Remote Supervisory Monitoring Patents (Class 702/188)
  • Patent number: 8174996
    Abstract: A method may include receiving a first set of parameters associated with a test environment, the test environment including a test system for testing a network, receiving a test objective, conducting a first test case based on the received first set of parameters and the test objective, automatically determining, by the test system, whether the test objective has been satisfied based on a first test result associated with the first test case, and automatically adapting, by the test system, a second test case based on the first test result when it is determined that the test objective has not been satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Hassan M. Omar
  • Patent number: 8175835
    Abstract: A sensor includes one or more sensor transducers coupled with a signal conditioning IC incorporating signal conditioning circuitry and memory devoted to storing end-user downloadable coefficients. In a preferred embodiment, the IC is an ASIC and the end-user downloadable coefficients are pre-selected by the end-user based on its needs, and the coefficients are pre-stored in the ASIC when the sensor is calibrated. This results in a more cost-effective and space-efficient sensor device with improved functionality over that available in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Dmytriw, Lamar F. Ricks
  • Publication number: 20120107056
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes an embeddable antenna assembly as well as a sensor package that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna provides wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided, and life cycle monitoring is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SMART STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht
  • Publication number: 20120105227
    Abstract: A distributed sensor network is provided that comprises an existing electrical system infrastructure having a plurality of nodes and providing a source of power; and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is associated with one of the nodes in the infrastructure. In addition, each sensor obtains power from the source of power and generates sensor information regarding one or more sensed conditions that are independent of the existing electrical system infrastructure. Among other alternatives, existing electrical system infrastructure can also be used to provide a communication connection between each of the plurality of nodes and at least one central node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Rite-Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Angell, John G. DePrimo, James T. Feeley, James H. Ferguson, James R. Lavoie
  • Patent number: 8170837
    Abstract: A system comprising a piece of oilfield equipment, an identifier assembly and a reader. The piece of oilfield equipment has an exterior surface. The identifier assembly comprises an identification tag storing a unique identifier. The identification tag is capable of outputting a signal indicative of the unique identifier. The identification tag is mounted to the exterior surface of the piece of oilfield equipment beyond an external surface perimeter of the piece of oilfield equipment such that the identification tag is isolated from the exterior surface of the piece of oilfield equipment. The reader has an antenna receiving the signal indicative of the unique identifier from the identification tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Den-Con Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Denny, Edward E. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8170834
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for monitoring and controlling modifications to beverage equipment. The system includes at least one beverage equipment which may include a controller. The controller communicates over a communications network with a data collection server which may be accessible to a central office or equipment provider. A method is also disclosed for first monitoring or querying beverage equipment for a setting or configuration modification. Next, the modification may be compared against a modification threshold to determine whether the modification warrants corrective action. A corrective action may include but is not limited to, resetting the equipment to original or default settings, notifying an end user, notifying the equipment providers, logging the action, or some combination of two or more of these actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Knepler, Timothy Paul Kaeding
  • Publication number: 20120101749
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visualization of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployments are disclosed. A status associated with communications towers or metering devices in an AMI deployment can be monitored based on alarms generated by a metering vendor system or based on thresholds specified in the AMI operations database. A user interface can be generated that allows the AMI deployment to be visualized, with status indicators associated with statuses overlaid on a map. The user interface can further facilitate visualization of progress of tasks associated with AMI operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph John Garrett, Brandon Keith Lundy, Derl Wayne Rhoades
  • Publication number: 20120091288
    Abstract: A system for monitoring operating functions of railway devices such as switch machines of turnouts and signal lamps is described. The system comprises a wireless network for communication among operating parameter local detection units associated to individual railway devices and a data collection server and/or remote portable units. The local units detecting operating parameters can be powered via power lines of a railway device to be monitored and for a period of time during which a power signal powering the monitored railway device is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Valerio ROSETTI, Diego MARINO
  • Patent number: 8160838
