Abstract: An ignition coil includes a housing which contains a central core portion, an inner spool having a first winding, and an outer spool having a second winding. The inner spool extends outward of the central core portion. The outer spool extends outward of the inner spool. A locating member includes a locating rib adjacent to an upper portion of the central core portion. The locating rib is in a gap between the inner spool and the central core portion, and locates the inner spool and the central core portion relative to each other. Insulating resin injected into the housing provides insulation among parts in the housing. At least one of the inner spool and the locating member has a void-escape passage which connects the gap and an outside of the inner spool with each other, and which allows a void to escape from the injected insulating resin in the gap.

Abstract: A new method and structure is provided to connect a planar, spiral inductor to underlying interconnect metal, the interconnect metal has been created over a semiconductor surface. A layer of dielectric followed by a layer of passivation is deposited over the semiconductor surface, including the surface of the underlying interconnect metal. Large first vias are created through the layers of passivation and dielectric. The large first vias align with the patterned interconnect metal, providing low-resistivity points of interconnect between the spiral inductor, which is created on the surface of the layer of passivation concurrent with the creation of the large first vias, and the patterned interconnect metal. A thick layer of polyimide is deposited over the surface of the layer of passivation, including the surface of the spiral inductor and the large first vias.

Abstract: A multiple layer inductor has a first spiral conductive pattern disposed on a first surface; a second spiral conductive pattern disposed on a second surface; a continuing interconnection coupled to the first and second spiral conductive patterns; an interface coupled to the first and second spiral conductive patterns; and a conductive shield pattern disposed on a third surface that is adjacent to the second surface. The interface includes a first terminal disposed on the first surface that is coupled to the first spiral conductive pattern. The interface also includes a second terminal that is disposed on the first surface and coupled to said second spiral conductive pattern.

Abstract: A coil device includes a first magnetic substrate, a laminated body disposed on the first magnetic substrate and having insulating layers, coil patterns, and at least one through-hole, a magnetic layer covering the upper surface of the laminated body, an adhesive layer disposed on the magnetic layer, and a second magnetic substrate disposed on the adhesive layer and bonded to the magnetic layer via the adhesive layer. The insulating layers defining an insulator and the coil patterns for forming a coil are alternately stacked so that the coil patterns are arranged in the insulator, the through-hole is located at an area where the coils are not located and extends from the upper surface of the laminated body to the first magnetic substrate. The magnetic layer has at least one portion extending through the through-hole to contact the first magnetic substrate. The adhesive layer is nonmagnetic, and the laminated body is sandwiched between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A fault current limiter (FCL) comprises: an air core flat clock spiral inductor comprising wound electrically conductive material and insulated turns; and two terminations configured for attaching the spiral inductor in series with a power carrying conductor.

Abstract: A fuse (20) includes a fuse element (25), having a fusible portion (22) provided between inner side edges (21a) of a pair of parallel flat-plate terminal portions (21, 21), and an insulating housing (23) covering the inner side edges (21a) of the flat-plate terminal portions (21) and the fusible portion (22). A middle portion (21f) of each of the flat-plate terminal portions (21), located at the lateral position relative to the fusible portion (22), is fixedly gripped by a mating terminal (11) of a fuse mounting portion, so that the flat-plate terminal portion is electrically connected to the mating terminal.

Abstract: A fuse that includes an arc energy reducing coating to reduce arc energy during a short-circuit and/or a full voltage overload current interrupt is described. The fuse includes end conductor elements, and at least one fuse element secured between and making electrical contact with the end conductor elements. An elongate fuse housing, having a passageway extending longitudinally through the housing, extends between the end conductor elements. The fuse element extends through the housing passageway. An arc energy reducing coating at least partially coats each end portion of the fuse element.

Abstract: Split spool release apparatus for retaining and deploying a deployable appendage. Exemplary apparatus comprises a housing which houses a split spool clamping device, a release nut attached to the deployable appendage, a locking mechanism or fuse assembly, and an actuator. The split spool clamping device comprises a plurality of separable sections that secure the release nut and deployable appendage using the restraining wire that is wrapped around them. In one embodiment, the split spool clamping device may comprises a threaded split-nut. The restraining wire is preferably wrapped using variable pretension, having low tension at the fuse end and higher tension at the nut end (load application end). The fuse assembly is coupled to the restraining wire at a location that is distal from the deployable appendage, and is activated by the actuator to release the restraining wire.

