Counting Based On Number Of Times Machine Or Apparatus Operates Patents (Class 377/15)
  • Patent number: 11894711
    Abstract: An in-vehicle wireless electric power feeding device is used in a vehicle, wirelessly performs electric power feeding to an electric power reception device (e.g., smartphone), and stops the electric power feeding at a temperature not lower than or higher than a predetermined first temperature threshold. The in-vehicle wireless electric power feeding device SD includes an electric power transmission unit that wirelessly performs electric power feeding to the electric power reception device, a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the electric power transmission unit, and a control unit that controls the electric power transmission unit so that the electric power transmission unit wirelessly performs electric power feeding to the electric power reception device when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit at startup is not higher than or lower than a predetermined second temperature threshold higher than the first temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei Takagi, Maho Tanaka, Takayoshi Nishijima
  • Patent number: 10592322
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for preventing or minimizing completion timeout errors on a computer device. An apparatus includes a processing logic circuit configured to perform transactions requested by a requester device, and a timeout prevention logic coupled to the processing logic circuit. The timeout prevention logic includes a timeout logic and a moderation logic. The timeout logic is configured to, when the processing logic circuit fails to complete a particular transaction requested by the requester device within a reconfigurable time period, generate a timeout event and complete the particular requested transaction. The moderation logic is configured to determine a number of timeout events generated by the timeout logic during a monitoring time period, and set the reconfigurable time period based on the number of timeout events generated by the timeout logic during the monitoring time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiran Kalkunte Seshadri, Sundeep Amirineni, Nafea Bshara, Asif Khan
  • Patent number: 10352723
    Abstract: A hub-mountable wheel-rotation detector has an electromagnetic generator to convert rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy sufficient to recharge an internal rechargeable battery and power internal alarm and distance-tracking circuitry. The detector provides a combination of backup alarm and hubodometer functionality in a common device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Company
    Inventors: James Edward Bryton Stewart, Jr., John Luis Aldape
  • Patent number: 10013295
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus comprising thresholding means adapted to check if an average frequency of occurrence of timing violations is outside a range; and controlling means adapted to control at least one of a clock frequency, a processing, a heat generation, a bias voltage, a current, and a temperature in a direction to bring the average frequency of occurrence of timing violations into the range if the average frequency of occurrence of timing violations is outside the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MINIMA PROCESSOR OY
    Inventors: Jani Mäkipää, Lauri Koskinen, Matthew Turnquist, Markus Hiienkari
  • Patent number: 9908374
    Abstract: A tire module for attachment to an inside of a pneumatic tire for vehicles includes a device for measuring and/or monitoring the air pressure in the tire. A transmitter for transmitting radio signals, which contains information regarding the air pressure in the tire, includes a mechanical-electrical transducer having a flexible piezo-electrical element, which converts alternating changes in shape of the piezo-electric element caused by the rolling tire into electric energy and includes a storage unit for the electric energy, which is connected to the transducer. The transducer may contain a circular, disc-like, piezo-electric element, which in the following is described as piezo disc and on which an electrical voltage generated through the piezo effect is tapped off on contact points which are located on opposite sides of the piezo disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Axel Dussinger, Ralf Kessler, Ingemar Wolf, Andre Seifert, Benjamin Mueller
  • Patent number: 9783009
    Abstract: A self-adaptive method for assisting tire inflation enables control of tire inflation. If the vehicle stops, the central unit of a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) can change in a self-adaptive manner from the reception configuration of the “moving” mode at a high bit rate to a “stationary” mode at a low bit rate. At the same time, if there is a variation in the pressure of a tire, the corresponding wheel unit is set for transmission in “stationary” mode at a low bit rate. The power Pa received at the central unit varies according to a curve (20) which shows, in the illustrated example, two positions of poor reception. By replacing high bit rate transmission with low bit rate transmission, the signal/noise ratio is improved and there is a gain in reception sensitivity of about 5 dB, and the risks of disturbance of the received power are virtually eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastien Kessler, Jerome Lee, Sebastien De Villardi
  • Patent number: 9701054
    Abstract: An injection molding system configured to complete molding by sequential injection molding by a plurality of injection devices, a data acquisition unit is configured to acquire an operation data, a count value of an injection molding number, and identification information of the injection device, and an injection molding number setting unit is configured to set the count number of the injection molding number stored in the injection molding number storing unit of each injection device composing the plurality of the injection devices to be same number, when the injection molding system begins the injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo Komiya, Tatsuhiro Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9575087
