Condition Responsive Patents (Class 340/870.16)
  • Patent number: 7158031
    Abstract: A radio frequency indentification (RFID) label includes an integrated circuit and an antenna. The label may also include two flexible films directly sealed to each other. The label may be affixed to an article and used in conjunction with an interrogation system to track the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 7148803
    Abstract: An RF addressable sensor network architecture is provided. The RF addressable sensor network includes one or more RF addressable sensors, one or more wireless sensor readers coupled to a communications network, and one or more end user devices coupled to the communications network. The RF addressable sensor network may also include a sensor network processor. An RF addressable sensor includes one or more sensor elements, one or more antennas for communicating with the wireless sensor reader, an RF power and communications interface, an RFID control module, and a sensor interface. The wireless sensor reader includes one or more antennas, a user interface, a controller, a network communications module, and an RF addressable sensor logic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignees: Symbol Technologies, Inc., Altivera, LLC.
    Inventors: William R. Bandy, John P. Peeters
  • Patent number: 7126463
    Abstract: A control system includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. A first position sensor senses the position of the device and generates a first position value. A second position sensor senses the position of the device and generates a second position value. A sensor module communicates with the first and second position sensors and generates a single signal waveform based on the first and second position values. A frequency of the waveform is varied based on the first position value. A duty cycle of the waveform is varied based on the second position value. A conductor has a first end that communicates with the sensor module and a second end that communicates with a control module. The sensor module transmits the waveform to the control module on the conductor. The control module decodes the waveform to determine the first and second position values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, John N. Stockbridge
  • Patent number: 7120560
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: A.D. Air Data, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Williams, Michael F. Young
  • Patent number: 7117048
    Abstract: A safety controller having a total worst case propagation delay, exceeding the required propagation delay required by a safety process, may be used to control the safety process by monitoring actual delays in signal processing in the safety controller and moving to a safety state if a signal delay exceeds an amount less than the total worst case propagation delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Gerard Gibart
  • Patent number: 7113893
    Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: A.L. Air Data, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Williams, Michael F. Young, Hunter V. Jones
  • Patent number: 7109883
    Abstract: A process variable transmitter connects a serial bus to an accessory load. A supply limiter circuit provides a first supply current limit and provides a stored energy output. A recessive driver circuit draws a drive current from the stored energy output and couples the drive current to the serial bus. The recessive driver circuit provides a drive current limit. A dominant driver circuit has a dominant state in which it conducts the drive current, and an inactive state in which the drive current is available to the accessory load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Trimble, Kelly M. Orth, Richard L. Nelson, David G. Tyson
  • Patent number: 7091879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for simultaneously using and configuring one or more disposable transmitters. The system includes at least one single or multiple use disposable transmitter, a central station, and a receiver module. The transmitter is connected to a patient to gather and measure biomedical information. The transmitter transmits the biomedical information through the receiver module to the central station for processing, storage and display. Prior to use, each transmitter must be configured to work with the central station and the receiver module. This allows the users to configure the disposable transmitters relatively quickly and easily without needing advanced technical information. The inventive configuration also enables the operator to map a location on a monitor in the central station to a specific disposable transmitter and ultimately to a specific patient or location in the coverage area that is covered by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Invivo Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Edward Swetlik, Robert Edward Whitten, Richard Brian Paul, Gary Bruce Edstrom, Gary Michael Zednik, Celso Ochoa Decastro, Jr., Roy Seizo Carr
  • Patent number: 7079047
    Abstract: A pressure measuring and inflation/deflation control system for tires, comprising: a pressure sensor, a pressure variation detector capable on the one hand of responding in a safety time interval to a substantially significant and rapid variation in the pressure inside the cavity of the tire, and on the other hand of acting on another element cooperating with said detector; a management module, capable of receiving and processing informations provided by the pressure sensor on the one hand and on the other hand by the pressure variation detector and capable, on the basis of the information provided by the pressure variation detector, of actuating the shift from a so-called “normal” pressure measuring mode to a so-called “accelerated” measuring mode, or the shift from the “accelerated” mode to the “normal” mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francis Boulot
