Abstract: An integrated inductor formed on a substrate comprises a metal layer pattern, a via layer pattern overlapping and electrically connected to the metal layer, and a redistribution layer pattern overlapping and electrically connected to the via layer. The metal layer pattern, the via layer pattern, and the redistribution layer pattern are a coil pattern.

Abstract: An inductive component comprises a plurality of planar inductive elements connected in parallel and disposed adjacent each other in respective parallel planes so as to have a common magnetic axis. Each element comprise at least one turn of a planar conductor and the elements are separated from each other by one or more insulators. The elements are connected together by interconnections at one or more intermediate points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformer with a coil body accommodating at least one primary coil and one secondary coil. It is the object of the present invention to provide a transformer which, using the smallest possible amount of high-grade insulation material, ensures good insulation while remaining compact and easily assembled. The object is achieved by a transformer of the above type which is characterized in that the coil body comprises at least one primary part, accommodating the primary coil, and one secondary part, accommodating the secondary coil, and wherein at least one section of the primary part can be covered by at least one section of the secondary part. This section of the secondary part performs the function of the fire-protection housing for the primary part of the transformer.

Abstract: A current transformer core has a ratio of the core outside diameter Da to the core inside diameter Di of <1.5, a saturation magnetostriction ?s of=|4| ppm, a circular hysteresis loop with 0.50=Br/Bs 0.85 and an Hcmax=20 mA/cm. The current transformer core is made of a soft magnetic iron alloy in which at least 50% of the alloy structure is occupied by fine-crystalline particles with an average particle size of 100 nm or less, and the iron-based alloy comprises, in essence, one combination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece fuse insert made from a stamped flat piece of sheet, in particular of a zinc sheet, the contacts of which are connected by a connector piece, forming a fusing conductor, whereby at least a part of the connector piece is flattened such that the thickness thereof is reduced by a certain amount, relative to the original thickness of the sheet. According to the invention, the one-piece fuse insert is produced from a strip of sheet, in particular, zinc sheet, transported longitudinally through machining tools, by means of which the contour of the fuse insert is produced from the strip, which comprises contacts and a connector piece, connecting said contacts. The connector piece is then thinned by stamping with a given force.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a first layer of doped material may be provided to form a resistor. A second layer of undoped material may then be formed on the first layer. The first layer might comprise, for example, a layer of doped silicon carbide while the second layer comprises a layer of undoped silicon carbide. The resistance of the resistor may then be measured to determine a temperature.

Abstract: A small inexpensive two terminal variable resistance assembly that conveniently changes its resistance when a force of an actuator is applied. It can be made for power applications as well as in miniature dimension versions in values from milli-ohms to meg-ohms. This variable resistor increases its power handling capacity during a decrease in its ohmic value, contrary to present three terminal potentiometers or reostats. It does this by a rolling action that increases or decreases two resistive surface areas in parallel. It could also be used as a variable capacitor.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a device including the steps of operating the device to create at least one failure condition; obtaining a measurement based on the at least one failure condition; and, comparing the measurement based on the at least one failure condition with a previously stored measurement based on the at least one failure condition to determine an identity of the device. An apparatus and an article of manufacture for authenticating a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A padlock having a body and a shackle having two ends, one end of the shackle being rotatably secured within the body, the other end of the shackle being releasable from the body when the padlock is unlocked; the padlock comprising: a biometric interface disposed in a bottom wall defined in a base of the body, the interface including a fingerprint scanner and a user access interface; a biometric validation module disposed within the body and communicated to the biometric interface for processing a biometric profile from the fingerprint scanner and for indicating a status with the user access interface, the biometric validation module asserting a lock control signal responsive to processing of the biometric profile; and a mechanical interface, coupled to the biometric validation module and to a latch, for controlling a mode of the padlock responsive to a lock control signal from the biometric validation module, the mode including the unlocked mode in which the latch releases the shackle and the locked mode whe

Abstract: Remote control signaling may be conveyed using a spread spectrum link and/or a non-spread spectrum link. Enabling link interfaces (such as corresponding transmitters, receivers, or transceivers) to support this flexibility are provided in a shared housing and couple as appropriate to a remote control signal platform. A corresponding apparatus may comprise a housing having disposed therein a first radio frequency transmitter such as a spread spectrum transmitter and a second radio frequency transmitter such as a non-spread spectrum transmitter. This housing can further contain a remote control signal controller that operably couples to at least one of the first and second radio frequency transmitters. As another example, a corresponding apparatus may comprise a housing having disposed therein a first radio frequency receiver comprising a spread spectrum receiver and a second radio frequency receiver comprising a non-spread spectrum receiver.