    Abstract: Single-use, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor or in a barcode printed on the sensor. These sensors may be utilized with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances. The sensors exhibit both their primary sensing function such as conductivity, pH level, dissolved oxygen, pressure or temperature, as well as at least one secondary sensing function of risk management or risk mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 9489408
    Abstract: A data processing device including a processing unit that performs data processing and a history recording module that records an operation history of the processing unit. The history recording module includes a storage unit that stores therein history information, and a recording control unit that writes content recording information recording contents and count information recording a counted value in the storage unit as the history information, recording information being broken into the content recording information and the count information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Yuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9443115
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for circuit card insertion tracking are described. In an embodiment, a method may include detecting insertion of a pluggable circuit card into a socket connector, and incrementing a count of insertions in an insertion counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Berke, Sandor Farkas
  • Patent number: 9188460
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for displaying monitored activity data in substantial real-time on a screen of a computing device. One example method includes capturing motion data associated with activity of a user via an activity tracking device. The motion data is quantified into a plurality of metrics associated with the activity of the user. The method storing the motion data in storage of the activity tracking device. The method connects the activity tracking device with a computing device over a wireless data connection, and sending motion data to the computing device for display of a metric, of the plurality of metrics, on a graphical user interface of an activity application of the computing device. The sending of motion data to the computing device is configured to continue while additional motion data is captured and sent to the computing device. The metric displayed on the graphical user interface is shown to change in an increasing numerical or graphical form in substantial real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Burton, Heiko Panther, James Park, Eric Friedman, Shelten Yuen, Christine Brumback, Timothy Roberts
  • Patent number: 9107626
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Walter M. Weber, Ryan Timothy McHale
  • Publication number: 20150124925
    Abstract: An engine wear detection system includes (a) detector for generating a signal correlated with the rotation of a rotary member of an engine; (b) a processor for processing said signal to determine the number of rotations performed by the rotary member; and, (c) a cyclometer display for visually displaying the cumulative number of rotations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Michael Falzarano and Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Falzarano
  • Publication number: 20150036781
    Abstract: Methods and associated devices useful for the health monitoring of igniters of gas turbine engines are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments disclosed include the use of an accumulated spark count to an igniter to obtain an indication of wear on the igniter and/or the remaining life of the igniter. An exemplary method disclosed includes: receiving one or more signals indicative of a commanded spark count to the igniter for one or more ignition events; processing the one or more signals indicative of the commanded spark count to the igniter, determining a total accumulated commanded spark count to the igniter; and generating one or more signals indicative of at least one of an estimated wear on the igniter or an estimated remaining life of the igniter based on the total accumulated commanded spark count to the igniter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Youssef
  • Publication number: 20140301525
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed, embodiments of which are adapted to withstand, detect, and record detection of heat cycle events, including autoclave cycles. Embodiments of the measurement device comprise a sensor for measuring a characteristic of a medium and a heat cycle detection unit. Embodiments of the heat cycle detection unit comprise a temperature or atmospheric pressure responsive element, a detection module, data interface, and data memory. In one disclosed embodiment, the temperature or pressure responsive element is configured to respond to a characteristic of a heat cycle event while the heat cycle detection unit is off. In another disclosed embodiment, the detection module is configured to automatically power off the heat cycle detection unit in response to detecting an autoclave cycle. Methods of using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BROADLEY-JAMES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William E. Reynolds, IV, Robert J. Garrahy, Andrew W. Hayward, Robert Fish, Jared H. Nathanson, Scott T. Broadley
  • Patent number: 8695500
    Abstract: A self-inking stamp includes a housing, in which an ink pad holder adapted to receive an ink pad and a stamping unit including stamp types are arranged. The ink pad holder is replaceably arranged in the housing. An actuating member is slidably mounted on the housing and is coupled with a turn-over mechanism for pivoting the stamping unit between a coloring position and a print position. A signal generator records a movement of the actuating member into an actuating position corresponding to the print position. An electronic evaluating unit including a counting module is connected to the signal generator for processing a signal supplied by the signal generator. A switching member is connected to the evaluating unit and is arranged to be switched from a first switching state to a second switching state when the ink pad holder is inserted or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Colp Stempelerzeugung Skopek Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ernst Faber
