Abstract: In electronic equipment, such as, for example, a personal computer printed circuit board, an arrangement for mitigating EMI, noise and other spurious signals at high frequencies. The arrangement includes a discrete capacitor coupled between an active pad and a reference pad. A conductor is coupled to the discrete capacitor and is configured to include a serpentine trace and a terminating tuning capacitance that are effectively series resonant at a predetermined frequency. In an exemplary embodiment, the serpentine trace comprises a number of substantially linear, mutually parallel segments that are joined by turns. The length and width of the serpentine trace, together with the number and spacing of linear segments, cooperates with the geometry of the tuning capacitance to determine the frequency of maximum attenuation of spurious signals.

Abstract: A directional coupler comprises a coupler circuit board which is mounted substantially perpendicular to the surface of a parent circuit board. First and second upper traces are disposed on the opposing surfaces of the coupler circuit board. The coupling between the upper electrically conductive traces determines the odd mode impedance of the coupler. First and second lower traces are also disposed on opposing surfaces and connected to ground. The upper and lower traces are arranged such that the even mode of the impedance is determined by the coupling between the first upper trace and the second lower trace and the coupling between the second upper trace and the first lower trace.

Abstract: A multiplexer using a ceramic filter as stacked satellite down converter is operative to reduce useless wave ranges in a wave frequency and to largely reduce external interferences with frequency ranges. The multiplexer is implemented by serially connecting a low-noise amplifier, a mixer, and an IF amplifier between a receiver and an output port of a satellite down converter, and the multiplexer is characterized in that a ceramic filter is serially connected between the IF amplifier and themixer. The ceramic filter has characteristics that enable reduction of useless wave ranges in a wave frequency and largely reduced external interference with frequency ranges.

Abstract: A phase shifter includes a first rat-race ring having four ports, an input coupled to a first one of the ports, an output coupled to a second one of the ports, a first resonant circuit coupled to a third one of the ports, and a second resonant circuit coupled to a fourth one of the ports, each of the first and second resonant circuits including a tunable dielectric varactor. The first rat race ring can be connected to another phase shifting stage including a second rat race ring or a digital switched line phase shifter.

Abstract: An end-surface reflection type surface acoustic wave filter is capable of increasing an attenuation amount outside a pass band while insertion loss characteristics are not seriously deteriorated. The filter is a longitudinally coupled resonator type surface acoustic wave filter using an SH type surface acoustic wave, which has first and second grooves formed in a piezoelectric substrate at the top surface thereof so as to be substantially parallel to each other and spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. In addition, IDTs which are provided between the grooves for defining the longitudinally coupled resonator type surface acoustic wave filter, reflection end-surfaces disposed on side surfaces of the first and the second grooves at the IDT sides, and one of a resin-coating layer and a protective layer made of SiO2, are provided on the top surface of the piezoelectric substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of composite elements are arranged in parallel with each other on a substrate. The composite elements each include a rectangular microstrip line element, an input microstrip line and an output microstrip line. The microstrip line element has one longer side, the other longer side, one end and the other end, and the input microstrip line is connected at the one end to the one longer side while the output microstrip line is connected at the other end to the other longer side. The composite elements are cascaded to constitute a low-pass filter.

Abstract: A microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) assembly and related method are disclosed. A dielectric substrate has a surface on which radio frequency circuits and microstrip lines are formed. At least one MMIC chip opening is dimensioned for receiving therethrough a MMIC chip. A metallic carrier is mismatched as to coefficient of thermal expansion to the dielectric substrate and includes a component surface adhesively secured to the dielectric substrate on the surface opposing the radio frequency circuits and microstrip lines. At least one raised pedestal is on the component surface that is positioned at the MMIC chip opening. A MMIC chip is secured on the pedestal and extends through the MMIC chip opening for connection to the radio frequency circuits and microstrip lines. Stress relief portions are formed in the metallic carrier that segment the carrier into subcarriers and provide stress relief during expansion and contraction created by temperature changes.

Abstract: A magnetic transfer method for magnetically transferring information signals such as servo signals from a master medium to a slave medium, capable of reducing a range of signal missing due to insufficient contact of the two mediums originating from an adhering substance, thus enhancing signal quality. When the master medium bearing an information signal and the slave medium are brought into close contact with each other, a transferring magnetic field is applied thereto, thus magnetically transferring the information signal from the master medium to the slave medium. An elastic member made of a material having an elastic property so as to deform in accordance with a surface shape of the slave medium during contact pressure application and to restore to an original surface shape thereof during release of the slave medium from the master medium can be interposed between a back of the slave medium and a pressing surface of a pressing support member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay apparatus, which is improved in miniaturization, performance, assembly accuracy, cost reduction, productivity, and reliability. A plurality of electromagnetic relays, each having an NO contact that is closed by applying exciting current to a coil and an NC contact that is closed when the excitation current is not passed through the coil, are arranged in line, one diagonally opposite to the next, on a base so that the respective NO/NC contacts of adjacent electromagnetic relays are located in diagonally opposed positions in substantially point symmetrical relation. The electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnetic block having a couple of moving contacts, a first stationary contact and a second stationary contact both being connectable to external wiring, which are composed of uniform parts or components.

