Combined (tm System With Other System) Patents (Class 340/870.07)
  • Patent number: 8384559
    Abstract: A sensor device includes an interface that receives a request. The sensor device includes an updatable information store that responds to the request if the request is directed to the updatable information store, the updatable information store being in a first power domain of the sensor device. The sensor device also includes a power manager that activates a sensor element in the sensor device in response to receiving the request if the request is a request for measurement of a parameter by the sensor element. The sensor element is in a second power domain of the sensor device. The sensor element communicates measured parameter information to the updatable information store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: William Hong, Jeff Gokingco
  • Patent number: 8378848
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a virtual meter. The virtual meter includes a controller configured to communicate, with a utility meter, meter information, using a first communications protocol. The controller may also be configured to translate between the meter information and virtual meter information. The controller may further be configured to communicate, with a smart energy network, the virtual meter information using a second communications protocol. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Digi International Inc.
    Inventors: Joel K. Young, David Mayne
  • Publication number: 20130038469
    Abstract: The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: EMD MILLIPORE CORPORATION
    Inventor: EMD Millipore Corporation
  • Patent number: 8373576
    Abstract: A system for wirelessly monitoring a plurality of parameters is disclosed. A first remote transceiver is attached to at least one first sensor for monitoring one of the parameters and a second remote transceiver is attached to at least one second sensor for monitoring another of said parameters. The system includes a base station transceiver. The first and second remote transceivers reach periodically report normal operating conditions to the base station transceiver. The first remote transceiver reports abnormal sensor readings with no substantial delay after occurrence. The second remote transceiver reports abnormal sensor readings a predetermined length of time after occurrence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Murphy Wireless, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Fred Strohm
  • Patent number: 8362918
    Abstract: A power saving system and method for the home appliances and home network devices is provided. The system provides an energy consumption monitoring and standby power saving system that is connected to home appliances and that may detect the amount of power consumed by corresponding home appliances. The system includes one or more energy saving nodes which approve application or shut-off power to a corresponding home appliances, and an energy saving server that is connected to each of the energy saving nodes and collects status information of the corresponding home appliances including said amount of power consumption from said nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Electronics Technology Institute
    Inventors: Kwangsoon Choi, Youngchoong Park, Yangkeun Ahn, Kwangmo Jung, Woochool Park, Haemoon Seo, Kyeunghak Seo
  • Patent number: 8362919
    Abstract: A system for sensing and communicating in a pipeline that contains a fluid. An acoustic signal containing information about a property of the fluid is produced in the pipeline. The signal is transmitted through the pipeline. The signal is received with the information and used by a control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Cooper, Alan K. Burnham
  • Patent number: 8354940
    Abstract: An automated remote water quality monitoring system with wireless communication capability and the method thereof is provided. A water quality monitoring system is provided, including: a plurality of monitoring apparatuses, each of which has a radio communication module transmitting at least one environmental parameter; a server receiving the at least one environmental parameter via a base station; and a gateway being one selected from a group consisting of the plurality of monitoring apparatuses, being geographically the closest one to the base station, receiving the at least one environmental parameter and transmitting the at least one environmental parameter to the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Joe-Air Jiang, Jyh-Cherng Shieh, En-Cheng Yang, Fu-Ming Lu, Kuo-Chi Liao, Chih-Hung Hung, Tzu-Yun Lai, Jiing-Yi Wang, Chang-Wang Liu, Tzu-Shiang Lin, Chia-Pang Chen, Yi-Jing Chu
  • Publication number: 20130002449
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for configuring utility meters are provided. A utility meter may receive, via one or more networks, a command for accessing a configuration table associated with the utility meter. The command may be formatted in accordance with an Internet-based protocol. The utility meter may process the received command in order to access the configuration table, and the configuration table may be in conformance with an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C12.19 standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyoung Jhang, Bradley Richard Ree, Timothy John Rush
  • Publication number: 20120326887