Abstract: A manual call point having a housing base (1), a cover and an alarm insert with a fragile panel (4), a printed-circuit board (3), a switching element (6) and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism for the switching element (6) is formed by a pivoting lever (7) resting on a lateral edge of the panel (4), the pivoting lever (7) pressing on the switching element (6) in the normal state of the manual call point and holding the switching element (6) in a closed position. When the panel (4) is smashed the pivoting lever (7) pivots, so the switching element (6) is opened. The switching element (6) is arranged on the printed-circuit board (3) and comprises a flexible end switch. The manual call point also contains a device for triggering a test alarm comprising a switching lever (9) to displace the panel (4) until the pivoting lever (7) is released and comprises a member (10) to actuate the switching lever (9).

Abstract: A polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor having a particular crystalline structure to allow the resistivity of the crystalline polymer to return to its approximate original level after an overcurrent is applied thereto. Subjecting a polymer to cross-linking, heating the cross-linked polymer at a temperature of a melting point of the polymer or above the melting point of the polymer, and re-crystallizing the heated polymer forms the particular crystalline structure. By doing so, the cross-linking rate of the crystalline polymer is maximized, and the size of the crystals in the crystalline polymer is minimized. Also, the polymer layer having electrodes thereon are cut into units of a desired size before setting and/or hardening thereof, to minimize to formation of irregularities such as stress fractures, microscopic cracks, and the like.

Abstract: A ceramic composite having at least one electrical resistor run integrated into the ceramic composite, with the composite including at least one layer that covers the resistor run toward the outside.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of using a control unit to control an electronic lock on a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an electronic lock for the safe, receiving (404) signals at the electronic lock from the computer, and controlling (406) the safe in response to the signals. An apparatus for controlling an electronic lock on a safe comprising an electronic lock (305) incorporated in a safe an input/output port (110) coupled to the electronic lock for receiving signals from a control unit (120), and a control signal received at the input/output port for opening the safe.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically logging data to a particular use of an article, in particular the use of a boning or carving knife (37) in a meat works. The knife (37) having identifying means (39) incorporated therein to identify a unique code for the particular knife (37). A reader (33) is provided at a reading station to automatically read the unique code of a knife (37) passed adjacent the reader (33). Data logging means is associated with the reader (33) to log the unique code and the time at which the unique code was read by the reader (33). The data logging means (35) is associated with one or more readers (33) and reading stations located in an area (11) where the knife (37) is to be used.

Abstract: An O2 sensor, an intake air temperature sensor, an engine coolant temperature sensor, a knock sensor, an electronic fuel injection device, a VSC ECU, a transmission ECU and an engine ECT are connected to a power line to communicate with one another through the power line. The VSC ECU, transmission ECU and engine ECU are further connected to a communication line to communicate with one another through two systems of the power line and a communication line. This makes it possible to improve the reliability while decreasing the number of the lines.

Abstract: When a vehicle travels a bend, tire pressure measurement devices (2) are assigned to wheel positions. For this purpose, it is determined by means of ABS (4) whether it is a left-hand or right-hand bend. Wheel revolution counts are then measured in each tire and sent along with identification codes to a central analysis unit (3). There the wheel revolution counts are collated with the bend data determined by the ABS. The two higher wheel revolution counts are then assigned to the side of the vehicle on the outside of the bend and the two lower wheel revolution counts are assigned to the other side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire air pressure detection device of the present invention includes a warning anticipation timing calculating portion for anticipating a warning timing at which tire air pressure decrease detecting portion will detect the tire air pressure decrease based on rotational status value compensated for by a rotational status value compensating portion. A tire air pressure decrease detecting portion detects a decrease in tire air pressure when a clocked determination time reaches the warning anticipation timing anticipated by the warning anticipation timing calculating portion.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one safety-specific function of a machine. The method includes monitoring a monitoring region with at least one location-resolving and time-resolving sensor, where the monitoring region includes a safety boundary which separates off a danger region and defines a safe distance from a danger zone of the machine. The method also includes detecting at least one of a position, a movement direction and a movement speed of an object. The method also includes establishing a position of the safety boundary in a variable manner depending on the at least one of a detected position, movement direction and movement speed of the object. The method also includes triggering the safety-specific function of the machine when entry into the danger region by the object is detected. An apparatus corresponding to the method is also described.

