CRUCS HOLDINGS, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150359197 | RETRACTABLE LEASH WITH END-OF-LEASH WARNING - Apparatus, system, and method for providing an end-of-leash warning. Embodiments provide for determining when a retractable leash is about to reach a maximum state of detraction from a housing or reel mechanism as the leash is being detracted (e.g., by a dog), and generating a warning signal in response to determining when the retractable leash is about to reach the maximum state of detraction. The warning signal may be in the form of, for example, an emitted sonic signal, an emitted infrared signal, a transmitted radio frequency signal, or a mechanical vibration through the leash. The warning signal may be used to alert, for example, a dog and/or a person walking a dog that the leash is running out. | 12-17-2015 |
20150359196 | RETRACTABLE LEASH WITH END-OF-LEASH WARNING - Apparatus, system, and method for providing an end-of-leash warning. Embodiments provide for determining when a retractable leash is about to reach a maximum state of detraction from a housing or reel mechanism as the leash is being detracted (e.g., by a dog), and generating a warning signal in response to determining when the retractable leash is about to reach the maximum state of detraction. The warning signal may be in the form of, for example, an emitted sonic signal, an emitted infrared signal, a transmitted radio frequency signal, or a mechanical vibration through the leash. The warning signal may be used to alert, for example, a dog and/or a person walking a dog that the leash is running out. | 12-17-2015 |
20150313305 | IMPACT HELMET - A protective headgear having multiple functional layers or functional cells. The protective headgear may have various layers or cells to prevent penetration, absorb energy, and provide chemically-activated cooling in response to an impact. The protective headgear may also have a separate outer shell. The protective headgear may further have sensors for detecting impact levels to the headgear. The sensors may be operatively connected to actuating devices within the headgear for actuating the chemically-activated cooling in response to an impact. The sensor may also be operatively connected to a wireless transmitter device for conveying impact data to a remote monitoring device. | 11-05-2015 |
20130311334 | IDENTIFYING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BASED ON A BUDGET - A system, a method, a server, a computer processing platform, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for enabling the identifying of products and services on-line based on a user budget. A financial budget is generated based on personal financial information provided by a user. Search criteria are generated based on the budget and product/service criteria provided by the user. A search engine is accessed to initiate an on-line search using the generated search criteria. Returned search results are processed to generate purchase recommendations for the user based on the budget and the product/service criteria. The purchase recommendations are sent to the user where the user may make a purchase request based on the recommendations. The purchase of a product or service may be facilitated in response to the purchase request and the budget may be updated based on the purchase. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311325 | IDENTIFYING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BASED ON A BUDGET - A system, a method, a server, a computer processing platform, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for enabling the identifying of products and services on-line based on a user budget. A financial budget is generated based on personal financial information provided by a user. Search criteria are generated based on the budget and product/service criteria provided by the user. A search engine is accessed to initiate an on-line search using the generated search criteria. Returned search results are processed to generate purchase recommendations for the user based on the budget and the product/service criteria. The purchase recommendations are sent to the user where the user may make a purchase request based on the recommendations. The purchase of a product or service may be facilitated in response to the purchase request and the budget may be updated based on the purchase. | 11-21-2013 |
20130162389 | APPARATUS AND METHOD TO AID IN FINDING MISPLACED, FORGOTTEN, OR UNUSED ITEMS - Devices to aid in finding items, along with methods of operation of the devices. The resultant movement of an item during use, and lack of movement of an item during non-use, are exploited to alert a user to the whereabouts of the item through adaptive techniques. A device is associated with an item (e.g., attached to an item) and is configured to sense motion events corresponding to movement of the device and to track corresponding times of occurrence of the motion events. The device may adaptively determine a time interval of motion inactivity or an alert time at which to provide an indication of a current location of the device based on one or more of the motion events and the times of occurrence. | 06-27-2013 |
