Abstract: A touch-sensitive input device provides improved visual feedback at (or near) the point and time of contact. As the user touches a touch-sensitive screen or pad, a portion of the screen or pad changes in visual appearance to indicate that the input has been received. In one embodiment, the change in visual appearance is localized to an area proximate to the point of contact. In one embodiment, the change in visual appearance is accomplished by illuminating an area proximate to and centered around the point of contact. In another embodiment, the change in visual appearance is accomplished by illuminating one or more illuminable elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the touch-sensitive pad.

Abstract: An exemplary indicator light control device includes a motherboard, an indicator control board, and a status indicator unit. The motherboard, the indicator control board, and the status indicator unit are connected in series. The motherboard outputs a first control signal and a second control signal according to an operational status of an electronic device. The indicator control board determines the operational status of the electronic device according to the first and second control signals, and controls operation of the status indicator unit according to the determined operational status of the electronic device.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having an electrochromic reflective mirror element. A mirror mount is configured for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly at an attachment element at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry, with at least a part of the circuitry accommodated within the mirror head. At least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The portion includes a CMOS-based camera that, with the interior rearview mirror assembly normally mounted in the vehicle, has a field of view through a windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of displaying information associated with a refrigeration system, methods for managing a refrigeration system, refrigeration systems, methods of providing redundancy to a refrigeration system, and injector systems. A refrigeration system and method for displaying information associated with a refrigeration system includes monitoring a temperature associated with the refrigeration system, detecting events associated with the refrigeration system, and displaying the temperature and at least one event associated with the refrigeration system occurring during a predetermined period of time, including displaying the temperature occurring during the predetermined period of time and displaying a user interface element associated with at least one event occurring during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a display system and method configured to be used for providing a user with information regarding the operating conditions of the vehicle. The system comprises a sensor that is configured to measure an operating condition of the vehicle, wherein the sensor provides a measurement signal based on the measured operating condition. The system includes a processor which is coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the measurement signal. The system includes a display module, preferably an organic light emitting diode (OLED), which is mounted to the vehicle, wherein the OLED displays sensor data received from the processor which is associated with the measurement signal and is to be read by a user. The sensor data is selectively displayed in compliance with a customizably programmable display profile, whereby the user is able to create and transfer the display profile in which form desired.

Abstract: A quantification indicating circuit includes an indicating lamp set, a converting circuit, and an indicating lamp control circuit. The indicating lamp set has a plurality of indicating lamps. The converting circuit has a plurality of predetermined threshold values which are compared with a numerical signal of a circuit board to generate a comparison result. The comparison result is converted to be outputs of a plurality of control bits. The indicating lamp control circuit is coupled between the indicating lamp set and the converting circuit and is used for controlling the number of the indicating lamps which are brightened according to the outputs of the control bits.

Abstract: The disclosed technology, in certain embodiments, includes a method and system for displaying messages in a wide-spectrum display includes a visible element comprising a first portion of a message and an invisible element comprising a second portion of the message. In one aspect, the method includes the step of displaying, in the visible element, e.g. an image from a film, a captured photograph or a first part of an advertisement. In certain embodiments, content may be displayed in the invisible element including, for example, subtitles, metadata or a second part of an advertisement. An individual may choose to view the invisible element by viewing the wide spectrum display through a wavelength conversion device. Also disclosed are the use of the display in games, and of its integration in wearable material.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a blind spot indicator. The mirror back plate has a generally planar portion and an indicator mounting portion. The indicator mounting portion of the mirror back plate is angled relative to the generally planar portion, and an aperture is established through the mirror back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element, and a light transmitting portion of the heater pad is generally aligned with the aperture of the mirror back plate. With the light source of the blind spot indicator activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through an indicia element, the aperture and the light transmitting portion and exits the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate.

Abstract: A method for operating obstacle or hazard lighting of a wind power plant with a red beacon unit and a white beacon unit is provided. The red beacon unit is operated 24 hours a day and the white beacon unit is switched on and off, depending on the ambient brightness.

Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector incorporated in a general purpose navigation device dynamically handles radar sources based upon previously-stored geographically-referenced information on such sources and data from the GPS receiver. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. Notification of the driver may take a variety of forms depending on the stored information, current operating modes, and vehicle speed. The device includes navigational functions as well. In one embodiment, the detector uses a transparent touch screen and a readily aligned mounting.