  • Patent number: 7068184
    Abstract: An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David Moon Yee, Philip John Zucarelli, Theodore Woolley Keller, David Richard Wallis
  • Patent number: 7061400
    Abstract: A tracking and telemetry system includes at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The at least one transmitter is arranged for transmitting a first or identification signal according to a time schedule, and the at least one receiver is arranged for receiving the transmitted first signal. The at least one transmitter is arranged for receiving a second or programming signal and setting or adapting or otherwise altering the time schedule for the transmission of the first signal in response to the second signal. Furthermore, there are provided a transmitter and a programming station arranged for setting or adapting or otherwise altering the time schedule in response to said second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Sensite Solution, B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Vet
  • Patent number: 7057526
    Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure in which decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of wheel speed information obtained from wheels attached to a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: detecting wheel speed information of the respective tires; storing the wheel speed information of the respective tires; obtaining a vehicle body velocity of the vehicle; obtaining vehicle information of the vehicle during running such as driving force, wheel torque or slip rate; calculating a judged value of decompression; and detecting decrease in air-pressure of a tire upon calculating a multiple correlation coefficient for the judged value between the vehicle body velocity and the vehicle information and comparing the multiple correlation coefficient with a specified threshold. It is possible to accurately detect decompression of a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Minao Yanase
  • Patent number: 7050808
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Telemics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Janusz, Stephen C. Payne, Timothy J. Prell, Paul van der Pol
  • Patent number: 7026953
    Abstract: A keyless entry device includes a plurality of antennas which receive high frequency signals, a high frequency receiver which reproduces data from the high frequency signals received by the plurality of antennas, an intermittent controller which changes over an operation of the high frequency receiver between a continuous operation and an intermittent operation in an interlocking manner with turning on or off of an ignition key of an automobile, and a data processor which outputs data as control signals, wherein when the ignition key is turned on, the keyless entry device is operated as the tire pressure monitoring device and when the ignition key is turned off, the keyless entry device is operated as the keyless entry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shohei Fujii
  • Patent number: 7019668
    Abstract: To enable positive management of construction machines in a management center. There comprises an construction machine 1, and a management apparatus 20 for carrying out the transmission and reception of information with the construction machine 1 through a communication satellite 30 and a base station 32. The construction machine 1 comprises a memory 124 for storing operating information, information amount discrimination means 127 to discriminate if the operating information stored in the memory 124 reaches a fixed amount, information readout means 128 for reading out the operating information when the operating information stored in the memory 12 reaches the fixed amount, and a transmission section 184 for transmitting the operating information read out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventor: Hideki Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 7002481
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more monitoring devices, positioned in sewer manholes, storm drains, etc., and a remote monitoring station that communicates wirelessly therewith. The monitoring device may be an integrated unit, including sensors, a two-way telemetry unit, a power supply, a processor, and supporting hardware, all located in an enclosed, waterproof housing. The monitoring device is placed within a manhole cavity to obtain depth (e.g., water level) measurements and report the measurements back to the remote monitoring station, which analyzes the data and responds to alert messages when a dangerous water level is detected. The sample and reporting rates of the device, as well as the water level threshold values, may be remotely programmable via commands transmitted from the remote monitoring station. An additional sensor may monitor the manhole cover for security purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignees: Aeromesh Corporation, Timothy Crane
    Inventors: Patrick R. Crane, Alan K. Pittman
  • Patent number: 6992594
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Test Point Monitor (TPM) remotely coupled to a Test Point Interrogator (TPI) for the purpose of measuring and communicating cathodic protection voltage values from an object of interest, generally an underground pipeline. The TPM automatically measures cathodic voltage records them in its memory. A technician is guided towards the TPM by a handheld TPI. The TPI includes a GPS function, and when the technician is in range of the TPM, the TPI will call for the stored TPM data. The TPM is adapted for storing in its memory past voltage readings, and transmitting current and past voltage readings to the TPI. The TPI will store data from several thousand such TPM units for download into a main database via direct connection to the database, via wireless transmission, or via the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas Dudley
