Abstract: It is possible to obtain sensitivity which can achieve an excellent error rate with a high recording density. There are provided a magnetization free layer which has two opposed main surfaces, one of which is set to be generally parallel to an air bearing surface; an intermediate layer which is formed on an opposite side face of the magnetization free layer from a medium to come in contact with the magnetization free layer; and a pair of magnetization pinned layers which are formed on an opposite side face of the intermediate layer from the magnetization free layer to come in contact with the intermediate layer and extend outwardly. A sense current flows from one magnetization pinned layer to the other magnetization pinned layer through the magnetization free layer.

Abstract: A simple, secure and cost effective method to program authorized transmitters into the memory of a controller, such as that in a garage door opener, which does not require a learn switch. An already-authorized transmitter is used to prime the receiver to add a new transmitter identification code to its list. The sequence is to press the button of any transmitter that is already recognized by the controller, within a short time window (e.g., 3 seconds) to press the button of the new transmitter that is to be added, and within another short time window (e.g., 3 seconds) press again the button of the transmitter used in the first step.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computerized identity matching management process. The process comprises the steps of a management computer receiving a request from capture apparatus waiting to commence a biometric capture process, to initiate the capture process. The management computer responds to the request to return a message to the capture apparatus at a first instant in time, the message containing a unique code, and where receipt of the message containing the code at the caprture apparatus causes initiation of the capture process. The management computer, after returning a message, receives a capturated biometric from the capture apparatus coded with the code, at a second instant in time. The management computer operates, when the second instant is less than a predetermined time later than the first instant, to decode the captured biometric and initiate a matching process to find a match for the decoded captured biometric against stored records and to generate an identification code when a match is found.

Abstract: A biometric fingerprint device for self-authenticating identification of a user of the device including internal memory and processing means within a substrate of the device and digitized tonal output for communicating with a remote tone bank for validation. The digitized tonal output further includes a unique transaction identifier for increased security, particularly with retail transactions made via phone, wireless device, Internet, satellite, or other communication means.

Abstract: An apparatus in communication with a network having a tool for tracking connect time to the network. The apparatus may be communications device, a wireless handset, a personal digital assistant, a computer laptop, a portable communications device, a wired communications terminal, and/or a calling card. The tool for tracking connect time includes a periodic alarm having an onset and a duration time. Moreover, the tool for tracking connect time also includes means for varying the onset and the duration time of at least one period of the alarm with a variable arbitration offset.

Abstract: A decision aid for use in the defense of a combat ground vehicle which includes a track fusion element, a threat typing element, threat prioritization element, and a countermeasures (CM) selection element.

Abstract: A driving assist system for a vehicle comprises: a driving environment detection device that detects a driving environment of the vehicle; a risk potential calculation device that calculates a risk potential present along a longitudinal direction (a RPlongitudinal) and a risk potential present along a lateral direction (a RPlateral) relative to the vehicle based upon the driving environment detected by the driving environment detection device; a longitudinal information conveyance device that presents the RPlongitudinal calculated by the risk potential calculation device to a driver; a lateral information conveyance device that presents the RPlateral calculated by the risk potential calculation device to the driver; and a timing control device that adjust an output timing of the longitudinal information conveyance device and an output timing of the lateral information conveyance device so as to prompt a driver to perform a longitudinal driving operation or a lateral driving operation to stabilize behavior of

Abstract: A vehicle security system is for a vehicle having a door lock circuit including a door lock switch, and a door lock controller responsive to the door lock switch. The security system includes a security controller for operating the door lock controller, and a multi-vehicle compatible interface module for interfacing to the door lock circuit of a given vehicle from among a plurality of different vehicles. In particular, the vehicle may include a single-wire door lock circuit having at least one of a lock resistance and an unlock resistance associated with a door switch. The multi-vehicle compatible interface module may include a circuit board carrying at least one variable resistor that is settable to match the lock/unlock resistance and thereby permit the security controller to operate the door lock controller.

