Abstract: A method for modifying the resonance frequency of a micro-mechanical resonator, and resonators on which the method is practiced. A packaged resonator is trimmed by directing electromagnetic energy to the resonator through a transparent portion of the package. The removal of mass (by the energy) affects the resonance frequency of the resonator in a predictable manner. In some embodiments, the energy is sourced from a femtosecond laser. In some variations of the illustrative embodiment, the amount of mass to be removed is determined as a function of its location on the resonator. A mass-trimming map is developed that identifies a plurality of potential mass-trimming sites on the resonator. A site can be classified as a fine-tuning site or a coarse-tuning site as a function of the degree to which mass removal at those sites affects the resonance frequency. The sites can also be characterized as a function of their position relative to features of the resonator (e.g., nodal lines, etc.).

Abstract: A component for the transmission of electromagnetic waves and a method for producing such a component is provided, whereby conductors of a coplanar waveguide system are embedded in a membrane such that they are at least partially suspended across a back-etched area of the substrate for the decoupling of the conductors from the substrate (1). An additional substrate is connected to the bottom side of the back-etched area of the substrate in such a way that a hollow cavity is formed.

Abstract: A test fixture configured to receive an electrical connector is provided that includes a circuit board having a mounting area configured to be joined to an electrical connector. The circuit board has at least two layers. Contacts are provided on the circuit board, and traces extend from the contacts, wherein traces joined to adjacent contacts are distributed between the at least two layers.

Abstract: A high-frequency relay includes: a base block having fixed terminals insert-molded to expose fixed contacts; an electromagnetic block mounted on the base block and for rotating a movable iron piece due to excitation and demagnetization; and movable blocks interlocking with a rotation operation of the movable iron piece so as to be connected with and disconnected from the fixed contacts of the base block. A push-in spring for pushing one of the movable blocks is provided in the movable iron piece. The push-in spring includes a fixed portion fixed to the movable iron piece, a pressure portion for applying pressure to the movable block, and foot portions each extending substantially perpendicularly to the movable block wherein extending directions of the foot portions cane be adjusted.

Abstract: An arrangement used to fix conductor rails for multi-phase switchgears to allow for mounting and dismantling the conductor rails in a simple manner is provided. The switchgear housing (4) comprises straight guide elements (16) which are used to receive the mounting position using the conductor rails (8). Each conductor rail (8) includes a continuous bore (22) which is covered by a receiving bore (24) when in a mounted position, the receiving bore being formed in the switchgear housing (4). Insertion journals (28) extend through the continuous bores (22) into the receiving bores (24) associated therewith and are combined with a connecting web (30) in order to form an insertion comb (26) made of an insulating material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a package for permanent magnets in which the amount of magnetic field that leaks externally is reduced, and that is stable. There is provided a permanent magnet package 1 comprising: a plurality of magnet rows, wherein each of the magnet rows comprises a plurality of permanent magnets 2, wherein the magnetization direction of all the permanent magnets in a single magnet row is the same, and is parallel to the magnet row, and wherein the plurality of the magnet rows are arranged such that the magnetization direction of adjacent rows is opposite; and the method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A power inductor includes a first magnetic core material having first and second ends. An inner cavity is arranged in the first magnetic core material that extends from the first end to the second end. First and second notches are arranged in the first magnetic core material that project inwardly towards the inner cavity from one of the first and second ends. A first conductor passes through the inner cavity and is received by the first notch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coil structure capable of improving a differential transmission characteristic by reducing capacitance as much as possible. A common mode choke coil is constructed so that a section of each of two coil patterns constructing a thin film coil has an inverted trapezoid shape which is bilaterally asymmetrical. Because of the structural characteristic that the section of each of the two coil patterns has an inverted trapezoid shape which is bilaterally asymmetrical, the facing area of the two coil patterns contributing to capacitance is minimized. Thus, the capacitance of the thin film coil can be reduced as much as possible.

