Continuously Variable Indicating (e.g., Telemetering) Patents (Class 340/870.01)
  • Publication number: 20080218376
    Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a medical device transceiver, a user interface, a data relay transceiver, a memory coupled to the processor, and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from a medical device using the medical device transceiver and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport. The system's user interface may include a microphone and speaker to allow the communication of audible information between the system and a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Kent Dicks, Ralph Kent, Robert Tripp, Terry Bartlett, Thomas Crosley
  • Patent number: 7424403
    Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: CSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Robinson, Joseph C. Baldwin, James W. Walker, William E. Childress
  • Patent number: 7423931
    Abstract: A system for communication in a pipe, or pipeline, or network of pipes containing a fluid. The system includes an encoding and transmitting sub-system connected to the pipe, or pipeline, or network of pipes that transmits a signal in the frequency range of 3-100 kHz into the pipe, or pipeline, or network of pipes containing a fluid, and a receiver and processor sub-system connected to the pipe, or pipeline, or network of pipes containing a fluid that receives said signal and uses said signal for a desired application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Louis Peter Martin, II, John F. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20080211688
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multi-mode and multi-rate telemetry transmitter includes a digital baseband lineup, a digital-to-analog converter (“DAC”), and an analog reconstruction filter. The digital baseband lineup may be programmed to any desired bit rate, enabling the transmitter to support multi-rate capabilities. Different coefficients and numerical values may be programmed in the digital baseband lineup to support any desired modulation scheme, enabling the transmitter to support multi-mode capabilities. The digital baseband lineup may be designed by implementing up-sampling stages, down-sampling stages, and digital filters in a variety of arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Walid Khairy Mohamed Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20080198037
    Abstract: In a method for transmitting data in an HVDCT system to a control system for HVDCT systems, measured values are transmitted from measuring units of the HVDCT system to preprocessing units connected to one another in series. The preprocessing units use the received measured values to generate measured value data. The measured value data are transmitted as part of a data record composed of data words, and the data words are subdivided, during transmission, into a temporal sequence of individual bit groups. A first bit group contains identification data for the preprocessing unit and information on the number of further bit groups that are to be transmitted by the preprocessing unit. A downstream preprocessing unit uses the information on the number of bit groups to be transmitted by a preprocessing unit connected upstream of it to determine a time for transmitting the data word of the downstream preprocessing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ludwig Hugelschafer, Jurgen Sperber, Werner Stecher
  • Patent number: 7400264
    Abstract: An automated meter reading system, communication and control for automated meter reading, a meter data collector, and associated methods are provided. The system includes at least one utility meter, at least one meter sensor interfaced with the utility meter, a meter data collector positioned adjacent the utility meter and positioned to receive data from the at least one sensor, and a remote automatic meter reading control center positioned to receive data from the collector such as through RF or other types of communication to gather and process usage reading data. Meter usage data is obtained by the collector from the meter sensor, date and time stamped, and stored in the collector until directly transmitted to the control center or a substation if within range and not blocked or impeded by a physical structure or other obstacle. If the collector is not in range, then the data is forwarded to another collector associated with a location closer to the control center or substation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Energy Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon A. Boaz
  • Patent number: 7400880
    Abstract: A method of announcing an apparatus to a system containing a central apparatus and at least one individual apparatus is distinguished in that the announcement is effected by optical communication, preferably in the infrared range. In that respective information about the apparatuses in the system is stored in the central apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hydrometer Electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Kerstin Churt, Ulrich Pöhler, Jürgen Zimmermann, Andreas Hanft
  • Publication number: 20080165027
    Abstract: A signal transmission device is disclosed, which serves to connect a measuring probe, in particular a pH measuring probe or an oxygen measuring probe, to a signal-processing unit. The signal transmission device includes a differential amplifier at whose non-inverting input an input signal can be applied which is provided by an electrode of the measuring probe, and from which a corresponding low-impedance output signal can be delivered to a transmission line, by which the output signal can be transmitted to the signal-processing unit. The output of the differential amplifier can be connected via a first resistor to the transmission line and to the inverting input of the differential amplifier, and can be connected to the input of a first control unit by which signals can be registered, such as clock signals and/or data, which are applied to the transmission line by the signal-processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventor: Juergen AMMANN
  • Patent number: 7392022