Abstract: A collision severity estimation system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12) is provided. The system (10) includes one or more object detection sensors (22) detecting an object and generating a first object detection signal. A controller (20) is electrically coupled to the object detection sensors (22) and determines motion properties of the object relative to the vehicle (12) and generates an object motion signal in response to the first object detection signal. The controller (20) determines potential collision severity between the vehicle (12) and the object in response to the object motion signal and generates a collision severity signal. Methods of determining motion properties of the object as well as determining potential collision severity between the vehicle (12) and the object are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor and anchoring device comprises a sensor, a cylindrical jacket and a catch bracket. The sensor is fitted into the cylindrical jacket and the cylindrical jacket is inserted into the vehicle rear bumper by an appropriate means. The catch bracket for holding the sensor is then fixed on the rear bumper by an appropriate means. The present invention is characterized by the special construction of the cylindrical jacket and the catch bracket, which allows these two parts to be easily assembled and mounted onto the vehicle bumper. The length of the cylindrical jacket can be changed, if necessary, to suit different thickness specifications for the rear bumper, such that the front end of the sensor is always salient from the rear bumper, avoiding any interference with the emission and reception of signals.

Abstract: Wireless communication between vehicles may permit position information about one vehicle to be communicated directly to another vehicle. Such an information exchange between vehicles may increase the awareness of an operator of a vehicle to other vehicles in the surrounding environment and may help a vehicle operator operate the vehicle more safely. Vehicles may share through the use of wireless communications position, direction, speed, or other information, such as the deployment of safety devices or the presence of particular types of vehicles (e.g., an emergency vehicle or school bus). The vehicle that receives a wireless communication compares the position, direction, and speed of incoming information from another vehicle to the vehicle's own speed, direction, and position to determine whether action is required.

Abstract: A wheel, particularly for a vehicle, includes at least a portion formed from non-metallic material which incorporates at least one sensor indicative of a condition sensed. A wheel is molded from a fiber reinforced plastics material and incorporates passive sensors capable of indicating conditions of the wheel or the tire associated with it (e.g., tire pressure or torque transmitted). The sensor output is processed by an ASIC device to provide an output signal to a communications device also mounted on the wheel. The ASIC and communications device are powered by a virtual battery which is charged by, e.g., using electrical pulses generated by strain within the wheel itself. An id tag may be provided to identify the wheel in question.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor ID registration for a tire air pressure monitor including a sensor unit built in each of tires of a vehicle and a receiver mounted in a vehicle body for monitoring the in-tire air pressure. The registration is conducted through using a control unit and a registration unit, provided for each vehicle manufacturing line. A different control unit number is allocated to each of the control units and transmitted from the control unit to the receiver. Moreover, a specific number identical to the number is transmitted from the registration unit to the sensor unit and data including a sensor ID and the specific number is transmitted from the sensor unit. The receiver registers the sensor ID when the specific number and the control unit number agree with each other. This achieves accurate ID registration without registering an ID of another vehicle in error.

Abstract: A system for protecting the clutch of a vehicle from a harmful operating state. Included in the clutch protection system are means for monitoring the operating state of the clutch, along with means for estimating the amount of energy being dissipated by the clutch. A control unit compares the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch to one or more predetermined threshold energy levels. One or more actions designed to reduce the amount of energy dissipated by the clutch are initiated when the estimated amount of energy dissipated by the clutch exceeds the one or more predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A system for indicating a past state of an apparatus through the use of a remote device by indicating the state with the remote device whether or not the remote device is still within communications range of the apparatus. In one embodiment, an indication can be made as to whether or not a vehicle door has been locked by providing such an indication at a remote keyless entry key remote control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed motion prediction network including a plurality of nodes. The nodes in the network comprise a mechanism for detecting the presence of an object in an area around a node. A node that detects an object is termed a “detecting node.” After a node has detected an object, it communicates a signal to local nodes that are local with the detecting node to inform the local nodes of the presence of the object in the area around the detecting node. After the local nodes receive the signal, they further propagate the signal to other nodes (local to the local nodes) so that information regarding the presence of the object is progressively propagated to nodes away from the detecting node and so that as the object moves, the propagated signal is used to predict a direction of travel of the object.

