Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures. In a further embodiment, a magnetic attachment system may comprise one or more magnetic structures spaced from one another on a first support and configured for use with a complementary magnet system.

Abstract: A key system for enabling operation of a device. The key system is based on magnets arranged according to one or more codes. The codes may act as a unique identifier or key, requiring a matching part to operate the device. Thus, the code can act like a key that will only achieve lock when matched with a like (complementary) pattern. The codes may be from a set of codes having low cross correlation among codes in the set, for example Kasami codes or Gold codes.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures. In a further embodiment, the magnetic field structure may comprise multiple structures based on multiple codes.

Abstract: A goniometer for use in measuring the range of motion of a patient is provided. The goniometer includes a first arm and a second arm that are pivotally attached. A scale is present and is used in determining the angular orientation between the first arm and the second arm. Also, a level member is included and is carried by one of the first arm and second arm. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A multiple phase state near-field electromagnetic location and communication system includes a multiple phase state near-field transmitter, and a near-field locator receiver. The near-field transmitter is capable of operation in at least two states and each of these at least two states generates a state characteristic difference detected at the near-field locator receiver. The state characteristic difference may be employed for location determination, communication or both. The present invention is particularly well-suited for use in conjunction with a near-field electromagnetic ranging system.

Abstract: A compact audio speaker assembly that fits into the ear canal without occluding the ear canal, thus allowing ambient sounds to be heard along with the audio source. The ear speaker is secured in the ear canal by a ribbon or wire like spring structure anchoring the speaker to the concha portion of the outer ear and typically pushing the speaker up against the top side of the ear canal, leaving a space for external sounds to bypass the speaker to the eardrum. The speaker may further include a connecting signal cable that passes over the ear and behind the ear to provide additional support for the speaker and strain relief for the signal cable. One embodiment may include a shell over the speaker connected to the wire like spring anchor and may include an ear wax screen. Two speakers may be configured for stereo listening.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of flow parameters in a sewer pipe that may be partially or completely filled. Flow parameters may include flow velocity, flow volume, depth of flow and surcharge pressure. Measurements are taken from a sensor head installed on the inside of the pipe at the top of the pipe approximately the larger of at least 1 foot or 1 pipe diameter upstream of a pipe opening. Flow velocity may be measured by two different technologies. The technology employed depends on whether or not the pipe is full. If the pipe is not full then flow velocity may be measured, for example, using a wide beam, ultrasonic, diagonally downward looking Doppler signal that interacts with the surface of the flow. If the pipe is full, then flow velocity may be measured using, for example, an average velocity Doppler sensor, a peak velocity Doppler sensor or an ultrasonic velocity profiler.

Abstract: A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepping motor with a magnet pole pattern having a predetermined pattern around the circumference of the stepping motor. In one embodiment, the pattern relates to a code having a unique single maximum autocorrelation peak over the period of the code. Example codes include Barker codes, PN codes, Kasami codes, Golomb ruler codes, and other codes. In one embodiment, the rotor and stator have a matching pole pattern. In one embodiment, the drive is arranged to align the poles in an inline configuration, alternatively, the drive may be arranged to align the poles in a diagonal configuration. In a further embodiment, one or more sets of poles are provided on the stator, each set being offset rotationally by a partial pole spacing. In one embodiment, the rotor is initially synchronized with the stator by capturing the rotor using a single unambiguous lock-in position based on the code autocorrelation.

