Abstract: An electronic device. The electronic device includes a first electrode and a coating layer. The electronic device is fabricated on a substrate; the substrate has a cavity created in a top surface of the substrate; and the first electrode is electrically coupled to the substrate. The coating layer coats at least part of a substrate surface in the cavity, and the presence of the coating layer results in a mitigation of at least one parasitic leakage path between the first electrode and an additional electrode fabricated on the substrate.

Abstract: A low-pass filter (10) is provided. The low-pass filter includes an input part (100), an output part (120), a high impedance part (140), a first low impedance part (160), and a second low impedance part (180). The input part is electronically connected to the high impedance part for input of electromagnetic signals thereinto. The output part is electronically connected to the high impedance part for output of electromagnetic signals therefrom. The input part and the output part are asymmetrical to a resonator defined by the high impedance part, the first low impedance part and the second low impedance part. One end of the high impedance part is electronically connected to the first low impedance part, the other end of that is electronically connected to the second low impedance part. Wherein the high impedance part is disposed partly between the first low impedance part and the second low impedance part.

Abstract: A waveguide structure is described wherein microwaves or radio-frequency waves can be guided in their propagation through channels whose cross-sections contain fractal patterns, with relevant dimensions much smaller than the wavelengths of the guided waves. A finite section of such waveguide can be used as an efficient delay line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS switch include forming a cantilevered beam on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The hermetic seal may be a gold/indium alloy, formed by heating a layer of indium plated over a layer of gold. Electrical access to the electrostatic MEMS switch may be made by forming vias through the thickness of the second substrate.

Abstract: Linear actuators (also known as an inchworm actuator) including a magnetically actuatable shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. A hybrid magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is used to selectively attract the magnetically actuatable SMA toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with an SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). Linear actuators including bars incorporating a ratchet mechanism, and featureless bars are described. A hydraulic system incorporating actuators including magnetically actuatable SMA membranes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided which, in the preferred embodiment, has a housing having an axial opening in it. The housing has a divider mounted in the axial opening to separate the axial opening into a first segment and a second segment. Respective ones of a first pole piece and a second pole piece are located on opposite sides of the divider. The first pole piece is moveable with the first segment between an extended position and a retracted position, the first pole piece having a plunger positioned at an end of the first pole piece. A permanent magnet is moveably mounted from the axial opening and is moveable independently of the second pole piece between at least a first position adjacent to the divider, and a second position adjacent the second pole piece. The construction provides a fast acting, low cost latching solenoid construction.

Abstract: This is a small-sized transformer that is made easily. Two bobbins around which a secondary coil is wound insert into bobbin protrusions from the opening surface side of the first core whereby the two bobbins are positioned in a row. A coiling protrusion around which to wrap a primary coil is formed in the aforementioned first core. Part of the primary coil coils around the coil protrusion and the remainder is positioned and coiled in a groove of the aforementioned first core provided in the outer circumference of the two bobbins. A second core is positioned in a countering position to the opening surface of the aforementioned first core so as to cover the aforementioned three protrusions.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a helical resilient member serving as an electrical inductance element. The electronic device also includes an antenna, a signal feeding line, and a transmitting/receiving module. The helical resilient member has first and second ends with a predetermined number of turns of coil arranged therebetween the first and second ends, and is made of electrically conductive materials so that the turns of coil defines an electrical inductance. The signal feeding line is connected between the helical resilient member and a signal feed point of the antenna. The transmitting/receiving module is connected to the helical resilient member so as to couple the inductance of the helical resilient member to the transmitting/receiving module.

Abstract: A magnetic component includes a first monolithic core structure having a plurality of magnetic layers and at least one nonmagnetic layer separating one of the plurality of magnetic layers from another of the plurality of magnetic layers. A first opening extends through the first core structure, and a conductive element establishes a conductive path through the first opening, wherein the nonmagnetic layer separates the conductive element from one of the magnetic layers.

Abstract: An inductor structure comprising a substrate; a plurality of insulation layers on the substrate; a first spiral electric conductive coil positioned in the insulation layers to form an inductor having a first direction of magnetic field; a second spiral electric conductive coil positioned in the insulation layers to form an inductor having a second direction of magnetic field, in which, the two or more inductors are independently positioned in a same 3-D space and have a good integration.

