Abstract: A multiple phase buck converter or boost converter, or buck-boost converter has an inductor in each phase. A magnetic core with a unique woven topology provides inverse coupling between the inductors. The inductors can comprise straight conductors since the magnetic core has the woven topology wrapped around each inductor. The inductors have a reduced electrical resistance since they are straight and do not loop around the magnetic core. The reduced electrical resistance increases energy efficiency and improves transient response of the circuit. The magnetic core can comprise top and bottom portions that are magnetically connected. The inductors can comprise straight circuit board traces and the circuit board can have holes to accommodate the magnetic core.

Abstract: A high power, high frequency toroidal inductor is broken into four quadrant cores and uses bare rectangular conductors to form coils. One coil is wound centrally around each quadrant. The coils positioned centrally on the quadrants minimize the effect of damaging fringe flux and leakage flux. The coil inner winding ends are bent perpendicular to the coils to form tangential leads with one coil inner tangential lead joined to an adjacent outer coil radial lead by jumpers that span adjacent coils.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle dealership security system. The system includes a vehicle security system installed in each of a plurality of vehicles on display for sale on a shop floor of a vehicle dealership. All of the systems are configured to be disarmed by the same RF disarm signal. The vehicle dealership security system includes also a number of dealer remote controls for use by the dealership. Each remote control can be programmed to be functional for a limited duration only for transmitting the signal required to disarm the vehicle security systems, after which it disables itself and, to be functional again, must be reset by means of a strictly controlled resetting device. The purpose of the limited duration functionality is to limit the potential availability of functional remote controls to unauthorized persons who may want to use at the dealership.

Abstract: A wireless mobile phone is equipped to operate in an unauthenticated and an authenticated mode of operation, depending on whether a user has been authenticated. In one embodiment, the wireless mobile phone includes a finger print reader to enable a user's finger print to be inputted and be used for authentication. In one embodiment, the finger print reader includes a light source and sensors, and having complementary logic to process emitted light reflected off a user's finger into an input finger print. The user is authenticated using privileged mode the inputted finger print. In one embodiment, the finger print reader is integrated with a power on/off switch, which may be disposed on an end surface, a side surface or a front surface of the body of the phone.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions within a tire (12) including a sensor assembly (14) including a pressure sensor (36), an accelerometer (34), a temperature sensor (32), and a transmitter (40) to transmit signals indicative of current tire conditions. A remote transmitter (22) for actuating a remote keyless entry system (19) emits a signal to actuate a function of the keyless entry system (19) such as unlocking doors (20) of the motor vehicle (10). A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed receiver (52) and a frequency shift keyed receiver (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system or the remote keyless entry system (19).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling access to remotely located equipment are disclosed. The method includes receiving a request at an access control module (ACM) from a host controller to provide a serial number associated with the ACM and communicating the serial number to the host controller. In response to communicating the serial number to the host controller, the ACM receives a calculated unique key from the host controller and compares the calculated unique key with a unique key stored in a microprocessor associated with the ACM. If the calculated unique key matches the stored unique key, the ACM generates an actuation signal and communicates the actuation signal to a fail-safe switch assembly in order to activate at least one component of an electronic locking structure.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A sensing system allow the lock box to determine whether the contents of the lock box have been replaced as well as ensuring the correct key or object has been returned. The system reports the status of the object back to the central clearinghouse computer through an electronic key or secure memory device.

Abstract: A wireless user interface is operable to interface with an industrial control system including a device operable to store a first password and a wireless interface module operable to store a second password. The wireless user interface includes a processing unit operable to prompt a user for the first and second passwords, connect to the wireless interface module using the second password, and establish a first connection through the wireless interface module to access the device using the second password.

Abstract: Controlling message handling in a mobile communication terminal. A message creation procedure is initiated followed by assigning a destination address to a message. Message content for the message is recorded and subsequent to the assignment of the destination address, a message received from an originating address is recognized. The originating address of the received message is compared with the destination address of the message being recorded. In a case where the comparison results in that the originating address is equal to the destination address the received message is displayed.