  • Publication number: 20140098926
    Abstract: A counter includes: a count processing circuit including a nonvolatile register; a regulator receiving voltage from a direct current power supply, generating power supply voltage based on the received voltage for the count processing circuit, and supplying the power supply voltage to the count processing circuit; and a delay circuit receiving the power supply voltage and supplying a count signal to the count processing circuit after the power supply voltage is supplied to the count processing circuit. After having received the power supply voltage from the regulator, the count processing circuit updates a count value in response to the count signal and holds the updated count value in the nonvolatile register in a non-volatile manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki FUCHIKAMI, Noriyuki EMA, Hiromitsu KIMURA, Yoshikazu Fujimori
  • Patent number: 8665091
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining elapsed sensor life in medical systems, and more specifically continuous analyte monitoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Fennell, Saeed Nekoomaram
  • Patent number: 8660234
    Abstract: There is broadly contemplated herein an arrangement whereby each event source feeds a small dedicated “pre-counter” while an actual count is kept in a 64-bit wide RAM. Such an implementation preferably may involve a state machine that simply sweeps through the pre-counters, in a predetermined fixed order. Preferably, the state machine will access each pre-counter, add the value from the pre-counter to a corresponding RAM location, and then clear the pre-counter. Accordingly, the pre-counters merely have to be wide enough such that even at a maximal event rate, the pre-counter will not be able to wrap (i.e., reach capacity or overflow) before the “sweeper” state machine accesses the pre-counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Alfred Bender, Peter Heiner Hochschild, Ashutosh Misra, Richard Swetz
  • Patent number: 8531047
    Abstract: An energy converter is disclosed which is provided for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Also disclosed is a counter, which includes its operating energy and also the counting information or the counting pulses from the energy converter named above. A method is also disclosed for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Also disclosed is a method for operating the counter with the electrical energy obtained according to the method. Also disclosed is a system made from at least one or more of the counters named above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Holger Alfons Eggert
  • Patent number: 8514999
    Abstract: Occurrences of a particular event in an electronic device are counted by incrementing an event counter each time a variable number of the particular events have occurred, and automatically increasing that variable number as the total count increases. The variable number (prescale value) can increase geometrically according to a programmable counter base each time the count mantissa overflows. The event counter thereby provides hardware-implemented automatic prescaling while significantly reducing the number of interface bits required to support very large count ranges, and retaining high accuracy at very large event counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Giles R. Frazier, Venkat R. Indukuru, Alexander E. Mericas, John F. Spannaus
  • Publication number: 20130170604
    Abstract: In order to monitor the number of plug cycles of a plug, such as a plug of a charging cable for an electric car, a plug cycle counter associated with the plug is counted up in an electronic memory after every plug cycle. A warning can thus be issued when a permitted quantity of plug cycles for the plug has been exceeded. Alternatively, the electrical connection at a charging station for an electric car or at a data cable for an automation system can also be cut off if the service life of the plug has been exceeded. High availability of the plug is thereby achieved, because the corresponding cable can be replaced in a timely manner. A hazard to persons due to defective current-carrying parts is also prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Rainer Falk
  • Publication number: 20130083884
    Abstract: A filter status module for use with a container based filtration device includes a dispensing sensor and a user interface communicatively coupled to a processing unit. The processing unit counts a number of dispensing events, duration and/or angle of tilt signaled by the dispensing sensor and outputs a filter status on the user interface as a function of the number of dispensing events, duration and/or angle of tilt. The processing unit may further track an elapsed period of time from insertion of a new filter and output the filter status as a further function of the elapsed period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin Ma, Rick T. Nishijima, John W. Jamieson, Edward M. Buckley, Teruo Hishiki, David Dycher, Ho Pun Chung
  • Patent number: 8311858
    Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Progressive Casualty Insurance Company
    Inventors: William Curtis Everett, Richard Ashton Hutchinson, Wilbert John Steigerwald, III, William Andrew Say, Patrick Lawrence O'Malley, Dane Allen Shrallow, Raymond Scott Ling, Robert John McMillan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120207265
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a key insertion into a lock or a key removal from the lock, comprising: a movement sensing device attached to the key configured to sense movement of the key; and a processing unit configured to process signals received from said movement sensing device, the processing unit is configured to detect a key insertion into a lock, or a key removal from a lock based on the signals received from said movement sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Hillel WEINSTEIN
