Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for reading at least one object having a programmable RFID device embedded therein. The object is disposed in a predetermined reading region. The system includes a reader loop disposed in the predetermined reading region. The reader loop is configured to transmit a reader interrogation signal to the at least one object disposed in the predetermined reading region and receive an RFID signal from the at least one object in response to the reader interrogation signal. A jamming device is disposed proximate the reader loop. The jamming device is configured to generate a jamming signal that prevents an external reader device disposed outside the predetermined reading region from interrogating the at least one object disposed in the predetermined reading area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture that includes an RFID inlay having a programmable integrated circuit coupled to a propagation element on a first side of a rigid two-sided printed circuit board. The programmable integrated circuit is covered by a protective material having at least one material characteristic, whereby the programmable integrated circuit is hardened to withstand a predetermined applied pressure and a predetermined ambient temperature. At least one molded exterior portion encapsulates the RFID inlay. The at least one molded exterior portion is formed by an injection molding process characterized by a molding pressure that is lower than the predetermined applied pressure and a molding temperature lower than the predetermined ambient pressure, whereby the RFID inlay is not accessible without destroying the article of manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and communicating a road condition includes a first vehicle having at least one sensor integrated therewith. The sensor is configured to sense the road condition and wirelessly transmit signals pertaining to the road condition and a geographic location of the road condition. A receiver device is included for receiving the signals pertaining to the road condition.

Abstract: An excavator coupler that is either attached to, or for attachment to, an excavator arm of a digger for connecting an attachment, such as a bucket, to the excavator arm of the digger, the attachment having at least one bucket or coupler pin, wherein the coupler comprises a jaw for engaging that pin, the jaw comprising an interior space for the pin, and lips that partially occlude the interior space so as to provide a profile for the jaw that has a widened interior relative to either the gap between the lips or the opening of the jaw, if narrower, one lip being provided on an upper wall of the jaw and the other lip being provided on a lower wall of the jaw.

Abstract: Software is governed by a digital license that specifies a certificate that must be present in order for the software (or certain features thereof) to be used. A root authority authorizes a license server to issue certificates that are called for in the digital license for an item of software. The software and the digital license are installed on a machine, and the machine enrolls with the license server to obtain the certificate. When the software is run, an enforcement component evaluates the license to determine what certificate is required, and then evaluates the certificate to determine whether it meets the requirements of a license. If the certificate is invalid, the enforcement component may disable the software, or may disable certain features of the software.

Abstract: A safety system (10) for a host vehicle (12) includes a voice sensor (38) that detects voice signals from a vehicle occupant. An occupant classifier (30) determines a state of mind of the vehicle occupant. A controller (13) performs a safety countermeasure in response to the state of mind of the occupant including the transmission of the state of mind to a target vehicle. A vehicle voice control system (24) includes the voice sensor (38), which detects voice signals from the vehicle occupant. A speech classifier (32) monitors a speech characteristic, including a vehicle occupant identifiable and associated speech characteristic, in response to the voice signals and associates the voice signals with a vehicle related task in response thereto. A controller (13) performs the vehicle related task in response to the voice signals and the association.

Abstract: First and second C-shaped clamping members are provided to engage a ladder and a roof rack. One of the clamping members is mounted on an actuator rod, the other on an actuator housing. A pistol grip handle and trigger mechanism enable the two clamping members to be ratcheted into secure clamping engagement with the two items. A quick release plate allows the clamp to be easily opened for disengagement. In a second embodiment, a compression spring draws the two clamping members together when the quick release plate is engaged.

Abstract: A health care operating system (10) includes multiple health care center objects (44). Smart devices (42) are coupled to the health care center objects (44) and include body internal control circuits (64, 70, 134). A database (20) stores information related to the health care center objects (44). A server (18) is coupled to the database (20). Multiple controllers (46, 156, 158, 314, 320, 353, 360) are coupled to the server (18) and write and/or read the information to and from the smart devices (42) utilizing electromagnetic induction. A health care center network (10) also includes the health care center objects (44) and the smart devices (42). The smart devices (42) inductively transmit identification signals. The database (20) stores the information. The controllers (46, 156, 158, 314, 320, 353, 360) within multiple facilities (172, 174, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350) communicate with the server (18) in response to the identification signals.