Abstract: A method of and system for acquiring data by a data reader from a transponder, such as in an RF proximity access card system, in which the data from the transponder does not require a preamble, framing bits or the like to denote the beginning of the data sequence. A radio frequency signal is continuously transmitted by the card reader to generate a radio frequency field. Once a transponder (such as one embedded in an access control card) enters the RF field, then response data is generated by the transponder and received by the card reader. The transmission of the radio frequency signal by the card reader is temporarily stopped on detection of the response data from the transponder, and then reinitiated by the card reader after it stops receiving response data from the transponder in order to regenerate the radio frequency field. The response data subsequently received from the transponder in the radio frequency field is then stored in memory.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes: a communication control device; a radio tag for communicating with the communication control device; an antenna for transmitting an incident wave; and a first reflective plate for reflecting the incident wave as a first reflected wave. The radio tag is disposed between the antenna and the first reflective plate. The radio tag communicates with the communication control device in a region, in which the incident wave and the first reflected wave are overlapped. The first reflective plate reflects the incident wave in such a manner that the first reflected wave has a polarization different from a polarization of the incident wave.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the RFID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the REID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and system of teaching identification codes for a tire pressure monitoring system includes the steps of transmitting a prompt signal that includes a location identifier. This prompt signal instructs the tire pressure monitoring sensor to transmit an initialization signal. The initialization signal includes the location identifier. A factory receiver is set up to recognize transmissions that include a corresponding location identifier. The receiver disregards all other transmissions that do not include the corresponding desired location identifier.

Abstract: A network system for generating predetermined alarm data pertaining to an electronic appliance and then transmitting the predetermined alarm data via an electronic appliance network module to a display apparatus is provided. A display network module of the display apparatus is connected to the electronic appliance network module via a network and receives the alarm data. A display control unit stores the alarm data in a storage if the alarm data are received via the display network module and controls the display of a predetermined alarm message which corresponds to the alarm data to notify the reception of the alarm data on a portion of the display. The alarm data can be displayed on a screen while the user views a displayed image without the displayed image being shielded by the alarm data which could abruptly appear on the currently displayed screen.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle alarm system includes an acceleration sensor acting as a tilt sensor, a microcomputer, a first power source for supplying a first voltage to the microcomputer, and a second power source for supplying a second voltage to the acceleration sensor. The microcomputer calculates a tilt angle of a vehicle from output of the acceleration sensor and activates an alarm in accordance with the tilt angle. If the second voltage is outside a predetermined voltage range, for example, due to a reduction in battery voltage, the microcomputer temporarily stops to activate the alarm to prevent a false alarm. The microcomputer monitors the second voltage not the battery voltage. Thus, even when the second voltage is outside the threshold range, for example, due to a breakdown in the second power source, the false alarm can be prevented.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus includes a laterally extending air channel within a block of foam or other crushable medium disposed between a bumper fascia and a rigid bumper frame element, and one or more airflow sensors for detecting airflow within the air channel. The air channel may be defined by a flexible hollow tube embedded within the crushable medium or by a molded-in air cavity in cases where the crushable medium is formed by molding. The measured airflow provides a measure of crush rate, and two or more airflow sensors may be distributed within the air channel to optimize impact detection response time and to identify the impact location.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge includes a dial with at least first and second ranges of markings. The first range of markings indicates one type of vehicle information and the second range of markings indicates another type of vehicle information. A single motor is used to move a common pointer between the first and second ranges of markings. A selector is to be operated by a user to select between the different types of vehicle information.

Abstract: Provided is a method which is free from falling into a state impossible for detecting inner pressure lowering of tires even when GPS signals cannot be received and capable of precisely detecting inner pressure lowering of tires. A method for alarming inner pressure lowering of tires comprising a step of receiving satellite electric wave utilized for GPS and then detecting inner pressure lowering of tires utilizing the information of the satellite electric wave, and a step of detecting inner pressure lowering of tires utilizing wheel speed information, wherein said method comprises a step of judging whether the judgment result of inner pressure lowering of tires detected in the respective steps is adopted or not.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, a wireless sensing system is disclosed, where the system has particular application to sensing the speed of a vehicle wheel, for example. To sense wheel speed, a sensing unit senses changes in magnetic flux and wirelessly relays a signal indicative thereof back to a base station or control unit.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a pressure sensor circuit (16A) that includes an ECU (95), a transmitter/receiver (90), and pressure sensor (94). A method of operating a tire pressure monitoring system includes calibrating a tire pressure sensor circuit in a first range and a second range and generating a first calibration data for the first range and second calibration data for the second range. The first calibration data and the second calibration data are stored in a memory of the tire pressure sensing circuit (16A). A data signal corresponding to the pressure is generated. The first or second calibration data is generated in response to the range of the data signal to form a selected calibration. The data signal is calibrated with the selected calibration to form a pressure indicative signal. The pressure indicative signal is transmitted to a receiver (28) within the vehicle (10) with a range status corresponding to the selected calibration.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system receiver includes a storage unit to store transmitter IDs associated with a plurality tire pressure monitoring system transmitters, a receiving unit to receive a transmitted tire pressure monitoring system telegram and a transmitted checksum, a calculating unit to calculate a test checksum from the received telegram and one of the stored IDs, a comparing unit to compare the test checksum with the transmitted checksum, and an identification unit to identify a source transmitter from the test checksum in response to finding a match between the test checksum and the transmitted checksum.

