Clock-calendar (e.g., Time Of Day) Patents (Class 700/16)
  • Patent number: 11768471
    Abstract: Systems and methods to create a customized watch face and retrieve the watch face to be displayed are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may effectuate presentation of a selection interface; receive a mint request to mint the watch face in accordance with a watch face design; effectuate a transfer of consideration from a user wallet to an administrative wallet; mint the watch face; transfer a non-fungible token to the user wallet; receive a display request to display the watch face on a watch screen; determine whether the user wallet holds a non-fungible token associated with the watch face; responsive to the user wallet holding the non-fungible token, facilitate display of the watch face on the watch screen; responsive to the user wallet not holding the non-fungible token, take no action to facilitate display of the watch face on the watch screen; and/or perform other operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Watch Skins Corporation
    Inventors: Collin Knock, Justin Knock
  • Patent number: 11676261
    Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and facilitating repair of system components and/or improving watering schedules are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing a sprinkler system component is disclosed that includes initiating a sprinkler system zone run for a particular zone of a sprinkler system, capturing image data for the sprinkler system run, uploading the image data to a network node, processing the image data at the network node to produce data on the sprinkler system or a sprinkler system component, and generating an action item for the sprinkler system or sprinkler system component based on the data produced at the network node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: RACHIO, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Klein
  • Patent number: 11576012
    Abstract: An irrigation system includes a network hub and a plurality of remote terminal units configured for wireless communication with the network hub. The remote terminal units are connected to a device for irrigation control or sensing, such as a valve for a sprinkler. The network hub is configured to transmit a wireless broadcast to the remote terminal units, in which the wireless broadcast includes a plurality of individual packets transmitted in succession, each of the plurality of individual packets including a network identifier associated with the network hub, a time remaining in a broadcast period of time, and an assignment map indicative of an assigned state for each of the plurality of remote terminal units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Griggs, Mark Bauman
  • Patent number: 11277714
    Abstract: An irrigation system includes a network hub and a plurality of remote terminal units configured for wireless communication with the network hub. The remote terminal units are connected to a device for irrigation control or sensing, such as a valve for a sprinkler. The network hub is configured to transmit a wireless broadcast to the remote terminal units, in which the wireless broadcast includes a plurality of individual packets transmitted in succession, each of the plurality of individual packets including a network identifier associated with the network hub, a time remaining in a broadcast period of time, and an assignment map indicative of an assigned state for each of the plurality of remote terminal units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Griggs, Mark Bauman
  • Patent number: 10915070
    Abstract: The present invention is to reduce an increase in a processing load when a background image is displayed in addition to pointer images indicating pointer movements. A control section displays a plurality of pointer images indicating pointer movements in a timepiece display area of a display section based on time information acquired from a clock circuit. Here, the control section identifies an area where the plurality of pointer images are displayed, such as a pointer movement area or a pointer presence area in the pointer movement area, and controls to perform high-load and low-load display operations with different processing loads on the identified area and an area other than the identified area, such as an outer area outside the pointer movement area or a pointer absence area in the pointer movement area, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Murai
  • Patent number: 10772268
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for optimizing and adjusting water usage are described. An example method may include receiving water usage data and determining a peaking factor for water usage. The peaking factor may be associated with water usage at a flow controller. A flow controller can control various types of water outlets, such as a water sprinkler for a residential home. The flow controller may be positioned along a main water supply to a property or home. The method may also include determining that the peaking factor passes a threshold water usage for the flow controller and adjusting a watering schedule of the flow controller based partly on the determination that the peaking factor passed the threshold water usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: RACHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Klein, Richard Clayton Kraus, Franz David Garsombke
  • Patent number: 10628182
    Abstract: Information identifying a current hardware configuration of a system may be received. Furthermore, information of a new hardware component that has not been installed may be received. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided with an option to install the new hardware component with the system. In response to a selection from the GUI of the option to install the new hardware component with the system, a plurality of actions to install the new hardware component with the current hardware configuration of the system may be determined. A guide may be generated based on the determined plurality of actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: PURE STORAGE, INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin N. Quisumbing
  • Patent number: 10592662
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for altering time data may include (i) identifying an untrusted executable that is capable of making queries to an operating system of the computing device, (ii) intercepting a request by the untrusted executable to query a system clock of the operating system of the computing device for a current time, (iii) calculating an offset value for the current time that is within a predetermined margin of the current time, and (iv) providing, in response to the request, the untrusted executable with the offset value for the current time instead of the current time. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Sobel
  • Patent number: 10579075
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting abnormal consumption in a distributed water infrastructure. The system may comprise at least one processor. The system may receive from at least one sensor associated with the distributed water infrastructure indications of regular water usage, wherein the distributed water infrastructure includes a plurality of water appliances. The system may determine from the indications received over a time period, at least one recurring time period of expected diminished water usage. The system may determine for the at least one recurring time period of expected diminished water usage at least one expected diminished water usage profile. The system may receive from the at least one sensor during a current time period of expected diminished water usage, real time indications of water usage, which may constitute a current water usage profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Wint WI, Ltd.
