationally coupled to the sensor wherein the sensor sends a deactivation signal to the switch to deactivate the source of carbon monoxide upon the sensor detecting a predetermined level of carbon monoxide.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: Ronald Nichols, Jr.
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Patent number: 9013316Abstract: The smoke detector comprises a housing provided with one or more openings for the passage of smoke particles into an interior of the housing. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in the interior of the housing and generate an electric field by application of an electrical potential therebetween. A detection chamber is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode, the detection chamber comprising an ionization zone for the generation of charged particles by ionization of air in the vicinity of the second electrode and a drift zone for the movement of charged particles towards the first electrode. A measurement device measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical current generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the charged particles.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignees: Finsecur, Institut pour le Developpement de la Science, l'Education et la Technologie (IDSET)Inventors: Zohreh Mokhtari, Stéphane Hole, Jacques Lewiner
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Patent number: 9013321Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Urs Kästli, Matthias Nyikos, Beat Schmid, Reto Steiner
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Patent number: 9007223Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example, smoke particles, located in an open space (12).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Xtralis Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger, Kemal Ajay
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Patent number: 8988246Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring proximally configurable devices deployed in a region that includes scanning the region that includes multiple deployed proximally configurable devices with a directed radiation beam and transmitting data, utilizing the directed radiation beam, to one or more of the deployed proximally configurable devices where the data is associated with the location of the directed radiation beam during scanning within the region.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Russell Mirov
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Patent number: 8957768Abstract: An operation apparatus includes a base, a sensing unit, a plurality of plates, and a drive mechanism. The base has a surface. The sensing unit includes at least three pressure-sensitive detection regions that are provided at different vertex positions of a polygon having at least three corners set in each of a plurality of regions obtained by partitioning at least a part of the surface of the base. The plurality of plates are provided to correspond to the plurality of regions and cover the at least a part of the surface. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of plates on the basis of a signal generated by detection of the sensing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hideo Kawabe, Masatoshi Ueno, Shinobu Kuriya, Yusaku Kato, Kenichi Kabasawa, Tetsuro Goto, Tsubasa Tsukahara, Toshiyuki Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8947230Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes an acoustic sensor is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the acoustic sensor provides acoustic data based on measurements of sound in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Based on the acoustic data, a control mechanism determines if an alarm device, which is separate from the environmental monitoring device, is activated. For example, the environmental monitoring device may determine if a smoke detector is activated based on measurements of sound, such as a temporal 3 acoustic pattern. In addition, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on measurements of an environmental condition in the external environment. The control mechanism may use the sensor data to assess a degree of threat in the external environment, and the environmental monitoring device may output different audible sounds as the degree of threat changes.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Leeo, Inc.Inventors: Adam M. Gettings, Andrew G. Stevens, Bjorn H. Hovland
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Patent number: 8933811Abstract: Smoke alarm comprising at least one internal chamber, which chamber has at least one opening towards the surroundings, such that air may pass through the chamber, and where means are provided for emitting light and means for detecting said light is provided in or around said chamber, where the change in light intensity registered by the means generates a smoke alarm.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Cavius ApSInventor: Glenn Højmose
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Patent number: 8928487Abstract: An adjustable occupancy sensor capable of being secured to a light fixture includes a housing having a side and a bottom, a sensor assembly attached to the housing at the bottom of the housing, and an adjustable mounting assembly provided on the side of the housing. The adjustable mounting assembly includes a slot defined in the side of the housing and a track having a plurality of segments extending along the length of the track. The track is configured to be releasably secured to the side of the housing within the slot, the plurality of segments being configured to be breakable from the track to adjust a length of the track. The adjustable mounting assembly further includes a connector molded or otherwise secured to the track to connect the housing of the adjustable occupancy sensor to the light fixture. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: John W. Dyer, James V. Olson