    Abstract: The transmitter which can be fed thermally has at least one heat transducer element (1) with a downstream voltage transformer (3) and logic assembly (4) as well as a data transmission unit (5, 6), and is characterized in that the logic assembly (4) is designed on a ULP basis, and the data transmission unit (5, 6) transmits a broadband signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventors: Andre Albsmeier, Wolf-Eckhart Bulst, Klaus Pistor, Frank Schmidt, Oliver Sczesny, Claus Seisenberger, Martin Vossiek
  • Patent number: 7385503
    Abstract: A network includes a plurality of wirelessly interconnected self-organizing network (SON) devices for relaying signals in a self-organizing network and a field device for originating output signals. The sensor is configured to transmit the output signals to at least one of the SON devices, and the SON devices do not originate signals but only relay signals originated externally. At least one of the SON devices is self-powered by harvesting energy from an adjacent energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Rosemount, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Ashley Wells, Robert J. Karschnia
  • Patent number: 7377184
    Abstract: A non-intrusive flow detector consists of an optical sensor assembly that attaches non-obstructively and non-invasively to a fluid flow meter. The sensor monitors dial movement of a least flow dial or wheel and generates an electrical signal representative of a flow through the meter. Electrical circuitry having an adjustable timing circuit is used to selectively detect either excessive flow during a predetermined time period or the absence of flow after a predetermined time period. The electrical circuitry is adapted to connect to an existing alarm system and may be housed either near the meter in a separate enclosure or placed in an existing alarm panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond W. Schlachter
  • Patent number: 7378953
    Abstract: Provides: methods for transmission of signals between a sensor and a controller in a wireless sensor network; methods for operating the controller in the wireless sensor network; and methods for transmitting a sensor signal in the wireless sensor network from the sensor to the controller. A wireless sensor network includes a controller connected with multiple antennas for sending out a beacon signal at different instants into different directions and for receiving a sensor signal. Furthermore, the wireless sensor network comprises a sensor having a receiver connected with a sensor antenna for receiving the beacon signal, a transmitter connected with the sensor antenna for sending out the sensor signal, and a control unit which takes care that the sensor signal is transmitted after the beacon signal has been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pedro E. Coronel, Simeon Furrer, Wolfgang H. Schott
  • Patent number: 7379849
    Abstract: Diagnostic information can be stored and then collected into a large diagnostic image file upon an event, such as a prefailure condition. The diagnostic image can be compressed for emailing to a second site to allow the determination of problems with server software at the server software site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: BEA Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep Shrivastava, Rajendra Inamdar, Ryan LeCompte, R. Sean Lindsay, Stephen Hess, Richard Mousseau
  • Patent number: 7376118
    Abstract: A method for communicating with automatic meter reading (AMR) endpoints in adjacent cells, when the endpoints are arranged in a cell pattern similar to a cellular telephone system, is disclosed that substantially reduces the likelihood of signal interference. A Frame ID is identified as corresponding to a particular receive frequency that a system reader (receiver/collector) uses when listening for endpoint responses. In this example embodiment of the AMR network model, all endpoints in the network listen on the same control frequency to receive commands sent out from the readers. To allow for a relatively fast network read cycle, cells that are spaced far enough away from each other as to not interfere with each other are allowed to transmit at the same time. Cells with the same Frame ID are configured to be spaced a safe distance from each other so as not to interfere with each other's endpoint population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Osterloh, Neil R. Hovelsrud
  • Patent number: 7376534
    Abstract: In one embodiment, watch rules can be created for diagnosis information. The watch rules can be examined against the diagnosis information and if there is a match, a notification can be based upon a predetermined notification type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: BEA Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep Shrivastava, Rajendra Inamdar, Ryan LeCompte, R. Sean Lindsay, Peter Bower, Stephen Hess, Franklin Simpson, Richard Mousseau
  • Patent number: 7372372
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading system that includes a head end controller and an endpoint that is interfaced to a utility meter. The head end controller and the endpoint communicate via RF communication. The endpoint includes an internal clock that synchronizes itself to a clock countdown signal. The clock countdown signal is generated by the head end controller through use of sequence inversion keying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Osterloh, Christopher Nagy
  • Patent number: 7372374
    Abstract: A measuring device for process technology, having a central unit for the connection of different measurement modules, with the central unit containing a central power supply, to which the measurement modules can be connected. In the measurement module a module power supply is provided, which, from the central power supply, generates one or more supply voltage(s) (V_2, V_3) required by the measurement module. For this purpose, the module power supply has a transformer, a rectifier circuit, or also a switching power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- u. Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Gehrke, Stefan Beuel
  • Patent number: 7369945