Abstract: A current transformer includes a CT core having a central opening, a height, a width, inner and outer radii, and a secondary winding disposed about the CT core. The CT core is formed from a winding of an elongated length of taped steel having a reluctance and a width. The CT core height corresponds to the taped steel width. The CT core width is equal to the difference between the outer and inner radii. An air gap having a reluctance, a width and a depth is disposed in the CT core. The depth is along a portion of the CT core height. The air gap width is substantially smaller than the CT core height and width. The air gap reluctance is substantially greater than the taped steel reluctance. The CT core has a permeability resulting from being annealed at a temperature of 1450 to 1550° F. for one hour.

Abstract: A switch includes a push rod which extends from an underside of a switch member and the push rod selectively pivots an action member in “ON” and “OFF” positions. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion so as to contact a second contact point on the other terminal when in “ON” position. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free end of a spring member which is fixed on the contact plate. There is a sufficient space for the upward movement of the action member when overloaded.

Abstract: A switch includes a switch member and an extension and a push rod respectively extended from two ends of an underside of the switch member. A bi-metallic contact plate has a first end fixed to one of two terminals and a contact portion splits from the contact plate. A first contact point is connected to an underside of the contact portion and a second contact point is connected to the other terminal. A free end of the contact portion is connected with a free first end of a spring member and a second end of the spring member is connected to the contact plate. When overload, the contact portion and the spring member move upward to cut off the circuit while the push rod extends through a through hole defined in the spring member.

Abstract: A fuse state indicator for a fuse including a cylindrical fuse body and a primary fuse element therein, includes an extension member, a transparent lens, a combustible substance adjacent the lens, a secondary fuse link adjacent said combustible substance, and a curved backing layer adjacent said secondary fuse link. Said backing layer is at least partially concealed by said combustible substance when viewed through said transparent lens before the fuse has opened, and said backing layer maintains said secondary fuse link in position with respect to said combustible substance.

Abstract: A binder resin for sliding resistors contains an acetylene-terminated polyamic acid oligomer represented by the following general formula (I): wherein n is an integer of zero or more.

Abstract: An assistive communication device of the type on which a user can compose a message to be spoken by the device, using an input device to select items on a display to construct the message, can operate in a mode suitable for visually impaired and/or inexperienced users by aurally stepping through the available choices, explaining to the user the consequences of selecting each choice. The order in which choices are presented in these modes may differ from a mode in which they would be presented to an experienced or fully-sighted user. Even for an experienced user, the order in which choices are highlighted on the display may differ according the user's usage history. The device may be connected to external communications, including a telephone line, a data network for electronic mail, or a caregiver alert device. The caregiver alert device may be portable, or may be a caregivers' station console.

Abstract: A passive bypass device for providing a data path around a power meter is provided. The device may be communicatively connected to two low voltage power line energized conductors on a first and a second side of a power meter. The energized power line conductors conduct both the data signals and the power. The bypass device includes a filter that causes the power to pass through the power meter while allowing the data signal to pass around the power meter thereby providing a substantially non-attenuated data signal path. The bypass device may include a first and second data path for the first and second energized conductors and with each path having a high pass filter and a fuse communicatively connected to its respective energized conductor on each side of the power meter.

Abstract: The last portion of the electrical distribution system is used to provide high-speed communications to residential homes. An aggregation point interfaces a medium voltage power line with a point-of-presence, and a power line bridge enables flow of communications signals between the medium voltage power line and a low voltage power line across a distribution transformer.

Abstract: The coupler of the present invention couples data signals, such as broadband RF signals, to and from a power line. The coupler of one embodiment that is for use with overhead power lines includes a length of URD MV cable with the neutral conductor removed. Each end of the URD cable is communicatively coupled to the MV power line conductor a predetermined distance from other. The distance between the two connections points on the MV may be related to the wavelength of a carrier frequency used to communicate the data signals. The URD cable may also form part of a transformer to permit the passage of data signals while preventing the flow of the high voltage power signals through the coupler. The neutral semi-conductive jacket of the URD cable may be coupled to ground via a low frequency conductive path.