Abstract: A substrate is provided and a top interconnection metal layer and a primary winding layer are formed thereon. Then a passivation layer having a plurality of via exposed parts of the top interconnection metal layer is formed on the substrate. A secondary winding layer and at least a bonding pad are formed on the passivation layer. The bonding pad electrically connects to the top interconnection metal layer through the via.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transformer including: an iron core; and a winding wound around the iron core; wherein the iron core includes a column-shaped output side iron core part, a plurality of column-shaped input side iron core parts, and a connecting iron core part, the winding includes a plurality of primary windings, a secondary winding, and generated magnetic fluxes.

Abstract: A fuse that allows for additional connections to be made. The fuse includes a housing with a body and a pair of sides. A pair of terminals may be mounted to and extend from each of the sides. At least one fusible link may be mounted inside the housing to prevent excessive current flow. A terminal is connected to each end of each of the fusible link. A light emitting diode can be mounted to the housing to indicate a positive terminal.

Abstract: A fusible conductor for a fuse element includes an electrically insulating core a fusible wire wound about the core and at least one electrically insulating fiber wound about the core parallel to the fusible wire such that the fusible wire is fixed in position so that a short circuit of adjacent turns of the fusible wire is prevented.

Abstract: In order to prevent erroneous operation caused by shrinking of a thermal pellet due to sublimation or softening of the thermal pellet when current is applied, a thermal pellet type thermal fuse includes a metal casing, a first lead and a second lead leading out from the metal casing, a movable electrode, a thermal pellet, a strong compression spring, and a weak compression spring. Difference in temperature is achieved at the surface of the metal casing by selecting different diameters or wires for the first lead and the second lead, or by providing a heat-radiating plate.

Abstract: Resistive elements include a patterned region of nanofabric having a predetermined area, where the nanofabric has a selected sheet resistance; and first and second electrical contacts contacting the patterned region of nanofabric and in spaced relation to each other. The resistance of the element between the first and second electrical contacts is determined by the selected sheet resistance of the nanofabric, the area of nanofabric, and the spaced relation of the first and second electrical contacts. The bulk resistance is tunable.

Abstract: An RF tag system includes a first reader/writer unit and a second reader/writer unit. A first reader/writer control unit is configured to control the first reader/writer unit to read a first data from a first RF tag, and to detect a trouble state of the first reader/writer unit. A second reader/writer control unit is configured to control the second reader/writer unit to read a second data from a second RF tag, and to detect a trouble state of the second reader/writer unit. A monitoring section is configured to issue a selection instruction and to monitor the first reader/writer unit through the first reader/writer control unit, and the second reader/writer unit through the second reader/writer control unit. A switching section is configured to select one of the first reader/writer control unit and the second reader/writer control unit in response to the selection instruction from the monitoring section.

Abstract: According to a remote control apparatus of the present invention, an image and device-specific information acquired by the acquisition section are stored in a non-volatile storage medium being associated with each other. Subsequently, an image stored in the storage medium is displayed, a desired device is selected based on specific information stored in the storage medium, and desired remote control for the device is selected. Then, a remote control signal corresponding to the selected remote control is transmitted to the selected device.

Abstract: An all-trinary rolling code method and system which allow a barrier opener to generate and transmit trinary rolling codes without entering or storing any rolling code values as binary words includes obtaining a stored trinary counter value upon a transmitter being actuated to remotely control a barrier. A trinary function void of trinary to binary or binary to trinary conversions is used to transform the trinary counter value to a trinary rolling code output such that the trinary rolling code output represents a trinary value that would be produced if the trinary counter value were converted to binary, mirrored, had its highest ordered bit set to zero after being mirrored, and converted back to trinary. The trinary rolling code output is combined with a stored trinary transmitter identification value to generate a trinary word. The transmitter transmits the trinary word for receipt by a receiver associated with the barrier.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft apparatus and method can prevent the theft of a vehicle and the illegal use thereof without increased costs. The apparatus includes an IC card carried by a user of a vehicle, an IC card reader in the vehicle for reading information contained in the IC card, and an authentication processing section in the vehicle for authenticating the user when the vehicle is used. The IC card includes a memory for storing identification information and use time limit information of the vehicle. The IC card reader reads the identification information and the use time limit information stored in the memory. When the identification information of the IC card and authentication identification information stored beforehand in the vehicle coincide with each other, and when a current time is within a use time limit of the use time limit information, the authentication processing section permits the use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for performing user authentication based on behavior patterns of a mobile terminal user is disclosed. The system includes a mobile terminal having an input unit configured to receive authentication information from a user, an authentication unit configured to extract behavior patterns of the user based on the authentication information, and a data communication unit configured to transmit the authentication information and the behavior patterns to an authentication server. The behavior patterns extracted based on the authentication information includes the user's characteristic behavior patterns such as typing patterns, motion patterns, voice patterns and writing patterns. Such behavior patterns represent both the authentication information and the behavior characteristics of the user, which increases the security level of the system. The authentication server may perform two stages of user authentication processes.