    Abstract: [Problem] The present invention is intended to provide a digital signage system which can measure depth of interest of customers and can perform sales promotion to the customers. [Method of settlement] The digital signage system of the present invention can measure depth of interest of customers, by which a database 22 memorizes an amount of time during which the customers have taken out a clothes hanger from a hanger tack and a time update section 24 updates this and accumulates them. Willingness of the customers to buy can be increased by analyzing clothing information which the customers have picked up and by displaying an image with respect to the clothing article on a monitor in the vicinity of the customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: TEAM LAB INC.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Inoko
  • Publication number: 20120326886
    Abstract: A telemetry head for communication with an implantable medical device comprises a telemetry antenna and a shield substantially surrounding at least a portion of the antenna, the shield having a coating comprising a ferromagnetic material applied to at least a portion of the shield, wherein the coating is configured to shield at least the portion of the telemetry antenna from electromagnetic interference fields while permitting telemetry signals to pass through the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Herman, David R. Walsh, Richard O. Berg, Lester O. Stener
  • Patent number: 8339278
    Abstract: An electronic system includes: an AC-DC converter to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage and to supply the DC voltage to a secondary battery; a first detector to detect a remaining amount of the secondary battery; a transmitter to transmit a signal corresponding to the remaining amount of the secondary battery; a receiver to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a controller to control the AC-DC converter using the signal received by the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takafumi Sakamoto, Koji Ogura, Shoji Otaka, Toshiyuki Umeda, Tsuyoshi Kogawa, Manabu Mukai
  • Patent number: 8339279
    Abstract: A remote monitoring system provides a real-time monitoring of conditions of an apparatus, such as a power line. The remote monitoring system includes an apparatus that generates electrical signals, a remote monitoring module that is remote from the apparatus, and a transmission module. The transmission module is provided adjacent to the apparatus and transmits data that correspond to the electrical signals via a cellular network to the remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring module receives the signal and determines a condition of the apparatus based on the received electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Jadavpur University
    Inventors: Sivaji Chakravorti, Biswendu Chatterjee, Debangshu Dey
  • Patent number: 8330618
    Abstract: A telemeter system in which information that has an effect on a state of communication between a terminal device and a central device can be readily and accurately reported from the terminal device to the central device. When a central device (12) transmits a request signal for prescribed measurement result information to a terminal device (10), a terminal control component (20) of the terminal device (10) extracts the measurement result information from a measurement component (16), and transmits the measurement result information to the central device (12) via a telecommunication component (18) by using a short message service or the like. When a communication component (22) of the central device (12) receives the measurement result information, a center control component (26) stores the received measurement result information in a storage component (24) The state of communication between the terminal device (10) and the central device (12) is reported to an administrator as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsutaka Hata
  • Publication number: 20120306662
    Abstract: A data collection module for a physiological data collection system is a reusable device having a data collection port for connection to a source of physiological data that is in an analog format. The data collection port is in circuit communication with a plurality of bipolar amplifiers. The amplifiers are in circuit communication with a central processing unit provided with analog to digital converters, memory for signal processing and internal USB circuitry. The central processing unit is in circuit communication with a means for storing data and with a means for conveying the data in digital form via at least one of a USB port and a wireless communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HALTHION MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Vosch, John W. Parker, III, Edwin A. McGusty
  • Patent number: 8326538
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a wellsite include transporting a mobile monitoring platform to a wellsite. The mobile monitoring platform includes a transportable chassis including two or more wheels; a mast supported by the platform and extendable vertically upward from the chassis; a transceiver including a wireless modem and an antenna; a controller adapted to communicate with the transceiver; and a power module electrically coupled to at least one of the transceiver and the processor. The methods include wirelessly receiving, at the transceiver, wellsite data from a plurality of sensors at or adjacent the wellsite; and wirelessly transmitting, in real-time, the wellsite data to a remote monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Occidental Permian Ltd.