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and a methods for collecting, transmitting and storing fugitive gas emission data. An embodiment of the invention collects fugitive gas with a sampling probe and into a emission monitoring device. The device then sends and stores fugitive gas data into a storage medium, such as a wireless data-logging adapter. The wireless-data logging adapter stores the data and wirelessly sends it to a personal digital assistant or other form of redundant memory such as a data logger. In one embodiment, the PDA can initiate commands to retrieve data from the storage medium or operate the emission gas monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: TMx2, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Miller, Howard Carnes
  • Publication number: 20080103720
    Abstract: The present invention provides a managed or “hosted” service offering that facilitates timely and accurate communication of clinical information, such as critical test results, within a health care environment. The inventive system enables pathologists, laboratory technicians, and laboratory staff to communicate to ordering physicians clinical information (such as lab results) in real-time via a traceable and verifiable communication system. According to the invention, a recipient of the clinical test results is prompted to verify the test results that he or she has just heard to confirm receipt of such results, as well as confirmation that the information provided was properly understood. The read back function ensures that the actual communication of complete clinical information (such as critical tests results) occurs in a seamless, real-time manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Peter M. White, Thomas P. White
  • Patent number: 7364651
    Abstract: A remote control system for providing control of an under-counter water treatment system and garbage disposal. The system includes a remote unit that is electrically connected to an existing switched, under-counter AC power outlet. The garbage disposal and water treatment system are connected to and receive power from the remote unit. The system further includes a control unit that is located above-counter and permits a user to control operation of the remote unit and consequently the garbage disposal and water treatment system. The two units may communicate wirelessly using communication signals that are tagged with a unique security code. In one embodiment, the system includes a microprocessor in each of the control unit and the remote unit, the microprocessor in the remote unit communicating the status of the water treatment system to the control unit and the microprocessor of the control unit appropriately displaying the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Access Business Group International, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Andrew M. Clews, Roy W. Kuennen
  • Publication number: 20080097725
    Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring system implementing a network. The system includes at least one source of dynamic data, the at least one source configured to be in signal communication with a machine, a monitoring module configured for communication with the at least one source, configured for receiving the dynamic data, and configured for converting the dynamic data to output data for transmittal over the network, a controller configured for communication with the monitoring module and the network, and configured for receiving the output data, a computing resource configured for communication with the network, and configured for receiving the output data, and a rule implementer in the monitoring module, the rule implementer configured to implement at least one system rule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Chad Eric Knodle, Matthew Allen Nelson, Stephen Robert Schmid, Marc Steven Tompkins
  • Publication number: 20080088464
    Abstract: An architecture to supply electrical operating power in fluid flow measurement applications, apparatus and associated systems, computer program products, and methods include a receiver tunable to various radio frequencies to capture radio frequency (RF) energy that may be used to supply regulated voltage to electronic fluid flow measurement data processing circuitry. In an example implementation, the power module searches for at least one RF signal that contains substantial energy. The received energy may be converted to a rectified waveform. The converted energy may be, for example, used to supply operating power to circuits in the fluid flow measurement circuitry, and/or it may be stored, such as in a capacitor or in a battery. Preferred embodiments may store signal strength information for one or more frequencies in at least one range of frequencies, and may tune the receiver to a frequency selected from the stored frequency information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Francisco M. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7359809
    Abstract: The data storage and processing resources required for an electric meter are reduced by basing the selection and application of phase error correction on a root mean square load current flowing through the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Bruno
  • Publication number: 20080082298
    Abstract: A method for storing data in an electronic device, using tags to mark events carried out in the electronic device during a certain time period. The method involves defining a tag which is assignable to data related to events which are carried out and stored using the electronic device; defining a time period for using the tag; and configuring the electronic device to assign the tag to data related to all events stored using the electronic device during said time period. The tag may be used for all events of only one type, such as pictures captured using a digital camera. Alternatively, the tags may be used for a plurality of types of events, such as for captured pictures or videos, received virtual business cards, calls dialed or received, messages sent or received, and so on. Data associated with an event related to a certain occasion may then be searched and accessed using a tag register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: David Sjolander
  • Publication number: 20080077336
    Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to hot-stick mountable wireless High Voltage Power Line Universal Monitors (PLUM) upon energized electrical power conductors. The PLUM wireless sensors monitor parameters associated with normal, overload and emergency operation of the power line. The present invention provides 0.2% metering grade voltage measurement accuracy through unique e-field measurements, synchronized through UltraSatNet Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) accuracy timing pulses. The invention further improves accuracy using a unique calibration technique during initial installation of the PLUM sensor modules. A PLUM master controller receives time-synchronized data from multiple modules within a substation and across a state-wide power grid for accurate post-fault, sequence-of-events analysis, high impedance fault signature analysis, and environmental and earthquake monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Roosevelt Fernandes
  • Publication number: 20080077341
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for transmitting dynamic data over a network to a computer resource, the system including at least one receiver configured to receive dynamic data and convert dynamic data into a digitized sinusoidal signal, and a computing resource configured for communication with the network and configured to receive the digitized sinusoidal signal from the at least one receiver, the computing resource configured to employ a Fast Fourier Transform to convert the digitized sinusoidal signal into output data that includes phase data, amplitude data, and frequency data of the digitized sinusoidal signal, the output data being transmittable over the network in at least one packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ralph Eugene Bush, Nurettin Tevfik Cankurt, Nishchey Chhabra, David Anthony Gottler, Jerry Anthony Muolo
  • Patent number: 7342506
    Abstract: A remote monitoring system is described which enables monitoring of flow meters or other scientific instruments from a remote location using the GSM cellular phone network. The system includes a wireless modem utilizing the GSM cellular phone network, a central processing unit, connection of a scientific instrument to the central processing unit, power supply (e.g. one or more batteries), and an enclosure for housing the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Ernie R. Paoli, Timothy A. Higgins, David L. Rick
  • Patent number: 7343261
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for measuring water speed and water temperature then periodically transmitting said data during controlled depth fishing wherein an underwater probe is secured to and insulated conductive downrigger cable and gathers and relays data though the cable to a remote receiver/display unit disposed on the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Kell
  • Publication number: 20080052019
    Abstract: A communication protocol for compacting data transmissions from electric utility meters has been developed. The present invention is a method of transmitting the utility meter data using the protocol. The protocol includes collecting electric usage data and a voltage level at the utility meter. The usage data and the voltage level are then transmitting in synchronous order the utility receiving station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: W. J. Brennan, Joe Cely
  • Publication number: 20080042871
    Abstract: A utility meter device (1002) including a communications receiver (110) for receiving file fragments for the device, a processing means (150), eg microprocessor, microcontroller, and programmable non-volatile memory means (120), eg flash, EEPROM, for building and storing application and date riles from the fragments, and executing a meter application of the device by processing at least one application file and associated data identified by configuration instructions in at least one of the fragments to provide data for reconfiguring a meter through a control interface (1016).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Donaghey, Ian Kenneth Francis McDonald, David Lewis Beard
  • Patent number: 7333921
    Abstract: A sensor system and method for collecting and analyzing sensor data transmitted by various distributed sensors in a secure, scalable, and efficient manner. Sensors having sensor data to transmit establish concurrent connections with a central server that is configured to collect the sensor data. For each connection, the server generates a single writer thread dedicated to the connection. Each single writer thread accesses the server's underlying file system and writes the sensor data into a sensor file dedicated to the sensor. Each sensor file is written by a single writer thread, but may be concurrently read by multiple reader threads. Analysis threads may also concurrently access the sensor files to perform complex analyses of the stored sensor data. The analysis results are written to dedicated analysis files. The analysis threads act as single writer threads in writing to the analysis files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Taylor, Peter Haaland
  • Patent number: 7330117
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a work machine having a radio frequency device. The system includes a radio frequency reader that transmits a radio frequency signal over a first communication channel to the radio frequency device when the work machine travels within range of the radio frequency reader. The radio frequency device generates a trigger signal in response to the radio frequency signal, and an interface control system receives the trigger signal from the radio frequency device and performs a predetermined programmed function associated with the work machine based on information included in the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Lewis Ferguson, Trent Ray Meiss, Brian Lane Jenkins, Steven Wayne O'Neal, Daniel Craig Wood
  • Publication number: 20080030365
    Abstract: A multi-sensor wireless telemetry system. A telemetry system includes multiple sensor assemblies, each sensor assembly including at least one sensor and a sensor data transmitter, and a transceiver which receives sensor data from each of the transmitters. An acoustic telemetry system includes multiple transmitters, and a transceiver. The transmitters transmit to the transceiver using one acoustic signal mode, and the transceiver transmits to a remote location using a different acoustic signal mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Kevin D. Fink, Neal G. Skinner, Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller
  • Patent number: 7327247
    Abstract: Outputs from a plurality of different ambient condition sensors are cross correlated so as to adjust a threshold value for a different, primary, sensor. Cross-correlation processing can be carried out locally in a detector or remotely. To minimize false alarming, the alarm determination can be skipped if the output from the primary sensor does not exhibit at least a predetermined variation from an average value thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee D. Tice
  • Patent number: 7328131
    Abstract: An implantable pedometer for measuring the amount of joint use is disclosed. The implantable pedometer includes a sensor adapted for detecting indicators of joint usage. A counter is configured for storing count data corresponding to the number of indicators detected by the sensor and a telemetry circuit is configured for transmitting the count data outside of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignees: Medtronic, Inc., Warsaw Orthodpedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Donofrio, Jeffrey H. Nycz, Sarah Anne Audet, Can Cinbis, Michael A. Schugt, Gerard J. Hill, Qingshan (Sam) Ye
  • Patent number: 7324825
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Transtel Group, Inc
    Inventors: Samuel D. Davis, Reiner J. Gerdes, Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7321292
    Abstract: A racing caution-condition control system includes a master control station and first and second caution-condition warning systems. The master control station has a master activation input and a transmitter, and the master activation input is coupled to the transmitter and selectively causes the transmitter to send a caution-condition signal output. The first caution-condition warning system has a first receiver in communication with the transmitter. The first caution-condition warning system is activated when the first receiver receives the caution-condition signal from the transmitter. The second caution-condition warning system, different from the first caution-condition warning system, has a second receiver in communication with the transmitter. The second caution-condition warning system is activated when the second receiver receives the caution-condition signal from the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Silver
  • Patent number: 7318010
    Abstract: A method of regulating wireless sensor network energy use includes establishing a wireless sensor network having at least one access point node, and having a plurality of sensor nodes defining a sensing region; identifying at least one environment parameter related to an environment of the sensing region that is needed to make an operational decision; and adjusting data collection from the plurality of sensor nodes based on the at least one environment parameter to adjust a power consumption of at least one sensor node of the plurality of sensor nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080001777
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that camouflages business-activity information in telemetry signals from a computer system. During operation, the system monitors telemetry signals from the computer system to obtain a time series containing a telemetry metric which provides business-activity information. Next, the system computes a serial correlation between data values in the time series. The system then determines if the computed serial correlation between the data values in the time series is above a predetermined threshold level. If so, the system performs frequency domain analysis on the time series. The system then generates artificial activity on the computer system which causes the frequency spectra of the time series to reduce the serial correlation between the data values in the time series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Keith A. Whisnant, Ramakrishna C. Dhanekula
  • Publication number: 20080001776
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that camouflages business-activity information in telemetry signals from a computer system. During operation, the system monitors telemetry signals from the computer system to obtain a time series containing a telemetry metric which provides business-activity information. Next, for each telemetry-metric value contained in the time series, the system compares the telemetry-metric value with a predetermined threshold level. If the telemetry-metric value is below the predetermined threshold level, the system then generates artificial activity associated with the telemetry metric in the computer system, so that the artificial activity causes the telemetry-metric value to exceed the predetermined threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Jon D. Greaves, Keith A. Whisnant
  • Patent number: 7307543
    Abstract: A system and method for observing patients in geographically dispersed health care locations. A patient is assigned to a health care location comprising a patient visual monitoring system, a patient audio receiver, and a patient controller. The visual monitoring system is responsive tri-axially to command signals received via a patient controller connected to the network. The patient controller sends patient imaging data and patient audio data to a remote command center via the network. A computerized patient care management system comprising the remote command center monitors patient data, patient imaging data, and patient audio data determines from the patient data, the patient imaging data, and the patient audio data if intervention with the selected patient is warranted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Visicu, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Rosenfeld, Michael Breslow
  • Patent number: 7305327
    Abstract: A wireless metering device for real time measuring of at least one parameter has a probe for measuring the at least one parameter. The probe will wirelessly transmit real time measured values. A meter is wirelessly coupled to the probe. The meter is used for displaying the real time measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sper Scientific Ltd
    Inventor: Devin Sper
  • Publication number: 20070276632