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Patent number: 8910820Abstract: A life safety assembly includes an attachment stud configured to attach to a surface, and a life safety device that is mountable on the attachment stud. The life safety device has a receptacle configured to receive and interlock with the attachment stud to mount the life safety device with respect to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: UTC Fire & Security CorporationInventor: Jason Michael Sharpe
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Patent number: 8912914Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of containers may include a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path and a size part which is arranged in an interchangeable manner on the apparatus. The size part may include a first identification element based upon RFID technology in order to identify the size part. The size part may in turn include a position detection device which detects a position of at least one element of the apparatus with respect to the size part and emits a signal characteristic of this position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Manfred Ziegler
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Patent number: 8878687Abstract: An automatic door sensor includes: at least one sensor module unit (sensor module 11) configured to detect optically an object or a human body and to output, according to the detection results, a signal to a door controller for controlling an automatic door to open/close; an accommodation unit (profile 12) capable of accommodating the at least one sensor module unit; a cover member (front cover 13) that is transmissive to light for use for the detection performed by the sensor module unit and configured to cover the accommodation unit in which the sensor module unit is accommodated; and a functionality expansion module (LED module 14) either side of which can be joined to the cover member and that is configured to expand functionalities of the automatic door sensor by performing communication with the sensor module unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanao Shiraishi, Takashi Imai, Takashi Kondo, Takayasu Ikeda, Yohei Iwata
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Patent number: 8878654Abstract: Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventors: Michael Cohen-Alloro, Batami Sadan, Gilead Asseo, Tomer Gofer
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Patent number: 8842000Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Daryl Day, Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford
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Patent number: 8768535Abstract: A method and device for the recognition of a trailer (2) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the trailer (2) is connected to the motor vehicle (1) via a coupling device (3), wherein a control device (4) collects and stores data relating to the currently connected trailer (2) during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, and a device for identification (5) of the trailer (2) is able to ascertain, by means of a test signal, a separation of the connected trailer (2) from the motor vehicle (1) during the shutdown phase of the motor vehicle (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Christoph Kossira, Andreas Baudisch
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Patent number: 8742937Abstract: An alarm unit of the invention is provided with: a light emitting section; a battery power supply; a voltage booster circuit that boosts a voltage from this battery power supply to thereby generate a boosted voltage; a light emission control section that controls the voltage booster circuit to supply, with the timing at which the boosted voltage is obtained, the boosted voltage to the light emitting section, thereby intermittently driving light emission; a light receiving section that receives light from the light emitting section having been diffused by smoke; a conversion circuit that converts a received light signal from the light receiving section into received light data; a fire hazard detection section that detects a fire hazard based on the received light data from the conversion circuit; an alarm section that outputs an alarm based on a fire hazard detection signal from the fire hazard detection section; a reference voltage circuit that generates a reference voltage for the voltage booster circuit andType: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Hochiki CorporationInventor: Isao Asano
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Patent number: 8742939Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for rapidly detecting smoke or other particles or aerosols generated in any one or more compartments of a multi-compartment electronics enclosure. The herein disclosed system includes a particle sensor and an airflow controller that pulls air and particles from the one or more compartments through fluid pathways and into the particle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.Inventors: Scott Polak, Jeffrey Roberg, Michael Mueller
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Publication number: 20140091939Abstract: Methods and systems to redirect the audible and visible signals from alarms on a portable safety device. A cover (10) cooperates with a portable safety device (50) to define a sound chamber (12) that amplifies audible warning signals. A visual alarm guide (14) also is provided. A calibration adapter (500) affords quick and simple bump testing and calibration of the portable safety device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Industrial Scientific CorporationInventors: Tae-yeon Won, Charlies Hughes, Brad Day
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Patent number: 8624745Abstract: A high sensitivity smoke detector includes a housing which defines an internal, closed, scattering region, and an external, open scattering region. A cyclone-type separator draws atmosphere adjacent the external scattering region into the detector and separates the larger, non-smoke related particulate matter which flows into the internal, closed scattering region for sensing and subsequent analysis. An annular inflow pattern can be established with a central exit flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Michael Barson
