or Backboard for an automated CPR system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A backboard for an automated cardio pulmonary resuscitation system, said backboard comprising a board element, the board element defining a plane and having a top edge, a bottom edge a first side edge and a second side edge; a set of connectors adapted for connection of the backboard to an automated cardio pulmonary resuscitation unit, said connectors being provided at said side edges; and at least one set of stabilizing elements extending away from an edge and transversely to said plane. Full Article
or Patient positioning device primarily developed for stereotactic body radio surgery (SBRT) By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a patient positioning device, which enables the latest advances in Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. The geometry, which incorporates at least one window or lateral cut-out, is designed to allow clear treatment access to the patient during non-coplanar treatment regimes through the use of windows or lateral cut-outs. A laterally positionable diaphragm compression device allows the full use of the geometry. The development of a stand-alone device and a couch top insert device allows for a maximum number of protocol methods while minimizing the skin surface radiation dose to the patient. Full Article
or Portable playpen By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A portable playpen which can be erected, collapsed and carried while holding a baby, includes a framework supporting an enclosure for a child. The framework has a generally pyramidal structure when it is erected. Full Article
or Functional table for transferring patient By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a functional table for patient transportation, including: a patient supporter which supports a patient laid thereon and allows the patient to be horizontally slidably transported, with its both sides being changed in their angle with respect to a vertical axis of the patient; a support frame which is located in the central bottom of the patient supporter and allows the patient supporter to be vertically moved; a base frame which is connected to the bottom of the support frame and supports the whole of functional table; and at least three transporting wheels which are connected to the base frame and allow the functional table to be freely moved. Full Article
or Portable head support device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The portable head support device of the present invention provides comfortable support for a user's head while the user is in a sitting potion. The pillow or cushion has a v-shape on the top where a user's chin can rest so that the head cannot fall forward or sideways but will stay in a comfortable and upright position. The pillow is held in place by hook and loop fasteners located on the pillow and, for instance, on straps extending from behind the user's back and over the shoulders or wraparound supports wrapped around standard seat belts. The head support can be used in child car seats to keep a child's head in a safe and stable position while they sleep. Full Article
or Phone support device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A phone support device holds and supports a phone on or adjacent to a bed. The device includes a tray having a panel and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the panel defining a receptacle such that the tray is configured for receiving a phone in the tray. A knob is coupled to and extends from a bottom surface of the panel. A clip having a pair of spaced arms selectively engageable to the knob wherein the clip is secures the tray to a sheet by positioning the sheet between the knob and the clip when the clip is engaged to the knob. Full Article
or Cushioning structures for body parts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention discloses a body cushioning pad, a body contact mat and a multi-layered cushioning structure composed of the body cushioning pad and the body contact mat. The cushioning pad consists of a plurality of foam blocks, each provided with an internal cavity having a predetermined size and shape to control the firmness of the block and means for maintaining the foam blocks as a unit. The body contact mat is a bi-dimensional latticed structure of spaced-apart studs made of a compressible material linked together by flexible linking elements. The multi-layered cushioning structure comprises both the cushioning pad and the body contact mat, and a wrapper to wrap the cushioning pad and the contact mat together. Full Article
or Infant care accessory comprising combination diaper bag and changing mat with fluid barrier By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An infant care accessory comprising a combination diaper bag and changing mat. The accessory comprises a body having a two side panels and a center panel. When the side panels are upright, the body forms a diaper bag. When the side panels are opened flat with the center panel, the body forms a diaper changing mat. The inside surface of the body is made of fluid impermeable material, and a fluid barrier is positioned along the center panel. The fluid barrier may be a strip of absorbent material. When a baby is placed lengthwise on the opened out body with the center panel positioned at about the baby's waist, urine and other body fluids will be blocked or absorbed by the fluid barrier and will not travel up under the baby's back and head. A removable accessory pouch may be included for carrying diapers, lotion, powder, and other changing essentials. Full Article
or Universally adjustable pillow for use in healthcare and therapy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A universally adjustable pillow for use in healthcare and/or therapy includes a base board (1), and pillows for, respectively, right lateral recumbency (4), supine recumbency (2), left lateral recumbency (5) and for the neck (3) that are arranged on said base board (1). The pillows for left and right lateral recumbency (5,4) each include an external cushion, a mechanism enabling adjustment to fit vertebral curvature (52, 42), a mechanism enabling adjustment to inhibit too great an angle of lateral tilt (53, 43) and height adjustment members (51, 41). The longitudinal axes of the pillows for left and right lateral recumbency (5, 4) are set an angles α and β to the longitudinal axis of the pillow for supine recumbency (2). Full Article