    Inventors: Avy Tahan, Dror Galron
  • Patent number: 10506692
    Abstract: For automated commissioning for automatic grid mapping, load devices comprising a load and detection devices have the detection devices (1) communicate with management devices (2) and comprise detectors (11) for detecting switchings of loads (3), timers (12) for determining and storing timings of the switchings of the loads (3) and transmitters (12) for transmitting information to the management devices (2). This information defines the timings of the switchings of the loads (3) as well as identifications of the detection devices (1), of the loads (3), and/or of load devices (201-220) comprising the detection devices (1) and the loads (3). The timings of the switchings of the loads (3) may define moments in time. By switching different groups of loads (3) at different moments in time, the different groups can be distinguished from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Peter Van Der Brug
  • Patent number: 10320855
    Abstract: A method of controlling operations of a participating controlled device in a network that includes a control device and the participating controlled device, the method including: receiving operation limiting information from the participating controlled device, the operation limiting information including combinations of allowed operations from among a plurality of operations that the participating controlled device is capable of performing, and power consumption levels that are relative amounts of power consumption of the combinations of allowed operations; setting a power consumption level corresponding to the participating controlled device, from among the power consumption levels, based on information regarding time-based price and the operation limiting information; and controlling the operations of the participating controlled device based on the set power consumption level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-hwi Jang, Hyun-soo Park, Young-jin Park, Jong-hyun Shin, Kyu-suk Lee
  • Patent number: 10305324
    Abstract: A smart meter includes: a power supply control unit which causes stoppage of a supply of power passing through the smart meter to an television and so on, when an RD command to stop the supply is received; a first communication unit which performs a first communication through which the RD command is received; a second communication unit which performs a second communication; and a communication control unit which: causes the performance of the first communication before the RD command is received; and prohibit the performance of the first communication and cause only the performance of the second communication, after the RD command is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SUN PATENT TRUST
    Inventors: Hideki Matsushima, Natsume Matsuzaki, Tomoyuki Haga
  • Patent number: 10249088
    Abstract: A method for remote virtual reality control of movable vehicle partitions includes displaying a graphic model of at least a portion of a vehicle on an output device. The output device is located remotely from the vehicle and the vehicle has one or more movable vehicle partitions. The method includes processing images received from one or more imaging devices, the images including gestures relative to the graphic model. The method includes identifying one or more vehicle commands based on the gestures relative to the graphic model. The vehicle commands define control of the one or more movable vehicle partitions. The method further includes executing the vehicle commands at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Whinnery
  • Patent number: 10188050
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan L. Walker, Harvey J. Nickerson, Blake Snider
  • Patent number: 10170102
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for estimating the accuracy of a transcription of a voice recording. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, each word of a transcription of a voice recording is checked against a customer-specific dictionary and/or a common language dictionary. The number of words not found in either dictionary is determined. An accuracy number for the transcription is calculated from the number of said words not found and the total number of words in the transcription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., John P. Kaemmerer, Craig M. Trim
  • Patent number: 10002606
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for estimating the accuracy of a transcription of a voice recording. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, each word of a transcription of a voice recording is checked against a customer-specific dictionary and/or a common language dictionary. The number of words not found in either dictionary is determined. An accuracy number for the transcription is calculated from the number of said words not found and the total number of words in the transcription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, John P. Kaemmerer, Craig M. Trim
  • Patent number: 9992613
    Abstract: A method for connecting a field device (1) to an operating unit (2), and a field device (1) for use therewith, via which a connection between a field device and an operating unit can be implemented when the field device is mounted at a location that is difficult to access is achieved in that a query signal is transmitted to the field device (1) by the operating unit (2) and that a response signal is generated by the field device (1) as a reaction to the query signal, in that the field device (1) generates a blinking display and/or a change in color of the display and/or an acoustic signal and/or a change in an acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Lars Lemke
  • Patent number: 9906550
    Abstract: A network is protected from e-mail viruses through the use of a sacrificial server. Any executable programs or other suspicious parts of incoming e-mail messages are forwarded to a sacrificial server, where they are converted to non-executable format such as Adobe Acrobat PDF and sent to the recipient. The sacrificial server is then checked for virus activity. After the execution is completed, the sacrificial server is rebooted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures I LLC
    Inventors: Walter Mason Stewart, Marcelo Carrera, Robert G. Hook
  • Patent number: 9892725