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for visualizing environmental conditions in a data center using wireless sensor networks. An example embodiment includes: establishing communication with a plurality of networked environmental sensors deployed at particular points in one of a plurality of pre-defined layers for a facility; periodically obtaining measured environmental data values from each of the plurality of networked environmental sensors using a wireless sensor network; using the measured environmental data values at the particular points to extrapolate computed environmental data values at intermediate points in the facility; and using the measured environmental data values and the computed environmental data values to generate a visualization of environmental conditions in the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: SynapSense Corporation
    Inventors: Yann Ramin, Raju Pandey
  • Publication number: 20120089369
    Abstract: The problem of collecting and delivering stand alone medical sensor and monitoring device data to a networked computer system is solved by connecting the output of the sensors and devices to a vital sign sensor connector adapted to connect into a multiple input sensor casing having a routing hub and computer logic for transmitting incoming sensor and device data to one or more networked computer systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Abuzeni, Roger D. Perryman
  • Publication number: 20120089370
    Abstract: A method of declaring an emergency condition in a wireless sensor network, the wireless sensor network comprising a plurality of devices (10, 11, 12) including sensors (11) arranged for monitoring at least one living body or other entity, the method comprising steps of: sensing a value of parameter related to the living body by one of the sensors (11); wirelessly transmitting information by said sensor to another device (10) in the network; determining existence or non-existence of an emergency condition affecting said living body by using said sensed value or said transmitted information; and declaring existence or non-existence of the emergency condition to at least one other device (e.g. 10) in the network. The determining step may be carried out in any of the sensor (11), a coordinator (10) of the wireless sensor network, or a central monitor (12) in communication with the coordinator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hind Chebbo, Saied Abedi
  • Patent number: 8155925
    Abstract: Disposable assay device, comprising a carrier having a first carrier part (3) with a respective sample-receiving area (w) for receiving a sample to be tested, and having at least a second carrier part (9), the assay device being configured for transmitting assay data or information to a remote receiving system (20), and the device comprising at least two first carrier parts, said first carrier parts (3, 5) being independently removable from the second carrier part (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Peter Bodlaender, Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Stut
  • Patent number: 8155923
    Abstract: A method for validating operation of a wind turbine from a remote device. The remote device communicates with a controller, which is operatively coupled to the wind turbine. The method includes enabling a user through the remote device to submit a request for wind turbine operating data, composing a command corresponding to the request, transmitting the command to the controller, and receiving by the remote device a response from the controller. The response includes wind turbine operating data corresponding to the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Amit Vasant Mengane, Sreedhar Desabhatla
  • Patent number: 8155903
    Abstract: A method of measuring a capacitance, wherein a voltage across the capacitance is supplied to an input of an evaluation circuit that is designed so that it can detect input voltages with a predetermined degree of precision so long as these voltages are in a measurement interval, includes charging the capacitance to a predetermined starting voltage which exceeds a multiple of an upper limit of the measurement interval. The capacitance across a predetermined resistance is discharged for a predetermined time period. The voltage across the capacitance reaches a final voltage value which is dependent upon the amount of the capacitance. The resistance and the time interval are so chosen that the final voltage value lies in the measurement interval. The final voltage value is detected by the evaluation circuit and the capacitance is determined from the final voltage value. A circuit arrangement for measurement of a capacitance of a capacitor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Weber, Martin Witte
  • Publication number: 20120084059
    Abstract: The present invention holds a sensor substrate including a sensor part for collecting information about a module and a power receiving coil for supplying power to the sensor part, on a holding member; moves the holding member forward to deliver the sensor substrate to the module; supplies power to a power transmitting coil provided at a base of the holding member to form a magnetic field, and causes the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil to resonate in the magnetic field to supply power from the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil; and acquires data about the module by the sensor part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Hikaru AKADA
  • Patent number: 8147757
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony DiLeo
  • Patent number: 8150656
    Abstract: Sensors and techniques for an automated data acquisition and notification system having a plurality of receptacles adapted to store items. In each of the plurality of receptacles, at least one sensor is operated to detect a presence of an item in that receptacle. Light is emitted from a planar surface within the receptacle to a space within the receptacle opposite the planar surface. While that light is emitted light incident on the planar surface is detected. A determination is made whether an amount of light that is detected is significant to indicate a presence of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ANS, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Kunkel