  • Patent number: 8218711
    Abstract: An accessory for a small electrical appliance, such as a brush attachment for an electric toothbrush or a shaving component for an electric shaving apparatus, including a data memory and a transponder. The accessory includes an electronic circuit that modifies a value stored in the data memory each time the electronic circuit receives a corresponding signal. Also described is a method of determining the end of the period of use of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Neyer
  • Publication number: 20120051490
    Abstract: Methods and/or devices are provided for monitoring life-expectancy and/or useful life of an optical transceiver module by tracking an insertion cycle count of an optical transceiver module. An alarm/warning indicator may be generated or the optical transceiver module can be disabled completely if the insertion cycle count exceeds a predefined threshold. The host device first detects the insertion of the optical transceiver module and then reads the cycle count along with an identifier value from the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module. The host device then increments the insertion cycle count by one, to account for the current insertion, and stores this new cycle count into a non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module. The insertion cycle count value may be encrypted and/or the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module may be password-protected to avoid accidental and/or unauthorized access to the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SANMINA-SCI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Asif Hussain, Joshua Chien, Sushil Dhiman
  • Publication number: 20120051491
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a thermal-effect unit and a processing unit. The thermal-effect unit generates an electrical energy and forms a temporary channel when experiencing a thermal cycle. The processing unit has a thermal-cycle number, and updates the thermal-cycle number through the temporary channel in response to the electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jui-Chung Lee, Wen-Hung Tu, Guo-Zhen Huang
  • Patent number: 8081730
    Abstract: An exemplary monitoring device includes: a time chip connected to a connector to generate a time signal and a count signal when the connector is working, the time signal indicating how long the connector is in use, the count signal indicating that the total number of times the connector has been used should be incremented by one; a processor connected to the time chip to receive the time signal and count signal, and generate a data signal including a total service time and a total number of times the connector has been used; a clock generator connected to the processor to provide a clock signal; and an output port connected to the processor to output the data signal. The monitoring device keeps a watch on a connector for showing the service information about the connector to make an operator know if the connector needs to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang-Dong Yuan, Xian-Ming Wang, Chung-Chi Huang, Rong Hu
  • Patent number: 8027609
    Abstract: An apparatus having an operative mode and a non-operative mode with a method for counting events with a volatile counter and a non-volatile electronic memory having a number N of memory areas, includes counting events with the volatile counter, when the count value has been incremented by a predetermined number M or when the apparatus passes into the non-operative mode, saving the count value to one of the memory areas, with cycling switching of the memory area into which the count value is written; and when the apparatus passes into the operative mode, initializing the counter with the maximum of the count values stored in the N memory areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Antonius C. M. Van Buren, Alexander H. Venema, Johannes T. M. Neggers
  • Patent number: 7999686
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an interactive packaging system for monitoring the usage of personal hygiene products, personal hygiene product packages, and restroom facilities. The interactive packaging system may include a plurality of usage monitoring devices each configured to detect physical stimulus associated with the usage of the product, package or facility with which the usage monitoring device is associate, and to transmit usage messages containing information relating to the detected physical stimulus. The interactive packaging system may further include a base station configured to receive the usage messages transmitted by the plurality of usage monitoring devices and to generate sensory perceptible outputs corresponding to the information contained in the usage messages. Either the usage monitoring devices or the base station may be configured to determine whether the products, packages or facilities are used appropriately based on the detected physical stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yolanda Christina Kennish, Philip Andrew Sawin, Alyce Johnson Papa, Kilian John O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7954429
    Abstract: A combined ink stamp and digital counter device includes a portable self-inking stamp that includes a housing provided with a print head. The device also includes a mechanical print head actuator that is coupled to the print head for urging the print head along a linear reciprocating path defined between an upper resting position and a lower stamping position. The device further includes a counting mechanism that is coupled to the print head actuator and is configured to conveniently count a number of stampings when the print head actuator is displaced to the lower stamping position. The device furthermore includes a display screen that is electrically coupled to the counting mechanism and is configured to display the number of stampings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Hatim Abukhdair
  • Publication number: 20110122987
