Abstract: An antenna array is assembled by direct attaching a flip chip transmit/receive (T/R) module to an antenna circuit board. A fillet bond is applied to the circuit board and the flip chip T/R module around at least a portion of the periphery of the flip chip T/R module.

Abstract: A circuit breaker electromagnetic tripping device in which the contact between the movable contacts and the stationary contacts is stable and well, and the tripping does not tend to fail is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuit breaker device comprises a casing, a tripping armature and a tripping armature spring which are disposed transversely within the casing, and a tripping coil fitted over the casing corresponding to tripping armature. The device also includes a moveable support which is disposed longitudinally within the casing and moveable inside the casing and a lower end of the moveable support can be engaged with or disengaged from a front end of the tripping armature, and an attracting armature and an attracting armature spring which are disposed longitudinally at a center of the moveable support.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a housing with a Terfenol-D type sensing element positioned inside a sensing coil. A permanent biasing magnet is positioned in engagement with the Terfenol-D sensing element, and a spacer engages the Terfenol-D sensing element and extends from the housing. The housing has a beam with one or two mounting holes through which fasteners extend to mount the shock sensor to a structural member. The housing places the spacer in compression against the structural member. In an alternative embodiment a DC current can be supplied to the sensing coil to provide the biasing magnetic field. A high frequency filter separates the shock sensing signal from the applied DC biasing current.

Abstract: A programmable transformer incorporating windings embedded in a thin film substrate. The windings are flat wire traces embedded into the substrate, primary on one side and secondary on the other. The secondary windings may be planar or different coils spatially arrayed throughout a thickness of the substrate. The secondary winding may include multiple tap points, effectively providing multiple secondary coils referenced to the single primary coil. Each tap point is bridged to a field effect or CMOS transistor path by which a digital controls permit dynamic adjustment of the turns ratio. The final secondary output depends on the activated transistor paths. Multiple secondary outputs from a single secondary coil and a digitally programmable turns ratio are available aspects.

Abstract: A thermal protector (1) including two fixed contacts (13A, 13B) provided at the end part of conduction terminal pins (5A, 5B) projecting into a metallic enclosed container (100), a support (6) arranged in a case, an oscillatory heating resistor (8) supported by the support and having two movable contacts (9A, 9B) facing the fixed contacts, and a heat responsive body (10) interposed between the heating resistor and the support and coupled with the heating resistor through a coupler (12). When an overcurrent flows through the heating resistor to generate heat therefrom and the temperature of the heat responsive body reaches a set level, the heat responsive body is inverted. Inverting motion of the heat responsive body is transmitted to the heating resistor through the coupler, and the current path is opened.

Abstract: A device has (1) an electronic key that transmits a wireless coded signal and (2) at least one tool that can receive that signal. The coded signal is compared to a coded signal stored in said tool. If the coded signal matches the stored signal, a switch is closed for a predetermined amount of time. An on/off switch then enables the user of the tool to turn the tool on and off during the predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined amount of time, the switch is opened so that the tool can no longer be used. Opening the switch may be delayed if the tool is in use. The tool may also contain a unique identification code that can be read by various electronic means to identify the tool.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for a saddle-type vehicle includes a handlebar lock module having a knob enabling at least a starting operation of an engine, and a handlebar lock cancellation operation in response to reception of a signal from a portable transmitter. The knob is disposed on a leg shield covering the front of the legs of a rider. An accommodation recess includes a lid member and is formed on the leg shield on one side of the handlebar lock module. An emergency unlocking key cylinder lock for enabling at least starting of an engine and handlebar lock cancellation without the necessity for a portable transmitter is disposed in the leg shield such that a keyhole thereof faces an inner side face of the accommodation recess. The invention allows operation of the vehicle using an emergency unlocking mechanical key even if a portable transmitter is not available.

