Abstract: A system and method for tamper detection in wired tracking devices uses an identification mechanism embedded in a connecting cable, displaced from the tracking device. An asset tracking device attached to a trailer periodically tests for presence of the identification mechanism at the opposite end of a connecting cable. Identification mechanisms can embed in cable wiring or use discrete components. A missing identification mechanism indicates cable tampering. By implementing the identification mechanism to the far end of the cable, intentional cable cuts can be distinguished from routine power loss. Rapid notification of tampering events allows timely tracking device recovery and repair. Cost-effective deployment uses existing tracking device hardware and firmware functionality, only modifying cable assembly. Broad applicability ranges from vehicles and trailers to remote containers and assets. Theft prevention and detection capabilities are enhanced without added hardware expenses.

Abstract: An electronic device is described to monitor a temperature of an ambient environment. The electronic device comprises an enclosure that defines an internal volume and a plurality of external surfaces. The enclosure comprises a thermal member exposed to the ambient environment at an opening defined through a first external surface. The thermal member has a greater thermal conductivity than other portions of the enclosure, which have a greater transmissibility of wireless signals than the thermal member. The plurality of external surfaces and the thermal member are disposed to prevent liquids from entering the internal volume. The electronic device further comprises a temperature sensor disposed in the internal volume, thermally contacted with the thermal member, and connected with wireless transmitter circuitry to wirelessly transmit measurements of the temperature of the ambient environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transmitting broadcasts by Peripherals, receiving the broadcasts by Centrals, and communicating with a Backend by Centrals. Specifically, a Peripheral may generate and transmit an encrypted broadcast packet to a Central, the Central may transmit the encrypted observation information to the Backend, which may decrypt the broadcast packet. Additionally, a Central may transmit a request for authorization to connect to a Peripheral to the Backend. If authorized by the Backend, the Central may connect to the Peripheral. Further, a Central may receive a plurality of broadcasts over a period of time. The Central may store information about the broadcasts and, at the conclusion of the period of time, transmit the information about the broadcasts and the last-received broadcast to the Backend.

Abstract: An object tracking device, such as may be attached to a trailer to track movements of the trailer, may have various communication capabilities, such as cellular/LTE, Wi-Fi and GPS, which each have varying power requirements. A power optimization routine determines which communications should be performed to conserve battery while also providing frequent location updates. The routine determines if another plugged in tracking device is within low power Bluetooth (BLE) range and, if so, communications location via that device. If not, a Wi-Fi scan is performed and a lookup table is consulted for the corresponding location of any identified Wi-Fi access points. If location data cannot be found for an identified Wi-Fi access point, GPS location of the device is determined and the lookup table is updated to include the GPS location of the Wi-Fi access point.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transmitting broadcasts by Peripherals, receiving the broadcasts by Centrals, and communicating with a Backend by Centrals. Specifically, a Peripheral may generate and transmit an encrypted broadcast packet to a Central, the Central may transmit the encrypted observation information to the Backend, which may decrypt the broadcast packet. Additionally, a Central may transmit a request for authorization to connect to a Peripheral to the Backend. If authorized by the Backend, the Central may connect to the Peripheral. Further, a Central may receive a plurality of broadcasts over a period of time. The Central may store information about the broadcasts and, at the conclusion of the period of time, transmit the information about the broadcasts and the last-received broadcast to the Backend.

Abstract: An air quality notification system to perform operations that include: causing a sensor device to sample an air quality associated with a location at a predefined sampling interval; determining, at the sensor device, that a value corresponding with the air quality sampled by the sensor device transgresses a threshold value; causing the sensor device to transmit an alert to a server system responsive to the determining that the value corresponding with the air quality transgresses a threshold value; and causing the server system to present a notification at a client device responsive to the sensor device transmitting the alert, the notification including at least a display of an identifier associated with the location.

Abstract: A method performed by a wireless sensing device to send sensor data to a gateway device using a dynamic connection setting. The method includes establishing a connection with the gateway device, wherein the connection is configured to have a first connection setting that allows for higher data throughput compared to a second connection setting, upon the connection being established, sending backlogged sensor data stored in a data storage of the wireless sensing device to the gateway device over the connection using the first connection setting, configuring the connection to have the second connection setting in response to a determination that the backlogged sensor data has been sent to the gateway device, and sending new sensor data generated after the backlogged sensor data to the gateway device over the connection using the second connection setting.

Abstract: A method performed by an asset tracking device is disclosed to track an asset. The method comprises receiving, while operating in an extended discontinuous reception mode, a carrier messaging service message from a carrier network, transmitting a connection request to a management server to establish a connection with the management server in response to receiving the carrier messaging service message, receiving, from the management server over the connection, an instruction to use a specified backend check-in schedule until a specified condition is met, and responsive to receiving the instruction, using the specified backend check-in schedule to check in with the management server until the specified condition is met. The method further comprises reverting back to using a default backend check-in schedule to check in with the management server after the specified condition has been met.

