Abstract: A noncontact coupler comprising a pair of magnetic cores 1, 1 each having a U-shaped open magnetic path, a primary coil L1 and secondary coil L2 being wound around said cores 1, 1 separately respectively, said coupler transmitting AC electric power between said primary and secondary coils L1, L2 by means of an annular closed magnetic path B formed by opposing in proximity both open magnetic face sides of said cores, wherein said primary and secondary magnetic cores 1, 1 are respectively split at least at their sides facing to each other, and a gap forming a spatial magnetic path is interposed between said split pieces. A diameter a of a medium leg 51 positioned inside an annular groove 52 around in which the coils L1, L2 are wound (housed) is set almost equal to a width b of the annular groove 52. These provide effects of lightening a noncontact coupler while securing its performance and improving handleability with enhancing tolerance for positioning of the primary and secondary cores.

Abstract: A power inductor comprises a first magnetic core material having first and second ends. An inner cavity is arranged in the first magnetic core material and extends from the first end to the second end. A crossover conductor structure includes a first lead frame that passes through the inner cavity and that has a first terminal and a second terminal, a second lead frame passes through the inner cavity and has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first and second terminals of the first lead frame are located at first opposite diagonal corners of the inner cavity and the first and second terminals of the second lead frame are at second opposite diagonal corners of the cavity. An insulating material is located between the first and second lead frames.

Abstract: A coil form for forming an inductive element (10) includes a coil body (2) and at least one, for example three separating plates (3). The coil body (2) has an opening (4.1) and includes two portions, a coil portion (6) and a flange portion (7). To put the inductive element (10) together, the separating plates (3) are pushed over the coil portion (6) of the coil body (2). The separating plates (3) divide the surface of the coil portion (2) into a plurality of coil areas where the coil or the coils of the inductive component (10) can be provided, for example by winding an isolated wire around the coil portion (6) in a coil area. The separating plates are made of metal and form another coil of the inductive component. Afterwards, the core of the inductive component is installed by fitting the two E-shaped core parts (11.1, 11.2) together such that the middle leg (13) of each core part (11.1, 11.2) is inserted into the opening (4.1) of the core body (2).

Abstract: A transformer includes a primary winding coil, a plurality of electrically-conductive sheets, a bobbin and a magnetic core assembly. The bobbin includes a first tube member, a second tube member and plural partition plates. The first tube member and the second tube member have a first channel and a second channel therein, respectively. Each partition plate is sheathed around the first tube member and the second tube member and includes a receptacle for accommodating respective electrically-conductive sheet, and the primary winding coil is wound around the second tube member.

Abstract: A movable operating member 5 is swingably borne by the base 1, and its distal end is moved upward by allowing its proximal end 5b to be pressed downward. The movable contact 3 is separated from the stationary contact 2 upward by moving the distal end of the movable operating member 5 upward. The proximal end of the movable operating member 5 is pressed downward by a guide pin 6 in response to a reverse action of a bimetal 7. When a reset shaft 8 is pushed upward, the movable contact 3 is pressed upward, and the guide pin 6 is pressed upward so that the bimetal 7 can be returned to an initial state.

Abstract: A high-voltage resistor element which is superior to heat resistance, dielectric breakdown strength, vibration resistance and durability performance, and is advantageous to maintenance, inspection, adjustment, replacement and repair, is made up of: a cylindrical outer tube made of metal; a resistive heat-generating wire in a coiled shape tensionally extending between inner ends of electrode rods inserted respectively from both ends of the outer tube; an insulating material filing up a space between the resistive heat-generating wire with the electrode rods and the internal surface of the outer tube and fired; and insulating sleeves extractably encasing and anchored in the portions adjacent to the both ends of the outer tube penetratingly bridging between arrangement boards.

Abstract: A biometric key having a key body incorporating a biometric sensor. There is also provided a receptor body for engagement with the biometric key, wherein the reader has a slot for retention of the key. When the key engages with the receptor body, a signal representing a biocode of data generated by the biometric sensor is forwarded to processing means for granting access to an authorised user to a facility accessible by the biometric key.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice controlled reminder system, wherein a programmable device automatically reminds the intended receiver of a future event, without any extraordinary action on the part of the recipient, thus enabling the user to, via a telephone, leave a message on a recording unit, specifying a date for message delivery, wherein the message is stored in a microprocessor until the programmed date, whereupon when motion is detected by the motion detector, the microprocessor audibly announces the reminder message.