Abstract: An input device having a fingerprint detection function is provided with operating portions for carrying out operations of a host device. The input device includes a device body connected to the host device, a fingerprint detecting portion provided in an upper surface of the device body and serving to detect the fingerprint of the user, and an opening portion for exposing the fingerprint detecting portion to the exterior.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in an RFID system comprising a plurality of RFID devices and at least one reader which communicates with one or more of the devices. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, identifiers transmitted by the RFID devices are received by the reader. The system determines a classification of at least one of the received identifiers, and implements a privacy policy for data associated with one or more of the received identifiers based at least in part on the determined classification. For example, the given RFID device may be configurable into at least a first state indicative of a first classification, such as a private classification, and a second state indicative of a second classification, such as a public classification. The reader may alter a type of query that it issues based at least in part on the determined classification.

Abstract: An NBC marker light is designed to be simplistic, lightweight, and expendable. The case is two pieces, designed for ease of assembly. The assembly includes a circuit card, one or more batteries, light sources, typically IR and visible LEDs, and a custom designed rotary switch. A diffuser is designed to enhance side visibility in all directions.

Abstract: An emergency light includes a flash light lamp and a plurality of LED lamps activated in strobe-like fashion to alert emergency personnel in transit the proper household needing their assistance. The LED lamps activated in excess of 120 times per minute is visible at distances in excess of one mile. The emergency light may be mounted to a window pane using suction cups, to a steel door or other ferrous-metallic surface using magnetic strips, hung on a door using an integral hanger or stood on a flat bottom surface.

Abstract: A vehicle security monitoring device monitors sound or movement within a vehicle to determine an abnormal condition such as intrusion of a thief. Upon determination, the device transmits sound picked up within the vehicle to a portable monitor unit carried by the owner of the vehicle using a dedicated link without using any communications network. The transmitted sound allows the owner to distinguish between an actual intrusion and false alarm. Upon verification of an actual intrusion, the portable monitor unit allows the owner to send various instructions to prevent theft of any valuables in the vehicle or theft of the vehicle itself. The instructions may include playing of warning messages, activation of a siren and disabling of the vehicle.

Abstract: If the detected distance from a vehicle to a detected obstacle is equal to or greater than a preset distance, then a vehicle periphery monitoring system performs an image processing process on a captured image of the periphery of the vehicle to acquire the height of the vehicle. If the acquired height of the obstacle is less than a preset height, then the obstacle is displayed as a safe obstacle. If the acquired height of the obstacle is equal to or greater than the preset height, then the obstacle is displayed as a dangerous obstacle. The vehicle periphery monitoring system is able to indicate to the vehicle driver whether the detected obstacle is dangerous or safe. The vehicle periphery monitoring system is not required to perform the image processing process on the entire area of the captured image, and does not require a CPU having a high processing capability.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle traveling over a road surface is provided with at least one detector for sensing speed detection signals impinging on the vehicle, to monitor the speed of the vehicle or a nearby vehicle. A radiofrequency transmitter communicates the detector output to a receiver adjacent the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The receiver controls one or more annunciators to output one or more annunciator indications to the system user. The radiofrequency transmitter in one embodiment directs transmissions along a ground skip path, reflecting information over the road surface so as to enter the receiver located in or near a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A wireless control unit provides indication of system operating status and allows a user to input commands to the system.

Abstract: A method for displaying engine fault conditions in a vehicle. The method includes monitoring at least one sensor, determining when at least one fault condition has occurred, and masking indication of the at least one fault condition from at least one fault display device in response to at least one instruction.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system includes a first reminder unit (S301) which gives a first reminder when a first condition having an unfastened state of a seatbelt as at least a fulfilling condition is satisfied, a second reminder unit (S306) which gives a second reminder when a second condition having the unfastened state of the seatbelt as at least a fulfilling condition is satisfied, and a reminder-start delay unit (S305) which delays start of the second reminder when the second reminder by the second reminder element is started.

