Abstract: Integrated high frequency balanced-to-unbalanced transformers suitable for operation in high frequencies, such as radio frequencies. Embodiments disclosed give consideration to issues related to the layout of the primary and secondary inductors for the minimization of capacitive effects between layers while using a minimal number of metal layers. Two solutions are provided, one having embodiments with a symmetrical primary inductor in a 4-metal layer implementation and one having embodiments with a non-symmetrical primary inductor in a 3-metal layer implementation.

Abstract: A common-mode choke coil has first and second coil parts, a first inductance part, and a second inductance part. The first coil part and the second coil part are magnetically coupled to each other. The first inductance part is electrically connected in series to the first coil part and is not substantially magnetically coupled to the first coil part. The second inductance part is electrically connected in series to the second coil part and is not substantially magnetically coupled to the second coil part. The first inductance part and the second inductance part are not substantially magnetically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A high-efficiency power supply transformer improved on its iron core which is a closed annular member made by continuous winding a silicon steel sheet and completed by sintering and fixing to keep directionality, after insulation processing with a heat shrinking wrapper on the core, a primary coil is formed by winding a wire annularly, then is enveloped by second time insulation processing with a heat shrinking wrapper; then a secondary coil is formed by winding a wire annularly and is enveloped by third time insulation processing with a heat shrinking wrapper; and pairs of end input wires of the primary and of the secondary coils extend outwards. With the core in the form of a closed annular member, its magnetic circuit is a closed magnetic circuit; hence its magnetizing energy and core consumption are 25% less than those of a conventional stacking type core and largely increase the efficiency of the power supply.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.

Abstract: A medical pill intended for human or animal consumption includes an RF ID tag in or on the pill. The tag will respond to a nearby reader, the tag itself being without a battery or other constant power supply, capturing power from the reader's transmitted signal and storing a portion of that power in a power supply. An antenna for the RF ID tag may be integral with the tag or it may be transferred to the pill using conductive materials in the pill's coating, filler or binding agents, embedded within the pill, or printed onto the pill. If separate from the tag the antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the tag which has a small onboard antenna. The RF ID tag of each pill has data that are transmitted when the tag is interrogated by a signal from a reader. Incorporation of an ingestable ID tag is possible because of the tag's very small size compatible with ingestion and because the tag can contain an antenna within the pill that allows the tag to be read at a substantial distance.

Abstract: An RFID system and method for communicating between a host computer, one or more interrogators connected to the host computer, and a large body of transponders distributed within an area covered by the interrogators. Each transponder originally has a common identification code, and upon initialization by the host computer internally generates a unique identification code based upon an internally generated random number. The host, through the interrogators, reads each of the identification codes associated with each transponder by iteratively transmitting a read identification code command along with a controlled variable. Each transponder compares the received controlled variable to an internally generated random number, and selectively transmits its identification code based upon the outcome of this comparison. After the completion of each read identification code iteration, the host adjusts the controlled variable based upon the responses received in the previous iteration.

Abstract: An identification transponder (IDT) for supplying an identification code to a base station (BS) varies an RF signal transmitted by the base station (BS) in a rhythm that corresponds to the identification code. The identification transponder (IDT) has identification code generation means (IDCG) for generating the identification code, rectifier means (RTF) for AC coupling with the base station (BS) for applying a supply voltage (V1) to the identification code generation means (IDCG), a modulation transistor (TM), voltage adaptation means (VADPT) for adapting the voltage levels of the identification code and for supplying the code with adapted voltage levels to a control terminal of the modulation transistor (TM), and further rectifier means (FRTF) for the aforementioned AC coupling to the base station (BS) for applying a separate supply voltage (V2) to the voltage adaptation means (VADPT).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may operate to use multiple oscillators to generate a demodulator clock signal and a modulator clock signal within a radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit. The demodulator clock signal may be generated from a radio-frequency signal received at the RFID circuit. A modulator clock signal may be generated using a calibration value stored in a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A programmable push button having a microcontroller located therewithin to provide a switching signal to operate an electronic switch and thereby enable power to be supplied from a source of power to a load to initiate an external event. The push button also has a piezoelectric assembly which is responsive to one or a sequence of manually applied pushing forces at a push button cap. The microcontroller is interconnected with the piezoelectric assembly on a printed circuit board so that output voltage signals generated by the piezoelectric assembly are applied to the microcontroller as a series of digital pulses. The microcontroller can be programmed by applying a particular sequence of pushing forces to the push button cap so that one or more times can be set during which the external event will be initiated or to require a predetermined security code to be entered before the external event can be initiated.