or Vibration device for comforting an infant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibrating device for use in comforting an infant includes a motor and an arm operatively coupled to the motor. The arm includes a first end operatively coupled to the motor and a distal end displaced from the proximal end, the arm being repeatedly movable between first and second configurations when the motor is energized. A pad member is fixedly connected to the distal end of the arm, the pad member having a soft construction configured to prevent injury when pad member contacts an infant. The vibrating device includes a housing including side walls defining an interior area configured to contain the motor. A housing side wall defines an aperture through which the arm extends away from the motor. Full Article
or Transfer assistance device and operation method therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The transfer assistance device includes a front supporting part that supports the torso of the person being assisted; a set of sub supporting parts configured to be adjustable in position with respect to the front supporting part; a driving unit that propels and drives each of the set of sub supporting parts toward the person being assisted being supported by the front supporting part; a force sensor that detects a pressure proportional to propulsion of the sub supporting part by the driving unit and counterforce generated by contact of the sub supporting part with the person being assisted; and a computer that controls the driving unit based on the pressure detected by the force sensor so that tightening force on the person being assisted by the sub supporting part approaches prescribed tightening force. Full Article
or Hippa privacy infectious control screen for gurneys and other mobile transportable beds for emergency and other inter and intra healthcare facility transfers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A movable privacy screen includes a plurality of privacy screen segments that are attachable to a bed or gurney. The plurality of screen segments include at least first and second screen segments. Each of the first and second screen segments include a first support pole, a second support pole and a coupler. The first support pole has a variable length to permit the first support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second support pole has a variable length to permit the second support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The coupler movably couples the first and second support poles to the bed in a spaced relation to permit the first and second support poles to move between an upstanding use position and a lowered storage position. A fabric-like screen member is coupled to each of the first and second support poles. The fabric-like screen member is sized to extend between the first and second support poles, and is movable between a raised use position and a lowered storage position. Full Article
or Patient support with improved control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user. Full Article
or Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections are disclosed. In one embodiment, the person support apparatus includes a base frame, a primary support frame supported on the base frame, and a foot section coupled to the primary support frame. The person support apparatus also includes a carriage that is freely translatable between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame, the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seat portion having a thigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person support apparatus further includes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couples the foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment of the seat portion. Full Article
or Patient support apparatus and also a positioning method for positioning a patient's head within a surgical head restraint unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A patient support apparatus having a support table, a transfer plate, which is disposed movably in relation to the support table in a direction and on which a patient is supported for a surgical intervention and/or a medical imaging examination, and a surgical head restraint unit, which is disposed on the transfer plate is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a position monitoring apparatus for monitoring and/or checking a position of the surgical head restraint unit. Full Article
or Support pillows By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A support pillow includes a flexible outer sleeve and a deformable inner cushion positioned wholly inside the outer sleeve. Both the outer sleeve and inner cushion are elongate. The outer sleeve is longer than the inner cushion and defines a pair of free end portions extending beyond the inner cushion. The inner cushion is moveable inside the outer sleeve such that the length of each of the free end portions is adjustable. A gripping device can be moved along each end portion to close the outer sleeve around the inner cushion and fix the length of the free end portion extending beyond the inner cushion. The free end portions extend far enough to enable a user to connect the end portions together to fix the support pillow in a desired shape. Full Article
or Cellular cushions including support material and methods of fabricating same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and support material. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to, and extend outward from, only one of the first layer and the second layer. Each of the plurality of cells extends from a root defined at only one of the first layer and the second layer outwardly to an outer end. The plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication via a plurality of channels extending between the cells. The support material is inserted within at least one of the hollow cells. The second layer coupled to the first layer such that the support material is between an inner surface of said at least one of the hollow cells and the second layer. Full Article
