Abstract: A method of determining a lifetime parameter of a capacitor in a failsafe device includes measuring an amount of energy required to return the failsafe device to a failsafe position, measuring an effective capacitance of the capacitor, and comparing the amount of energy to the effective capacitance to determine the lifetime parameter of the capacitor.

Abstract: A flow meter control assembly including a housing. The flow meter control assembly further includes a user interface disposed in the housing. The user interface includes an input device configured to receive a configuration parameter from a user and a display configured to display the configuration parameter. The flow meter control assembly further includes a processing circuit disposed within the housing and coupled to the user interface, the processing circuit configured to update a control program of at least one of the flow meter control assembly and an actuator coupled to the flow meter control assembly based on the configuration parameter.

Abstract: An electrically operated diffuser has a fragrance-emitting element (8) for facilitating diffusion of an active material, and at least one light emitting diode (7). The at least one light emitting diode (7) serves as a nightlight and has a luminous intensity rating of at least about 5000 mcd at 20 mA. Also, the at least one light emitting diode (7) may be positioned at a back surface of the diffuser, such that when an active material is received in the compartment the at least one light emitting diode (7) shines through the active material. The diffuser may include a remote-use assembly to supply power to the diffuser from a wall socket remote from the diffuser. The diffuser may also include a light controller to change one or more of the color and the intensity of the at least one light emitting diode (7).

Abstract: A transponder embedded in a key and a reader/exciter coil surrounding the lock cylinder are inductively linked to provide energization to the transponder, causing it to emit a digital identification code. A control circuit associated with the coil supplies energizing coil current and analyzes the emitted code to verify the authenticity of the key. The coil and control circuit are contained in a planar multi-layer hardboard printed circuit having high circuit integrity and being very thin for accommodation in the lock assembly. Alternatively, the coil and control circuit are contained in a flexible printed circuit. There the coil includes two opposed elongated legs which are positioned on opposite sides of the lock cylinder and folded in a way to conform to the cylinder surface, forming in effect a very thin cylindrical coil. An extension on the printed circuit form a path to the control circuit which is remote from the cylinder.