Abstract: A solenoid having a plurality of stacked gapped circle windings, with each winding being rotated relative to any adjacent windings, and with each winding lying in a plane perpendicular to a common axis.

Abstract: A multilayered coil is formed by inserting insulating paper 13 having either a pressure sensitive adhesive or an adhesive disposed on both faces thereof into at least one place between thin coil layers and, then, magnetic cores 15 are mounted to the multilayered coil from above and below.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to layout planar magnetic coils on a PCB consists of maximizing the layer to layer overlap, and consequently maximizing total inductance for the given layout area, by spiraling alternating layers inward and outward. A further benefit of the matching opposite spirals is the ability to make the layer to layer electrical contacts within the magnetic field area, thus reducing leakage inductance, and minimizing the wasted extra conductor line length needed to make the connections outside the magnetic field. The reduced conductor line length results in reduced conductor line resistance. The method is applicable to voltage transformers and isolation transformers as well as simple inductors and other magnetic devices. In the transformer case the odd numbered layers are typically connected together in series to provide a larger turn ratio, and the even numbered layers are typically single turns (i.e., no spiral) connected together in parallel to provide more current capability.

Abstract: A flat coil assembly (10) comprising at least one electrically conductive layer (12) arranged in a substantially uniplanar spiral arrangement of loops with a void in a center of the spiral, and a core (14) made from mu-metal, wherein the core extending on one side of the uniplanar spiral arrangement over at least a first portion of the loops from an external loop to an internal loop, crossing over, through the void in the center and extending over at least a second portion of the loops on the other side of the uniplanar spiral arrangement.

Abstract: A heater element for use in a circuit breaker whose initial shape can be varied to achieve various trip ratings for different circuit breakers. The material composition of the heater element and the bimetal strip indirectly heated by the heater element are kept the same. The electrical resistance presented to current passed through the heater element is varied by varying the shape of the heater element. The shape of one heater element relative to another heater element varies according to one geometric parameter. The geometric parameter may be surface geometry, thickness, or cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a high voltage surge arrester to a power distribution system including a main body with a first end securable to the high voltage surge arrester and an opposite second end securable to a power distribution system bracket and a plurality of laterally extending weathersheds located between the first and second ends, the second end including a fastening hole that receives a fastener for attaching the second end to the power distribution system bracket, and the main body being formed of polymer plastic blend.

Abstract: A compact fuse (1) for an automobile is provided. The fuse is formed by a fuse element (2) and an insulative housing (3) having a cutaway portion (8). The fuse element includes two base plates (4) and a melting portion (5) connecting the base plates. The melting portion is accommodated in the housing and parts of the base plates are exposed from the housing. The length of the base plate is the sum of the length (A) of the melting portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, the length (B) of a notch (4c) in the longitudinal direction of the base plate, and the length (C) of a cover supporting portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate.

Abstract: A thermal fuse having a quick melting property is provided. In the thermal fuse, metal layers 15, 16 connected to a fusible alloy 13 are provided at respective leading ends of a pair of metal terminals 11. The metal layers 15, 16 have larger wettability to a fusible alloy 13 than wettability of metal terminals 11 and first insulating film 12. The area (S) of the metal layers 15, 16, the length (L1) and the volume (V) of the fusible alloy 13, the distance (L2) between the leading ends of the metal terminals 11, and the distance (d) from the bottom face of the second insulating film 14 to the top face of the metal layers 15,16 satisfy the relation of Sd>V(L1+L2)/2L1.

Abstract: A Platinum temperature sensor comprises a ceramic substrate and a platinum thin-film resistor applied to said ceramic substrate, a ceramic cover layer and a connecting layer generated from a ceramic green layer by pressure and temperature treatment. The ceramic cover layer is connected with the ceramic substrate in such a way via the connecting layer that the platinum thin-film resistor is sealingly encapsulated with regard to the environment.

Abstract: A system which can be accessed by means of a coded data carrier via access terminals which are provided with a device for reading the data carrier. In order to code the access authorisation data on the data carrier, the person wishing to obtain access has both a data carrier and a device for coding the data carrier. The person concerned communicates the desired access authorisation, via a telecommunication device, to a web server which accounts the access authorisation, and transmits the access authorisation data, via the telecommunication device, to the device for coding the data carrier.