  • Patent number: 6975245
    Abstract: A data acquisition and telemetry based control system for use in facilitating substantially real time management of an agricultural irrigation system. The soil moisture sensor includes a reader and a plurality of probes. The probes each include an electronic circuit having a moisture sensing capacitor in operative communication with the soil whose moisture is to be measured. Each probe also includes a receive/transmit antenna and the reader includes a transmit/receive antenna, so that as the reader passes near the probe, the reader transmits a digital excitation signal to the electronic circuit of the biodegradable probe via an inductive couple formed between the transmit/receive antenna of the reader and the receive/transmit coil of the probe. The electronic circuit uses an energy component of the excitation signal to generate a digital data signal which indicates the moisture content of the soil adjacent to the moisture sensing capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Slater, John M. Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6958705
    Abstract: An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Timothy J. Starkweather
  • Patent number: 6956489
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of an electric current-carrying heating element involving installing the heating element in a location and setting the initial composition Ci of the material as a reference baseline at an initial time Ti corresponding to said installation of the heating element. Data is then collected reflecting the subsequent composition Cs of the heating element material after a subsequent time Ts at the installed location and any change in the material composition of the heating element between Ti and Ts is monitored. An alarm is sent when the change reaches a threshold value indicating a possible failure condition. According to one embodiment, an impedance monitor is provided that calculates and compares impedance at the required levels of accuracy to determine changes in material composition. The impedance monitor, or portions thereof may be embedded within a microcontroller for increased portability and functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: MRL Industries
    Inventors: Kevin B. Peck, Noel H. Johnson, William D. McEntire, Thomas J Berdner
  • Patent number: 6957128
    Abstract: For example, if multiple pieces of information arrive at and/or are generated in a vehicle at the same time, MMS optimizes selection of information to be communicated, selection of information communicating means, selection of information communication style and selection of various parameters such as communication timing, according to priority order given integrally to the multiple pieces of information, so as to communicate the multiple pieces of information to a vehicle driver effectively. Further, it communicates information effectively using appropriate resources corresponding to a parameter selected by this optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Ito, Masuo Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6938635
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel level switch which may be employed to detect liquid levels within a process vessel. The level switch of the present invention is self validating so that manual testing is not required in order to ensure proper operation and switch calibration. The switch of the present invention may be easily introduced into existing process vessel designs as a replacement for prior art level detection switches with minimal or no retrofitting effort being required. The self validating level switch of the present invention may be connected to a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) such that process control including process shutdowns to avoid overfilling and low-fluid conditions may be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Daniel B. Bolland
  • Patent number: 6933848
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Alien Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roger G. Stewart, John Rolin, Curtis Carrender
  • Patent number: 6924747
    Abstract: In a system for the exchange of data, including a teleservice terminal apparatus, a user apparatus adapted to exchange data with the teleservice terminal apparatus, a central control unit having access to a public communication network, and a subcontrol unit connectable to the teleservice terminal apparatus and to the central control unit, the teleservice terminal apparatus transmits data of a particular event to the subcontrol unit which includes a first table for a first evaluation of the data and, depending on the result, transmits the data to the central control unit for a second evaluation on the basis of a second table before transmission to a certain user apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Common-Link AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schläfer
  • Patent number: 6914343
    Abstract: An electric generator system for producing electric power from the environmental temperature changes such as occur during a normal summer day on Earth or Mars. In a preferred embodiment a phase-change mass is provided which partially or completely freezes during the relatively cold part of a cycle and partially or completely melts during the relatively hot part of the cycle. A thermoelectric module is positioned between the phase-change mass and the environment. The temperature of the phase-change mass remains relatively constant throughout the cycle. During the hot part of the cycle heat flows from the environment through the thermoelectric module into the phase change mass generating electric power which is stored in an electric power storage device such as a capacitor or battery. During the cold part of the cycle heat flows from the phase change mass back through the module and out to the environment also generating electric power that also is similarly stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Hiller, John C. Bass, Daniel T. Allen
