Abstract: A method for locating buried utilities in a utility locator is disclosed. The method may include receiving, at an antenna array for receiving magnetic field signals, a plurality of magnetic field signals at predefined signal frequencies in a predefined frequency suite, generating, in a receiver coupled to an output of the antenna array, a first receiver output signal, generating, in a processing element coupled to the receiver, a first set of data associated with the two or more signal components, and storing, in a non-transitory memory of the locator, the first set of data.

Abstract: A system to remotely configure an aftermarket interface module using a graphical user interface (“GUI”) is disclosed. The system includes a GUI adapted to display on a computer. The GUI permits a user to select a vehicle model, year and make to determine the functions of the OEM controls. In addition, the GUI permits a user to select an aftermarket electronics brand and model that the OEM controls will operate. The user selects a particular control signal configuration using the GUI for each of the OEM controls. An interface module is flash programmed with the particular control signal configuration. The interface module is connected to the OEM controls and the aftermarket electronics, where the interface module receives the OEM control signals and controls the aftermarket electronics using the particular control signal configuration.

Abstract: A Locking/Tightening mechanism to secure Extension and Step Style Ladders to any general-purpose overhead ladder rack for transportation. The apparatus creates an enclosed system by contouring to the ladder rail or steps and provides a one-way mating Terminal Buckler at the end of its enclosed Belt thereby locking the Ladders securely to the Ladder Rack cross rails.

Abstract: An aftermarket digital signal router that is installed in a vehicle when a factory loudspeaker system is replaced with an aftermarket loudspeaker system. The digital signal router comprises a first and a second analog signal receiver to receive at least two sources of audio from the vehicle. It also comprises a vehicle data transceiver that receives digital data from the vehicle's data network. It processes audio signals based on the data and status of the vehicle's data network and transmits the processed audio signals to an aftermarket amplifier. In some embodiments, the digital signal router is flashable with different versions of firmware so that it can work with different types of vehicle while transmitting audio that is compatible to most aftermarket amplifiers. The digital signal router is also adapted to handle potential conflict of two audio streams based on the signals of the vehicle's data network.

Abstract: A concrete float body whose bottom (working) surface has a 3D shape/profile/contour over a nose region and a tail region of the float body. The nose region may be tapered across a width dimension of the float body. The tail region may be tapered across a width dimension of the float body. The nose and tail regions may have rounded corners. A perimetal edge of the float body may have a radius. The 3D surface may be produced by extruding, cutting from a solid material, die cast molding, or injection molding the float body wherein the bottom surface has a curvilinear shape along the width dimension, and monotonically decreasing a thickness dimension of the float body between the bottom surface and a top surface by removing material from the bottom surface.

Abstract: An aftermarket digital signal router that is installed in a vehicle when a factory loudspeaker system is replaced with an aftermarket loudspeaker system. The digital signal router comprises a first and a second analog signal receiver to receive at least two sources of audio from the vehicle. It also comprises a vehicle data transceiver that receives digital data from the vehicle's data network. It processes audio signals based on the data and status of the vehicle's data network and transmits the processed audio signals to an aftermarket amplifier. In some embodiments, the digital signal router is flashable with different versions of firmware so that it can work with different types of vehicle while transmitting audio that is compatible to most aftermarket amplifiers. The digital signal router is also adapted to handle potential conflict of two audio streams based on the signals of the vehicle's data network.

Abstract: A system to remotely configure an aftermarket interface module using a graphical user interface (“GUI”) is disclosed. The system includes a GUI adapted to display on a computer. The GUI permits a user to select a vehicle model, year and make to determine the functions of the OEM controls. In addition, the GUI permits a user to select an aftermarket electronics brand and model that the OEM controls will operate. The user selects a particular control signal configuration using the GUI for each of the OEM controls. An interface module is flash programmed with the particular control signal configuration. The interface module is connected to the OEM controls and the aftermarket electronics, where the interface module receives the OEM control signals and controls the aftermarket electronics using the particular control signal configuration.

Abstract: A system to remotely configure an aftermarket interface module using a graphical user interface (“GUI”) is disclosed. The system includes a GUI adapted to display on a computer. The GUI permits a user to select a vehicle model, year and make to determine the functions of the OEM controls. In addition, the GUI permits a user to select an aftermarket electronics brand and model that the OEM controls will operate. The user selects a particular control signal configuration using the GUI for each of the OEM controls. An interface module is flash programmed with the particular control signal configuration. The interface module is connected to the OEM controls and the aftermarket electronics, where the interface module receives the OEM control signals and controls the aftermarket electronics using the particular control signal configuration.

Abstract: An aftermarket digital signal router that is installed in a vehicle when a factory loudspeaker system is replaced with an aftermarket loudspeaker system. The digital signal router comprises a first and a second analog signal receiver to receive at least two sources of audio from the vehicle. It also comprises a vehicle data transceiver that receives digital data from the vehicle's data network. It processes audio signals based on the data and status of the vehicle's data network and transmits the processed audio signals to an aftermarket amplifier. In some embodiments, the digital signal router is flashable with different versions of firmware so that it can work with different types of vehicle while transmitting audio that is compatible to most aftermarket amplifiers. The digital signal router is also adapted to handle potential conflict of two audio streams based on the signals of the vehicle's data network.