Abstract: A hand held Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader is provided. The reader includes a housing having a perimeter around an inner edge. The reader also includes a full-sized dipole antenna including two antenna elements coupled by a balun transformer. The antenna has nearly a unity gain over a range of angles. The reader also includes a transceiver, coupled to the dipole antenna by a suitable cable, the transceiver adapted to send and receive signals. The reader further includes a processor for processing signals received at the antenna. The first and the second antenna segments of the dipole antenna are wrapped along the perimeter around the inner edge of the housing.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program for an alarm system comprises a master unit; and an alarm monitor comprising an alarm sensor to provide a sensor signal representing alarm conditions; a processor to produce digital data based on the alarm signal; and a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data; and a transmitter to transmit the report signal to the master unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes providing a plurality of sensors, and detecting at least one event with the sensors. A decision whether to initiate an alarm signal is dependent upon the detecting by each of the sensors, which of the sensors has detected the at least one event, and what nonzero number of times a first of the sensors has detected the at least one event.

Abstract: In the present invention an intrusion detection system comprises a detection element configured to detect an intrusion in a location, and to transmit an intrusion signal upon detection of the intrusion. The system further comprises a monitoring device configured to capture images of the location upon the detection of the intrusion, and to transmit image signals representing the captured images. A single transmission line is in electrical communication with the detection element and the monitoring device, wherein the transmission line is configured to carry both the intrusion signals and the image signals.

Abstract: A sensory system for determining the orientation of an object, wherein the sensory system includes a plurality of non-uniformly spaced waveguide sensors or array(s) of waveguide sensors. The non-uniformly spaced waveguide sensors are responsive to received radio frequency signals wherein the received power of the signals is dependent upon the orientation of the waveguide(s).

Abstract: Provided is a crisis monitoring system that detects a crisis by identifying a person's emotion from his/her utterance includes an input unit to which an audio signal is inputted, a recording unit which records information necessary to judge a crisis situation, and a control unit which controls the input unit and the recording unit. The recording unit records emotion attribute information, which includes a feature of a specific emotion in an audio signal, and the control unit determines a person's emotion by comparing an audio signal inputted to the input unit with the emotion attribute information, and executes a predetermined emergency processing when it is judged that the determined emotion indicates a crisis situation.

Abstract: A living tissue transportation method includes the steps of: putting the living tissues in a carrying container for transportation (1) having a first memory storing an identifier and an IC tag (10) having a temperature sensor; putting the carrying container (1) in an individual carrying container (2) having a second memory for storing the identifier and a second IC tag (20) having a temperature sensor; storing a copy of the identifier of the IC tag (10) in the memory of the IC tag (20) and putting the individual carrying container (2) in a transportation container for constant temperature (3). A controller (30) provided in the transportation container (3) communicates with the IC tags (10, 20), and writes information indicating a temperature abnormality to the first and second memories when the temperatures of the carrying container (1) and the individual carrying container (2) are out of a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: Personnel activity at a construction site is tracked using electronic circuitry included in hard hats worn by personnel at the site. According to one embodiment, activity at a construction site is monitored by processing personal information directly or indirectly received from electronic circuitry formed as part of one or more hard hats worn by personnel located at the construction site. The personal information is uniquely associated with individual ones of the personnel. One or more messages are generated based on the personal information received from the electronic circuitry and personnel location. For example, the messages may warn particular personnel that they have entered an unauthorized area at the construction site. Optionally, personnel activity may be periodically monitored and reported.

Abstract: This invention enables to easily retrieve real-time information from a large number of sensors connected to a network. A sensor network system includes data collectors that collect data from plural sensors at a specified cycle, a directory server that manages locations and identifiers of data from the sensors, and an event-action controller that, of the data collected from the sensors, monitors preset data to be monitored, and when the data satisfies a preset monitoring condition, executes preset processing.