or Modular walls incorporating recessed, extendable furniture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT A modular wall includes a plurality of inter-connectable and interchangeable wall modules. At least one of the wall modules includes a recessed, extendable piece of furniture, such as a bed, desk, table, work surface or chair. When in a closed configuration, the furniture folds into or otherwise resides within a recessed pocket in the modular wall. When in the closed configuration, the outer surface of the furniture forms an exterior surface of the wall module; thereby, concealing the furniture seamlessly into the modular wall. The exterior surface can comprise one or more exterior interchangeable tiles. Full Article
or TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMMUNICATING ROADWAY INFORMATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Technologies for communicating roadway information includes a plurality of roadway markers configured to propagate communications amongst each other. To do so, each roadway marker is configured to transmit communications to one or more other roadway markers. The communications may include sensor data generated by a sensor of a roadway marker. One or more roadway markers may transmit the sensor data to a roadway controller. Additionally or alternatively, the communication may include an alert message. A roadway marker may include a local alert device and be configured to activate the alert device in response to receiving an alert message. Additionally, one or more roadway markers may communicate with a roadway controller, a roadway traffic device, and/or an in-vehicle computing system of a vehicle to propagate roadway marker sensor data and/or alert messages. The roadway controller may be configured to control the roadway traffic devices, roadway makers, and/or communicate with remote computing devices. Full Article
or MICRO-STRUCTURED FIBER OPTIC CABLE FOR DOWNHOLE SENSING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for sensing and communicating sensed downhole parameters using a hybrid micro-structured fiber optic cable are provided. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may be used to communicate and/or amplify sensor signals indicative of the sensed downhole parameters. These sensed downhole parameters may include one or more of a downhole temperature, pressure, magnetic field, electromagnetic energy, radioactivity, telemetry signal, or some other downhole measurement. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may include opto-electronic circuitry built into the internal structure of the cable for modulating the optical signal based on the sensed parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include diodes, triodes, and other components that are communicatively coupled to external sensors used to measure downhole parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include an internal sensor in the form of a functional material disposed within the micro-structured fiber optic cable for measuring downhole parameters. Full Article
or REFRIGERATOR AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for controlling a refrigerator may comprise controlling at least one of a temperature and humidity of at least one storage area of the refrigerator based on first storage information, receiving, from a second refrigerator different from the refrigerator, second storage information of the second refrigerator, and controlling at least one of the temperature and the humidity of the at least one storage area of the refrigerator based on the received second storage information. Full Article
or IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIAL TYPE AND CONDITION IN A DRY BULK MATERIAL STORAGE BIN By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method includes optically interacting a bulk material or powder stored in a storage bin with an integrated computational element (“ICE”) configured to modify an electromagnetic radiation according to a characteristic of the bulk material or powder. The method also includes detecting the modified electromagnetic radiation with a detector, and producing an output signal correlated to a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder, and receiving and processing the output signal with a signal processor to yield a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder. Also, the method includes transmitting a message flagging the storage bin when it is determined that the bulk material or powder is not suitable for continued storage. The bulk material or powder includes a dry cement or a dry cement component. Full Article
or SECURE SHORT-DISTANCE-BASED COMMUNICATION AND VALIDATION SYSTEM FOR ZONE-BASED VALIDATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A secure short-distance-based communication and validation system validates users in a validation area. The system may include multiple zones in the validation area and beacons in each zone. A run-time mobile device identifier and keys that may be location-specific, device-specific and time-specific are generated and utilized for secure communication between mobile devices and a zone computer in a zone. The validation area may be in a vehicle, and validation may include deducting a fare. Full Article
or METHOD FOR MONITORING ACCESS AUTHORIZATIONS BY AN ACCESS MONITORING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of monitoring access authorizations by an access monitoring system by a first method, the data carriers or the mobile electronic devices, on which a valid access authorization or an ID is assigned, are detected and the carriers/devices current positions are determined by trilateration or multilateration. A second imaging method is executed, parallel to the first method, and the current position of all persons presented in the entry area is detected by cameras. All persons, with and without valid access authorization, in the entry area are detected so that an ID map and a people map are created. The ID map corresponds to people who have valid access authorization and the people map corresponds everybody in the entry area. An overlay map is created by matching the ID map with the people map, to identify persons with valid access authorization or ID and the people without valid access authorization. Full Article
or WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING CLOSED DOOR POSITION AND INTERIOR AREA REMOTE ACCESS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE BASED LOCK SWITCHING AND RELATED METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, a touch sensor, and a lock controller. The lock controller may be configured to unlock the lock based upon the touch sensor, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas, switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior. Full Article
or WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING CLOSED DOOR POSITION AND EXTERIOR AREA REMOTE ACCESS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE BASED LOCK SWITCHING AND RELATED METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, and a lock controller. The lock controller determine whether the lock is manually unlocked, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, and determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas. The lock controller may also switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior. Full Article
or APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING FUNCTIONS OF A VEHICLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Apparatuses, methods and computer programs for controlling functions of a vehicle. The apparatus for an information system of a vehicle includes a communication module for communication with a mobile device and a control module for controlling the communication module. The control module obtains a key signal and information about a user profile from the mobile device via the communication module. The user profile includes user settings for functions of the vehicle. The information about the user profile includes data about at least one subset of the user settings. The control module controls a locked state of the vehicle based on the key signal and controls at least one subset of the functions of the vehicle based on the information about the user profile. Full Article
or Multi sensor detection, stall to stop and lock disabling system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individuals from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time. Full Article
or SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO GENERATE HAPTIC FEEDBACK FOR SKIN-MEDIATED INTERACTIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system includes a sensor configured to sense an input at a skin surface, a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor and generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal, and a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect based on the haptic control signal. Full Article
or CEILING MOUNT INTRUSION DETECTOR WITH ARBITRARY DIRECTION DETECTION CAPABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A ceiling mount intrusion detector with arbitrary direction detection capability is provided. The detector can include a pyroelectric sensor and a unitary Fresnel lens such that the unitary Fresnel lens includes a first piece of a first full Fresnel lens and a second piece of a second full Fresnel lens and such that the first piece and the second piece are spliced together. Due to the dimensions and location of the unitary Fresnel lens relative to the sensor, the sensor can output a signal indicative of an alarm condition when an object passes in front of the lens at any angle relative to the sensor. Full Article
or METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING SENSOR DATA OF DETECTED OBJECTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting, by a system including at least one processor, a presence of an object from sensor data generated by a sensor device, retrieving, by the system, from a memory device a plurality of profiles biometrically descriptive of approved objects, asserting, by the system, an alarm responsive to determining from the sensor data that the detected object is not biometrically correlated to any of the plurality of profiles, classifying, by the system, the detected object as an authorized object responsive to determining from the sensor data that the detected object is biometrically correlated to at least one of the plurality of profiles, and notifying, by the system, at least one neighboring device responsive to asserting the alarm or responsive to classifying the detected object as the authorized object. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
or RADIO FREQUENCY LABEL FOR PACKAGING SECURITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system, method, and device for improving the functioning of security tags for use with merchandise are provided. A security tag device, to be used in conjunction with a tag monitoring device, may be provided with a product. The product may be conductive or may have metallic packaging. The security tag may include a planar dielectric substrate having a first side and an opposing side. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit may be placed on the first side of the planar dielectric substrate. A ferrite sheet having a first side and an opposing side may be coupled to the opposing side of the planar dielectric substrate. A metal backing sheet may be coupled to the opposing side of the ferrite sheet. The planar dielectric substrate may be centered or offset on the ferrite sheet and the ferrite sheet may be centered or offset on the metal backing sheet. Full Article
or IDENTIFYING PERSONS OF INTEREST USING MOBILE DEVICE INFORMATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An alarm system including an alarm panel, a sensor operatively connected to the alarm panel and operable to detect alarm events, and a communicator module operatively connected to the alarm panel and operable to capture signals transmitted by mobile devices within a predefined area, extract mobile device identifiers from the signals, and record the mobile device identifiers in an active device identifier list that is maintained in a memory associated with the communicator module. Full Article
or Security Prejudgment based on Characteristic Information By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An example method of security prejudgment based on characteristic information include receiving characteristic information of a monitored party from the monitored party, calculating security status information of the monitored party based on a probability of danger that has been stored and corresponds to the characteristic information of the monitored party, determining that the security status information is greater than a first threshold, performing an appropriate operation based on the determination. Accordingly, the technical solution of the present disclosure solves a problem that presetting of monitoring conditions cannot cover potential surrounding risks that result in a safety hazard. Further, the technical solution can monitor risks that are not reflected by spatial information. After identifying and warning based on the characteristic information, potential risks may be avoided before occurring without wasting data traffic. Full Article
