Search Patents
  • System and method for reading and verifying RFID tags
    Publication number: 20080122626
    Abstract: A method for reading and verifying RFID tags includes reading identifications of proximately located RFID tagged items and comparing the read identifications to a list of RFID tagged items expected to be read. In operation an RFID reader is used to read the RFID tags. A communicator is coupled to the RFID reader to receive the read identifications and then communicate the received read identifications over a wireless interface to a central data processing system. Each mobile portal may be actuated for RFID read operations in response to information sensed concerning operation of the mobile asset/vehicle. Additionally, the central data processing system may issue instructions concerning mobile asset/vehicle operation, with those instructions communicated over the wireless interface to the mobile portal. Responsive to implementation of those instructions, the mobile portal actuates the RFID reader and compares the read identifications to a list of RFID tags that were expected to be read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid
  • System and method for managing remotely and distantly located assets
    Publication number: 20030195825
    Abstract: A robust wireless communications system operable to provide communications for mobile wireless devices. The wireless communications system generally includes a management computing system, wireless infrastructure, and mobile wireless devices. The wireless infrastructure includes wireless infrastructure devices having processing and storage capability. Similarly, the mobile wireless devices include processing and storage capability. Communication links between the management computing system and wireless infrastructure, and wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices are utilized to downlink and uplink data. In operation, data generated at the management computing system may be downloaded to the wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices sequentially without active simultaneous communication links. Similarly, data generated at the mobile wireless devices may be uploaded to the wireless infrastructure and management computing system without active simultaneous communication links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • System and method for remotely managing maintenance operations associated with an asset
    Publication number: 20030216976
    Abstract: A robust wireless communications system operable to provide communications for mobile wireless devices. The wireless communications system generally includes a management computing system, wireless infrastructure, and mobile wireless devices. The wireless infrastructure includes wireless infrastructure devices having processing and storage capability. Similarly, the mobile wireless devices include processing and storage capability. Communication links between the management computing system and wireless infrastructure, and wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices are utilized to downlink and uplink data. In operation, data generated at the management computing system may be downloaded to the wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices sequentially without active simultaneous communication links. Similarly, data generated at the mobile wireless devices may be uploaded to the wireless infrastructure and management computing system without active simultaneous communication links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Mobile asset data management system
    Publication number: 20080140544
    Abstract: Location tracking devices and methods are provided to determine the position of a mobile asset. The method provides a processing system to calculate the location of the mobile asset, based on the information provided by a position determining device. The method for tracking the location of an asset utilizes a wireless device in an asset management system, and includes receiving at least one short range RF communication signal by a mobile wireless device from the asset management system; calculating position of the asset, by the mobile wireless device, based on the received at least one short range RF communication signal; and storing the position of the asset in the mobile wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Catalyst, method and apparatus for an on-stream particle replacement system for countercurrent contact of a gas and liquid feed stream with a packed bed
    Patent number: 5733440
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion, such as in a large pilot plant run, with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel, David R. Johnson
  • Systems and methods for remote vehicle rental with remote vehicle access
    Patent number: 8671063
    Abstract: An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Nathan H. Loosmore
  • Systems and methods for remote vehicle rental with remote vehicle access
    Patent number: 8370268
    Abstract: An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Nathan H. Loosmore
  • Robust wireless communications system architecture and asset management applications performed thereon
    Patent number: 7356494
    Abstract: A robust wireless communications system operable to provide communications for mobile wireless devices. The wireless communications system generally includes a management computing system, wireless infrastructure, and mobile wireless devices. The wireless infrastructure includes wireless infrastructure devices having processing and storage capability. Similarly, the mobile wireless devices include processing and storage capability. Communication links between the management computing system and wireless infrastructure, and wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices are utilized to downlink and uplink data. In operation, data generated at the management computing system may be downloaded to the wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices sequentially without active simultaneous communication links. Similarly, data generated at the mobile wireless devices may be uploaded to the wireless infrastructure and management computing system without active simultaneous communication links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Catalyst method and apparatus for an on-stream particle replacement system for countercurrent contact of a gas and liquid feed stream with a packed bed
    Patent number: 5599440
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion, such as in a large pilot plant run, with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel, David R. Johnson
  • Mobile asset data management system
    Publication number: 20080183522