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Patent number: 8610560Abstract: A system for monitoring a structure prior to and during subjection to a hazardous condition. The system includes a primary monitoring apparatus comprising a monitoring circuit and alerting circuit integrated into an enclosure. The monitoring circuit includes a sensor for detecting an individual or an animal within the area. The alerting circuit includes at least one alerting device. The alerting device can be any of audible alert, a visual alert, and a remote communications. A remote alerting apparatus includes at least one alert device. Signal communication is established between the monitoring apparatus and the alerting apparatus, wherein the primary apparatus activates the alert device(s) of the remote apparatus. The system is deployed within a structure, including placement of an alerting apparatus external to the structure. The system is activated prior to initiation of the hazardous process, monitoring the region for any living beings and emitting an alert when detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Charles Steven Conner
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Patent number: 8610587Abstract: A smoke detector unit with built-in global system for mobile communications (GSM) to effect short message service (SMS) with an end user, and short message service (SMS), data transmission or email, with a central station monitoring (CSM) Events such as low battery condition and excessive smoke detection are reported to the CSM or end user via SMS or email. The unit may be reprogrammed via SMS remotely. The unit may be checked for connectivity between the unit and the CSM or end user via SMS remotely.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Dovid Tropper
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Patent number: 8552874Abstract: Building vents and the associated vent stacks are an emerging security challenge. The vents may run the entire length of a building, providing a direct and substantially unobstructed path for gases and devices to be introduced into a building's interior. A security apparatus for the vent(s) of a structure may include a housing that may be positioned on a vent opening, such as a vent stack, and a gas monitoring apparatus and a motion detector. The gas monitoring apparatus may be used to detect a volatile gas in the vicinity of the housing and generate an alarm or signal when a gas is detected. The motion detector may sense the removal of the security apparatus from a vent and trigger an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Lloyd J. Wander
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Patent number: 8546740Abstract: A sensor apparatus for optically detecting an object includes (a) a first emitting device, configured to emit a first emission beam, (b) a first receiving device, configured to receive a first reception beam, (c) a second receiving device, configured to receive a second reception beam, and (d) an evaluation unit connected downstream of the first receiving device and the second receiving device. The first reception beam and/or the second reception beam contains scattered light which is produced when an at least partial scattering of the first transmission beam occurs at the object. The evaluation unit is coupled to the first receiving device and the second receiving device so as to receive a difference signal between a first output signal of the first receiving device and a second output signal of the second receiving device. The sensor apparatus may be incorporated in a proximity sensor and a danger warning system.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Walter Vollenweider
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Patent number: 8537020Abstract: A gas detector includes at least one gas sensing element and a calorimetric sensing material for detection of a different, potentially contaminating gas which can impair the function of the gas sensing element disposed within the detector. The sensing material provides a visual indication of the presence of the potentially contaminating gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Walter R. Thorson
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Patent number: 8508376Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example smoke particles, located in an open space (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: VFS Technologies LimitedInventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger, Kemal Ajay
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Patent number: 8490710Abstract: In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Matthew R. Archibald, Jerrod K. Buterbaugh
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Patent number: 8485271Abstract: In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Matthew R. Archibald, Jerrod K. Buterbaugh
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Patent number: 8441368Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Excelitas Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Martin Liess, Arthur Barlow
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Patent number: 8314712Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating spoilage detection in bulk grain storage bins via dust-free or substantially dust-free air sampling. Dust particles are passively removed from sampled air without the use of barrier filters or electrostatic screens, but instead through the use of a non-linear pathway that is open at one end and closed at the other end. A system is disclosed that incorporates a coiled pathway as an air inlet element combined with a carbon dioxide or other gas detector element to provide an integrated detector module suitable for permanent installation in a dusty bulk grain storage bin environment to provide spoilage gas measurements over time. The system may communicate data to a central data storage system via cellular telephone or long range radio frequency data transmission. Alerts and alarms are generated and transmitted electronically to users via email, SMS text, automated phone messages and other means.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Bin Tech L.L.L.P.Inventors: Guy Fromme, Timothy O'Connor