Abstract: An engine-driven vehicle/implement coupling system includes a mechanical coupling and one or more electronic and/or hydraulic connections. A coupling condition monitoring system includes one or two electronic control units, sensors for sensing a coupling condition of the electronic and/or hydraulic connection, and a sensor on the mechanical coupling for generating a signal representing a coupling condition of the mechanical coupling. Sensor signals are transmitted to the electronic control unit which, in response prevents erroneous coupling or uncoupling and prevents drive-away of the vehicle or implement.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a blind-zone sensing system including leading and trailing passive IR sensors periodically determines a separation distance between coverage areas of the leading and trailing sensors to diagnose sensor alignment. Signals produced by the leading and trailing sensors are sampled and stored over a defined interval of time for processing. A condition in which the sensor coverage areas abruptly encounter a stationary region of cooler temperature is detected when corresponding signal deflections are identified. The elapsed time between the identified signal deflections is measured and used along with an accurate measure of the vehicle speed to compute the separation distance between coverage areas of the leading and trailing sensors.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a casing having a human machine interface thereat. The human machine interface includes at least one user actuatable input integrally formed at a portion of the casing during the molding operation that forms the casing. The mirror assembly includes circuitry. The user actuatable input may be actuatable by a user to operate at least one element of the circuitry. The human machine interface may be at least partially at a bezel portion of the casing, or may be at least partially at a rear casing portion of the mirror casing.

Abstract: A vehicle pre-impact sensing and control system generates tailored adaptive warning signals as a function of driver vehicle use. The tailored signals are used in a vehicle controller for determining appropriate driver warning or safety device activations.

Abstract: Arrangement for providing a boosted signal from a signal-generating device, such as a SAW device or an RFID tag, including an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna to receive a signal therefrom and a second port connectable to the device to provide a signal thereto and receive a signal therefrom. The circulator amplifies the signal from the antenna and the signal received from the device such that a twice-amplified signal is directed to the antenna. A receiving and processing module transmits a signal to the antenna causing the antenna to generate its signal and receive a signal from the antenna derived from the twice-amplified signal. Various pumping systems for vehicle tires and electricity generating systems which generate energy upon rotation of a tire are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire condition monitoring apparatus comprises transmitters and a receiver. Each transmitter is provided in a tire and the receiver is provided in a body frame of a vehicle. The apparatus further comprises initiators each corresponding to one of the transmitters. Based on a trigger signal from the corresponding initiator, each transmitter wirelessly transmits a predetermined determination signal, which includes tire information, two or more times in a fixed time period from the transmission circuit. The determination signal from the transmission circuit is received by the reception circuit of the receiver and a controller determines whether there is a match between the received determination signals. When there is a match, the position of the tire is located and the tire information is processed as valid information.

Abstract: A security checkpoint includes a personal scanning portal, a parcel scanning portal and a controller for ensuring substantially simultaneous scanning of a person and the parcel associated with the person. The controller also adjusts the level of scrutiny at each portal based on scanned data received at the other portal and based on information in a database relating to the specific person at the security checkpoint.