Abstract: Provided is a power control method for a mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader and an RFID reader using the same. The RFID reader includes: an RFID reader transmission/reception control unit for creating a message to be transmitted to an RFID tag and transmitting RFID tag information to a terminal control unit; a reader transmitting unit for encoding and modulating the created message; a power amplifier for amplifying an output signal; a reader receiving unit for demodulating and decoding the signal and transmitting the signal to the RFID reader transmission/reception control unit; and an RFID reader power control unit for controlling power, wherein when the RFID reader transmission/reception control unit receives a command for acquiring the RFID tag information, the RFID reader power control unit applies power to the power amplifier.

Abstract: A multiple RFID reader system for controlling operations of multiple RFID readers is provided. To minimize radio interference between multiple RFID readers, when a new RFID reader connects to the system, the system calculates probabilities of radio interference between the new RFID reader and already connected RFID readers and creates a radio interference logical operation list using the calculated radio interference probabilities. When it has been requested that the new RFID reader be activated, the system compares the created radio interference logical operation list with a list of currently running RFID readers and decides whether or not to activate the new RFID reader based on the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for optimizing an interrogation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag population. An RFID reader sets an initial number of time slots used to interrogate a population of tags. The reader does not previously know the size of the tag population. The reader monitors responses of tags for one or more time slots of an interrogation round to collect statistical data, estimates a number of tags in the population based on the statistical data, and determines a new number of time slots based on the estimated number of tags. The reader adjusts the number of time slots accordingly for a subsequent interrogation round. The reader may repeat this process as needed to converge closer to the actual number of tags in the population, and an acceptable number of time slots, to enhance an efficiency of the process of interrogating the tag population.

Abstract: A method, algorithm, architecture, circuits, and/or systems for EAS, HF, UHF, and RFID designs suitable for multi-tag read applications using TTF anti-collision schemes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tag for wirelessly communicating with a reader can include: (i) a memory portion with an identifier, the memory having at least one printed layer; and (ii) a circuit for providing a bit string followed by a predetermined silent period, where the bit string is related to the identifier. The tag can include pre-programmed memory bits (e.g., bits the value of which is programmed by printing), or alternatively, memory bits formed by conventional photolithography, but having connections made using printing technology to form the identifier, for example. A unique identifier for each tag or device used in a system under a given set of operating conditions can allow a reader to distinguish between them based on a length and/or value of a bit string, for example.

Abstract: Contactless transmission of data for a number of information carriers uses a reader connected alternately at time intervals with a number of antennas, to send polling signals to information carriers and/or to receive information signals from the information carriers. If the connection between the reader and an antenna initially connected with the reader is broken, then simultaneously this antenna that has been disconnected from the reader is connected with at least one further energy source transmitter, in order to continue to supply the information carriers that are in the energy field of this antenna and which have already been read out and/or switched to “silent” or “inactive” with energy to maintain this state.

Abstract: System, methods and computer program product are provided for an adaptive control for adjusting the electromagnetic interrogation signal of an RFID transceiver where said signal is used to read and/or write to an RFID transponder, or to adjust the gain of the RFID transceiver, or adjust both the gain and the signal strength. The system includes a RFID transceiver having at least a transmitter portion and a receiver portion and capable of generating electromagnetic signals, a signal-to-noise ratio module, and an adaptive control module that adjusts the power of the electromagnetic signal of the transmitter portion or the gain of the receiver portion according to the signal-to-noise ratio of a first electromagnetic signal. In one embodiment the system may be employed in printer-encoder devices for reading or encoding RFID transponders during a printing process.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a system of vehicle abnormality notification in which predetermined information is transmitted to a predetermined subject when an abnormality in the vehicle state is detected in a vehicle are constructed so that even when an abnormality in the vehicle state has been detected in the vehicle, the aforementioned predetermined information is not transmitted to the predetermined subject if the vehicle is in a predetermined area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for vehicle security implemented in a vehicle (106). The method includes scanning one or more fingers of a user of the vehicle (106) by using a scanner (102). Based on the information received from the scanner (102), a controller (104) determines the security mode to be implemented in the vehicle (106). The determined security mode is then implemented by the controller (104), thereby making the vehicle (106) secure.

