Abstract: The systems described herein include one or more wireless vehicle detectors, along with a distributed parking payment system such as parking meters or a paystation. Information from the payment system and the vehicle detectors may be combined to determine when a parking violation occurs, or is about to occur. This information may then be transmitted through a communication system to a parking enforcement officer, along with information about the geographic location of the violation. The information may also, or instead be transmitted to a parking payer to notify the payer of an impending infraction so that the payer may purchase additional parking time before the violation.

Abstract: Materials and construction for a tamper indicating radio frequency identification (RFID) label are provided to permit the destruction of the label or its properties in the event of attempts to remove the label from a surface to which it has been applied. An adhesion modifying coating is applied to a label surface or portions thereof to affect the relative adhesion strengths between different layers or areas of the label. The adhesion modifying coating can be applied in selected patterns to achieve differential adhesion strengths and resulting differential separation of the label from a surface on which it has been applied.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for remote baby monitoring is disclosed. The invention includes a non-audio alert such as a vibrator. In one embodiment the invention includes an intensity adjustment or a sensitivity adjustment.

Abstract: Optical systems of the present invention include an electrical signal distortion compensator configured to electrically distort an electrical signal to offset optical distortion imposed by a Fabry-Perot filter on an optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal. The electrical signal distortion compensator can be used in an optical transmitter to distort the electrical signal prior to optical transmission, or in an optical receiver after optical transmission. The distortion compensation can be performed on a baseband signal or a modulated electrical carrier. Likewise, the distortion compensator can be deployed in combination with an optical receiver, which allows the use of the F-P filter-optical receiver combination with transmitters and receivers that do not include F-P filters or distortion compensators.

Abstract: There is provided an arrangement of components for use in a power line communication system. The arrangement includes (a) an inductive coupler having a core with an aperture through which a coaxial power cable is routed, where the coaxial power cable has a center conductor and an outer conductor; and (b) a lead being routed through the aperture, where the lead connects the outer conductor to a termination.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning exposure of predetermined survey participants to billboards are provided. A portable transmitter is arranged to transmit a signal containing survey participant data, and a receiver located proximately to the billboard serves to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining information for an air vehicle including the steps of providing a first coefficient of pressure data point, providing a situation involving the air vehicle, deriving pressures during the situation and deriving a second coefficient of pressure data point from the pressures derived during the situation, and defining a line passing through the first and second coefficient of pressure data points, whereby a selected coefficient of pressure data point on the line corresponds to the information. The invention encompasses apparatus for accomplishing the method. In some embodiments, the information relates to angles from zero lift and/or zero yaw.

Abstract: Low-cost, low energy, programmable and remotely activatable traffic signs, particularly suitable for roadside, waterside or comparable use, which signs can display a variety of messages or images, for example warnings and directions, employ electropolymeric shutter arrays in front of retroreflective materials (32). The signs employ daylight or other passive illumination external to the sign, such as vehicle headlights, to yield high contrast images with good visibility. Optional features include attention-getting effects such as flashing, economical solar power means and means to detect vehicle approach to initiate the attention-getting display, e.g. flashing.

Abstract: A personal data assistant (“PDA”) watch uses a “character wheel,” or a “data dial,” to enter information, or characters, into the PDA watch. Such a dial makes the entering of data much quicker by taking advantage of the flexibility of the human wrist. A dial containing the character set disbursed around its circumference can be turned to indicate which character the user wishes to enter. The selection of a particular symbol/character can then be made by depressing the dial or some other input button.

Abstract: The illumination intensity of light emitting diode in an appliance display is maintained over time by automatically increasing an amount of electric current supplied to the light emitting diode, preferably incrementally, over the life of the light emitting diode. The automatic increase in current compensates for the gradual decay of the light emitting diodes over time, thereby allowing the light emitting diodes to maintain a constant illumination for the lifetime of the appliance.

Abstract: A surveillance system for monitoring activity within at least the cabin portion of the aircraft in order to alert the flight crew within the cockpit of any emergency activity including, but not limited to, highjacking or terrorist activity. A viewing assembly in the form of one or more cameras is disposed to selectively capture images throughout the aircraft cabin interior and deliver the captured image data to a display assembly observable by the flight crew. Activation of the system is accomplished by controlled operation of one or more portable, wireless transmitters and at least one receiver which is operationally connected to the viewing assembly and the display assembly.