Abstract: In a remote monitoring system, a supervision terminal, 37, monitors the status of the communication link, 32, 34, 36, between the supervision terminal and each of a plurality of remote terminals, 33, connected to the supervision terminal via a data network, 35. The remote terminals may be used to emulate a line interface for monitor devices such as fire alarms, 31, while providing continual assurance of the integrity of the link between the supervision terminal and the alarm.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of vending machines communicating wirelessly with a centralized consolidation unit. The consolidation unit communicates via a pre-established communications network, such as a wired or wireless telephone network with a data collection center. A method of polling a vending machine having a wireless transceiver includes sending a first wireless signal to the wireless transceiver of the vending machine, the first signal soliciting a status response from the vending machine, and receiving a second wireless signal from the transceiver of the vending machine, the second signal including the status response which includes information pertaining to a status of the vending machine. The status information may pertain to an inventory level, money deposits, maintenance status or security status of the vending machine.

Abstract: A wireless remote multi-data information and intelligence gathering machine and system designed to be used tactically by the military as well as law enforcement personnel to assist them in intelligence an information gathering in a multitude of scenarios from S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics) emergencies, covert surveillance, nighttime intrusion detection, to rescue operations of trapped victims. The information gathering unit and system (IGS) housed in an, all-climate and conditions housing, that's unique combination of components, gather data ranging from gamma detection, zone intrusion detection, audio surveillance, video surveillance, video documentation of identification of personnel and visitors to high risk locations to use in nighttime rescue operations.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a shipment conveyance device, associated with a shipment, which is a shipping a container, pallet, or tote, a memory device, located at the shipment conveyance device, in which information regarding the shipment is stored, a global positioning device, located at the shipment conveyance device, which determines a position or location of the shipment conveyance device, a processing device which processes information regarding the shipment and/or shipment conveyance device in response to an occurrence of an event or in response to a request for information and generates a message containing information regarding the position or location of the shipment conveyance device and information regarding the occurrence of an event, a status of the shipment, a shipment temperature, or an impact or force on the shipment conveyance device, and a transmitter, located at the shipment conveyance device, which transmits the message to a communication device.

Abstract: A system is described that enables the user to deal with an intrusion into their home without having to personally confront the intruder. Given the night-time nature of many intruder events, a display and control unit is disclosed that is suitable for residing on a bedside table, typically in the Master Bedroom, performing a remote viewing and control function. Various locations within the particular home are represented by buttons such that the user can easily choose the location(s) to be viewed and can verify, among other things, the presence of an intruder. Motion detection is various rooms may be included and viewing can be enhanced by lights controlled from this unit. User interface features are included that are simple to operate when the user is half-awake. Surveillance and control features may be combined with common bedside appliance functions including a clock-radio, a television, or a telephone.