    Abstract: The invention provides a monitor for measuring blood pressure and other vital signs from a patient without using a cuff. The invention provides a hand-held device for measuring vital signs (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: TRIAGE WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew John Banet, Michael James Thompson, Zhou Zhou, Henk Visser, Robert Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 7302366
    Abstract: A measuring instrument, in particular a flow or level meter, includes a base module for the acquisition and processing of measured data and an add-on module. Both the base module and the add-on module feature an optical interface interconnecting the base module and the add-on module. The result is a measuring instrument which, by interchanging the add-on module, can be equipped with various external interfaces without requiring any recalibration of the measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Krohne Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Büssow, Günter Musiol
  • Patent number: 7302362
    Abstract: A system and method for providing energy-efficient support of continuous aggregate queries in a sensor network by efficiently orchestrating the collection and transmission of data gathered by a collective set of sensors to ensure conformance to a specified QoI bound. To ensure this, the sink communicates a potentially different value of precision range or interval to each individual sensor; the sensor is adapted to only report its samples back to the sink if the sample values fall outside this specified range. An additional way to specify temporally varying precision ranges to an individual sensor or groups of sensors is provided without having to explicitly communicate the precision bounds for these different time instants. Using temporally varying precision ranges permits the exploitation of temporal correlation among the sample values recorded by an individual sensor to further reduce the need for reports from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Archan Misra, Rajeev Shorey, Wen Hu
  • Patent number: 7301348
    Abstract: An electrostatic encoder comprising receiving coupling electrodes formed on a scale, and extending in a predetermined direction, transmitting coupling electrodes provided on a sensor head, and located to face the receiving coupling electrodes, digital electrodes provided on the scale to extend from the receiving coupling electrodes in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and arranged at a predetermined pitch, two pairs of interdigital electrodes provided on the sensor head, and located to face the digital electrodes, a voltage applying portion configured to apply an alternating voltage to the transmitting coupling electrodes, and a potential difference detecting portion configured to detect a potential difference between the interdigital electrodes of each of the two pairs of interdigital electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kaneko, Jun Hane
  • Publication number: 20070268128
    Abstract: A data acquisition system including a first sensor, a second sensor, and an electronic data acquisition device. The sensors can assume a variety of forms, such as analog, digital, bus, GPS, etc., and have disparate information formats. The data acquisition unit is electronically coupled to the sensors, and includes a processor, an aggregator module and a communication device. The processor processes information from the sensors. The aggregator module correlates signaled information from the first sensor with signaled information from the second sensor based on time. Finally, the communication device is adapted to transmit information generated by the aggregator module to a location remote of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Swanson, Rudrava Roy
  • Publication number: 20070222583
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification device having sensing elements incorporated in its tags, and the sensing value determines the width of a sensing pulse in its RFID code. Through a pulse-processing unit, during communication, digital sensing values are obtained by measuring the width of the sensing pulse. Since only discrete signals exist, the tag device is insensitive to the fluctuation in its power supply voltage, which is derived from a continuous wave RF carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Baohua Qi
  • Patent number: 7274305
    Abstract: A system for managing collection of data and remote operation of fielded remote units is disclosed. The remote units may be incorporated in automatic meter reading systems, capacitor bank switching systems, power line fault detection units, power recloser units, surveillance systems, railroad switch heaters, or any of a multitude of systems wherein widely scattered devices require monitoring and/or operational commands. Each remote unit is provided with a CELLEMETRY™ transceiver, allowing the unit to receive commands from and pass data to a data center via the cellular control channel network and the Internet. The data center is organized to provide data related to a particular service to an associated customer user via the Internet, the customer users being utility companies, railroad companies, surveillance companies, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Carina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde K. Luttrell
  • Publication number: 20070210916
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to facilitate the entry of a new type of sensor node and the adoption of a new protocol in the existing sensor network system effectively utilizing limited resources of radiocommunication. To achieve the object, the following are provided. A sensor node has a radiocommunication unit that transmits a measured value sensed by a sensor and an identifier of a sensor node as binary measured data. A base station has a radiocommunication controller that receives the measured data from the sensor node, a wire communication controller that transmits the received measured data to a server, a conversion definition information selector that selects conversion definition information corresponding to the identifier included in the measured data out of preset plural conversion definition information and a conversion engine that converts the binary measured data to measured data in a text format based upon the selected conversion definition information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Munoru Ogushi, Keiro Muro, Hiroyuki Ota