  • Publication number: 20120077164
    Abstract: This invention is related to systems and methods of analyzing sensory ability data. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising the steps of receiving data from a remote location. The data is comprised of sensory ability data and demographic data associated with a subject. The data may then be stored. Further, the method includes identifying a potential evaluation level associated with the subject. The evaluation level is identified, at least in part, utilizing a sports tree function. The method also includes retrieving peer data associated with the potential evaluation level. Additionally, the method includes determining when the peer data is statistically powerful for use in generating a comparative profile of the sensory ability data associated with the subject. Additional embodiments develop training programs based on one or more training program functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Herb Yoo, Alan W. Reichow, Thomas R. Fortune, JR., Matthew Genar Hilla, Rick M. Rezinas
  • Patent number: 8145743
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering devices that include creating a user metric vector including a plurality of disparate user metrics, creating a user metric space including a plurality of metric ranges, determining whether the user metric vector is outside the user metric space, identifying an action in dependence upon the user metric vector if the user metric vector is outside a user metric space, and executing the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Kress Bodin, Michael John Burkhart, Daniel Gene Eisenhauer, Daniel Mark Schumacher, Thomas James Watson
  • Publication number: 20120072047
    Abstract: Remote sensor units for a vehicle are described. An apparatus may comprise a satellite housing having an electrical connector interface portion, and an electrical connector disposed within the electrical connector interface portion of the satellite housing. The electrical connector may be arranged to conduct electrical signals for an electronic component having an electronic sensor operative to monitor conditions for a vehicle, the electrical connector comprising a capture portion at a first end and a pin portion at a second end, the capture portion having a pair of opposing mechanical contact elements arranged to receive at least one edge of the electronic component. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP. INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Forwerck, Charles Still, William M. Leach
  • Patent number: 8138936
    Abstract: A method for testing personnel ESD grounding devices with a function of near-fail alert is disclosed. A near-fail range is set. When the measurement of the resistance for a wrist strap or a footwear is within the near-fail range; an alarm is actuated to alert the user that the static electricity prevention device worn by the user will fail soon. The near-fail range is provided so that the user can receive an alert when the wrist strap or the footwear being worn on will fail soon in the near future and thus to remind the user to adopt proper reactions to change or fix the personnel ESD grounding device to prevent its sudden failure during actual use. Furthermore, the test provides digital readouts and has higher precision to avoid faulty results. Moreover, the wrist strap and footwear are tested simultaneously and individual results can be derived so as to avoid errors in test. A device for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Tony-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8137983
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony DiLeo
  • Patent number: 8140358
    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 related to a level of risk or safety and other software that may be related to those files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Progressive Casualty Insurance Company
    Inventors: Raymond Scott Ling, Richard Ashton Hutchinson, Wilbert John Steigerwald, III, William Andrew Say, Patrick Lawrence O'Malley, Dane Allen Shrallow, William Curtis Everett, Robert John McMillan
  • Publication number: 20120065939
    Abstract: A networked motor, including a motor body, including a stator, a rotor, and a housing, and a motor controller, including a power circuit, a digital controller, a drive module, and a detecting circuit. A communication circuit module is connected to the digital controller. The communication circuit module includes a wired communication module or a wireless communication module. The wired communication module or the wireless communication module is disposed in or outside the motor controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20120065938
    Abstract: A test stand sensor apparatus comprising a sensor 2 for acquiring data from the item under test and/or the environment is intended to permit relatively simple and relatively uncomplicated construction of the test stand together with the greatest possible degrees of operational reliability, failure reliability and functional reliability. To this end, the sensor apparatus has a power supply unit 4 for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, and a unit 4 for the wire-free transmission of the sensor data and of a code which is characteristic of the sensor. A test stand 1, preferably for prime movers, comprising at least one test cell with at least one sensor 2, 4 for acquiring data from the item under test and/or the environment, and at least one evaluation and/or memory unit 3 for the data, and if need be at least one preparation area for preparing the item under test and/or the at least one sensor, is equipped with at least one sensor apparatus 2, 4 of this kind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Werner Neuwirth
  • Patent number: 8135560