Abstract: A cable alarm system is provided that includes: a lock; a cable coupled to the lock and operative to conduct a current; a secondary wire coupled to the lock and parallel to the cable and operative to conduct a current; a current detector coupled to the cable and the secondary wire, operative to detect an interruption of a current in at least one of the cable and the secondary wire; a battery operative to supply power to the current detector; an alarm coupled to the current detector and receiving power from the battery; and a heat sensor coupled to the cable and the secondary wire.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing protection to wireless portable transponders (including resonant tags such as RFID tags) from unauthorized interrogation by employing a mechanical arrangement for disabling reception by or from the antenna of the transponder. The tags can be protected from receiving or providing unauthorized or unwanted information. Contemplated are mechanical arrangements that permit the owner to decide when reception/interrogation of personal or other information is not desired by employing the provided mechanical disable control arrangement. Also broadly contemplated herein is the altering interrogation characteristics of RFID tags to such an extent that they may still be read at a close range instead of the original range, and this result of this altering is visible to the user.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag comprises a flexible substrate and an integrated circuit embedded within the flexible substrate. The top surface of the integrated circuit is coplanar with the flexible substrate. At least one conductive element is formed on the flexible substrate. The conductive element is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The conductive element serves as an antenna for the RFID tag.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary implementations of an instrument having an RFID tag formed in or on the material of its handle. One or more antenna segments of the RFID tag may be formed from conductive material printed on or otherwise applied to a surface of the material or they may be formed from a conductive foil or other preformed material applied to the surface of the elastic material of the instrument handle. The antenna segments may be configured to represent at least a portion of a graphic, such as a company logo, for viewing by a user or handler of the instrument. At least a portion of the RFID tag and surrounding of the instrument handle may be covered by a protective material to prevent damage to the RFID tag as a result of repeated handling or subjection of the instrument to autoclaving, sterilization or caustic materials.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device and methods of testing and tuning an antenna attached thereto are disclosed. A radio frequency communication device comprises internal circuitry and an antenna having a plurality of antenna segments associated therewith. Each antenna segment is associated with the antenna in either series or parallel relation through at least one of a fuse and an antifuse. In testing and tuning, a comparison is made to indicate whether the antenna is too short or too long. If the antenna is too short, an antenna segment may be attached to the antenna by initiating an antifuse. If the antenna is too long, an antenna segment may be detached from the antenna by blowing a fuse. If it is indeterminate whether the antenna is too short or too long, an antenna segment may be either attached or detached, the test repeated, and the results of the repeated test compared with the prior test to determine whether the correct action was taken.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring an eye to determine eye closure. The system includes a video imaging camera oriented to generate images of an eye, and a video processor for processing the images. The processor includes an edge detector for detecting edges of the eye in the image, and a line selector for generating a plurality of lines at multiple angles representative of the detected edges. The processor determines the state of eye closure, such as eye open or eye closed, based on the number of lines at selected angles. The system may be employed on a vehicle to determine the eye closure of a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring an eye to determine eye closure. The system includes a video imaging camera oriented to generate images of an eye. The system also includes a video processor for processing the images generated with the video imaging camera. The processor includes an edge detector for detecting edges of the eye in the image and a line selector for generating substantially horizontal first and second lines representative of the detected edges. The processor determines the state of eye closure, such as eye open or eye closed, based on distance between the first and second lines. The system may be employed on a vehicle to determine the eye closure of a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a temperature of a structure, comprising: one or more electrically conductive loops adapted to be affixed to the structure, each including first and second elongate connection strips each made of a first metal composition having a first melting point, and a temperature sensitive band connected between the first and second connection strips and made of a second metal composition having a second melting point less than the first melting point. The apparatus further comprises a monitor, connected to respective ends of the first and second connection strips spaced-apart from the temperature sensitive band, configured to detect an open-circuit in the one or more electrically conductive loops caused when the temperature sensitive band separates from either of the connection strips.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring system is provided to monitor for and sense water leakage at multiple locations and sources within a commercial or residential property. These sources are hot water heaters, hot water boilers, air conditioning system evaporators, washing machines and sinks. The microprocessor based control will determine the location of the leak, sound a local audio and visual alarm to denote an alarm condition and illuminate appropriate LED's on the face of the control to indicate the location and type of water leak within the structure being monitored. The system consists of multiple water sensors, a host control for data collection and system operation, an internal battery for system power, provision for connection to telephone service, with the ability to call a pre-programmed pager or telephone number to deliver synthesized voice or prerecorded voice data to indicate the address of the property, the day, date and time of the alarm and the type of leak detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a spatial array of pressure sensors disposed at different axial locations x1. . . xN along the pipe. Each of the pressure sensors provides a pressure signal P(t) indicative of unsteady pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial location of the pipe. A signal processor receives the pressure signals from each of the pressure sensors and determines the parameter of the fluid using pressure signals from selected ones of the pressure sensors. By selecting different pressure sensors, the signal processor can configure the array to meet different criteria. In one embodiment, the array of pressure sensors may be formed on a single sheet of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) that is wrapped around at least a portion of an outer surface of the pipe. This arrangement allows a large number of pressure sensors to be quickly and economically installed.