Abstract: A system for predator protection and health monitoring of animals. A collar (100) is fastened around the neck of a first animal (A). The collar compromises an electronic unit (200), a communication unit (220) for activation and reception of signals from a passive prone (300) implanted in the animal's body, means (250) for two-way communication with a peripheral unit (400), a GPS unit (260) for communication with a peripheral GPS unit (265), means for registering audible signals, and means for transmitting selected audible signals. The probe (300) registers one or more of any physiological parameter in the animal and communicates these parameters to said communication unit (220). An alarm is given if one physiological parameter differs from predefined values. The alarm may be a pre-programmed audible signal in the electronic unit which is delivered with the aid of a loudspeaker (230) installed in the collar (100), and/or an electronic signal that is transmitted to the peripheral communication unit (400).

Abstract: A signal device for generating audio and visual signals in response to a signal. The device includes a sensor which sends a signal generated near the sensor. The device further includes an announcer to receive the signal from the sensor. An indicator associated with the sensor visually displays information relating to signal while another indicator associated with the announcer visually displays information relating to the signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for managing ground assistance teams of a transport vehicle in a parking zone (19), wherein a management centre (3) determines the tasks for the respective assistance teams and provides each team with data specifying its task, comprising the following steps: the management centre (3) transmits task data over a radiotelephone network (10); the teams receive the respective data over terminals (15, 16) of the network, which presents the data to them; and after executing the tasks, the teams transmit back to the centre (3), from the terminals (15, 16) task performance reports.

Abstract: To provide a vibration-damping positioning controller capable of effecting stable positioning operation within a short period of time.

Abstract: A capacitance presence sensing apparatus (10) having a fail-safe circuit (13) and modular units (100). The fail-safe circuit (13) includes delivering a low voltage (FIG. 5) to a sensor and connecting voltage through a resistor to an oscillator (18). An opener ground in the circuit changes the frequency of the oscillator (18) to indicate a problem With the fail-safe circuit (13). The apparatus also contains a number of inductance coils (28) which may be selected to tune thc frequency of the system. Circuitry is provided in cards which may be combined together with receiver transmitter cards (106) to easily facilitate the use of the system for desired applications.

Abstract: A security system utilizes danger sensors (3) and a central unit connected wirelessly to the danger sensors (3). The danger sensors (3) have a communication module (8) which has the same dimensions and same shape for all sensor types, and which is intended to attach the danger sensor (3) to a mounting plate (2). In addition to the communication module (8), the danger sensor (3) contains a detection module (9) where the communication module (8) has a mechanical and electrical/electronic interface with the detection module (9).

Abstract: An identification tag identifies a unique item from among a plurality of items with a similar appearance. Tagged items are searched by scanning the items with an interrogation signal. The tag emits an observable signal to indicate when it receives an identification that matches the identification contained in the tag. When the reader's interrogation is not present, the tag either sleeps at a very low power level or is passively unpowered.

Abstract: An electronic device, in which a flat plate semiconductor and dumets connected to surface electrodes on the front and back surfaces of the semiconductor and to lead wires are encapsulated in a glass tube.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of warning signs intended to alert one of presence of an animal and intruder deterrence. More specifically, the invention integrates an adjustable motion detector, a warning sign, a light source aimed at the warning sign, an audio announcement and a replica of an animal or other image with another light source for its illumination. The motion detector senses the presence of a person and sends an activation signals to the audio and light sources. The first light source illuminates the warning sign, while the second light source illuminates the replica of an animal or other warning image, adding a sense of a realistic warning to a casual passer-by and a threat to the intruder.