Abstract: When a door sensor is touched, a vehicle-mounted unit and a portable unit performs mutual communications for authentication, and the doors are unlocked. When the door sensor is touched without intending to unlock the doors, wasteful consumption of electric energy is avoided which would otherwise result from mutual communications for authentication triggered by a request signal. When the door sensor may possibly be operated not for the purpose of unlocking the doors, e.g., when a CPU detects the doors as being already unlocked from a signal outputted from a door lock knob switch, a request signal is inhibited from being transmitted from the vehicle-mounted unit to the portable unit.

Abstract: A communication system 1 includes interrogators 10, 11 and transponders 20, 21, 22. The interrogator 10 transmits a carrier wave, FC1, to the transponders 20, 21, 22, and the transponders 20, 21, 22 return respective reflected waves, f1, f2, and f3, to the interrogator 10. The transponders 20, 21, 22 modulate the received carrier waves FC1 using respective subcarrier waves that have been modulated using respective information signals, and return the thus modulated carrier waves as the reflected waves f1, f2, and f3 to the interrogator 10.

Abstract: A system and method for using an RFID tag to automatically setup and configure a universal remote control to command appliances of various types and various manufacturers.

Abstract: An alarm device serves for retaining a vehicle in a path. Each of two sides of a vehicle is installed with a respective alarm device. The power supply servers to supply power and is connected to an optical sensor. The optical sensor is installed externally to a vehicle for sensing light reflected from the spacing lines of a road and converts the light signal into current signals The optical sensor generates different currents according to the reflecting light. The signal converter serves to convert current signals into voltage signals. The voltage comparison and amplifying device serves to compare the voltage signals different parts of a road with a threshold value and amplifies the comparing result to the alarm display. The alarm display provides various alarming ways so as to alert the driver that the car has deviated from the path so as to improve the safety in driving.

Abstract: An autonomous device for warning drivers of automobiles of excessive speed of turning around a curve. The device is compact with both the sensing means and alarm audio and/or visual signal producing means. The sensing means comprises two, alternatively activated and differentially calibrated by means of a proposed calibration device, pair of mercury switches, each pair comprising two oppositely inclined mercury switches for monitoring right and left turns of the vehicle, wherein the first pair is adapted for use in conditions of dry road surface by calibration at a predetermined value of inclination and a second pair is adapted for use in conditions of wet road surface by calibration at a different predetermined value of inclination.

Abstract: Circuit and method for coupling signals to a tire pressure monitoring system assembled within the interior of a tire in the absence of a receiver are provided. The circuit comprises a coupling circuit that provides capacitance or electromagnetic coupling to pass an externally-derived stream of pulses to a microprocessor therein by either, in the case of capacitance coupling, connecting an external device that generates the stream of externally-derived of pulses to a valve stem of the tire and an electrical ground. In the case of electromagnetic coupling, by placing a suitable external device proximate the coupling circuit. The stream of pulses carries information usable by the microprocessor to perform a respective operational function.

Abstract: A sensor signal conditioner for temperature compensating, linearizing, and amplifying sensor signal output in electronic instrumentation circuits includes a programmable gain instrument amplifier having an input connected to a sensor; and a comparator for comparing an output voltage of the amplifier to a desired output voltage value. A micro-controller controls the instrument amplifier gain and offset. A mode switch converts an I/O pin to input the desired output voltage value in programming mode and connects the I/O pin to the amplifier output in user mode. A memory stores a programming protocol in the sensor signal conditioner so that in programming mode, the protocol stores programmed values and linearly fits the programmed values to set trim values for temperature compensating, linearizing, and amplifying the instrument amplifier output. The I/O pins and mode switches of several sensor signal conditioners can be controlled simultaneously to mass produce transducers using the sensor signal conditioner.

Abstract: A message announcement system for broadcasting announcements at predetermined locations has an autonomous announcement computer at each predetermined location, wherein a plurality of event announcements and associated event identifiers are stored therein and, upon receipt of an event announcement command, the announcement computer broadcasts a particular event announcement at the location. A master computer is in communication with each announcement computer for adding, deleting or editing event announcements. This arrangement permits a modular system, whereby autonomous announcement computers, along with their associated public address systems and sign systems, may be added or removed as stations are added or removed. The system is also capable of broadcasting live announcements at each location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cupboard monitoring device, for fitting in a cupboard (20), comprising a rack or a rack-like folded structure and for monitoring and control of functions affecting the cupboard itself, including a temperature monitoring and a temperature regulation, by means of a monitoring unit, arranged within a housing, comprising a housing upper piece (1.1) and housing lower piece (1.2), with connected sensors (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4, 5.1, 5.2, 6). An advantageous equipping of a cupboard with the cupboard monitoring device can be achieved whereby the housing is embodied as a roof unit (1), with fixing holes arranged in the boundary region thereof for connection to the rack or the rack-like folded structure, whereby at least one part of the sensors (3.1, 3.2 ,3.3, 3.4, 4., 5.1, 5.2, 6) are arranged on the underside of the housing lower piece (1.2), facing the cupboard interior.