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an accessory for a small electrical appliance, such as a brush attachment for an electric toothbrush or a shaving component for an electric shaving apparatus, including a data memory and a transponder. The accessory furthermore includes an electronic circuitry which modifies a value stored in the data memory each time it receives a corresponding signal. Also described is a method of determining the end of the period of use of the accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BRAUN GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Neyer
  • Publication number: 20110007862
    Abstract: An energy converter is disclosed which is provided for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Also disclosed is a counter, which includes its operating energy and also the counting information or the counting pulses from the energy converter named above. A method is also disclosed for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Also disclosed is a method for operating the counter with the electrical energy obtained according to the method. Also disclosed is a system made from at least one or more of the counters named above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Holger Eggert
  • Patent number: 7866566
    Abstract: In a method for transferring data from a tachograph (1) onto a smartcard (3), the smartcard (3) is moved out of and back into the tachograph (1) by an electromotive drive (8) as a function of stipulated conditions. In the process, spring contacts (6) of the tachograph (1) rub over contact areas (5) of the smartcard (3) and remove any dirt which may be present. The conditions for starting the electromotive drive (8) and the intended operation of the electromotive drive (8) are stored in a memory (10) of an electronic control device (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Klostermeier, Horst Näther, Thomas Riester, Peter Wolf
  • Patent number: 7850071
    Abstract: A work management data collection system 1 is provided with a data collection mechanism in a tool 2, and by counting a number of times a work operation has been executed or the like, obtains a work data identifying the work task that has been executed and detects a time data required for the work task. The system is provided with an RFID tag 3a on an ID card 3 held by a worker, and by writing data into the ID card 3 of the worker who carried out the work task, using an RFID reader/writer 4 provided on the tool 2, the system obtains data necessary for the work management from the ID card 3 of the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gorou Sakamoto, Tomohiko Serita
  • Patent number: 7791490
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an interactive packaging system for monitoring the usage of personal hygiene products, personal hygiene product packages, and restroom facilities. The interactive packaging system may include a plurality of usage monitoring devices each configured to detect physical stimulus associated with the usage of the product, package or facility with which the usage monitoring device is associate, and to transmit usage messages containing information relating to the detected physical stimulus. The interactive packaging system may further include a base station configured to receive the usage messages transmitted by the plurality of usage monitoring devices and to generate sensory perceptible outputs corresponding to the information contained in the usage messages. Either the usage monitoring devices or the base station may be configured to determine whether the products, packages or facilities are used appropriately based on the detected physical stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yolanda Christina Kennish, Philip Andrew Sawin, Alyce Johnson Papa, Kilian John O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7770048
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a device and a counter system coupled thereto. The counter system provides an indication of a number of times the device is inserted into a slot. Through the use of the device disclosed above, a history and a number of insertions of a particular device within a system can be known and therefore it can be determined if the integrity of the device is threatened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Slavek P. Aksamit, David D. Chudy, Cristian Medina
  • Publication number: 20100117829
    Abstract: A flow sensor is equipped with a non-volatile memory for storing various information, such as a count of thermal and/or chemical treatments for sterilization that the sensor has been subjected to, a serial number, an expiry date, or notifications. When connecting the flow sensor to a control unit, this data is read out and processed appropriately. For example, after each treatment, the count of thermal treatments stored in memory is increased, or the expiry date is checked against the current date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Felix Mayer, Mark Hornung, Pascal Gerner
  • Publication number: 20100027582
    Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for a manufacturer of reusable medical apparatuses to provide timely post-sale service for replaceable parts. In one embodiment, the probe assembly of an electronic thermometer has a connector that is equipped with a memory device, e.g., EEPROM, that stores a variety of probe-specific service information including usage count of the probe, probe warranty information and error codes. The user can plug the connector, e.g., through an adapter module, to a local computer's USB port and submit the stored service information to a website maintained by the probe manufacturer to check up and get service for the specific probe in a timely fashion. Automatic alert for replacement probe orders depending on the amount of usage, automatic generation of RMA numbers when the probe warranty is determined to be in effect, and automatic service calls for malfunctioning thermometers can all be accomplished accordingly without the need for manual record-keeping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Welch Allyn. Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Lane, Tyson B. Whitaker, Matthew J. Kinsley, Craig M. Meyerson, Scott A. Martin, Ray D. Stone, David E. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20100014626
