Nonselective Paging (e.g., Public Address System) Patents (Class 340/311.2)
  • Patent number: 11996813
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a microcontroller and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), where the differential of the electronic circuit now proposed, is to transfer the output power to one of the different channels in a free and individual way, from one side to the other, being able to equalize and amplify each channel (speaker), permitting the power division not necessarily equal to said channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Inventor: Debones Dos Reis
  • Patent number: 11741929
    Abstract: An example process may include identifying an area of an environment to emit one or more sound masking signals, determining a noise level of one or more surrounding areas adjacent to the area, selecting one or more frequency ranges and respective amplitudes of the one or more sound masking signals to apply to the area based on the noise level, and emitting the masking signals via one or more emitters disposed in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Biamp Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jacob Peter Campbell
  • Patent number: 11177975
    Abstract: A movable device and a method for monitoring an operation cycle of an appliance are disclosed. For example, the movable device includes an operational detection component to receive operational feedback of the appliance, wherein the operational feedback comprises a vibration of the appliance and an audible signal of the appliance, a wireless interface to establish a wireless connection with a mobile endpoint device, a processor in communication with the operational detection component to determine when the appliance is in the operation cycle based upon the operational feedback and to generate a notification message that is sent to the mobile endpoint device when the appliance has completed the operation cycle, a housing enclosing the operation detection component, the wireless interface and the processor and a connection component coupled to the housing to removably couple the apparatus to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Kristin Patterson
  • Patent number: 10969834
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies for electronic devices are described. According to some embodiments, the sensor assemblies include solid-state sensors, such as capacitive sensors, piezoelectric sensors or piezoresistive sensors. The sensor assemblies can include a number of features that provide a compact profile, making them well suited for integration into small spaces of electronic device enclosures. The sensor assemblies can also include features that isolate movement of various parts of the sensor assemblies, allowing for accurate detection of a sensing event. According to some embodiments, the sensor assemblies are coupled to haptic actuators, speaker, or both, which mimic the feel of a mechanical button and enhance a user's experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Benjamin J. Pope, Paul U. Leutheuser, Scott A. Myers, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Edward S. Huo
  • Patent number: 10648877
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems related to collecting weather data by measuring bending and compression stresses in a weather sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: UNDERSTORY, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Kubicek, Bryan A. Dow, Alexander T. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10204507
    Abstract: User-configurable weather warning apparatuses, and methods for providing and configuring user-configurable weather warning apparatuses are presented. For example, according to one aspect, an apparatus comprising a processor and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive a first Special Area Message Encoding (SAME) message may be provided. The processor may be configured to, responsive to a user preference to trigger an alert system only in the event of a tornado warning: determine whether the first SAME message indicates a tornado warning; and in response to determining that the first SAME message indicates a tornado warning, trigger the alert system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: La Crosse Technology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan McCormick
  • Patent number: 10204373
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying customers with ordered items at a retail enterprise may associate in a database each of a plurality of departments within a brick-and-mortar outlet with a different identification code, and also one of a plurality of customer codes identifying a customer with an order code identifying an order placed by the customer for an item to be delivered thereto by one of the departments. In response to a wirelessly received identification code and customer code, a display monitor at one of the plurality of departments is controlled to display a notification message if the received identification code matches the identification code associated with the one of the departments and the received customer code matches the customer code associated in the database with the order code. The notification message may include information relating to at least one of the customer and the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Meijer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Pugh, Elmer L. Robinson, Jr., David Scott Pallas, K. Michael Ross
  • Patent number: 9846092
    Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems related to collecting weather data by measuring bending and compression stresses in a weather sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: UNDERSTORY, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Kubicek, Bryan A. Dow
  • Patent number: 9661429
    Abstract: A system and method for processing, amplification and distribution of audio signals. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving at least one digital audio input signal from one or more audio sources via wireless or wired communications. In an embodiment, address information accompanying the at least one digital audio input signal is identified to determine to which modular processor/amplifier unit the audio signal is to be directed. In dependence upon identification of one or more modular processor/amplifier units, the identified one or more modular processor/amplifier units are awakened, and the processed/amplified audio signals is directed to one or more audio listening zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Zenovia Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Logan Daniel Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9210523
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for processing, amplification and distribution of audio signals. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving at least one digital audio input signal from one or more audio sources via wireless or wired communications. In an embodiment, address information accompanying the at least one digital audio input signal is identified to determine to which modular processor/amplifier unit the audio signal is to be directed. In dependence upon identification of one or more modular processor/amplifier units, the identified one or more modular processor/amplifier units are awakened, and the processed/amplified audio signals is directed to one or more audio listening zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: ZENOVIA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Logan Daniel Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8810408