Abstract: A method is performed in an electronic system having (i) hardware configured to perform electronic operations and (ii) an air filter configured to remove contamination from an air stream that cools the hardware. The method, which identifies when to change an air filter, involves obtaining, from a set of particle sensors, a set of sensor signals in response to sensed particles in the air stream. The method further involves generating particle count data and processing the data based on the set of sensor signals, and providing an output signal having one of a first value and a second value based on the particle count data. The output signal indicates that the air filter should be changed when the output signal has the first value. The output signal indicates that the air filter should not be changed when the output signal has the second value.

Abstract: A lighting system and method for producing an automatically positionable light beam that is aimed in accordance with the position of a seatback portion of a seat on a mobile platform. The system includes a light assembly having independent first and second light subsystems, with each light subsystem having a plurality of LEDs or incandescent bulbs. A switch mounted on the seat detects when the seatback portion of the seat is in an upright or a reclined position, and provides a signal to the light assembly in accordance with the position of the seatback. The signal is used to turn on either the first light subsystem to illuminate a lap area of the occupant when the seat is in its upright position, or the second light subsystem to illuminate an area slightly rearwardly of the occupant's lap when the seat is in the reclined position. Thus, optimum positioning of the light beam produced by the light assembly is achieved automatically, without requiring any manual adjustment by the seat occupant.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention may include a downhole tool and a data transmission path incorporated into the downhole tool. The data transmission path may include one or more contact surfaces providing electrical continuity to the data transmission path. To protect the contact surfaces from corrosion while maintaining electrical conductivity, a coating may be attached to one or more of the contact surfaces. The coating may include any of various materials that increase the corrosion-resistance of the underlying base metal, including but not limited to cobalt, nickel, tin, tin-lead, platinum, palladium, gold, silver, zinc, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for notifying presence of a vehicle to a periphery of the vehicle includes a control unit that controls an operating unit that operates to cause the vehicle to drive, generating an operation sound; a judging unit that judges whether it is necessary to notify the presence of the vehicle to the periphery of the vehicle; and a notifying unit that notifies, when the judging unit judges that it is necessary to notify the presence of the vehicle to the periphery of the vehicle, the presence of the vehicle to the periphery of the vehicle using the operation sound, by changing a content of a control by the control unit.

Abstract: In a parking lot management system, which is applied to a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces, information about parking is wirelessly communicated between a plurality of wireless LAN base stations connected to an interface part and then connected to the Internet, and a plurality of parking condition detection devices or a wireless LAN mobile station installed in a mobile object. The information is managed by a server via an IP network so that the parking lot management system can provide the information for a user who is in the parking lot.

Abstract: A system for detection of foreign objects on airport travel surfaces including a plurality of foreign object detector modules mounted on a corresponding plurality of existing aircraft travel surface lighting supports, the plurality of foreign object detector modules providing a corresponding plurality of detection outputs and a high speed detection output analyzer operative to receive at least one of the plurality of detection outputs and to provide a high speed output indication of foreign object presence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kind of coding method and related miniature keyboard for western characters. The invention assigns a 3-digit number that has specific value to every western letter. The 3-digit number corresponding to a letter is the code of this letter, which is composed of three numbers, namely, 0, 1 and 2. The total of corresponding modes that correlates the three-digit code with letters of alphabet is the factorial of 26, which is 4×1026. The data input keyboard that introduces this coding principle can be simplified as to a miniature keyboard that is consisted of only three input keys, which can be used as data input device for small portable electronic equipment and the like to replace traditional large keyboards. Besides, this coding method can be designed as a kind of tool for character games.

Abstract: The present invention uniquely separates the number pad from a keyboard providing a separate, wireless device. This separate wireless device with the number pad includes a display and has multiple modes of operation.

Abstract: A method for writing text employing at least one hand of a user and manipulating a keyboard having a pair of keypads which are finger depressed and a press pad which is depressed by the palm region of the hand. The first and/or second keypads are pressed simultaneously with the press pad being depressed by the palm region of the hand to generate a signal representative of a recognizable language component. Combinations of keypad and press pad signals may be compiled into a spelling table for forming words in different languages.