    Inventors: Kirk Hobbs, Terrell Rowe, Judy Sisson
  • Patent number: 8325059
    Abstract: A method and system includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel. The power bus supports transmission of AC communication signals. A slave node, coupled to the power bus, transmits information regarding solar panel performance. A master node, remotely coupled to the slave node over the power bus, receives the information regarding solar panel performance from the slave node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonid Rozenboim
  • Publication number: 20120293340
    Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a convenient method of automatic identification, communication with, and battery life extension and automatic recharging for a medical telemetry device, worn by a patient. Applicant's preferred method in its broadest sense comprises: once a patient puts the medical telemetry device into or near a base unit for charging, the device automatically starts communicating physiological data via the Internet to clinicians and/or remote servers for analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Eric K.Y. Chan
  • Patent number: 8305231
    Abstract: A gas appliance monitoring apparatus includes a flow rate measurement unit for measuring the gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off a gas flow path at the abnormal time, an information storage unit for storing measurement results of the flow rate measurement unit, a wireless module for transmitting and receiving information, and a communication switch unit for switching a communication frequency band. The wireless module is integrated with a control circuit board forming the flow rate measurement unit and is housed in a gas meter. The wireless module has at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency band with a plurality of gas appliances, and transmits an operation start signal detected by a specific gas appliance as appliance information using an appliance wireless module. The continuous use time of the specific appliance is detected or is changed based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuji Fujii, Hirozumi Nakamura, Shigeru Murakami, Sumiko Murakami, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8290636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power riding apparatus with electronic options, a wireless user interface for control such apparatus, and a wave-information-system. One embodiment of the power riding apparatus is a surf board configured with a booster system. The booster system is electrically associated with an onboard controller. The onboard controller is in wireless communication with a user interface associated with a user. The user activates the user interface as desired to control the booster system and activate other board features such as: lighting system, repellant system, anti-theft system, entertainment system, recording system, and communication system. Embodiments of the invention include surf boards, water boards of all types, as wells as boards with wheels such as skate boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Doug Manning
  • Patent number: 8289184
    Abstract: A system for event monitoring is disclosed. The system includes a remote sensor, a remote transceiver interfaced to the remote sensor, and a base transceiver that selectively wirelessly communicates with the remote transceiver. The remote transceiver provides a periodic communication to the base transceiver that is indicative of a nominal operating condition and the periodic communication is acknowledged by the base transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Murphy Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Fred Strohm
  • Publication number: 20120256763
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote query and control of an agricultural machine use an onboard telemetry unit as a gateway for communication with the machine. The telemetry unit can be coupled to both the machine's electrical system at the machine, and a machine's controller area network (CAN). A user can call up the machine's telemetry unit using a cell phone, personal computer, or other remote communication device. In response, output from the telemetry unit can be used to energize the CAN through the vehicle's electrical system. Once energized, the CAN is able to receive commands from a user through the telemetry unit and provide them to control nodes of various machine apparatus and devices via the CAN communications bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald R. Johnson, Timothy Dan Buhler, Grant L. Good
  • Publication number: 20120253655
    Abstract: A vehicle information display system according to the present invention includes a navigation apparatus and a vehicle information display apparatus. The navigation apparatus includes: a storage section mounted on an electric vehicle, for storing map information and a destination; an own vehicle position information acquisition section for obtaining own vehicle position information; a remaining power amount acquisition section for obtaining a remaining power amount; a travel cost calculation section for calculating a power cost based on the map information, the destination, and the own vehicle position information; a travelable range calculation section for calculating a travelable range based on the power cost and the remaining power amount; and a communication section for transmitting vehicle information including the travelable range to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Yusaku Yamada, Yuji Funaba, Yasuhiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 8279080
    Abstract: A remote water meter monitoring system is provided. A mesh network-type transceiver unit is coupled to a water meter housing having a water counting mechanism inside to transmit water consumption information as well as other sensor information, such as backflow detection, water pressure, and water metrics (e.g., residual chlorine and temperature) to a central server system via a bridge device and a corresponding mesh network. Mechanical energy from the water flowing through the water meter housing is converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. An electrically powered shut off valve is remote addressable via the transceiver unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Fairfax County Water Authority
    Inventors: Barth Robins Pitchford, William Dudley Pitchford, Robert Paul Simon, C. David Binning, David Lewis Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20120242502
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel unit configured to transmit a transmit signal at a predefined rotational position of a wheel rotating around a rotational axis, when the wheel unit is attached to the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christoph Steiner, Jakob Jongsma
  • Patent number: 8273042
