Abstract: A device for the early detection and advanced warning that waste is backing up in a waste pipe line comprising: a tubular body member having an open lower portion, a central hollow core extending axially there through, and a closed upper portion. The open lower portion is dimensionally sized and configured to be removably yet sealably fitted and fixed into the waste pipe line. The closed upper portion is provided with a vent.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying, locating and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.

Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is an optical sensor which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the optical sensor confirms the removal and an alert is activated by the system.

Abstract: A method of customizing a vehicle with decals. A first step involves securing a film of light emitting material containing a matrix of pixels to a body of a vehicle. A second step involves providing a controller having a memory in which is stored at least one graphic image. A third step involves providing a power source. A fourth step involves connecting the film to the controller and power source via a conductive circuit. A fifth step involves displaying the at least one graphic image stored in the memory of the controller on the film by selectively illuminating pixels in the matrix.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a control module for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a priority-code (i.e. Code-3) situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles.

Abstract: A system controlled by a data processor for controlling vehicle operational functions enabled for each of a plurality of vehicle drivers comprising a combination of means for assigning to each of a group of drivers a vehicle operation key with a unique identifier, means for storing these identifiers, means for assigning to each of the group of drivers a set of operational functions that each driver is enabled to perform, means for designating a vehicle operation manager and means enabling this operation manager to modify each of the set of operational functions assigned to each of the group of drivers. The vehicle has means for directly receiving one of said vehicle operation keys together with means responsive to the receiving of the key for enabling all of the operational functions assigned to the driver who is identified by the key identifier.

Abstract: The programmable panel schedule is an apparatus for monitoring and modifying electrical circuits. The programmable panel schedule can eliminate the need to rely on paper schedules and permit a building engineer to instantly assess any monitored circuit for changes, additional capacity and usage history.

Abstract: A system for generating an e-seal for a container includes a sensor to detect a condition associated with the container and to generate a sensor reading based on the condition, and a processing device to generate the e-seal based on the sensor reading. The sensor reading may include first and second readings from the sensor, where the first reading is recorded at a first time and the second reading is recorded at a second time.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes a seating platform, at least one sensor for detecting a state of the seating platform connected to a first wireless communications device, the first wireless communications device for conveying information on the state of the seating platform, and a second wireless communications device for receiving information from the first wireless communications device, and a computing system. The second wireless communications device is for receiving the information carrying signal and is connected to the computing system. The computing system is for initiating an action based upon the information.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for electronic article surveillance wherein the time taken for articles to move from a starting point to a destination point by way of a series of zones is monitored in real time, taking into account bottleneck and non-bottleneck zones. A set of simple rules is applied so as to give estimated times of arrival for any given article. When it is calculated that an article will arrive after a predetermined critical time, an alert is triggered and remedial action may be taken. Various attributes of each zone may additionally be monitored, for example the number of articles in the zone or the temperature of the zone. The system and method may be applied to passengers in an airport, a warehouse or distribution center, or any other application where articles are being moved from one place to another.

Abstract: A telemetry system coupled to a vehicle can communicate with a remote site using the overhead control channels of a wireless network, such as a cellular mobile radiotelephone network. The telemetry system can monitor or control aspects of the vehicle's operations based on remote user input. The telemetry system can take steps to reduce its consumption of electricity. When conditions warrant, the telemetry system can disable a driver's attempt to start the vehicle. A relay can consume minimal electricity until an unauthorized driver attempts to start the vehicle, at which time the telemetry system can energize the relay to interrupt the starting sequence. The telemetry system can monitor a driver's driving practices and report incidences that meet preset criteria, such as violating a speed limit for a selected amount of time or a crossing of a geographical boundary.

Abstract: A rock bolt includes a hollow body and a gap along a length of the hollow body. At least one strain gauge is affixed to an inner surface of the rock bolt and is accessible from the gap. The rock bolt may include a data logger within the hollow body and coupled to receive signals from one or more strain gauges, and to record these signals in a memory. The data logger may comprise a data port adapted to be accessible from the outside of a bore hole into which the rock bolt is inserted. The data logger also may include at least one of a visual and auditory alarm. A graphic user interface software program can be used to download data from the data logger and set certain operating parameters of the data logger.