Abstract: An RFID tag can have a state diagram with a timed state that automatically expires after a timeout time. RFID reader systems, software, tags, circuits and methods are provided that send an interim command to cancel the impending automatic expiration.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reading a tag in a mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) environment. The tag reading method effectively identifies a tag by repeatedly transmitting a tag identification request in a predetermined time to prevent collision among RFID readers, when a plurality of RFID readers access to a tag. The method for reading a tag in a mobile RFID environment, which includes the steps of: a) transmitting a tag identification request signal to a tag; b) waiting for an acknowledgement signal to be transmitted from the tag; and c) when no acknowledgement signal is transmitted from the tag, retransmitting the tag identification request signal after a predetermined delay time passes.

Abstract: There is proposed a data carrier-/transmitter device for fixing to an object, comprising an oscillatory circuit including at least one coil, an electrical circuit arrangement to which the at least one coil is coupled, and a fixing device including a contact face for the object, wherein the coil axis of the at least one coil is at least approximately parallel to the contact face of the fixing device.

Abstract: A mobile wireless device has a device identifier, is located in a meeting venue, and communicates with a server through one or more wireless access points associated with the meeting venue. The device receives, from one of the access points, access point information that identifies the access point, and sends information including the device identifier to the access point.

Abstract: RFID reader systems, software and methods precompute one or more reader commands, before a tag actually responds to an earlier transmitted command. This way a system can result at a high data rate, while meeting specification requirements of responding within a preset time.

Abstract: A transponder detector is provided with capabilities for detecting the presence and type of a transponder in its read range while operating at low power. The transponder detector includes an antenna assembly and a detection signal generator circuit coupled to the antenna assembly. The detection signal generator circuit is capable of generating a progression of detection signals on the antenna assembly across a range of frequencies. The transponder detector further includes a response signal receiver circuit coupled to the antenna assembly to receive a progression of response signals from the antenna assembly resulting from the progression of detection signals. A controller is coupled to the response signal receiver circuit which determines the presence and type of the transponder based on an evaluation of a transponder detection parameter in the progression of response signals.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the accuracy a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) system which may exhibit inconsistent RFID tag reporting behavior. The method includes the steps of (i) establishing a timeout setting indicative of the time that each interrogating antenna transmits RF energy within a respective read field, (ii) evaluating/comparing reporting results over multiple interrogation cycles to determine when an RFID tag exhibits inconsistent reporting behavior within the read field and (iii) increasing the timeout setting of the respective interrogating antenna to enhance the energy harvested by an RFID tag/device during each interrogation cycle. In lieu of, or in addition to, increasing the timeout setting, the method evaluates the responses received over multiple cycles and accepts such responses as being valid only when the same response is obtain over consecutive/sequential interrogation cycles.

Abstract: RFID tags assign computer-readable identification codes to articles and data is obtained from each RFID tag at points along which an article moves. Each RFID tag is separable into an article identification tag section, including an article identification code and a transmitter transmitting same, and an article information management tag section, including an obtaining device continuously obtaining article-related information of an article to which an RFID tag is assigned, a receiving device receiving the article identification code from the article identification tag section, a detecting device detecting the combination status of the article information and the article identification tag section, and a storage device storing the article identification code and the article-related information when the article information and article identification tag sections are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A process for tracking an object within an inventory control space is provided. The space is illustratively a medical care delivery setting. An active radiofrequency (RFID) tag is encoded with a single-use code and associated with an inventory item. After a trigger event, the RFID tag transmits a modified broadcast. The single-use code that is a new number with at least one sparse digit or a new secondary number with a retained primary digit. An RFID tag configured to retain such a code scheme is provided. A hospital inventory item labeled with such an RFID tag is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device for use with a power line communication system. One embodiment of the present invention forms a bypass device and comprises a LV coupler, a LV signal conditioner, a controller, a MV modem, a first MV signal conditioner, an isolator, a second MV signal conditioner, and a MV coupler. The controller may provide routing functions to give priority to certain types of data, control access to the network, filter data packets, process software upgrades, and provision new subscriber devices. In addition, the controller may monitor, process, and transmit traffic data, measured power data, errors, and other collected data.