Abstract: A system to remotely configure an aftermarket interface module using a graphical user interface (“GUI”) is disclosed. The system includes a GUI adapted to display on a computer. The GUI permits a user to select a vehicle model, year and make to determine the functions of the OEM controls. In addition, the GUI permits a user to select an aftermarket electronics brand and model that the OEM controls will operate. The user selects a particular control signal configuration using the GUI for each of the OEM controls. An interface module is flash programmed with the particular control signal configuration. The interface module is connected to the OEM controls and the aftermarket electronics, where the interface module receives the OEM control signals and controls the aftermarket electronics using the particular control signal configuration.

Abstract: A passive keyless entry system is provided comprising a wireless touch sensor, a one way RF transmitter capable of transmitting an identification and proximity signal, a system, a sensor antenna connected to the system that receives a touch sensor signal from the wireless touch sensor, and a RF transmitter antenna connected to the system that receives encoded identification and proximity signals from the RF transmitter. The system unlocks a locking mechanism when both the touch sensor signal and the RF transmitter signals are received and authorized by the system.

Abstract: A passive keyless entry system is provided comprising a wireless touch sensor, a RFID tag, a security system, a sensor antenna connected to the security system that receives a sensor signal from the wireless touch sensor, and a tag antenna connected to the security system that receives a tag signal from the RFID tag. The security system unlocks a locking mechanism when both the sensor signal and the tag signal are received by the security system. Preferably, the RFID tag comprises an active RFID chip.

Abstract: A security system can detect if a first network is compromised and automatically access a second network to communicate an alert to a monitor. The second network could be a wireless network of a neighbor. An incentive could be provided to the neighbor to allow the security system to access the neighbor's network and communicate an alert to at least one monitor. The monitor could include an emergency responder, a security monitoring service, and a cellular telephone of an entity of the security system.

Abstract: A monitoring device has a smoke detector, a network connection and a security component. The security component could include a camera, a microphone, a motion detector, and an audio output component. The monitoring device could have a wireless access point and connect to a network using IP over power line. Preferably, the monitoring device can use an existing power line. The monitoring device could communicate information with a recipient.

Abstract: A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components and navigation systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system remote control, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system remote control.

Abstract: A method, a means, and an apparatus for controlling at least one function in a vehicle via a remote control unit are disclosed. An immobilizer element previously housed in an ignition key or in a first remote control unit apparatus is removed. According to the present teachings, a remote control unit housing of a remote control unit apparatus is provided, which is adapted to house the previously removed immobilizer element therein an opening, wherein the immobilizer element is secured therein via a door. A vehicle user may then use the provided remote control unit housing to control at least one function in a vehicle.

Abstract: A docking station provides supporting functions for portable electronic devices, such as music players, satellite radio receivers, and video game players. The supporting functions may include providing power, an audio amplifier, speakers, and a video or audio display. The docking station includes a base portion and a connector slidably engaged with the base portion for centering the portable electronic device with respect to the base portion. The base portion includes circuitry for processing signals from the portable electronic device. The connector can be attached to a circuit board that is slidably disposed between the base portion and an attachment portion removably connected to the base portion. The docking station can recognize the type of device connected and configure itself to accommodate the requirements of the portable electronic device. The docking station can include a display portion perpendicular to the base portion.

Abstract: A digital processor-based remote controller of a wireless remote control system includes a small number of manual input devices, such as keys and scroll wheels, and a graphical user interface. The remote controller can have a single scroll wheel with internal push-to-activate switch, and a small display. This configuration minimizes the size of the remote controller, while allowing for a large number of different control commands to be transmitted to the controlled system. In addition, the remote controller can be configured by the user of both right- and left-handed operation.

Abstract: An entertainment console installed in a vehicle includes a docking bay for docking portable entertainment devices, such as portable media players (PMPs). A base of the console may be attached to the passenger compartment ceiling, with a display that can be flipped down from the base. A docked PMP can be played through the console. Video may be rendered on the console screen, while audio may be played through the console speaker(s), headphone jacks available on the console, or the speakers of the vehicle's audio system. Power for the PMP's operation is provided by the vehicle's electrical system. The console may also include additional docking bay(s), enabling simultaneous docking of multiple PMPs that may be played at the same time. A presentation from one PMP (e.g., a DVD player) can also be recorded on another PMP (e.g., a hard drive-based player). The screen may rotate around the vertical axis.

Abstract: A docking station provides supporting functions for multiple portable devices, such as music players, satellite radio receivers, games, and video players. The supporting functions may include providing power, audio amplifier, speakers, and video screen. To couple to a variety of portable devices, the docking station uses various adaptive cradles. In a typical configuration, a portable device is plugged into a cradle, which in turn is plugged into the docking station. The docking station recognizes the type of portable device plugged into the station, and adjust the power supply voltage to power the device through a connector. The docking station may further configure itself to accommodate the requirements of the portable device. Such configuring may include varying input impedance of the docking station's internal audio amplifier to match the portable device. In this way, the station can be used with a variety of portable devices, including devices from different manufacturers.