Abstract: A locating system comprising a control unit, a first integrated circuit, a first actuator and a transceiver. The control unit is configured with a program mode and a locate mode. The first actuator and the transceiver are coupled to the first integrated circuit and configured such that when the control unit is in program mode and the first actuator is activated, the control unit transmits a first signal indicating that the control unit is in program mode and identifies the first actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a personal, portable alarm system that interfaces with an individual's portable radio and remote speaker/microphone to provide the individual with an audible indication that a radio signal has been received from a remote sensor that is indicative of an event being detected adjacent to the location of the remote sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting safety indication device of a snorkel. A transparent light shade is mounted on the top end of the body of the snorkel, and is provided with a light source for emitting light outward from the top end of the body of the snorkel. Thus, when the sun light disappears on a cloudy day or at the night, the top end of the body of the snorkel may light or blink to clearly and apparently indicate the present location of the diver, thereby preventing the diver from being hit or struck unintentionally by the boat or ship, so as to protect the diver's safety.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of monitoring a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an electronic lock for the safe; receiving (404) information from a security device in an area proximate to the safe; and making (406) security information from the security device during a transaction with the electronic lock. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for monitoring a safe comprises an electronic lock (144) incorporated in a safe; a control unit (142) coupled to the electronic lock; and a security system (148) coupled to the control unit.

Abstract: Device for the detection of movement of a valuable object, for example in a museum in which means of detecting at least a rotation of the object, and particularly magnetometers or inclinometers, are mechanically fixed to the object. These means are coupled to message transmission means that send a presence message as long as detection has not taken place and an alert type message when detection has taken place. A monitoring station processes these messages or the absence of these messages, to trigger an alert if necessary.

Abstract: A system for reducing security risks in, for example, an enclosed area where there are documents, computer discs, and other items which may contain security sensitive information. Each security sensitive item has an RFID tag attached thereto, and during non-working hours these items are placed in locked file cabinets, a safe or a vault. The area is periodically interrogated by an RF interrogator to ascertain whether the items are in their locked secured position or are in an open area.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a capacity of interest is determined. This capacity of interest is the useful battery capacity required for an operation of interest; that is, the battery capacity at the discharge rate required for the operation of interest. The operation of interest may be a save-to-disk operation during a battery operated computer shutdown or a shutdown procedure for a personal digital assistant, for example. Given the capacity of interest, alarm settings are determined for a variety of voltage, discharge, and, optionally, temperature conditions. The trip points map, or index, voltage and discharge rate information for one or more discharge rates to one or more capacities of interest.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition had occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for determining the wheel position (FL, FR, RL, RR) of wheels (R1, R2, R3, R4) of a motor vehicle (10) which, for monitoring purposes, in particular for monitoring the tire pressures, are each assigned a wheel unit (E1, E2, E3, E4) which transmits data (D1, D2, D3, D4) to a central evaluation device (ECU) of the vehicle (10), at least in response to a trigger signal (TR1, TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5, TR6). The wheel positions (FL, FR, RL, RR) of the monitored wheels (R1, R2, R3, R4) can be determined by activating a portable transmitter (12) whose position with respect to the vehicle (10) is sensed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a garage door position from a remote location. A local sensor detects the position of a garage door and provides this information to a local transmitter. The transmitter is capable of generating a signal indicating the garage door position, where the signal can be detected by a remote receiver. In one embodiment, infrared sensors are used to detect the garage door position, while in another embodiment trigger switches detect the direction in which the garage door is moving.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a system comprising an antenna capable of receiving radiated energy within a frequency range of approximately 1 MHz to approximately 3 GHz, a broadband amplifier circuit electrically coupled to said antenna, a power source electrically connected to said broadband amplifier circuit; and an indicator electrically connected to said broadband amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A signaling device includes a light source and a Fresnel optical system. Constructed in the form of ellipses on its rear side, the Fresnel optical system has defocusing lenses that form elongated focal areas in the focal plane. Despite the use of a light source of small lateral extent, the signaling device has a radiation characteristic with a large aperture angle.

Abstract: A communication and control apparatus includes a control unit having a surface accessible to a person on a bed, the control unit being coupled to a portion of the bed.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for locating moving objects that will allow high precision in position determination and thus largely eliminate sorting errors, and also to provide a device suitable for executing the method, it is envisaged that on at least one defined location within the reading range of an interrogator (16) arranged in a stationary position, an interference pulse, which influences a response signal transmitted by a transponder (20) carried by a moving object (12) in response to a signal transmitted by the interrogator (16), is exerted on the object (12), and a position of the object (12) is determined in dependence on a time when the influence of the response signal occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed are system and method of remotely controlling the home appliance by employing the voice/character recognition technique. The appliance detects a connection relationship between the appliance and the mobile terminal and dynamically transmits the control code and a module for transmission. If the appliance control command is inputted through the voice control command input screen or the handwriting control command input screen, after the inputted command is interpreted through the voice/character recognition technique and is transformed to the control code of the appliance to be sent to the home appliance, the control code is sent to the home appliance to remotely control it. The function thereof may be extended to the environment capable of implementing the bi-directional communication with the appliance by receiving the control code from the appliance, while overcoming the limitation of the conventional terminal having a fixed function.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus allow the remote monitoring of utility usage without the need of a human meter reader. The embodiments include a usage data provider that generates an electronic form of utility usage data, and a communications interface that communicates the electronic form of the utility usage data to a remote data collection facility.