Abstract: A portable reconfigurable geolocation system is provided. The system includes a portable user node and one or more portable pseudolite nodes in communication one another and with the user node. Each of the user nodes and pseudolite nodes includes a transmitter that generates a signal on one or more carrier frequencies. Each signal is modulated with digital signals necessary to establish distances between the nodes and to convey data between the nodes. Each node also includes a receiver for receiving and demodulating the signals transmitted between the nodes, and a processor for receiving the demodulated signals, extracting data values and derived values from the demodulated signals and determining a three-dimensional position of each node in the system.

Abstract: A loss prevention system (e.g., 200) employs a method and apparatus for reducing the likelihood of losing a portable electronic device (100, 201) that has been inadvertently removed from its retaining device (e.g., 203, 300, 400). The loss prevention system includes the electronic device and its retaining device. The electronic device includes a proximity detector (103) that operates to detect the absence or removal of the device from the retaining device. The electronic device further includes a lost device detection circuit (102) that determines whether the removal was intentional and, if unintentional, alerts the user of the removal. By so alerting the user, the loss prevention system provides rapid feedback to the user after the user's electronic device has inadvertently fallen out of its retaining device, thereby enabling the user to quickly retrieve the device before it gets damaged or taken by someone else.

Abstract: Wireless communication systems, radio frequency identification devices, methods of enhancing a communications range of a radio frequency identification device, and wireless communication methods are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for detecting the passage of persons or objects through an entry-exit (4) to a delimited space (2), including (i) a detection device including transmission means (8) for transmitting different first and second electromagnetic signals (a, b) in respectively first and second communication regions (A, B) spatially separated from each other and partially overlapping, (ii) portable electronic units (40) intended to be fitted to said persons or objects and including reception means for said first and second electromagnetic signals, and (iii) means for detecting the direction of passage, through said entry-exit, of a person or an object fitted with a portable electronic unit.

Abstract: A marker for remote detection of articles has an elongated sensor element with magnetic and electric properties. The elongated sensor element provides an electromagnetic reply signal when receiving an electromagnetic input signal. The elongated sensor element modulates the electromagnetic reply signal in response to an external magnetic modulating field. The marker also has means positioned in a vicinity of the elongated sensor element in the marker. The means is adapted to influence either the magnetic or the electric properties of the elongated sensor element in response to incident electromagnetic or magnetic energy, so that either the electromagnetic reply signal itself or the modulation thereof is substantially changed from an active state to a deactivated state.

Abstract: A RFID antenna system for communicating with at least one transponder disposed on an object (e.g., product carrier, product, etc.) moveable along an interrogation path comprising at least one antenna panel that defines an antenna region, the antenna panel including at least one substantially continuous antenna loop for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic fields, the antenna panel being oriented such that the antenna panel intersects the interrogation path. The antenna panel can be substantially flexible or rigid.

Abstract: A semi-covert RFID enabled container comprises a container blank and an RF transponder positioned on the container blank so that it is not visible from the exterior of the container when the container is erected. The container blank includes a plurality of interconnected panels and a plurality of flaps. The flaps and panels define an overlapping area on the blank where the flaps and panels overlap when the container is erected. The RF transponder is positioned on the blank in the overlapping area. A method of forming a semi-covert RFID enabled container comprises providing a container blank having flaps, panels, and an overlapping area, and coupling the RF transponder to the blank in the overlapping area. The method may also include erecting the container, where the erecting step includes folding and attaching the flaps of the blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle number plate (1) authentication device, characterized in that it comprises a support element (2) which can be fixed to and/or integrated into the number plate (1). Said support element (2) comprises information relating to the vehicle and/or the use of said vehicle which can be read using reading means (3).