  • Patent number: 6907323
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle comprising a system enabling a user to control remotely an actuating mechanism (1) connected to an opening panel, in particular a boot opening panel (8). The control system comprises means, equipping the vehicle, for controlling at least an action of the actuating mechanism, according to the movement of an object, such as a hand, vertically in a delimited control zone adjacent to the opening panel. Said movement is determined from signals obtained from at least a movement sensor (7) placed on or proximate to the opening panel and whereof the radiation pattern if fixed to delimit the control zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Avenel
  • Patent number: 6895831
    Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Reginald Hunter
  • Patent number: 6897788
    Abstract: A wireless, programmable system for medical monitoring includes a base unit and a plurality of individual wireless, remotely programmable biosensor transceivers. The base unit manages the transceivers by issuing registration, configuration, data acquisition, and transmission commands using wireless techniques. Physiologic data from the wireless transceivers is demultiplexed and supplied via a standard interface to a conventional monitor for display. Initialization, configuration, registration, and management routines for the wireless transceivers and the base unit are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Khair, Salvador Lopez, Richard Ng, Sanjar Ghaem, William L. Olson
  • Patent number: 6892168
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: A.L. Air Data, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Williams, Michael F. Young
  • Patent number: 6889174
    Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: A.L. Air Data, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Williams, Michael F. Young, Hunter V. Jones
  • Patent number: 6882284
    Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus includes RFID circuitry on a first substrate, and sensor circuitry on a second substrate. A receiving structure is associated with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and at least one connecting structure is associated with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry. The at least one connecting structure is removable received within the receiving structure. The invention also encompasses a method of forming an electrical apparatus. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate has RFID circuitry thereon, and the second substrate has sensing circuitry thereon. A receptacle is joined with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and has at least one orifice extending therein. At least one prong is joined with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rickie C. Lake, Mark E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6873268
    Abstract: An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Sam W. Bowman, IV, Timothy J. Starkweather
  • Patent number: 6870486
    Abstract: An environmental condition sensing device arrangement and method for sensing an environmental condition are provided. A device case which is water-tight and/or air-tight is provided for sensing such condition. In addition, a sensing device configured to sense an environmental condition, a transmitter being operatively connected to the sensing device, and a power source supplying power to the sensing device and the transmitter are also provided. The sensing device, the transmitter and the power source are disposed within the device case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Smar Research Corporation
    Inventors: Leonardo de Oliveira de Freitas Souza, Gilmar de Matos Caldeira, Evaristo Orellana Alves, Gilberto Selegatto
  • Patent number: 6870485
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the unexpected loss of heavy mining equipment by detecting the separation of heavy metal parts at an early stage in the separation process, and providing a warning signal in response to which the particular machine that is having the difficulty may then be shut down in a timely manner. A spring-loaded switch is sandwiched between the heavy metal parts, which upon partial separation of the parts then expands and turns on an electrical switch to activate a radio transmitter, sending an alarm signal to a receiver at a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: Kraig M. Lujan, Lex Lujan
  • Patent number: 6864803
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure and a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals. The transmitters and the receiver utilize code division multiple access (CDMA) for the tire pressure signals so that tire pressure signals transmitted simultaneously by the transmitters can be received by the receiver. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and collects and processes the tire pressure signals, and generates control signals for use in conveying tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Qingfeng Tang, John S. Nantz, Riad Ghabra, Salman Khreizat, Ronald O. King
  • Patent number: 6862548
    Abstract: Described are methods for accurately measuring the skew of clock distribution networks on programmable logic devices. Clock distribution networks are modeled using a sequence of oscillators formed on the device using configurable logic. Each oscillator includes a portion of the network, and consequently oscillates at a frequency that depends on the signal propagation delay associated with the included portion of the network. The various oscillator configurations are defined mathematically as the sum of a series of delays, with the period of each oscillator representing the sum. The respective equations of the oscillators are combined to solve for the delay contribution of the included portion of the clock network. The delay associated with the included portion of the clock network can be combined with similar measurements for other portions of the clock network to more completely describe the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Siuki Chan