Abstract: Vehicle with integrated keyless entry system and component monitoring capabilities includes at least one door assembly each having a door, an interrogator arranged to transmit waves, a processor coupled to the interrogator and each door assembly, a portable identification device for keyless entry into the vehicle which responds to waves transmitted by the interrogator to generate waves or modify the transmitted waves which contain an identification signal, and at least one sensor system arranged to sense a property of the vehicle or of a component of the vehicle. Each sensor system responds to waves transmitted by the interrogator to generate waves or modify the transmitted waves which contain data about the sensed property. The processor unlocks or locks the door and monitors the sensed property of the vehicle or component based on waves generated or modified by the portable identification device and each sensor system and received by the interrogator.

Abstract: A security system and method using a Bluetooth communication function of a mobile terminal are provided. In the security system, a mobile terminal is configured to receive a satellite signal, enable a Bluetooth communication module when the mobile terminal is located within a communication zone where Bluetooth communication with a security apparatus is possible, transmit a Bluetooth address to the security apparatus, and request an unlocking of the security apparatus by transmitting security information to the security apparatus when communication is permitted. The security apparatus is configured to receive the Bluetooth address from the mobile terminal, and receive the security information from the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is authenticated, such that the security apparatus is unlocked.

Abstract: A collision prevention detector (22), and a method therefor, to be mounted on a vehicle (10), transmits a sequence of transmissions of IR signals. The signals are transmitted in sequences alternating between at least one at the right and to the left positioned LED (24, 26, 34, 36), when both signals provide a return/reflected signal to IR-receiver an object (12) is determined as present within the area/zone from the point where the transmitted signals intersect/cross. Sequencing of signals makes it possible to position a return signal from an object (12), as one of the signals has to confirm the other signal to provide a warning signal. Moreover, a first set of LED's detects objects in a near-field zone (40) of the vehicle, and a second set detects objects beyond the first field in a far-field zone (42), whereby at least two sets of the LED's are positioned to the right and to the left.

Abstract: A system for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors and cameras for detecting approach distances of the object and capturing the object in the rear area and the side areas of the vehicle. A control code generating unit calculates distance values from the sensed distances to produce a predetermined control code corresponding to a minimum distance and a control unit generates a monitoring image by operating any one of the cameras based on the control code to produce an OSD image adapted for warning an object's approach. The OSD image is mixed with the monitoring image to display the mixed result.

Abstract: Driver assist systems for monitoring blind zones are known from the state-of-the-art. The requirements placed upon the reliability of this type of driver assist system is very high, and as a result these systems known from the state-of-the-art frequently trigger false warnings. For this reason, a process for blind zone monitoring in motor vehicles is proposed, wherein information is detected from the vehicle environment in order to recognize other traffic participants. Under the condition of an intent to carry out a lane change and the presence of other traffic participants in the blind zone of the own vehicle, a driver warning is emitted. Before a driving warning can however occur a check is carried out with respect to whether a lane change can even be carried out on the basis of the traffic infrastructure. Driving warnings are suppressed in the case that as a result of the check a lane change is not possible or permissible.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.

Abstract: A fault detection system comprises a data server configured to collect parameters incoming from at least one apparatus, at least one fault-sensing module configured to generate an alarm signal if the parameter exceeds a predetermined specification, a monitoring module configured to restart the fault-sensing module if the fault-sensing module operates abnormally, and a remote controller configured to control the data server, the fault-sensing module, and the monitoring module.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for communicating a signal output from a wireless sensor to a processor on a mobile platform upon interruption of wireless communications with the processor. The wireless sensor is signally connected to a local processor operative to wirelessly communicate with the processor. A second sensor is signally connected to first and second inputs of the processor via an electrical cable. The local processor is operative to selectively interrupt signal transmission from the second sensor to the processor effective to identify the wireless sensor and effective to communicate the wireless sensor signal via the second input of the processor.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connection to a sensor has an integrated microcontroller, with a plug-and-socket connection for connection to an interface of the sensor and with an electronic circuit. With the connector, the data of a sensor, especially the parameter data, can be mirrored outside the sensor in a simple and economical manner so that the data are available at any time and as much as possible on site. The electronic circuit has a memory for storage of data, especially parameter data and characteristic data of the sensor, and a microcontroller, the microcontroller operating the interface of the sensor, and depending on the characteristic data of the sensor, either reading data, especially parameter data, out of the sensor via the interface and storing it in the memory, or reading data stored in the memory, especially parameter data, out of the memory and transmitting them via the interface into the sensor.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional power distribution line communication. The system is configured for data communication with an endpoint transceiver located at a customer premise. The system comprises a time server in electrical communication with the transceiver, the time server configured to retrieve the time. A substation controller is in electrical communication with a power distribution line. The substation controller includes a transceiver and a programmable circuit. The programmable circuit includes a substation clock. The programmable circuit is programmed to periodically retrieve the time from the time server to calibrate the substation clock to the retrieved time, and to control the transceiver to transmit the time to the endpoint transceiver.

