Abstract: An electronic device has a chassis, and a printed wiring board (PWB) having a hole. A fastener is installed in the hole thereby securing the PWB to the chassis. A pair of conductive traces is formed in the PWB. A cap, being an amount of conductive glue, covers a part of the fastener and fills an electrically insulating gap between the two traces, to thereby form a conductive path that connects the two traces. A sensing circuit is coupled to the traces, to detect a change in impedance of the path and signal a tamper event alert. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting whether consumer abuse has occurred in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for detecting the occurrence of a consumer abuse event and storing a record thereof. In one embodiment, the system provides one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection circuitry for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event. The system may further provide a memory, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, the abuse detection circuitry may store a record of the abuse event into the memory. The system may further provide an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory and analyze the abuse event records to determine if an abuse event occurred in the electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, devices, and methods for detecting the occurrence of consumer abuse events in electronic devices. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection sub-system for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, a record of the abuse event is stored by the abuse detection sub-system. The system further provides a communication interface configured to provide a first mode of diagnostic communication and a second mode of non-diagnostic communication through a common input/output port. When using a diagnostic device, the diagnostic mode of communication may be enabled, thus allowing the diagnostic device to access consumer abuse event data stored by the abuse detection sub-system.

Abstract: A gas gauge circuit has a power supply pin, a power return pin, power-on reset capability, and a communications signal pin. A reset control circuit is coupled between the power supply pin and the communications signal pin, or between the power return pin and the communications signal pin. The reset control circuit removes power to the gas gauge circuit in accordance with a control signal asserted on the communications signal pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting whether consumer abuse has occurred in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for detecting the occurrence of a consumer abuse event and storing a record thereof. In one embodiment, the system provides one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection circuitry for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event. The system may further provide a memory, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, the abuse detection circuitry may store a record of the abuse event into the memory. The system may further provide an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory and analyze the abuse event records to determine if an abuse event occurred in the electronic device.

Abstract: A drip-proof switch cover for covering an electrical box having a wall switch with an actuator protruding through the cover, wherein a collecting reservoir is disposed at the lower end of the cover to collect liquid drippings from the hand of a user during actuation of the switch actuator.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a bracket used for hanging an object (e.g., mirror, painting, picture, bulletin board, or the like) from a wall. In certain example embodiments, the bracket includes a base portion (11), one or more foot portions (14a, 14b), and angled portions (15a, 15b) interconnecting the base portion to the respective feet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital portable music player that includes a non volatile memory for storing and recording music files. Where at least one of the music files includes at least an audio portion and a data portion. The player includes both a display screen for displaying the data portion and a headphone jack for receiving headphones such that a user may hear the audio portion. The player yet further includes a microphone jack for receiving an external microphone. A microprocessor is included that has instructions for retrieving and decoding said one music file from the non volatile memory and instructions for playing the music file. Wherein the instructions for playing the music file include instructions for displaying the data portion over the display screen simultaneously with emitting the audio portion over headphones. The microprocessor has further instructions for recording a user's voice, coming through the external microphone, in real time with the playing of the music file.

Abstract: A method of encoding a media sequence with at least one applet object provided. The applet object is inserted into at least one FMO file. A media sequence is provided with a media file. The FMO file is integrated into the media file and a synchronous bit is inserted.

Abstract: A thread ring gauge holder that is used with a thread ring gauge to eliminate the variance in applied torque from different people using the thread ring gauge. This device allows the thread ring gauge to be protected from an excessive amount of torque and from a premature false reading from applying too little torque from a wide variety of users. The device can be used together with a variety of thread ring gauges and is made up of a ring gauge adapter, a ratchet drive, a ratchet gear, a protective housing that accommodates a ball plunger and a pawl device and a snap ring to hold the thread ring gauge holder together in place with the thread ring gauge. The ball plunger and pawl act as a torque setting device to control the amount of torque that is applied to the thread ring gauge, thereby insuring repeatability and consistency.

Abstract: A plastic button for use in a rearview mirror mounting system. The plastic (e.g. polymer or polycarbonate) buttons holds tighter tolerances than conventional metal buttons. Additionally, it has improved flatness characteristics. No metal grinding is required to make the plastic buttons, which may be injection molded. Furthermore, the coefficient of expansion is satisfactory in view of a flexible adhesive utilized, and the button manufacturing process is cheaper than for conventional metal buttons.