    Abstract: Medication management and reporting technology, in which output from at least one sensor configured to sense physical activity in a building in which medication of a patient is located is monitored and a determination is made to capture one or more images of the medication based on the monitoring. A camera is used to capture an image of the medication and the captured image is analyzed to detect a state of the medication. Information regarding a schedule by which the medication should be taken by the patient is accessed and an expected state of the medication is determined. The detected state is compared with the expected state and a determination is made that the patient has departed from the schedule based on the comparison revealing that the detected state does not match the expected state. A message indicating the departure from the schedule is sent based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Hanson, Elizabeth Leslie Manson
  • Patent number: 8760270
    Abstract: An intercom system controlling method stores intercom system location information in an electronic device, and sets a reply interface which is displayed on a screen to provide alert messages and operable buttons regarding different communication statuses between the electronic device and an intercom system, which has an outdoor installed at an entrance of a building and an indoor intercom installed with the building. After receiving a request data packet that is generated and sent by a network device of the intercom system, the method displays the intercom system location information, the alert messages and operable buttons of a waiting-for communication status on the reply interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 8659392
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of wireless sensors are disclosed. The system may generally include a plurality of wireless sensor nodes communicatively coupled to a plurality of sensing devices. Additionally, the system may include a paging device configured to wirelessly transmit a page command to at least one of the wireless sensor nodes. Further, the at least one wireless sensor node may be configured to produce a position indicator upon receipt of the page command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Boris Leonid Sheikman, Raymond Verle Jensen
  • Patent number: 8339249
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for transmitting emergency warning messages over cellular networks. In the proposed method, the access point transmits scheduling information of the emergency information in addition to the non-emergency information in a first system information block (SIB1) to a plurality of user equipments. In case of an emergency, the access point notifies the user equipments of the emergency situation and transmits emergency information to the user equipments to provide more information about the emergency situation. Since the user equipments already have scheduling information of the emergency information, they can start receiving the emergency information immediately after the emergency notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Masato Kitazoe
  • Publication number: 20100271222
    Abstract: A computer processor implemented method of determining system configuration information of a monitored electrical system without the need for user input by constructing a data set of a standard performance curve for at least one system type; defining at least one characteristic feature for each system type; determining the required data to identify at least one system type according to at least one of the standard performance curve and characteristic feature; remotely acquiring the required data; comparing system acquired electrical system data to at least one system type and correlated standard performance curves and correlated characteristic features to provide system configuration information for at least one monitored electrical system to provide the specific type of monitored electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Shawn Kerrigan, Micharl Herzig
  • Publication number: 20100218209
    Abstract: An apparatus (20) such as a television signal receiver, radio or other device provides an emergency alert function that facilitates user selection of geographical locations to ensure proper notification of emergency events. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes a memory (27) operative to store data that enables a setup process of the emergency alert function. A processor (27) is operatively coupled to the memory (27). The processor (27) is operative to use the data to enable display of a first list including a plurality of locations. The processor (27) receives a first user input selecting a first one of the locations. The processor (27) identifies at least one transmitter (10) serving the first location and enables display of a second list responsive to the first user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Allan Kendall
  • Patent number: 7667622
    Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yacht Watchman International
    Inventors: James J. Knoska, Melvin L. Dalrymple, William D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100026472
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for transmitting emergency warning messages over cellular networks. In the proposed method, the access point transmits scheduling information of the emergency information in addition to the non-emergency information in a first system information block (SIB1) to a plurality of user equipments. In case of an emergency, the access point notifies the user equipments of the emergency situation and transmits emergency information to the user equipments to provide more information about the emergency situation. Since the user equipments already have scheduling information of the emergency information, they can start receiving the emergency information immediately after the emergency notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Masato Kitazoe
  • Patent number: 7408442
    Abstract: A programmable event driver/interface has timekeeping and scheduling functions and tone and voice capabilities. A software-based interface allows for direct communication with individual annunciators and dynamic grouping of annunciators by zone. System state of health can be ascertained periodically for each annunciator, displayed in a visual summary, stored, and time tagged. Both tones and audio signals such as voice and radio can be commanded to be output by individual annunciators as well as by zones and by all annunciators at once. Schedules, including time-of day, day-of week, and date for annunciator outputs can be programmed for any or all annunciators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond J. LeBlanc, Angelo S. Arcaria
  • Patent number: 7327219
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a building, such as a hospital provides an audible and/or visual alarm. The monitoring system includes a control unit, with a plurality of medical condition monitoring units, such as ventilators, connected thereto. A plurality of speakers and/or light sources are connected to the control unit, and are located at various different spaced-apart areas within the building. An abnormal condition, sensed at one of the plurality of medical condition monitoring units, is reported to the control unit, which in turn causes the plurality of speakers and/or light sources to issue an audible/visual alarm. An adaptor can connect a medical condition monitoring unit to the control unit. The adapter may include circuitry to render an alarm output of the medical condition monitoring unit compatible with the control unit, and to suppress an alarm output for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Henry Lederer, IV
  • Patent number: 7236087