Abstract: A contactless IC card includes a reference voltage circuit, a judging circuit for monitoring a reference voltage that is outputted from the reference voltage circuit, and a power supply stabilization, unit. The judging circuit judges whether the reference voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage. When the reference voltage does not reach the predetermined voltage, the power supply stabilization unit supplies energy to the power supply to suppress a steep increase in the power supply voltage, thereby stabilizing the power supply in the contactless IC card and suppressing deterioration of the signal quality.

Abstract: A variable candela strobe unit couples a substantially constant trigger voltage to a trigger electrode of a gas discharge tube irrespective of the voltage provided across the tube which is specified by a selected candela output value. The trigger voltage is great enough at low candela output settings to provide reliable triggering. It is not high enough even at the highest output settings to cause arcing of the associated step-up transformer.

Abstract: Diagnostic data associated with a latch can be generated in response to automatically analyzing the latch. A graphical user interface is provided for graphically displaying the diagnostic data within a display area thereof. Additionally, a communications link between the graphical user interface and the latch can be implemented over which latch operational and functionality feedback information is communicated to the latch, in response to user input provided to the graphical user interface. The latch can be automatically analyzed in response to user input provided through the graphical user interface. Additionally, the latch can be automatically analyzed during latch operations thereof.

Abstract: A method for a detecting position of a lane marker relating to the present invention obtains an integral brightness by taking an image of a road surface (4) by a camera (2) loaded on a vehicle (3), converting the image taken by the camera (2) into an overlooked image and by integrating a brightness of a coordinate of a direction X which is in a direction perpendicular to a road width direction Y of the road surface (4) shown in the overlooked image which is converted. Thereafter, the method carries out a detection of a lane marker position provided on the road surface (4) by obtaining a position of the road surface (4) corresponding to the coordinate of the road width direction Y indicating a high integral brightness from a distribution of the detected integral brightness.

Abstract: Whether or not a radar device detects an object is determined by a detection state determinator. Whether or not a time during which the object is not detected and which is measured by a clocking device becomes a determination threshold value or more, is determined by a non-detection determinator. Based on the determination results, an informing device informs an occupant that the object is not detected for a predetermined time or more. Therefore, a state in which the radar device does not detect an object due to absence of the object on a road in a desert or the like is prevented from being erroneously determined as a state caused by contamination of the radar device. Also, the occupant can easily determine whether the operation of the informing device is actually caused by absence of an object or contamination of the radar device, based on the environment around the road on which the own vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining pressure within a tire mounted to a vehicle, wherein the tire is coupled to a tire pressure monitoring system including a sensor coupled to a transmitter, the sensor configured to sense tire pressure and the transmitter configured to transmit the sensed tire pressure to a receiver. First, a first tire pressure is sensed. Then, a calculation is made as to whether the sensed first tire pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure threshold, equal to the predetermined pressure threshold, or less than the predetermined pressure threshold. Next, an indication is provided external to the vehicle that the sensed first tire pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure range, within the predetermined pressure range, or less than the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: A multi-wheel highway vehicle for transporting passengers, cargo or both has a plurality of wheels supporting the vehicle with the wheels having pneumatic tires mounted thereon, at least one transducer connected to one of the wheels for sensing pressure in a tire mounted on the wheel and providing a output signal indicative of the pressure, a comparator mounted on the wheel receiving the output signal provided by the transducer for comparing the output signal from the transducer to a reference and providing a second output signal indicative of the comparison and a transmitter carried by the vehicle receiving the second output signal provided by the comparator for sending tire pressure information derived from the second output signal to a remote locale, optionally together with information identifying the vehicle and/or the location of the vehicle and/or the speed and/or the direction of travel of the vehicle and/or the identity of the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether an occupant is in a vehicle, based on a capacitance measured within the vehicle; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is sensed in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) beginning from the instant the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: A two-step control signal device is mounted on an automobile and has a turn signal, a U-turning signal and a two-step control circuit. The turn signal has base having a recess and a turn light. The turn light is mounted in the recess. The U-turn signal is mounted on the base and has a circuit board and multiple U-turn lights. The circuit board is mounted on the base and is connected electrically to the turn light. The U-turn lights are mounted electrically on the circuit board around the recess. The two-step control circuit is connected electrically to the turn signal and the U-turn signal, operates the turn signal when in a turn step and operates simultaneously the turn signal and the U-turn signal when in a U-turn step. The operating U-turn signal warns other automobiles nearby that the automobile is making a U-turn.