Abstract: An auxiliary magnetic trip system for a circuit breaker, the auxiliary magnetic trip system includes a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shape collar with a first pole face, the u-shape collar disposed around the strap; a trip lever rotatably mounted on an axis; and a holdback system releasably coupled to the trip lever, wherein the holdback system prevents movement of the trip lever at the first level of electrical current and releases the trip lever at the second level of electrical current.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a high voltage (HV) terminal formed of stamped sheet metal configured to be disposed in a secondary winding spool, and to which a high voltage end of the secondary winding is attached and soldered. The ignition apparatus further includes an electrically conductive cup configured to surround the high voltage terminal when the secondary winding spool is inserted in the case. The high voltage terminal has one end that comes into engagement with an inner annular surface of the cup. The cup includes an annular sidewall that extends axially up to a winding flange where a HV end of the secondary winding exits a winding bay thereby surrunding the exiting HV secondary winding wire. The cup provides for a reduced electric field concentration.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or eliminating case erosion in a pencil ignition coil having an internal primary winding and an external secondary winding and shield. Three alternative means for resisting damage due to the partial discharge phenomenon arising from a high electric field in such coil configurations are provided: (i) applying an ozone resistant coating on the case; (ii) applying a coating on the case for eliminating partial discharge under the shield; and (iii) applying a polyimide tape covering to the case for resisting partial discharge under the shield.

Abstract: The coil and coil system is provided for integration in a microelecronic circuit. The coil is placed inside an oxide layer of a chip, and the oxide layer is placed on the substrate surface of a substrate. The coil comprises one or more windings, whereby the winding(s) is/are formed by at least segments of two conductor tracks, which are each provided in spatially spaced-apart metalization levels, and by via-contacts which connect these conductor track(s) and/or conductor track segments. In order to be able to produce high-quality coils, a coil is produced with the largest possible coil cross-section, whereby a standard metalization, especially a standard metalization using copper, can, however, be used for producing the oil. To this end, the via contacts are formed from a stack of two ore more via elements arranged one above the other. Parts of the metalization levels can be located between the via elements.

Abstract: In a coupling adjusting structure for a double-tuned circuit according to the present invention, first and second coils are configured such that a pair of first conductive patterns formed on a first surface of a printed circuit and a corresponding pair of second conductive patterns formed on a second surface of the printed circuit board are connected via corresponding connecting conductors, thereby making the first and second coils low and thin. Also, one end of the first coil and the corresponding end of the second coil are disposed close to each other, a first ground conductive pattern is disposed at least on the first surface of the printed circuit, and a first jumper connected to the first ground conductive pattern is disposed between the first and second coils so as to adjust an inductive coupling of the double-tuned circuit, thereby achieving a coupling adjusting structure for a double-tuned circuit whose inductive coupling is adjustable.

Abstract: A magnetic sticking sheet comprising a non-magnetic base and a magnetic layer formed on the non-magnetic base by coating a magnetic coating material containing ferromagnetic particles and a binder, the magnetic layer having a thickness of 0.03 to 0.10 mm, oriented longitudinally to give a squareness ratio of 80 to 90%, and multipolar-magnetized longitudinally; the sheet having a total thickness of 0.08 to 0.25 mm and flexibility for rolling; the magnetic layer having a surface magnetic flux density of 35 to 100G; and the sheet having a magnetic sticking force, required for removing a magnetic sticking sheet fixed magnetically on a magnetic surface via the magnetic layer while keeping the magnetic surface and the sheet parallel, of 0.4 to 0.9 gf/cm2.

Abstract: A simplified snap-action micromachined thermal switch having a bimodal thermal actuator fabricated from non-ductile materials such as silicon, glass, silicon oxide, tungsten, and other suitable materials using MEMS techniques.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a housing in which at least two power source terminals and a conductive piece are disposed such that the conductive piece is fastened at one end with one of the two power source terminals for electrically conducting or interrupting the two power source terminals. The conductive piece is connected with a link structure by which an external force causes the conductive piece to make contact with or separate from other one of the two power source terminals. A spring piece is fastened at one end with the housing and at other end with the link structure. The spring piece enables the conductive piece to jump so as to separate from other one of the two power source terminals at the time when the conductive piece is overheated.

