Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating an automated response to a catastrophic event, that includes (1) analyzing a sample set of data generated in association with a catastrophic event to determine a threshold pattern; (2) receiving, with customer permission or affirmative consent, home sensor data from a smart home controller via wireless communication or data transmission, the home sensor data including data regarding at least one of (i) structural status; (ii) wind speed; (iii) availability of electricity; (iv) presence of water; (v) temperature; (vi) pressure; and/or (vii) presence of pollutants in the air and/or water; (3) determining, based upon or from computer analysis of the home sensor data, whether the home sensor data indicates a match to the threshold pattern; and (4) automatically generating a response if the home sensor data indicates a match to the threshold pattern. As a result, catastrophic events and responses thereto may be improved through usage of a remote network of home sensors.

Abstract: Arrangements are provided for “smart” functionality with “dumb” containers, such as for determining medication adherence, tracking product use, and validating product authenticity. An acoustic emitter is engaged with a container or other vehicle. Opening the container causes the acoustic emitter to produce an acoustic emission, without requiring power, processing capacity, or sensors. A cell phone or other station receives and registers acoustic emissions, such as by logging opening of the container, verifying authenticity of the acoustic emission, communicating with an oversight system, or similar. Data as may be encoded in an acoustic emission may include vehicle detection data (e.g., logging a container being opened), vehicle information (e.g., lot number, contents name), vehicle validation (e.g., valid or counterfeit numerical code), and audible user recognition (e.g., brand jingles, warning sounds).

Abstract: A system comprises a storage device, a piece of medical equipment, a portable computing device, and a hub portal. The piece of medical equipment has at least one electrically powered feature and comprises either a medical examination table or a storage cabinet. The storage device is operable to store data and is remotely located relative to the first piece of medical equipment and relative to the portable computing device. The hub portal is operable to provide communication of one or both of data or commands between the storage device, the piece of medical equipment, and the portable computing device. A method includes enablement or activation of an electrically powered feature of medical equipment upon entry of a portable computing device into a medical examination room. The method also includes disablement or further activation of the electrically powered feature upon exit of the portable computing device from the medical examination room.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular an electric hand tool, includes an identification module and a housing. The identification module includes a transponder having at least one data store configured to store identification information and a radio module configured to transmit the identification data. The identification module is integrated into the housing.

Abstract: A haptic actuator may include a housing, a coil carried by the housing, and a field member movable within the housing responsive to the coil. The field member may include a frame having opposing first and second ends, at least one magnet carried by the frame, and a first overmolded endcap coupled to the first end of the frame. The field member may also include a second overmolded endcap coupled to the second end of the frame. The haptic actuator may include a first flexure having an inner end coupled to the first overmolded endcap, and an outer end coupled to adjacent portions of the housing. The haptic actuator may also include a second flexure having an inner end coupled to the second overmolded endcap, and an outer end coupled to adjacent portions of the housing.

Abstract: A system for detecting a physiological parameter of a subject includes a sensing device attached to a patient and an interrogation device for monitoring an operation of the sensing device. The interrogation device is used to interrogate the sensing device to confirm that the sensing device is in proper operation while being attached to the patient. The interrogation device further performs user authentication and determines a type and/or extent of information that can be presented on the interrogation device based on the level of user authentication.

Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.

Abstract: Various embodiments of wirelessly detectable objects to be used in medical procedures are provided. Such may employ ionizing radiation hard wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, all of which retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization dosages of ionizing radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, may retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization temperatures and/or pressures.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to method of enhancing the three-dimensional detection range of a vision-based, single camera intrusion detection system within a tensile test machine or other materials testing machine. Illumination sources are offset from the camera and provide a cones of illumination which intersect with the conical viewing zone of the camera thereby defining a detection zone. When objects intrude into these conical regions, a shadow is cast. The shadow is detected by the camera. The detection of the intrusion is typically used as a safety function to deactivate at least part of the function of the materials testing machine.

