Abstract: A pet identification tag with associated cavity holder for insertion of a miniaturized Radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) transponder capsule. The tag has an embedded cavity and mechanism to insert or remove an optional RFID transponder capsule. The tag with transponder capsule can then be attached to a pet's collar to wireless ID the pet without need to medically inject a RFID transponder capsule into a pet's body by surgical means.

Abstract: An object-presence alert is given to a driver by a vehicular side-object detection system in response to a remote sensor for sensing objects in a predetermined zone of interest along side a vehicle. The zone of interest includes a front region and a rear region, and the remote sensor provides sensor data to generate a set of localized detection points. When detection points are sensed in the zone of interest, then a plurality of respective sets of detection points are collected at successive sample times. For each of the sets of detection points, a tracking type of the object within the zone of interest is determined in comparison to a speed of the vehicle and the object is classified as either a moving vehicle or a stationary object in response to the tracking type and in response to locations of the detection points in the zone of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adverse condition detection apparatus that enables a user to test the apparatus in close proximity without having to endure fully operational alarm noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a detector, a transducer, and a test system. The detector provides an adverse condition signal in response to detecting an adverse condition (e.g., smoke). The transducer is operably connected to the detector for receiving the adverse condition signal. The transducer generates an operational alarm in response to receiving the adverse condition signal when the detector detects the adverse condition. The test system is operably connected to the transducer and causes it to generate a test alarm in response to a user activating the test system. However, the test alarm, at least initially, is lower in audibility than the operational alarm.

Abstract: A wireless remote telemetry system which uses low-cost remote communication devices operating on existing wireless communication systems in order to provide real-time reading and control of remote devices. In an embodiment applicable to utility service, consumption of electrical power among a population of customers is measured by a utility metering system having a wireless communication capability. The metering system comprises a remote metering unit which communicates with a central controller over existing wireless communication systems, such as cellular base stations, using existing communication standards. The remote metering unit transmits various messages over a shared random access channel to a central controller. The central controller transmits messages to the remote metering unit over a paging channel. The remote metering unit may operate in a half-duplex mode only. Furthermore, the remote metering unit may provide a gateway to advanced consumer services at the remote location.