Abstract: A contact is formed on indium-phosphide material. Regions of the indium-phosphide material are exposed. An energetic bombardment is performed on exposed regions of the indium-phosphide material. Metal is deposited on the exposed regions of the indium-phosphide material where energetic bombardment occurred.

Abstract: A lid for a container includes at least one cup portion, and a locking mechanism for securing the lid to a body of the container, at least a portion of the locking mechanism being formed in the at least one cup portion.

Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes an image sensor generating a plurality of image frames, and a controller coupled to the image sensor. The controller is programmed to detect an obstructed image frame from the plurality of image frames. The obstruction corresponds to a windshield wiper of the vehicle. In response to detecting an obstructed image, the controller optimizes the obstructed image for display or use by a vehicle system. The controller detects an obstructed image by at least one of object sensing confirmation, edge detection, negative shift detection or headlight illumination detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair to and from various compartments of the aircraft.

Abstract: A smart surgical device (10) for use during an operating procedure includes a surgical apparatus (12) that aids in the facilitation of an operating procedure. A body internal readable control circuit (14) is coupled and stores identification information related to the surgical apparatus (12).

Abstract: A detailed placement process which optimizes cell placement with up to one hundred percent densities in a linear run time. The output from a conjugate-gradient coarse placement process is input to the detailed placement process. A dynamic programming technique is used to optimize cell placement by swapping cells between two or more rows. The search space is pruned beforehand. A greedy cleanup phase using an incremental row placer is used. Thereby, the detailed placement process handles congestion driven placements characterized by non-uniform densities expeditiously and efficiently.

Abstract: A detailed placement process which optimizes cell placement with up to one hundred percent densities in a linear run time. The output from a conjugate-gradient coarse placement process is input to the detailed placement process. A dynamic programming technique is used to optimize cell placement by swapping cells between two or more rows. The search space is pruned beforehand. A greedy cleanup phase using an incremental row placer is used. Thereby, the detailed placement process handles congestion driven placements characterized by non-uniform densities expeditiously and efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sending email, the apparatus comprising an encryption policy database for storing encryption policies pertaining to possible addressees, and a mail mediator for intercepting an email message after being dispatched by a mail user agent, and configured to retrieve any encryption policy pertaining to the addressee from the encryption policy database and to apply the encryption policy to the email message.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating a Computed Tomography (CT) system are provided. The method includes performing a CT scan of an object having a substantially flat surface using the CT system. The method further includes determining an offset angle for the CT system based on an image of the substantially flat surface of the scanned object.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for deterring software piracy in a volume license environment. An activation bypass message is generated and sent. Information contained in the activation bypass message is compared to a list of machine identifiers. A binding service message contains a count of the machine identifiers in the list. Once the count reaches a predetermined threshold, software activation bypass may occur.

Abstract: An object relative status determination system (54) for a vehicle (52) includes an orthogonal frequency domain modulation (OFDM) transceiver (56) that generates an object range signal (83). The system (54) may also include a global navigation system (GNS) (58) that receives a satellite range signal (70). A controller (66) is coupled to the OFDM transceiver (56) and the GNS (58) and determines object information relative to the vehicle (52) in response to the object range signal (83) and the satellite range signal (70).

Abstract: An assembly for shielding an implanted medical device from the effects of high-frequency radiation and for emitting magnetic resonance signals during magnetic resonance imaging. The assembly includes an implanted medical device and a magnetic shield comprised of nanomagnetic material disposed between the medical device and the high-frequency radiation. In one embodiment, the magnetic resonance signals are detected by a receiver, which is thus able to locate the implanted medical device within a biological organism.