Abstract: A method for alerting a vehicle user to refuel prior to exceeding a remaining driving distance includes monitoring vehicle fuel conditions. The remaining driving distance of the vehicle is determined through analysis of the vehicle fuel conditions. The position of the vehicle is monitored, and the user is provided with a location of at least one refueling station within the remaining driving distance of the vehicle.

Abstract: An infant seat alarm system to both detect and alert the presence of an unattended infant in a vehicle comprises an infant seat having a sensor and a detector seat having a second sensor. The sensor is coupled to the second sensor and both sensors are coupled to a timer device. A power supply independent of a power supply of the vehicle powers the timer device. One or more alarms are coupled to the timer device. After a predetermined time the timer device actuates at least one of the alarms to emit an audible sound if the infant seat is occupied by an infant and the detector seat is unoccupied by a person. An external alarm may be coupled to the timer device. Additionally a switch operable by a person may be coupled to both the timer device and the sensor of the infant seat.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge for a vehicle instrument panel includes a single LCD having at least a first display configuration and a second display configuration different from the first display configuration. A pointer is selectively actuatable to operate within one of the first and the second display configurations. A selector is used to switch between the first and second display configurations.

Abstract: An emergency power shutdown management system (EPSMS) comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC), relays coupled to the outputs of the PLC for shutting down electrically operated equipment, and indicators for indicating the status of the EPSMS and the controlled equipment. The PLC receives input signals from a fire control panel including a 2nd alarm signal which is generated after the fire control panel has detected smoke, fire or an explosion with two or more detectors and a system discharge signal which is generated when the fire control panel triggers fire sprinklers or the release of other fire or explosion suppression agents. The PLC also receives an emergency power off (EPO) signal from an EPO switch which is activated to immediately shut down all electrically operated equipment and power distribution units in a protected area.

Abstract: Alarm system includes a controller, a single-wire loop connected to the controller, identification modules connected to the single-wire loop and attachments to or incorporated structures on or in the identification modules. Attachments or incorporated structures include digital and analog devices. Each identification module is programmed to provide a signal or report to the controller indicative of whether the associated device is in a normal state or in an alarm/trouble state. When analog devices are used, the identification modules may be designed not only to convert the analog readings to digital form but also to provide for a permitted range of variation in the sensor readings so that not all variations from a single, predetermined value of the condition being monitored by the sensor are considered indicative of a problem with the area being monitored by the sensor or a fault with the sensor.

Abstract: A system is provided for responding to chemical, biological and/or nuclear attacks in large areas such as cities, states and nations. The system protects the public before significant exposure occurs, utilizing a preventive approach rather than a purely reactive approach. Modeling may be conducted to selectively position sensors for the on-going collection of real-time detection data, such as contaminant types and concentrations, weather conditions, terrain data, dispersion data and the like. The detection data is compared to background data and modeled data to detect unsafe contaminant levels and immediately activate a response system. The integrated modeling and simulation component may function to interface with real-time data from the sensors providing integrated real-time plume depiction, prediction, and verification, as well as real-time response and mitigation. This is testable and serves as an advanced redundant scientific control.

Abstract: A passenger transportation system, in particular an elevator system or an escalator, includes an emergency-call system that has a plurality of telephones, a monitoring system that has a plurality of monitoring units for monitoring the functioning of the passenger transportation system, and a central control unit. The monitoring units are suitable for exchanging data between themselves and with the central control unit, the monitoring units, the central control unit, and the telephones being connected to each other via one and the same data conductor.