Abstract: A portable warning system includes a flexible display unit, a fixing member coupled to one side of the display unit, and a supporting member coupled to the fixing member and having a bar shape.

Abstract: A handheld computer includes a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and at least one light-emitting device that emits visible light as a visual indicator of an occurrence of a designated event. The processor is programmed to selectively activate the visual indicator in response to an occurrence of a designated event to provide the visual indicator to a user of the handheld computer. The processor is programmed to monitor for occurrence of two or more different types of designated events. The processor varies the visual indicator based on the type of the event for which occurrence is being signaled by that visual indicator, such that a different visual indicator is associated with each type of event for which the processor is programmed to monitor.

Abstract: The electronic module (18) for an electronic device (10) such as a microcircuit card, comprises a substrate (20) delimiting first (20A) and second (20B) opposite faces. More particularly, the module (18) comprises a light source (26) borne by the second face (20B) of the substrate (20) and capable of illuminating a visible part of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a mobile device includes an inductive coupler adapted to couple to an inductive charger such that, in use, the inductive coupler receives inductive charge from the inductive charger. The apparatus further comprises a battery and a battery charger, the battery charger being configured to transfer power from the inductive coupler to the battery. The apparatus further includes a power outlet adapted to provide power from the battery. In use, power received by the inductive coupler is transferred via the battery charger to charge the battery. When required, power may then be transferred from the battery to the power output. The power output can be connected to a power input of a mobile device and by this the internal battery of the mobile device may be charged using power stored in the battery of the charging apparatus.

Abstract: A lighting device is described having a diffuser having an aperture and generally enclosing a chamber. An electrical light source is positioned to direct light through at least a portion of the diffuser via the chamber. A circuit controls power to electrical light source. There is at least one solar cell. A base portion attaches to a portion of the diffuser proximate the aperture. The base portion includes a base housing, a substantially tubular neck portion extending below the base housing, and a battery compartment at least partially disposed in the neck portion providing a cavity to removably receive and support a rechargeable battery; and wherein the battery compartment is integrally formed with the neck portion. A support member is included to elevate the rechargeable battery above a substrate, the support member comprising an axial conduit running through the length of the center of rotational symmetry of the support member.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety warning light. The safety warning light includes a light-guiding soft plastic body on which a wearing band and an electronic device placing portion are of integrated design and which is mainly composed of PU material, wherein one side of the light-guiding soft plastic body is equipped with a reflective coating, and one end or two ends of the light-guiding soft plastic body are equipped with light sources. The safety warning light can provide visibility in many ways sand many angles by using plastic with special light-guiding and light-scattering function, adding the reflective coating on bottom of a plastic armband and using high-brightness LED at two ends of the light-guiding plastic as light source. Compared with existing related like products, the safety warning light has much higher brightness and broader visibility.

Abstract: A light emitting inflatable safety beacon is disclosed for identifying a location of the beacon. The beacon comprises an elongated bladder defining an interior chamber extending between an upper end and a lower end. A tether extends between a first end and a second end. A couple links the tether with the elongated bladder for suspending the tether within the interior chamber. A light source is secured to the tether for emitting an electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation internally illuminates the elongated bladder for creating an illuminated beacon. The electromagnetic radiation traverses the elongated bladder for creating a location beacon.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively configuring a remote control includes analyzing a log of events, maintained by the remote control, which indicate how the remote control and the devices it controls are used by a user. Once the analysis is performed, the system and method can suggest alternative configurations of the remote control to the user. The range and type of alternative configurations is not particularly limited and can include changing which devices are employed for various user activities and/or how those activities are performed, the placement and hierarchy of commands in a menu tree and/or troubleshooting and set up configurations. The analysis can be performed either partially or totally within the remote control, or at, or in conjunction with, a service to which the remote control connects through a network.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system of a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element. The reflective element includes (i) an electro-optic active region where an electro-optic medium is disposed and is bounded by a perimeter seal and (ii) a user input region outboard of the electro-optic active region. At least one backlit user input, such as a capacitive touch sensor, is disposed at the reflective element at the user input region and outboard of the perimeter seal and the electro-optic medium. A control is operable to determine a location of a touch or proximity of a finger of a user that is at or near the first surface of the front substrate at the user input region, and the control generates an output signal indicative of a determined touch or proximity of a finger of a user.

Abstract: An alarm color plate structure of a micro-differential pressure gauge includes a transparent casing. The transparent casing has a slot which is located corresponding to the range of movement of a pointer or a scale plate. An alarm plate is provided in the slot. The alarm plate has a plurality of areas with different colors or marks for the user to know whether the position and the value of the pointer are normal or not.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a reflective element and a mounting assembly for adjustably mounting the mirror assembly at a portion of the equipped vehicle. The reflective element has a front surface and a rear surface and a perimeter edge about its periphery and extending between the front and rear surfaces. The front surface generally faces a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle. The rear surface of the reflective element may be attached to an attachment surface of an attachment plate or of the mirror casing to secure the reflective element relative to the mirror casing. The perimeter edge of the reflective element may be exposed and viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the reflective element is attached to the attachment surface and when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic mirror reflective element having a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate, with no portion of the rear glass substrate extending beyond any portion of the front glass substrate. The reflective element includes a perimeter band disposed around a perimeter border region of a second surface of the front glass substrate. The perimeter band generally conceals the presence of a perimeter seal from view by the driver of the vehicle. A plastic molding may be circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the front glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the front glass substrate. The outermost part of the plastic molding may lack a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the front glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.

Abstract: Disclosed are communication devices and methods of communication devices including generic indicators and a user interface to configure the generic indicators so that a user can privately determine, in real-time, from whom a communication signal has been received and the type of communication signal received. A user may select contacts having communication addresses stored in a memory, particular types of communication signals and correlate them to generic indicators. When communication signals are received by the device that correspond to a selected communication address and a particular type of communication signal an announcement can be made by configured generic indicators. Once configured, when the device is in an indicator state, a device's ringer and/or vibrator may be disabled, particularly where such disturbances are unacceptable and a user nevertheless may be able to determine, according to the configured generic indicators from which contact a particular type of communication has been received.

Abstract: A warning lamp column is proposed for the visual display of at least one operating state of a technical device such as a machine, a plant, a vehicle or the like, having at least one warning unit (1) comprising at least one warning lamp element and/or a light-emitting diode and/or a warning sound generator, in which a holding device (2) is arranged following the warning unit (1) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the warning lamp column, the warning unit (1) having at least one sheath element (8) formed substantially as a tube element (8) for sheathing the warning lamp element and/or the light-emitting diode and/or the warning sound generator, which satisfies particularly aesthetic requirements and in particular can be produced particularly economically beneficially. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the holding device (2) and the sheath element (8) of the warning unit (1) are formed as column elements (1, 2, 8) transparent to visible light.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus provides an easy to interpret presentation of multiple channel data, in the form of columns where the height of the column represents the relative measurement. A threshold line provides an indication of whether the measurement is above or below the threshold. Greater detail and numeric measurement values can be displayed for individual channels while the multiple channel display is in view.

Abstract: The presented invention is a low profile light bar tachometer display which includes a plurality of RGB LEDs or similar RGB color model light-emitting devices organized and arrayed in a segmented, flexible tachometer case that can be manipulated and contoured to conform to the top of the dash assembly of an automobile or any surface deemed suitable for the needs of the driver of an automobile. The lights provide a highly visible, illuminated, color changing display, so the driver can immediately assess the engine's RPM, power band, redline, or maximum torque from the change in light color or light position. The light array provides a repeatable, reliable and adjustable indication of the usable range of the engine's rpm, but does not indicate actual rpm.

Abstract: Provided is an elevator evacuation supporting system which can appropriately guide people living in a building to the hall of an elevator in the case of occurrence of a disaster.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a visual indicator for optimizing the position of a mobile device when the mobile device is being used in a hands free mode. One or more position components in the mobile device can determine the position of the mobile device. The position of the mobile device can be compared to ideal or predetermined positions for improved performance quality. A visual indicator can be provided to provide an indication on whether the mobile device is in an optimal position. The visual indicator can take several forms including an illustration showing how the mobile device should be moved, an animation showing how the mobile device should be moved, colors providing an indication whether the position is acceptable, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A thin keypad including a top surface layer, a light guide layer, a capacitive sensing layer and a piezo layer provides for touch input, pressure input and haptic feedback.

Abstract: The portable traffic barrier with illuminated message display includes at least one lightweight panel having a rigid frame and a matrix of separate illumination units therein. The illumination units are flexibly secured to one another within the panel by links extending between adjacent units. Each illumination unit includes two mutually opposed faces, either or both faces providing illumination from a plurality of small lighting elements (e.g., LEDs) therein. Some of the units may be non-illuminated, if desired. The panel includes an electrical power supply capable of providing power to the illumination units from a solar panel, a portable electrical supply, or from the local power grid, if available. In at least one embodiment, the panel may be folded in accordion fashion for more compact storage when not deployed. A plurality of such panels may be interconnected mechanically and electrically to provide a comprehensive traffic message, if desired.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods for use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described below provide for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system. Embodiments of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and device status information and historical alarm information to the operator. Embodiments also direct interaction with the alarming functions of the device by the operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on any current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information to an operator of a vehicle without unnecessarily distracting the operator by illuminating an interior of the vehicle with different colors, includes an illumination control module monitoring an informational input and determining a lighting color command based upon the informational input. The apparatus further includes an illumination system communicating with the illumination control module and generating an illumination color upon the interior based upon the lighting color command.

Abstract: A system for communicating status information associated with a device has an interface panel. The interface panel has a bezel extending substantially around a perimeter thereof. The interface panel is configured to interface with the device. The interface panel has a light device disposed substantially around a perimeter of the bezel. The light device is configured to illuminate the bezel. The system has a light controller coupled to the light device. The light controller is configured to control light output of the light device to indicate a status of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turn-indicator light module having an outer contour and comprising one or more light guiding elements and one or more visible-light emitting light sources coupled to at least one of the one or more light guiding elements, wherein at least one infrared light emitting light source is coupled to at least one of the one or more light guiding elements. At least a major portion of a longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end opposite of the first end of the one or more light guiding elements follows the outer contour and wherein the one or more light guiding elements are adapted to emit light at least along the major portion of their longitudinal extension.

Abstract: A two-wire process variable indicator includes a housing having a plurality of terminals disposed therein. The terminals are coupleable to a two-wire process control loop. A power module is coupled to the plurality of terminals to receive current flow from the process control loop. Driver circuitry is coupled to the power module and a microencapsulated electrophoretic display is coupled to the driver circuitry.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the present location of a traveler at time t1, predicting a location at which the traveler is expected to arrive by time t2, and verifying the safety of the traveler. The safety verification is conducted if the traveler has not reached the expected location at time t2, if signal from the traveler is lost or if a message from the traveler is not received within a predetermined time period. In some embodiments of the present invention, verifying the safety of the traveler involves contacting the traveler at one or more telecommunications devices which the traveler is known to carry, contacting another person that is known to be accompanying the traveler, and if all else fails—alerting the local emergency response team.

Abstract: An indicator light control circuit for controlling a single indicator light to indicate a high or low link speed of a network connection includes a pulse signal generating circuit, a bias circuit having a digital potentiometer, and a controller. The pulse signal generating circuit generates a pulse signal. The digital potentiometer is electronically connected to the pulse signal generating circuit and the controller. The controller adjusts the effective resistance of the digital potentiometer connected to the pulse signal generating circuit according to different link speeds being experienced in the network connection, to adjust a duty cycle of the pulse signal, thereby changing the on-time and off-time of the indicator light.

Abstract: A speaker assembly is provided with a speaker, a housing mounted to the speaker, and a reflector spaced apart from and facing the speaker. The reflector has a generally convex central region and a plurality of circumferentially spaced lobes, each extending radially outward from the central region for reflecting acoustic vibrations from the speaker radially outboard from the reflector while providing gaps between the lobes for permitting acoustic vibrations to pass therethrough. A series of supports connect the housing and the reflector. The supports are spaced circumferentially about the housing for providing openings between the supports for an outlet of the reflected acoustic vibrations. Each of the supports is aligned with and externally visually conceals one of the lobes.

Abstract: An in-vehicle image display apparatus for use in a vehicle is provided which includes a state detecting device that detects a state of surroundings of the vehicle; a display device that is provided at least in an entire front window section of the vehicle and capable of displaying information over the entire window section; an image generating device that generates image data for displaying a image of surroundings of the vehicle on the display device based on detection results from the state detecting device; and a display control device that makes the display device display an image represented by the image data generated by the image generating device.

Abstract: A circuit is for checking the voltage of a battery. The circuit includes a regulator component, a pnp type transistor, an npn transistor, a diode, and an alarm. The circuit activates an alarm when the voltage of the battery is less than a preset value.

Abstract: A warning light device having a first warning lamp exhibiting at least one first light unit with at least one first lighting element for visually indicating at least one operating state of a first technical unit having a first electronic control device and having at least one indicating unit for visually indicating at least one operating state, especially several different operating states of the first warning lamp, wherein at least one electronic warning lamp connection is provided for transmitting data and/or control signals at least between the first warning lamp and the indicating unit to provide for the monitoring of several different technical units with considerably less expenditure than in the prior art. This is achieved by the fact the indicating unit is constructed as signaling column having at least one second alternating module with at least one second lighting element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus on which a drinking vessel may be placed, in particular an apparatus which provides information, wherein the information is connected with the drinking vessel. An apparatus for indicating the filling level of a drinking vessel comprises a placement device on which the drinking vessel is placed, a detection device for detecting the filling level of the drinking vessel (200), and a display element which displays the detected filling level.

Abstract: A signaling device for emitting an acoustic and/or visual signal includes a base housing body, and an upper housing part. The upper housing part can be connected to the base housing to form a receiving space, in which at least one electrical component assembly for generating signals is disposed and from which at least a first electrical line can be guided into the signaling device. A line connection mechanism is provided and disposed in the base housing body to which the electrical line can be connected. The electrical component assembly for the signal generation is disposed on the upper housing part.

Abstract: An in-vehicle image display apparatus for use in a vehicle is provided which includes a state detecting device that detects a state of surroundings of the vehicle; a display device that is provided at least in an entire front window section of the vehicle and capable of displaying information over the entire window section; an image generating device that generates image data for displaying a image of surroundings of the vehicle on the display device based on detection results from the state detecting device; and a display control device that makes the display device display an image represented by the image data generated by the image generating device.

Abstract: A postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axis accelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are a function of positional orientation of the node along a path of attitude displacement of the node extending from a reference position of the node to a caution position of the node, and from the caution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and a signal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a caution signal in response to a caution positional state of the node at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warning signal different from the caution signal in response to a warning positional state of the node at the warning position of the node and distally therebeyond.

Abstract: A numeral-displaying face provided with a numeral-display and an exterior wall intersecting a periphery of the numeral-displaying face are provided on a cover and a case body of an indicator. A monitor indicator for checking an operating condition of the indicator is provided on the exterior wall. An outer circumference of the monitor indicator is flush with the exterior wall. A fallen object does not collide with the monitor indicator, so that damage on the monitor indicator can be prevented.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip circuit including a trip coil and a fault detector. The fault detector energizes the trip coil to cause the operating mechanism to open the separable contacts. A test circuit is structured to test the trip coil and determine an open circuit condition thereof. An annunciation circuit is structured to annunciate the open circuit condition of the trip coil.

Abstract: The invention is based on a locating device for locating objects in an item being investigated, said device having a basic body, a sensor unit for detecting a movement parameter when the basic body is moved relative to the item being investigated, an output unit and a control unit which, in conjunction with the output unit, is provided for the purpose of outputting an item of information on the basis of the movement parameter. It is proposed that the output unit has a light signal unit which is provided for the purpose of outputting the information using a light signal.

Abstract: A beverage container with an electronic display device and methods for its use are described. The beverage container includes an electronic display device disposed in a sidewall of the container and a control module disposed in a hollow base portion. A liquid sensor senses the presence of a liquid in the container and a motion sensor is provided to sense movements of the container caused by, for example, transporting, holding, or drinking from the container. When the control module receives appropriate signals from the liquid and motion sensors an image or video is displayed on the display device. The container is thus useable to display pictures, videos, slide shows, advertisements, or the like in personal or commercial applications. A communications port is also provided to enable coupling of the container with a computing device for management of images and videos displayed on the container.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a key chain device which receives disaster and/or radio broadcast worldwide. The digital component scans for and receives, the strongest broadcast signal, within the vicinity of the user and/or where disaster is occurring. Comprised of both digital & analog receivers and transmitters, the device can furthermore be used to communicate with and control analog and digital devices. This programmable feature enables the device to perform such functions as remotely controlling car starting/alarms, garage doors, and house alarms, etc. Enabling the internal microprocessor, said device can serve to entertain users with the digital media player, keeping them connected with a GPS locater. Additionally, the present invention has a cellular telephone component, with the ability to pair with wireless Bluetooth devices.