Abstract: A utility meter is able to receive programs for adding functionality to the meter over a computer network. The meter includes an interpreter for executing an interpretive language program and a computer network access port for receiving an interpretive language program from another computer over a computer network. The interpreter executes the interpretive language program to provide a meter function for the utility meter. In one embodiment, the interpreter is a Java Virtual Machine that interprets Java applets or Java scripts. The ability to write meter functions in a machine independent language such as Java or Active X enables utility customers to write and download additional functionality to meters over the Internet without requiring the meter manufacturer to develop a meter function program.

Abstract: A shared interface device provides connection between a portable electronic device and a peripheral unit. The shared interface device comprises a switch and an energy-storing element. The switch has a terminal connected to a T×D/POWER pin of the portable electronic device and an R×D pin of the peripheral unit, and another terminal connected to a VCC pin of the peripheral unit. The switch is ON/OFF when the T×D/POWER pin of the portable electronic device is HI/LO. The energy-storing element has one end connected to another end of the switch to supply electrical power to the peripheral unit and another end connected to ground. The energy-storing element is charged when the switch is ON and used as a backup power supply when the switch is OFF.

Abstract: A “Fn” key included in control keys is located adjacent to, for example, a first cursor movement key (for leftward movement) which is located on the right side of a space bar. A second cursor movement key (for rightward movement), a third cursor movement key (for upward movement) and a fourth cursor movement key (for downward movement) are arranged adjacent to the first cursor movement key. The arrangement of some data keys and control keys is adjusted so that the space bar can be situated in a predetermined position in the keyboard. When one of the first through fourth cursor movement keys is depressed with the Fn key depressed, a keyboard controller generates a key code with a control function corresponding to the combination of the depressed keys.

Abstract: A new approach to data embedding within ITU G.722 and ITU G.711 based upon the method of types and universal classification is disclosed. A secondary data sequence is embedded in the original (host) data stream using the method of types. The embedded data is extracted using a type-based universal receiver, with or without the use of a key. The choice of type and rate for the embedded data is based upon an analysis of portions of the original ITU G.722 or ITU G.711 coded data stream. The universal receiver learns the type from the received data alone, and hence, there is no side information required as in previous data embedding techniques. The embedding process and the receiver may both be data adaptive, so the original data stream can be reconstructed at the decoder without error.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that transmits a stream of datawords through a bundle of conductors with a three-dimensional structure. Upon receiving a dataword to be transmitted, the system uses an encoding function to encode the dataword into a current codeword in a stream of codewords, wherein the current codeword is less than double the size of the dataword. Next, the system transmits the current codeword to a destination through the bundle of conductors. Note that the encoding function depends on a preceding codeword in the stream of codewords, so that when the preceding codeword changes to the current codeword, rising transitions are substantially matched with falling transitions within the bundle.

Abstract: A method for upsampling a digital audio signal is described. The method includes receiving a first digital audio signal including samples and having a first sampling rate. The method also includes outputting at least one sample from the first digital audio signal as part of a second digital audio signal, the second digital audio signal having a desired second sampling rate, the second sampling rate being higher than the first sampling rate. The method also includes incrementing a counter for each sample from the first digital audio signal that is output as part of the second digital audio signal. The method also includes, when the counter exceeds a threshold number, inserting at least one synthetic sample as part of the second digital audio signal. The method also includes repeating the outputting, incrementing, and inserting until all the samples in the first digital audio signal have been output.

Abstract: A system for and method of transmitting and storing data using multidecimal encoding. A binary data stream is encoded into a multidecimal data stream. Distinct frequencies are then assigned to characters in the multidecimal data stream for transmitting the multidecimal character information. Individual frequencies, or combinations of frequencies, may be assigned to each multidecimal character to be transmitted, through various methods. The various multidecimal transmission schemes described herein may be employed in any of several transmission systems, such as fiber optics networks, analog transmission systems, DSL systems, cable modem systems, wireless communication systems, or any other suitable data transmission systems. Multidecimal data may also be stored in various storage media, such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, or RAM.