    Abstract: An impact detection system and method for use with a mobile asset is described. The system includes a user input unit, a sensor, a processing unit, and a storage unit. The user input unit receives an operator identifier from the asset before the asset is operated. The sensor is coupled to the asset and adapted to sense an impact on the asset, and operable to produce an impact signal. The processing unit is in communication with the input and the sensor, operable to receive the impact signal from the sensor, and further operable to determine, based on the impact signal, a level of impact on the asset. The storage unit is in communication with the processing unit and can store the operator identifier and level of impact as a dataset. The method includes receiving an operator identifier of the asset prior to the asset being operated, receiving at least one impact signal, determining, based on the at least one impact signal, a level of impact, and storing the operator identifier and level of impact as a dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Mobile asset data management system
    Publication number: 20080140482
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing unauthorized use of a mobile asset are described. The method for providing access to the mobile asset can include providing a control device on the mobile asset. The control device is in communication with the mobile asset to selectively control whether the mobile asset is enabled for operation. The method also includes storing data in the control device that identifies a group of potential operators who are permitted to operate that mobile asset. This stored data includes unique password data for each potential operator in the permitted group. Further, the method includes receiving an identifier and password from an accessing operator and comparing by the control device of the received identifier to the stored data to order confirm that the accessing operator is a potential operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Electronics equipment heat exchanger system
    Patent number: 7372698
    Abstract: An electronics equipment heat exchanger system for thermally managing the electronic devices of a computer server and the exhaust air emitted from the computer server. The electronics equipment heat exchanger system generally includes a heat exchanger attached near an air outlet of a support unit for a support rack, a thermal management unit fluidly connected to the heat exchanger, and a thermal conditioning unit fluidly connected to the thermal management unit and the heat exchanger. The thermal management unit directly thermally manages one or more electronic devices of the server mainboard while the heat exchanger thermally manages the exhaust air before the exhaust air exits through the outlet of the support unit of the computer server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Isothermal Systems Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Tilton, Howard L. Davidson, Nyles I. Nettleton
  • Mobile asset data management system
    Patent number: 7876197
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing unauthorized use of a mobile asset are described. The method for providing access to the mobile asset can include providing a control device on the mobile asset. The control device is in communication with the mobile asset to selectively control whether the mobile asset is enabled for operation. The method also includes storing data in the control device that identifies a group of potential operators who are permitted to operate that mobile asset. This stored data includes unique password data for each potential operator in the permitted group. Further, the method includes receiving an identifier and password from an accessing operator and comparing by the control device of the received identifier to the stored data to order confirm that the accessing operator is a potential operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • POUCH WITH CONNECTORS AND SYSTEM OF SUCH POUCHES
    Publication number: 20120301055
    Abstract: A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided the male and female connectors on a common backing panel. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson, Son. & Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Bethanne L. Valentine, Nancy F. Dewane, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Larry T. Schmitt, Maria Economopoulos Kafkis, Lucas Daniel, Ann Hintzman, David J. VandenBranden, Sarah I. Garcia, Moritsugu Kariya, Scott Ternovits
  • Mobile asset data management system
    Patent number: 8725596
    Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • POUCH WITH CONNECTORS AND SYSTEM OF SUCH POUCHES
    Publication number: 20120301059
    Abstract: A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided by connecting the male and female connectors of a plurality of pouches. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson, Son. & Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Bethanne L. Valentine, Nancy F. Dewane, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Larry T. Schmitt, Maria Economopoulos Kafkis, Lucas Daniel, Ann Hintzman, David J. VandenBranden, Sarah I. Garcia, Moritsugu Kariya, Scott Ternovits
  • Pouch with connectors and system of such pouches
    Patent number: 8491191
    Abstract: A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided by connecting the male and female connectors of a plurality of pouches. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Bethanne L. Valentine, Nancy F. Dewane, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Larry T. Schmitt, Maria Economopoulos Kakis, Lucas Daniel, Ann Hintzman, David J. VandenBranden, Sarah I. Garcia, Moritsugu Kariya, Scott Ternovits
  • Pouch with connectors and system of such pouches
    Patent number: 8696202
    Abstract: A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided the male and female connectors on a common backing panel. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Bethanne L. Valentine, Nancy F. Dewane, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Larry T. Schmitt, Maria Economopoulos Kakis, Lucas Daniel, Ann Hintzman, David J. VandenBranden, Sarah I. Garcia, Moritsugu Kariya, Scott Ternovits
  • Computer internal architecture
    Patent number: 9665134
    Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L. Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L. Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom
  • Remote display device for a microcomputer with optical communication
    Patent number: RE33229
    Abstract: A optically linked calculator system for displaying data generated by a local calculator at both the local calculator and at a detached display. The calculator system includes a plurality of transmitting calculators and receiving units. The receiving units include remote display receiving units and receiving calculators. Transmitting calculators transmit entered data and calculated results. Receiving units receive and display transmitted data entries and calculated results. A calculator includes a keyboard, keyboard logic, processing logic, display, display logic, transmit logic, infrared transmitter, switching means, infrared receiver receiver logic and converting logic. The switching means selectively enables components of the calculator for effecting a transmit mode, receive mode, and calculate mode. The remote receiver display unit includes an infrared receiver, data detection logic, processing logic, and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: C.L.I.C. Electronics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Schwaber
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