Abstract: A method of facilitating delivery of traffic messages is disclosed. Data indicating a plurality of traffic conditions on a road network are obtained. For each of the traffic conditions, the data provides a location description. For each of the traffic conditions, the location description is converted into a location reference code assigned by a traffic message supplier. A plurality of traffic messages representing the traffic conditions is transmitted. Each of the traffic messages includes the location reference code of the traffic condition.

Abstract: Truck tractors in a transportation fleet include a transponder that transmits a unique tractor identifier to a connected trailer using a Power Line Communication (PLC) bus device. The information transmitted typically includes a manufacturing unique ID for the tractor and an optional user defined ID. The user defined ID may include a fleet division code. The tractor ID and/or fleet ID codes determine how the trailer is hooked up. In particular, with detection of a connected state signal from the PLC bus, together with receipt of tractor identification code(s) from the tractor, the trailer tracking device can now communicate the coupling event information to a centralized location, such as via a cellular telephone connection.

Abstract: A trailer security system for a utility trailer is disclosed. The trailer security system includes a pair of side detection units and a middle detection unit provided between the side detection units which are placed in the utility trailer. Upon entry of an intruder into the utility trailer, at least one of the detection units is activated, thus scaring the intruder and alerting persons in the vicinity of the trailer to the presence of the intruder. A method of securing a utility trailer against intrusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument viewing display system for motorcycles. The instrument viewing display system comprises one or more objects in which motorcycle display indicators for motorcycle systems (e.g., oil pressure, low fuel indicator, turn signals, high-beam, voltage indicator, neutral indicator, tachometer, speedometer etc.) are placed on a front, back, or in the objects. The display indicators are immediately viewable in a variety of weather and lighting conditions.

Abstract: A torque sensing system generally includes a torque sensor comprising a torque sensing element configured upon a substrate in association with an antenna for sending and receiving wireless signals. A plurality of electronic controlling components for controlling the torque sensor, wherein the electronic controlling components are configured upon another substrate in association with an antenna for sending and receiving the wireless signals to and from the torque sensor, such that the torque sensor is located on a rotating member in order to generate signals indicative of a torque associated with the rotating member, and wherein the signals are wirelessly transmittable from the torque the via the antenna configured upon the substrate in association with the torque sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle safety lighting system includes a panel including light-emitting sources housed therein that are arranged in isolated series equidistantly juxtaposed along the panel. One light-emitting source series is continuously active during non-braking conditions. A mechanism is included for mounting the panel to a rear portion of a vehicle. A controller is coupled to a master brake cylinder of the vehicle and is electrically mated in parallel with the light-emitting sources such that selected ones of the light-emitting source series can be independently activated during driving conditions. In-line pressure sensors are conjoined to brake lines associated with the master brake cylinder for effectively determining a degree of force applied to a brake pedal. The in-line pressure sensors also generates and transmits notification signals to the controller while the brake pedal is engaged such that the controller can activate the light-emitting sources based upon a changing brake force.

Abstract: A communication system includes a main power line and a plurality of PLC networks connected to the main power line in common. At least one of the PLC networks includes a plurality of nodes. One node of the nodes in the PLC network is connected to the main power line. The other nodes are interconnected via a sub power line so as to receive power from the main power line through the one node. An inductor provided in the one node is connected to the main power line and the sub power line.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention provide for conductive emissions communication without requiring dedicated communications wires. The systems and methods have the capability to send digital messages over the same wires that are used to power DC systems. Hardware filter circuits are combined with advanced algorithms in a communications control chip to permit the elimination of the dedicated wires, thereby needing zero additional wires to accomplish the task of digital control.

Abstract: A sensor node arrangement in a wireless network, includes a sensor to sense information, an RF transceiver to communicate the information to at least one element of the wireless network, and a coil to establish a secondary communications channel with a handheld device via inductive coupling, the secondary communications channel used, for example, to receive, during installation of the sensor node arrangement, a node identifier of the sensor node arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method determines the location of a resident during an emergency within a monitored area having a plurality of residences such as when a wireless emergency call transmitter is activated. In accordance with one aspect, a wireless emergency call transmitter is positioned within the area and includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter that is resident activated during an emergency for transmitting an RF signal containing a transmitter code indicating the identity of the emergency call transmitter. The emergency call transmitter includes a receiver section that receives an infrared or acoustic signal containing a location code identifying a room or other location. This signal is received from a location monitor that had received the RF signal from the emergency call transmitter. In response to receiving the infrared or acoustic signal, the emergency call transmitter transmits an RF signal containing the location code.

