Controlled By A Disparate Device Patents (Class 368/1)
  • Patent number: 10921203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a communication device. The methods comprise: monitoring, by the processor, states of snap-dome based switches of a keypad provided with the communication device; activating, by the processor, a first timer when the snap-dome based switches are simultaneously activated; detecting, by the processor, when maintenance of the communication device is needed based on a value of the first timer; and causing, by the processor, performance of communication device maintenance based on the detecting, for immersion time and immersion depth fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HARRIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Trinidad
  • Patent number: 9488041
    Abstract: A well chemical treatment system includes a chemical dispenser having a control signal input and a chemical outlet in fluid communication with a well. A chemical dispenser controller operates the dispenser and detects a well fluid lift pump controller signal. The chemical dispenser controller transmits a control signal to the chemical dispenser at selected times and is configured to increment the counter and inhibit transmission of the control signal when a selected time occurs and a pump in operation signal is not detected. When the chemical dispenser controller detects a pump in operation signal at one of the selected times, the chemical dispenser controller sends a control signal to the chemical dispenser to dispense an amount of chemical into the well equal to a product of a number in the counter plus one and an amount of chemical to be dispensed into the well at each selected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Pro-Ject Chemicals, LLC
    Inventor: Robert N. Ayres
  • Patent number: 9477490
    Abstract: A dynamic, milestone-based solution for managing computer operations, as may be embodied by various systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media, may involve analyzing a computer operation invoked by an invoking module. The solution may involve identifying and classifying discrete steps or phases within the invoked operation and applying context-specific watchdog timers and operational milestones based on the detected phases. The solution may involve monitoring the progress of the operation and terminating the operation when an operational milestone is not achieved before an applied watchdog timer expires during a given phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DELL SOFTWARE INC.
    Inventor: Samuel Liddicott
  • Patent number: 9410730
    Abstract: A container has a porous support member affixed thereinside defining upper and lower chambers and a liquid partly filling the container. The liquid is frozen in the upper chamber. The container is oriented so that the upper chamber is gravitationally above the lower chamber, wherein the frozen liquid remains in the upper chamber. The container is placed in a cold zone of a freezer. Thereafter, the presence of the liquid in the lower chamber is indicative that a thaw episode has occurred. The presence of the liquid frozen in the lower chamber is indicative that the thaw episode has been followed by a refreeze event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Peter David Keefe
  • Patent number: 9070188
    Abstract: A system for managing scouting images, including a scouting camera configured to record and store images of subjects at a particular location and an image management device which has a processor that creates a predictive statement based on image content of the images stored on the scouting camera or copies thereof and a display conveying the predictive statement to a user, wherein the predictive statement indicates a portion of a future time period that subjects are most likely to be at the particular location as compared to remaining portions of the future time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Non Typical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Cuddeback
  • Publication number: 20140334269
    Abstract: A shot activated timer system comprises a wearable housing in which control and processing components are in electrical communication with a display, input devices, a power source, a stopwatch, a motion sensor, activation signal components, optional wireless communication components, and optional audio sensors. The motion sensor detects the vibration patterns when a firearm is discharged, and pattern recognition software installed on the control and processor components identifies valid firearm shots. The system communicates with a base unit using a short-range communication protocol. The time it takes for a shooter to discharge his firearm is measured by recording the elapsed time from an activation signal until a shot is fired. When the firearm discharges, the vibration of the shot is sensed by the motion sensor and optionally additionally with the audio sensor. One or more sequential shots can be recorded, and the results can be delivered to the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Double-Alpha Academy B.V.
