Abstract: A RF switch can be used in a wide frequency range and can be manufactured at a low cost. The RF switch changes a signal passing through a waveguide with a variable device that is switchable between the first state in which the variable device has a high resistance and the second state in which the variable device has a low resistance, depending on the direction in which current flows through the variable device. The RF switch includes a high-frequency transmission circuit including the waveguide and at least one variable device, a driver circuit including at least one variable device, and a signal circuit for changing current supplied to the variable devices of the high-frequency transmission circuit and the driver circuit for switching between the first and second states of the variable devices.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch includes an actuation electrode, an anchor, a cantilever electrode, a contact, and signal lines. The actuation electrode and anchor are mounted to a substrate. The cantilever electrode is supported by the anchor above the actuation electrode. The contact is mounted to the cantilever electrode. The signal lines are positioned to form a closed circuit with the contact when an actuation voltage is applied between the actuation electrode and the cantilever electrode causing the cantilever electrode to bend towards the actuation electrode in a zipper like movement starting from a distal end of the cantilever electrode.

Abstract: An adjustable low pass filter and directional coupler used in microwave communication are combined to reduce the size of the microwave circuit. The low pass filter portion and coupling portion are made independently tunable with a plurality of varactors and variable reactance circuits connected to ground.

Abstract: A waveguide directional filter for combining multiple high power UHF television broadcasting transmitters on to a common antenna. The directional filter arrangement includes an input waveguide, an output waveguide and an interconnected cascade assembly of two or more cavity resonators. The input and output waveguides are each aperture-coupled to an end cavity resonator of the cascade assembly. The edges of each aperture incorporate inwardly extending curved protrusions of a characteristic shape. Alternatively or additionally, at least one pair of non-adjacent cavity resonators are coupled by at least one additional coupling element incorporating an external transmission line.

Abstract: A low profile ceramic filter for connection to an antenna, a transmitter and a receiver. The filter filters an incoming signal from the antenna to the receiver and an outgoing signal from the transmitter to the antenna. The filter has a ceramic core with through-holes that extend between sides of the core. The through-holes form coupled resonators and trap resonators. Two trap resonators are located at ends of the block, and two of the trap resonators are located in a central portion of the block. The coupled resonators are located between the end trap resonators and the trap resonators in the central portion. The trap resonators have a resonant frequency that is outside of the desired passband such that trap zeros or poles are provided.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave element includes a pair of interdigital transducers arranged in parallel with a propagation direction of a surface acoustic wave; a reflector prepared at both sides of the interdigital transducers; and a coupling portion, which mutually couples one end of a plurality of electrode fingers constituting one electrode portion of each interdigital transducer to be in common, wherein each of the electrode fingers includes a plurality of straight line portions that intersect with the coupling portion, and a bending portion prepared between these straight line portions.

Abstract: Transmission line and high frequency cavity resonator using such transmission lines, particularly for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. This transmission line comprises a straight and segmented (1) bar, these segments being (or being made) electrically conducting, the bar being provided with dielectric elements (2) inserted between the segments.

Abstract: A high voltage relay comprises a hermitically sealed housing made of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and having internal components for changing the state of said relay. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to external circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the relay. A nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride gas fills the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation with the housing having low permeability to the molecules of the gas.

Abstract: A MEM's reed switch array is provided having a first switch having a sensitivity causing the first switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux, and a second switch of lesser sensitivity than the first switch causing the second switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux. The first switch can be parallel to the second switch, or the first switch can be proximate to the second switch so that a center line of the first switch is coaxial to a center line of the second switch. Further, a security device for residential and/or commercial use is provided, having a magnet housing having a magnet, a switch housing having a MEM's reed switch array with a first switch and a second switch, and a gap between the magnet housing and the switch housing.

Abstract: A vertical winding structure for planar integrated magnetics used in switched-mode power converters maintains close coupling between the different windings but reduces the eddy current losses, lowers the DC winding resistance and reduces the number of layers of the PCB. Vertical and horizontal windings can be used together without sacrificing these performance advantages and further minimizing the capacitive coupling between the outer-leg windings and the center-leg winding. This winding structure can be used in a wide range of magnetic structures including isolated and non-isolated CDRs, interleaved CDRs, and buck and boost converters.