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for estimating the accuracy of a transcription of a voice recording. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, each word of a transcription of a voice recording is checked against a customer-specific dictionary and/or a common language dictionary. The number of words not found in either dictionary is determined. An accuracy number for the transcription is calculated from the number of said words not found and the total number of words in the transcription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., John P. Kaemmerer, Craig M. Trim
  • Patent number: 9678485
    Abstract: A landscape controller includes a housing and a control panel in the housing. The control panel includes a display and at least one manual control that enable a user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. A memory is provided for storing an operational program for carrying out the watering schedule. A processor is connected to the memory and is capable of executing the operational program. A connecting device in the control panel operatively connects at least one feature module to the processor. The controller further includes station control circuitry controlled by the processor that enables the processor to selectively energize a plurality of valves to deliver water to sprinklers in accordance with the watering schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: HUNTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Malaugh, Peter J. Woytowitz
  • Patent number: 9583978
    Abstract: A smart meter includes: a power supply control unit which causes stoppage of a supply of power passing through the smart meter to an television and so on, when an RD command to stop the supply is received; a first communication unit which performs a first communication through which the RD command is received; a second communication unit which performs a second communication; and a communication control unit which: causes the performance of the first communication before the RD command is received; and prohibit the performance of the first communication and cause only the performance of the second communication, after the RD command is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Matsushima, Natsume Matsuzaki, Tomoyuki Haga
  • Patent number: 9538625
    Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved control of addressable lighting fixtures. Individual lighting units have assigned schedules defining the power levels for the unit at various times of the day. Adjustments to a scheduled level for each unit may be made depending on predefined exceptions, ambient daylight, conservation commands, override instructions, and boost signals. Individual occupants of the building are associated with sets of individual lighting units. An override command received by the system and associated with a particular individual occupant is applied to the individual lighting units with which the individual occupant is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Barna Szabados, Roumanos Dableh
  • Patent number: 9523993
    Abstract: Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Weaver, Bradley A. Kayton
  • Patent number: 9488993
    Abstract: A controller for operating a water heater includes an input device configured to input a temperature setpoint for the water heater and a processor coupled to the input device. The input device is configured to input at least one restricted setpoint above a predetermined maximum temperature. The processor is configured to detect that an unlock sequence has been input using at least the input device, and in response to the detection of the unlock sequence, permit the water heater to operate at the restricted setpoint above the predetermined maximum temperature when the restricted setpoint is selected using the input device within a predetermined length of time after the detection of the unlock sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Koopman
  • Patent number: 9295170
    Abstract: A lighting controller includes a housing and a power transformer mounted in the housing for stepping down an inputted AC power signal at a first higher voltage to at least one output AC power signal at a second lower voltage for powering a plurality of light fixtures. The controller further includes a switching device that can be closed and opened to connect and disconnect a primary winding of the power transformer to a source of AC power that can provide the inputted AC power signal. At least one wire connection terminal is connected to a secondary winding of the power transformer. A face pack is removably mounted in the housing and is operatively connected to the source of AC power and the switching device. The face pack includes a display, at least one manually actuable input device, a processor, a memory operatively connected to the processor, and an operational program stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Woytowitz, Darrin I. Schmuckle
  • Patent number: 9275376
    Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting soft reminders (e.g., reminders for notes with no triggering criteria). A reminder manager receives an input, from a user, for specifying a note. The note is not associated with triggering criteria. In response to the request, the reminder manager retrieves contextual information from a device associated with the user, and causes, at least in part, presentation of a reminder of the note based, at least in part, on the contextual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Keith Barraclough, Stephen Hartford, David Irvine, James Gerlach, Erich Domingo, Christopher Dame, Christopher Nyffeler, Anke Pierik, Kristian Simsarian
  • Patent number: 9258131
    Abstract: A method of controlling operations of a participating controlled device in a network that includes a control device and the participating controlled device, the method including: receiving operation limiting information from the participating controlled device, the operation limiting information including combinations of allowed operations from among a plurality of operations that the participating controlled device is capable of performing, and power consumption levels that are relative amounts of power consumption of the combinations of allowed operations; setting a power consumption level corresponding to the participating controlled device, from among the power consumption levels, based on information regarding time-based price and the operation limiting information; and controlling the operations of the participating controlled device based on the set power consumption level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-hwi Jang, Hyun-soo Park, Young-jin Park, Jong-hyun Shin, Kyu-suk Lee