Abstract: A closed pneumatic sound sensor is incorporated in a driver's seat and catches a signal representative of a movement of the body of the driver, and a continuation time period within which the level of the signal does not reach a fixed level is detected.

Abstract: An outage notification system for detecting a power outage at a customer location is provided. The outage notification system comprises a first outage notification device operably coupled to a first circuit at the customer location, a second device operably coupled to a second circuit at the customer location. The first device is operable to determine a status of power supply to the first circuit and communicate the status of power supply to the first circuit to the second device. The second device is operable to determine a status of power supply to the second circuit (or other desired parameter in an alternative embodiment) and notify, via a network, a receiving system associated with the electric utility of a power outage at the customer location based at least in part on the statuses of power supply to the first and/or second circuits.

Abstract: An improved force-measurement system utilizes active magnetostrictive sensors for generating a signal representative of a force, such as the weight of a person or thing on a seat within a motor vehicle, or the force applied to the horn sensor switch on a vehicle steering wheel. The active magnetostrictive sensor includes an excitation coil and a detection coil.

Abstract: A MEMS device employed in an optical switch has a position sensor configured to determine mirror orientation in the device. The position sensor includes at least one light sensor located under an etch gap defining the mirror in the switch. Change of light intensity at each light sensor due to the change in separation corresponding to the etch gap during mirror motion is measured and related to the mirror deflection angle. Information about the angle may be used to provide feedback to the motion actuator, which then may be operated to orient the mirror more accurately.

Abstract: An integrated piezo-resistive sensor for determining mirror position in an optical switch. One or more piezo-resistive layers may be formed in silicon springs supporting a movable mirror in the switch. Change in resistivity of those layers due to spring deformation during mirror motion is measured and related to the mirror deflection angle. Information about the angle may be used to provide feedback to the motion actuator, which then may be operated to orient the mirror more accurately. A sensor's sensitivity may be increased by appropriately orienting the springs with respect to the crystallographic axes of the silicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alarm for detecting the unauthorized movement of an object said alarm comprising a an electro-mechanical motion sensor for detecting the unauthorized movement of an object and which responds to motion in all axes, a programmable control microprocessor, to detect unauthorized movement of the object, an audible alarm means that emits a sound oscillating between at least two frequencies and at A volume of about 120 dBs when said unauthorized movement is detected, and a rechargeable battery. The microprocessor, audible alarm means, rechargeable battery and electro-mechanical motion sensor are mounted on a circuit board in valuable items such as televisions, stereo systems, VCR's, video cameras, computers etc. When the alarm is armed it will sense any motion of the item to which it is attached and will sound an alarm if sufficient motion has been detected.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control apparatus which stores software programs for driving different kinds of devices capable of wireless communication and which recognizes the devices when the devices are positioned within a set range. The remote control apparatus includes a monitor for displaying information of one or more of the devices which are being recognized and a controller for controlling the devices and the monitor. Accordingly, a plurality of devices can be easily controlled.

Abstract: An antenna structure is separately and independently formed with respect to a downhole tool. The antenna is adapted for easy and rapid deployment on the tool. An independently formed ‘partial ring section’ (or arcuate shaped member) contains an antenna coil. In one embodiment, two or more of the independently formed partial ring sections are placed in a recess on the tubular forming the downhole tool. In another embodiment, the partial ring sections can also be placed in one or more longitudinally distributed sections about the tool. Another embodiment includes partial ring sections forming an antenna with multiple coils of differing orientation to provide directional sensitivity.

Abstract: An adapter is interposed between a standard resource meter and its socket, to provide RF-capabilities. Communications between meter and adapter are effected by optical technology. The adapter has emergency battery back-up capabilities.