Abstract: A bandpass filter includes at least two thin-film layers, a first resonant circuit including a first inductor, and a second resonant circuit including a second inductor. In one embodiment, the first inductor comprises a coil having a counter-clockwise rotation positioned in two or more of the at least two thin-film layers and the second inductor comprises a coil having a clockwise rotation positioned in two or more of the at least two thin-film layer. In this case, the first inductor is coupled to the second inductor in at least one of the at least two thin-film layers when the bandpass filter is energized. In another embodiment, the first inductor has a clockwise rotation and the second has a counter-clockwise rotation positioned. In this case, the first inductor is coupled to the second inductor in at least two of the at least two thin-film layers when the bandpass filter is energized.

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: In order to readily remove a fusible link fastened by a bolt from an electrical junction box, an electrical junction box includes a bus bar made of an electrical conductive metallic plate and that has an input terminal section, a plurality of output terminal sections, narrow fusible portions interposed between the input and output terminal sections. The junction box further includes a fusible link embedding the bus bar in molded resin integrally, a body casing containing the fusible link, and a press fitting terminal coupled to an end of an electrical power source cable. The press fitting terminal is connected to the input terminal section by a bolt. A bolt-joining portion between the input terminal section and the press terminal is disposed on a position higher than an upper surface of the body casing or a position opposite to an cutout provided in the body casing. A bolt-handling space for fastening or releasing a bolt is defined at a position opposite to the bolt-joining portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the gas sensor includes a porous plate-like sintered body comprising trisilicon tetranitride needle crystals; two first catalyst metal thin films and one second catalyst metal thin film, formed on one surface of the plate-like sintered body in a non-contacted state with each other; oxygen ion-conductive solid electrolyte thin films formed on the respective surface; a surface layer thin film formed on the respective surfaces, so that a first measurement part, a second measurement part and a third measurement part are constituted; and a glass sealing layer comprising silicon oxide, formed on other surface of the porous plate-like sintered body, a surface other than the surface of the porous plate-like sintered body having the first catalyst metal thin film and the second catalyst metal thin film formed thereon, and a side of the first measurement part and the second measurement part.

Abstract: A security remote-control system includes a mobile terminal, a central server, and a key unit controlling the state of a lock. The mobile terminal has a positional-information detecting unit capable of detecting its own position, and automatically transmits a first email for requesting notification of the state of the lock to the central server when the mobile terminal is outside a predetermined area including a specific position specified by a user. The central server confirms the state of the lock through the key unit, when the central server receives the first email, and transmits to the mobile terminal a state notification email indicating the state of the lock. The mobile terminal automatically transmits to the central server a second email for instructing shutting of the lock when determining that the lock is not shut. The central server transmits to the key unit a locking instruction signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing interference by warbling a reader transmitted signal are described. To reduce interference in a densely packed multiple reader environment, a reader modulates or warbles the frequency or phase of the transmitted signal during a reception portion of a symbol exchange period. The transmitted signal is modulated within the bandwidth of an operating channel. The bandwidth of the operating channel is much narrower than the system bandwidth. In frequency warbling, the carrier frequency is shifted one or more times during the reception portion of the symbol exchange period. If phase warbling, the transmitted signal is spread within bandwidth of the operating channel during the reception portion of the symbol exchange period.

Abstract: Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling, one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for operating a power line communications system for communicating via an underground residential distribution power system. One embodiment of the present invention includes an aggregation point, which may be co-located with a point of presence, communicatively coupled to one or distribution points. The distribution points are communicatively coupled to one or more medium voltage interface devices. The medium voltage interface devices are communicatively coupled to one or more power line bridges via URD medium voltage power lines. The power line bridges may be co-located with a URD distribution transformer and provide communications to the user devices communicatively coupled to the LV power lines of the distribution transformer.

Abstract: A racing caution-condition control system includes a master control station and first and second caution-condition warning systems. The master control station has a master activation input and a transmitter, and the master activation input is coupled to the transmitter and selectively causes the transmitter to send a caution-condition signal output. The first caution-condition warning system has a first receiver in communication with the transmitter. The first caution-condition warning system is activated when the first receiver receives the caution-condition signal from the transmitter. The second caution-condition warning system, different from the first caution-condition warning system, has a second receiver in communication with the transmitter. The second caution-condition warning system is activated when the second receiver receives the caution-condition signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: An improvement in a tool of the type which is adapted for connection into a drilling string, which tool is adapted to perform a function in the drilling string as a first function. The improvement is a magnetic field source incorporated with the tool so that the tool is adapted to perform a magnetic field source carrying function as a second function. The first function is unrelated directly to the second function.