Abstract: A method and system for securing neighborhoods against crime. In one system, a short range wireless LAN technology, e.g., WiFi or WiMax, is employed to relay sensor information, including that from cameras, in real-time to a security server in a neighbor's house, which can significantly improve response time. The wireless LAN technology allows higher quality video to be captured by the on-site cameras, and relayed off-site in real-time, preserving the integrity of the data even if a burglar or intruder finds and destroys or steals the on-site security equipment. Modern IP monitoring may be employed to offer additional capabilities and reliability in these systems.

Abstract: A sensor for a system adapted to monitor the structural integrity of a building enters a power conserving sleep mode in which the supply of power is inhibited to nonessential functions, including sensing functions and radio functions. A real time clock on the sensor preferably prompts periodic wake up of the sensor from sleep mode, at which time the supply of power to the sensing functions and radio functions is resumed if indicated to perform monitoring and reporting of structural integrity information.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: A set of mutually intercommunicating units each include a transmitter arrangement and a receiver responsive to a single encoded signal. Each transmitter arrangement produces any one of the encoded signals other than its own. Each unit is associated with an important or valuable item, such as keys, cellphone, wallet/purse and the like, which are liable to being misplaced. To find a misplaced unit, any other unit is procured, and its transmitter code associated with the missing unit is energized. The missing unit responds to the transmitted code by annunciating, allowing it to be located.

Abstract: A portable instantaneous wireless event based photo identification and alerting security system ideally suited for mobile protection of property, spaces and people, and for protection in motor vehicles, residences, businesses and other commercial locations, either as a stand alone system or as an addition in whole or in part to existing security systems when an intruder enters into personal spaces, detection devices determine the intruder's presence and digital photographs are immediately taken, and securely transmitted to pre-determined recipients that may include an owner-operator, apprehending authorities or others. Time and date are annotated to these photographs. Furthermore, an audio message is sent to the owner-operator, apprehending authorities or others that the intrusion is occurring, also annotating this information with time and date, thus enabling an opportunity to respond immediately to the intrusion.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided having a door pivotable around the horizontal axis thereof and a switch arranged on the door. The switch is operable to generate an electric signal when a predetermined pivoting angle of the door is reached as the door is being opened. The dishwasher also includes a light source that illuminates the interior of the dishwashing machine, the light source being disposed in the interior of the dishwashing machine and being operably connected to the switch such that the light source is activated into an illuminated condition in response to the receipt of the electrical signal from the switch.

Abstract: An object (201) (such as a containment mechanism) supports both a functional electrical circuit (203) and an electrical circuit (202) to which the functional electrical circuit is responsive. In a preferred approach the functional electrical circuit has both a low power state of operation and a higher power state of operation. Upon detecting (104) that an area of connectivity of the electrical circuit has been severed (via, for example, corresponding manipulation of the object itself), the functional electrical circuit responsively operates (106) using the higher power state of operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve visualization of information associated with auto-ids (tag IDs). In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of processing auto-identification data comprising storing a plurality of tag identifications, storing a plurality of locations, wherein each tag identification is associated with at least one location, storing information having a plurality of attributes, wherein each tag identification is associated with one or more of said attributes, generating a hierarchy based on at least one location or at least one attribute associated with the plurality of tag identifications, and displaying at least a portion of the information and at least a portion of the locations associated with each tag identification as nested shapes corresponding to the hierarchy.

Abstract: A positioning terminal for generating position information of an object being transported includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) module for storing status information of the object relative to at least two predefined locations, and a communication module for sending position information of the object to a control center. A controller reads the status information from the RFID module at predefined intervals, and controls activation of the communication module based on the status information.

Abstract: A management system for semiconductor manufacturing equipment in a manufacturing facility is provided. The system includes a host computer communicating with a tracking server, the tracking server communicating with a wireless network adapted to communicate with a radio tag associated with a wafer cassette. The tracking server is adapted to receive status information from the radio tag via the wireless network, to derive location or movement information for the wafer cassette from the status information, and to determining an optimal transfer path for the wafer cassette through the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag security device that selectively enables the readability of a RFID tag in a passport or book. The device has an RFID tag on one page and at least one layer of conductive material on a different page such that the tag and conductor are in parallel planes when the book or passport is closed and separated when it is open. Multiple conductors may be used on covers or pages surrounding the tag such that the tag is sandwiched between conductive materials when the book or passport is closed and loose when the book or passport is open. Optionally, the tag can be coupled to one of the conductive layers with a spacer placed between the tag and conductor. A two-part RFID tag assembly is also disclosed to have strong adhesives on both sides and weak bonds to detachably couple the two parts together.