or INTELLIGENT SHOE FOR THE BLIND By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an intelligent shoe for the blind, which includes a sole and an upper. At least a portion of the sole is provided with multiple pressure sensors for generating pressure sensing signals when the sole is in contact with raised ground surface. The intelligent shoe further includes a storage chip, used to pre-store a signal characteristic of pressure sensing signals generated when the sole is in contact with a blind sidewalk, and a ata processing chip electrically connected to the multiple pressure sensors and the storage chip, used to compare a signal characteristic of pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensors with the pre-stored signal characteristic, and determine that the sole deviates from the blind sidewalk and send a prompt signal in the case that the signal characteristic of the pressure sensing signals from the pressure sensors is inconsistent with the pre-stored signal characteristic. Full Article
or MONITORING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A computerized monitoring system and method for detecting electrical equipment failure. The system includes a sensor that detects a sound level representative of ultrasonic emissions radiating from electrical equipment to be monitored. A computer system in communication with the sensor is programmed to determine whether the electrical equipment is experiencing one or more of arcing, tracking, or corona based on the sound level detected by the sensor. In some embodiments, the computer system continuously monitors for these conditions based on the sound level detected by the sensor. Full Article
or Monitoring and Alert System and Method for Latching Mechanisms By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A monitoring and alert system for retro-fitting to latching mechanisms. A master control unit is located proximate to an operator of the system. It includes a user interface having: an input enabling an operator to arm the system and then allow it to operate with minimal interaction of the operator. It also includes an output alerting the operator as to the status of the system in relation to a plurality of prescribed conditions. One or more slave units having sensing units detecting a latched and unlatched state are attached to a discrete latching mechanism for detecting the latching status thereof. Each slave unit comprises sensing means to detect whether the latching mechanism is in a latched state or an unlatched state. Full Article
or METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE REMOTE CONTROL OF A FUNCTION OF A VEHICLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and device for the remote control of a function of a vehicle is disclosed. Images of the vehicle are recorded by a camera which is integrated in the mobile control unit. A visual signal is generated at a predetermined position on the vehicle, where remote control is only enabled if the visual signal is recorded by the camera. The device for the remote control of a function of a vehicle includes a mobile control unit with an integrated camera to record the images of the vehicle. A signal generation unit is arranged at a predetermined position on the vehicle for the generation of a visual signal and the vehicle includes a function unit for the control of the function. The function unit is formed in such a way that remote control is only enabled when the visual signal is recorded by the camera. Full Article
or Vehicle Operation Assistance Information Management By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle may traverse a portion of a vehicle transportation network, which may include a processor of the vehicle executing instructions to identify a first vehicle operation assistance information item, and, on a condition that an immanency for the first vehicle operation assistance information item is within a maximum relevant immanence and a utility metric for the first vehicle operation assistance information item indicates high utility, present a representation of the first vehicle operation assistance information item by, on a condition that a first urgency identified based on the immanency indicates a warning urgency or an advisory urgency, controlling a primary graphical display portion to present a first portion of a graphical representation of the first vehicle operation assistance information item, and controlling a secondary graphical display portion to present a second portion of the graphical representation. Full Article
or System and Method for Determining Parking Infraction By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments are described herein for methods and systems for managing a parking area. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a parking authorization request from a parking lot user, the request specifying a parking stall identifier corresponding to a parking stall occupied by the user's vehicle, the request further specifying a parking duration parameter identifying a time duration the user's vehicle can occupy the stall; determining a parking duration rule for the stall based on the parking duration parameter, the rule indicating a parking expiration time; at a first time, receiving a first data associated with the parking stall identifier, the first data comprising an occupancy parameter indicating a presence or absence of a parked vehicle at the identified stall; if the occupancy parameter indicates a presence of a parked vehicle, generate a citation alert for the stall if the first time exceeds the parking expiration time. Full Article
or DRIVING SUPPORT SYSTEM, DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD AND PROGRAM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Conventional driving support systems have a problem that the driver of a user's vehicle is still at a hazard because the conventional driving support systems cannot make another vehicle irradiate, with its visible light, an obstacle existing at a position which the user's vehicle cannot detect with its on-vehicle radar, etc. According to the present invention, a determination unit 104 determines, on the basis of position information of a first moving object and position information of an obstacle, whether or not the first moving object detects the obstacle, and a controller 105 informs the first moving object of the existence of the obstacle when the determination unit 104 determines that the first moving object does not detect the obstacle. Full Article