Abstract: A display device for use in an instrument panel to be mounted in an automotive vehicle is capable of displaying information concerning the status of the automotive vehicle. The display device is further capable of providing an alarm, when a predetermined physical parameter among physical parameters representing the status of an automotive vehicle is within a predetermined range, by effecting at least one of a change in display luminance and a change in displayed color.

Abstract: A signal processing section 11 decodes an in-vehicle device signal S3 supplied to signal input terminals 141 to 14n and generates a decoded signal S2. An output terminal 13 is connected with a terminal device 30 and receives the decoded signal S2 generated by the signal processing section 11.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for location of objects to facilitate retrieval, filing, security, inventory stock-keeping and the like. The methods and apparatus employ a tag element associated with each object-to-be-located, and interrogation system for searching one or more spatial regions for such tagged items, as well as mechanisms for identifying objects within the interrogated region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a property supervisory control system. The property supervisory control system operates with an image-capturing device, combines, and outputs a warning signal and image record by the image-capturing device to a supervisory control center. The security service personnel in the supervisory control center can be notified with the type of an object and a displacement of the object by the property supervisory control system when the object is moved abnormally in a scanning region of a wireless receiver. Because the wireless emitter transmits signals only when the object is moved, the power life of the battery of the wireless emitter could be extended.

Abstract: A method and system of configuring the scripting of a call center includes an interactive voice response (IVR) server and automatic call distributor (ACD) server and associated graphical user interface contained on a computer screen of an ACD manager that is loaded on a call center computer. A script editor window is displayed as a result of user input as part of a graphical user interface for the call center. The script editor window includes a script display area. Script icons are representative of ACD and IVR scripting actions and are dragged from an action toolbar into the script display area. The script icons are linked based on user input in the order which represents the IVR and ACD scripting within the call center.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in setting up workpiece treatment or processing equipment. A disclosed system processes silicon wafers that are treated during processing steps in producing semiconductor integrated circuits. The processing equipment includes a wafer support that supports a wafer in a treatment region during wafer processing. A housing provides a controlled environment within the housing interior for processing the wafer on the wafer support. A mechanical transfer system transports wafers to and from the support. A wafer simulator is used to simulate wafer movement and includes a pressure sensor for monitoring contact between the simulator and the wafer transfer and support equipment. In one illustrated embodiment the wafer simulator is generally circular and includes three equally spaced pressure sensors for monitoring contact with wafer transport and support equipment.

Abstract: A security device for a transponder with a kill and/or cloak function is provided. The security device includes a memory device, in which a first, open password is stored, an input, into which a second, secret password is coupled, a cryptologic device, which is connected to the input and generates a checksum from the second password, and a comparison unit, which compares the checksum and the first password and which upon an agreement generates a kill and/or cloak control instruction to activate and/or deactivate a kill and/or cloak mechanism, which can be tapped at an output. A method for configuring a security device and a method for operating a transponder, and a transponder having the security device are also provided.

Abstract: A safety light is activated by a wireless signal from a control panel in a home security system is response to detection of a fire by the system. The safety light alerts rescuers of rooms in a home in which children may be located. The light may be window, door or wall-mounted, and have a single, or dual opposing, backlit faces. The backlit face includes a logo and/or text that is quickly recognized by rescuers. For example, a logo of a firefighter carrying a baby may be used with the text “tot rescue”. The safety light may communicate status information to the control panel, such as a low battery condition or a tamper alert. A tamper alert switch detects tampering with the housing of the safety light or its installation. Additional safety lights provide ambient illumination and directional information to an exit.

Abstract: A central test radio frequency system for emergency lighting comprising a set of emergency light units or emergency lamps (L1-L13) and a remote control unit (CU) that manages the system's functionality, wherein each of said emergency lamps (L1-L13) has a radio transmitter-receiver (MR), which is able to communicate to each of said emergency lamps and to the remote control unit (CU) via radio signals.

Abstract: A remote surveillance device is provided herein, which mainly contains a camera, infra-red LEDs, an anti-theft circuit, a radio-frequency transmission circuit, a solar panel, and a battery, etc. The remote surveillance device is operable during power outage, saves captured images locally, transmits captured images to at least a remote control center via a wireless air interface, generates alarm and notifies a control center whenever an abnormal condition occurs. The infra-red LEDs provides lighting for continuous image capturing during night time.

