Abstract: A life safety alarm, for example a smoke alarm, that is battery powered, has an extended life, and is less prone to user mistakes. The batteries are sealed inside the alarm portion so that the batteries cannot be accessed by the user. As a result, the batteries are not replaceable. Rather, the alarm portion is replaced at the end of the alarm life, for example after expiration of a predetermined time period, such as ten years. The alarm is designed to be automatically activated upon initial attachment of the alarm portion to the bracket. The alarm can be manually deactivated, but once deactivated, the alarm cannot be reactivated and the alarm portion cannot be reattached to the bracket.

Abstract: A system having a screen, in particular a flat screen, and having an external power supply unit that can be connected by a plug connector to the screen in order to supply the screen with a DC voltage. The system provides a signaling device at the power supply unit end and a comparator at the screen end for comparison of the operating parameters of the power supply unit with nominal operating parameters. A fault signaling device is provided for indicating unacceptable discrepancies between the signaled operating parameters and the stored operating parameters.

Abstract: A POE (power over Ethernet)-prioritized active splitter is disclosed for a prioritized network having different priorities such as a network security system that uses an intelligent POE power supply with a prioritized back-up response, allowing a lower cost UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system to be used, and also providing a longer back-up time period by the UPS system for more critical components of the security system. A simple embodiment operates with only two priority levels, a high priority level for more critical components of the, such as the cable modem, the system router, fire alarm devices, local warning devices and the alarm communicator, while less critical components are supplied with electrical power at the low priority level. In the event of a power outage or disconnection, the critical high priority components remain connected to the Ethernet network to be supplied with electrical power by the UPS system and also to communicate over the twisted wire pairs of the Ethernet network.

Abstract: A communication device is provided which is intended to aid farm workers in the coordination of harvesting and hauling vehicles in the field during crop harvesting operations. This communication device consists of a transmitter and receiver which are mounted at convenient points within the harvesting vehicle and produce hauling truck respectively. The receiver contains four lighted directional arrows representing directional changes of forwards, backwards, left, and right. The transmitter contains four buttons that correspond in location and function to the directional arrows on the receiver. Thus, when a button on the transmitter is depressed by the harvester operator, the corresponding directional arrow on the receiver will light up signaling the truck driver to make a change in the position of his truck relative to the harvester.

Abstract: An SNMP network comprises a power manager with an SNMP agent in TCP/IP communication over a network with an SNMP network manager. The power manager is connected to control several intelligent power modules each able to independently control the power on/off status of several network appliances. Power-on and load sensors within each intelligent power module are able to report the power status of each network appliance to the SNMP network manager with MIB variables in response to GET commands. Each intelligent power module is equipped with an output that is connected to cause an interrupt signal to the network appliance being controlled. The SNMP network manager is able to test which network appliance is actually responding before any cycling of the power to the corresponding appliance is tried.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing, a battery source, a transformer, a light, a radio, and a clock. The battery source is held in the housing and provides a first source of direct current (DC). The transformer, which is also held in the housing, is configured for receiving an alternating current (AC) from a source of AC and for converting the AC to a second source of DC. The light, the radio and the clock are also held in the housing. The light, the radio and the clock are operatively connected to the battery source and the transformer to receive the first and/or second source of DC thereby energizing these components. The device further includes a sensor, in electrical communication with the radio, for detecting AC availability. The radio has several modes. In a first mode, the radio is off regardless of whether the sensor detects availability of the AC. In a second mode, the radio is on when the sensor detects AC availability and the radio is off when the sensor determines that the AC is not available.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system for elevator has a plurality of remote monitors for individually monitoring the running states of a plurality of elevators installed in a building, transmits running state data from the remote monitoring system via a communal public telephone line to a communal monitoring center, and allows communication between interphones, provided in the carriages of the elevators, and the monitoring center via the public telephone line. Each of the plurality of remote monitors comprises a memory unit which stores incoming time data of different incoming times, the remote monitor performing incoming controls after independently determining call signals from the monitoring center, based on the incoming time data stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: A power supply that has an integrated power line networking coupling circuit and a connector to accept a removable power line networking module. The power supply and associated system can be sold without power line networking or with power line networking, and if sold without power line networking, it can be upgraded at a later time to support power line networking. Additionally, power line networking modules can be replaced in the field if failures occur or for upgrade purposes if a more robust networking standard becomes available.

