Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized radio frequency identification tag, which comprises a radio frequency identification chip and an antenna. The antenna comprises a plurality of loop antenna line segments. Each of loop antenna line segments is disposed on a corresponding insulating layer, and electrically connected to the radio frequency identification chip or the other loop antenna line segment via a corresponding conductive through hole. Accordingly, the structure of the antenna is fabricated by multi-layer loop antenna line segments so as to reduce the size of the radio frequency identification tag, effectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized radio frequency identification tag, which comprises a radio frequency identification chip and an antenna. The antenna comprises a plurality of loop antenna line segments. Each of loop antenna line segments is disposed on a corresponding insulating layer, and electrically connected to the radio frequency identification chip or the other loop antenna line segment via a corresponding conductive through hole. Accordingly, the structure of the antenna is fabricated by multi-layer loop antenna line segments so as to reduce the size of the radio frequency identification tag, effectively.

Abstract: A narrowband radio system and method for use in wireless communication systems. Preferred embodiments are designed to provide data communication links between users, referred to as “endpoints”. Endpoints in many embodiments include wireless radio modems. In preferred embodiments many or all of these links are two-way data communication links. Endpoints (typically “human users or computer systems”) can send data to the radio modems, and the radio modems can send data to the endpoints. In typical systems, the radio modems are connected to machines that are configured to respond to data communication. Computers are programmed with special protocols designed for efficient communication of information through the narrow band channels among users of the wireless trunking system.

Abstract: A narrowband radio system and method for use in wireless communication systems. Preferred embodiments are designed to provide data communication links between users, referred to as “endpoints”. Endpoints in many embodiments include wireless radio modems. In preferred embodiments many or all of these links are two-way data communication links. Endpoints (typically “human users or computer systems”) can send data to the radio modems, and the radio modems can send data to the endpoints. In typical systems, the radio modems are connected to machines that are configured to respond to data communication. Computers are programmed with special protocols designed for efficient communication of information through the narrow band channels among users of the wireless trunking system.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring the fluid quality of oil, or other fluids used in or with equipment, machinery and the like. The system may be integrated with a filter device and used, for example, to characterize such fluids and to permit a determination of when to make oil or other fluid changes due to a change in the quality of the oil or fluid.

Abstract: An improved landscape device controller system is presented where the controller is capable of remotely controlling multiple devices and multiple types of devices by means of a microprocessor-controlled hand-held device. The invention can be programmed to set various parameters in electrical timers, controllers, and landscape devices, such as time of day, duration of operation, start time and the like. The invention uses low-power radio communication, including receiving return signals from the device controllers and displaying their status on the controller. The invention is programmable to accommodate a multitude of devices and allow the user to control the devices while carrying the portable controller.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint module includes an inflatable curtain having a first edge and a second edge. The inflatable curtain can be positioned in a folded state. A covering may partially enclose the inflatable curtain when it is in a folded state. A plurality of first attachment members are spaced along and extend from the first edge of the curtain. The covering is configured with slots to allow the first attachment members to extend through the covering. At least one and preferably multiple second attachment members secured to an out-board side of the covering. The first attachment members are positioned to secure a first portion of the module to a vehicle interior. The second attachment members are positioned to secure a second portion of the module to a vehicle interior below the first portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained, compact inflatable airbag deployment guide comprising an inflatable bladder attached to an inflatable airbag module. The inflatable bladder inflates early in the deployment of the airbag, thus filling, bridging, or covering void space located near the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion is then able to deploy properly on its intended route through the headliner trim of the vehicle without being delayed, damaged, or caught.

Abstract: A novel airbag curtain fold configuration for a safety restraint system, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. One or more airbag curtains are provided to inflate between an occupant and a lateral surface, such as a door or side window. The airbag curtain includes a first and second side. A fold portion is configured adjacent the first side and a rolled portion is configured opposite the fold portion adjacent the second side of the airbag. Attachment tabs may extend from an edge of the airbag curtain beyond the rolled and fold portions to facilitate attachment of the airbag curtain to a vehicle as part of an airbag system. A method for folding an airbag curtain is described. A first edge of the airbag curtain is folded to a position adjacent a first side of the airbag curtain.

