Abstract: A power management system is provided to manage internal and external power sources for an embedded electronic device. The power management system includes an internal power source and an external power source. The power management system determines when to power the internal embedded electronic device or devices from either the internal or external power source, when to recharge the internal power source, when to shut down the internal embedded electronic device so as not to over discharge and damage the internal power source when external power is not available.

Abstract: A retractable cord reel assembly comprises a reel rotatably supported within a frame or housing for rotation about an axis; a biasing spring engaged with the reel; and a single unitary electrically conductive cord having a distal end portion affixed to the housing, and a movable proximal end, wherein the cord is wound about the reel in a plurality of contiguous segments. The cord reel comprises separate coaxial cord-take-up and cord-storage compartments, having, in an initial cord configuration, a fixed-length segment of cord wound in a spiral around a hub in the cord-take-up compartment, and a segment comprising helical windings of the cord in the cord-storage compartment. The cord reel assembly described herein can be used in modern electronic data and power transmission applications without the significant losses of signal integrity or power, commonly associated with conventional cord reel assemblies.

Abstract: A retractable cord reel assembly comprises a reel rotatably supported within a frame or housing for rotation about an axis; a biasing spring engaged with the reel; and a single unitary electrically conductive cord having a distal end portion affixed to the housing, and a movable proximal end, wherein the cord is wound about the reel in a plurality of contiguous segments. The cord reel comprises separate coaxial cord-take-up and cord-storage compartments, having, in an initial cord configuration, a fixed-length segment of cord wound in a spiral around a hub in the cord-take-up compartment, and a segment comprising helical windings of the cord in the cord-storage compartment. The cord reel assembly described herein can be used in modern electronic data and power transmission applications without the significant losses of signal integrity or power, commonly associated with conventional cord reel assemblies.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a converter/multiplexer and associated method of use therefor or converting and multiplexing parallel inputs, a modem, a GPS, or even modem information into a single multimaster broadcast serial bus standard for connecting electronic control units, and more specifically, to a multiplexer for transforming analog, digital, frequency, GPS, or modem inputs into a CAN bus data transmittal over LAN and/or PAN and interrelation with a similarly equipped receiving module. Further, the converter/multiplexer is used alone or in a group as part of a larger system for multiplexing and demultiplexing signals for serial bus processing and also for guidance when the converters are cabled by operators using stored configurations.

Abstract: A cord reel assembly described herein comprises a cord reel including a flat flexible cable that comprises a ribbon of generally parallel power transmission and data transmission wires embedded in a non-conductive polymeric matrix. Each data transmission wire is spaced and insulated from any adjacent wire by the polymeric matrix. The power transmission wires are flattened relative to the data transmission wires, and have a larger gauge than the data transmission wires. The FFC comprises non-shielded end regions flanking a shielded middle region that includes a shielding layer on at least one side of the cable, and a non-conductive coating covers the shielding layer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an alarm-based power saving mode and associated system implemented on a device for a microprocessor or a telematics circuitry, and more particularly, to an alarm and powered-up microprocessor-driven power latch for disabling a power source to a microprocessor or telematics circuitry at a power switch. A microprocessor and/or telematics circuitry are powered down by an instruction step from the microprocessor or the telematics circuitry by using a power switch to cut off power. The switch is controlled by a power latch, which is regulated by a wake-up value given to an alarm to enable the power latch and exercise power switch control, as well as by a value given directly by the microprocessor to enter the powered down mode.

Abstract: A convenient, easy to use ubiquitous governance system to help manage and maintain the plurality of semi-autonomous devices that will be loosely coupled to and communicate via the Internet or other network, more commonly referred to as the network of things.