  • Patent number: 9239575
    Abstract: To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Robert Alan Weddle, James F. Archer
  • Patent number: 9172275
    Abstract: A system includes a first controller carried by a first electrical outlet, and a management system in communication with the first controller through a first communication link. A second controller is carried by a second electrical outlet, and an electrical load operates in response to receiving power from the second electrical outlet. The management system determines a performance parameter of the electrical load in response to receiving information corresponding to the operation of the electrical load from the first controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Minesh Bhakta
  • Patent number: 9130411
    Abstract: A smart meter includes: a power supply control unit which causes stoppage of a supply of power passing through the smart meter to an television and so on, when an RD command to stop the supply is received; a first communication unit which performs a first communication through which the RD command is received; a second communication unit which performs a second communication; and a communication control unit which: causes the performance of the first communication before the RD command is received; and prohibit the performance of the first communication and cause only the performance of the second communication, after the RD command is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Matsushima, Natsume Matsuzaki, Tomoyuki Haga
  • Patent number: 9049821
    Abstract: A watering control system includes a bridge device and a flow control device. The bridge device communicates with a web server to maintain a watering schedule. The bridge device also communicates wirelessly with the flow control device. The flow control device includes an annular inlet for connecting to an external faucet or another source of fluid, an annular outlet for connecting to a hose or another water conveying channel, and a conduit positioned in communication with the inlet and the outlet. The flow control device further includes a wireless receiver and a valve. The receiver is configured to receive a wirelessly transmitted valve activation signal from the bridge device and the valve is configured to open in accordance with the activation signal to enable the fluid to flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: John Nashed Hanna
  • Publication number: 20150121092
    Abstract: A real time generating device applied in an electronic apparatus is provided. The real time generating device includes a real time clock module and an energy harvesting module. The real time clock module is configured to generate real time information. The energy harvesting module electrically connected to the real time clock module harvests surrounding environment energy to generate electrical energy and supply power to the real time clock module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventor: Li-Te HUNG
  • Patent number: 9021598
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing application events are provided. In embodiments, a notifier is received that indicates a usage of an application installed on a user device and a date associated with the usage. A verification notifier is also received that verifies that the user device is registered in association with the application and indicates a date associated with the verification. The date associated with the usage and the date associated with the verification are compared to determine whether the dates occur within a predetermined time period relative to one another. In such a case, it might be determined that a provider of the application installed on the user device should be rewarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Steven Duane Myers, Terry Gene Rayburn, Raymond Emilio Reeves, Ryan Alan Wick
  • Patent number: 8977400
    Abstract: A landscape controller includes a housing and a control panel in the housing. The control panel includes a display and at least one manual control that enables a user to enter and/or select a watering schedule. A memory is provided for storing an operational program for carrying out the watering schedule. A processor is connected to the memory and is capable of executing the operational program. A connecting device in the control panel operatively connects at least one feature module to the processor. The controller further includes station control circuitry controlled by the processor that enables the processor to selectively energize a plurality of valves to deliver water to sprinklers in accordance with the watering schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: La Monte D. Porter, Peter J. Woytowitz
  • Patent number: 8867804
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom cranial remodeling device of a type comprising plastic material is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a first database of three-dimensional digital surface images of trim lines for cranial remodeling devices of a first type; providing a second database of three-dimensional digital surface images of trim lines for cranial remodeling devices of a second type; providing a first program for creating trim lines for a cranial remodeling device of the first type, the first program utilizing the first database; providing a second program for creating trim lines for a cranial remodeling device of the second type, the second program utilizing the second database; generating a three-dimensional model of a desired head shape; forming the plastic material onto the model; and selecting one of the first or the second programs to generate trim lines for the cranial remodeling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cranial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerold N. Luisi, Timothy R. Littlefield, George E. Kechter, Jeanne K. Pomatto-Hertz
  • Patent number: 8855793
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for learning equipment schedules based on user occupancy patterns and equipment usage patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Zuli, Inc.