Abstract: An alarm system includes a miniature camera (10), a loudspeaker (20), a vehicle speed sensor (30), a longitudinal G sensor (40), a lateral G sensor (50) and an on-vehicle unit (60). A CPU (60a) of the on-vehicle unit (60) executes respective programs (61)–(64) in a ROM (60h), thereby outputting, if a traveling distance during a period for which a driver D continues to take an abnormal behavior exceeds a predetermined value when a traveling state of an automobile is kept stable, an alarm corresponding to a magnitude of the excess over the predetermined value from the loudspeaker (20). The alarm system is thus configured and is therefore capable of exactly outputting the alarm when a danger actually rises.

Abstract: A safety lighting system comprising an H-field backscatter generator adapted to receive at least one electrical signal indicating the application of electrical power to at least one light circuit and comprising means for encoding and transmitting at least one encoded signal; a magnetic coupling receiver located separately from the H-field backscatter generator and adapted to receive the first encoded signal; and a light display electrically connected to the magnetic coupling receiver, the light display comprising at least one illuminatable lamp.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus that monitors and records the status and cargo inventory of a shipping container. The shipping container includes a container control unit that records and monitors the status and inventory particular to that container. Sensors are provided within the container to determine the container status. A piezoceramic actuator provides power to rechargeable batteries in the container control unit. Thus the container includes a self contained power source. A bridge control unit monitors and records the status and inventory of every container on a vessel. A remote control unit monitors and records the status and inventory of every container worldwide.

Abstract: Referee's wireless horn indicator system for aiding a referee in accurately officiating in a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes the official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by the control circuit for sending a radio signal to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance on the wrist, and includes a radio receiver and a sensory stimulating device such as a vibrator, both battery powered. Upon the official time clock reaching zero, a signal is sent by the transmitter to the radio receiver which then activates the sensory stimulating device to impart a tactual signal to the referee, thereby apprizing him of the expiration of the time period.

Abstract: A security system that secures a building includes a weather detector for detecting weather conditions, such as thunder or high winds, which are likely to cause false alarms in sensors such as an acoustic glass break sensor, shock sensor and vibration sensor. The weather detector may include a sensing component that senses atmospheric conditions external to the building, such as temperature, pressure, wind speed and/or lightning. The weather detector may also include a component for receiving a data communication, such as from a radio, Internet, or telephone link, indicating that the weather condition is present in a vicinity of the building. The security system operates in a bad weather mode by requiring corroboration of intrusion detection signals from the sensors that can cause false alarms.

Abstract: A child detection system for a child seat includes a pressure sensor is adapted for detecting when weight is positioned on the presser sensor. The pressure sensor is selectively positioned within a seat cushion of a restraining seat. A primary processor is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. The primary processor is adapted for is electrically coupled to a vehicle computer system of a vehicle in which is positioned the restraining seat. A sound emitter for emitting an audible sound is operationally coupled to the primary processor. The primary processor turns on the sound emitter for at least 3 seconds when the pressure sensor senses a weight thereon and the vehicle computer system determines that a driver's side door of the vehicle is open.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a primary signaling doorbell assembly that includes a sound emitter, an actuator electrically coupled to the sound emitter, and a transmitter electrically coupled to the actuator that is adapted for sending a wireless signal. A power supply is electrically coupled to the actuator. A plurality of secondary signaling assemblies is provided. Each of the secondary signaling assemblies includes a receiver adapted for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a signal member electrically coupled to the receiver, and a power supply electrically coupled to the transmitter and signal member. The signal member is adapted for signaling a person when the receiver receives the wireless signal.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting theft of a computer. A portable device is provided to wirelessly communicate with a theft deterrent function of the computer at a set frequency. In response to an increased distance between the portable device and the computer, a scan rate controller can automatically increase the scan rate for the wireless communication signal.

Abstract: A space safety apparatus monitoring a volume of space encompassing a field of view (FOV) for detecting an intrusion including a gas or vapor, and includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) having mirror elements in a mirror array for reflecting infra-red (IR) energy beam collected from the FOV and an IR energy detector for detecting the IR energy reflected by the MEMS array and converting the IR energy to an output signal. A processor adjusts an angle of an element of the MEMS mirror array by varying a control signal, or by switching from one to another focusing element. The method includes detection in a volume of space by positioning a MEMS mirror array to reflect IR signal with respect to active elements of an IR detector; and collecting IR energy from an ith portion of the FOV.

Abstract: The present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter. The sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites. Alternatively, the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit. When the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a magnetic event signal is generated. Threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station. The output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor.