    Inventor: Kirsch Saul
  • Publication number: 20140078868
    Abstract: The operating time of various equipment is measured with a sensor and a timer. The sensor detects something associated with operation of the equipment, such as air pressure at the exhaust of a pneumatic tool or a changing magnetic field near the rotor of an electric motor connected to a piece of rotating equipment. The sensor is activated when it detects the activity associated with the equipment, and the battery powered timer advances when the sensor is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Harry McCaskill, III
  • Patent number: 8581709
    Abstract: A modular pillbox that includes a base unit and a plurality of modules that can be interchangeably coupled to the base unit. The base unit includes a plurality of interior compartments defined by a top, a bottom and at least one side wall, openable doors that close the tops of the plurality of interior compartments, one-way passages in one of the bottoms or the at least one side wall of each interior compartment through which pills can be pushed into the interior compartments, and an opening in a front portion of the base unit. The plurality of modules includes a cover plate that couples to the base unit and covers the opening, and various electronic packages that removable couple to the base unit and cover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert G. Mazur
  • Patent number: 8456287
    Abstract: An indicator system for use on a medicine bottle to indicate the times and dates of the last dosage taken and the next dosage to be taken, including means for registering time and date when the bottle is opened and then closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Barbara K. Gifford, Joseph D. Gifford
  • Publication number: 20130010574
    Abstract: The timing device is used as a lifetime monitor for providing an indication of when the usable lifetime of a product has ended or as a usage monitor for indicating the timing of regular usage of a product. The timing device consists of a main body and a timing initiator (20). The main body consists of a power supply in the form of a membrane zinc air battery and a visual or audible indicator for indicating when the product has been opened for a predetermined duration of time corresponding to the recommended lifetime of the product or alternatively the timing or repeated use of a product such as toothpaste or medicaments. The timing initiator (20) is a tear-off air blocking membrane and the membrane zinc air battery comprises: a porous air input controlling layer (21), which lets in air when the tear off film is removed; a porous air electrode, the anode (22); an interface containing electrolyte (23); a zinc electrode (24); and an outer adhesive film for attaching the timing device to a product package (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Marion Freijsen, Martin Finlan
  • Patent number: 8264335
    Abstract: A device adapted to be releasable attached to a blister including at least one piece of medicament. The device includes apparatus for releasable attachment to the blister, a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament, a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of the piece of medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Stora Enso AB
    Inventors: Marcus Dehlin, Lars Sandberg, Ingrid Rokahr
  • Patent number: 8138939
    Abstract: A display for use on medical dispensing equipment, and the resulting medical device and its method of display. In particular, provided are a number of specific embodiments of such a display on a medical device, including a film display for use on pill bottles and pill dispensers that utilize colored images as a dosage reminder for the user, a conformable bistable reflective display for use on drug delivery devices, and a conformable bistable reflective display for use on blood glucose meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Manning Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: William Manning, Sarah Kwon, Albert Green, Joel Domino, Asad Khan, J. William Doane
  • Patent number: 8054174
    Abstract: A referee's wireless horn indicator system having sensory alerts for aiding a referee in accurately officiating a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes an official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by a control circuit for sending a radio signal including time information to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance, on the wrist and includes a radio receiver and a sensory alerting device, such as a piezoelectronic speaker and a vibrator, where such sensory receiver is battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy S. Uehran
  • Patent number: 7932856
    Abstract: A satellite signal reception device has a reception unit that receives a satellite signal transmitted from a positioning information satellite, and a reception control component that controls the reception unit to execute a reception process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Norimitsu Baba
  • Patent number: 7928835
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for drug compliance monitoring. A drug compliance monitoring system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a portable drug containment unit, which has a drug container, such as a pill bottle, for holding prescription or non-prescription drugs. The drug containment unit also comprises at least one sensor and control logic. The sensor is configured to automatically sense a parameter indicating when a drug, such as one or more pills or an amount of liquid, has been or is about to be removed from the drug container. The system, based on the sensor, automatically estimates and tracks drug consumption and provides a patient with reminders when a dosage is currently due. If the patient deviates from an expected drug regime, the system automatically senses this event and provides a notification to the patient or caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventors: Emil Jovanov, Robert Gold
  • Patent number: 7916036
    Abstract: A patient position pad is provided that includes a timer. The patient position pad is configured to detect the position of a patient. The timer is configured to track the useful life of the patient position pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kevin Pope, Joel R. Hoerth, Harold Todd Tyler