  • Patent number: 6845311
    Abstract: An automatic control system for a work machine includes a positioning system, a site model, and a controller. The work machine operates at a work site containing material to be operated on by the work machine. The positioning system determines a relative location of the work machine within the work site and produces a machine position signal. The site model contains data related to a condition of the material. The controller is coupled to the site model, receives the machine position signal and determines a current condition of the material as a function of the position signal and the site model, and controls the work machine as a function of the current condition of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Lee Stratton, Daniel E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6839546
    Abstract: A process transmitter is configured to measure a process variable of an industrial process. A housing has a first cavity which houses first transmitter electronic circuitry and provides a barrier between the first transmitter electronic circuitry and second transmitter electronic circuitry. A non-physical electromagnetic link between the first transmitter electronic circuitry and the second transmitter electronic circuitry configured to carry data therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Publication number: 20040239525
    Abstract: A monitoring terminal device is provided which is capable of reducing its power consumption to a minimum and of being fully operated even indoors by using a solar cell as a power source. In the monitoring terminal device including a sensor unit, the transmitting unit to transmit, by wireless, a sensor monitoring output, and a control unit which control the sensor unit and the transmitting unit, further including a power supply section, when only state change of object to be monitored, that is, a output of the sensor unit is detected the control unit and the transmitting unit are started to transmit monitoring information by the sensor unit. When the sensor unit and the generating section are not activated supply of power to the sensor unit and the generating section is stopped and the control unit by itself is put into standby state, which enables reduction of power consumption to a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Ikutaro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6825777
    Abstract: The system of the invention is used in measuring sports metrics at an event or venue. The system includes “n” sensors, “m” repeaters, a base station and an operations terminal. One or more sensors attach to each athlete (and/or the athletes vehicle) at the event or venue to determine a sports metric, e.g., airtime, g's, drop distance, spin, rotation. The information about the sports metric is transmitted to one or more repeaters; and that information is relayed to the base station. The operations terminal provides a user interface, and may further interface with a judging station or TV to provide the sports metric, in near real-time, to judges, viewers and others at the event or venue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: PhatRat Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Adrian F. Larkin, Perry Youngs
  • Patent number: 6822565
    Abstract: A wireless gauge alert system including a near empty sensor, a near full sensor, a transmitter, a receiver, and an alert device used to monitor the fuel level status of a liquid fuel or pressure (vessel) tank having a measuring device with an output member and gauge. Upon detection of a predetermined near empty condition, the transmitter sends an encoded wireless alarm signal to the receiver. The alert device then generates a user notification signal. The receiver and alert device, which preferably comprise an LED, are held in a housing having a plug extending therefrom to mount the housing to an electrical socket in a high traffic area. An alternate alert system includes a receiver unit coupled with a computer that allows either the user or a vendor computer to monitor the status of the sensor and respond accordingly. Another alternate alert system includes multiple zone remote assemblies for installation on separate fuel tanks to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Keith A. Thomas, Timothy A. Kearns, Bruce R. Davis
  • Patent number: 6813947
    Abstract: The product comprises a sensor (1) via which a measured quantity that corresponds to reactive resistance can be furnished within a measuring range. The product also comprises a matching network (2) and a surface wave element (3). The sensor (1) is connected to a first reflector (4) of the surface wave element (3) via the matching network (2). The first reflector (4) forms, together with the matching network (2) and the sensor (1), a resonator which, for a value of the measured quantity within the measuring range, has a resonance with regard to a reflection of an acoustic surface wave on the first reflector (4). The invention also relates to a method for determining the measured quantity and to a corresponding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Dollinger, Gernot Schimetta
  • Patent number: 6816817