Abstract: A human body detection sensor includes two oscillation circuits, a tuning circuit which connects equivalent points of the two oscillation circuits to each other, an antenna electrode which is connected to any one of the oscillation circuits so that a change in circuit state occurs upon approach of a human body, and a wave detector circuit for detecting a shift of oscillation between the two oscillation circuits.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting and rewarding the return of supermarket carts or luggage carts taken from a cart stand. Each cart is provided with a contactless, preferably optically identifiable, individual mark, by which the cart is identified when it is returned to a cart stand. In addition, the identifying mark on the cart changes when the cart is brought back to the cart stand, from an active state, in which the mark can be identified, to a passive state, in which the mark cannot be identified, or vice-versa. In addition to the presence of a returned cart, the invention enables the correct positioning of a cart in a row of nested carts to be identified in a contactless and automatic manner.

Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A tracking system (10) for tracking movable assets (16) and a method for using the system are provided. The tracking system includes a monitoring device (22), a tracking information network (20), a data communication network (18), a tracker tag (12), and a tracking information server (14). The tracker tag operates independent from the asset and uses GPS technology. The tracking information server provides tracking information and related information to a subscriber. The method is for tracking the movable asset and providing tracking information to the subscriber. In one embodiment, the tracker tag is in communication with an Iridium satellite constellation (28) and the tracking information is displayed to the subscriber when the asset is substantially anywhere in the world.

Abstract: In a tag reader/writer 10 according to the present invention, first, a temporary ID receiver 11 receives a temporary ID unit of temporary IDs of RFID tags 41–44, and 47 detected by another tag reader/writer 20, and stores them into a temporary ID storage DB 12. When the tag reader/writer 10 detects RFID tags 41, 43, 45, 46, and 48 within a communication area of its own, a temporary ID acquirer 13 thereof acquires temporary IDs of those RFID tags and stores them into the temporary ID storage DB 12. Thereafter, the tag reader/writer 10 makes a temporary ID comparator 14 compare temporary ID units stored, to specify a temporary ID corresponding to a difference between them, based on the result of the comparison. When the temporary ID is a decrease, it is determined to be a lost article, and a message of the lost article is sent. When the temporary ID is an increase, it is determined to be a newly purchased article, and related advertisement information is provided.

Abstract: A system for locating an object within a monitored environment includes receivers arranged in loosely coupled networks. A tag transmitter acts as a network node and bridge between the loosely coupled networks. A processor is operative with each receiver within each network for defining a clock timing for each network, a system time for all networks, and tracking its relationship to the clock timing for each network for time synchronizing all receivers. The processor is also operative for conducting differentiation of time of arrival signals received from a tag transmitter to locate an object associated with the tag transmitter.

Abstract: A RFID system applying to a three-dimensional jigsaw is provided. The RFID system includes a jigsaw substrate having a plurality of blocks, a plurality of jigsaw units corresponding to each blocks of the jigsaw substrate, a RFID reader having a plurality of antennas positioned in a position of each blocks of the jigsaw substrate, and a plurality of tags positioned in a position of each face of a three-dimensional jigsaw unit corresponding to the positions of the antennas, wherein the RFID reader communicates to the tags using modulated radio signals through the antennas and the tags respond with modulated radio signals in order to determine whether the orientation of the three-dimensional jigsaw unit is correct or not.

Abstract: An automated reading system for associating an RFID tag and product information includes a conveyor belt for moving a product having an RFID tag and a bar code. The system also includes an RFID scanner and a bar code scanner for reading information on the product as it travels down the conveyor belt. A collecting device is used for receiving the product, and a computer having a database is used for recording the association between the RFID tag and the product information.

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic component includes an information storage device that contains information related to the component. In the preferred embodiment, the information storage device is an RFID tag that is embedded within the component or within a housing that is configured to be removably engaged to the component. The RFID tag can be pre-loaded with information related only to the implant, or can be configured to allow additional surgery or patient specific information to be added by the caregiver at the time and point of surgery.

Abstract: An identity booklet such as a passport including a reinforced paper cover made up of a top cover board (16) and bottom cover board (14), an inside quire whose top (22) and bottom (20) flyleaves are laminated respectively at the back of the top cover board and in front of the bottom cover board and a radio frequency identification device (RFTD) made up of a chip (12) and an antenna connected to the terminals of the chip. The antenna includes a first part of the antenna (10) placed on the surface of the top and/or bottom cover board designed to be laminated with the corresponding flyleaf and a second part of the antenna placed on the surface of the top and/or bottom flyleaf designed to be laminated with the corresponding cover board, the first and second parts of the antenna being connected to constitute the antenna when the flyleaves are laminated with the cover boards.