    Abstract: On-premises pager loss is reduced by alerting patrons they are out of range. Pagers include an LCD with messages or promotions. An LED on the pager emits different colors indicating the level of battery charge. Circuitry in the pager causes a higher charge to be delivered to the battery when the pager is first coupled to a charging unit, and a lower charge to be delivered thereafter. Stacked slots in the charging unit receive the pagers. This permits access without disconnection of pagers in other slots and removal from the slots using first-in-first-out rotation. Charging rails on the charging unit simultaneously and directly connect each pager in the slots. Charging units are electrically coupled to other units in a daisy chain. A light on the unit indicates whether it is receiving power. Conductors on the pagers mechanically interlock with the charging rail when a pager is inserted into a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: JTech Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Vasquez, Richard C. Hoo
  • Patent number: 6590492
    Abstract: A pager having customized page alert for customizing messages when a page is received. The pager having customized page alert includes a housing having a substantially rectangular configuration. The housing has a top surface and a bottom surface, a peripheral wall extending between a periphery of the top surface and a periphery of the bottom surface. The peripheral wall, the top surface and the bottom surface define an interior space of the housing. A display screen is coupled to the top surface of the housing. The display screen is for displaying a visual representation signal. A speaker and a microphone are mounted within the interior space of the housing. A receiving means is operationally coupled to a processing means. The receiving means is adapted for receiving the signal from the tower. The receiving means and the processing means are mounted within the interior space of the housing. The processing means is operationally coupled to the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Edward J. Hum
  • Publication number: 20030107478
    Abstract: An architectural sound enhancement system is provided for installation in a space having a suspended ceiling to provide integrated masking, background, and paging functions. The system includes an array of flat panel speaker units, a central paging transmitter, and a wireless remote control unit. The speaker units are adapted to be installed in a selected location within a suspended ceiling grid and can be moved to a new location as needed and desired. Each speaker unit is self-contained and includes, in one embodiment, an electronics module housing a system controller with radio frequency detection capability, a sound generator having a library of stored sounds, an audio effects processor including an equalizer, a sound enhancer, an audio pre-amplifier, an audio power amplifier, and a flat panel speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Richard S. Hendricks, Kenneth P. Roy
  • Patent number: 6507274
    Abstract: A data display radio pager of the present invention receives a paging signal including an address number and a message following the address number. If the address number is identical with an address number assigned to the pager, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) writes the message in a RAM (Random Access Memory) while displaying it on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). When the user of the pager operates a read switch, the CPU accesses the RAM to display the message stored therein on the LCD. If a receipt interrupt occurs when the CPU is reading the message out of the RAM, the CPU displays both the message stored and an incoming message on the LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Morishima
  • Publication number: 20020118102
    Abstract: A boat security system based on two-way paging technology to allow immediate notification of any abnormal situations that the boat owner chooses to monitor. In response to an abnormal condition, affirmative action may be taken such as generating an audible alarm, disabling the boat, or enabling a tracking device. The system communicates alarm condition employing the ReFLEX™ two way paging technology and, when coupled to an alphanumeric pager, allowing for reporting of status conditions of the boat can be obtained. The basic embodiment includes a alarm functions for the bilge including bilge cycles, battery strength, door and hatch sensors, a shock sensor for detecting an impact such as dock line breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald Fundak, Rafael J. Picon
  • Patent number: 6424252
    Abstract: A paging system for washers and dryers including a transmitter adapted for coupling with a washer and dryer. The transmitter can detect an end of a cycle of the washer and dryer. The transmitter includes a plurality of function buttons. A receiver is provided that is adapted for being worn by the person. The receiver is in communication with the transmitter whereupon the transmitter detecting the end of the cycle, the receiver will be sent a signal. The receiver includes an alarm that is activated upon receiving the signal. The receiver includes a plurality of function buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Maury Adler
  • Publication number: 20020070848
    Abstract: A paging system for washers and dryers including a transmitter adapted for coupling with a washer and dryer. The transmitter can detect an end of a cycle of the washer and dryer. The transmitter includes a plurality of function buttons. A receiver is provided that is adapted for being worn by the person. The receiver is in communication with the transmitter whereupon the transmitter detecting the end of the cycle, the receiver will be sent a signal. The receiver includes an alarm that is activated upon receiving the signal. The receiver includes a plurality of function buttons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Maury Adler
  • Patent number: 6359550
    Abstract: An array of stimulators associated with a personal communications device for providing the user with tactile messaging respecting call processing or call network status. The array is positioned on the device so as to be in contact with the user while the terminal is carried or worn, on a wrist, for example. The stimulators of the array, are activated independently so as to provide the user with an encoded message of call processes such as alerting, dial tone, busy signal, etc. Preferably each status is associated with one of a set of unique patterns of operation of the stimulators recognizable by the user as tactile image or pattern of operation, rather than necessitating tactile sensation of individual sequences of each stimulator. Advantageously audio and haptic signalling is synchronised to provide a tactile warning to alert user to impending audio signal, and thereby allow a lower level, i.e. quieter, audio signal to be used, because the user is primed by the tactile signal to expect the audio signalling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Michel A. Brisebois, Marilyn French-St. George, Laura A. Mahan, Andre Van Schyndel
  • Patent number: 6285277
    Abstract: A page simulating device for simulating a page for a user. The page simulating device includes a housing resembling a pager apparatus and a circuit for producing an audible sound upon actuation of the circuit. The housing has an activation button mounted thereon. The housing includes a display mounted thereon. The display is adapted to display alphanumeric characters. The circuit is actuated by depression of the activation button mounted on the housing. The circuit is to produce the audible sound through a sound producing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Suzanne M. Owen