    Abstract: A chamber monitoring system may include a parallel architecture in which a single sensor control system is coupled to a number of different processing chamber control board sensor lines. In an illustrative embodiment, a single rotation sensor such as a tachometer may reside in a central control unit remote from the processing chambers such that rotation data may be processed by a single system and thereafter routed according to a variety of different network communication protocols to the main system controller, a factory interface, or both. In this and other embodiments, pull-up networks in the central control unit and the chamber control boards are matched so as to reduce electrical signal anomalies such as crowbar effects. The central control unit may be programmed via a main system controller to operate according to user defined parameters, which in turn may enable the system to differentiate between certain operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Vern Schauer, Raphael Dascoli, Shivan Bhargava
  • Publication number: 20120059627
    Abstract: An approach is provided for determining an optimal keep-alive time period. A request is received from a probe platform for measuring one or more probe values that relate to a keep-alive timer value associated with a network. The device receiving the request then determines to measure whether the one or more probe values comprise one or more successful probe values, one or more unsuccessful probe values, or a combination thereof. The keep-alive timer is then determined based, at least in part, on a statistical analysis of the one or more probe values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Markku Kalevi VIMPARI, Jukka Sakari ALAKONTIOLA
  • Patent number: 8131470
    Abstract: Automated monitoring and management of well tests of hydrocarbon wells in a production field. Routing of the output of a well to a flow meter, separated from the output from other wells in the field, is detected by a computer system such as a server. Measurement data including the flow as measured by the flow meter, and also other measurements such as temperatures and pressures contemporaneous with the flow meter measurements, are acquired by the computer system; a stable period is identified, over which the flow test measurement data are considered valid. Upon completion of a specified duration or upon a change in the flow environment, the computer system notifies the user of the completion of the flow test. The flow test results can be used to modify predictive well models, with the modification dependent on validation by the user. The system can also plan and schedule future flow tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: German Yusti, Hugh Rees, Michael J. Webster, John Foot
  • Patent number: 8131509
    Abstract: A system designed for failure detectability through detection and isolation of a particular design feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ari Novis
  • Patent number: 8131510
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method and framework for drilling rig supervisory control automation that includes replication and aggregation of drilling rig supervisory control panels, a mechanism to manipulate the supervisory control panel parameters using one or more smart algorithms and a method and technique to access the supervisory control panels from a remote location. The system and method further includes recording, editing, and playing back a drilling rig's supervisory control parameter sequence during any typical drilling rig operation. Such a sequence includes recording all of the actions involved in a specific operation of the drilling rig operator. This sequence is saved, and can be edited to optimize the sequence, and further played back on the rig from which it was recorded, or on any other rig in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mochammad Faisal Wingky, Philip Stuart Church
  • Patent number: 8131501
    Abstract: An analyzing method for a sensor system determining the position of a shifting fork in a shift transmission is suggested wherein a shifting fork can be moved from a neutral position into at least one gear position. The position of the shifting fork is determined by a sensor system comprising at least one magnet and at least one magnetic field sensor that can be moved relative to the magnet. The method includes storing a base diagram for a base output signal in relation to position s and correcting the measured output signal so that the base diagram can be used for determining with high accuracy the position of the shifting fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Helmuth Bosch, Dirk Nikolai
  • Patent number: 8131992
    Abstract: The impact of device configuration changes on operational issues and policy compliance in a computer network can be discerned from a visual data presentation that jointly shows representations of changes, issues, and policy compliance in a common view for a group of network devices. Configuration information is collected from devices in the computer network and processed to determine whether a change has occurred in a configuration of any of the devices, whether any operational issues exist for each of the devices, and whether any of the devices are not in compliance with any applicable operational policies. A display device displays the visual data presentation to allow an operator to see trends and relationships between device configuration changes and operational issues and incidents of policy non-compliance. The visual data presentation can be depicted as a graphical timeline view, a network topology view, or a table view of the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Infoblox Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Ennis, Jr., Fiore Louis Nardo, II, John Dominic Belamaric
  • Publication number: 20120050006
    Abstract: A system and method provide real-time configuration information as to a plurality of doors which are part of an access control system. Configuration information can be obtained for each one of a plurality of door of the system. That information can be forwarded to a requestor to provide a real-time representation of the status of the doors of the system and to enable the requestor to configure selected doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Ron DeBlaey