Abstract: An electronic bait station utilising the disruption of an electromagnetic field to detect the movement of insects or small animals within the station. The bait station consists of a housing, with at least one cavity having an electromagnetic radiation element generating an electromagnetic field in the cavity, and an electromagnetic receiving element detecting the electromagnetic field. Movement of an insect or small animal in the cavity causes a change in the electromagnetic field, which is detected. The preferred bait station comprises an outer cavity and a coaxial inner cavity, each with an electromagnetic field. This arrangement allows the direction of movement of insects and small animals to be determined and minimises the occurrence of spurious signals.

Abstract: A motion responsive swimming pool safety device that has a control panel. A perimeter laser electrically is connected to the control panel. The perimeter laser is located peripheral to the swimming pool and generates a perimeter laser beam. A perimeter sensor is electrically connected to the control panel. The perimeter sensor is located peripherally to the swimming pool and is capable of sensing the perimeter laser beam. A perimeter alert is electrically connected to the control panel. The perimeter alert is capable of alarming upon interruption of the perimeter laser beam to the perimeter sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition interlock system includes a breath analyzer and a controller operably connected to the breath analyzer and to an ignition system of the vehicle. The breath analyzer detects the breath alcohol level of a vehicle operator and is configured to prevent vehicle ignition if a breath alcohol level is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The controller requires the vehicle operator to periodically take breath analyzer “retests” after vehicle ignition in order to allow vehicle operation to continue. The breath analyzer also detects the presence of alcohol within the vehicle, such as alcohol emanating from an open container of alcohol. The controller may override one or more periodic retests if alcohol is not detected within the vehicle over a predetermined period of time. In addition, the controller may increase the frequency of periodic retests of the vehicle operator in response to detecting alcohol within the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting water leaks is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors, selected from a moisture sensor, a water level sensor, and/or a water temperature sensor. A processor collects moisture readings from the sensors. In one embodiment, the processor reports a possible water leak when a moisture sensor detects moisture above a moisture threshold value. In one embodiment, the processor report a water leak when the water level reading exceeds a water threshold value and/or when the temperature reading exceeds a temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A fire alarm system is provided including a controller having a signaling delay, a plurality of smoke and/or heat detectors, a plurality of audible devices which may include sirens, public announcement devices and the like, and a plurality of visible devices which may include strobes, fluorescent lighting and the like. The system provides a directional path to areas of safety for occupants in harms way.

Abstract: An alarm annunciator, particularly a gas or fire annunciator, having a casing mountable on a wall or a ceiling, which contains an alarm detector, which is in wireless connection with the surroundings of the casing via at least one opening, an electronic circuitry for the evaluation of the signals of the alarm detector, a wireless module, connected to the electronic circuitry and having an antenna for wireless receiving or sending signals to/from a sending/receiving station, and a battery for the power supply of the electronic circuitry and the wireless module, characterised in that a metallic protection screen covering the opening is designed as an antenna and is connected with the antenna output socket of the wireless module.

Abstract: Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative postion(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a device (10) for identifying a person or an object. The device (10) includes a transparent body (42), and embedded within the transparent body (42), a printed circuit board (PCB) (46), a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (48) electrically connected to the PCB (46), and a diffuser (16). The diffuser (16) is arranged to diffuse light emitted from the LEDs (48) thereby to illuminate the transparent body (42) to form a light source for identifying a person or an object attached to the device (10).

Abstract: A system and method for a communication apparatus to provide advanced features such as communication channel mobility, billing options for communication charges (for instance reverse billing), and definable accessibility controls. A subscriber apparatus (for instance a wireless communication apparatus) includes pager (such as a page phone) or radiotelephone functions. A caller calls the subscriber apparatus. The caller gains two-way communication with the subscriber apparatus. The subscriber apparatus may include a radio frequency power level monitor to control movement of a communication channel of the subscriber apparatus from a first communication system (for instance a regular cellular system) to a second communication system (for instance a local loop).

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a remote control to command the operation of appliances, to capture demographic data, and to provide services, such as automated warranty registration, instructions, viewing guides, etc., relevant to the appliances is provided. The system includes a database and associated server that are located remotely from the remote control and accessible via a network connection. Command codes, graphical user interface elements, and services are accessed and downloaded to the remote control, as appropriate, using data supplied to the server that identifies the appliances and/or functional capabilities of the appliances. This data can be supplied by the appliances directly or can be obtained from other sources such as barcode labels, network devices, etc.

Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for displaying terrain data symbology for an aircraft. The apparatus is a heads-down display for an aircraft having a monitor configured to generate a display and a processor coupled to the display. The display has a centerline. The processor is configured to align the centerline of the display with a track of the aircraft, and generate on the display a first symbol corresponding to a terrain and a second symbol corresponding to an attitude of the aircraft. The processor is further configured to position the first symbol and the second symbol with reference to the track of the aircraft.