Abstract: An air-bag arrangement for use in a motor vehicle, secured to the vehicle at points along a non-linear line above an opening in the vehicle. The arrangement incorporates an inflatable element, connectors to secure an edge part of the inflatable element to the vehicle, and an inflator to inflate the inflatable element. The invention also incorporates a tether arrangement including a first and second tether. The first tether has opposed ends secured to the inflatable element. The second tether has a first end associated with the first tether intermediate its ends and a second end secured to the motor vehicle. When the inflatable element is inflated, a lower region of the inflatable element and the tethers extend between two opposed ends of the non-linear line and are substantially taut.

Abstract: An air-bag arrangement for use in a motor vehicle is often secured to the vehicle at points extending along a non-linear line located above an opening in the vehicle. The arrangement incorporates an inflatable element, connectors to secure an edge part of the inflatable element to the vehicle, and an inflator to inflate the inflatable element. The air-bag arrangement also incorporates a tether arrangement including a tether of elongated form having first end secured to the inflatable element adjacent the connectors and the second end secured to the vehicle. The tether movably passes through a guide located adjacent one end and the lower region of the inflatable element. Advantageously, when the inflatable element is inflated, a lower region of the inflatable element is taut and, together with the tether, extends between the two opposed ends of the non-linear line.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-contained, compact inflatable airbag deployment guide comprising an inflatable bladder attached to an inflatable airbag module. The inflatable bladder inflates early in the deployment of the airbag, thus filling, bridging, or covering void space located near the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion is then able to deploy properly on its intended route through the headliner trim of the vehicle without being delayed, damaged, or caught.

Abstract: An air-bag arrangement for use in a motor vehicle is often secured to the vehicle at points extending along a non-linear line located above an opening in the vehicle. The arrangement incorporates an inflatable element, connectors to secure an edge part of the inflatable element to the vehicle, and an inflator to inflate the inflatable element. The air-bag arrangement also incorporates a tether arrangement including a tether of elongated form having first end secured to the inflatable element adjacent the connectors and the second end secured to the vehicle. The tether movably passes through a guide located adjacent one end and the lower region of the inflatable element. Advantageously, when the inflatable element is inflated, a lower region of the inflatable element is taut and, together with the tether, extends between the two opposed ends of the non-linear line.

Abstract: An air-bag arrangement for use in a motor vehicle, secured to the vehicle at points along a non-linear line above an opening in the vehicle. The arrangement incorporates an inflatable element, connectors to secure an edge part of the inflatable element to the vehicle, and an inflator to inflate the inflatable element. The invention also incorporates a tether arrangement including a first and second tether. The first tether has opposed ends secured to the inflatable element. The second tether has a first end associated with the first tether intermediate its ends and a second end secured to the motor vehicle. When the inflatable element is inflated, a lower region of the inflatable element and the tethers extend between two opposed ends of the non-linear line and are substantially taut.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint module includes an inflatable curtain having a first edge and a second edge. The inflatable curtain can be positioned in a folded state. A covering may partially enclose the inflatable curtain when it is in a folded state. A plurality of first attachment members are spaced along and extend from the first edge of the curtain. The covering is configured with slots to allow the first attachment members to extend through the covering. At least one and preferably multiple second attachment members secured to an out-board side of the covering. The first attachment members are positioned to secure a first portion of the module to a vehicle interior. The second attachment members are positioned to secure a second portion of the module to a vehicle interior below the first portion.

Abstract: A novel airbag curtain fold configuration for a safety restraint system, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. One or more airbag curtains are provided to inflate between an occupant and a lateral surface, such as a door or side window. The airbag curtain includes a first and second side. A fold portion is configured adjacent the first side and a rolled portion is configured opposite the fold portion adjacent the second side of the airbag. Attachment tabs may extend from an edge of the airbag curtain beyond the rolled and fold portions to facilitate attachment of the airbag curtain to a vehicle as part of an airbag system.