  • Publication number: 20110051558
    Abstract: A system for determining the work time of a work tool is disclosed. The system has a work tool. The system also has a work tool movement sensor adapted to produce a signal indicative of a movement of the work tool. The system further has a controller adapted to produce a signal indicative of a work time of the work tool as a function of the movement of the work tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Mark Janssen, Joost Luyendijk
  • Patent number: 7868743
    Abstract: An alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place their feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Chester Brown
  • Publication number: 20100249563
    Abstract: A puncture device which punctures a skin of a subject for extracting a tissue fluid from a puncture site of the subject. The puncture device included a timer; a notifying section which notifies a user that specific time measured by the time has passed; a puncture mechanism which punctuates the skin; and an interlock mechanism which caused the timer to start time measurement in conjunction with a punctuate action by the puncture mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro ASAKURA, Toshiyuki SATO, Seiki OKADA, Jun TARUTANI, Chika ENDO
  • Publication number: 20090316532
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal device capable of performing, when a user moves the mobile terminal device as if the user operated an hourglass, a screen display and a time measurement accordingly. The mobile phone device 10 comprises a display unit 13, an acceleration sensor 20, an hourglass function control unit 31 for measuring a set time and displaying the image of the hourglass on the display unit 13, and an inclination deciding unit 32 for controlling the time measured by the hourglass function control unit 31, on the basis of measured data from the acceleration sensor 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Motoyoshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7612659
    Abstract: A method and system for warning an operator of a vehicle of a vehicular task that is being performed beyond a pre-determined time for execution of the task involving incrementally increasing audio and visual warnings as the task continues to be performed past the pre-determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nattel Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Nath, Rajesh Patel
  • Patent number: 7573371
    Abstract: An alarm system is designed to remind individuals, specifically individuals suffering from memory related diseases, of scheduled events and appointments. The device utilizes a digital scheduling device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), to input messages to be communicated at a scheduled time. The message is communicated via a set of speakers either directly or indirectly connected to the digital scheduling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Tony Miller
  • Patent number: 7554434
    Abstract: An indicator system for use on a medicine bottle to indicate the time and date of the last dosage. The system includes means for registering time and date when the bottle is opened and then closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Barbra K. Gifford, Joseph D. Gifford
  • Publication number: 20090108034
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a delivery mechanism adapted to deliver a substance from a container to a discharge opening in the delivery mechanism when activated by a user. The dispenser also includes a housing attached to the delivery mechanism. The housing includes an indicator that produces a signal visible to the user when the delivery mechanism is activated. The signal is not visible prior to activation of the delivery mechanism. The signal remains integral with the housing after activation of the delivery mechanism. The signal remains visible only for a predetermined amount of time after activation of the delivery mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bechyne, Stephen Robert Kehn
  • Patent number: 7504930
    Abstract: A system, including an alarm which is synchronized with a coffeemaker, is used to coordinate wake-up time with coffee brewing time. In one embodiment of the invention, the alarm includes an alarm timer, an alarm controller, alarm input (e.g., dial or button), a speaker, circuitry for sound generation and a display. A user sets the alarm timer, and the speaker is capable of providing a sound to wake the user at the set time. The circuitry for sound generation is capable of generating a tone and transmitting the tone with the same speaker. This tone is transmitted to an electric coffeemaker which includes, a tone receptor (e.g., microphone and amplifier), and coffee brewing circuitry. The tone receptor receives the tone generated by the alarm and forwards related data to the coffee brewing circuitry. The coffee brew cycle is activated in response. The alarm may be an alarm clock radio and the speaker may transmit an ultrasonic or audible tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph William Beyda, Rachel Ann Beyda
  • Publication number: 20080181059
    Abstract: A timepiece apparatus (10) comprising: a rotatable shaft (30) operatively connected to a magnet (40); a magnetic detection device (50) to detect a magnetic field of the magnet (40) when proximal to the magnetic detection device (50); wherein if a predetermined sequence of magnetic fields is detected by the magnetic detection device (50), a predetermined operation is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: National Electronics & Watch Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwong Yuen Wai
  • Patent number: 7398180
    Abstract: A vehicle technician time clock tool comprises a computer-implemented interface to a database, wherein the database contains vehicle service task-related information and time-related information, the vehicle service task-related information and time-related information pertaining to at least one vehicle technician, and a computer-implemented graphical user display (GUI), wherein the GUI displays in real time at least some of the vehicle service task-related information, at least some of the time-related information, and at least one calculation based on at least some of the time-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Tom D. DeBoard, Paul Adams, Frank Fox
  • Patent number: 7173881
