Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine. Each of the sensing/control/identification devices is associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. Shielding surrounds at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component. A waveguide is operable to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through a waveguide transmitter interface, a waveguide medium, and a waveguide transition interface to the at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices. A remote processing unit is operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: Sensing/control/identification devices for machines are provided. The devices include a first stage having a rectification and power conditioning module configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) transmissions via waveguide confinement and convert said EM transmissions to electrical power, a communication interface module configured to receive power from the rectification and conditioning module and at least one of receive or transmit EM transmissions/communications via waveguide confinement, and a control module configured to receive EM transmission data from the communication interface for processing and/or preparing EM communications for transmission. The devices further include a second stage having a tunable control module configured to process and convert instructions or commands from the control module of the first stage into analog or digital signals and generate and transmit an output signal.

Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine, each of the sensing/control/identification devices associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. The system also includes shielding surrounding at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component. The system further includes an electromagnetic sensing system to read the plurality of electromagnetic signals for detection of at least one condition of the sub-system component of the machine. The system yet further includes a remote processing unit operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: A sensing system may comprise a reader device including a primary magnetic coil, and a sensing device including a secondary magnetic coil and a sensing platform configured to acquire sensing data. The sensing system may further include a first part having the sensing device embedded therein. The reader device and the sensing device may be configured to communicate over a non-contact wireless interface using low frequency wireless power transfer.

Abstract: A magnetic communication system for a gas turbine engine may include a sensor coupled to a microcontroller. A low frequency radio-frequency identification integrated chip may be coupled to the microcontroller. A first coupling circuit may be coupled to the low frequency radio-frequency identification integrated chip and may include a first coil winding wound within a first core. The first coil winding operatively associated with a low frequency magnetic flux.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a load-carrying element, an encoder structure, and a magnetic flux transducer. The load-carrying element is formed of substantially non-magnetic material, while the encoder structure is formed of magnetic material deposited via cold spray additive manufacturing within the load-carrying element. The magnetic flux transducer is disposed adjacent the load-carrying element to sense changes in magnetic flux caused by relative motion of the encoder structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a sensor including inductively coupled coils. Alignment of the coils may be maintained by constraining relative movement of the structures into which each of the coils is embedded. Alignment of the coils may be established by maintaining the transponder coil stationary while moving the reader coil with respect to the transponder coil and monitoring the current at the source supplying the reader coil. When the current at the source is at an extreme value (substantially maximized or minimized), the reader coil and the transponder coil are aligned. Additionally disclosed is an iterative process for designing coil geometries and resonant circuits for a sensor employing inductively coupled coils.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system including a spar of a wing having an outer body defining a hollow cavity in the outer body, a first communication assembly including a receiver and a first antenna connected to the receiver for receiving one or both of electrical signals and power, the first antenna located in the hollow cavity, and a second communication assembly. The second communication assembly includes a second antenna located in the hollow cavity and an electrical device. The second communication assembly is configured to transmit, by the second antenna, one or both of electrical signals and power through the hollow cavity to the first antenna.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to determining, by a processing device, a state of an internal power supply associated with a lock, and selecting, by the processing device, at least one of the internal power supply and an external power supply to power the lock based on the determination of the state of the internal power supply.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to simulating an operation of a mechanical lock in an electronic context, comprising: applying a contactless wireless credential to a lock, authenticating the credential, unlocking the lock to provide access to a resource protected by the lock based on having authenticated the credential, determining a security level associated with the lock, and conditionally capturing the credential based on the security level.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object 20 in an area adjacent a doorway includes a plurality of transducers US1, US2 mounted proximate the doorway and a processor 40. At least one of the transducers US1 is positioned to repeatedly transmit signals T1 toward an area adjacent the doorway. At least two of the transducers US1, US2 are positioned to repeatedly receive R1, R2 return signals. The processor 40 is operably connected to the plurality of transducers for detecting, in the area adjacent the doorway, an object 20 by determining the object's: position based upon one or more determined distances d1, d2 derived from times between transmission of signals and reception of corresponding return signals; and/or movement based upon transmission of signals and Doppler shift in the reception of corresponding return signals.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to detecting that an intrusion is occurring by detecting, by a first sensor, that the intrusion is occurring based on a variation of light exceeding a threshold, detecting, by a second sensor, that the intrusion is occurring, and generating an intrusion status signal that indicates the intrusion is occurring based on determining that the first and second sensors detect that the intrusion is occurring.

