Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for power and energy metering. Devices may include first processing logic coupled to an isolator and configured to receive a first bit stream from a first modulator via the isolator. The first bit stream may be generated by the first modulator based on a first analog signal. The first processing logic may be further configured to receive a second bit stream from a second modulator via the isolator. The second bit stream may be generated by the second modulator based on a second analog signal. The processing logic may be further configured to generate a third bit stream based on a combination of the first bit stream with the second bit stream. The devices may also include second processing logic configured to generate an output signal based on one or more values of the third bit stream. The output signal may characterize a measurement of electrical power associated with an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method of processing raw response signals for capacitive sense arrays is performed at an electronic device having one or more processors and a capacitive sense array. The process receives a raw response signal from the capacitive sense array. The process computes an offset signal that represents an average baseline value of the raw response signal over a period of time and filters the raw response signal to a limited frequency band, thereby forming a bandwidth limited signal. The process also computes a differential signal as the difference between the offset signal and the bandwidth limited signal and uses the differential signal to detect an object proximate to the capacitive sense array.

Abstract: A beverage cooler has a low voltage DC supply (311) usable by the controller ancillaries, such as lighting (318), the DC supply also providing the supply voltage to a microprocessor (313) which electronically commutates at least one of the motors (305, 306, 307) associated with beverage cooling to provide a required speed or loading. The microprocessor also responds to and controls the cooler ancillaries, such as lighting, temperature and status reporting thereby allowing a reduced component count.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system for directing a vehicle along a predetermined path comprises an onboard computer, a number of distance sensors and a steering system controllable by the computer. The predetermined path is stored in a memory of the computer and, in operation, the steering system is controlled to follow the predetermined path. The sensors are adapted to measure the distance, laterally of the vehicle travel direction, between the sensors and curbs provided along the predetermined path, and the computer is adapted to control the steering system to correct any lateral deviation from the predetermined path as detected by the sensors.

Abstract: An automated vehicle protection system is provided comprising a guideway (20), a vehicle (10), a guideway loop antenna (21), and transponders (41a, 41b), mounted on the vehicle (10). Means (24, 25) are provided, couple to the guideway loop antenna (21), for receiving a signal from the vehicle (10) and generating an inhibit signal in order to inhibit vehicle movement in a section of the guideway (20). The inhibit signal may be passed to a circuit associated with another guideway loop antenna (22, 23) to control transmission of a signal from this other guideway loop antenna (22, 23).

Abstract: Continuous performance monitoring and an automated alert system are provided for a postoperative fluid drainage procedure. The system uses an automated controller in communication with at least one sensor that monitors the amount of liquid collected during the procedure. The controller compares current collection data with historical collection data to identify trends that can be indicative of problems in the patient's recovery or in system drainage. Upon identifying such trends, the controller automatically provides an alarm to alert the care provider so that the system can be checked and remedial action taken.

Abstract: An automated vehicle protection system is provided comprising a guideway (20), a vehicle (10), a guideway loop antenna (21), and transponders (41a, 41b), mounted on the vehicle (10). Means (24, 25) are provided, couple to the guideway loop antenna (21), for receiving a signal from the vehicle (10) and generating an inhibit signal in order to inhibit vehicle movement in a section of the guideway (20). The inhibit signal may be passed to a circuit associated with another guideway loop antenna (22, 23) to control transmission of a signal from this other guideway loop antenna (22, 23).

Abstract: An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45* angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called a spirit level. A box level including an elongate body, plumb and level vials, and spaced handholds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system for directing a vehicle along a predetermined path comprises an onboard computer, a number of distance sensors and a steering system controllable by the computer. The predetermined path is stored in a memory of the computer and, in operation, the steering system is controlled to follow the predetermined path. The sensors are adapted to measure the distance, laterally of the vehicle travel direction, between the sensors and curbs provided along the predetermined path, and the computer is adapted to control the steering system to correct any lateral deviation from the predetermined path as detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A mountable decorative holder for displaying removeable signage is provided. The holder has one or more gaps at the bottom of the signage recess of the holder to allow for drainage of liquids, as well as removal of debris. Holders can be constructed using a variety of materials, e.g. plastic, acrylic, clear, plexiglass, wood, solid surface, composites, for a variety of uses, e.g. architectural, schools, churches, offices, factories, military, wholesale, retail.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle, for example for a passenger rapid transport (PRT) system, comprises steered wheels (2, 4) which are steerable both by means of a linkage including a track rod (14) driven by a steering motor (38), and by differential torque applied by drive motors (20, 22). The motors (20, 22 and 38) are controlled in response to signals representing the deviation of the vehicle from a desired path. If either of the motor (38) or either of the motors (20, 22) fails, then steering may be maintained by the remaining motors.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit utilizes a digital controller string comprised of an analog-to-digital converter, which is input to a digital compensator followed by a pulse width modulation circuit for generating a switching pulse. The loop current in a regulator circuit such as a boost regulator is sensed and input to one side of a differential analog-to-digital converter, the other side thereof providing a digital reference current. This digital reference current is derived from comparing the input AC voltage to the regulator with the DC output voltage and processing these two voltages with a PFC algorithm to provide this reference voltage.

Abstract: An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at 45* angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called a spirit level. A box level including an elongate body, plumb and level vials, and spaced handholds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the operation of a switching power converter includes a digital controller for receiving an analog signal representing the output DC voltage of the power converter for comparison to a desired output voltage level and generating switching control signals to control the operation of the power supply to regulate the output DC voltage to said output voltage level. At least one portion of a control loop within the digital controller may be switched into the control loop in a first mode of operation and out of the control loop in a second mode of operation. A microcontroller emulates the operation of the at least one portion of the control loop during the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A system for controlling a soft start for a switching converter includes a digital feedback control system for receiving an analog voltage signal representing the output of a switching converter, for digitally processing the analog voltage signal by comparing it to a corrected reference voltage to generate a voltage error signal and for generating drive signals to control the operation of the switching converter to provide a regulated output. A microcontroller provides a secondary feedback loop for generating the corrected reference voltage. The secondary feedback loop enabling the output voltage signal to vary linearly over time during a soft start.

Abstract: A charging system for a battery powered electric vehicle operates bidirectionally for charging the battery or for supplying power back to the utility grid at any selected power factor so that load leveling may be effected. A communications link between the utility and the charging system carries control signals and a control system associated with the charging system is responsive to the signals for controlling the charging rate and direction.