Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention integrates a two-way communications device into a personal floatation device (“PFD”; sometimes also referred to herein as a “life vest”). Integration of the two-way communications device in the exemplary PFD embodiment would provide water ingress protection (water-proofing) of at least International Standard CEI/IEC 529: 1989:IPX7. In the exemplary embodiment, the two-way communications device integrated in the PFD would provide an antenna integrated into a shoulder of the PFD. The exemplary embodiment would further provide an advanced microphone, and an ear bud speaker. The exemplary embodiment would further provide signal processing to mitigate ambient noise and to enhance transmission of true vocal content. The exemplary transceiver of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention would be environmentally hardened and would be operable to communicate radio frequencies in a range between 462.5625 MHz and 467.7125 MHz.

Abstract: The invention provides a power-line carrier communication apparatus including a transmission unit with a signal point mapping device for mapping a plurality of bit streams produced from transmission data, a wavelet inverse transforming device for modulating the respective sub-carriers by wavelet waveforms which are orthogonal to each other for producing temporal waveform series data, and a D/A converter for converting the temporal waveform series data into an analog temporal waveform series signal; and a reception unit with an A/D converter for obtaining sampling-series waveform data from a power-line communication signal, a wavelet transforming device for wavelet-transforming the sampling-series waveform data into signal point data of the respective sub-carriers, and a symbol judging device for judging bit streams mapped by the signal point mapping device by inverse-mapping a plurality of these signal point data, and for synthesizing the judged bit streams with each other as a reception data series.

Abstract: An electronic personal monitoring device that informs the user, i.e. tutor or guardian, when an unauthorized person has come too close to the protected person, i.e. target person, or when the target person moves or has been moved outside a calculated tutor monitoring range wherein the device continually monitors, i.e. self-monitoring, so long as the alarm system is enabled and produces an alarm signal when triggered, which may be a silent or vibration alarm, audible alarm or visual alarm.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of an extraordinary mode of motorized motion programmed to draw the attention of an operator. When one or more sensors sense a condition requiring attention of the operator, a periodic acceleration is superposed upon the motion of the ground-contacting members. The extraordinary mode of locomotion may include a mode where the vehicle alternates between braking and speeding up and braking over each period of the modulation.

Abstract: A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection within the mail being processed or handled of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents. A system and methods provide additionally a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced disabling of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring hygiene compliance.

Abstract: A pressure sensor has a diaphragm that is exposed to air in a tire of a vehicle. A transmitter wirelessly transmits data representing the air pressure of the tire. A casing accommodates the transmitter and the pressure sensor. A lid closes an opening of the casing. A metal body is provided on the lid. When the opening of the casing is closed with the lid, the diaphragm is covered with the metal body.

Abstract: A device installation apparatus for a mobile body is disposed in a position sandwiched between a driver's seat 107a and a assistant driver's seat 197b in an automobile vehicle 100, and is constituted by a center console box 109, as an installing means, movable along a rail portion 110, in which a desired device such as a CD player 201, a cassette tape player 202, a DVD player 203 or the like can be installed. Having been constituted as above, it allows passengers seated other than in front seats an easy access to the desired device 200, remarkably improving the convenience of the apparatus.

Abstract: A battery capacity and usage system, applied to an electric powered boat. A battery monitor is controlled by a micro-controller which includes a non-volatile memory for storing a lookup table. The lookup table comprises a database of characteristics of various batteries, including a relationship between the capacity and the charged voltage, the driving current and remaining hours of usage. The load of the battery is measured by a hall effect device. By monitoring the current micro-controller calculates the remaining time of the battery is obtained from the lookup table and displays the results on a digital readout installed on dashboard of the electric powered boat.

Abstract: In a method for dynamically adjusting a vehicle component, a characteristic variable which influences the behavior of the vehicle component can be varied automatically or manually while traveling. A state variable which characterizes the behavior of the driver is first determined directly after a change in the characteristic variable, and the determined state variable is then compared with a setpoint variable. The change in the characteristic variable of the vehicle component is at least partially reversed if the state variable exceeds the setpoint variable.