Abstract: A method for monitoring motion of an entity within a predetermined boundary established using a location detection technology. Sensor data is acquired from a motion sensor that senses non-positional movement of the entity and is attachable to the entity. A learned movement pattern associated with the entity is accessed. Computing techniques are used to analyze the acquired sensor data in relationship to the learned movement pattern. A current movement pattern is identified based on the analysis. It is determined whether the current movement pattern is a reportable movement pattern, and if so, a predetermined action is performed.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that functions as an area-intrusion informing embodiment for announcing the unauthorized entry into an enclosure or area which has at least one access opening and closing means. The invention is not intended to replace conventional alarm systems, but to provide its' own unique functional identity. The Invention comprises components that, when installed, will function as a tamper proof device, whose components are packaged in a combination of at least one container, to facilitate remoteness, and substantially small for inconspicuous insertions, or surface mounting. The Access Annunciator is ideal for access doors, windows, filing cabinets, desk draws, closets, and the like, and typically includes at least one light emitting diode, an optional numeric liquid crystal display, a timer, an alert signaling means, and resetting means.

Abstract: An instruction drop-off warning system (1), which warns of drop-off of an instruction sheet (L) attached on a work (20) in a production line (40), comprises an IC tag (5a), which is incorporated in the instruction sheet L and is used for storing identification information, an instruction-management system (2), which manages the identification information of the instruction sheet (L) attached on the work (10) as instruction information (4), and a handy terminal (6), which includes a reader/writer (3) for reading and writing identification information from and into an IC tag (5b) and which stores the instruction information (4) received from the instruction-management system (2). In the instruction drop-off warning system, the handy terminal (6) is used for comparing the identification information being read from the instruction sheet (L) attached on the work (20), with the instruction information (4), so that a detection is made for warning whether or not any instruction sheet (L) has dropped off.

Abstract: A system federates heterogeneous monitoring systems to provide end-to-end monitoring information for conveyances with item-layer visibility. A first node of the federated system comprises a first monitoring system and a first port and a second node comprises a second monitoring system and a second port. In parallel with a conveyance being transported between the first node and the second node, the first monitoring system sends an agent to the second monitoring system. The agent comprises logic and/or data necessary to implement processes on the second monitoring agent while the conveyance is at the second port. When the conveyance arrives at the second port, the second monitoring system executes the agent to determine conditions of the conveyance and/or its contents.

Abstract: An RFID device preparation system includes a printer combined with a short-range tester/reader. The tester/reader operatively couples to the RFID device using capacitive and/or magnetic coupling. By use of capacitive and/or magnetic coupling, good read characteristics may be obtained, while obtaining excellent discrimination between various RFID devices that may be in or near the tester/reader. Thus, RFID devices may be inexpensively and reliably tested one at a time, without appreciable interference or effect due to the presence of other RFID devices. The tester/reader may include electric-field and/or magnetic-field coupling elements that are configured to receive different signals, in order to test a variety of configurations of RFID devices. This may enable the device preparation system to accommodate various types and configurations of RFID devices, increasing versatility of the system.

Abstract: Technologies suitable for on-wafer testing in the ubiquitous computing era are disclosed. Among the inventive features disclosed are: 1) clustering of wafer test probe landing area sites for parallel test sequencing; 2) on wafer test wiring that runs along the wafer's scribe regions; 3) on-wafer test wiring that can be scribed and yet thwart the spread of contamination into the product die; 4) an RFID tag design that allows for on-wafer testing without imposing substantial semiconductor surface area penalty; 5) an RFID tag design that includes built-in self test (BIST) circuitry for the RFID tag's non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An RFID tag has a fuse that is adapted to store configuration data in a way that survives loss of power. The fuse can be one time programmable or many times programmable, and be implemented with a non-volatile memory. The configuration data becomes available to an operational component of the tag, such as at power up, controlling its performance.

