Yaw control system for a vehicle-trailer combination
US Patent 7,905,555
March 15, 2011
A yaw control system capable of detecting a predetermined yaw angle of a towed vehicle and then automatically communicating with a braking system of the towed vehicle includes an actuator and a switch. The actuator and switch operate to detect when a towed vehicle, such as a trailer, has exceeded a predetermined yaw angle. In one embodiment, the yaw control system includes a switch arranged to contact a surface of a plate (i.e., actuator) when the towed vehicle exceeds the predetermined yaw angle. In another embodiment, the yaw control system includes a switch mechanism arranged to contact retractable rods (i.e., actuator) coupled to a hitch assembly when the towed vehicle exceeds the predetermined yaw angle.
Systems and methods for an antenna hub tarp
US Patent 7,905,241
March 15, 2011
Systems and methods of protecting service personnel and electronics in an antenna hub from inclement weather are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an antenna hub shelter has an attachment member secured to a hub, wherein the attachment member is located above an access door of the hub and a top portion defined by a first edge and a second opposing edge. The first edge is attachable to the attachment member. The second edge is secured to a handrail of an access platform of the antenna.
Senate passes patent reform bill
March 8, 2011
| Intellectual Property News
The Senate has passed a patent reform bill that would incorporate several significant changes including a first-to-file system, enlarged post-grant patent review procedures, and many others. Although the bill still faces challenges before being enacted into law, the Senate’s approval in a vote of 95 in favor and 5 opposed suggests a strong likelihood that much of this bill will ultimately be enacted. Among the more significant features are:
First to file. The bill would end the long history in the United States of granting patents to the first to invent, rather than the first to file a patent application. Most other countries around the world follow a system in which patents are awarded to the first inventor to file a patent application even if another patent applicant could prove to have conceived it first.
Grace period. Current law also allows inventors a one-year grace period between the time of any public disclosures of the invention and the date of the patent application. Under this grace period, public disclosures by anyone—whether by the inventor or any third party—do not work against the inventor as long as the inventor conceived of the invention before the public disclosures and the patent application is filed within a year of the disclosures. The patent reform bill would modify this grace period such that the inventor’s own disclosures do not bar patentability, but the application would not get the benefit of a grace period with respect to third party disclosures.
False marking. The bill seeks to reduce the flood of false marking litigation by eliminating a provision allowing any member of the public to file such a lawsuit. Instead, only those who can prove to have suffered a competitive injury could assert a false marking claim.
Willful infringement. Recent Federal Circuit Court of Appeals decisions have held that an infringer is liable for enhanced damages and attorneys’ fees if it was aware of the patent and was objectively reckless in proceeding with the infringing activity. The bill essentially codifies this prior law, adding that it must be shown by clear and convincing evidence and that close cases should be resolved against a finding of willfulness.
Post grant review. The bill includes new provisions for “post-grant review” of patents, allowing the public additional mechanisms to challenge the propriety of the granting of a patent.
System and method for updating software in electronic devices
US Patent 7,904,608
March 8, 2011
Particular embodiments include a system and method to enable a user-controlled proxy system or coordinating computer to automatically or semi-automatically communicate with multiple devices, determine the currently operating software contents and versions for each device, and to automatically or semi-automatically upgrade each device with updated software without requiring user intervention. The software may include communication, operating system or application-specific program codes that improve a given device’s designed function.
Icon mobile phone remote with favorite channel selection
US Patent 7,904,069
March 8, 2011
The present invention provides a mobile phone remote control system, a system for programming the remote control, and methods of programming or using the remote control. The mobile phone remote control system is configured to be selectively set up or programmed using a display screen and corresponding function buttons on the remote control. The remote control system may be used to control the channel of a media device such as a television based on an icon displayed on a screen of the mobile phone. The set up process allows channel numbers to be automatically assigned based on icons selected by a user and previously identified geographic information such as a mobile phone user address postal zip code.
Systems and methods for object localization and path identification based on RFID sensing
US Patent 7,898,419
March 1, 2011
A networked radio frequency identification system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, a computer in signal communication with the RFID tag readers over a network, and a software module for storage on and operable by the computer that localizes RFID tags based on information received from the RFID tag readers using a network model having endpoints and oriented links. In an additional example, at least one of the RFID tag readers includes an adjustable configuration setting selected from RF signal strength, antenna gain, antenna polarization, and antenna orientation. In a further aspect, the system localizes RFID tags based on hierarchical threshold limit calculations. In an additional aspect, the system controls a locking device associated with an access point based on localization of an authorized RFID tag at the access point and reception of additional authorizing information from an input device.
Adjustable threaded cores for LED thermal management
US Patent 7,898,077
March 1, 2011
Adjustable threaded cores for LED thermal management. The cores provide a direct thermal path between a LED and a heat sink while minimizing gaps and stresses between materials. The system includes a heat generating object, a first substrate housing containing a threaded hole beginning adjacent to the heat generating object, a second substrate having compatible threading with the threaded hole, and a third substrate including a heat sink. The second substrate has a higher thermal conductivity in comparison to the first substrate. The threaded hole and threaded core may terminate adjactent to the heat sink or may extent into the heat sink.
Child carrier
US Patent D632,887
February 22, 2011
The ornamental design for the child carrier, as shown and described.
Enhanced aircraft transponder reliability
US Patent 7,893,863
February 22, 2011
An aircraft system includes a transponder and a processor. The processor is configured to determine if the aircraft is positioned in a predetermined restricted flying zone. If the aircraft is positioned in a predetermined restricted flying zone, the processor determines if the transponder is functioning in a transmit mode. If the transponder is not functioning in a transmit mode, the processor sets the transponder to function in a transmit mode.
Outdoor light with positionable solar collector
US Patent 7,891,832
February 22, 2011
A solar powered lighting system provides a lighting element assembly having a lighting element and a diffuser that secures near the upper end of a support. A collector unit contains a solar cell and a coupler such as a clip-on clamp which allows the collector unit to be selectively attached to a desired support. The lighting system includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar cell of the collector unit and to the lighting element assembly using a wire such that the portion of the wire that extends from the collector unit to the lighting element assembly is of sufficient length to allow the collector unit to be selectively positioned on or remotely from the support.