Abstract: A thermal switch apparatus having an adapter mount that snaps to a modular thermal switch by hand or with the use of a simple tool. The thermal switch apparatus of the invention is embodied as a thermal switch apparatus including an adapter having a mounting apparatus and a receptacle, the receptacle having a female portion structured internally with a retainer. A modular thermal sensing device includes a male portion sized to enter the female portion of the receptacle, the male portion having an external relief structured to interlock with the internal retainer of the female portion. The male portion of the modular thermal sensing device is installed into the female portion of the receptacle, the retainer of the receptacle being mated with the external relief of the modular thermal sensing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for an automated car sharing system. An authorized user makes a reservation to use a vehicle at a certain location, specifying the date and time for the pick-up and drop-off. At the appointed time, the user accesses the vehicle and presents identification to automatically gain access to the car. The system maintains all necessary information such as mileage, length of use, distance, and other such information, and when the user returns the car, automatically generates a bill.

Abstract: Anthrax is an often fatal infectious disease arising from Bacillus anthracis bacteria spores. A safe and secure mail delivery system helps to bring about a future where packages are delivered on time, crime (terrorism, etc.) is low, and morale is high. In one embodiment, biometric verification of recipients ensures packages are not delivered to the wrong recipient. Preferably the sender can visually verify the recipient's identity, as well as visually track the manner in which the package is handled. Preferably the package cannot be handled or even touched by the mail carrier, but can be handled by security forces, officers, or by the recipient, by virtue of a mail carrying housing (such as a briefcase) that can be opened by anyone except the person carrying it. Preferably the housing comprises a fingerprint scanner, or a vaccination chip reader, that can be programmed so that the carrier cannot open it.

Abstract: A drive control unit comprises an IPv6 input unit 14 that reads the IPv6 ID of a key 4 inserted to start said control unit and inputs said ID, an authorization control unit 15 for authorizing the input ID, a basic control unit 12 comprising a ROM storing the drive control function, an engine control unit 16 that ignites and controls the engine when the authorization is normal, a drive control unit 17 that controls the drive of said unit, an interior control unit 18 that controls the interior of the unit chamber, an exterior communication control unit 19 that controls the communication with the exterior, and a LAN control unit 13 that connects and controls each unit via a LAN.

Abstract: An automated access control apparatus and method. Identification data is compared with stored data to determine if a person should be granted access to an area. If granted access, the person is prompted to indicate a number of guests desiring access. As the person and the guests pass through entrance, the persons are counted and proper personnel is notified if an unauthorized number of persons enters the area. Unauthorized entries are recorded as image data that can be played in real time or at a later time for review. Guest entry is logged for billing purposes.

Abstract: Techniques for providing access control to electronic systems based on proximity detection. An authorized user of an electronic system is provided an identifier (e.g., identification badge, key fob, magnetic card) that is associated with the user's person. The identifier provides the ability for an electronic device to determine whether the identifier is within a predetermined range of the electronic device. The identifier can be, for example, a transmitter and/or receiver that transmits and/or receives wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, infrared signals). The identifier can also reflect signals to the electronic device. By associating the identifier with the user's person such that the identifier provides an indication of the associated user's location, the electronic device can determine whether the user is within the predetermined region. If the user is within the predetermined region, the electronic device can take certain actions, for example, boot up or change to a secure state.

Abstract: A mobile electronic communication device includes a processor unit, a transceiver, a keypad and a light unit. Each key of the keypad is associated with a contact of a contact list. The light unit can perform light functions to notify a user of the reception and/or status of messages received via the transceiver. The light functions include providing an indication of the age of a received message that was sent by a contact in the contacts list. The age of the message is indicated by a modulation of the illuminating light. In one embodiment, the age of a message is indicated as one of a set of predetermined age ranges, with each age range being represented by a unique color.

Abstract: A method for storing geographic information at a communication node is provided. Geographic data is received and an authentication request to a geographic authentication database in communication with the communication node is transmitted. An authentication response is then received and the geographic data is stored in a storage database in communication with the communication node. Systems and programs for storing geographic information are also provided.

Abstract: A control unit of a peripheral device enables data to be exchanged between a unit of the peripheral device and one of a plurality of higher-order devices by using one of a plurality of interface units. Thus, the unit of the peripheral device is controlled by the higher-order device corresponding to the used interface unit.