Abstract: A radio-frequency surgical implement detection system detects surgical implements in a surgical wound during and at the completion of a surgical procedure. Surgical implements, including surgical sponges or laparotomy pads, gauze pads and metallic surgical instruments, are individually attached to a non battery-powered, encapsulated radio-frequency marker. The marker comprises an integrated chip having a burnt-in memory code, which is broadcast through an antenna using a modulated carrier frequency. The code is received by an interrogating antenna of a detector. The interrogating antenna provides a power pulse, which is received by the antenna of the radio-frequency marker. The power pulse charges a capacitor, which proves power for the read function, carrier frequency modulation function and broadcast function of the integrated chip, permitting each marker-containing implement to be specifically identified.

Abstract: A coupler board includes an antenna that generates an electromagnetic field for wireless communication of data with multiple memory devices. The memory devices have data associated with operation of the machine stored therein, and may be configured as customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) or system operation keys (SOKs). The memory devices may be in the form of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The electromagnetic field may have a dual-lobe radiation pattern to communicate with memory devices on either side of the coupler board. In one embodiment, the machine is a printing apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple sheets feeding detection apparatus, sorter, and method of detecting multiple sheets feeding are provided which can ensure reliable detection of multiple sheets feeding without causing any damage to target objects and can increase the processing capability by high-speed detecting operations. The multiple sheets feeding detection apparatus comprises a passage detector that detects passage of a target object, a management code detector that receives management code information wirelessly sent from an RFID tag of the target object, a controller that determines a carrier state of the target object on the basis of passage information and the management code information, and outputs a multiple feed signal when multiple sheets feeding occurs, and removal portion for removing the target object from carrier portion upon receipt of the multiple feed signal.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus that reads first information stored in at least one first radio frequency identification tag and second information stored in a second radio frequency identification tag that belong to a first group. The first information includes second identification information of the second radio frequency identification tag, and the second information includes first identification information of the first radio frequency identification tag. The information reading apparatus includes a control unit that controls a reading unit to read the first information from one of the first radio frequency identification tags to obtain the second identification information, and to read, based on the second identification information obtained, the second information to obtain the first identification information of all of the first radio frequency identification tags that belong to the first group.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes a non-volatile memory (NVM) circuit with at least two distinct types of NVM sub-circuits that share common support circuitry. Different types of NVM sub-circuits include ordinary NVM circuits that provide a logic output upon being addressed, programmable fuses that provide an output upon transitioning to a power-on state, NVM circuits that provide an ON/OFF state output, and the like. Some of the outputs are used to calibrate circuits within a device following power-on. Other outputs are used to store information to be employed by various circuits.

Abstract: An RF air coil transponder includes a rotatable carrier, such as a rigid reel. A coil is wound about the reel and at least one field influencing body for influencing the electric and/or the magnetic field within the coil is supported by the reel. The rigidity of the reel enables the coil to keep its form and guarantees precise distances between windings, especially when a winding machine forms the coil. Adjusting the angular position, shape, composition, size, and/or surface are of the body effects adjustment of the resonant frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide multi-layer visibility of nested containers at a mobile checkpoint are disclosed. Thee systems include a portable deployment kit in communication with a nested container. The portable deployment kit can be contained in a durable carrying case having a total weight that is within military standards for carrying by one person and includes a handle. Inside, the carrying case can include foam or other material to protect internal components during transport and deployment. In use within the system, the portable deployment kit can serve as a self-contained checkpoint or site server for gathering necessary information from the nested container and uplinking for centralized data collection. In one embodiment, the portable deployment kit includes a label printer for updating an identification device on the nested container to reflect, for example, aggregation and deaggregation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification chip for insertion in an object located in a liquid. The identification chip comprises an acoustic resonator (100), which exhibits a number of distinct resonant frequencies, where the combination of resonant frequencies is unique to the identification chip. This enables the identification chip to be identified by exposing it to an acoustic polling signal, measuring an acoustic response signal and analysing the frequency of the response signal. The resonator (100) comprises a cavity-forming part (110, 120) and a membrane (130). The acoustic resonant frequencies are determined by at least one cavity (140), which is enclosed by the cavity-forming part (110, 120) and the membrane (140). The identification chip can be implanted in a fish, with the object of identifying the fish when it is located in water.