Abstract: A capacitor strap that is applied to a security tag coil or antenna to form and properly tune an EAS or an RFID security tag. The capacitor strap is a thin film capacitor formed of two metal foils in between which is a dielectric material having ends that are electrically coupled to different points of a security tag coil or antenna. The capacitor strap may include an RFID integrated circuit, either in series or in parallel with the capacitor, which is then applied to security tag coil at a particular location to tune the tag to a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A method for arranging items on a pallet is provided. The method comprises the steps of: identifying one or more items for inclusion on the pallet; retrieving the one or more items from a storage location; and arranging the one or more items on the pallet according to a build strategy, where the build strategy includes aisle position information within a store.

Abstract: An antenna rack assembly comprising a base, a top spaced apart from the base, at least two beam members, each fixedly attached at one end to the base and at another end to the top, for mounting at least one antenna component, and one or more covers removably attached to the beam members for covering components mounted to said beam members, the one or more covers having a curved contour and being made of a material suitable for radio frequency (RF) transmissions.

Abstract: A clip for an RFID transponder used in a security network based on RFID techniques. The clip includes a flexible, semi-rigid body engaging the RFID transponder via a slip or snap-in placement. The clip also includes an electrical contact interconnecting with an electrical contact of the RFID transponder, a mechanical member pressing on a switch of the RFID transponder, or both when the RFID transponder is placed into engagement with the clip. Such interconnecting or pressing enables enrollment of the RFID transponder with a controller of the security network. A related method of enrolling the RFID transponder in the security network, using the clip, is also provided.

Abstract: A personal locator beacon including: an outer case open at one end and an inner case having a major portion removably received within the outer case leaving a minor portion extending outside the outer case; a wireless transmitter and a power supply within the inner case; and a switch for automatically connecting the power supply to the wireless transmitter to thereby activate the wireless transmitter to transmit a signal when the major portion of the inner case is removed from the outer case.

Abstract: The present invention includes a lighting control system provided with two or more lighting devices and one or more illumination comparing devices; wherein the illumination comparing device supplies to the lighting devices a comparison result in which a sampled illumination of an arbitrary position and a target illumination are compared; the two or more lighting devices carry out a judgment based on the comparison result obtained from the illumination comparing device and repetitively increase/decrease their respective light intensities; and the illumination of the arbitrary position is substantially controlled to the target illumination, and with this lighting control system, a predetermined position can be controlled to a desired illumination.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of detecting the variations of speed (R) of a rotor characterized by the fact that it consists, in real time, in: measuring signals representative of the march-past of the teeth of a phonic wheel or of an equivalent means secured to the rotor for a determined duration (T), sampling, digitizing and storing the measurements performed to obtain an initial digital vector (B), extracting from the initial vector (B) a detection signal around a known disturbing frequency (F), comparing the detection signal with a predetermined threshold (SO) and delivering an alert message in the event of overshoot. The invention also pertains to a system for detecting such variations.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling the brightness of indicator lights used on portable information handling systems. Various embodiments of the invention optimize the output of the indicator lights in accordance with detected ambient light levels. The brightness of the indicator lights can be adjusted automatically in accordance with a fixed response curve or manually by user inputs. In some embodiments, the brightness is adjusted in accordance with user-designated preferences that are stored in a brightness preference table and correlated with detected ambient light levels.

Abstract: An energy supply unit for a measuring device for determining and/or monitoring a physical or chemical, process variable of a medium. Included is at least one voltage limiting unit and/or at least one current limiting unit in the energy supply unit, wherein the voltage limiting unit is embodied in such a manner that arising voltages remain under a value, which leads to an explosion in an explosion-endangered area, and wherein the current limiting unit is embodied in such a manner that arising currents and/or heatings associated therewith remain under a value, which leads to an explosion in an explosion-endangered area.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an indicating circuit for a computer includes a microcontroller receiving a plurality of signals from the computer, and transforming the signals into a plurality of control signals; and an indicator having at least two light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and controlled by the control signals, wherein the at least two LEDs have different colors. The at least two LEDs emit lights of various colors according to the various usage states of hard disk, or power states of the computer. So it is easy for users to see the states of the computer.