Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for signaling between wireless power transmitters and receivers. In one aspect a wireless power receiver is disclosed. The wireless power receiver includes an antenna circuit characterized by an impedance. The antenna circuit is configured to wirelessly receive power for powering or charging a load. The wireless power receiver further includes an impedance adjustment circuit configured to communicate multi-level signaling data values to a wireless power transmitter coupled to the receiver. The wireless power transmitter includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a change in receiver impedance and determine the multi-level signaling data values based on the detected change.

Abstract: A locking system with infrared communications includes a lock (1) and a programming key (2). The lock (1) includes an interacting device (3) for interacting with the user, a first communications module (4) having an infrared sensor which receives and sends information when communications with the key (2) is established. A first control module (5) manages the received information and a mechanical device (6) opens and locks the locking system a first warning (7) and a first power supply (8). The programming key (2) includes a second communications module (10) including an infrared sensor for communicating with the lock (1), a second control module (11), a storage module (12), a second warning (13), a connector for connection externally (14) and a second power supply (15).

Abstract: Modular irrigation controllers and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an irrigation controller comprises a control unit within a housing, the control unit including a first microcontroller for executing stored irrigation programs. The controller also comprises a plurality of module coupling locations, each electrically coupled with the first microcontroller and adapted to receive one of a plurality of expansion modules. The first microcontroller is configured to detect the electrical coupling and decoupling of an expansion module to a respective module coupling location without removing power to the control unit, the expansion module including a second microcontroller capable of communicating with said first microcontroller and including driver circuitry for actuating irrigation valves, the second microcontroller capable of operating the driver circuitry for actuating said irrigation valves in accordance with control signals received from the first microcontroller.

Abstract: Modular irrigation controllers and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an irrigation controller comprises a control unit within a housing, the control unit including a first microcontroller for executing stored irrigation programs. The controller also comprises a plurality of module coupling locations, each electrically coupled with the first microcontroller and adapted to receive one of a plurality of expansion modules. The first microcontroller is configured to detect the electrical coupling and decoupling of an expansion module to a respective module coupling location without removing power to the control unit, the expansion module including a second microcontroller capable of communicating with said first microcontroller and including driver circuitry for actuating irrigation valves, the second microcontroller capable of operating the driver circuitry for actuating said irrigation valves in accordance with control signals received from the first microcontroller.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, expansion station modules and decoder type modules are used.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.

Abstract: A reusable EAS tag that is detachable from an article by placing the EAS tag in proximity to a detaching device is provided. The tag includes an energy coupler, a micro-actuator, and a clamping mechanism. The detaching device transmits a signal to the EAS tag to signal detachment, which is received by the energy coupler. The energy coupler converts the energy from the transmitted signal to electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy to actuate the clamping mechanism and release the tag's locking or clamping mechanism for removal of the tag from the article to which it is attached.

Abstract: A device for regulating flow comprises a main valve operating under differential pressure wherein the main valve has a main flow inlet and a main flow outlet. The main flow inlet is equipped with a valve seat over which a main shutter is adjusted in a perpendicular direction to its shuttering plane. The main shutter has a hole on its locking face communicating with a pressure chamber disposed above the main shutter. A secondary control valve regulates small flows through the hole so as to create greater or less pressure within the pressure chamber to close or open the main shutter.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from the a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.

Abstract: A device for regulating flow comprises a main valve operating under differential pressure wherein the main valve has a main flow inlet and a main flow outlet. The main flow inlet is equipped with a valve seat over which a main shutter is adjusted in a perpendicular direction to its shuttering plane. The main shutter has a hole on its locking face communicating with a pressure chamber disposed above the main shutter. A secondary control valve regulates small flows through the hole so as to create greater or less pressure within the pressure chamber to close or open the main shutter.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.

Abstract: A reusable EAS tag that is detachable from an article by placing the EAS tag in proximity to a detaching device is provided. The tag includes an energy coupler, a micro-actuator, and a clamping mechanism. The detaching device transmits a signal to the EAS tag to signal detachment, which is received by the energy coupler. The energy coupler converts the energy from the transmitted signal to electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical energy to mechanical energy to actuate the clamping mechanism and release the tag's locking or clamping mechanism for removal of the tag from the article to which it is attached.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. The tag has improved anti-defeat devices and methods including one or more of the following; a shield to protect the EAS sensor, a shield to protect the releasable spring clamp, a tag self-alarm that alarms upon various unauthorized defeat attempts, an LED to signal an armed condition of the tag alarm, a magnet switch to alarm the tag upon exposure to a relatively strong magnetic field, and a plurality of apertures to decoy the position of the alarm piezo.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. The tag has improved anti-defeat devices and methods including one or more of the following; a shield to protect the EAS sensor, a shield to protect the releasable spring clamp, a tag self-alarm that alarms upon various unauthorized defeat attempts, an LED to signal an armed condition of the tag alarm, a magnet switch to alarm the tag upon exposure to a relatively strong magnetic field, and a plurality of apertures to decoy the position of the alarm piezo.

Abstract: A balanced valve for flows operated by the axial driving of a stem which commands a sealing body liable to axially slip between an opened position far from the valve seat and a closed seal in contact with the valve s eat. The valve basically consists in a valve body having an inlet opening for the flow with a valve seat at the bottom. The valve body also has an opening for the flow outlet oriented in a substantially cross-section way to the flow inlet. Between the inlet and outlet of flow there is a cylindrical cavity with a ring-shaped broadening in the zone communicating with the flow outlet above the valve seat. There is an elastomeric sealing body located inside the cylindrical cavity, which is mainly made up of a relatively solid sealing end, with a slightly greater height than the height of the ring-shaped broadening of the cylindrical activity.

Abstract: A flow valve operated by a flow transfer controller which regulates a small flow of control in order to produce a pressure differential between the sides of a sealing wall of a piston able to axially move between an open position far from the valve seat and a closed position in contact with the valve seat. The valve of the invention basically consists of a rigid valve body with an opening for a flow inlet and flow outlet. The body of the valve has a main cavity between the inlet and outlet of flow with the valve seat. The valve body comprises an elastomeric body located inside the main cavity to regulate the flow of fluid through the valve. The elastomeric body is hollow and open at an upper end and has a first sealing zone an a lower base of the elastomeric body. Control flow inlet and outlet ducts communicate with the hollow upper portion of the elastomeric body to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A flow valve operating by pressure differentials and by flow transfer means which regulate small flows of control. This valve is sensitive to small changes of pressure and resistant to great working pressures, having few components of a simple design. The valve of the invention basically consists in a rigid valve body with an opening for flow inlet and one opening for flow outlet, which are oriented in a substantially cross way to said flow opening. The body of the valve has a main cavity between the flow inlet and the flow outlet. A valve seat is in the limit of the main cavity and the flow inlet. In addition, the valve body has pipes for the inlet of the control flow and for the outlet of the control flow, which are associated with the flow transfer means for the control of the valve.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet, the body having an opening at one end; a controlling stem disposed axially of the body with one end portion extending through the body opening, the stem being pivotable about the body opening between a normal position when the valve is closed and a pivoted position when the valve is open; and a first elastic ring disposed within the body in sealing contact with the stem and disposed between with the inlet and the outlet, thereby to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The stem when in the pivoted position being adapted to deform the first elastic ring to create an opening between the stem and the first elastic ring, thereby to permit fluid to flow from the inlet through the opening to the outlet.