    Abstract: A alarm system for providing silent notification to a user including an alarm device. The alarm device includes means for generating an alarm signal, and a transmitter connected to the generating means for transmitting the alarm signal. The system further includes a notification device. The notification device includes a receiver for receiving the alarm signal and means for alerting a user that the notification device has received the alarm signal from the alarm device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Frank J Freudenberg, Jr., Rich Fehringer
  • Patent number: 6822554
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of medication monitoring which includes analyzing data on the clinical consequences of variable patient compliance with prescribed drug regimens, communicating to caregivers and/or patients the compliance-dependent probabilities of two clinically important transitions in health status: substantive improvement in the patient's health status and substantive deterioration in the patient's health status, defining acceptable levels of the respective probabilities of deterioration and of improvement, and intervening when appropriate to improve the patient's compliance, in order to achieve mutually-agreed upon maintenance, improvement, or avoidance of deterioration in health status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hexalog SA
    Inventors: Bernard Vrijens, John Urquhart, Erik De Klerk, Jean-Michel Metry
  • Patent number: 6822930
    Abstract: A timer is enclosed in a pressure tight enclosure which is attached to or is part of the motor rotor. Rotation of the rotor is sensed and the timer is turned on when the rotor is turning and is turned off when the rotor is idle. The version usable in motors of the progressing cavity type can power the timer, and provide timer control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Falgout, Sr
  • Patent number: 6798718
    Abstract: To make calibration of temperature compensation etc. of individual sensor timepieces straightforward, to carry out measurements of physical quantities by each type of sensor in a highly precise manner, to make setting of a time and date for implementing the original timepiece function of the sensor timepiece easy, and to reduce the number of erroneous settings. A sensor timepiece equipped with a pressure sensor 1 comprises calibration control means for controlling writing of detection values of the pressure sensor 1 to a storage unit 3 in synchronism with external environmental setting control means for controlling an external environment corresponding to physical quantities measured by the pressure sensor 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masaki, Chiaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6754138
    Abstract: A data transmission/reception system for wrist-type electronic timepiece. The data transmission/reception system for electronic timepieces comprises a data transmission device for generating data signals, and an electronic timepiece that receives data signals from the data transmission device by utilizing a coil for driving the hands, wherein the electronic timepiece is provided with a timing signal-generating means which generates a timing signal, and the data transmission device is provided with a timing signal-receiving means which receives the timing signals output from said hand-driving coil and transmits data signals in synchronism with the timing signals that are received. The data are transmitted and received in an ordinary hand-moving state without halting the timepiece while the functions are being operated. Therefore, there is no need of adjusting the time after the operation of the functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Sakuyama
  • Publication number: 20040100869
    Abstract: The invention concerns a push-piece control device for a watch comprising a case (10) provided with a middle (12), an arbor (16) integral with a crown (20) and mounted pivoting in the middle (12) and a push-piece (18) mounted sliding and coaxial to the arbor (16). The invention is characterised in that it further comprises a lever (32) mounted pivoting on said case (10) by one of its ends (32a), mobile in a plane substantially parallel to the watch plane, including, in its median part (32b), a contact point designed to co-operate with said push-piece (18) and, at its other end (32c), a concave control portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre-Andre Finazzi
  • Patent number: 6686848
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus includes various operation keys and is connected to a plurality of electronic appliances through buses. If a timepiece reset mode is set on a side of the remote control apparatus and then a desired electronic appliance is selected, a protocol is established between the remote control apparatus and the desired electronic appliance. A command key for reset command input is activated after establishing a protocol. If a command key is operated, a reset command for the timepiece is transmitted to the desired electronic appliance to thereby reset a timepiece circuit provided in the desired electronic appliance. Because the protocol has been established at a time that the command key is operated, the timepiece circuit is reset immediately after operating the command key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigekazu Morikawa
  • Patent number: 6522601
    Abstract: A data transmission/reception system for wrist-type electronic timepiece. The data transmission/reception system for electronic timepieces comprises a data transmission device for generating data signals, and an electronic timepiece that receives data signals from the data transmission device by utilizing a coil for driving the hands, wherein the electronic timepiece is provided with a timing signal-generating means which generates a timing signal, and the data transmission device is provided with a timing signal-receiving means which receives the timing signals output from said hand-driving coil and transmits data signals in synchronism with the timing signals that are received. The data are transmitted and received in an ordinary hand-moving state without halting the timepiece while the functions are being operated. Therefore, there is no need of adjusting the time after the operation of the functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Sakuyama