Abstract: A collision prevention system has one or more sensors for determining an instantaneous velocity of a vehicle. A computer is interfaced to the one or more sensors. The computer obtains the instantaneous velocity of the vehicle from the one or more sensors. The computer is operatively configured to execute software that operates the computer to display a dynamic safety zone in front of the vehicle that is visible to other vehicles that may merge into that vehicles lane, signaling the other vehicles to merge in front of the vehicle if the safety zone is shrinking or behind the vehicle if the safety zone is enlarging.

Abstract: A portable device communicates with a vehicle, and the portable device includes: a motion sensor; a control unit configured to determine whether or not abnormality has occurred in the motion sensor, based on an output from the motion sensor; and an output unit configured to perform an output representing abnormality in the motion sensor, when the control unit determines that abnormality has occurred in the motion sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for direction-dependent signaling particularly by a vehicle, including: display of two or more graphical messages from the same vehicle region to the outside; wherein each graphical message has an associated spatial angle from which only the respective graphical message is visible, but not the other graphical message(s). The spatial angles differ at least in an angle parameter.

Abstract: A system for locating an article having a finding unit attached thereto. The finding unit has a transmitter which transmits a wireless signal continuously. Through a software application in the smartphone the wireless signal is monitored continuously when the smartphone is in range of the transmitter. If a User and his or her smartphone go beyond the range of the transmitter, the smartphone sends a notification to the smartphone's display including a GPS location of the smartphone when the smartphone most recently did not receive the wireless signal. The location provides where the article was lost. A software program is provided by which a User can send a message through the smartphone to one or more contacts for assistance. The finding unit can also have a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal from the smartphone to activate audio and visual alarms.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the time during an interruption period is presented, wherein a continually decaying state is observed. In addition, a vehicle-to-X-communication module having such a device is also presented.

Abstract: In some implementations, a system can transmit communications indicating an occurrence of a particular type of safety incident experienced by a user. Registration information that indicates that a plurality of safety devices of different types are to be registered with the user is initially obtained. Sensor data from the plurality of safety devices of different types are obtained. An occurrence of a particular type of safety incident experienced by the user is then selected from among a plurality of types of safety incidents. The selection may be based at least on the obtained sensor data and the obtained registration information. A communication is then provided to another user to indicate the occurrence of the particular type of safety incident experienced by the user in response to selecting the occurrence of the particular type of safety incident.

Abstract: Example parking management systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives an image that includes a parking area for the unmarked parking of vehicles. The method defines a plurality of unmarked parking spaces in the parking area and assigns a first vehicle to a first unmarked parking space in the parking area.

Abstract: In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data.

Abstract: A system (100) for supervising an occupant of a wheelchair relates to the field of electronics engineering. The system (100) enables an authorized person to effectively supervise the occupant. The system (100) further enables the occupant to control electrical appliances. The system (100) includes a plurality of sensors (102) configured to sense various parameters related to the occupant and the wheelchair. The sensed parameters are stored in a server (108), which enables the authorized person to effectively supervise the occupant and take necessary actions in case of the health of the occupant deteriorates. The system (100) also enables the authorized person to track the wheelchair, and to locate the wheelchair if the wheelchair meets an accident. Further, the system (100) enables the occupant to control the electrical appliances while sitting on the wheelchair.

Abstract: A coordinated parking-monitoring system comprises a plurality of camera-based parking-monitoring devices. Each camera in the coordinated parking-monitoring system can effectively monitor more parking areas than a single camera-based parking-monitoring device.

Abstract: A system comprises a web-cloud security subsystem that hosts, manages, and analyzes data related to a plurality of hosted applications that provide at least one of physical access control, surveillance, alarm management, visitor management, and elevator management; at least one physical security subsystem that exchanges data with a corresponding hosted application of the web-cloud security subsystem; and a real-time control and monitoring device that provides secure access of the web-cloud security subsystem.