Abstract: A local positioning system uses a power delivery network throughout a facility to easily deploy inexpensive electromagnetic receivers for capturing location fingerprints from the transmission of wireless devices. These captured fingerprints are then compared with a database of similar fingerprints compiled from a facility surveying process. Location of the wireless device is inferred from the known location corresponding to that survey-derived fingerprint that is most highly correlated with the fingerprint derived from the wireless device. The known location may then be used to provide a logical mapping of the wireless device within facility floor plans or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a bidirectional communication platform using short message communication with a telematics device for remotely updating parameters of the device, for obtaining reports and other information regarding the parameters of the device, and to upload control data and specific data to the device. More specifically, a software adaptation layer is added to a telematics device to bidirectionally communicate with receiver and emitter cell phones.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a converter/multiplexer and associated method of use therefor or converting and multiplexing parallel inputs, a modem, a GPS, or even modem information into a single multimaster broadcast serial bus standard for connecting electronic control units, and more specifically, to a multiplexer for transforming analog, digital, frequency, GPS, or modem inputs into a CAN bus data transmittal over LAN and/or PAN and interrelation with a similarly equipped receiving module. Further, the converter/multiplexer is used alone or in a group as part of a larger system for multiplexing and demultiplexing signals for serial bus processing and also for guidance when the converters are cabled by operators using stored configurations.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a bidirectional communication platform using short message communication with a telematics device for remotely updating parameters of the device, for obtaining reports and other information regarding the parameters of the device, and to upload control data and specific data to the device. More specifically, a software adaptation layer is added to a telematics device to bidirectionally communicate with receiver and emitter cell phones.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an alarm-based power saving mode and associated system implemented on a device for a microprocessor or a telematics circuitry, and more particularly, to an alarm and powered-up microprocessor-driven power latch for disabling a power source to a microprocessor or telematics circuitry at a power switch. A microprocessor and/or telematics circuitry are powered down by an instruction step from the microprocessor or the telematics circuitry by using a power switch to cut off power. The switch is controlled by a power latch, which is regulated by a wake-up value given to an alarm to enable the power latch and exercise power switch control, as well as by a value given directly by the microprocessor to enter the powered down mode.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rugged, polarized connector or adaptor with interlocking end tabs and notches for polarizing a jack to a specific plug, and in one specific embodiment, a QMA-type RF connector where a rugged spanner nut and a rugged jack casing are used to reinforce the mating connector ends. The connector also includes tabs and mating notches on the spanner nut and the jack casing to polarize the connectors without creating a weakness in the rugged connection. A series of tab orientations is illustrated, a method for grounding the spanner nut to the connector, and a method of using the rugged and polarized interface on any type of connector or as part of a connector adaptor or add-on.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rugged, polarized connector or adaptor with interlocking end tabs and notches for polarizing a jack to a specific plug, and in one specific embodiment, a QMA-type RF connector where a rugged spanner nut and a rugged jack casing are used to reinforce the mating connector ends. The connector also includes tabs and mating notches on the spanner nut and the jack casing to polarize the connectors without creating a weakness in the rugged connection. A series of tab orientations is illustrated, a method for grounding the spanner nut to the connector, and a method of using the rugged and polarized interface on any type of connector or as part of a connector adaptor or add-on.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rugged, polarized connector or adaptor with interlocking end tabs and notches for polarizing a jack to a specific plug, and in one specific embodiment, a QMA-type RF connector where a rugged spanner nut and a rugged jack casing are used to reinforce the mating connector ends. The connector also includes tabs and mating notches on the spanner nut and the jack casing to polarize the connectors without creating a weakness in the rugged connection. A series of tab orientations is illustrated, a method for grounding the spanner nut to the connector, and a method of using the rugged and polarized interface on any type of connector or as part of a connector adaptor or add-on.

Abstract: A cord storage assembly is disclosed. A length of cord can be wound onto a reel. The storage assembly includes a retraction mechanism and a latch mechanism. A latch pilot mechanism is provided to selectively engage and disengage the latch mechanism. The latch pilot mechanism can be adapted to engage the latch mechanism when the cord is extended from the reel less than a predetermined length to prevent the operation of the latch mechanism. The latch pilot mechanism can be disengaged from the latch mechanism once the cord is extended greater than the predetermined length from the reel. The latch pilot mechanism can have different configurations and can be adapted to engage and disengage the latch mechanism at one or more predetermined lengths.