20120270628 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANONYMOUSLY SERVICING LOTTERY PLAYERS - A system and method for servicing at least one lottery player while protecting an identity of the at least one lottery player. The system includes a server platform of a third party organization that facilitates the method. The method includes receiving a client request of a client at a server platform of a third party organization via a communication network, obtaining a lottery ticket from an authorized distributor of lottery tickets in response to the client request and securely holding the lottery ticket for the lottery player specified in the client request, automatically determining a status of the lottery ticket via an authorized lottery agency over the communication network, transforming the lottery ticket into a monetary amount when a status of the lottery ticket is or changes to a winning status, and securely transferring at least a first portion of the monetary amount to an account or trust. | 10-25-2012 |
20120226779 | AUTOMATIC ENTRY OF CALENDAR EVENTS - Devices, methods, servers, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for automatically generating an event entry within an electronic calendar application. An event-identifying code of an advertised event is entered into an electronic auto-event feature running on a processor-based device. The auto-event feature may automatically access an event server via an information network in response to the event-identifying code and automatically retrieve event information associated with the advertised event from the event server via the information network based on at least a portion of the event-identifying code. Alternatively, the event information may be embedded in the event-identifying code. The auto-event feature is in operative communication with an electronic calendar application running on a processor-based device to automatically create at least one event entry for the advertised event within the electronic calendar application using at least a portion of the event information. | 09-06-2012 |
20120194952 | CONTROLLABLE ELECTRICAL OUTLET AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - Controllable electrical outlets and systems and methods for controlling and disabling the electrical outlets. A controllable electrical outlet includes a current sensor, an electrical switch, and a microcontroller. When an electrical load is plugged into the electrical outlet, the current sensor senses the flow of current and a current sense event is reported from the electrical outlet to a central computer. The central computer provides timing and control of the electrical outlet. When a predetermined elapsed time has passed, as measured by the central computer, a timed-out event is communicated from the central computer to the electrical outlet triggering the electrical switch, opening the current path within the electrical outlet such that electrical current no longer flows to the electrical load. Communication between the central computer and an electrical outlet may occur, for example, via existing electrical wiring, wirelessly, or via dedicated communication wiring. | 08-02-2012 |
20120185354 | IDENTIFYING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BASED ON A BUDGET - A system, a method, a server, a computer processing platform, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for enabling the identifying of products and services on-line based on a user budget. A financial budget is generated based on personal financial information provided by a user. Search criteria are generated based on the budget and product/service criteria provided by the user. A search engine is accessed to initiate an on-line search using the generated search criteria. Returned search results are processed to generate purchase recommendations for the user based on the budget and the product/service criteria. The purchase recommendations are sent to the user where the user may make a purchase request based on the recommendations. The purchase of a product or service may be facilitated in response to the purchase request and the budget may be updated based on the purchase. | 07-19-2012 |
20120179647 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-PARTY DOCUMENT REVISION - A system and method providing a multi-party document revision capability. A master electronic document (MED) may be established on a central computer platform. The MED is embedded with an unalterable document identification code (DIC) which clearly identifies the single instance of the MED. Parties having permission to access, modify, and approve the MED on the central computer platform are each provided with a unique identifier code (UIC) which is associated with the DIC and, therefore, the MED. Any permitted party having an assigned UIC may access the MED and enter proposed changes to the MED on the central computer platform. However, each party associated with the MED has to approve any proposed change before the proposed change is automatically entered as a formally accepted change into the MED. | 07-12-2012 |