Abstract: A digital processor-based remote controller of a wireless remote control system includes a small number of manual input devices, such as keys and scroll wheels, and a graphical user interface. The remote controller can have a single scroll wheel with internal push-to-activate switch, and a small display. This configuration minimizes the size of the remote controller, while allowing for a large number of different control commands to be transmitted to the controlled system. In addition, the remote controller can be configured by the user of both right- and left-handed operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, articles of manufacture and methods for a telematic parametric speed metering system. In one embodiment, a system may determine a vehicle's location and speed. Once the location has been determined, corresponding geographical zone based speed limits and/or other information may be acquired via internal memory or data transmission. The speed of the vehicle may then be compared against the speed limits for the zone. If the vehicle's speed exceeds those speed limits, one or more of a plurality of actions may be performed including (but not limited to) warning the driver via a visual or audio signal, informing an authority agency via data transmission, logging the excessive speeding condition (e.g., time, date, speed, location, driver name, etc).

Abstract: A method for responding to a sensor event is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) recognizing and analyzing a sensor event, and declaring an alarm condition; (b) taking a picture, storing the picture, and transmitting the picture to a central server; (c) notifying subscribers with a message that can contain visual confirmation and other data describing the alarm event; and (d) interrogating a module, downloading event data and images.

Abstract: A monitor system has at least first and second child units that can each monitor audio at a different location and can each transmit signals representative of the audio monitored. A parent unit can receive the signals from the first and second child units. In one aspect, the parent unit can have at least one multi-color notification light that can be illuminated in a first color when receiving the audio monitored by the first child unit and a second color different from the first color when receiving the audio monitored by the second child unit. In another aspect, the parent unit can emit an audible notification representing the audio monitored by each of the child units. In this aspect, a volume control is in communication with the parent unit and can be operated to adjust a volume level of the emitted audible notification for each of the child units independent of the other child units.

Abstract: A wireless sensor node can request, responds to requests for, and maintain executable code (101), including executable code for which the wireless sensor node is itself tasked with executing. Upon receiving (102), however, a request for executable code that the wireless sensor node is not itself tasked with executing, one determines (103) whether to forward that request. This determination can be based upon any of a variety of decision-making criteria as may pertain to a given application setting (such as whether a different wireless sensor node is, in fact, already responding to this request for executable code, information regarding a number of hops to a known point of executable code injection as may be required to facilitate transport of the executable code from that source to a requesting wireless sensor node, and whether the wireless sensor node itself has locally cached the requested executable code).

Abstract: A system includes a hardware platform, at least one driver, a plurality of devices connected to the hardware platform, a middleware interface, and a plurality of software services. Each of the plurality of devices is selected from the group consisting of sensors and actuators. The plurality of software services is generated by the at least one driver, wherein a software service associates with a device, and wherein each of the software services complies with the middleware interface. A method for interfacing a plurality of devices to a hardware platform includes communicably connecting each of the plurality of devices to the hardware platform, converting each of the plurality of devices into a programmable software service using a driver, and programming each of the software services to comply with a middleware interface.

Abstract: An electronic locator apparatus that is attachable to a personal electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, and adapted for detecting the presence of an electromagnetic field generated by battery powered electronics within the telephone so as to automatically generate an audible signal when the telephone is lost and the battery dies.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for activating an alarm function of an alarm circuit on a motherboard of a portable computer, the switch apparatus includes a switch mounted on the motherboard and a pressing device mounted on a base. The pressing device includes a pressing member deformable via an outside force to depress the switch.