Abstract: A beacon circuit enabling study of active elements in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The beacon circuit may be integral to a DUT to be tested. The DUT is stimulated by a conventional ATE, so that its active devices are operating. The signal from the active device is sent to the beacon circuit which, in response to the signal, emits light having intensity that is proportional to the value of the signal. In one example, the beacon circuit is constructed as a voltage to current converter having its input connected to the node of interest and its output connected to a current to light converter. In one example, the current to light converter is implemented as a current mirror circuit. One beneficial implementation disclosed is the use of the beacon circuit for the study of voltage supply disturbances.

Abstract: An improved electronics assembly for integration with a tire structure includes an acoustic wave device such as a SAW sensor connected as a feedback element in an active amplifier and further coupled to an antenna element, thus forming an active transmitter configuration. Such a circuit configuration provides for the ability to actively transmit a combination of information from integrated tire electronics to a remote receiver location. The combination of information corresponds to the physical parameters sensed by the acoustic wave device as well as digital data superimposed on the RF signal emitted by the acoustic wave device by selectively switching the amplifier on and off. Optional integrated power sources configure the electronics assembly for operation as an actively transmitting device.

Abstract: An endpoint is configured for communication with a distribution substation. The endpoint includes a receiver conditioning block and a receiver processing block. The receiver conditioning block is positioned downstream from the distribution substation, and arranged to provide an analog signal that is responsive to the power signal from the distribution line. The receiver processing block is configured to extract encoded data from the power signal by under-sampling the analog signal, and processing the under-sampled analog signal such that fundamental and harmonic frequencies associated with the power signal are suppressed. Command signals from the distribution substation are extracted from the power-line. Each endpoint is addressable by an ID code, and is configurable via downstream command signals that are associated with the ID code. The endpoint collects data at demand based and schedule based intervals.

Abstract: A relaxation oscillator for a transponder capable of measuring one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) in an object and transmitting a data stream to an external reader/interrogator. The transponder typically operates in a passive mode, deriving its power from an RF interrogation signal received by an antenna system, but c=also operate in a battery-powered active mode. The transponder includes memory for storing measurements, calibration data programmable trim settings, transponder ID and the like. Measurement readings comprise counting oscillations of a measurement signal during a fixed time window. The measurement signal is generated by a relaxation oscillator driven by the alternating charging and discharging of measurement capacitors. wherein the capacitor charging rate is a function of current, and of capacitance. By using a mirror measurement current lo discharge the measurement capacitors, the discharge rate is made approximately equal to the charge rate.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone warning signal.

Abstract: A lighting system contains at least one controllable first light (NL), which is connected to a first current supply (L, N), and at least one controllable emergency current light (SL), which is connected to a further emergency current supply (P, N), separate from the first current supply (L, N). All lights have respective control devices associated therewith, all control devices being connected to a common bus (D1, D2). A monitoring device (5) issues a monitoring signal corresponding to the condition of the first current supply (L, N) onto the bus (D1, D2), which monitoring signal is evaluated at least by the control device of the emergency current light (SL) for the recognition of a disruption and for activation of an emergency current operation.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for a security system. In one embodiment, the system includes capabilities to aid in locating an item that is being monitored when the item's location is unknown. The embodiment also includes capabilities for sounding an alarm when the item is believed to be missing.

Abstract: A vehicle-in-motion warning apparatus having one or more warning device and a light source in a housing. The warning device may be an audible, visual, or objecting-sensing device, and is mounted behind a grill which is integrally formed with the housing face. The light source is mounted in front of the housing face and covered with a removeable transparent cover. The housing may be either formed to fit a vehicle recess or alternatively formed to fit into a trailer hitch receiver. The associated wiring harness is terminated with a standard connector which allows the apparatus to be plugged into the existing vehicle wiring harness without modification, or a pigtail for splicing into the wiring harness.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the security state of an aircraft cabin. The method includes surveiling the main cabin of an aircraft, monitoring radio frequencies predesignated for handheld radio devices for signals, recording the generated images and monitored sounds on non-volatile media, and generating an alert in response to a threat perceived while surveiling and monitoring.