Abstract: An encoding and decoding apparatus is provided. In a coding process, a relation between a matching length and a matching-length code is dynamically changed in order to independently switch the matching length that can be expressed by the matching-length code from one value to another. By using a slide window in a data buffer as a dictionary, a character-string searching section searches for a state of matching a character sub-string in input data. A matching-length extension table is used for storing relations between matching lengths and matching-length codes as relations dependent on an internal state stored in an internal-state holding section. A matching-length coding section refers to the matching-length extension table in order to dynamically determine a relation between a matching length and a matching-length code as a relation dependent on an internal state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing sampling rate conversion of an audio signal from a first sampling rate to any of a plurality of higher sampling rates using a single set of low-pass filter coefficients. Sampling rate conversion is accomplished by effectively up-sampling, low-pass filtering, and down-sampling the audio signal to generate interpolated output samples of a second digital audio signal at any of a plurality of sampling rates. The sampling rate conversion process includes storing a fixed set of filter coefficients as a plurality of phased subsets of filter coefficients, applying samples of the audio signal to the phased subsets in a rotational manner to generate filtered samples of the audio signal, and selecting and linear interpolating between certain filtered samples to generate samples of the second digital audio signal.

Abstract: A data form converter allowing parallel-to-serial or serial-to-parallel conversion at various conversion ratios is disclosed. A frequency divider divides an input clock in frequency at a variable frequency division ratio to produce a single frequency-divided clock. A data shift circuit shifts serial input data according to the input clock to output n-bit parallel data, where n is determined depending on the variable frequency division ratio. A retiring section synchronizes the n-bit parallel data with the single frequency-divided clock to output parallel output data.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) architecture as described herein utilizes a digital signal processor having suitably configured waveform prediction logic that can predict expected types of input signals. The ADC architecture subtracts the predictable signal components from the analog input signal prior to the analog-to-digital conversion, which extends the dynamic range of the ADC employed by the ADC architecture. In practice, the ADC architecture can subtract predictable strong signal components from an analog input signal such that the ADC can apply its available dynamic range to the remaining weak signal components.

Abstract: A method and a device for dynamically accelerating an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are provided. The device for dynamically accelerating ADC is capable of detecting the sampling frequency and controlling the maximum conversion rate by boosting the current into the ADC such that the maximum conversion rate of the ADC is larger than or equal to the sampling frequency. The efficiency of the ADC is optimized.

Abstract: A sigma-delta modulator is provided with a filter for noise shaping, with the filter having at least one delay line (DL). The delay line (DL) is a clocked line.

Abstract: A third order sigma-delta modulator comprises a first summing unit for receiving an input signal, a first integrator network connected to an output of the first summing unit, a second integrator network for receiving an output of the first integrator network, a second summing unit connected to an output of the second integrator network, a third integrator network connected to an output of the second summing unit, and a feed-forward path from the output of the first integrator network to an input of the second summing unit.

Abstract: A distributed resonator or filter in a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator is disclosed, where the transfer function of the resonator or filter repeats every Fs, where Fs is the sampling frequency of the modulator. On one side, like continuous-time delta-sigma modulators, the disclosed modulator does not require a high-precision track-and-hold, and additionally can take advantage of the high Q of distributed resonators. On the other side, like discrete-time delta-sigma modulators, the disclosed modulator is insensitive to feedback loop delays and can subsample.

Abstract: Monitoring a spectrum of an inter-leaved signal by a signal generator which inter-leaves two DAC outputs with the same sampling rate, while adjusting the output offset level of each DAC, the output amplitude level of each DAC, the output selection timing of each DAC, and the output renewal timing of each DAC.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a method for converting a received analog signal into a digital signal. Some embodiments of the method can include receiving an analog signal; periodically dividing the received analog signal into a plurality of discrete signals at a predetermined interval, wherein each of the plurality of divided signals is associated with a voltage; and quantizing the voltage associated with at least one of the plurality of divided signals. Other systems and methods are also provided.