Abstract: Circuits provide power to network-based devices, such as IP telephones, using spare conductors within existing LAN cables. The circuits, which may comprise diode bridges, are designed to provide power using existing and planned industry guidelines.

Abstract: A system master unit is connected to a 24V AC power source. One or more slave units is connected to the master unit by a power/communication line. Bulk capacitance in the master and slave units stores power during a power source positive half cycle. When the source voltage is higher than the bulk capacitance voltages, power is delivered to the loads, during which time communication cannot take place over the power/communication line. During the power source negative half cycle, the power/communication line is disconnected from the AC power source and is then used for communication between the master and slave units. System power is delivered from the energy stored in the bulk capacitance.

Abstract: An RFID tag is powered both by an internal battery and passively by an interrogating RF field. As a result, the RFID tag can be passively powered after the internal battery has been depleted. More particularly, an embodiment of the RFID tag includes electronic circuitry to provide RFID functionality, and an energy storage device coupled to the electronic circuitry to provide an operational voltage thereto. A battery is operatively coupled to the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device. A rectified RF power source derived from an interrogating RF field is also operatively coupled to the energy storage-device to charge the energy storage device. The rectified RF power source and the battery are electrically separated from each other. The energy storage device remains charged by the battery in the absence of the RF interrogating field while the battery has remaining capacity.

Abstract: A position display system for displaying a position of a device, the system including a device, a position measuring device that measures a position of the device and a host readout device that is mounted at a first location. The host readout device receives a signal from the position measuring device that is representative of a position of the device, wherein the host readout device includes a display that displays an image representative of the position of the device. A remote readout device that is mounted at a second location, wherein the remote readout device includes a display that displays the image.

Abstract: A hazard warning device for highway use includes a set of self-contained, micro-processor controlled studs, each stud incorporating a rechargeable battery and/or capacitor, the studs being capable, when deployed and activated, of emitting a hazard warning light, and, when not deployed, housed in a charger case stored and transported in a road vehicle and rechargeable from the vehicle's electric system, each stud incorporating contact pins for recharging.

Abstract: A light and sensor assembly (22) for use with a land craft, watercraft or aircraft. The assembly includes a shell (28) for mounting to, or that is a part of the body (24) of, the vehicle. Internal to the enclosed space defined by the shell is a socket and bulb assembly (30, 32) for providing light and heat. Also disposed in the shell is a transducer (36) that emits or receives energy as part of a proximity sensing assembly. The transducer is encased in a transducer housing (38). The transducer housing is positioned relatively close to the bulb so that the heat emitted by the bulb warms the transducer housing. This heat fosters the evaporation of water off the exposed face of the transducer housing so as to minimize the extent to which this water can inhibit the utility of the transducer.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply that provides power to an electrical device, the uninterruptible power supply that includes a first housing; a cover plate that includes a plurality of electrical outlets located on a surface of the cover plate and said cover plate is connected to the first housing in an angled position; and a battery in electrical communication with the plurality of electrical outlets on the surface of the cover plate, and the battery being removably attached to the first housing.

Abstract: A power monitor circuit and method delays the start of a computer until multiple power lines are at a safe level of operation. The integrated circuit monitors only the voltage of a primary power supply output and eliminates the need for monitor circuits on each supply output. The power supply is made to exacting specifications that tie the 5 volt and 3.3 volt supplies to the primary 12 volt supply. The ATX power supply drives the 3.3 and 5.0 supplies to reach 90% of their values within 40 ms after the 12 volt supply reaches 90% of its value. A time delay circuit 25 delays switching the 3.3 and 5 volt dual outputs from the standby voltage supply to the active voltage supplies until after the primary 3.3 and 5 volt are at a safe operating level.

Abstract: A control device for controlling operating parameters and control functions for the operation of a laboratory centrifuge. The control device has a panel for displaying a visual representation of at least a part of the operating parameters and control functions such as speed of rotation, acceleration temperature, etc. A control switch sets the operating parameters and control functions, this switch being capable of at least two independent movements—a first movement including a rotation about an axis, the second one a displacement along the axis. One of these switch movement, e.g., rotation, provides for the selection and change in setting of one of the operating parameters and control functions, and another of the switch movement, e.g., displacement, provides for acceptance of the selection and acceptance of the setting.