Abstract: A system whereby emergency personnel can select individuals within a specified time and geography to send emergency messages via GPS and AGPS enabled mobile communication devices that have been registered by those individuals to receive such messages.

Abstract: A system for tracking, graphically selecting and interacting with people, vehicles and/or equipment (“Mobile Units”) employs a tracked device attached to Mobile Unit capable of collecting information relating to the Mobile Unit to which it is attached and for communicating this digital information via radio waves to a base connected to a network. A number of servers are connected to the bases through a hierarchy network and can selectively display the monitored locations graphically. The user may also graphically select Mobile Units with which to communicate and/or control remotely. The system is well adapted for creating a hierarchy structure which can potentially track numerous people, vehicles, equipment across a country or globally.

Abstract: An automatic doorbell driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system. The automatic doorbell driver comprising coupling means for coupling the automatic doorbell driver to the conventional doorbell system; power supply means for supplying power to the automatic doorbell driver; sensing means for sensing an object in a proximity zone; and switching means responsive to the sensing means for coupling power to, and thereby controlling the energization and de-energization of, the primary load of the conventional doorbell system; whereby the automatic doorbell driver can easily convert the conventional doorbell system into an automatic doorbell system.

Abstract: The present invention the present invention relates to methods and systems for performing security screening using trays and a cart to facilitate the management and flow of those trays.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A door latch position system includes a magnet on a wheel that fits over the hub of the latch and a Hall effect sensor with a circuit board that is mounted on the vehicle body. Alternatively, the magnet and Hall sensor can both be attached to the circuit board, and a metal piece can be overmolded onto a cam portion of the wheel. In either case, the signal from the Hall sensor represents the position of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A method for applying at least one RFID product tag to each of a plurality of products and to a product-containing container. Each product, case, or box is first unloaded from a container (e.g. pallet, tote, crate) or passed directly from manufacturing onto a conveyor whereon each item receives at least one RFID tag. Each RFID tag is then verified. Multiple items are then re-stacked in a container. An RFID tag is applied to the container and then the RFID tags are verified again before the container is shipped. Serialized numbers corresponding to products and containers are assigned and tracked. EPC data is stored on, or associated with, each RFID tag. RFID tags are verified to detect faulty placement and non-functionality. Non-functioning and poorly placed RFID tags are replaced before passing verification. The slap-and-ship line can handle execute-and-record methods and synchronized execution methods of handling product and associated data.

Abstract: A system designed to identify survey markers that are obscured by an accumulation of dust and dirt or overgrowth of vegetation. The system provides for automatic detection of survey markers using passive radio frequency transponder technology to detect the immediate presence of a tagged survey marker and read additional unique identification data corresponding to said marker. The operator can be signaled audibly and/or visually when a tagged survey marker is detected. The transmitter and antennae are mounted in a handheld or portable unit. An integrated microprocessor performs the requisite algorithms needed to process the reply from one or more RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and generate the alert signals for the operator alerts. Once the RFID tagged survey marker has been located, it can be cleared of accumulated dust, dirt and overgrowth of vegetation to make it visible for confirming the property boundary.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device includes a substrate, radio frequency identification circuitry carried by the substrate, and a static dissipative material positioned on the radio frequency identification device to promote dissipation of a static charge associated with the radio frequency identification device.

Abstract: Provided are a presence information providing apparatus and method including an information requiring unit receiving identification information stored in a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag located in a communication region of an RFID reader from the RFID reader belonging to a subscriber, and acquiring a subscriber's presence information based on the identification information; and an information providing unit providing the subscriber's presence information acquired by the information acquiring unit when a request for an authorized subscriber's information is received.