Abstract: A tesla coil security system for proactively and effectively deterring unauthorized individuals from entering an opening in a non-lethal manner. The tesla coil security system includes a tesla coil, a length of wire electrically connected to the tesla coil for surrounding an opening to be protected, and a plurality of charge dissipaters electrically extending from the wire for facilitating the discharge of electrical charge thereby creating an electrical visual effect for deterring entry through the opening. A control unit is in communication with the tesla coil for controlling the operation of the tesla coil and a sensor is in communication with the control unit for determining the presence of an individual, whereby detection by the sensor of the presence of an individual causes the tesla coil to be activated.

Abstract: An operation section 2 is provided to a proximity sensor including: a detection section having an oscillation circuit 10; and an amplification section 2 having a function detecting a metal body using an oscillation amplitude of the oscillation circuit 10. In a set mode, when an operation to set an adjustment value for a sensitivity adjustment (a sensitivity adjustment value) is conducted in an operation section 22, CPU 20 generates a sensitivity adjustment signal in digital quantity indicating the sensitivity adjustment value and outputs the signal to a D/A converter 25. The sensitivity adjustment signal digital-to-analog converted by the D/A converter 25 is given to a feedback circuit 13 through a voltage adjustment circuit 26. Since the feedback circuit 13 is designed so as to change a feedback current quantity according to an applied voltage, a current with a magnitude matching a value the sensitivity adjustment signal is fed back to a resonance circuit 11 to thereby control an oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: A system for determining seat occupancy in a motor vehicle includes a microwave transmitter, a microwave receiver and preferably a reflector. If a person is between those appliances, the microwave radiation is attenuated. The reflector can be a backscattering device, such that the radiation received by the receiver is unequivocally associated with the reflector. Furthermore or alternatively, the transit time of the microwaves can be measured, to be subsequently processed in combination with an analysis of the seated position of passengers. In preferred embodiments, the microwave radiation diffraction properties around an object are also used to obtain the seated position of passengers. The determination of a seat occupancy and optionally of seat occupancy mode can be advantageously used for locking or on the other hand releasing an airbag.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control and/or monitoring device comprising pairs (P, P?) of interactive members (1, 2; 1?, 2?) each of which includes an electronic label (1, 1?) identified by a specific identification code (KID1, KID1?) communicating with said label (1, 1?). For each pair (P) of interactive members, the inventive device also comprises a state encoder at least partially borne by the label (1), said encoder producing a state signal which is accessible to the reader (2) and representing a logic or analog state affecting the label (1) or a relationship between the label (1) and the reader (2).

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system that tracks tags in real-time based on EPC codes and on other priority codes written into transponder memory fields of the tags. As an example, a priority code may be written into a memory of an RFID transponder identifying a high-value item or a small high-value item that is likely to be stolen. Based on the use of this priority code, those items can be preferentially tracked as opposed to items of low value or size such that they are unlikely to be stolen. Such use of priority codes and local filtering alleviates the need to go back to large centralized databases associating unique numbers with other parameters and potentially the history of the item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag which exchanges information with an external device in a noncontact manner, in which a paste is used as a material for an antenna, and which is designed to prevent sinking of bumps. A stopper for limiting sinking of bumps of a circuit chip caused by a pressing force when the circuit chip is connected to an antenna is provided on the circuit chip or a base at a position adjacent to the bumps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) communication techniques for RFID devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a RFID communication system includes a transmission system that provides a radio frequency signal to an RFID device and a detector circuit that detects a response to the radio frequency signal from the RFID device. A controller determines whether the RFID device is operational based on whether the response was detected by the detector circuit. The RFID communication system may be implemented within a handheld device, a manufacturing test system, or any device requiring RFID communication functionality, such as a printer or an applicator for RFID devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide RFID communication and testing techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID system includes a radio frequency source adapted to provide radio frequency energy to an RFID device, a short-range coupler adapted to couple with the RFID device, at least one diode coupled to the short-range coupler, and an interface. The interface is coupled to the diodes and adapted to provide via the short-range coupler and the diodes modulation of the radio frequency energy to the RFID device and detection of a signal provided by the RFID device.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the reading out of data from an RFID tag by requiring a reader of the tag to be authenticated by providing the correct key to the tag, static or rotating, before the tag will transmit data. The limitation of transmission is done irrespective of whether the data is encrypted or not. The system and method may have a segmented or tiered access scheme where segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag are accessible by differing keys. Additionally, different encryption keys or schemes may be employed to provide differing encryption methods for the data in the differing segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag.