20120141638 | CONDIMENT PACKET HAVING A SPREADING APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A condiment packet having a spreading apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The condiment packet includes a substantially flat, sealed pouch containing a condiment. The condiment packet further includes a spreading apparatus being within the sealed pouch. The spreading apparatus may be used to spread the condiment over a food substance once the condiment is squeezed onto the food substance and once a portion of the spreading apparatus is exposed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120139701 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND KITS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATING A GARAGE DOOR OPENER - Systems, methods, and kits for automatically activating a garage door opener. A garage door opener system is supplemented with motion sensor technology or RFID technology to allow for automatic activation of a garage door opener. An automobile that is moving near or is proximate to a garage associated with at least one garage door opener can cause the garage door opener to be automatically activated to open or close a garage door that is operatively connected to the garage door opener. | 06-07-2012 |
20120139700 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND KITS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATING A GARAGE DOOR OPENER - Systems, methods, and kits for automatically activating a garage door opener. A garage door opener system is supplemented with motion sensor technology or RFID technology to allow for automatic activation of a garage door opener. An automobile that is moving near or is proximate to a garage associated with at least one garage door opener can cause the garage door opener to be automatically activated to open or close a garage door that is operatively connected to the garage door opener. | 06-07-2012 |
20120137432 | DEVICES AND IMPLEMENTS FOR DETERRING MONSTERS, SPECTERS, DEMONS, AND THE LIKE - Devices and implements for staving off monsters, specters, demons and the like as imagined by a child at bedtime. A hand-held controller unit is provided having a user interface, which is capable of being used by the child under the bed covers of a bed. The hand-held controller unit may include any of a walkie-talkie capability, a flashlight capability, a nightlight capability, the capability to activate an external device, and other capabilities. At least one external device may be provided which is capable of being placed beneath the bed and is configured to be activated by the hand-held controller unit. At least one substantially hollow air-through member may be provided which is configured to facilitate airflow between underneath the bed covers of the bed and above the bed covers of the bed. A supplemental bed cover may be provided that is configured to be placed on the bed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120092194 | TRANSPORTATION ALERT APPLICATION FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A system and method for providing notification about approaching transportation. A transportation notification application on a mobile communication device associated with a transportation vehicle is activated. An operator of the transportation vehicle selects a predefined route, having multiple transportation stops to be traversed by the transportation vehicle, from the transportation notification application on the mobile communication device. A current transportation stop of the selected route is then selected, again using the transportation notification application on the mobile communication device. The transportation notification application on the mobile communication device then automatically sends a transportation notification message, in response to the selecting of the current transportation stop, to a plurality of user communication devices of known users of the transportation vehicle who are associated with at least one subsequent transportation stop of the transportation vehicle. | 04-19-2012 |
20110247136 | DEVICES AND IMPLEMENTS FOR DETERRING MONSTERS, SPECTERS, DEMONS, AND THE LIKE - A devices and implements for staving off monsters, specters, demons and the like as imagined by a child at bedtime. A hand-held controller unit is provided having a user interface and which is capable of being used by the child under the bed covers of a bed. The hand-held controller unit may include any of a walkie-talkie capability, a flashlight capability, a nightlight capability, the capability to activate an external device, and other capabilities. At least one external device may be provided. The external device may be capable of being placed beneath the bed and is configured to be activated by the hand-held controller unit. At least one substantially hollow air-through member may be provided which is configured to facilitate airflow between underneath the bed covers of the bed and above the bed covers of the bed. A supplemental bed cover may be provided that is configured to be placed on the bed. | 10-13-2011 |
20110243316 | AUTO-MATCHING OF A PHONE EXTENSION TO A TRACKED INDIVIDUAL WITHIN A DOMAIN - A system and methods for telephoning individuals associated with a domain. A current location of a given individual within a domain is automatically determined and the given individual is automatically associated with a telephone extension number based on the current location of the given individual. As the given individual moves around within the domain, the associated telephone extension number associated with the given individual is updated. A receptionist or other individual within the domain may select to telephone the given individual thereby automatically accessing and dialing the telephone extension number currently associated with the given individual in response to selecting to telephone the given individual. If the given individual is not currently located within the domain, an external telephone number associated with the given individual may be automatically accessed and dialed in response to selecting to telephone the given individual. | 10-06-2011 |