  • Patent number: 6464390
    Abstract: A wristwatch with a usable dial, fitted with keys, includes an electronic device to form a multifunctional wrist worn device. The structure of the wristwatch is such that there is enough space to regularly actuate each key with a finger. The part of the multifunctional device providing the time can be shifted to free up the device's body. In particular, this device is characterized by the fact that the device's body, freed up in this way by the shift of the watch, contains, on its periphery, a number of keys that make it possible to easily actuate the electronic device with a finger. This simple device makes it possible to cover and to mask the electronic device's keys when the latter are not being used, the device according to the invention then having the general appearance of a wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Baroche
  • Publication number: 20020140547
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices are provided. A plurality of devices are provided having a powerline modem and a clock (100). The powerline modem permits communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network. A synchronization message is provided over the powerline network (102). The synchronization message includes an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization message (104). A synchronization device may be provided to update device clocks on a powerline network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Louis Roberts Litwin, Kumar Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20020126580
    Abstract: The present invention is a children's sleeptime timer and clock device. It includes (a) a housing adapted to contain and display at least one clock and to contain (b) at least one clock; and (c) a sleeptime display timer contained within the housing, which contains: (i) a moveable, three dimensional display having at least two three dimensional illustrations, wherein, when a first three dimensional illustration is openly displayed, at least a second three dimensional illustration is hidden from view, and when the second three dimensional illustration is openly displayed, at least the first three dimensional illustration is hidden from view, and wherein the first three dimensional illustration relates to a child's sleeptime; (ii) a step-up mechanism connected to the three dimensional display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Patricia E. McGuire
  • Patent number: 6448887
    Abstract: A two-stage alarm (10) includes a clock generator (36). A memory device (28 and 30) for storing data is connected to the clock generator (36). A data display device (22) is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) for displaying stored data. An alarm is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) with a first stage and a second attenuated stage. An alarm control device (24) is connected to the alarm for controlling the alarm in the absence of an alarm event and for selecting the second attenuated stage during an alarm event. As a result, the user of the two-stage alarm (10) can acknowledge an alarm event only by selecting an attenuated, reduced, alarm stage for a period of time and then manipulate the alarm only in the absence of an alarm event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Befume Pty Limited
    Inventors: Bradley Martin, Francis Galea
  • Patent number: 6212133
    Abstract: A new and improved low power GPS signal receiver system includes a GPS signal receiver device and control processor for powering up the signal receiver device for a first sufficient period of time to locate and acquire a time signal from a single GPS satellite and then powering down the GPS signal receiver device after establishing a local time and for waiting another sufficient period of time after receiving a user request to update time before powering up the signal receiver device to facilitate about an immediate sync on another GPS navigation message subframe indicative of the time maintained by said single GPS satellite vehicle. Once the second sufficient period of time has elapsed, the control processor powers up the GPS signal receiver device for a third sufficient period of time to acquire and process 29 bits of subframe message information indicative of time maintained by the GPS satellite vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Kim McCoy, David Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6212134
    Abstract: A watch dog timer system which has an abnormality checking function of a high degree of reliability. In the watch dog timer system, abnormality of a computer system is detected as a variation of a value allocated in accordance with an execution condition of a program. To this end, a register receives execution state data defined in accordance with an execution condition of the program from a processor or CPU of the computer system and stores the execution state data before a counter of the watch dog timer system overflows. A comparator compares the execution condition data stored in the register and state sequence data indicative of a state sequence of the program stored in a ROM in advance with each other and generates a reset signal for resetting the computer system when the comparison reveals incoincidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Atsuya Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6167482
    Abstract: A method for re-programming a memory device in a micro-controller system is provided. The method includes the steps of installing a software RTC service routine running outside the flash memory device, wherein a counter measures the total re-programming procedure duration (100). The software RTC service routine running outside the flash memory device is stopped (102) and the current absolute unit time saved in a read/write accessible memory cell (104). A re-programming cycle is executed (106) and the former running application will be prepared to continue (108). The unit is set to the previous stored value (110) and the software RTC service routine running outside the flash memory device re-started (112). The software RTC service routine running outside the flash memory device is stopped (114) and the measured total re-programming duration added to the current RTC value (116). The application then recommences (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen Schmidt, Horst Geib, Erwin Nikl