Abstract: Aspects discussed herein include an electronic device and an associated connector interface. The electronic device comprises an enclosure that defines an internal volume, a plurality of external surfaces, and a recess from an external surface of the plurality of external surfaces. The recess has circumferential slot(s) extending to the external surface and that receive flange(s) of an external connector. The electronic device further comprises a connector interface connected with one or more electronic components disposed in the internal volume. The connector interface comprises first conductor(s) that are exposed at the recess. While the flange(s) are received in the circumferential slot(s), rotation of the external connector causes the flange(s) to slide within the circumferential slot(s) into a retained position, in which second conductor(s) of the external connector, having a fixed disposition relative to the flange(s), are connected to the first conductor(s).

Abstract: An electronic device is described that includes an enclosure defining an internal volume and external surfaces, a connector interface comprising a plurality of conductors exposed at an external surface, and a memory and computer processor(s) disposed in the internal volume. The electronic device supports the connection of any one of a plurality of different types of external devices to the connector interface. The computer processor(s) receive, at a first conductor, a signal that distinguishes which one of the plurality of different types of external devices is currently connected to the connector interface. The computer processor(s) access, based on the received signal, a data structure in a storage of the memory that identifies at least one of a plurality of different communication protocols to use. The computer processor(s) assign one or more second conductors to communicate according to the at least one identified communication protocol.

Abstract: An electronic device is described to monitor a temperature of an ambient environment. The electronic device comprises an enclosure that defines an internal volume and a plurality of external surfaces. The enclosure comprises a thermal member exposed to the ambient environment at an opening defined through a first external surface. The thermal member has a greater thermal conductivity than other portions of the enclosure, which have a greater transmissibility of wireless signals than the thermal member. The plurality of external surfaces and the thermal member are disposed to prevent liquids from entering the internal volume. The electronic device further comprises a temperature sensor disposed in the internal volume, thermally contacted with the thermal member, and connected with wireless transmitter circuitry to wirelessly transmit measurements of the temperature of the ambient environment.

Abstract: A controller device may connect to one or more expansion modules for capability expansion. The controller device may be configured to automatically detect and identify connected expansions modules. The controller device may be configured to further automatically detect an order in which the expansion modules are connected. A graphical user interface may be provided including a visualization of the system configuration including the order of the expansion modules.

Abstract: A system for removing a kidney stone from a ureter may include: an elongate, flexible, outer shaft having a distal end configured to be advanced into the ureter and a proximal end; an elongate, flexible, inner shaft extending through at least part of the outer shaft; an expandable stone retention member extending through at least part of the inner shaft and moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the inner shaft; an elongate, flexible camera positioned coaxially within the retention member shaft, such that a distal end of the camera is located at or near a distal end of the inner shaft; and a handle coupled with the proximal end of the outer shaft, a proximal end of the inner shaft, and a proximal end of the retention member shaft.

Abstract: An inspection system comprising a first and second computer controlled robotic arm that each have five degrees of freedom (x, y, z, ?, ?) and respectively control position and tilt of first and second probes for inspection of a workpiece, wherein the computer control ensures that the two robotic arms simultaneously scan the probes over the workpiece, without interfering with each other.

Abstract: A controller device may connect to one or more expansion modules for capability expansion. The controller device may be configured to automatically detect and identify connected expansions modules. The controller device may be configured to further automatically detect an order in which the expansion modules are connected. A graphical user interface may be provided including a visualization of the system configuration including the order of the expansion modules.

Abstract: A device for removing an obstruction from a lumen in a human or animal subject may include an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include a proximal tapered portion having a proximal taper angle, a central portion, and a distal tapered portion having a distal taper angle that is greater than the proximal taper angle. The balloon may also include at least one eversion feature on the proximal tapered portion and/or the distal tapered portion. The eversion feature may facilitate preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion into an inside of the balloon without the proximal tapered portion collapsing. Preferential eversion of the distal tapered portion may be provided by the differences in the distal and proximal taper angles and by one or more of a number of different types of eversion features.

Abstract: A device for removing a urinary tract stone from a ureter may include an outer shaft, an inner shaft extending coaxially within the outer shaft, a self-expanding wire basket attached to a basket shaft extending coaxially within the inner shaft, an inflatable balloon and a handle. The balloon main include a rounded distal tip. The handle may include an inversion slider coupled to the inner shaft and configured to actuate the inner shaft, thereby inverting the distal tip of the inflatable balloon to form a pocket adapted to receive a urinary tract stone. The handle may also include a basket slider coupled to the basket shaft and configured to actuate the basket shaft to move the wire basket in and out of the inner shaft.