Abstract: A utility meter comprises an electromechanical metering portion connectable to a power drop to a premises and an electronic portion coupled to the electromechanical portion. The electromechanical portion comprises a rotating disk portion rotating at speeds proportional to power flow through said meter. The electronic portion comprises an interface coupled to the rotating disk, a controller coupled to the interface for accumulating power usage data over predetermined intervals, a memory coupled to the controller for storing power usage data, and a modem interface for coupling the controller to a public network. The controller is programmably operative to automatically establish a connection via the modem interface for uploading power usage data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.

Abstract: A preceding-vehicle following control system for a host vehicle is comprised of a road information device (2, 3) for obtaining road information of a road ahead of the host vehicle, a preceding-vehicle detector (1) for obtaining preceding-vehicle information of a preceding vehicle ahead of the host vehicle and a controller (10) connected to the road information device and the preceding vehicle recognizing device. The controller is arranged to determine a road width of the road from the road information, to vary a condition for determining a control characteristic of a control system of a following control for following the preceding vehicle, and to execute the following control on the basis of the condition for determining the control characteristic and the preceding-vehicle information.

Abstract: Garage and vehicle protector disclosed mounts on a garage and has an indicator positioned inward from the left side of the door opening to guide a driver to correctly align a vehicle laterally when entering or exiting the garage. The protector has an adjustable support that is adjusted such that the automobile mirror just touches the indicator when the vehicle is correctly aligned. One or more fuzzy balls or a feather preferably coated with a flourescent material is used as the indicator. The indicator and support are resilient to flex when contacted and return to the original position when the contact force is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber sensor for traffic monitoring, which comprises a former consisting of an elongate plate, and an optical fiber wound onto at least one surface of the elongate plate. The elongate plate is flexible in a direction transverse to the at least one surface such that passage. Traffic over the optical fiber sensor is arranged to cause a variation in at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor. The resulting sensor has a reduced depth which makes it easier to locate within the surface of a traffic route, has increased flexibility to enable it to confirm to the surface of the traffic route, and has good cross axis sensitivity rejection.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of identifying a vehicle that may present safety threats to security areas are provided. The apparatus, system and method determine whether a vehicle is a suspect vehicle by comparing an identification (ID) obtained from the vehicle with a list of IDs when the vehicle approaches a security zone of the security area. If there is a match, the vehicle is a suspect vehicle and may present a safety threat to the security area. At that point, the vehicle is not allowed to proceed. If the vehicle is a land-based vehicle, the vehicle may be allowed to proceed after it has been thoroughly searched. If the vehicle attempts to proceed before being allowed to do so, a signal is sent a computer system on board the vehicle (OBCS) to stop the vehicle from proceeding. In the case where the vehicle is not a land-based vehicle, the signal may instruct the OBCS to veer the vehicle off its course.

Abstract: A computer keyboard designed to facilitate and simplify a user's interaction with medical software applications includes color-coded key groups and function specific icons. One key group is associated with medical image display tasks such as, for example, the display of Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and ultrasound scans of various portions of a patient's body. Another key group is associated with medical image navigation tasks such as moving to the next, previous, first or last image in a group of images. Each key in each key group has a function-specific indicator that identifies the key's function for a specified medical software application. For example, a key group associated with medical image acquisition for a radiographic software application may include keys having icons and/or text representing predetermined body regions such as the head, neck, lung, liver, knee, abdomen, bone, spine, mediastium, pelvis and/or whole body.

Abstract: In a data demodulating method and apparatus, and a code arranging method, a multiplexer multiplexes an input data stream divided by a predetermined length into a plurality of types of pseudo random data streams using multiplexed information of predetermined bits by applying a predetermined multiplexing method to each of the pseudo random data streams. An encoder RLL-modulates the plurality of types of pseudo random data streams to create a modulated code stream including a minimum of DC components. The multiplexer generates the random data streams by inconsecutively scrambling the input data stream using the multiplexed information. The encoder weak DC-free RLL-modulates each of the multiplexed data streams without using a DC control sub code conversion table to which additional bits are added and provides a code stream including a minimum of DC components among multiplexed, RLL-modulated code streams.