Abstract: Provided is an emergency signalling device (10) and system (100) by which emergency signals are transmitted for reception by an emergency authority when a user set time for the transmission elapses without cancellation or reset. The device (10) may be a telephone or a beacon. In an example the system (100) is a digital mobile phone messaging system using a terrestrial and/or satellite based radio communications wherein the device (10) in the form of a mobile telephone or short messaging service (SMS) capable transceiver automatically transmits an emergency or distress signal addressed to a search and rescue (SAR) or emergency service organisation within a preset time interval in the event of incapacitation of the user.

Abstract: A method, system and program product are provided for enabling a third party to instantly notify a remotely located vehicle owner by sending a message to an IP addressable onboard vehicle computer, which in conjunction with a vehicle alert server, retrieves owner supplied contact information, which may be an IP address and/or telephone number, and forwards the third party message to a device with the IP address or telephone number previously supplied by the owner.

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic sensors are installed at predetermined positions of an automotive vehicle. Each sensor has the capability of performing calculation for measuring a distance between an obstacle and the automotive vehicle and transmitting distance information representing a measured distance of the obstacle. A control unit receives the distance information and generates an alarm signal based on the distance information.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure for detecting decrease in internal pressure of a tire on the basis of rotational information obtained from tires attached to a vehicle. A threshold for judging decrease in air-pressure of following wheels is different from a threshold for judging decrease in air-pressure of driving wheels. Threshold for judging abnormalities in air-pressure are varied for judging abnormalities of tire air-pressures of following wheels and for judging abnormalities of tire air-pressure of driving wheels so that appropriate judgment of abnormalities in air-pressure can be performed.

Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Abstract: An emergency light device includes a casing having a circuit board which includes a light circuit and a detection circuit. The light circuit has an re-chargeable circuit and a starting circuit which is connected to a bulb so that the bulb lights up when the electric power is out. The detection circuit has a control IC, vibration sensor, a smoke detection device and a siren. The siren horns and the bulb lights up when the vibration sensor or the siren smoke detection device are activated.

Abstract: A system and method for locating objects such as people, pets, and personal articles is described. A transceiver is attached to the person, animal, or item to be tracked and a handheld locator device is employed to transmit a locator signal containing an address code to the transceiver. Upon receipt of a signal, the transceiver compares the address code contained in the locator signal with an address code stored in the transceiver. If the two codes are same, the transceiver sends a return signal back to the locator device. The locator device uses this return signal to determine the distance and/or direction of the transceiver from the user's location. The system allows a user to select from a multiple number of items to locate and allows multiple users to search for different articles within the same general area without interference.

Abstract: A message filtering system is provided for filtering generally broadcast messages received by a movable unit. The generally broadcast message includes an information segment including location, time and/or velocity information relating to an event of potential interest to the unit which has occurred in the past and which has continuing consequences for the unit. The movement history of the unit is stored along with data selection information and a determination is made as to whether the information contained in the broadcast information segment is of interest based on this stored information.

Abstract: A system for processing sensed vehicle data includes a sensor for sensing data related to at least one characteristic of a passing vehicle and a host unit that receives sensed data from the sensor. The sensor and the host unit are integrated into a single housing. The host stores data and communicates with peripheral devices and/or with a central processing facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for theft protection of electronic apparatuses connected to a bus system. The method is particularly suitable for use in a digital home network based on an IEEE 1394 standard. In the method, at least one of the apparatuses in the network is equipped with a monitoring unit which can be switched between an activated and a de-activated state. In the activated state, the monitoring unit monitors the occurrence of a bus reset which is generated particularly when removing an apparatus from the network. After the occurrence of such a reset, the monitoring unit compares the list of all apparatuses on the bus with a list generated and stored before the reset. When determining differences, an alarm is triggered which can be reproduced particularly by means of the apparatuses which are present, such as, for example, televisions and hi-fi equipment.

Abstract: The invention is a card holder for credit cards or the like. The security system of the card holder prevents misuse of the credit cards that are lost by or stolen from the owner. A security system in the card holder initiates invalidation of the card, if the card is removed from the card holder without authorisation.

Abstract: Atomic virtual document generation and tagging is described. A virtual article that is intelligible to a digital processing system is generated from a physical materiality. The physical materiality is marked with an identifier. The virtual article is tagged with a tag that corresponds to the identifier. The generating of the virtual article, the marking of the physical materiality, and the tagging of the virtual article occur at substantially the same time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.

Abstract: A monitoring system has a monitoring unit and a monitored unit. The monitored unit automatically emits RF signals detectable by the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit includes analysis circuitry for providing at least directional information indicative of the location of the monitored unit with respect to the monitoring unit.