    Inventors: Siddhant Bhargava, Taylor Keith Umphreys, Benjamin Jerming Chang
  • Patent number: 8812136
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a location automation system via computing device having access to a calendar database is provided. Calendar data, from the calendar database, is processed to determine that at least one location automation event controlled by the location automation system is affected by the calendar data. The location automation setting data is updated, based on the calendar data, such that the at least one location automation event occurs according to the calendar data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Gaelle Christine Martin-Cocher, Sherryl Lee Lorraine Scott
  • Patent number: 8812007
    Abstract: A wireless sensor probe for use in environmental monitoring and control includes a separable probe body and sensor mast. The probe body includes a void configured to house the sensor mast including one or more sensor devices for sensing a soil property surrounding the probe body when the probe body is inserted partially into the ground. The probe body includes a probe top part for encapsulating the probe body and the sensor mast. The sensor mast is inserted into the probe body to form the sensor probe. In another embodiment, a wireless sensor probe includes a housing containing one or more sensor devices. The probe further includes a collar situated near a top portion of the housing being used to anchor the housing to the top of the ground and a gasket formed on the outside perimeter of the housing for securing the housing in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Digital Sun, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale K. Hitt, Kurtis G. Heaton
  • Publication number: 20140058537
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products describe cloud-based automation of home and industrial programmable controllers. A server executes a packet generation application for controlling an output device. The server then sends a package of commands to a programmable controller. Each command is executed according to date and time to control the output device. Because the packet generation application is cloud-based, different programs may be offered by competing vendors. The programmable controller may thus be agnostic to the packet generation application. The marketplace may thus develop a variety of server-based packet generation applications, each with different features, for controlling the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Larry T. Jost
  • Patent number: 8615313
    Abstract: A sequence of events (SOE) recorder facility in a process control network environment is described herein. The SOE recorder facility is hosted by a networked node that receives digital signal status change (event) data from a networked controller. The sequence of events recorder facility receives a configured set of digital data signals from the controller, temporarily buffers the events in chronological order according to timestamps assigned to the events by their sources (e.g., fieldbus modules). The data is thereafter copied/removed from the buffer and provided to multiple destinations including: a process database that maintains an archival copy of the received event data for rendering event reports, and an SOE client user interface for rendering event logs to printers and/or graphical user interface displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Irvine William Wilson, Erna Renate Heinzelmann
  • Patent number: 8588443
    Abstract: The method of operating a hearing system comprising at least two devices comprises the step of establishing a common network time among said at least two devices. Said at least two devices can be provided with information on the number of network time units that passed since a time zero point of said common network time. Information on the common network time can be communicated from one device to another device. A wireless link can be used for establishing said common network time. The common network time not only allows for a precise synchronization of events within the hearing system, but also for ordering and sequencing events. A priorization of events, like tasks and actions, is enabled, based on the common network time. Doubly-received or obsolete commands can be recognized and deleted, and tasks can be scheduled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Raoul Glatt, Micha Knaus, Rolf Laich
  • Patent number: 8562754
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having a door that provides access to the tub. The door has a handle which extends a top surface of the door beyond a front surface of the door. A touchscreen panel is mounted to the top surface of a door to provide a user interface. The user interface includes a carrousel of icons via which a user may select a wash cycle. The user interface further includes a programmed delay interface via which a user may specify a desired start time and/or stop time for the wash cycle. The user interface may further provide the user with usage guidance to aid the user in the usage of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Koch, Sandra C. Steward, Daniel Szecket
  • Patent number: 8532837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control unit (4) that maintains to execute the selected program as much as possible within the discounted rate interval when the user enters the end time (tf) for the selected program, by evaluating the clock (2) data and the momentary energy tariff signal received from the sensing means (3) within the time passing until the end time (tf) and guarantees completion of the program to be executed before the selected end time (tf).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
    Inventors: Bulent Efecik, Latif Tezduyar, Ufuk Levan Yakut