Abstract: A process for determining travel through at least one toll road section by at least one vehicle (FAR) by means of a position determination system (POS) which is set up to determine the current position of the at least one vehicle (FAR), whereby positions of the at least one vehicle (FAR) are compared with the position of at least one reference point characteristic for an entrance (AUF) to a toll road section, whereby the orientation (ORI) of the vehicle is determined within a specifiable region (BER) about the entrance (AUF), whereby it is determined whether the orientation (ORI) determined agrees within a specifiable tolerance range with the orientation (ORA) characteristic of entry onto the toll road section.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for operating two or more mobile terminals in an interactive session. The mobile terminals are provided with one or more sensors. The data captured by the sensors is send via a wireless connection to the other mobile terminals that participate in the interactive session. The data received from the other mobile communication terminals is communicated to the user of the respective mobile communication terminals via the user interface.

Abstract: An image processor, having a control panel with a display function and performing device operation and external access using the control panel, includes a control panel operating status judgment unit which judges whether the operating status of the control panel is a device operation status or an external access status, an abnormality detection unit which detects the abnormality of the device, a reporting mode select unit which selects a reporting mode of a device abnormality when the device abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit, according to the operating status of the control panel judged by the control panel operating status judgment unit and the type of device abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit, and a reporting unit which reports the device abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit in the reporting mode selected by the reporting mode select unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying product tampering. A mechanical fastening screw, a sleeve and a movable follower disk are arranged to show evidence of tampering. The movable follower disk is received within a cavity defined by the sleeve. The sleeve includes a channel and a final resting slot defined within a sleeve wall. The movable follower disk includes compressible spring followers slideably received within the channel when the mechanical fastening screw is inserted. If the screw is removed, the compressible spring followers engage the final resting slot to indicate tampering. Electrical detection of the compressible spring followers engaging the final resting slot is used to identify tampering.

Abstract: A method of expediting a release procedure of at least one cargo container at least one border crossing or at least one customs entry point by detecting each statistically significant threat (SST) signal associated with at least one said cargo container while in transit, and by tracking and reporting to an appropriate party the position coordinates and a security status of each cargo container that generated at least one said SST signal. The appropriate party is selected from the group consisting of: {Homeland Security agency; and a cargo security agency}. The cargo security agency is further selected from the group consisting of: {a consignee; a steamship line; a customs broker; a freight forwarder; and a terminal operator}.

Abstract: A wireless circuit setup is used in a hazardous area where the circuit is intrinsically safe and does not require explosion proof containment. In this setup, an intrinsically safe master barrier (420) is used without the use of a resistor and one or more resistors (R1, R2, R3) are placed in at least one final barrier at the output end prior to the signal exiting the system. The use of resistors (R1, R2, R3) at the final barrier reduces the loss of power and speed. Optionally, in this setup, the antenna can be located remotely from the remaining components of the wireless transceiver. The antenna can also be connected the optional device using the same cable that shows the communication status information, such as transmit/receive status, signal strength, power, etc, in hazardous area.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing breakdowns of a switch by using plural light emitting diodes (LEDs) on a front panel (10) of the switch includes: plural port LEDs (31, 32, 33, 34, . . . 3n), a user interface (50) for generating an instruction to convert display modes of the port LEDs, a CPU (central processing unit) (60) coupled to the user interface for dealing with the instruction, an LED driver (70) coupled to the port LEDs for refreshing the displays of the port LEDs; a physics (PHY) module (80) coupled to the LED driver and used for obtaining the operation statuses of the ports; and a periodic service manager (90) coupled to the LED driver for triggering the LED driver periodically. Display modes of the port LEDs can be converted selectively, which reduces the number of port LEDs needed, and still allows administrators to conveniently diagnose any breakdowns of the switch.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to sense a current in a circuit. For instance, current sense circuit according to the teachings of the present invention includes a current sense resistor coupled to an input of the current sense circuit. The current sense resistor is coupled to receive a current to be sensed from the input of the current sense circuit. The current to be sensed is converted to a current sense voltage. A first PN junction diode is coupled to the current sense resistor. A light emitting diode (LED) is coupled to the first PN junction diode to provide a current sense threshold substantially proportional to a difference between a forward voltage drop of the LED and a forward voltage drop of the first PN junction diode. The first PN junction diode is coupled to be biased from the forward voltage drop of the LED. The LED is coupled to the current sense resistor to generate an output when the current sense voltage from the current sense resistor reaches the current sense threshold.