Abstract: An animal drinking apparatus and method which automatically alerts an animal caretaker to low liquid level conditions in a fluid or liquid vessel is disclosed. A standard type of animal drinking vessel can be fitted with a sensing device. A receiving device and one or both of an audible device and a visual device can provide one or more alert signals when the sensing device indicates that a low level fluid condition has occurred in the drinking vessel. The sensing device and the receiving device may be separable for remote operation and a low level transmission signal may be sent via wire, radio frequency, infrared frequency, fiber optics, or in any known manner.

Abstract: A device for determining a load applied to an object for regulating a window or a closure or a partition, the device comprising a printed circuit board and a gauge capable of providing an output from which the load may be derived or inferred, the gauge being formed integrally as part of the printed circuit the device being so constructed and arranged as to be capable of mounting the object to a fixed body.

Abstract: A thermostat and remote control apparatus, that is made up of a housing, an interface disposed in the housing, a plurality of icons on the interface, which correspond to a set of controls for items that can be controlled by the apparatus, a display screen, which indicates the current temperature setting, time and date, a recessed program and enter button that allows a user to enter temperature settings to a thermostat, a clear button for deleting any entered information, an electric cradle that is used to recharge the apparatus, a universal serial bus port (USB) that is used to connect a computerized device to the apparatus, an RS-232 port to standardize a transmission of serial data between any devices and the apparatus and a microcontroller for processing information and data. The apparatus specifically utilizes infrared and radio frequency technology for transmitting and receiving information from various items.

Abstract: A thermostat and remote control apparatus, that is made up of a housing, an interface, a plurality of icons on the interface, corresponding to controls for items, a display screen, indicating the current temperature setting, time and date, a recessed program and enter button for entering temperature settings to a thermostat, a clear button for deleting any entered information, a cradle that is used to recharge the apparatus, a universal serial bus port (USB) connecting a computerized device to the apparatus, an RS-232 port to standardize a transmission of serial data between any devices and the apparatus, and a microcontroller for processing information and data. The apparatus utilizes infrared and radio frequency technology for transmitting and receiving information from various items. A controlled apparatus with a microprocessor (e.g., a child monitor) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator system includes a power source, a controller in communication with the power source, a piezoelectric stack comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed within a sleeve to define a chamber at one end of the sleeve, pressure accumulators in fluid communication with the chamber, a flow control valve in communication with the accumulators, and a hydraulic piston in fluid communication with the flow control valve. The communication between the power source and the controller may be electrical or photo communication, and the power source is preferably remotely located relative to the other elements of the hydraulic actuator system. The method for controlling a remotely located hydraulic actuator includes communicating a signal to the hydraulic actuator, pressurizing a hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator, and directing the hydraulic fluid to a cylinder in the hydraulic actuator to bias a piston either into or away from the cylinder.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless automatic meter reading which can wirelessly and remotely read integrated amounts of consumed electric power, water, gas and the like. An image sensor module (1) is installed in a predetermined portion of an integrating meter for picking up an image of a numeral displayed on a display of the integrating meter and converting the picked-up image into an electrical signal. A main processor unit (7) generates a numeric code corresponding to the numeral image. A radio frequency module (13) transmits the generated numeric code wirelessly to a meter reading center (16).

Abstract: An integrated display for displaying navigation and communication information from a plurality of sources on a single screen provides an overall picture of selected information. A graphical representation of the relationship between predetermined types of selected information is also provided. Visual representations of various components provide information and identify active components and data paths. A warning indication alerts to specific conditions and alternate modes of display operation are provided in response to specific component failures.

Abstract: This invention describes a automatic pilot control system (ACS) that activates the automatic pilot, if the pilot does not respond to a gravity induced loss of consciousness (GLOC) alarm, or a injury induced loss of consciousness alarm (ILOC). If the pilot does not respond to audible and/or visible alarms, the automatic pilot control system (ACS), has a indication that the pilot is not in control of the aircraft, and the ACS activates the automatic pilot. The injured pilot (ILOC) alarm is activated when the aircraft has been damaged. The GLOC alarm is activated after a high acceleration (G) turn. The ACS may receive input about the physiological status of the pilot.

Abstract: A hand-held input/control device designed and configured such that, when it is held by a user oriented with its operating surface facing away from the users the user may view the operation of the manually operable control members deployed on that operating surface.

Abstract: An electronic device having a spill-resistant keyboard. The device utilizes a keyboard having a stiff support layer to which the plurality of keys are mounted. The stiff support layer cooperates with one or more water impermeable layers that reduce or prevent the flow-through of water or other liquids inadvertently spilled over the keyboard.