  • Patent number: 8374737
    Abstract: A low visibility landing system is provided for guiding aircraft on landing approaches. The low visibility landing system may aid a pilot during landing in low visibility conditions such that an aircraft may descend to lower altitudes without visual contact with the runway than is possible with other landing systems. The system may use various navigational systems to produce a hybrid signal that may be more stable than individual signals of those navigational systems. The hybrid signal is compared to a predetermined landing approach plan to determine the deviation of the aircraft from the landing approach plan and to provide guidance to the pilot to get the aircraft back onto the landing approach plan. The system may also use multiple navigational systems to perform checks on an operation of a primary navigational system to ensure that the primary navigational system is operating accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Takacs, Gary M. Freeman, Glenn L. Connor
  • Patent number: 8344880
    Abstract: A field device of automation technology, is fed via a two-wire line or via an energy source of limited energy reserve associated with the field device. The field device includes: a hardwired communication interface having at least one communication channel; and, associated with the communication interface, a functional unit, which is embodied in such a manner, that it performs sending and/or receiving of digital communication signals via the communication interface. The functional unit, for the purpose of energy saving, is turned on only in active, operating phases, while it is switched off in inactive, resting phases; and a detection circuit is provided, which detects a communication signal applied to the communication interface and automatically activates the functional unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Process Solutions AG
    Inventors: Christian Seiler, Marc Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20120310374
    Abstract: A coding apparatus provided as a dedicated coding unit which enables digital presentation of analog process data, such as temperature, voltage, current, pressure, speed, velocity, radiation, vibration, and noise. The individual data controller feeding the coding unit operates based on a digital Discrete Economic Modulation (DEM) principle, which is a general method introduced for averaging within a special behavioristic control loop and provides coherent, flexible data for monitoring, on-line decision making and discrete optimization using classic procedures such as regression and the simplex method. The raw data input is converted in accordance with the DEM method, averaged four times a day, to provide four mean numbers per calendar day or one number a day for each 6-hour data file, as four time history files for coherent and flexible analysis without time lag and PC-oriented processing, as a standard protocol model for data highway networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael ABERSON
  • Patent number: 8311672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot and a control method adapted for the robot. The method includes a) measuring time; b) performing a normal biological action when the time reaches a beginning time of a biological function; c) judging whether an instruction is received while during the biological function; d) if the instruction is received while during the biological function, fetching an action adjustment parameter of the biological function and performing an output; e) after the output is finished, resuming performing the normal biological action; and f) stopping the normal biological action when the time reaches an ending time of the biological function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Chung Chou, Li-Zhang Huang, Chuan-Hong Wang
  • Patent number: 8280534
    Abstract: When a system operator selects a message to be analyzed from among a plurality of messages listed in a state change list displayed on an HMI unit, a monitoring target is identified from the selected message and all other messages that correspond to the same monitoring target are automatically searched. Subsequently, a timeline chart is displayed that represents changes in the operating state specified in the selected message and the found messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Kitahara
  • Publication number: 20120232678
    Abstract: A building control system incorporating an external calendar service, having a schedule subsystem, a schedule synchronization subsystem connected to the schedule subsystem, and an external calendar configuration subsystem connected to the schedule synchronization subsystem. The schedule subsystem may have a schedule object, a building schedule mechanism for activating different subsystems in a building based on a configuration of a building schedule, and a schedule change mechanism for creating, configuring and/or changing the building schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kiran Hegde, Cuong Huynh, Patrick Brisbine, Stuart Donaldson
  • Patent number: 8250484
    Abstract: A computer and a method for generation commands include loading a data exchange format (DXF) image, and selecting a measurement tool and selecting a DXF feature of the DXF image. The generation commands method further includes generating an edge detection command of the selected DXF feature according to the measurement tool when the size of the selected DXF feature is not larger than the size of an image area. And an edge detection command corresponding to each of the reselected measurement tools is generated when the size of the selected DXF feature is larger than the size of the image area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Zhong-Kui Yuan, Yi-Rong Hong, Xian-Yi Chen, Dong-Hai Li