Abstract: A metallic sliding cover that covers an image taking lens system when an image taking apparatus is not in use is attached at the front side of the image taking apparatus, and an IC tag of a type that has an internal power supply and an IC tag of a type that has not an internal power supply are stuck to the front side of the image taking apparatus. A plural number of IC tags are alternatively covered with the sliding cover by movement of the cover. Thereby, communication only by one IC tag becomes possible when the image taking apparatus is in use; meanwhile, communication only by the other IC tag becomes possible when the image taking apparatus is not in use. As a result, interference between a plurality of IC tags having mutually different characteristics can be prevented.

Abstract: An IC tag administration device includes an information reader which reads original information from an IC tag added to a product, a transformation unit which transforms the original information read by the information reader to information, to which a predetermined local rule is applied, under the local rule, and an information writing unit which rewrites the original information of the IC tag by using the local rule applied information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing awards to participants utilizing electronic data storage elements such as radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags. RFID tags containing directions to an award processing center and other unique coded information are placed at locations where customer patronage is to be encouraged. Award program participants are provided with RFID readers capable of reading the information on the RFID tag. Award program participants read the information on the RFID tag with their reader and utilize that information to access the award processing center which then provides awards to the participants, such as redeemable customer loyalty points or product coupons.

Abstract: A system for remote detection using and RFID system including a transceiver, a transponder and a fuse configured within the transponder. The transceiver is configured to send and receive radio frequency signals. The transponder is configured to receive radio frequency signals from the transceiver and to send radio frequency signals to the transceiver. The transceiver is configured to send radio frequency to the transponder thereby preventing the fuse from blowing while the radio frequency signal is received.

Abstract: An RFID tag, including: a base; an antenna pattern that is provided on the base to form a communication antenna and has a tapered connection end portion which provides a connection terminal to the antenna; an electric conductor that is attached onto the connection end portion of the antenna pattern and is smaller than the connection end portion; and a circuit chip that is electrically connected to the antenna pattern via the electric conductor and performs radio communication by use of the antenna.

Abstract: A passive RFID-based electronic seal having a lower body and an upper body, includes an upper, a central and a lower sleeve, two antennas, an RFID Chip, two sockets. When the first antenna of the upper body is inserted through a seal sleeve of the central sleeve of the lower body, a pawl suitably is placed at a middle of the first antenna gets stuck inside a pawl ring of the central sleeve of the lower body when passing through it and thus activates and completes the passive RFID-based electronic seal.

Abstract: A method for identifying a machine from within a facility for which information is to be presented via a wireless information device (WID), the method including the steps of assigning machine identifiers to each facility machine, determining WID location within the facility, presenting machine identifiers corresponding to machines associated with the WID location to the WID user, receiving a selection indication via the WID indicating one of the visually presented machine identifiers, accessing machine information corresponding to the selected machine identifier, transmitting the accessed machine information to the WID and presenting the accessed machine information via the WID.