Abstract: A method and device for digital control of electrical consumers in a model railway comprising supplying consumers having contact to a track with energy by means of a square wave voltage which is applied to the track and controlling the consumers by modulation of the square wave voltage in accordance with a digital control information, generating a return signal in a consumer having been supplied with such control information, interrupting application of the square wave voltage from the track during a predetermined time interval, the consumer applying the return signal within the predetermined time interval to the track being now square wave voltage free and detecting the return signal transmitted via the track by means of a sensor connected to the track.

Abstract: The present invention a method and apparatus for providing a visual messaging device for use with a high-speed network and an electrical supply system for the visual messaging device. The visual messaging device includes a network interface circuit that receives the message data from a network and arranges it in memory unit in usable form (packets) for use by a processor at the high network speed. The electrical supply system utilized with the visual messaging device comprises, in part, a power source, located in a remote location relative to a low voltage, high current device, which provides for the transmission of electrical power to the low voltage, high current device, such as a visual display unit, via relatively thin wiring or cabling passing through an enclosure, such as a plenum air space, without the need of placing the wiring or cabling in a conduit.

Abstract: An emergency light includes a base that is elongated and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The base has a pair of oppositely positioned side edges, the top surface has an elongated slot therein orientated generally parallel to the side edges. A light support includes a bottom section that has a lower side that has an elongated ridge thereon. The ridge is removably positionable into the slot for supporting the light support on the base in an upright manner. A strobe light is attached to the light support. A power supply is positioned in the light support and is electrically coupled to the strobe light. The power supply is electrically coupled to an electrical conduit on the ridge. A recharging station is adapted for receiving the ridge for recharging the power supply.

Abstract: A power-saving clamping device having a loss-guard function has a shell body, a circuit unit and a connection component. The circuit unit is disposed in the shell body to receive signals emitted by an emission component. The circuit unit has an alarm component and a contact switch. The connection component is connected to a portable electronic device. The connection component is also connected to the shell body in a detachable way. The portable electronic device can be clamped onto a user's waistband. When the portable electronic device is separated from the circuit unit by a certain distance, the circuit unit immediately emits light or sounds and alarm, thereby preventing the portable electronic device from being lost or stolen by thieves. When the portable electronic device is connected to the clamping device, the contact switch is touched to turn off the electric unit, hence avoiding waste of electric power.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system contains at least one photoelectric cell to convert ambient light into energy and at least one light emitting diode. The photoelectric cell converts ambient light into energy which is stored in a storage cell. A switching system provides energy from the storage cell to the light emitting diode upon certain conditions, generally by time or by lack of ambient light.

Abstract: A receiver side of a two-wire type remote control system accurately determines the polarity of data. The reception buffer inverts an input from one of the data and electric communication lines, and adds the inverted input to an input of the other line. Then, when the result of the addition is 0 or close to 0, the reception switches buffer logic data to be output to indicate the inversion of the level of the equilibrium pulse-like power received from the communication lines. The polarity identifying portion identifies the polarity when the logical data sent from the reception buffer is maintained at a logic level for a predetermined period of time. The polarity identifying portion sends pulse group data to the data processing portion in accordance with the identified polarity.

Abstract: A clock and ambient air condition sensing apparatus includes an alarm and ambient air sensor positioned in a housing and operatively connected to a logic circuit. The logic circuit is capable of evaluating air sensor data and energizing the alarm upon a preselected ambient air condition. A first battery is connected to the circuit for powering the air sensor. The housing includes a front cover pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. A clock is mounted to the front cover for displaying a relative time and is releasably electrically connected to the circuit. A second battery is connected to the circuit for powering the clock. The circuit is capable of evaluating the strength of the first and second batteries and of directing current from the second battery to the air sensor if the first battery is inoperable.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a power harvesting subsystem, a control subsystem, a sensor subsystem and a communication subsystem. Electromechanical systems generate and dissipate multiple forms of waste energy as a by-product of system operation. Waste energy in the system may lead to destructive side effects which adversely affect the life of system elements. The sensor system is powered above a predetermined level and communicates the sensed information to a remote processor for system diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: Wireless communication systems, radio frequency identification devices, methods of enhancing a communications range of a radio frequency identification device, and wireless communication methods are described.