    Abstract: The use of an orthopedic aid with two parts (15, 16) which are movable relative to one another and with a locking device for locking the two parts (15, 16) in a predetermined relative position and for unlocking the parts (15, 16) in order to permit movement of the parts (15, 16) with respect to one another is made much safer by virtue of the fact that at least one signaling arrangement (36, 40, 41, 42) is provided which emits a particular signal for the locking state or upon unlocking of the locking device. The risk of accidents due to the parts (15, 16) being incorrectly locked is at least substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lidolt, Matthias Schilling
  • Patent number: 8274401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing measurements with a portable meter and reporting measurement data from the portable meter to a central office over a secure channel. The method includes synchronizing the portable meter and the central office though a trusted interface prior to taking measurements at a customer location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Acterna LLC
    Inventors: Gerald K. Rudolf, Muhammad Sajjad Abdullah, David Brian Alder, Pulin Rajesh Shah, Steven William Thomas, Stanley Edson Brown
  • Patent number: 8266129
    Abstract: A system for endoscope data management of an endoscopic image of a body acquired by an endoscope is provided. An image filing apparatus retrieves the image from the endoscope, and records data of the image and scope ID assigned to the endoscope in association with one another. A washer washes the endoscope. A memory is incorporated in the washer, for storing log information of washing of the endoscope. A data manager retrieves the log information on line with the washer, to record the scope ID and the log information in association with one another. A server device records the data of the image, the scope ID and the log information on line with the image filing apparatus and the data manager. Furthermore, the data manager includes an editor for editing the log information of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimasa Shimizu, Takayuki Goto, Goro Miura, Takayoshi Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 8264371
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor to process a change-of-value message received via the wireless communications component, generate a change-of-value update in response to the change-of-value message, and communicate the change-of-value update via the wireless communication component. This change-of-value can occur in a polled (pull) fashion, or in a pushed (when it occurs) fashions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Patent number: 8264373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gauging system, comprising a gauge configured to sense a process variable and to provide process data representative of the process variable, a processing unit connected to the gauge, the processing unit comprising power supply circuitry configured to receive power from a remote external power source and to provide regulated power, and first circuitry configured to receive process data from the gauge and to superimpose the process data onto the regulated power forming a power signal, and a wireless communication unit electrically connected to the processing unit by means of a two-wire control loop, the wireless communication unit comprising second circuitry configured to receive the power signal and to separate the process data from the regulated power, an antenna, and radio frequency (RF) communication circuitry being powered by means of the regulated power from the second circuitry, configured to receive process data from the second circuitry, and to transmit RF signals re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventor: Lennart Hägg
  • Publication number: 20120218123
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a system and method for a set-top box for monitoring telehealth and biometric sensors. A subject patient is associated with telehealth and biometric sensors which measure the subject patient's vital signs and other health related attributes. In one aspect, the system includes a set-top box for continuously gathering biometric and telehealth sensor data. The set-top box includes a sensor interface for interfacing with the sensors and supports wireless and wired connections to the sensors. The system additionally may include a system management station for providing feedback to the subject patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Publication number: 20120218120
    Abstract: Systems for supporting communication between networks are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a meter processing communication system includes: a utility meter; and a central processor integrated with the utility meter, the central processor including a single communications stack, the single communications stack and central processor being configured to process communications between a plurality of different networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bradley Richard Ree, Mark Victor Penna, Kevin Michael Underwood
  • Patent number: 8253586
    Abstract: A performance measuring system integrated with an article of clothing, the system has a computing unit for coordinating, processing and transmission of sensor data connected to a bus and an antenna. A sensor for measuring performance characteristics is connected to the bus; the bus facilitates transmission and reception of control and data values between the computing unit and the sensor. Also, an antenna is connected to the computing unit for communicating with other computing devices and transmission of sensor data. The other computing devices display the sensor data to a user or forward the sensor data onto another communication media such as the internet or interactive television. A social networking system sharing athletic statistics using a webservice, a personal processing unit connectible to the webservice, and a computing unit having an activity program for at least one sensor. This system has an activity update service integrally associated with the webservice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Mayfonk Art, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Matak
  • Patent number: 8253585
    Abstract: Multifunctional meter measures voltage, current, demand, factor, power consumption also water, natural gas, fuel and other items. The design has a 16 bit micro-programmed processing unit, and manages interaction with different hardware components and realizes the functions of communication, data registry and operation control. Composed of a modular form and includes capacities for network connection and inclusion as a module within multi-point measurement systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Emilio Hidalgo Rodrigo
  • Patent number: 8255186