Abstract: In some embodiments of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, multiple bits of data may be encoded at the same time based on a frequency shift key (FSK) modulation technique using multiple frequencies, by permitting any or all of the frequencies to be modulated on a carrier wave at the same time. In some embodiments a parallel but asymmetric down-conversion of the frequencies may allow both frequencies to be detected with identical filters.

Abstract: An antenna having directivity receives a harmonic signal generated from a radio tag, and position information corresponding to a direction and reception information indicating whether or not a harmonic signal was received from the direction are output, regarding each of the directions to which the antenna is directed.

Abstract: RFID tags, tag circuits, and methods are provided that reduce at least in part the distortion to received wireless signals, which is caused by interference in the environment. Two or more thresholds are used to digitize the received signal implemented by two or more demodulators. Multiple low pass and digital filters may be implemented with the demodulators, allowing removal of narrow pulses caused by the interference and reduction of beat tone amplitude.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system including a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and a reader. Each RFID tag of the plurality of RFID tags backscatter transmits a signal. In one embodiment, the reader includes a plurality of antennas and a signal processor. In another embodiment, the system includes a signal processor and a plurality of readers each including an antenna. In either embodiment, each antenna receives a plurality of signals corresponding to the backscatter transmitted signals. The signal processor combines the received plurality of signals to produce an output signal.

Abstract: A wireless tag adjusting method comprising measuring a communication characteristic by performing wireless communication with a wireless tag having an antenna and an integrated circuit connected to the antenna, calculating an antenna adjustment pattern on the basis of the measured communication characteristic, and forming an adjustment pattern by one of or a combination of ejecting of a dielectric material, ejecting of a magnetic material, and ejecting of a conductive material by using an ink jet printer on and/or around the antenna in the wireless tag in accordance with the calculated antenna adjustment pattern, thereby adjusting the antenna in the wireless tag.

Abstract: To provide an IC-tagged bearing device, in which the IC tag can easily and assuredly fitted to the bearing device and can easily be protected from an environment of elevated temperature. A sealing member 5 for sealing a bearing space delimited between inner and outer races 1 and 2 has the IC tag 9 attached thereto. The sealing member 5 includes a core metal 6 provided with an elastic element 7, which is made of rubber or resin, and the IC tag 9 is held embedded in this elastic element 7. The IC tag 9 may be fixedly either bonded by vulcanization or engaged in a groove defined in the elastic element 7.

Abstract: A RFID label suitable for use on a metal support surface. In one embodiment, the RFID label includes a substrate having a downwardly extending integral leg. RFID circuitry is disposed on the substrate adjacent to the leg which spaces the RFID circuitry from the support surface to reduce interference from the support surface.

Abstract: A label includes a first portion that is printable with optically readable information and a detachable second portion that has an RFID tag that can be encoded with corresponding RFID information. The printable portion and the RFID portion can thus be printed and encoded, respectively, with information for the same container or object. Both portions can then be kept together until the label is ready to be applied. This greatly reduces the chances of applying mismatched optical and RFID labels.

Abstract: A wall-mountable system of the present invention detects and suppresses pests. The system includes a housing, a pest detection device, and a line. The housing is mounted to a wall and penetrates into a remote area behind the wall. The housing also has an access hole. The pest detection device is positioned behind the wall. The line is connected to the housing at a first end and is connected to the pest detection device at a second end.

Abstract: A washing machine having a leak prevention system that reduces the risk of flooding caused by a failed line or stuck water valve is provided. The leak prevention system uses a battery powered, RF enabled water valve that is attached directly to the taps used to supply water to the washing machine. Upon a call for water, the washing machine controller sends an RF signal to the supply valve, which will charge the supply line. Upon completion of the fill, the supply valve will shut off, depressurizing the line. A flow meter is also incorporated into the water train within the washing machine and monitors the amount of water entering the tub. An alarm is provided to indicate a low or dead battery or an overfill condition.

Abstract: A method for determining a steady state operating condition of a machine includes determining whether a current machine speed of the machine is within a defined range of operation, determining whether a step change in output power of the machine has occurred, determining a first duration of time elapsed since the machine speed was last outside of the defined range of operation, and determining a second duration of time elapsed since a most recent detected step change in output power of the machine. The machine is deemed to be in a steady state condition whenever the current machine speed of the machine is within said defined range of operation, and the first and second durations of time exceed respective minimum values defined therefor.