Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090171799 | WIRELESS POINT-OF-SALE TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A wireless consumer transaction system and method includes wireless equipment coupled to a point-of-sale system, whereby consumers are enabled to set up and carry out point-of-sale transactions in an automated or semi-automated manner using a wireless device. Users entering within the coverage area of the wireless equipment are prompted to conduct a point-of-sale transaction. The point-of-sale system transmits menu options to the user's wireless device. The user selects from the options provided, and is given the ability to purchase the desired goods or services in an automated manner using the wireless device. The wireless equipment of the point-of-sale system is preferably coupled to a point-of-sale computer, which is in turn coupled to a remote processing center. An automated purchase transaction may be conducted by obtaining approval and/or automatically withdrawing funds from the remote processing center in response to user-initiated activity. | 07-02-2009 |
20090237950 | LOW GLARE LIGHTING FOR A TRANSIT VEHICLE - A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs. | 09-24-2009 |
20100013592 | CONTROLLABLE ELECTRONIC SWITCH - A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions. | 01-21-2010 |
20100189134 | CONTROL NETWORK WITH DATA AND POWER DISTRIBUTION - A control network comprises a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, with first-tier nodes and lower tier nodes. A master control bus interconnects the first-tier nodes, which are also connected to a power source. Lower-tier buses interconnect groups of the lower tier nodes. The lower-tier buses include both data lines and a power source line derived from the power source, allowing the lower tier nodes to selectively distribute power to local loads. A first-tier node may be embodied as a hub controller configured to be connected to one or more of said lower-tier buses. The hub controller may comprise a plurality of internal hub nodes (including a hub master node and hub slave nodes) integrated within the same physical unit. | 07-29-2010 |
20100235042 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE OF A MOBILE CONVEYANCE - A system for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of a control networks on a mobile conveyance comprises one or more wireless ground stations configured to communicate over a wireless communication channel with the control network. A local area computer network receives and responds to messages to or from the control network via the wireless ground stations. The local area computer network may have user terminals, a server computer, a database comprising diagnostic information relating to said control network, and a replacement parts database and/or job auction database. The local area network may also include a wide area network interface, allowing diagnostic information for the control network to be retrieved or parts to be ordered from remote vendor sites. The system may also include wireless handheld, portable equipment for allowing service personnel to perform diagnostic analysis, maintenance, and testing of the mobile conveyance control network. | 09-16-2010 |
20110320065 | NETWORK NODE WITH INTEGRATED POWER DISTRIBUTION - A control network comprises a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, with first-tier nodes and lower tier nodes. A master control bus interconnects the first-tier nodes, which are also connected to a power source. Lower-tier buses interconnect groups of the lower tier nodes. The lower-tier buses include both data lines and a power source line derived from the power source, allowing the lower tier nodes to selectively distribute power to local loads. A first-tier node may be embodied as a hub controller configured to be connected to one or more of said lower-tier buses. The hub controller may comprise a plurality of internal hub nodes (including a hub master node and hub slave nodes) integrated within the same physical unit. | 12-29-2011 |
20120031321 | COMPACTABLE STORAGE COVER - A cover mechanism comprises a support frame with base supports and a multi-part expandable cover engaged with the base supports by grappling members or other means. The expandable cover may have a pliable exterior cover and a set of integral ribs, the expandable cover being foldable when not deployed and being expandable to form a self-supporting structure when deployed. The base supports may provide a sliding track for the grappling members to facilitate expansion of the cover. The base supports may be adapted to rest on the ground or buoyant so that the cover can be used with watercraft. The expandable cover may be deployed by pivoting it from a folded position to an upright position, sliding the cover along the base support tracks, and pivoting the cover from the front of the base supports downwards, forming an enclosure thereby. | 02-09-2012 |
20120092122 | CONTROLLABLE ELECTRONIC SWITCH - A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions. | 04-19-2012 |
20130141925 | LOW GLARE LIGHTING FOR A TRANSIT VEHICLE - A low glare overhead lighting fixture for a transit vehicle comprises a lighting fixture base assembly for mounting one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs or fluorescent tubes), and a light permeable cover adapted to reduce glare. The light permeable cover may include a light guide embodied as a grid-like structure with holes or perforations for directing the light from the light source in a manner reducing light spread. The light guide may be disposed between a front and rear lens covers. The lighting fixture may also utilize a light permeable cover having an anti-glare surface element, such as a privacy filter screen or mesh which may be formed using microlouver technology. The lighting fixture base assembly may have separate compartments, each lined with a highly reflective coating, housing one or more deeply set LEDs. | 06-06-2013 |
20140156091 | NETWORK NODE WITH INTEGRATED POWER DISTRIBUTION - A control network comprises a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, with first-tier nodes and lower tier nodes. A master control bus interconnects the first-tier nodes, which are also connected to a power source. Lower-tier buses interconnect groups of the lower tier nodes. The lower-tier buses include both data lines and a power source line derived from the power source, allowing the lower tier nodes to selectively distribute power to local loads. A first-tier node may be embodied as a hub controller configured to be connected to one or more of said lower-tier buses. The hub controller may comprise a plurality of internal hub nodes (including a hub master node and hub slave nodes) integrated within the same physical unit. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE OF A MOBILE CONVEYANCE - A system for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of a control networks on a mobile conveyance comprises one or more wireless ground stations configured to communicate over a wireless communication channel with the control network. A local area computer network receives and responds to messages to or from the control network via the wireless ground stations. The local area computer network may have user terminals, a server computer, a database comprising diagnostic information relating to said control network, and a replacement parts database and/or job auction database. The local area network may also include a wide area network interface, allowing diagnostic information for the control network to be retrieved or parts to be ordered from remote vendor sites. The system may also include wireless handheld, portable equipment for allowing service personnel to perform diagnostic analysis, maintenance, and testing of the mobile conveyance control network. | 06-05-2014 |
20140267975 | INTEGRATED LIGHTING FIXTURE AND MESSAGE BOARD - A message board lighting fixture has semiconductor based lighting elements for illumination and an integrated electronic message board display for displaying content to occupants of a transit vehicle or other area. The lighting fixture may include a concave fixture frame having a reflective interior, with lighting elements positioned along the length of the frame to provide area illumination. The electronic display may be mounted on a projecting frame substantially centrally within the cavity of the concave fixture frame, and may be augmented with additional semiconductor based lighting elements for backlighting. A detachable lens cover may have a diffusive portion and a separate transparent region over the electronic display area. | 09-18-2014 |