20110218650 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CHANGING OPERATIONAL STATES OF APPLIANCES - Systems and methods for automatically changing an operational state of an appliance associated with a known fixed location. A current location of an individual is automatically determined with respect to a known fixed location using at least one wireless communication device. The system automatically determines if an operational state of at least one appliance associated with the known fixed location is to be changed based on at least the current location of the individual. The operational state of the at least one appliance is automatically changed if it is determined that the operational state is to be changed. | 09-08-2011 |
20110173081 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING POINT-OF-SALE CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION - System and method for automatically providing tailored customer services at a point-of-sale location. An identity of a customer approaching the point-of-sale location is automatically determined using an auto-identifying technology. Stored customer activity data corresponding to the identified customer is automatically accessed using a computer-based system operatively interfacing to the auto-identifying technology. At least one tailored customer service is automatically generated for the customer by processing at least a portion of the accessed customer activity data using the computer-based system. | 07-14-2011 |
20110119701 | COORDINATED VIDEO FOR TELEVISION DISPLAY - Apparatus, methods, and systems for acquiring search content based on digital information content provided from a video source. Video information and associated non-video information are received from a video source. The video information includes program video content and the associated non-video information includes digital information content. At least a portion of the digital information content is transformed into a search query and the search query is communicated to a first search data source. A query result is received from the first search data source based on the search query. At least a portion of the search query results are transformed into query result display data which may then be encoded as a video signal for display. | 05-19-2011 |
20110096372 | HEND-HELD DEVICE FOR SCANNING AND TRANSFERRING INTO A COMPUTER APPLICATION - A hand-held device for scanning and subsequent transferring. The hand-held device has an optical scanning head integrated at a proximal end portion of a housing of the device, and a data transfer interface component integrated within the housing of the device. Displayed, printed, or written information may be read from a scannable medium by manually moving (or fixedly positioning) a proximal end of the hand-held device across (or on) the scannable medium over the information. The read information is electronically stored within the hand-held device, and the stored information may be transferred into a data field, selected by a user of the hand-held device, of a software application running on a separate processor-based apparatus. | 04-28-2011 |
20110096340 | HEND-HELD DEVICE FOR SCANNING AND PRINTING - A hand-held device for scanning and subsequent printing. The hand-held device has an optical scanning head integrated at a proximal end portion of a housing of the device, and a printing head integrated at a distal end portion of the housing of the device. Displayed, printed, or written information may be read from a scannable medium by manually moving (or fixedly positioning) a proximal end of the hand-held device across (or on) the scannable medium over the information. The read information is electronically stored within the hand-held device, and the stored information may be printed onto a printable medium by manually moving (or fixedly positioning) a distal end of the hand-held device across (or onto) the printable medium. | 04-28-2011 |
20110078889 | FACIAL BLEMISH REMOVING DEVICE - Methods of making a device for removing a facial blemish. A facial scraping element is configured to be substantially rigid and flat, and a distal end of the facial scraping element is transformed for contacting and advancing across a facial surface of a user. A pad member is configured to be substantially non-rigid and non-flat. The facial scraping element may be attached to the pad member to form a collection area between a surface of the pad member and a surface of the facial scraping element. The resultant device is capable of being gripped between a finger and thumb of a user and advanced across the face of a user to remove and collect facial blemishes. | 04-07-2011 |