Abstract: Encoded data is decoded by a receiver for an analogue input signal that is converted into a digital signal. A detector produces a sequence of data representative of the analogue signal, a decoder for the sequence of data outputs data indicating that a sequence includes an error. An event detector detects an event which substantially alters or destroys the analogue input signal. The decoder outputs data corresponding to the or each sequence resulting from the altered or destroyed analogue input signal indicating that the sequence is incorrect.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method includes a digital to analog converter and a mode controller that is operative to provide the digital to analog converter with a plurality of reference voltage ranges (Vref) under a respective plurality of operating modes.

Abstract: A D/A converter including a plurality of potential generating sections. They each receive a 1-bit signal from one of an input terminal and delay circuit, and a clock signal or inverted clock signal from an input section or inverter for inverting the clock signal. When the clock signal or inverted clock signal is at a first signal level, they generate a first reference potential or second reference potential in response to the signal level of the 1-bit signal. When the clock signal or inverted clock signal is at the second level, they generate an intermediate potential between the first and second reference potentials. The potentials generated by the plurality of potential generating sections are combined by a combining section. The D/A converter can improve resistance to jitter, and to simplify the configuration of a post-stage filter circuit.

Abstract: A variable resistance device is disclosed, which comprises a first variable resistance circuit and analog switches, a second variable resistance circuit including series-connected first and second resistors, one terminal of the first resistor connected to one terminal of the second resistor and the other terminal connected to one terminal of the first variable resistance circuit, a series-resistor circuit one terminal of which is connected to the other terminal of the second resistor, analog switches connected between the other terminal of the first resistor and nodes of respective resistors of the series-resistor circuit, an analog switch connected between the other terminal of the series-resistor circuit and a node of the first and second resistors, an analog switch connected between a node of the resistors of the series-resistor circuit and the node of the first and second resistors, and a short-circuiting analog switch connected between the first and second variable resistance circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analog-to-digital converter (301), comprising several comparators (303) and a reference network, said reference network having several reference elements (302). At least one input (304) of at least one comparator (303) is connected between the individual reference elements (302) of the reference network in the analog-to-digital converter (301), respectively. A digital evaluation circuit (311) with which the statistical evaluation of the output signals generated by the comparators (303) can be carried out is linked to the outputs (309) of the comparators of the analog-to-digital converter (301). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for converting an analog signal (Ua) into a digital signal (D).

Abstract: A sample-and-hold amplifier circuit of the present invention has a switch, provided between an operational amplifier stage and an inverting amplifier stage, for connecting or cutting off the connection of the operational amplifier stage and the inverting amplifier stage. During the first operation phase (&phgr;1), the first and second switches are switched to the &phgr;1 side, the third switch is conductive, and the switch for connecting or cutting off the connection is nonconductive. This allows to carry out the sampling so that the first and second capacitors are charged by predetermined electrical charges. During the second operation phase (&phgr;2), the first and second switches are switched to the &phgr;2 side, the third switch is nonconductive, and the switch for connecting or cutting off the connection is conductive. This allows that the voltage thus sampled is subjected to the operational amplification.

Abstract: A device for a radar system, the device being supplied with the received signals of at least two receiving antennas as input signals, and in which the output signals of this device are supplied to at least one unit for evaluating the received signals which includes at least two evaluation channels. Different input channels are allocated to the at least two evaluation channels as a function of supplied control signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar device having means (10) for generating a carrier-frequency signal, means (12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b) for shaping pulses, means (14, 14a, 14b, 15, 15a, 15b) for generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, means (16, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for emitting modulated signals as radar pulses, means (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for receiving radar pulses, and means (20) for processing the received radar pulses, the means for receiving the radar pulses having an array including a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), the means (20) for processing the radar pulses having means for dividing the signal power over at least two different reception branches (24, 26), and means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) being provided for generating different directional characteristics (32, 34) in the various reception branches (24, 26). The invention also relates to a method for operating a radar device.