Abstract: Electronic equipment for safety and control of workers who work in risky conditions, which consists of data and voice repeaters that form a “guide line” that also act as an audible and visible reference in low visibility conditions, the repeaters communicating with the personalised devices attached to the arm of each fire fighter to indicate their state by means of a motion sensor. The personalised fire fighter devices also transmit to the repeaters the signals received from the pressure gauges for each fire fighter using the ABU's (autonomous breathing units). The signals sent by the repeaters are transmitted to the central system, which forwards them to a computer where all the information is displayed. The central system also emits signals to the fire fighters, either directly or through the repeaters. The personalised device turns on automatically when it detects motion.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring one or more depth associated parameters of an object submerged in water. A first set of alarm devices are mounted in the system's housing such that they are accessible from the exterior thereof. The first set of alarm devices, defined by an audio generator, a tactile generator, and a light, are initiated in accordance with a predetermined initiation scheme when at least one of the monitored parameters does not satisfy predetermined threshold criteria associated therewith. A second set of alarm devices are tethered to the system's housing for remote positioning with respect thereto. The second set of alarm devices utilize the same types of alarm devices as the first set of alarm devices and are also initiated in accordance with the predetermined initiation scheme.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.

Abstract: An emission prevention system for use on an open-ended line includes an end-cap and a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is preferably configured to detect a change in the extent of engagement between the end-cap and the open-ended line. A method of monitoring the engagement of the end-cap and the open-ended line includes the steps of measuring the engagement between the end-cap and the open-ended line with a proximity sensor, producing a position signal representative of the engagement between the end-cap and the open-ended line and transmitting the position signal to an operator terminal. A monitoring network may be established by monitoring a plurality of emission prevention systems.

Abstract: A fluid flow indication apparatus is provided for monitoring and giving an indication of fluid flow.

Abstract: A system and method of verifying the installation and data path used by a tank level monitor is provided. Once an installer completes the installation of the tank level monitor, the monitor is activated. The monitor performs a self test and transmits information to a data center. Preferably, the transmission is via a cellular communication network. Once the data center receives the information from the newly installed tank level monitor, the data center generates a text based message that is sent to the installer to verify that the installation was successful. The message from the data center is preferably an email message that can be delivered to a wireless messaging device held by the installer. The generation and transmission of the verification message should be approximately immediate, and certainly within five minutes to provide rapid feed back to the installer.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the performance of a permanent magnet device, such as a motor or generator, and providing early detection of motor performance deterioration. The back electromotive force (EMF) of the motor is measured at selected conditions when the motor is in a normal healthy condition to obtain a reference signature response. A measured signature is then obtained periodically during the life of the motor at the same conditions as the reference signature to check the current back EMF characteristic of the motor. If the measured signature deviates from the reference signature by a predetermined threshold, it indicates that the motor performance has degraded to a condition requiring attention.

Abstract: A device for detecting disconnection for use in a stepping motor driver is provided having a driver circuit 3 which comprises a pair of windings 21, 22 wound in a bifilar turn arrangement; a pair of MOSFETs 1, 2 connected to the other end of each winding 21, 22; a common current detecting resistor 4 connected between MOSFETs 1, 2 and ground; a first reference voltage generator 34 for producing a first reference voltage Vt1; a second reference voltage generator 40 for producing a second reference voltage Vt2 lower than first reference voltage Vt1; a decision circuit 8, 8b for comparing the detection voltage on current detecting resistor 4 with second reference voltage Vt2 to produce an alarm signal when detection voltage is higher than second reference voltage Vt2; and a disconnection detector 11 for receiving an alarm signal from decision circuit 8, 8b after comparator 8 produces a chopper signal 17 to produce a disconnection signal upon occurrence of line-disconnection in winding 21 or 22.

Abstract: A toy clock (22) and stuffed animal combination includes a body (24) supporting a clock (22) defining a timer for setting a time period of for disciplinary action. A first leg (26) extends from the body (24) to a first bottom (28) and a second leg (30) extends from the body (24) to a second bottom (32). A start message including TIME OUT is disposed on the first bottom (28) for indicating the beginning of the time period and an end message including TIME'S UP is disposed on the second bottom (32) for indicating the termination of the time period. Two flaps (38) are movable between a start position covering the TIME'S UP (36) at the beginning of the time period and an end position covering the TIME OUT (34) at the termination of the time period.