Abstract: The method of transmitting traffic information about a traffic obstruction on a traffic way with digital coded messages includes coding a coded location contained in a location data bank, which amounts to an approximate position of the traffic obstruction on the traffic way, and a section part of the traffic way between the coded location and an actual position of the traffic obstruction on the traffic way in a traffic message and then transmitting the traffic message. In addition the length of the traffic obstruction can be included in the traffic message. In a preferred embodiment the traffic message is a TMC traffic message coded with ALERT-C protocol. In which the section part is coded in label 12 and the length in label 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity or presence switch arrangement operating in accordance with the inductive principle, comprising at least one inductor integrated in an oscillating circuit and an electronic control and evaluation device connected downstream for sensing or detecting the approach and/or presence of a material influencing electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: An automatic siren silencing device for false alarms, for use in an alarm system having a siren driver which powers a siren. A microcomputer monitors pulse signal characteristics of the siren driver, including duration of pulses and number of pulses, and compares these characteristics with predetermined pulse signal characteristics stored in a memory. A relay coil is energized by the microcomputer, controlling a relay switch which disconnects the siren from the siren driver when the pulse signal characteristics are indicative of a false alarm thereby silencing the siren. A user means is provided to adjust the predetermined pulse signal characteristics. Power to the microcomputer is provided by a capacitor, charged by the signal of the siren driver, whereby no battery or dedicated external power supply input is required. Indicator lights and a piezo element inform a user of siren silencing, and indicate the types of false alarms detected.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for locating moving objects that will allow high precision in position determination and thus largely eliminate sorting errors, and also to provide a device suitable for executing the method, it is envisaged that on at least one defined location within the reading range of an interrogator (16) arranged in a stationary position, an interference pulse, which influences a response signal transmitted by a transponder (20) carried by a moving object (12) in response to a signal transmitted by the interrogator (16), is exerted on the object (12), and a position of the object (12) is determined in dependence on a time when the influence of the response signal occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a housing, a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller carried by the housing. The controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device to determine and send vehicle position information to a monitoring station. Additionally, an upgrade connector may be carried by the housing and coupled to the controller. Also, an upgrade device may be removably coupled to the upgrade connector for causing the controller to perform at least one vehicle function.

Abstract: A vehicle locating system, comprising a hand-held transponder in communication with a vehicle-installed transponder. The hand-held transponder is carried by a user upon exiting a vehicle. The vehicle-installed transponder remains within the vehicle. The hand-held transponder includes an activation signal generator and a homing signal receiver. Correspondingly, the vehicle-installed transponder includes an activation signal receiver and a homing signal generator. Upon receipt of an activation signal from the hand-held transponder, the homing signal generator emits a homing signal which is detected by the homing signal receiver located within the hand-hold transponder.

Abstract: A clamping device having loss-guard function includes a shell body, a circuit unit, and a connection component. The shell body has a receiving space therein. A clamping sheet is disposed on the outer wall of the shell body. The circuit unit is disposed in the receiving space, and can receive signals emitted by an emission component disposed on a portable electronic device. The circuit unit has alarming components. The connection component is connected on the portable electronic device. The connection component also is connected with the shell body in a detachable way. The clamping device can clamp the portable electronic device onto a users waistband. When the portable electronic device is away from the circuit unit a certain distance, the circuit unit will be immediately driven to give out alarming lights or sounds, thereby preventing the portable electronic device from being lost or stolen by thieves.

Abstract: A driver circuit comprises a first differential-amplifier circuit having a pair of first transistors with emitters thereof connected to each other and a first resistor provided between an emitter connection point of the first transistors and a first power supply. Different electric potentials are applied to the bases of the pair of the first transistors to set a ratio of a current flowing through one of the pair of the first transistors to a current flowing through the other first transistor at about 1/100 or smaller. An amplitude of an output current is controlled by the higher of the electric potentials applied to the base of one of the first transistors.

Abstract: A Data Link Clearance Alerting System is enabled, either manually or automatically, as soon as the flight crew establishes a data link connection with air traffic control. Once a connection is established, the system stores each ATC clearance that has been positively acknowledged, and accepted, by the crew. The system monitors the aircraft in relation to the clearance. An alert is provided to the flight crew as soon as, in some cases just prior to, the airplane is not in compliance with a clearance. In addition, an alert is provided when estimates (e.g. estimated time of arrival at a point) or intent data passed to ATC by data link communication or data link surveillance systems no longer reflect the aircraft's predicted flight path.