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining elapsed sensor life in medical systems, and more specifically continuous analyte monitoring systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Martin J. Fennell, Saeed Nekoomaram
  • Publication number: 20100008464
    Abstract: An apparatus for profiling a computer system, where the apparatus contains a resolution register, a counter, and a monitor. The resolution register stores a variable, which sets the timing for when the apparatus will create an output that can be used to gauge the system's performance. The counter counts the operations of the system, while the monitor monitors occurrences, activities that occur during each operation. Once the number of operations lapse equal to the variable, a reading is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: FRANK HELLWIG
  • Patent number: 7643603
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic process counter that detects electrical signals from fasteners and attachments fastened to devices in a hard disk drive manufacturing line and uses the signals to increment the count of the fastens. Count signals are then transmitted to a plurality of display units for visual display to monitoring operators in the manufacturing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Angelo P. Miranda, Marvin C. Tenio
  • Publication number: 20090322255
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving and adjusting light is provided, applicable to the LED lighting environment. Without the necessity to change the existing wiring and lighting devices, the driving and light adjusting apparatus of the present invention can cooperate with LED driver, by counting the number of switch ON/OFF times, to enable the LED driver to adjust light so that the LED lighting device is capable of light adjustment in addition to lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Huan-Po Lin
  • Publication number: 20090202032
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic process counter that detects electrical signals from fasteners and attachments fastened to devices in a hard disk drive manufacturing line and uses the signals to increment the count of the fastens. Count signals are then transmitted to a plurality of display units for visual display to monitoring operators in the manufacturing line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Angelo P. Miranda, Marvin C. Tenio
  • Patent number: 7571076
    Abstract: A performance monitor device includes an input unit to input both of address information and event occurrence information, an address mask unit to determine an address area to which each piece of the inputted address information belongs, an execution frequency counter to count a number of times of execution of programs in the address areas, an execution frequency holding unit to hold a counting result of the number of times of execution, an event occurrence information counter to count the event occurrence information corresponding to the address areas having the counting result of the number of times of execution included within a predetermined number of highest ranks, a holding unit to hold a counting results of the event occurrence information, and a storing unit to store the counting result of the event occurrence information corresponding to the address area having the highest number of times of execution in predetermined periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidenori Matsuzaki, Seiji Maeda
  • Publication number: 20090132398
    Abstract: Provided is a sealed cartridge for housing audio video media, the cartridge comprising an electrical counter displaying at least two different counting languages. The electrical counter configured to increment a count when the cartridge is in an audio video player device and the housed audio video media is accessed. An audio video media incorporating the electrical counter and a method of monitoring access to audio video media are also provided. Communication of usage counts over the Internet and processing payments to retailers, copyright holder and others are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Harris H. Egendorf
  • Publication number: 20090122949
    Abstract: An invention is provided for wear leveling in a non-volatile memory system utilizing relative wear counters to indicate relative levels of wear for each memory block in a non-volatile memory system. Whenever a memory block is erased, the associated relative wear counter is incremented. Then, when any relative wear counter reaches a predetermined limit, the value of the lowest relative wear counter is subtracted from each relative wear counter. Thus, each relative wear counter indicates a relative wear level of the associated memory block relative to other memory blocks. In this manner, the relative wear levels are maintained while reducing the amount of memory needed to for each relative wear counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: DENALI SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Reid, Robert Pierce, Narayanan Vinay Krishnan, Amit Bhardwaj
  • Publication number: 20090052608
    Abstract: A method for dynamically adjusting a hardware event counting lime-slice window includes initializing a time-slice weight corresponding to a hardware event, initializing the hardware event counting time-slice window based on the time-slice weight and setting a performance monitoring unit (PMU) to monitor the hardware event with a value extracted from a performance monitoring counter (PMC) table. The PMU includes at least one control register and at least one performance monitoring counter (PMC) register, and the value corresponds to the hardware event. The method further includes counting occurrences of the hardware event until the time-slice window expires to provide a single pass count value, normalizing the single pass count value to provide a normalized single pass count value, calculating an adjusted time-slice weight using the normalized single pass count value and the time-slice weight, and storing the adjusted time-slice weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: John E. Attinella