Abstract: Described herein are a channel, system and method for monitoring voltages. Typically, the system includes multiple channels, each for sampling one of the voltages. The channels are physically and electrically coupled to a back end board on which is mounted a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that instructs the channels to simultaneously sample the voltages. Optionally, the channel is powered using an power supply that is isolated from the back end board, and transmits information over an electrically isolated connection to the back end board. The channel also includes voltage signal processing circuitry for processing the voltage signal on board the channel, and has stored on it channel identification information composed of at least one of an operating mode of the channel and a serial number of the channel, which can assist with voltage signal processing.

Abstract: According to one illustrative embodiment, there is provided a method of changing an appearance of an illumination apparatus string, the method involving: detachably coupling a cover body to one of a plurality of illumination apparatuses on the illumination apparatus string such that an illuminatable portion of the one of the plurality of illumination apparatuses is received in a receptacle defined by the cover body. According to another illustrative embodiment, there is provided a cover apparatus including: a cover body defining a receptacle and configured to be detachably coupled to one of a plurality of illumination apparatuses on an illumination apparatus string such that an illuminatable portion of the one of the illumination apparatuses is received in the receptacle when the cover body is detachably coupled to the one of the illumination apparatuses. Uses of the apparatus, and kits and assemblies including the apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A locating system, includes at least one initiator configured to operate at a first clock frequency, and to transmit a measurement signal including a first preamble; and at least one transponder configured to operate at a second clock frequency, to receive the measurement signal, and to transmit a response signal to the initiator, the response signal including a second preamble. The initiator is further configured to calculate, based on the response signal, a distance between the initiator and the transponder for determining a location of the transponder.

Abstract: Described herein are a channel, system and method for monitoring voltages. Typically, the system includes multiple channels, each for sampling one of the voltages. The channels are physically and electrically coupled to a back end board on which is mounted a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that instructs the channels to simultaneously sample the voltages. Optionally, the channel is powered using an power supply that is isolated from the back end board, and transmits information over an electrically isolated connection to the back end board. The channel also includes voltage signal processing circuitry for processing the voltage signal on board the channel, and has stored on it channel identification information composed of at least one of an operating mode of the channel and a serial number of the channel, which can assist with voltage signal processing.

Abstract: A locating system, includes at least one initiator configured to operate at a first clock frequency, and to transmit a measurement signal including a first preamble; and at least one transponder configured to operate at a second clock frequency, to receive the measurement signal, and to transmit a response signal to the initiator, the response signal including a second preamble. The initiator is further configured to calculate, based on the response signal, a distance between the initiator and the transponder for determining a location of the transponder.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of an electrical pulse that is a single square wave to excite a piezoelectric crystal. This pulse is applied alternately to either side of the crystal at twice the nominal resonant frequency of the crystal. This method provides a significant increase in net drive power to the crystal without the need to provide a sine wave excitation of plus and minus voltage to the crystal.