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Patent number: 8299903Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture and combination screw-in light with speakers element is disclosed where the fixture is installed in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The light bulb/speaker can be screwed or secured into a standard light bulb socket. The sound producing elements is a coaxial arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers that can be directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture or bulb may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in or near the fixture. 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 and color.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventors: Edward H Haase, John Kemper Pasley
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Patent number: 8242917Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and/or simulating weather related information, including temperature information are provided. Weather related data can be obtained from any convenient source. A temperature indication surface can be used to match a temperature value from the weather related data. Indications can also be provided regarding wind speed and general weather condition corresponding to the weather related data.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Benjamin P. Blinn, Kenneth R. Steele, Sanjay K. Sharma, Brita A Horton
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Patent number: 8232884Abstract: A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Greg R. Pattok, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Scott R. Edwards, Darin D. Tuttle, Christopher D. Stirling
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Patent number: 8228184Abstract: A load control system comprises a load control device and a battery-powered occupancy sensor, which transmits a first wireless signal to the load control device in response to detecting the presence of an occupant in a space. The load control system further comprises a visual indicator for providing a visual indication when the magnitude of a battery voltage of a battery of the occupancy sensor has dropped below a predetermined low-battery voltage threshold. The occupancy sensor may comprise the visual indicator, such that the visual indicator is illuminated when the occupancy detects the presence of the occupant in the space and the magnitude of the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the load control device may comprise the visual indicator, such that the visual indicator is illuminated in response to receiving a second wireless signal, which is transmitting by the occupancy sensor when the magnitude of the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Matthew Robert Blakeley, James P. Steiner, Adam J. Schrems
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Patent number: 8223029Abstract: A method for controlling a cleaning device is presented, which includes the following steps. A cleaning device includes a control unit, a fan module, an optical emitter, and an optical sensor. The optical emitter and the optical sensor are located in an air inlet of the fan module. The control unit is preset with a first impedance value (Z1), a second impedance value (Z2), and a threshold, where 0<Z1<Z2. Then, the control unit reads an impedance value (Z) of the fan module. If Z1<Z<Z2, the control unit drives the fan module. If Z2<Z, the control unit reads a detected value of the optical sensor. If the detected value exceeds the threshold, the control unit drives the fan module, so as to increase a suction force of the fan module. If the detected value is smaller than the threshold, the control unit turns off the fan module.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Yu-Liang Chung, Chun-Hsien Liu, Chun-Chieh Wang, Long-Der Chen, Chen Meng-Chun, Chun-Sheng Wang
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Patent number: 8169336Abstract: A gratuity receptacle that contains a gratuity sensor to detect when gratuity has been inserted into the opening of the gratuity receptacle. When gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle, the gratuity sensor activates a notification means to alert patrons and employees that gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle. The notification may be any combination of a visual, motion, and/or a sound notification. The notification may be related to an advertising campaign.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventor: Danny Watson
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Patent number: 8125321Abstract: An obstacle detecting device includes a wall member and an ultrasonic sensor. The wall member has a base member having an inner surface, and the base member extends in parallel with an imaginary plane. The ultrasonic sensor is attached to the inner surface of the base member for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave via the base member. The ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer, and is in contact with the base member via a contact portion of the inner surface of the base member. The wall member includes a plurality of rigidity changing portions that are arranged on an other part of the inner surface other than the contact portion in an arrangement direction away from the contact portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Kiyonari Kojima, Toshihiro Hattori, Akio Nakano
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Patent number: 8120481Abstract: When a person believes that he/she is having a heart attack, a pendant (or other communications device) can be activated to communicate an emergency services request signal to an emergency services notification station (e.g., that houses an AED). Once the emergency services notification station receives the emergency services request signal, the emergency services notification station can notify anyone in the area of the pending emergency (e.g., by sounding a siren and/or flashing a light and/or vibrating). The emergency services notification station can utilize an address display such that someone passing by is informed of the address of the person that needs assistance.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Mark Gottlieb