  • Publication number: 20120053902
    Abstract: Disclosed are methodology and corresponding apparatus subject matters for providing improved efficiency in the collection of data from a large number of metrology devices associated with an Automated Meter reading (AMR) network. AMR network operation produces randomly spaced transmissions from individual nodes in the network. When an AMR system wishes to retrieve data from a large number of points over an AMR network, a broadcast or multicast request is transmitted to appropriate nodes. A time window is defined either in such request or in the devices themselves such that start and end offsets from the time of the request are received by the node. The start offset provides a quiet period to insure request delivery to all the appropriate nodes. The end offset provides a time by which the requested data must be returned. Responses are sent randomly within the window established by the start and stop offset times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
  • Patent number: 8126676
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an angle of a door is provided comprising: an angle measuring device for measuring an angle of a door and transmitting a signal representing the measured angle; a computer for receiving from the angle measuring device the signal representing the measured angle; and computer software for determining and at least one of displaying and recording the measured angle based on the signal received by the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Becky Lou Smith
  • Patent number: 8126678
    Abstract: Methods of monitoring one or more electronic displays are disclosed. A method may include performing at least one diagnostic operation on at least one electronic display having at least one camera, a display element, and a display server. Further, the method may include transmitting data relating to the at least one diagnostic operation to a network remote from the at least one electronic display. Additionally, the method may include displaying the data within the remote network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Young Electric Sign Company
    Inventors: Graham N. Beland, Eli Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120046792
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and methods for measuring environmental parameters are disclosed. The apparatus, system, and methods can be used for a variety of applications, including HVAC air balancing and building commissioning. The system includes a variety of wireless sensing modules and wearable modules for control, display, and storage. Parameters measured include air and water temperature, pressure, velocity, and flow. Also included are sensors for light intensity, CO concentrations, and CO2 concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Russell P. Secor
  • Patent number: 8121741
    Abstract: A method of managing an electric utility grid includes geographically grouping a set of customer electric usage meters to create a set of fine sensors on a power grid. Each usage meter in the grouped set is capable of being remotely monitored, and each usage meter is at a different location along the power line. If a power anomaly is detected at the subset of meters, then power to the electric utility grid is adjusted to correct the anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Taft, Yan Zhu
  • Patent number: 8121817
    Abstract: Process control system for detecting abnormal events in a process having one or more independent variables and one or more dependent variables. The system includes a device for measuring values of the one or more independent and dependent variables, a process controller having a predictive model for calculating predicted values of the one or more dependent variables from the measured values of the one or more independent variables, a calculator for calculating residual values for the one or more dependent variables from the difference between the predicted and measured values of the one or more dependent variables, and an analyzer for performing a principal component analysis on the residual values. The process controller is a multivariable predictive control means and the principal component analysis results in the output of one or more scores values, T2 values and Q values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventors: Keith Landells, Zaid Rawi
  • Patent number: 8117355
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes an operating system that performs a mounting and an unmounting of a removable external storage device; a plurality of application programs each configured to independently access the external storage device; and an external-storage-device monitoring unit that instructs the operating system, based on a request for mounting or unmounting the external storage device, which is output from each of the application programs, to perform the mounting and the unmounting of the external storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Takanari Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 8117009
    Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder for munitions. The data recorder includes a power source, a processor, and an acceleration sensor. The data recorder further includes a trigger validation feature which is operably coupled to the data recorder to verify the occurrence of a secondary environmental/input event. This envisioned data recorder can contain a digital or analog device as a primary or secondary trigger. Data from an accelerometer is stored in FRAM memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications
    Inventors: Marc Worthington, Noah Desch, David Lawson, Scott Colegrove
  • Patent number: 8112253
    Abstract: An energy management system has a control center at a utility company, and logic resources coupled to the power system that provide a real time notice of conditions which effect energy management of the utility company. At least one user interface is provided at the control center that is coupled to the logic resources. The user interface provides a real time situation awareness of a potential energy management failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Areva T&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Gennaro Castelli, Michael Hackett, Michael Quinn Howard, Lawrence Edmund Jones, HuiChu Su Shung, Heath Daniel Brand