20110071991 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GEOMETRIC DATA COMPRESSION AND ENCRYPTION - Systems, methods, and physical computer-readable storage media for performing geometric data compression and geometric data decompression and/or geometric data encryption and geometric data decryption. A virtual geometric compression object is generated within a computer system by defining a plurality of discrete elements arranged in a geometric shape and assigning one or more data bit values to each of the plurality of discrete elements. The virtual geometric compression object is used by the computer system to compress sequences of uncompressed data bits into compression definitions. A compression definition defines a path through the virtual geometric compression object corresponding to a sequence of uncompressed data bits. In a reverse manner, for data decompression, at least a portion of a virtual geometric compression object is generated and a compression definition is used to extract a corresponding sequence of uncompressed data bits from the portion of the virtual geometric compression object. | 03-24-2011 |
20100307600 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISABLING UTILITIES - A safety apparatus for automatically disabling a utility of a facility. The safety apparatus includes at least one remote sensor that transmits a signal if an environmental parameter reaches a preset default setting or a setting selected by a user. The safety apparatus also includes an electronic controller device operatively connected to the utility and capable of disabling the utility upon receiving the signal from the sensor based upon the environmental parameter. | 12-09-2010 |
20100289618 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND KITS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATING A GARAGE DOOR OPENER - Systems, methods, and kits for automatically activating a garage door opener. A garage door opener system is supplemented with motion sensor technology or RFID technology to allow for automatic activation of a garage door opener. An automobile that is moving near or is proximate to a garage associated with at least one garage door opener can cause the garage door opener to be automatically activated to open or close a garage door that is operatively connected to the garage door opener. | 11-18-2010 |
20100243976 | TEMPORARY RIGID STRUCTURE TO CONTROL THE FLOW OF PERSONS INTO THE ENTRY-WAY OF A VENUE - A temporarily modified entry way to a venue and a method of temporarily transforming an external entry way of a venue. A temporary rigid structure is erected outside of a venue such that the temporary rigid structure guides persons from at least one inlet of the structure to at least one exit of the structure through at least one passageway in a queued manner, where an exit of the structure is located at an entrance into the venue. The temporary rigid structure may be erected quickly for use and subsequently disassembled quickly when no longer needed. | 09-30-2010 |
20100206386 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISABLING UTILITIES - A safety apparatus and method for automatically disabling a utility of a facility. One safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in a basement of a house in line with a water pipe just after a water meter. Another safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in an apartment building in line with a gas utility pipe just after a gas meter. Still another safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in a house in line with a home heating oil pipe. Any of the safety apparatuses include means for measuring a rate of flow of a fluid from a utility fluid source, means for determining if the measured rate of flow indicates the existence of an abnormal flow condition, and means for disabling the flow of fluid from the utility fluid source if the abnormal flow condition is determined to exist. | 08-19-2010 |
20100203821 | REMOTE SUCTION CONFIGURATION, METHOD, AND RETROFIT KIT FOR EXHAUST-PRODUCING POWER TOOLS USED INDOORS - A remote suction configuration, method, and retrofit kit for ventilating exhaust from an exhaust-producing power tool used indoors. An exhaust conduit is connected between an exhaust port of an exhaust-producing tool used within a substantially enclosed structure and an intake port of a vacuum apparatus placed externally to the structure. Universal connectors or retrofit adapters are provided at the ends of the exhaust conduit to connect the exhaust conduit between an exhaust port of the exhaust-producing tool and an intake port of the vacuum apparatus. In this manner, exhaust produced by the tool may be actively pulled through the conduit to an external environment instead of relying on the tool to push the exhaust the entire length of the conduit. | 08-12-2010 |
20100109887 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISABLING APPLIANCES IN RESPONSE TO A SMOKE DETECTOR - Systems, methods, and apparatus for automatically disabling an appliance. When a smoke detector/alarm is activated, a signal or message is sent to at least one safety device operatively coupled to at least one appliance. The appliance is disabled in response to receiving the signal or message. The systems, methods, and apparatus are based on the implicit assumption that, if a smoke detector/alarm is activated, the source of the smoke is likely due to a nearby appliance that is in use. | 05-06-2010 |