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Patent number: 8111168Abstract: A smoke detector comprises a first housing to face an area in which to detect smoke, a second housing secured to the first housing, electronics to detect smoke within the area, and a flameproof barrier positioned between the first and second housings.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Frazer Bell
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Patent number: 8085135Abstract: Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventors: Michael Cohen Alloro, Batami Sadan, Gilead Asseo, Tomer Gofer
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Patent number: 8072321Abstract: A pressure sensing device, such as a tire pressure monitoring unit comprises a pressure sensor for measuring pressure of a fluid, such as air or an inert gas, in an environment external to the device, such as within the cavity of a tire. A hollow resonator, or standing wave tube, is coupled to the pressure sensor. The resonator has a free end exposed to the external environment to the extent that pressure variations in the fluid are propagated through the hollow resonator to the pressure sensor via the free end. The hollow resonator has a resonant frequency substantially matching a target frequency such that resonance is established in the tube at the resonant frequency in response to the presence of an audio signal in the fluid having a frequency that substantially matches the target frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Schrader Electronics. Ltd.Inventor: William David Lynn
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Patent number: 8066859Abstract: A sensor supervision system for periodically providing a test to accesses the status of a gas detection sensor, such as a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, is provided. To access the status of the CO sensor, a processor provides a voltage to the sensor supervision system, such that a voltage is applied to CO sensor, charging the CO sensor. The status of the CO sensor is accessed by determining the change in the voltage charge of the CO sensor between two sampling time points. If the first sample voltage is substantially equal to the second sample voltage, i.e., a substantially constant voltage, the carbon monoxide sensor fails the test. However, if there is an change is the voltage change between the first and second sampled time points, the CO sensor passes the test.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.Inventors: Derek Johnston, Gene Brooks
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Patent number: 8013719Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Edward H. Haase
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Patent number: 8009056Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: United Security Products, Inc.Inventor: Ted R. Greene
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Patent number: 8004416Abstract: A smoke alarm system having a base and a body. The base is mounted onto and electrically connected to an unswitched electrical box. The body contains conventional smoke alarm circuitry. The base contains a threaded female socket similar to a standard light bulb socket. The body contains a corresponding male threaded connector similar to that on a standard light bulb. The body is thus able to be electrically connected to as well as physically mounted to the base by simply screwing the male threaded connector into the female threaded socket in the same manner as a light bulb is screwed into a light socket. The base is installed on the ceiling with its wires extending into the unswitched electrical box. A metal ring on the bottom shoulder of the base is connected to the smoke alarm interconnect system. On top of the body are two metal spring-loaded tabs which are connected within the smoke alarm to its interconnect system.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventors: Arch C. Bradley, Jr., Cindy A. Bradley
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Patent number: 7990281Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: HeathCo, LLCInventors: Scott Blaise Tylicki, Timothy Gale Birdwell, Thomas Michael Gott, Jimmy David Claiborne
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Patent number: 7982611Abstract: Rogue RFID readers are detected by listening to communication between rogue reader and a tag, capturing a time stamp and/or a channel associated with the communication, and checking the captured time stamp/channel to determine whether it is a result of a command from another legitimate reader. Audible or visible alerts may be issued, flags may be set, or messages transmitted to an administrator upon determining the operation of the rogue RFID reader. Based on the alert(s) affected tags or the rogue reader may be jammed or an effect of the illegal transmission by the rogue reader may be reversed or tags replaced.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Brent A. Picasso, Paul Dietrich, Michael J. Dacquisto, Joseph Baird, Christopher J. Diorio, Harley K. Heinrich
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Patent number: 7973669Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to detect at least one material or condition, such as a smoke detector, fire detector, or carbon monoxide detector. The sensor assembly also includes a base configured to be mounted on a structure, such as a wall or ceiling, and to receive the sensor. The sensor assembly further includes a wireless module located between the sensor and the base. The wireless module is configured to transmit position information. The wireless module may include one or more electrical contacts used to form at least one electrical connection between the base of the sensor assembly and the sensor. The wireless module may also include a printed circuit board having the contacts, wireless radio circuitry, an antenna, and other components. The printed circuit board could be substantially hidden from view when the sensor is attached to the base and the base is mounted on the structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Hai D. Pham, Steve D. Huseth, Andrew G. Berezowski, Thomas J. Schubring, Edward J. Dauskurdas, Dan Hawkinson, Kalvin Watson, Edward J. Kurtz, David J. Wunderlin