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for presenting users with dynamic views of process data related to the operations of an industrial system. Data obtained by a SCADA system may be stored in a real-time status database (which reflects the current process data of the industrial system) and a historian database (which archives the process data from the industrial system as it changes over time). A design canvas allows users to compose a dynamic view of the process data obtained by the SCADA system. For example, a user may compose a dynamic view of selected temperatures, pressures, and flow rates obtained by the SCADA system while monitoring the status of a pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP
    Inventors: Sultan Q. Mukhi, Jay A. Forman
  • Publication number: 20120200426
    Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, the communication system may detect a communication technology and/or a communication protocol used by a node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Avista Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Dominic DiLuciano, Erik Jon Lee, Robert David Cloward, Allen Glenn Cousins
  • Publication number: 20120188096
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) and method are provided in which a telemetry module in the IMD includes a configurable polling interval at which the telemetry module is powered up from a low power inactive state to perform sniff operations for detecting whether communication signals are being received from an external device. The IMD includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, a controller receiving data from the sensor, and the telemetry module coupled to the controller for facilitating communication between the IMD and an external device. The polling interval of the telemetry module is configured based upon the parameter(s) sensed by the sensor, such that the polling interval is configured to conserve power consumption of the IMD. The polling interval is either decreased or increased to respectively increase or decrease the frequency of the sniff operations based on the parameters sensed at the IMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Eric D. Corndorf, Lucas J.J.M. Meekes
  • Patent number: 8223035
    Abstract: A method for start-up and/or operation of a communication system composed of at least one multivariable sensor, at least one converter unit and at least one receiving unit, which are connected with one another via a two-wire line. A wherein a primary measured value in the form of an analog signal and extra measured values in the form of an encoded digital signal modulated on the analog signal are provided from the multivariable sensor via the two-wire line, wherein only analog signals are received by the receiving unit. The extra measured values are scaled in the multivariable sensor into formatted values by means of a conversion algorithm, wherein at least the formatted values are requested and received by the converter unit, and wherein corresponding analog signals of the extra measured values are produced from the formatted values in the converter unit by a fixedly predetermined, unconfigurable, reconversion algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Spanke, Michael Heim, Martin Link
  • Patent number: 8223036
    Abstract: In a telemetry system for use in an engine, a circuit structure (34) affixed to a moving part (20) of the engine is disposed for amplifying information sensed about a condition of the part and transmitting the sensed information to a receiver external to the engine. The circuit structure is adapted for the high temperature environment of the engine and includes a differential amplifier (102, 111) having an input for receiving a signal from a sensor (101, 110) disposed on the part. A voltage controlled oscillator (104, 115) with an input coupled to the output of the amplifier produces an oscillatory signal having a frequency representative of the sensed condition. A buffer (105, 116) with an input coupled to the output of the oscillator buffers the oscillatory signal, which is then coupled to an antenna (26) for transmitting the information to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Siemens Energy, Inc., Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Mitchell, Anand A. Kulkarni, Ramesh Subramanian, Edward R. Roesch, Rod Waits, Roberto Schupbach, John R. Fraley, Alexander B. Lostetter, Brice McPherson, Bryon Western
  • Publication number: 20120171982
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a user account associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes detecting the presence of at least one active monitoring device. The method further includes determining an association between the active monitoring device and the user account and periodically downloading device information from the active monitoring device to a vehicle computing system. Finally, the method includes storing downloaded device information in association with the user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad
  • Publication number: 20120139751
    Abstract: A tire-pressure signal transmitting device includes a tire pressure detector mounted in a tire of a vehicle. The tire pressure detector detects pressure in the tire. A transmitting device includes a data receiver and a wireless transmitter. The data receiver receives data containing pressure of the tire detected by the tire pressure detector. The wireless transmitter is connected to the data receiver by a transmission interface. The transmission interface converts the data from the data receiver into a signal indicative of the data and transmits the signal to the wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter sends out the signal indicative of the data. A portable electronic device receives the signal sent by the wireless transmitter, allowing a user of the portable electronic device to know the pressure of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Hen Lin
  • Patent number: 8188886
    Abstract: A method and system by which certain radio transmitters are assigned to certain reception nodes for the purpose of transmitting metering data derived from a plurality of utility meters to a system management computer. The reception nodes are configured to receive and process data transmissions only from those transmitters with data paths assigned to particular reception nodes, and to ignore data transmissions from non-listed transmitters, thereby assuring that on a continuous basis, a majority of the transmitters will utilize only one data path. Lists may be formed for the transmitters and reception nodes in the system management computer and transmitted to the reception nodes. The status of data transmissions through the repeaters may also be uploaded to the system management computer for analysis of data update rates and data path redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lazar, Randy Schultz, Dennis Webb, Theresa Saadeh, Jacob Graudenz, Yacov Kirgner, Anna Kirgner, Yarum Locker, Erez Sharabi
  • Publication number: 20120112926
    Abstract: A system and methods for cell telemetry are disclosed. An average magnetizing current in a sampling transformer is forced to about zero amperes by balancing volt-seconds using a voltage clamp mechanism. Furthermore, a pulse driven switch and a synchronized sampling switch are activated, and substantially simultaneously the voltage clamp mechanism deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Matthew Martinelli