Abstract: A single pump control unit can be coupled to first and second float switches and a pump for purposes of removing fluid from a region such as a sump. A supplemental set of contacts can be provided to couple an alarm indicating signal to a remote alarm. An alarm state can also be transmitted wirelessly.

Abstract: In order to allow a smoke detector unit to be utilized in, for example, a domestic kitchen environment, appliances whose operation is commonly associated with the generation of non-hazardous smoke or aerosols are connected to a conventional mains supply socket via a current monitoring unit. The current monitoring units include a radio transceiver, which transmits the operational status of the appliances to a corresponding transceiver of the smoke detector unit 1. If the signals transmitted by the current monitoring units indicate that the appliances and are off, the smoke detector unit generates a warning signal when the smoke density exceeds a lower threshold. If one of the appliances and is detected to be on, the smoke detector unit generates a warning signal only when a second, higher threshold of smoke density is exceeded. Optionally, when the higher smoke density threshold is exceeded; the smoke detector unit transmits the signal to the current monitoring unit to power off the appliances.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) sensor includes a sensing portion that generates a mechanical movement in response to a measurand input. The sensor also includes a logic portion to mechanically perform a logic function in response to the movement.

Abstract: An information processing system formed with a relay and light output devices. In the system, an external information receiver receives first external information transmitted from an outside. An external information acquisition unit acquires second external information. A light output controller controls, based on the first and second external information, the light output to be in one or more number of output states, among three or more number of output states. At the relay, an external information receiver receives a sender identifier for identifying sender of the external information, and the external information. A transmission control information memory stores one or more sets of a transmission destination identifier and transmission control information. A transmission destination identifier acquisition unit acquires transmission destination identifier from the transmission control information memory.

Abstract: A system for commissioning ballasts comprising a wireless device that can be easily transported to any location served by an addressable lighting system. The wireless device allows a user to cycle through a list of uncommissioned ballasts and send a command to a control system to flash the lights connected to each of the ballasts on the list one by one. When a light is observed to flash by the user, the user of the wireless device may then commission the correct ballast with the wireless device. In addition, the user may assign the ballast to a group. In this way, the commissioning of ballasts in, for example, a building is greatly facilitated.

Abstract: A system and method for observing patients in geographically dispersed health care locations. A patient is assigned to a health care location comprising a patient visual monitoring system, a patient audio receiver, and a patient controller. The visual monitoring system is responsive tri-axially to command signals received via a patient controller connected to the network. The patient controller sends patient imaging data and patient audio data to a remote command center via the network. A computerized patient care management system comprising the remote command center monitors patient data, patient imaging data, and patient audio data determines from the patient data, the patient imaging data, and the patient audio data if intervention with the selected patient is warranted.

Abstract: A method for communication between inside and outside of a transmission medium using the transmission medium as a communication line, includes the steps of: receiving an electric signal having information related to a transmission medium from a plurality of sensors inside the transmission medium; conducting the electric signal to the transmission medium; and sensing the electric signal flowing to the outside of the transmission medium. Because a modulating unit is not necessary, a power consumption is minimized. In addition, since an electric signal is directly conducted to a medium, it is not necessary to use an antenna, and thus, degradation of a reception rate according to a directional property of the antenna can be prevented. Moreover, since the electric signal is directly generated in the medium and the medium is directly used as an electric conductor, the overall size of a transmitter is reduced.

Abstract: In a vehicle lane detector that detects a lane sign on a road surface, a condition for determining that the lane sign is detected is changed based on one of a frequency and a ratio of detection error of the lane sign.