Abstract: An exemplary security device includes a reader configured to read information stored on a credential device. The reader enters a sleep mode when not reading a credential device. A wake-up module includes an inductively coupled resonant circuit. The wake-up module is configured to detect a credential device near the reader if the credential device has a resonant frequency corresponding to a frequency of an electromagnetic field of the inductively coupled resonant circuit that is controlled by a stable oscillator. The wake-up module is configured to provide an indication to wake-up the reader from the sleep mode responsive to detecting a change in power of the electromagnetic field caused by the credential device.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.

Abstract: Fixtures (22, 27) at a doorway (13) of a landing (14) are formed integrally with a door frame (17, 17a). The fixtures include electronic modules (42, 46, 54) and energy storage devices (43, 47, 55). Power may be supplied by a generator (32) rotated by a pinion (34) in response to a rack (35) on a hoistway door (20), or by electrical contacts (58) disposed on the hoistway side of the door frame which touch contacts (65) on an elevator car door (63) when the door is open, thereby receiving power over a line (66) from the elevator car; or power may be provided by an inductive coupler (70). The fixtures (22, 27) may be within the profile of the door frame (17), or extend outwardly from the profile of the door frame (17a).

Abstract: A door security system comprises a door, and a handle assembly attached to the door. The handle assembly includes a lock mechanism, a handle, and an escutcheon. The lock mechanism has an unlocked state and a locked state for securing access to the door, and the handle is rotatably supported by the handle assembly as a means of access through the door when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state. At least one of the handle and the escutcheon acts as an antenna capable of wirelessly receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and capable of communicating with the lock mechanism to switch the lock mechanism between the unlocked and locked state.

Abstract: A power management circuit decreases power consumption in an electronic door lock. The power management circuit includes an ON/OFF circuit, a load switch circuit and a electronic door lock circuit. The ON/OFF circuit generates an initial enable signal in response to a detected keycard that places the load switch circuit in an enabled state. When enabled, the load switch circuit provides dc power to the electronic door lock circuit that allows the electronic door lock circuit to receive identification input from the detected keycard and determine whether an output should be generated to actuate the door lock mechanism. Having completed the keycard detection operation, the electronic door lock circuit generates a self turn-off signal that is provided as feedback to the ON/OFF circuit to disable the load switch circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object 20 in an area adjacent a doorway includes a plurality of transducers US1, US2 mounted proximate the doorway and a processor 40. At least one of the transducers US1 is positioned to repeatedly transmit signals T1 toward an area adjacent the doorway. At least two of the transducers US1, US2 are positioned to repeatedly receive R1, R2 return signals. The processor 40 is operably connected to the plurality of transducers for detecting, in the area adjacent the doorway, an object 20 by determining the object's: position based upon one or more determined distances d1, d2 derived from times between transmission of signals and reception of corresponding return signals; and/or movement based upon transmission of signals and Doppler shift in the reception of corresponding return signals.

Abstract: Fixtures (22, 27) at a doorway (13) of a landing (14) are formed integrally with a door frame (17, 17a). The fixtures include electronic modules (42, 46, 54) and energy storage devices (43, 47, 55). Power may be supplied by a generator (32) rotated by a pinion (34) in response to a rack (35) on a hoistway door (20), or by electrical contacts (58) disposed on the hoistway side of the door frame which touch contacts (65) on an elevator car door (63) when the door is open, thereby receiving power over a line (66) from the elevator car; or power may be provided by an inductive coupler (70). The fixtures (22, 27) may be within the profile of the door frame (17), or extend outwardly from the profile of the door frame (17a).

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.