  • Publication number: 20120101425
    Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a first device having a communications control circuit configured to initiate transmission of a wireless communication signal, and a second device including a communication interface circuit and a number of other circuits. The communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to provide information carried by the wireless communication signal to at least one of the other circuits. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to receive information specified by the wireless communication signal from at least one of the other circuits and to transmit another wireless communication signal carrying the retrieved information back to the first device. In either case, the communication interface circuit is unresponsive to control thereof by any of the number of other circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Gray
  • Patent number: 8159366
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises switches, a measurement unit, and a telemetry subsystem. The switches connect the current sources to a power bus when in a first position and to the measurement unit when the switches are in a second position. The measurement unit generates a ramp signal to control the solar strings from an open circuit state to a short circuit state linearly in a short duration and provides continuous current and voltage telemetry data at the output while the set of switches is in the second position. The telemetry subsystem is pre-set to a dwell mode and samples a large amount of voltage and current telemetry data. The telemetry subsystem transmits this data to ground directly to eliminate the need for processing and storage resources in the spacecraft. The telemetry data is used to plot I-V curve for health monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Winnie Wai-Yue Choy, Ich D. Ngo, David J. Walter, Mark Honda
  • Patent number: 8160656
    Abstract: A vehicle Telematics unit includes a cellular transceiver and a satellite receiver. At least one controller controls the transceiver and the receiver and determines which one to use to communicate with a source of Telematics service. If the transceiver is to be used, the controller receives messages in cellular communications from the source with a cellular network. If the receiver is to be used, the controller receives messages in satellite communications from the source with a satellite network. The controller can programmably control power from a battery to the transceiver and receiver when the vehicle is turned off using discontinuous reception parameters, designated on/off times, a controlled duration, and programmable timers. The transceiver is used to return acknowledgments of messages received. If a message is received with the receiver, the acknowledgment is stored so it can be sent at another time when the transceiver is to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Van Bosch, Robert F. D'Avello
  • Patent number: 8154414
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting data. A modular sensing system includes a renewable power source with wireless and/or optical communication modules, a processing plane, and a sensing plane. The sensing systems can be deployed in various environments or on active subjects. A device with various components can be used to interact with the sensing system and collect data in real time or at a later time. Sensing systems can be enclosed within a structure or body and then recharged or renewed using an optical signal transmitted through the boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Levinson
  • Patent number: 8149134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for monitoring the utility usage in a building with individual units but serviced by a single utility company meter. The individual units receive a pulse flow meter which is hard wired to a central unit and then sent to the internet for reading and then splitting the utility bill into prorated utility bills based on actual usage rather than size of the individual unit as a percentage of the whole unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Walter E. Warn
  • Patent number: 8149133
    Abstract: An apparatus to remotely archive data from a blowout preventer includes a first system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and a communications network, and a second system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and the communications network. A first remote server and a second remote server are connected to the communications network. The first remote server is configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the first local controller and the communications network. The first remote server is also configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the second system controller upon a failure of the first system controller resulting from damage in an oilfield component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Eric Lee Milne
  • Publication number: 20120075116
    Abstract: Certain examples provide systems and methods for improved perinatal workflow. An example system includes a user interface to display a time continuum of live data for a selected patient. The user interface includes a compressed view of the time continuum of live data over a first time period; an expanded view of the time continuum of live data over a second time period, the second time period to be shorter than the first time period; one or more indicators to be associated with data shown in the expanded view, each indicator to indicate a point of interest in the data; a first control to change the second time period for the expanded view display; and a second control to mark an indicator with respect to the data shown in the expanded view of the time continuum of live data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tamara Grassle, Dianne Kessler, Charles Levecke, Leonard Evan Kahn, Afrazuddin Mohammad, John Baartz, Jeffrey Paul Czaplewski, Michael Jordan, Renee Vitullo
  • Patent number: 8144028
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating data from field devices to data acquisition systems. In at least some exemplary embodiments, a remote process or field controller may obtain data, and send the data to a data cache only if the data has changed from previously sent data. The data acquisition system may poll the data cache for data. Having the remote process controller send only data that has changed allows the communication channel between the data caching system and the remote process controller to have a bandwidth or throughput lower than what may be needed to support the polling of the data acquisition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. LaMothe, Richard J. Vanderah, David S. Willett, Damon J. Ellender