Abstract: A security alarm system includes a camera, an alarm control panel, a mixer at the camera, a signal processor at or associated with the alarm control panel, and a single cable comprising only two operative conductors extending between the mixer and the signal processor. The cable provides current to the camera via the mixer and provides a tamper circuit as well as conveying video signals to the signal processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a device and a system supporting an automated selection of data records for being provided by an identification means. The data records comprising payment and electronic ticket related information. Obtained context information allow for selecting automatically one suitable data record out of said plurality of data records to be provided by the identification means, which operated for example as a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder to an external identification means, which operated for example as a radio frequency reader (RFID) implemented for instance in a point of sales, a cash box and/or a ticket checkpoint.

Abstract: A computer implemented system can poll multiple RFID edge servers to determine state information concerning the multiple RFID edge servers and their associated RFID readers. The system can produce alerts concerning changes in the state of the RFID edge server and associated RFID readers.

Abstract: To warn of hazardous conditions in a monitored space, the presence of an object bearing an RFID tag is detected using an RFID tag reader. Objects may be, for example, human beings, vehicles, or stationary materiel. A determination is made as to whether the object poses a hazard by, for example, reading data from the RFID tag or by accessing a database using data read from the RFID tag. If the object is determined to pose a hazard, the nature of the hazard is determined from the RFID tag or the database, and warning about the nature of the hazard is provided proximate to the monitored space. In some embodiments, providing the warning may be conditional upon detecting the concurrent presence of two objects in the monitored space.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a ply layup for a composite panel is provided. The system and method may include attaching an electronically identifiable tag to at least one of a plurality of plies, and checking, using the electronically identifiable tag, to ensure the proper sequence of plies for the panel is being followed.

Abstract: An RF antenna grid design in which the antenna array is installed on a patch panel cover allows for the retrofitting of an RF antenna grid on existing patch panel based systems without disrupting network operation. An apparatus for determining connectivity between device ports on a patch panel and cable ends having corresponding RFID tags attached thereto comprises a patch panel having a plurality of device ports and a patch panel cover comprising a plurality of RFID antennas, where each of the RFID antennas comprises one or more protruding portions thereof, each of the protruding portions of the RFID antennas being in close physical proximity to one or more of the plurality of device ports when the patch panel cover is positioned in a fixed positional relationship to the patch panel (e.g., when the patch panel cover is “attached” to the patch panel).

Abstract: A system for tracking the laboratory animal position and movement in a walled enclosure or cage for observation and evaluation is disclosed. The system consists of a plate placed on the bottom of the cage whereon multiple electrodes are configured as column-row two-dimensional electrode array, an electronic circuit detecting and measuring the capacitance between said electrodes, and a microprocessor determining the animal's location. The electronic circuit repeatedly measures the capacitance between the electrodes in a sequential manner. The animal's location and movement is determined by detecting the changes in capacitance on said plate.

Abstract: System (10) for remotely controlling and monitoring a food refrigerator (1), and its content, of the type intended to be given in rental or in free loan from a manufacturer to a vendor of cold products, comprising a control unit (2) for checking and storing a plurality of functioning parameters of the food refrigerator (1), an RFID reader (3) intended to read data stored in a plurality of RFID tags attached to the cold products, a communication unit (4) for interconnecting an external device, the RFID reader (3) comprising means for retrieving data from said RFID tags when the cold products are still stocked inside the food refrigerator (1) and the communication unit (4) localization means for transmitting information to the external device about a geographical localization of the food refrigerator (1). System (10) according to claim 1 wherein said means produce a radio frequency signal at predetermined time intervals for activating said RFID tags.

Abstract: A smoke detector system includes a plurality of smoke alarm devices individually configured to detect smoke and output an acoustic signal of predetermined frequency. The plurality of smoke alarm devices are individually configured to communicate with each other via wireless acoustic communication.

Abstract: A method, system and device for synchronizing a time period over which energy measurements are accumulated for an energy monitoring system including a plurality of energy monitoring devices is described. The method comprises transmitting a first radio frequency packet from a time reference device via at least a first and a second of the plurality of energy monitoring devices to a third of the plurality of energy monitoring devices. The method further comprises adjusting a time register within the third energy monitoring device based on the reception of the packet. The method further comprises accumulating a measure of energy consumption by the third energy monitoring device of a load coupled with the third energy monitoring device. The method further comprises transmitting the measure of energy consumption from the third energy monitoring device via at least a fourth and a fifth of the plurality of energy monitoring devices to a data aggregation device.