Abstract: A method for reducing power consumption of sensors (2) within a sensor network (1), wherein a central controller (3) calculates a transmission schedule for said sensors (2) on the basis of a correlation between sensor data transmitted from said sensors (2) to the central controller (3).

Abstract: An electronic communication system and method that permits an environmental equipment system installer to install equipment without the need to run a data line such as a telephone line or other specialized data line thereby decreasing the cost and time required for installing the system. The electronic communication system comprises a first communication node to collect operating data and sensor data. A second communication node positioned proximate the first communication node may comprise a modern for connection to the Internet. A wireless or power line connection provides a node-to-node communication link.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ a distributed algorithm to enable sensor nodes in a sensor network to adaptively self-configure into sensor clusters to provide a desired higher-level functionality.

Abstract: A master generator that updates time data of remote devices comprises an acquisition module, a clock module, an encoding module, and a transmission module. The acquisition module acquires time data representing current time of day. The clock module receives and stores the time data from the acquisition module and periodically updates the time data. The encoding module encodes the time data from the clock module into time messages. The transmission module selectively superimposes the time messages onto a power signal.

Abstract: A light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires and third-party devices to a network server. The network server forwards the received status information from the networked luminaire managers to a computer of an owner/operator of the plurality of luminaires and/or a third-party user. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: Communication nodes for use with a wireless ad-hoc communication network are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication node comprises a transducer, which generates a signal in response to an external signal. The ad-hoc network communication is supported in part by static communication nodes, which defined an organized infrastructure network in order to achieve the various functions of the transducers. In another embodiment, the communication node for use with a wireless ad-hoc network does not include a transducer. Such communication nodes are preferred for use with a less structured network with virtually no infrastructure and allow for being used with expanding and contracting networks. Mobile communication nodes mostly support the propagation of signals. However, pseudo-static or static communication nodes are also used in wireless communication ad-hoc networks.

Abstract: A standard telemetry system is utilized in conjunction with a variable configuration missile irrespective of the missile configuration test fired. The system includes a common energy source, power supply, transmitter, commutator and signal conditioner. A portion of the telemetry signals produced by each missile configuration is, to an extent, unique to that particular configuration. The system utilizes a different programming connector cable for each missile configuration. The connector cable interfaces telemetry signal producing missile components with the common signal conditioner. The signal conditioner includes all of the circuitry and signal processing components necessary to process all of the telemetry produced by all of the missile configurations.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring and controlling a machine having at least two sensors for recording measurement variables, particularly motion variables, and with an electronic control loop for evaluating the recorded measurement variables and correspondingly controlling machine components of which the measurement variables can be influenced.

Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting sports data are disclosed, which include measuring, at one or more sensor modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on at least one sports participant, data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the at least one sports participant; broadcasting, from one or more telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the at least one sports participant, signals carrying the data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the at least one sports participant; measuring, at one or more sensor modules mounted, affixed, or embedded in a sports object, data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the sports object; and broadcasting, from one or more telemetry modules mounted, affixed, or embedded on the sports object, signals carrying the data corresponding to identification, movement, position, or condition of the sports object.

Abstract: An extended underwater electromagnetic transducer is provided with an electrically insulated transmission line typically connected to a transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line allows near-field communications with another transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line provided is relatively long, the through water signal path length can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method for continually controlling the collective behavior of a set of computing devices in a distributed data processing system. A gateway node disseminates a specification request comprising a set of parameters to a set of computing devices. The gateway node may be unaware of the number and identity of individual computing devices. Each computing node receiving the request determines whether its attributes satisfy the predicates expressed in the specification request. If so, the node processes the parameters in the specification request and modifies its own behavior based on the values in the parameters of the specification request. Subsequently, the gateway node may also observe the quality of information (QoI) values communicated from the set of computing devices. The gateway node iteratively modifies the parameters disseminated in subsequent specification requests based on a divergence between a computed quality of information value and a desired quality of information value.

Abstract: Embodiments of modular environmental conditions and object sensing at several locations are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for swapping functionality of a lead unit and an end-of-train remote unit on a distributed power railroad train. The communications system comprises a swap function that executes through a plurality of process steps to swap the functionality of the lead unit and the end-of-train remote unit. The train operating conditions must first be determined to ensure that the swap function can be executed. The communications system is placed in an idle mode and brakes and safety locks applied to ensure against train movement. Each remote locomotive in the train is commanded to a transition stage and reconfigured to receive commands and messages from the new lead unit. Once the train operator has relocated from the old lead unit to the new lead unit, the old lead unit transitions to remote status and the new lead unit commands an end to the transition period.

Abstract: Meter nodes in a power line carrier (PLC) network may reliably communicate with an access point by alternate routes using additional media where available. A utility network may include one or more subnetworks. Each subnetwork may include one or more meter nodes and an access point configured to communicate with the meter nodes using PLC. Meter nodes operate as relays for other meter nodes to communicate with the access point. Some or all meter nodes may be configured to communicate using a power line carrier communications link and another communications link. The network may also include a node external to the subnetwork, e.g., a utility server. The access point may be configured to communicate with the node external to the subnetwork in addition to the meter nodes.

Abstract: A second enclosure is coupled to a first enclosure for relative rotation around a rotation axis. The second enclosure rotates around the rotation axis in the opposite directions from a reference attitude. The second enclosure is prevented from further rotating in the first direction beyond the first rotation angle from the reference attitude. The second enclosure takes the first angular attitude. The second enclosure is also prevented from further rotating in the second direction opposite to the first direction beyond the second rotation angle from the reference attitude. The second enclosure takes the second angular attitude. The displaying unit indicates either of the first and second directions at least when the second enclosure takes the first angular attitude. The displaying unit in this manner enables the user to easily recognize an acceptable direction for the rotation of the second enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remotely monitoring and controlling via a wireless network various devices deployed in homes and businesses. The present invention allows for monitoring and control of various gateways distributed to remotely located facilities to be monitored and the devices coupled to those gateways to be controlled via a wireless communications network. Preferably, the network is a GSM network adapted to provide short messaging services or any type of wireless network adapted to operate a General Packet Radio System for delivering data over the network. Messages are packaged at each gateway for delivery via the network to a destination terminal, whether a fixed terminal or a mobile station. Likewise, customers may forward data and commands to a particular gateway either from a mobile station or by accessing a fixed terminal, such as through an Internet connection.

Abstract: A method of graphically representing values of at least one selected parameter at multiple monitoring points in a utility system, comprises receiving data measured at the multiple monitoring points; determining the values of the selected parameter at the multiple monitoring points, based on the received data, and using the values to generate a graphical representation of the values of the selected parameter at the multiple monitoring points, the graphical representation including shapes having (1) sizes representative of the magnitudes of the values and (2) locations representative of the hierarchy of the monitoring points. In one application, the selected parameter is at least one of electrical power and energy consumed in portions of an electrical power distribution system that correspond to the multiple monitoring points.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and circuitry for programming an AMR transmitter to operate in different modes. The device can be programmed as to any one or all of the following parameters: transmission power according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for drive-by or fixed network application; and frequency of data transmission to conserve battery life. A laptop computer or other type of programming device communicates through an optical IR port to enter these parameters.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a wireless communication system for medical sensor data. This communications system includes a portable unit that connects to a wireless sensor and a monitor unit that connects to a sensor monitor. Once activated, the units will self organize into a wireless communication structure controlled by the portable unit. As other pairs of units activate, they can self-organize their transmissions by joining an existing network or by creating new networks.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system and a method of operating an AMR system are disclosed. The AMR system stores and transfers consumptive data, demand data, and data archives. The system and method can also provide a demand reset to reduce or eliminate the need to physically visit a remote endpoint device, for example a residential utility meter, to directly connect to the endpoint device for the collection of data. The system and method provide two-way wireless communication between at least one reader and a plurality of remote endpoint devices and are adapted for use with mobile readers. The AMR system and method therefore provide efficient and reliable storage and transfer of data, including high volumes of data, at mobile read rates.

Abstract: A designated function or “golden” slot for implementing and managing re-configurable SDR modules is provided. In an embodiment, the slot includes at least one radio frequency (RF) front end for providing an interface with at least one antenna. In addition, the slot may include at least one slot modem coupled to the RF front end for implementing at least one designated function and at least one input/output (I/O) module coupled to the slot modem. The designated function or “golden” slot is capable of implementing and managing the at least one designated function in a re-configurable module during standard and emergency operations.

Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include, in one embodiment, measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Abstract: A system for remotely tracking a mobile unit is presented. The system includes a computer connected to a data network, mobile units collecting data and transmitting the data to the computer, and a configuration database connected to the data network. The configuration database stores configuration parameters for the mobile units. The mobile units are programmed to contact the configuration database upon being powered on, obtain the configuration parameters, and transmit the collected data to the computer according to the configuration parameters. Since each configuration file could apply to multiple mobile units, the system provides an efficient way to control the data reporting patterns of many mobile units. The configuration database may be organized in layers of configuration files for improved flexibility. Files from different layers can be mixed and matched and then applied to a group of mobile units.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device and associated method of making same includes a housing and circuit board having a ground plane. Radio frequency (RF) circuitry and a processor are carried by the circuit board and operative with each other. An antenna is carried by the housing and operative with the RF circuitry. Audio circuitry is carried by the circuit board and operative with the RF circuitry and processor. An audio transducer assembly such as a receiver is carried by the circuit board and engages audio circuitry for carrying audio signals between the audio circuitry and speaker. A filter is mounted at the speaker for blocking RF energy from the antenna through the speaker to the ground plane and decoupling the antenna from the speaker and any other components on the circuit board to minimize any detuning of antenna impedance match and degradation in antenna gain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing energy management utilize wireless wide-area network broadcast signals and a decentralized receiver architecture to allow customers to make informed choices with regard to energy consumption and load shedding for particular appliances. A receiver assembly embedded within an appliance receives a broadcast signal, e.g., an FM subcarrier signal, including tariff data and other electrical grid data. A processor coupled with the receiver controls the appliance in accordance with the received data and in accordance with user-defined preferences. In some embodiments, a transceiver assembly is embedded in one or more appliances in a household. Each transceiver is configured to receive broadcast signals regarding grid data, and to communicate with other appliances and/or a usage meter over a wireless personal area network. Meter data from one or more households may be aggregated and uplinked back to the energy provider or other entities.

Abstract: An endpoint processor includes a processor block, a timer block, a memory block, and analog-to-digital converter. The timer block is arranged to provide a time based signal to the processor block. The memory block cooperates with the processor block. The analog-to-digital converter is arranged to provide an interface between an analog signal and the processor block. The analog signal includes encoded data from a power signal. The processor block is arranged to control a sampling rate that is associated with the analog-to-digital converter such that the analog signal is down-converted as an under-sampled signal. The processor block is arranged to extract the encoded data from the down-converted signal by executing a digital signal processing algorithm that is stored in the memory block. The digital signal processing algorithm is arranged to reject fundamental and harmonic frequencies that are associated with a power-line frequency that is associated with the power signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body support pillow made and contoured to promote side lying to reduce snoring and negate the consequences of sleep apnea and symptoms. It consists of a body support pillow with integrated, semi-rigid yet flexible support for a person's head, back, and legs while lying on their side thereby encouraging either left or right side position sleeping.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a relationship between a first animal (100) and a second animal (110). The system includes a detection means (130) for detecting if the first animal (100) is within a defined proximity (120) of the second animal (110). The system also includes a means to determine, in response to at least one detection, the relationship between the first animal (100) and the second animal (110).

Abstract: One example embodiment provides a method and system where LAN nodes in an IPv6 utility network are able to communicate with an IPv6 node through and IPv4 network. An access point associated with an IPv6 LAN in the utility network establishes an explicit or configured tunnel to an IPv6 node or and IPv6 network through and IPv4 network. In one preferred embodiment the IPv6 node is a back office system communicating through an IPv4 WAN with the IPv6 node in the utility network LAN using the access point in the LAN. The access point communicates with the back office system through the IPv4 WAN to establish a “6 in 4” tunnel through the IPv4 WAN. A tunnel broker may maintain the “6 in 4” tunnel through the IPv4 WAN between the access point and the back office system.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing an automatic docking of a robot is disclosed. The apparatus induces connecting terminals of the robot having a receiving unit to connect with docking terminals disposed on one surface of a docking object, and includes a plurality of transmitting units disposed on the same surface as that of the docking object on which the docking terminals are disposed. The plurality of transmitting units is arranged in different angles to one another to transmit signals in different directions to one another, respectively.

Abstract: A signal monitoring circuit includes a plurality of sensors, a meter chip, a micro control unit (MCU), and a multiplexer. The sensors are adapted for collecting electrical signals of an electrical system, and each of the sensors correspondingly generates an output signal. The multiplexer is adapted for receiving the output signal of each of the sensors. The MCU controls the multiplexer to selectively output one of the output signals. The meter chip receives the selected one of output signals from the multiplexer and generates corresponding meter signals to the MCU.

Abstract: A remote control system for providing control of an under-counter water treatment system and garbage disposal. The system includes a remote unit that is electrically connected to an existing switched, under-counter AC power outlet. The garbage disposal and water treatment system are connected to and receive power from the remote unit. The system further includes a control unit that is located above-counter and permits a user to control operation of the remote unit and consequently the garbage disposal and water treatment system. The two units may communicate wirelessly using communication signals that are tagged with a unique security code. In one embodiment, the system includes a microprocessor in each of the control unit and the remote unit, the microprocessor in the remote unit communicating the status of the water treatment system to the control unit and the microprocessor of the control unit appropriately displaying the information.

Abstract: A dual source real time clock (RTC) synchronization system and method for implementation within automatic meter reading (AMR) systems that provide system-wide device time synchronization. In one embodiment, a microcontroller-implemented RTC counts elapsed seconds from a pre-determined system timestamp using a low-speed, low-accuracy crystal. A second source is used to compensate for the low-speed, low-accuracy crystal. This second source comprises a high speed clock in one embodiment. This dual source RTC system can synchronize the endpoint device.

Abstract: A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path.

Abstract: A method for transmitting measured values between two measurement transmitters, which transmit, via two communication connections, digital signals according to the master/slave principle and analog signals to a control system, which serves as the master, comprises the steps of: transmitting the digital signals between the two measurement transmitters via an additional communication connection; and the incoming digital signals in the receiver measurement transmitter are examined for at least one characteristic value of the transmitting measurement transmitter, in order to find measured values needed for evaluation in the receiver measurement transmitter.

Abstract: A network of remote sensing node assemblies, a first and second of which each has a sensor element, as well as associated technique and program code for transmitting information collected about a liquid environment. The network provides the capability of sensing the liquid to collect a wide variety of types of information/data about the liquid and any surrounding environments, and transmitting from the originating node assembly to a different node within acoustic transmission range, and then transmitting further to a third node assembly where the information may be processed and communicated to a user, or further transmitted by way of suitable medium, preferably as electromagnetic signals, to a host location for processing into a compilation of data. Each of at least two sensing node assemblies has at least one sensor element adapted for operation while immersed within the liquid, a source of power, and a transducer for receiving acoustic waves/signals transmitted from another node assembly.

Abstract: A scalable, minimum node complexity, energy efficient, and error-resilient routing method for wireless sensor networks is described. The network is partitioned into regions by power controlled base station scans using a directional antenna. Routing is performed using only local location information and instructions received from the base station at each sensor node with minimum processing and control overhead, thus allowing simple, low-cost sensor designs. Sensors in the network provide to a base station reports of the condition of the sensors themselves, and these reports are analyzed by the base station to determine improved routing instructions, which are then provided to the sensor nodes in control messages. Each data packet is relayed in an interleaved, loop-free mesh of sectors toward the base station, making data delivery robust to sensor failures and transmission errors.

Abstract: A radio transmission system including many radio transmitters using frequency hopping carriers to intermittently transmit very short messages indicative of status of stimuli associated with the transmitters. The transmitters transmit transmissions independently of a receiver receiving the transmissions and independent of each other. In operation, radio transmitters transmit messages at varying frequencies at time intervals that can be varied as well. The frequency and time intervals are varied according to patterns that can be determined individually for each transmitter. A receiver holds data indicative of the future transmission frequency and time for each transmitter and updates the data based on the time and the content of the received messages. In addition, a simple method is provided to generate a very large number of orthogonal frequency-time hopping sequences that are individual for each transmitter and based on the transmitter ID.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus to enable desired wireless connectivity in a high frequency and/or high speed wireless local area network for providing mobile communications to a user of a wireless communication device which may be otherwise unable to connect to the high frequency and/or speed wireless local area network in response to a request for a wireless service. By using a chipset disposed in another wireless communication device, a neural network may be formed for enabling such wireless connectivity. In one embodiment, availability of wireless connectivity may be determined to a first user of a wireless service at a first wireless communication device to communicate with an access point associated with a Wi-Fi wireless network that offers the wireless service.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator for storing foods at a low temperature. An avatar refrigerator and a method for sensing contamination of the same receive measurement values from various sensors installed around the refrigerator in a contamination sensing mode, decide kinds and degrees of contamination in each position by analyzing the measurement values of the sensors by a control means, decide contamination solving methods, and display the kinds and degrees of contamination in each position and the contamination solving methods through a display means formed at the refrigerator door side with avatars. As a result, the avatar refrigerator and the method for sensing contamination of the same maintain the clean air environment and improve health by notifying the air contamination in the peripheral regions of the refrigerator installed at the center of the residential space and the contamination solving methods as well as freshly maintain the foods by storing the foods at a low temperature.

Abstract: A system for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of electricity meters comprises a central server AMM in bi-directional communication with a plurality of concentrators. To each concentrator, a set of electricity meters is connected, such that bi-directional communication between each meter and its associated concentrator is possible. The intelligence of the system is distributed between the central server, the concentrators and the electricity meters. To this end, each meter comprises at least a first processor, a first data memory and a first program memory for bi-directional communication with the associated concentrator. The first data memory serves to at least temporarily store and/or transmit the data which have already undergone a first processing by the first processor. Each of the concentrators comprises a second processor, a second program memory and a second data memory as well as means for a bi-directional communication with a central server.

Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Abstract: A significant number of rescue workers are killed or injured each year as they conduct searches within damaged or burning structures, unaware that the structure is in imminent danger of collapse. The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and monitoring structural damages which are irreversible and which lead to inevitable collapse of a building or structure. The system includes at least one accelerometer that is housed in a device that is mounted on an exterior surface outside the burn area, and within the reach of the rescue worker. The device communicates with a remote display that provides visual and/or audible signals to indicate imminent collapse of the structure. Additionally, the system includes collapse detecting analysis processes for determining the likelihood of collapse.

Abstract: A distributed meter reading terminal provides meter communication capabilities. For example, an operator may approach one or more meters with a portable first portion of a distributed meter reading apparatus. Communication is established between the first portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus and the one or more meters so that data can be collected from the one or more meters. Communication is then established between the first portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus and a second portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus, which may also be portable and which may include processing capabilities that allow for the management of collected data. The collected data is then transferred from the first portion to the second portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus. The first portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus and the second portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus may otherwise operate independently.

Abstract: A remote meter reading system is provided. The system comprises a meter reading system for sending metering information of a subscriber via the infrastructure of a mobile communication system; and a remote control system in communication with the meter reading system for collecting the metering information of the subscriber. The metering information is transferred to the remote control system via a short message service (SMS) of the mobile communication system and the mobile communication network operates based on a code division multiple access (CDMA) technology.

Abstract: The communications processor includes an electronic network system which includes at total of 17 individual ports, four quad universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter devices, each of which serves four separate ports, and a microprocessor which processes and controls the flow of data under the control of stored control programs, command settings and command logic. Connected to a plurality of those ports referred to as IED ports are intelligent electronic devices IEDS, such as protective relays or meters, while connected to other ports, referred to as master ports, are remote terminal units or a local computer or terminal or a modem which can be connected to an external telephone line. The apparatus includes both buffer and long-term storage for development of a database, as well as an IRIG-B capability for synchronization of the time clocks of the connected devices.