Abstract: An emergency vehicular traffic control apparatus is disclosed and claimed. A process for supplying emergency power to a traffic signal is disclosed and claimed. Emergency energy may be stored in a deep cycle battery, compressed air energy storage, or hydrogen tank (fuel). The energy source may be mounted adjacent existing control stations or it may be mounted inside the large metal poles typically used to support traffic signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply unit (1) for detecting the identity of and for supplying power to LED units (2). The supply unit (1) firstly determines, by means of a detection unit (7), the identity of a connected LED unit (2) by the application of an electrical quantity and reception of a further electrical quantity generated in response thereto by an identification unit (3). By means of a control unit (6), the power supply required for the LED unit (2) can subsequently be determined using the identity determined and said power supply can be output to the LED unit (2) via an output unit (5). In this case, both the detection of the identity and the power supply are effected via the supply terminals (4a, 4b).

Abstract: A method for monitoring exposure time of workers involves the use of a sensor, which is carried by the workers for monitoring continually in a real-time fashion in an environment such that the results are recorded by a recorder. The an add-on or built-in timer in the sensor or the recorder is used to monitor time, which is recorded in the recorder simultaneously, so as to obtain the real-time continuous exposure level of a hazardous material in the environment.

Abstract: A multistage voltage multiplying circuit for single chip passive RF tags is provided, wherein the parasitic capacitance of the diodes of each stage of the voltage multiplying circuit is much less than the parasitic capacitance of the diodes of the preceding stage.

Abstract: A reader and/or writer apparatus having an antenna lying substantially in a plane for generating an electromagnetic field to supply power to an IC card and a conductor member to be disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the antenna, wherein the distance between the antenna and the conductor member is no greater than 20 mm. A power supplying system supplies power using electromagnetic waves from the reader and/or writer apparatus to the IC card. The IC card includes a circuit for converting the supplied power to a D.C. voltage and for supplying the D.C. voltage to an internal circuit of the IC card.

Abstract: A receptacle for recharging batteries of badges in a personnel locating system and indicating the “on-duty” or “off-duty” status of individuals associated with the badges includes a battery charger and a reader. When a badge is coupled to the receptacle, the battery charger charges the rechargeable battery of the badge and the reader receives an identification signal from a transmitter in the badge. When the receptacle reads the identification signal, the receptacle may indicate that the individual monitored by the personnel locating system is off-duty. The receptacle may be coupled to a monitor to display the “on-duty” or “off-duty” status of personnel. The receptacle may further include a charge sensor for indicating the charging status of the rechargeable battery of the badge, and indicating the inability of the charger to charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A solar powered radio transmission security camera for Cameraing and guarding environments includes energy capturing solar cells, an electric heating detector connecting to the solar cells, a microprocessor connecting to the electric heating detector, a camera audio and video device with ON and OFF controlled by the microprocessor and a wireless transmission.

Abstract: As the application range of solar power generation systems widens, a number of relatively compact and lightweight inverters must be installed outdoors. However, an inverter has no burglarproof function at all. A burglarproof device which switches the state of the burglarproof function upon receiving a burglarproof function state change signal, and outputs an alarm signal when the output signal output in the alarm state from a connection detection section indicates that the power supply or load is disconnected is added to the inverter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the enabling and/or disabling of an audio alarm that indicates an occurrence of a predetermined event of a power supply, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes programming the UPS to enable the audio alarm of the power supply during a first predetermined time period, and programming the UPS to disable the audio alarm of the power supply while the power supply is still operational during a second predetermined time period. In embodiments of the invention, the system is able to enable and disable an audio alarm during specified time periods of the day. Thus, a user can use the system to designate when an alarm will not sound so as not to disturb the user or others at an inconvenient time.

Abstract: A stand alone detector has two housings which are joined by a multi-conductor, aesthetically acceptable electrical cable. One housing can be plugged, via prongs into an available AC receptacle. The other housing can be located at an appropriate location for sensing the respective condition such as heat, gas, smoke, intrusion or position. The housings are releasably coupled to the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual messaging device for use with a high-speed network and an electrical supply system for the visual messaging device. The visual messaging device includes a network interface circuit that receives the message data from a network and arranges it in memory unit in usable form (packets) for use by a processor at the high network speed. The electrical supply system utilized with the visual messaging device comprises, in part, a power source, located in a remote location relative to a low voltage, high current device, which provides for the transmission of electrical power to the low voltage, high current device, such as a visual display unit, via relatively thin wiring or cabling passing through an enclosure, such as a plenum air space, without the need of placing the wiring or cabling in a conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle slide door power supply apparatus includes a vehicle body-side primary coil (1) and a slide door-side secondary coil (2), which are brought into proximity to each other upon closing of a slide door to effect a mutual induction operation, thereby supplying electric power from a vehicle body to the slide door, a temperature sensor (3), provided in the vicinity of a proximity fitting surface of the primary coil (1) for the secondary coil (2), and a primary coil control device (4) which is connected to the temperature sensor (3), and can stop the excitation of the primary coil (1) in accordance with the temperature of the proximity fitting surface or the temperature of its vicinity, detected by the temperature sensor (3), so as to interrupt the supply of the electric power to the slide door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive proximity switch comprising an electrical resonant circuit and an energy source coupled herewith to compensate for the losses in the resonant circuit. The energy source is fully differentially coupled with the resonant circuit at the input side.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (20A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven active orientation (20B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member. When the apparatus is to be in use with a motor vehicle, the apparatus is desirable to be powered by the cigarette lighter of the vehicle and a light sensor is added to switch on the apparatus during night time.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle battery and a vehicle alarm indicator may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller cooperating with the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device for sending vehicle position information to a monitoring station. Furthermore, the controller may also monitor the vehicle alarm indicator to determine triggering thereof, monitor a voltage of the vehicle battery relative to a threshold, and send at least one alert to the monitoring station in cooperation with the wireless communications device based upon both triggering of the vehicle alarm indicator and the voltage of the vehicle battery being below the threshold.

Abstract: A back-up warning system for a vehicle of a type including a back-up bulb connector includes a proximity sensor for positioning adjacent a rear of the vehicle, a proximity sensor connector for connecting the proximity sensor to the back-up bulb socket, and a warning indicator for providing a warning indication based upon the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor connector may connect the proximity sensor to the backup bulb socket so that the proximity sensor is powered and operable to detect proximity of an object adjacent the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is backing up.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply that provides power to an electrical device, the uninterruptible power supply that includes a first housing; a cover plate that includes a plurality of electrical outlets located on a surface of the cover plate and said cover plate is connected to the first housing in an angled position; and a battery in electrical communication with the plurality of electrical outlets on the surface of the cover plate, and the battery being removably attached to the first housing.

Abstract: A self powered monitoring device for monitoring an animal's temperature and other vital signs. The device may be mounted in the animal's ear, under the animals skin, or in any location which can be used to generate a reliable indication of the animals temperature and other vital signs. The temperature probe for the device is inserted subcutaneously and thermally and/or electrically connected to the housing of the device. Power for the device is provided by a miniature array of solar cells, the power from the solar cells being used to drive digital circuitry which processes signals from the various probes used to gather data concerning the animal's vital signs. The size of the array is chosen to be commensurate with the number of vital signs monitored, with the amount of sunlight, density of herd, and other factors being considered to ensure sufficient power for the device.

Abstract: A configuration and method for the wire-free supply of electric power to a large number of sensors and/or actuators mounted on a machine includes a micro fuel cell with associated fuel tank integrated into the sensors/actuators and converting the stored fuel, preferably methanol, into electric power to supply the sensor. Also included is a sensor or actuator with such an integrated micro fuel cell and fuel tank. Further included is a system for a machine, in particular an automatic production machine, having a large number of sensors/actuators equipped with a transmitting device and/or receiving device communicating through radio signals with a central transmitting and/or receiving device connected to a process computer belonging to the machine, and a micro fuel cell with associated fuel tank integrated into the sensors/actuators and converting the stored fuel into electric power to supply the sensor.

Abstract: When a remaining capacity of a battery is displayed by remaining capacity display control means, operation state discrimination function discriminates an operation state of an apparatus and also discriminates whether battery output voltage Vout is greater than discrimination value Vp when the apparatus is in reception indication operation. If the battery output voltage Vout is greater than the discrimination value Vp, remaining capacity of the battery corresponding to the battery output voltage Vout in a standby state immediately before the start of the reception indication operation is displayed on LCD. If the battery output voltage Vout is equal to or smaller than the discrimination value Vp, the remaining capacity of the battery corresponding to the battery output voltage Vout of this time is displayed as it is on the LCD.

Abstract: The invention describes a communication appliance (2) having an emergency battery (10) which can be inserted and which is provided with an electronically readable nominal coding; a read device (11) for identifying the nominal coding or a different coding; a signal generating device (11) for producing a new battery identification signal when the nominal coding is identified; and a write device (11, T) which, after the nominal coding has been identified, converts this coding into a different coding.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are provided for sending radio frequency (RF) power to RF transponders (RFID tags), wherein the frequency sent to the tags is changed very rapidly.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.