  • Patent number: 5642334
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is an electronic pacer for facilitating the taking of multiple choice, short answer, or other types of examinations. More specifically, it paces an examinee on a question by question basis by providing a question number display that is incremented at a frequency that allows the examinee to devote an appropriate time to each question and finish the test in a timely manner. This has the utility of allowing an examinee to precisely and accurately determine if she is ahead of or behind schedule. Additionally, the device of the present invention tracks all answer choices and displays the distribution of those answer choices. This feature has the benefit of allowing an examinee unsure of the answer to a particular question, to consider the previously answered questions and choose an under represented answer choice as the answer to the current question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Liberman
  • Patent number: 5625334
    Abstract: The invention provides a device that cautions the user of medication, for example, by visual change and/or surface contour change of a part of a medicine container, that a preset time since an event, such as since the last prior use or application of the medication, has not transpired. The medicine container cover or an indicating element of the container or cover changes visually or dimensionally to signal the user that it is not advisable to administer the next dose of the medication. The device shuts itself down upon changing to a permissive configuration, and requires no power input until it is again activated by accessing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Karen A. Compton
  • Patent number: 5554967
    Abstract: A reminder device for notifying a user when to take a dosage of medication. The credit card size device includes a first time counter for maintaining an elapsed program time and a second time counter for maintaining a current interval time. An alarm notifies the user of the expiration of the current interval. The user takes a dosage of medication in response to the alarm. A switch is provided for resetting the second time counter after the user takes a dosage of medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corp.
    Inventors: David C. Cook, Douglas E. Weitzel, Edward T. Hawley
  • Patent number: 5343444
    Abstract: A pneumatic timer applicable to electric contactors and has bellows whose air intake is controlled by a limited duct with a variable section and length. The limited duct is established by a radial hole made in flange immobilized with regard to the adjustment knob, that communicates hole of the base or core of the bellows, with the air intake hole made in the core of the adjustment knob, the flange preferably having a transversal or peripheral groove as of the radial hole. When the adjustment knob is placed in a certain position, the timing is governed in terms of the limited duct implied by the length of the transversal groove, which may have a section gradually increasing towards the radial hole. The air duct can also be gauged with the thread of a screw whose head forms a variable annular duct with the wall of an axial truncated-cone hole provided in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Agut, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Agut Sanz
  • Patent number: 5136621
    Abstract: Swim/sporting event timer/counter. A waterproof housing has upwardly projecting digital displays and two spaced ultrasonic receivers. A swimmer wears an ultrasonic transmitter tuned to ultrasonic receivers. by measuring the time differential for the ultrasonic signals from the transmitter to reach the receivers in the housing, the position of the swimmer (i.e., in front of, directly over, or behind the housing), is determined. Laps are identified by determining when the transmitted signal changes from being received by the two receivers by an increasing time differential to being received by a decreasing time differential. Each time the swimmer passes over the housing, the numbers on the display are inverted so that the swimmer may look down into the water and see the time regardless of which direction the swimmer is traveling in the lane or other predetermined course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventors: Mitchell, David E., Dean Lurker
  • Patent number: 5121367
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the passage of a big game animal along a game trail has a battery powered, digital clock within a container with the container wall provided with a telephone type of jack which includes a pull pin holding switch contacts apart to maintain the clock in operation. A trip line is connected to the pull pin and exerts a direct pull thereon when engaged by a passing animal with the position of the pulled free pin indicating the direction in which the animal was travelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Michael Rose
  • Patent number: 5023848
    Abstract: A pair of spaced apart probes generally approximating the contact geometry of conveyed object to be wave soldered is similarly conveyed past and in contact with the solder wave. A timing circuit interconnects with the probes and measures the dwell time of the pair of probes in contact with the solder wave. The probes may have different shaped solder wave contacting parts (e.g., linear edge, points).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Highes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Eric M. Frey, Joseph A. Lamb
  • Patent number: 4979400
    Abstract: A safety belt assembly of the present invention measures the amount of force exerted on the assembly and also the point in time when a force was exerted on the assembly. The assembly includes a first and second member associated with one another, mechanism associated with the first and second members for resiliently restraining relative movement and movably retaining said members with respect to one another; a mechanism responsive to relative movement of the first and second members for enabing a measurement of force and indicating a point in time when a force was exerted on the assembly; and a mechanism for securing the assembly to a safety belt and/or a buckle or anchor. A chemical timer for measuring the elapsed time since a force was exerted on the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew