Abstract: An immersion heater device for aquariums and the like. The heater device has a casing which contains a heating element. The casing, at least in the region of a radiant zone of the heating element, includes a layered structure having at least one layer of metal material and one layer of plastic material. The layer of metal material is interposed between the heating element and the layer of plastic material.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system including at least a first cordless base and a first handset, wherein either or both of the cordless base or the handset further contain a wireless receiver for receiving signals from at least one wireless sensor. The wireless sensor sends its wireless communications in a different frequency band than is used by the cordless telephone system. This cordless telephone system is typically based upon the same architecture and same components as a security system or security network described in cross referenced applications, but the product packaging appears in an embodiment that is more familiar to users as a cordless telephone system. The wireless sensors can be in several example forms such as intrusion sensors, which are used for example in perimeter monitoring or motion sensing, fire or smoke sensors, glass breakage sensors, or temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method of joining workpieces using a solder alloy. The alloy contains either at least 1% or a maximum of about 10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum; either at least 0.01% or 0.01–10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group of the lanthanides (rare earths); either at least 0.5% or 0.5–10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, and indium; optionally either at least 0.01% or 0.01–1% by weight of gallium; and a remainder consisting of tin, lead, or of a mixture of tin and lead.

Abstract: An RFID reader for use in a security network based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader can use wireless communications to communicate with RFID transponders and other devices in the security network. The RFID reader of the security network can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The RFID reader can transmit RF energy useful for detecting motion or for charging the batteries in RFID transponders. The RFID reader can contain an audio transducer, a camera, or various environmental sensors to detect parameters such as smoke, temperature, and water, among others. The program code of the RFID reader can be updated. A master controller within the security network can control operations within the RFID reader.

Abstract: A security network for a building using at least one RFID reader to communicate with at least one RFID transponder to provide the radio link between each of a number of openings and a control function capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. A gateway provides an interface between the security network and various external networks. The control function can be located in either or both of the RFID reader and the gateway. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The gateway can communicate with the RFID reader using active RF communications, power-line communications protocol, or hardwire connection. The RFID transponder can contain an energy store. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any energy store. The security network can contain more than one RFID reader.

Abstract: A loom for weaving three dimensional woven structures which include interwoven bias fibers and at least one integrally woven junction. The loom includes bias fiber holders, bias shuttles, and independently controllable bias arms to interweave the bias fibers. Each bias fiber holder holds a bias fiber under tension. The bias shuttles may releasably grip a number of the bias fiber holders and translate them horizontally between a plurality of predetermined horizontal positions. Each bias shuttle is at a separate vertical position. At least one bias shuttle translates above the shed and at least one bias shuttle translates below the shed. Each independently controllable bias arm may releasably grip one of the bias fiber holders and translate it vertically, at one of the predetermined horizontal positions, with a range of motion extending at least between two of the bias shuttles.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a security system for a building using at least one RFID reader to communicate with at least one RFID transponder to provide the radio link between each of a number of openings and a controller capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The controller preferably communicates with the RFID reader using a power line communications protocol. The RFID transponder can contain a battery. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any battery. The security system can contain more than one controller, whereby the RFID reader can communicate with more than one controller.

Abstract: A manhole access way security apparatus and method for using the security apparatus are disclosed. The inventive security apparatus includes an insert, at least one locking pin and a locking mechanism each interconnected to allow users to easily and quickly install a security barrier under a manhole, handhole or vault, and thereby prevent authorized access through the manhole, handhole or vault. The inventive apparatus uses an insert that may either sit on the existing manhole frame rim under the manhole cover, or if there is insufficient clearance on the manhole frame rim, brackets may be installed under the manhole frame upon which the insert rests. In either configuration, the insert is secured in place under the manhole cover by one or more locking pins that extend radially through the insert and are then locked to the insert.