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring the status of one or more fire extinguishers includes means for sensing at least one parameter of each of the fire extinguishers; means for selectively transmitting the sensed parameters along with information identifying the fire extinguishers from which the parameters were sensed; and means for receiving the sensed parameters and identifying information for the fire extinguisher or extinguishers at a common location. Other systems and methods for remotely monitoring the status of multiple fire extinguishers are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved inventory management and theft detection system whereby by a security tag is placed on an article for sale. The security tag is affixed to the article so that the article cannot be opened when the security tag is in place. A device to remove the security tag is controlled by the cash register of the store. The security tag removal device is controlled by the cash register and does not operate unless a sales transaction has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for containing an animal in a defined area. The apparatus comprises first and second communicating units; one operatively associated with the animal, and the other positioned to locate the area. At least one of the units is adapted to transmit a signal, and at least one of the units is adapted to receive the signal. A circuit is adapted to measure the transmission time or change in transmission time of the signal and calculate the distance between the first and second units. At least one of the first and second units is configured to emit an output to contain the animal in the area when the transmission time corresponds to the animal leaving the area.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a subject and providing feedback back to the subject that is pertinent to a behavior of the subject. The device includes a source of light having first and second wavelengths wherein the first wavelength does not equal the second wavelength; at least one image sensor producing a first signal indicative of reflected light having the first wavelength and a second signal indicative of reflected light having the second wavelength; a controller receiving the first and second signals and producing a third signal indicative of the first signal subtracted from the second signal; and an interface in communication with the controller providing informational content to the subject in response to the third signal, wherein the informational content is associated with a behavior of the subject.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device is provided having a resonant tag and a remote detector. The resonant tag comprises a plastic substrate having holes punched through it, a capacitor plate on one side that is connected to a second capacitor plate and inductor coils on the other side. The resonant tag comprises a live LC circuit having a natural resonant frequency that does not activate the detector. The resonant tag is affixed to absorbing materials in a diaper or other sanitary undergarment. Upon the introduction of moisture into the circuit, the resonant frequency is eliminated as the circuit is deactivated and an alarm in the detector is triggered. At this point it would be apparent to a parent or caretaker that the diaper is wet and in need of replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for informing a user of an available battery time of a battery in a hybrid terminal based on the operating mode of the hybrid terminal. The hybrid terminal has a plurality of modes and performs a function corresponding to a selection of the user. A battery current amount is subdivided into a plurality of current amount levels for each operating mode of the hybrid terminal, and an available battery time in each operating mode is calculated for each current amount level, so as to generate an available battery time table. The generated available battery time table is stored in a memory of the hybrid terminal. The operating mode of the hybrid terminal, and the amount of current supplied to the hybrid terminal are detected. An available battery time corresponding to the detected current amount is obtained from the available battery time table. A text or a sound message indicating the obtained available battery time is displayed.

Abstract: A switch unit allows a user to perform an on-and-off switching control of a load which is installed in a certain place without having the user move to the load position and confirm the control status of the load. The switch unit includes a local switching unit having a plurality of buttons each coresponding to each load which is installed in a current place, for directly selecting a load to be switching-controlled, an overall switching unit fabricated in the form of a dial, for selecting a load to be switching-controlled, an overall display unit having a number of LEDs, for displaying the switching control state of each load, an all-off switch which is slightly sunk from the surface of the switch unit, for switching all the loads entirely, and a remote controller signal receiver for receiving a remote controller signal. The switch unit further includes a FND display unit for displaying a load correspnding to the current dial position in the overall switching unit with a numerical symbol.

Abstract: A multicolor function indicator light system is provided for an audio amplifier or similar electronic equipment. A sensor circuit monitors operation of the equipment. An indicator light device has a plurality of different color outputs.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for use in conjunction with cameras which are used to monitor motor vehicle traffic flow on highways, bridges and the like. The camera are mounted using servomotors which have made the cameras' direction to be varied by a remote operator. The invention permits cameras whose direction is driven by signals in different protocols for languages to be used in the same camera array.

Abstract: A First Responder Communications System (FRCS), also referred to as an Automated Incident Control System, is provided that supports inter-agency and intra-agency communications among first responders including fire, police, border patrol, emergency medical service, safety, and/or other agencies. The FRCS also supports communication among multiple on-scene agencies and various command and control personnel and increases situational awareness by automatically providing position information as well as other sensor information. Components of the FRCS integrate multiple communications channels including High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/microwave, cellular, satellite, and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Abstract: A remote control system for operating a controllable unit includes a remote control device and a remotely-controlled device. A method for operating the remote control system includes the steps of transmitting a signal from the remote control device to the remotely-controlled device, transmitting a command signal from the remote control device to the remotely-controlled device, selectively transmitting an authorization request signal from the remotely-controlled device, transmitting a response signal from the remote control device to the remotely-controlled device, and verifying the response signal of the remote control device by the remotely-controlled device such that a controllable unit can be driven by the remotely-controlled device.