or Maintenance Decision Support System and Method for Vehicular and Roadside Applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and system are provided in which maintenance vehicles collect information from sensors and operators, forward the collected information to a server, and, is response, receive maps and operator instructions. Full Article
or BATTERY-POWERED WIRELESS LONG LIFE TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY SENSOR MODULE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An adaptive algorithm based battery-powered long distance wireless temperature and humidity sensor module. The sensor module uses an adaptive algorithm to transmit data on an event basis and/or a reduced basis to extend battery life to more than 10 years. It also uses a low power wireless transmitter which has frequency of sub-1 GHz and an effective transfer distance of up to 250 meters, a low power temperature and humidity sensor, and a long lasting lithium battery which has shelf life of 20 years. Full Article
or METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING A POSITION OF A VEHICLE AT A REMOTELY LOCATED DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for displaying a vehicle location on a user device includes an in-vehicle infotainment system and the user device coupled to the in-vehicle infotainment system of a vehicle. A global positioning system generates a vehicle position signal at the vehicle. The in-vehicle infotainment system communicates the vehicle position signal to a user device. The user device generates a display comprising the current vehicle position. Full Article
or TORCH IGNITION SYSTEM AND IGNITION ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ignition assembly and a torch ignition system are described that provide a system and a device that can be coupled to a torch and can provide a spark for igniting a fuel/oxygen mixture. In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch ignition system includes a torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly. Full Article
or PROCESSES FOR REDUCING THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A CATALYTIC CRACKING PROCESS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Processes and apparatuses for co-processing pyrolysis effluent and a hydrocarbon stream in which a char produced by the catalytic cracking of the pyrolysis effluent is recovered and utilized to provide energy, such as heat to the catalytic cracking zone. The char can be burned in various combustion zones associated with the catalytic cracking zone. The char is produced from a renewable resource. Full Article
or DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING FUEL EFFICIENT CANDLES CONFIGURED WITH HELICAL WICKS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Helical wick candle and method of manufacturing this candle. The candle typically comprises a candle with meltable fuel such as wax, and at least one helical wick with a helical radius of at least ¼″ or greater. This helical wick is configured so that as the candle burns, the burning tip of the wick doesn't remain stationary, but rather circles the axis of the wick so as to burn more of the wax than would otherwise be possible with a prior art straight wick candle, at least when the diameter of the candle is larger than the pool of melted wax surrounding the wick. This results in higher fuel burning efficiency, often 1.5× or higher, as well as various interesting artistic shapes as the wick burns. Various wick sheath methods to improve the rigidity and burn resistance of the wick during the burning process are also discussed. Full Article
or ENERGY SAVING COMBUSTION DEVICE FOR BURNING REFRACTORY HAZARDOUS GAS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a combustion device 100 for burning refractory hazardous gases and a burning method for the combustion device. More particularly, the combustion device 110 for burning refractory hazardous gases, which is provided in a scrubber system 1 for burning waste gases, the combustion device 110 includes: a first porous body 141; a second porous body 142; and an igniter for forming a flame surface 143 at the interior of the combustion device 110, wherein the flame surface 143 formed by the igniter is located between the first porous body 141 and the second porous body 142, and so as to form the flame surface 143, at least one of the first porous body 141 and the second porous body 142 is moved to conduct excess enthalpy combustion. Full Article
or Outdoor gas fired patio heater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention comprises an assy PH base at the bottom, a gas combination valve, a reducing bushing unit, a PH perforated cylinder, a tubing unit along with the pilot assembly, PH pan head, a gas combination control assembly, a gas liter unit, a burner assembly and an assy PH emitter grid assembly. A reflector is mounted at the top of the assy PH emitter grid assembly. The present invention provides an automatic ignition system along with ON/OFF switch and the device also has an inbuilt transformer which provides the safety to the user(s). Hence, the present invention is very easy to operate and user friendly. Full Article
or CATALYST FOR HYDROGEN COMBUSTION, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME, AND METHOD FOR HYDROGEN COMBUSTION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT The hydrogen combustion catalyst includes a catalyst metal supported on a carrier made of an inorganic oxide, wherein: a functional group having at least one alkyl group with three or less carbon atoms is bonded to a terminal of a hydroxyl group on the carrier surface by substitution; platinum and palladium are supported as the catalyst metal; and a chlorine content is 300 ppm to 2,000 ppm per 1 mass % of the total supported amount of a supported amount of platinum and a supported amount of palladium. The total supported amount of platinum and palladium is preferably 0.1 to 5.0 mass % based on mass of a whole catalyst. In the hydrogen combustion catalyst according to the present invention, when treating a gas that contains iodine and hydrogen, catalyst poisoning by iodine is suppressed. Full Article