  • Publication number: 20120029878
    Abstract: A data processing device for use with a decentralized transport unit checking device is provided. The data processing devices includes a central data processing unit, remote from the transport unit checking device, and a first interface, which creates a data communication between the central data processing unit and the decentralized transport unit checking device. The central data processing unit processes a data record captured by the decentralized transport unit checking device in respect of a transport procedure of the transport unit. At least one second interface makes available the data record processed by the central data processing unit for calling up by a decentralized organization, wherein the organization initiates a security measure depending on data record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Michael D. Carpenter, Matthias Krause, Svetlozar Delianski
  • Publication number: 20120029877
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining structural health data for evaluating a structural health of a component. A transducer detects a first signal representative of a signal transmitted through at least a portion of the component. An estimated signal for a remote transducer is determined based on at least the first signal and a transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: James P. Dunne, Jeong-Beom Ihn
  • Patent number: 8106763
    Abstract: A sensor has a transmitter module for transferring data via a line, the sensor receiving power via the line. At a point in time in which the sensor receives a first power level, it transmits the data for a first time interval. A second sensor which is connected to the line in parallel to the first sensor then transmits its data for a second time interval after the first time interval. A timing sequence control system in the two sensors which is triggered by the point in time of reception of the power ensures the subsequent transmission by the first and second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Otterbach, Christian Ohl, Oliver Kohn, Jochen Schomacker, Michael Ulmer
  • Publication number: 20120022831
    Abstract: The method for configuring a network of deposited wireless sensors. In certain aspects, these methods include defining performance criteria forming constraints, with associated threshold values, and at least one performance criterion to be optimized, for at least one zone to be equipped with nodes, each performance criterion being defined by a model; defining for said or each zone; the allocation to said or each zone to be equipped, a number of nodes; applying an optimization process per zone on said or each zone; increasing the number of nodes or modifying the performance criteria defined in said or each zone where the performance criteria are not met and reproducing in these zones the optimization process per zone with the new number of nodes or the new performance criteria, and applying the configuration determined at each node in said or each zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Jeremie Leguay, Vincent Gay, Mario Lopez-Ramos, Paolo Medagliani, GianLuigi Ferrari
  • Patent number: 8103480
    Abstract: A technique for evaluating service level agreement (SLA) violations occurring in a computing system with agreed-upon model for exemptions is provided. The technique includes storing in a memory a model of the SLA and identifying occurrence of an SLA violation in a computing system that is providing services under the SLA. Based on the stored model, the technique further determines if the SLA violation is exempted from a penalty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Amitay Korn, Subramoniam N. Iyer, Lars Rossen, Dennis Clemmer
  • Patent number: 8101902
    Abstract: A light grid includes pairs of transmitters and receiver units, and a programmable logic unit for signal evaluation. The analog part of the light grid includes only the reception elements and the storage capacitors for performing analog-to-digital conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ifm electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Baumann
  • Publication number: 20120016607
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process, comprising one or more sensors connected to one or more operating components of the industrial process; a remote monitoring station, comprising a computer and a database; and a connection between the one or more sensors and the remote monitoring station, wherein the remote monitoring station is at least about 100-2500 miles away from the industrial process, for example 500-1000 miles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Edward Cottrell, Chester Bing Dang, Rong Pieter Gul, Wilhelmus Antonius Hardeveld, Brett Richard Alexander Harnish, Kenneth John Innes, James Po Kong, Mark Theodoor Van Latum, Kwi-Cheng Lee, Charles Anthony Lickteig, Robert Frank Parchewsky, Matthew Charles Polley, Wilhelmus Ravesloot, Steven Michael Schultheis, Daniel Dazhang Ying, George Mark Zolkiewski
  • Publication number: 20120013471
    Abstract: A system for detecting an improperly secured busway joint in an electrical distribution busway includes a busway joint parameter sensor, a transmission circuit and a remote computer. The busway joint parameter sensor is disposed so as to sense a selected parameter of the busway joint. The transmission circuit is in data communication with the busway joint parameter sensor and is configured to transmit real time busway joint parameter data. The remote computer is in data communication with the transmission circuit and is configured to present an indication upon detection of abnormal real time busway joint parameter data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: JONES GROUP FORENSIC ENGINEERS
    Inventor: David L. Jones