    Abstract: A technique for monitoring operational parameters of networked components includes storing data within each component descriptive of the component. The data is polled by a monitoring station and provides a basis for monitor views compiled in real time. The monitor views provide a view of current levels of parameters controlled or monitored by each device, such as on virtual meters. Historical levels of operational parameters may be presented in virtual strip chart output. Textual descriptions of the components are provided, along with listings of key settings. More detailed data may be accessed by links between the monitor views and other user viewable representations for the system and the specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, Jinghui Luo, Dave Blair
  • Patent number: 6810362
    Abstract: A method and system for managing a construction machine and processing apparatus therefor includes a controller 2 mounted on a hydraulic excavator 1 working in fields. An operating time for each of an engine 32, a front 15, a swing body 13 and a travel body 12 is measured and stored in a memory of the controller 2. The measured data is transferred to a base station computer 3 and stored in a database 100 inside the base station computer 3. The base station computer 3 reads, per hydraulic excavator, the data stored in the database 100 and then prepares and outputs a distribution graph of the number of operated machines with respect to the working time (engine running time) of the hydraulic excavator. While looking at the distribution graph, a machine maker estimates the number of hydraulic excavators to be renewed and estimates the sales quantity of hydraulic excavators, thereby setting up a production plan of hydraulic excavators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Adachi, Toichi Hirata, Genroku Sugiyama, Hiroshi Watanabe, Koichi Shibata, Hideki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 6807516
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: A.L. Air Data, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Williams, Michael F. Young
  • Publication number: 20040183675
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a data acquisition and transfer device comprising a sensor responsive to change of predetermined nature, and a transmitter for transmitting over the mobile phone network data concerning the occurrence of such a change to a receiver station. Such devices can be used in monitoring patients compliance when undergoing drug trials and can form part of a system which polls the device for changes and keeps a record of all transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Harris
  • Patent number: 6794993
    Abstract: An arrangement for transmitting signals from a device (3) for monitoring the tire pressure in vehicle wheels (1), being arranged in the tire preferably as one module together with a valve, and comprising a pressure sensor arranged for measuring the tire pressure and generating an electric pressure signal, a control circuit, a battery as power source, and a transmitter with a sending antenna for transmitting the measured pressure signal as a radio-frequency (RF) signal under the control of the control circuit to a central evaluation and control unit (8), which is arranged in the vehicle (2) and which is connected to receiving antennas (4), to which individual wheels (1) or groups of wheels (1) of the vehicle (2) are allocated, via a RF receiver which comprises a demodulator and transforms the received RF signals to low-frequency (LF) signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Ralf Kessler, Andreas Kühnle, Roland Michal, Norbert Normann, Lothar Gunter Schulze
  • Patent number: 6794990
    Abstract: An electronic patch thermometer consists of a measuring apparatus attaching to or disposing on a targeted object (such as human body skin or a tongue surface, indoor or outdoor, surfaces of a container, water tanks, and the likes) and a receiving apparatus for receiving signals measured by the measuring apparatus. When the receiving apparatus is moved nearby the measuring apparatus and a measuring switch located on the receiving apparatus is pressed, the receiving apparatus generates a magnetic field transmitting to the measuring apparatus to generate electric power required. The measuring apparatus measures and induces temperature signals of the targeted object and transmits the signals by radio waves to the receiving apparatus which reads and displays the temperature value of the targeted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: K-Jump Health Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel C. M. Tseng
  • Patent number: 6788218
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a remotely located industrial process from a central service location generally comprises transmitting, through existing two-way digital paging networks, a monitoring instruction to the remote location, executing an operational command contained in the monitoring instruction on the industrial process, logging the effect of the execution of the command in a history file and transmitting content from the history file back to the central service location. The monitoring instruction may comprise the identification of an operational event for execution by the remotely located industrial process or be adapted for the on demand execution of one or more scripts of operational events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventor: David C. Sudolcan
  • Patent number: RE38997
    Abstract: In a small and thin memory module for sharing data among electronic devices such as information processing apparatuses, a write prohibit state can be visually recognized. A conductive seal is attached to a predetermined position on a support member, thereby setting the memory module in the write prohibit state. The conductive seal visually indicates the write prohibit state. When the memory module is mounted in a connector section of a card-shaped holder, connector pins are electrically connected to each other via the conductive seal. That, a write prohibit mechanism is realized at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroshi Iwasaki