20100033997 | TIMED ELECTRICAL OUTLET AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A timed electrical outlet (or pluggable apparatus) and a method of operation thereof. The electrical outlet (or pluggable apparatus) includes a current sensor, a counter, and an electrical switch. When an electrical load is plugged into the electrical outlet (or pluggable apparatus), the current sensor senses the flow of current and triggers the counter to start counting. When the counter is finished counting, the counter triggers the electrical switch, opening the current path within the electrical outlet (or pluggable apparatus) such that electrical current no longer flows to the electrical load. | 02-11-2010 |
20100033024 | CONTROLLABLE ELECTRICAL OUTLET AND A METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - Controllable electrical outlets and systems and methods for controlling and disabling the electrical outlets. A controllable electrical outlet includes a current sensor, an electrical switch, and a microcontroller. When an electrical load is plugged into the electrical outlet, the current sensor senses the flow of current and a current sense event is reported from the electrical outlet to a central computer. The central computer provides timing and control of the electrical outlet. When a predetermined elapsed time has passed, as measured by the central computer, a timed-out event is communicated from the central computer to the electrical outlet triggering the electrical switch, opening the current path within the electrical outlet such that electrical current no longer flows to the electrical load. Communication between the central computer and an electrical outlet may occur, for example, via existing electrical wiring, wirelessly, or via dedicated communication wiring. | 02-11-2010 |
20100009739 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANONYMOUSLY SERVICING LOTTERY PLAYERS - A system and method for servicing at least one lottery player while protecting an identity of the at least one lottery player. The system includes a server platform of a third party organization that facilitates the method. The method includes receiving a client request at the server platform via a communications network. The method further includes the third party organization obtaining at least one lottery ticket in response to the client request, and securely holding the at least one lottery ticket for the at least one lottery player specified in the client request. The method also includes the third party organization determining a status of the at least one lottery ticket via the server platform and the communications network. The method further includes the third party organization transforming the at least one lottery ticket into a monetary amount if a status of the at least one lottery ticket is or changes to a winning status. The method also includes the third party organization securely transferring at least a first portion of the monetary amount to at least one account or trust. | 01-14-2010 |
20100006685 | SENSOR CABLE RETRACTOR - An apparatus and method for retracting and storing a sensor cable. The apparatus includes a housing operable to selectively engage a sensor cable having a cable connected to a sensor and operable to store the sensor cable in a retracted position, and a retraction mechanism capable of retracting the sensor cable to the housing without damaging the sensor. | 01-14-2010 |
20090270881 | FACIAL BLEMISH REMOVING DEVICE - A device and method for removing facial blemishes, including sebum that blocks facial pores. The device includes a substantially flat, elongated and rigid element having a first surface and a second surface, and a distal end and a proximal end. The device also includes a base member to which the rigid element is attached such that a collection area is formed between the second surface of the distal end of the rigid element and a portion of the base member. | 10-29-2009 |
20090268876 | METHODS OF ASSESSING PERFORMANCE IN AN IMAGING SYSTEM - A system, method, and computer readable medium for facilitating the assessment of performance quality of an imaging system having a sensor subsystem. An imaging mode of operation of the imaging system is selected and at least one current set of digital image data of an imaging phantom device is acquired with the imaging system via the sensor subsystem. The currently acquired set of digital phantom image data is automatically compared to at least one previously acquired set of digital phantom image data representing a standard image of quality corresponding to the selected imaging mode of operation and the imaging phantom device to automatically determine if at least one sensor parameter of the sensor subsystem has changed. | 10-29-2009 |
20090024309 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING VEHICLES ON A ROADWAY - A system and method for tracking and monitoring vehicles on a roadway. RFID tags are positioned along the roadway and may be interrogated by vehicles equipped with an RFID scanner and a transceiver as the vehicles encounter the RFID tags along the roadway. The RFID tag information received by the RFID scanner is transmitted by the transceiver to a roadside repeater station which in turn sends the RFID tag information, as well as other identifying information, to a remote central tracking station. The remote central tracking station processes the RFID tag information and other information to determine a current position of a corresponding vehicle. Driver ranking profiles may be generated for drivers of vehicles and stored in a database in the central tracking station. The driver ranking profiles are used to restrict drivers in certain ways. | 01-22-2009 |