Abstract: An isolated-ADC and a method for providing isolated analog-to-digital conversion are disclosed. The isolated-ADC includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), a comparator, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The MEMS includes a beam element supported from a substrate for movement with respect to an axis, first and second actuators and a sensor. The first and second actuators are capable of exerting respective forces upon the beam element causing the beam element to move in response to analog input and feedback signals, respectively. The sensor detects changes in position of the beam element and produces a position signal indicative thereof. The comparator generates a digital signal based upon a comparison of the position signal with a reference value. Based on the digital signal, the DAC generates the feedback signal, and the isolated-ADC produces a digital output signal.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes storage for one or more configuration parameter values. Configuration parameter values stored in the storage locations are used by control logic to configure the ADC's conversion mechanism. The configuration values may be arranged in lists that the control logic cycles through in order to modify the configuration of the ADC's conversion mechanism. The control logic may change from one list, or series of lists, to another in order to adapt the ADC to changing circumstances. The changing circumstances may include the changing state of charge in a battery monitoring application.

Abstract: A dual function superconducting digitizer circuit which can selectively function either as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or as a time-to-digital converter (TDC). Superconducting ADCs and TDCs can provide performance far superior to that obtained using conventional electronics by taking advantage of the intrinsic properties—high switching speed, quantum accuracy, dispersion-less transmission lines, radiation hardness, and extremely low power dissipation—of superconductivity. Since both ADC and TDC functions are desired in most measurement systems, a dual-function digitizer is not only more attractive from a system integration perspective but is also more marketable.

Abstract: A version identification device with the A/D conversion function and its method. The invention includes a voltage dividing unit and a processing device. The voltage dividing unit is installed on an electronic device. The version of the electronic device is converted into analog signals using the voltage dividing unit. The analog signal is then sent to the processing device to be converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is then computed and identified to achieve the goal of identifying the version of the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention uses basic pipeline/subranging architecture to provide a circuit for analogue to digital conversion comprising: a sample and hold circuit (1); a coarse analogue to digital converter (2); a digital to analogue converter (3); combining logic circuitry; a fine analogue to digital converter (6); and also a voltage to current converter (7; R1); means for subtracting in the current domain, preferably comprising a means for summing at a virtual earth node (9); and means for converting current to voltage (10; R2) at the input to the fine analogue to digital converter (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a buried object using ground penetrating radar (GPR) in a system containing at least one GPR sensor, comprises a data processor for detecting spatial correlations in data received from a GPR sensor in the apparatus and an image processor capable of building a data structure corresponding to an image of the buried object from data processed by the data processor. A method for identifying a buried object using GPR in a system containing a GPR sensor comprising detecting spatial correlations in data received from the GPR sensor in the system and building a data structure corresponding to an image of the buried object from the received data.

Abstract: A method capable of determining whether a target detected by a radar is a stationary on-road object or not is disclosed, wherein a fluctuation in the reception level of a reflected wave from a target is obtained in relation to the distance of the target, a difference in reception level between a maximum point and a minimum point is obtained from the fluctuation of the reception level, and when the obtained difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the target is a stationary on-road object. Further, slope over the distance between the maximum point and the minimum point is obtained, and when the obtained slope is greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the target is a stationary on-road object. Further, the distance between maximum points or between minimum points is obtained, and when the obtained distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the target is a stationary on-road object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an electromagnetic environment in which the free field, plane wave response of electronic systems of an electrically large (greater than several wavelengths in its longest dimension) object, or objects, under test can be measured in the electromagnetic radiating near field of the transmitter array apparatus. The apparatus comprises: (1) one or more transmitting station(s), each station home to an array of radiating elements; (2) a software operating system and computer that controls the electronic circuits of the apparatus and executes an optimizing algorithm based on a Genetic Algorithm to control the radiation of each transmitting station; and (3) mechanical and electrical circuits that enable the apparatus to conduct self calibration and adjustment as required. In operation, the apparatus is placed and distributed about an object under test.

Abstract: An antenna array monitor includes a probe coupled to a first antenna and one or more second antennas within an antenna array of a tower. The probe acquires transmission parameters between the first antenna and the one or more second antennas in the array. The acquired transmission parameters include baseline transmission parameters between the first antenna and the one or more second antennas and measured transmission parameters between the first antenna and the one or more second antennas. A communication channel optionally coupling the probe to a remote site enables an operating condition of the antenna array based on a comparison of the measured transmission parameters and the baseline transmission parameters to be conveyed to a remote site.