Abstract: A resource is protected by an armor structure comprising a magnetic field such that the magnetic field will interfere with a warhead blast to weaken the blast. In particular, magnetic field will interfere with a molten metal jet from a shaped charge to disperse the jet, allowing subsequent layers of armor to absorb the jet energy without penetration. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is produced by a layer of magnetic material magnetized with the field lines perpendicular to the primary threat direction and typically parallel to the surface of the area to be protected. The magnetic material layer may include ferromagnetic (iron or steel, or other) layers to strengthen and contain the magnetic field, protect the magnetic material and act as additional armor layers. The magnetic layer is typically used in conjunction with an inner shield armor layer to absorb the diffused jet after passing through the magnetic layer.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling utility meters is provided. A collar communicatively connected to the utility meter monitors power usage and provides usage data, power quality data, and other data to the utility and the customer. The system provides for pre-pay power, and the collar relay can automatically connect or disconnect power to a customer as required. The system provides intelligent remote control of utility meters via wireless or other communications means.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring, controlling, and displaying utility information is provided. A collar communicatively connected to the utility meter monitors power usage and provides usage data, power quality data, and other data to the utility and the customer. The system provides for pre-pay power, and the collar relay can automatically connect or disconnect power to a customer as required. The system provides intelligent remote control of utility meters via wireless or other communications means. A display unit communicatively coupled to the collar displays customer utility usage data. In one embodiment, the system allows reconnect after disconnect upon receiving a confirmation to restore power from a customer input device at the customer premises.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In various embodiments, the code has certain autocorrelation properties, the code may be from a set of codes with low cross correlation; an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures; the magnetic pattern may be configured to allow installation of a selected panel of a set of panels in a given location or orientation while rejecting the remaining panels of the set; or the magnetic pattern is configured using codes with low cross correlation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepping motor with a magnet pole pattern having a predetermined pattern around the circumference of the stepping motor. In one embodiment, the pattern relates to a code having a unique single maximum autocorrelation peak over the period of the code. Example codes include Barker codes, PN codes, Kasami codes, Golomb ruler codes, and other codes. In one embodiment, the rotor and stator have a matching pole pattern. In one embodiment, the drive is arranged to align the poles in an inline configuration, alternatively, the drive may be arranged to align the poles in a diagonal configuration. In a further embodiment, one or more sets of poles are provided on the stator, each set being offset rotationally by a partial pole spacing.

Abstract: A bowl includes non-slip means and spoon-assisted food conglomeration means. In a preferred embodiment, the bowl is transparent. Non-slip means may include a weight structure, a non-slip material affixed to the bowl bottom either substantially continuously covering the bottom or substantially discontinuously covering the bottom. Spoon-assisted food conglomeration means may include a sloped bottom, a substantially spoon-shaped locus, a steep rim, or an inward-curving rim. The bowl may further include spillage reduction means. Spillage reduction means may include an abrupt taper terminus, a steep rim, an inward-curving rim, or a chamfered or rounded bowl vertex. Alternatively the bowl may comprise a sloped bottom terminating in a substantially spoon-shaped locus and further comprise non-slip means. In alternate embodiments the bowl may further comprise spillage reduction means or be characterized by a substantial transparent region.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures.

Abstract: A system and method for identification and location of an asset by tracking the mover of the asset using a locating device associated with the mover and identifying the asset using an identification reader associated with the mover and a passive identification tag associated with the asset. A single mover may move many assets. An asset is identified; the mover then moves the asset to a destination location, whereupon the mover and asset position are determined. The asset location may then be recorded in memory. The measurement of the destination location may be extended from the location measured by the active location device by using additional measurement devices, for example a forklift height sensor. A further embodiment utilizes RFID or barcode technology for the passive tag and may utilize near field positioning technology for the active location device.

Abstract: A device and method for repairing a failed modular connector having a broken locking tab by providing an adapter which receives the broken modular connector and includes a mechanism for retaining the broken modular connector, which may include a retaining clip, retaining barbs, or teeth, tight friction, friction bumps, adhesive or other retaining device. The adapter mechanically and electrically connects to the broken connector and provides a straight through wired modular plug with a retaining clip so that the assembly comprising the broken connector and adapter may plug into a jack for the original broken connector and be securely retained.

Abstract: A calibration system for a position determination system, the calibration system includes, in one embodiment, a calibration transmitter producing a calibration signal, a plurality of calibration receivers for receiving the calibration signal, each of the calibration receivers of the plurality of calibration receivers having a respective known calibration receiver position, and each of the calibration receivers of the plurality of calibration receivers including means for receiving a first signal characteristic of said calibration signal, means for receiving a second signal characteristic of said calibration signal, and a comparison unit for comparing said first signal characteristic and said second signal characteristic of said calibration signal to generate a calibration comparison result. In various embodiments, signal comparisons may be differences between electric and magnetic field phase or may utilize signal amplitude differences.

Abstract: A panel having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that allows high magnetic force when the panel is installed and the magnet structure is aligned while permitting removal using relatively light force applied to misalign the magnet structure to allow removal. In one embodiment, the magnet structure can provide precision positioning of the panel to a position on the order of the width of a single component magnet of the magnet structure. In another embodiment, the magnet structure may be misaligned for removal by a rotation of the magnet structure. In a further embodiment, the misalignment may be achieved by a lateral shift of the magnet structure. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of panels including but not limited to doors, window coverings, storm coverings, seasonal covering panels, baby gates, white boards, and green house panels.