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: An emergency vehicular traffic control apparatus is disclosed and claimed. A process for supplying emergency power to a traffic signal is disclosed and claimed. Emergency energy may be stored in a deep cycle battery, compressed air energy storage, or hydrogen tank (fuel). The energy source may be mounted adjacent existing control stations or it may be mounted inside the large metal poles typically used to support traffic signals.

Abstract: A high power LED lamp and method for retrofitting conventional traffic signal lamps. The LED lamp includes a housing, a power supply disposed in the housing, a plurality of LEDs mounted to a substantially planar mounting surface in the housing and electrically connected to the power supply for producing diverging light, and a threaded electrical connector extending from the housing. The method includes replacing a convention incandescent light bulb with the LED lamp, and installing a Fresnel lens inside the traffic signal lamp that collimates and just fills and illuminates the outer lens of the traffic signal lamp.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light (234). The system comprises a wireless device (232) adapted to send at least one command to change a viewing angle of the traffic signal light (234), and a control unit (252) adapted to receive the command, the control unit (252) further adapted to send the command to the traffic signal light (234), wherein the command adjusts a viewing angle of at least a portion of the traffic signal light (234).

Abstract: An aircraft system for reducing the airspeed of an aircraft as it passes through a preselected altitude includes an automatic throttle system including a computer, a device for inputting a preselected altitude and a preselected airspeed into the computer. An altimeter provides the current altitude of the aircraft and an aircraft instrument provides the current air speed and the vertical speed of the aircraft. The computer in response to the current altitude and vertical speed of the aircraft generates a signal to retard the throttles when the current altitude, the current air speed of the aircraft is equal to 2 times the vertical speed plus a preselected altitude.

Abstract: A keyboard layout for a one-handed keypad having fifteen alphabetic keys. Each key has a primary letter and a secondary letter. The primary letter is keyed by solely striking the key, while the secondary letter requires striking a secondary key first or simultaneously with the primary alphanumeric key. The layout placement minimizes finger travel and keystrokes to generate the most common letters and digraphs in any language.

Abstract: A lossless encoder and decoder are provided for transmitting a multichannel signal on a medium such as DVD-Audio. The encoder accepts additionally a downmix specification and splits the encoded stream into two substreams, such that a two-channel decoder of meagre computational power can implement the downmix specification by decoding one substream, while a multichannel decoder can decode the original multichannel signal losslessly using both substreams. Further features provide for efficient implementation on 24-bit processors, for confirmation of lossless reproduction to the user, and for benign behaviour in the case of downmix specifications that result in overload.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for satisfying both high reliability and low error rate when in recording and reproducing information by making the average run length of the RLL code for recording a crystal state shorter than that for recording an amorphous state on a recording film, although the consistence of both high reliability and low error rate has been difficult in the case of conventional optical disks.

Abstract: A method and associated decoder, system, device and storage means for decoding codewords of variable length from a bit stream, in which minimum and maximum lengths are defined for the codewords, wherein the bit stream is processed in parts, each part being subjected to a search for codewords, and where found codewords are decoded. At least partly overlapping fields are extracted from the bit stream part in such a way that the starting point of at least two fields is a possible starting point of a codeword in that part. In at least one field, the end of the codeword is searched, and the data related to the codeword is determined on the basis of the end point of the codeword. Data relating to at least one codeword is used to determine the occurrence of the codeword intended to be decoded in a field, and the found codeword is decoded.

Abstract: An arithmetic decoding apparatus is provided that carries out complete pipeline processing. Fluctuations in the pipeline caused by occurrence of the normalization are resolved by using a future-predicted Qe memory. In coding multi-valued images, common contexts are generated without distinguishing between AC and DC components of DCT coefficients.

Abstract: A method for linearizing a nonlinear curve with a linearization circuit (1), wherein the curve represents the relationship between input signals and output signals of a sensor. An output signal (100, 110, 120) of the sensor, which is respectively associated with an input signal, is displayed with respect to a simple and costfavorable linearization such that the adjustment of the linearization circuit (1) essentially occurs in an automated way by means of a sequence controller (2). A corresponding circuit is also described for practicing the method.

Abstract: A digital to analog converter augmented with Direct Charge Transfer (DCT) techniques. A digital to analog converter augmented with DCT and CDS techniques. A digital to analog converter augmented with Postfilter Droop Compensation.