Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle access system (1) having a tracking means (11; 23, 25, 27) for tracking a positional movement pattern of a user (D) relative to a vehicle (3). A controller (9) is provided for controlling the opening and/or closing of a vehicle opening (5). The controller (9) communicates with a storage device (15) and the tracking means (11; 23, 25, 27). The controller (9) has a comparator (17) for comparing the positional movement pattern with one or more pre-defined movement maps stored in the storage device (15). The controller is configured to open the vehicle opening when the comparator (17) determines that the positional movement pattern corresponds to a first of the pre-defined movement maps. Alternatively, or in addition the controller can be configured to close the vehicle opening when the comparator (17) determines that the positional movement pattern corresponds to a second of said pre-defined movement maps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle access system (1) having a tracking means (11; 23, 25, 27) for tracking a positional movement pattern of a user (D) relative to a vehicle (3). A controller (9) is provided for controlling the opening and/or closing of a vehicle opening (5). The controller (9) communicates with a storage device (15) and the tracking means (11; 23, 25, 27). The controller (9) has a comparator (17) for comparing the positional movement pattern with one or more pre-defined movement maps stored in the storage device (15). The controller is configured to open the vehicle opening when the comparator (17) determines that the positional movement pattern corresponds to a first of the pre-defined movement maps. Alternatively, or in addition the controller can be configured to close the vehicle opening when the comparator (17) determines that the positional movement pattern corresponds to a second of said pre-defined movement maps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.

Abstract: A system for and a process of controlling power supplied to a group of computers. The power available is determined, and the total power requirement of the group of computers is monitored. When an additional computer joins the group, the new total power requirement is determined. If this exceeds the power available, but the existing group of computers can operate with reduced power and the additional computer can operate with less power than indicated in the request for power, reduced power is provided to each computer of the existing group of computers, and the additional computer is provided with less power than indicated in the request for power. When the existing group of computers or the additional computer can not operate with this reduced power, the total power requirement of the existing plurality of computers is continued to be provided, and only standby power is provided to the additional computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to modify power levels for devices in a system in response to changes in power conditions is described. A power level of a power supply providing power to a plurality of devices is monitored. A change in the power level of the power supply is detected, a modification signal is created to modify the operating power level of at least one of the plurality of devices and the modification signal is sent to the device.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device, e.g. an inspection pig, for inspecting conduits made from ferromagnetic materials, such as pipelines, for faults, cracks, corrosion or the like, comprising at least one pulling element, a supporting structure of variable circumference, disposed on the pulling element and comprising substantially radially disposed supporting arms each of which is pivotable about axes disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the pulling element, and several permanent magnets disposed at the circumference of the supporting structure for generating a magnetic field, and with sensors. For strengthening or weakening the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets in dependence on the circumference of the supporting structure or in dependence on the lateral separation between the permanent magnets, the permanent magnets are associated with further magnets having a magnetic field which can be varied in direction or strength.

Abstract: Intelligent power supplies to provide power to electronic devices in a manner the avoids causing a power supply circuit fuse to blow or breaker to trip are disclosed. The power supply circuit includes a power supply control device that determines whether supplying power to an additional electronic device would exceed the capacity of the circuit and cause the fuse to blow or the breaker to trip. The power supply control device communicates with electronic devices via a power control interface to determine the power requirements of the electronic devices. Power is supplied to the devices that can be supplied without causing the fuse to blow or the breaker to trip. Power is not supplied to the devices that would cause the fuse to blow or the breaker to trip.

Abstract: A system for and a process of controlling power supplied to a group of computers. The power available is determined, and the total power requirement of the group of computers is monitored. When an additional computer joins the group, the new total power requirement is determined. If this exceeds the power available, but the existing group of computers can operate with reduced power and the additional computer can operate with less power than indicated in the request for power, reduced power is provided to each computer of the existing group of computers, and the additional computer is provided with less power than indicated in the request for power. When the existing group of computers or the additional computer can not operate with this reduced power, the total power requirement of the existing plurality of computers is continued to be provided, and only standby power is provided to the additional computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to modify power levels for devices in a system in response to changes in power conditions is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.

Abstract: Intelligent power supplies to provide power to electronic devices in a manner the avoids causing a power supply circuit fuse to blow or breaker to trip are disclosed. The power supply circuit includes a power supply control device that determines whether supplying power to an additional electronic device would exceed the capacity of the circuit and cause the fuse to blow or the breaker to trip. The power supply control device communicates with electronic devices via a power control interface to determine the power requirements of the electronic devices. Power is supplied to the devices that can be supplied without causing the fuse to blow or the breaker to trip. Power is not supplied to the devices that would cause the fuse to blow or the breaker to trip.

Abstract: A simulated laser light sword is linked to a computer for display of sword movements. The sword includes a handle having accelerometers, a joystick, a light source and microswitch controls which sense and control movements of the handle. A translucent blade engages the handle and is illuminated by the light source. A gyroscope can provide a positional reference. Power is supplied internally or by connection to the computer. The computer interacts with the sword components to display movements on the screen. Light intensities can vary with the activity of the sword.

Abstract: A combination pool cue stick and controller is provided which includes a housing adapted to move over a flat surface. The housing includes a receptacle member adapted to receive a pool cue, sensing means in the receptacle member to sense the position and movement of the pool cue, and circuit means receiving and processing this information for input into a computer having appropriate compatible software to display the effects of the pool cue activity.

Abstract: A computerized pool cue and a controller device are provided which are connected to a computer screen to simulate and display playing a game of pool or billiards. The pool cue is supported above an underlying surface for movement in at least two dimensions with respect to the underlying surface. Movement of the pool cue with respect to game balls in play is shown on the computer screen. A signal is generated from the pool cue to the computer for coaction with software to simulate the game of pool or billiards on the computer screen without using actual game balls.

Abstract: A combination pool cue stick and controller is provided which includes a housing.A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a housing adapted to move over a flat surface, the housing including a stalk extending upwardly from the housing supporting a tapered tubular or ring-like member adapted to receive a pool cue, sensing means in the housing, the stalk and the tubular member to sense the position and movement of the pool cue and send this information to circuitry which processes the information for input into a computer which in turn uses appropriate compatible software to display the effects of the pool cue activity.