Abstract: A security tip jar includes a vessel body and a removable base. The vessel body defines an open top designed for receiving a gratuity. The removable base forms a closed bottom of the vessel body. An electronic sensor is located in the removable base, and is adapted for sensing a disturbance of the vessel body. A protective cover is located over the electronic sensor. An alarm is operatively connected to the electronic sensor, and is adapted for activation upon disturbance of the vessel body.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an object. The system includes an object location tracker and a computer system. The object location tracker is configured for attachment to a mobile vehicle and includes an object identification reading device and a position-tracking device. The object identification reading device senses object identification indicia on the object, such as RF ID tags, bar codes, etc., as the mobile vehicle moves around an environment in which the object is situated. The position-tracking device computes the location of the object location tracker as the mobile vehicle moves throughout environment. The computer system associates the sensed object identification indicia of the object, as determined by the reading device, with a location in the environment based on the position of the object location tracker in the environment, as determined by the position-tracking device, when the reading device senses the object identification indicia.

Abstract: A wireless system that detects the presence of a child in a safety seat located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin. The system generates control signals which activate an alarm, open the doors of the vehicle and roll down windows if the child is left in the safety seat of an unattended vehicle.

Abstract: A method for modifying an object involves determining a modification rate for the object, creating a first reservoir and a first wicking channel based on the modification rate, where the first reservoir and the first wicking channel are on the object and the first wicking channel is operatively connected to the first reservoir, and filling the first reservoir with a chemical for modifying the object, wherein an amount of chemical in the first reservoir is determined based on the modification rate.

Abstract: An anti-theft security holder for cylindrical articles includes a support member, and EAS marker and an outer sleeve is disclosed. The support member is preferably shaped to receive the cylindrical item in a seated position and the EAS marker may be supported within the support member such that is sandwiched between the support member and the cylindrical article during use. An outer sleeve, for example a plastic shrink-wrapped sleeve, may be used to secure the support member to the cylindrical article. In one embodiment, the side walls are rigid and are supported at an angle such that a gap is formed between a portion of the article and the base so that the EAS member fits with the gap.

Abstract: The system includes a thermal grill that has several relatively warm portions which are interlaced with several relatively cold portions. When an individual contacts the thermal grill, the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions of the thermal grill causes the individual to feel pain without physiologically damaging the individual. The system may provide some indication that the thermal grill should not be contacted. The system may also provide some indication that the thermal grill has been contacted. The system may also be able to send signals that the thermal grill has been contacted to a location that is different from where the thermal grill is located. The system may also allow the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions of the thermal grill to be adjusted from a remote location such that the level of pain which is generated by thermal grill is readily modified.

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: Steering handle, in particular steering wheel, for motor vehicles, on which means are provided for recognition of a contact between at least one hand of the vehicle driver and the steering handle (free hand recognition).

Abstract: In a computer system a non-volatile fault indicator in a positional relationship with at least one system component is settable to maintain a fault indication for the component after powering down of the computer system.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors wear of a connector by counting insertions or extractions between circuit boards. The monitoring system includes a sensor that senses insertions or extractions through contact or non-contact sensing. The monitoring system also includes a monitor connected to the sensor to monitor insertions or extractions and, optionally, store data in memory and generate an alarm signal if a predetermined threshold has been exceeded. The monitoring system may be positioned at any location in an electronic system and may be configured such that the sensor connects to the monitor directly, indirectly, or over a network.

Abstract: Briefly, a detector to detect a connection status of an input unit to a standard socket of a computing platform based on an operational property of the input unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that includes a plurality of disposable absorbent products where at least one of the disposable absorbent products includes a tag. The system further includes a reader that identifies the tags on the plurality of disposable absorbent products and plays media based on the identity of the tags. In another form, the system includes a reader that identifies the tags on the plurality of disposable absorbent products and provides information relating to one other product based on the identity of the tags. In still another form, the present invention relates to a method that includes marking a plurality of disposable absorbent products (e.g., diapers) with a tag, and providing a reader that plays media based on the identity of the tags.

Abstract: Systems and methods for grouping mesh networks. Mesh networks enable energy data to be transferred from an energy sensing device to a destination device using various networks and reduces the need to install metering stations. Embodiments of the invention join or group mesh networks that otherwise are not able to communicate. The connections between the grouped mesh networks can be passive using directional antennas or passive antennas or active using higher power RF devices, solar repeaters, mobile mesh devices, etc. The energy data is routed in a smart manner, by performing load balancing at gateways, by monitoring the signal to noise ratio of available communication paths, etc. Mesh clusters can also be created to define low power clusters, address blocking clusters, and frequency based clusters. Grouping clusters facilitates the efficient transfer of energy data from an energy sensing device to a energy management station.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems to manage parking meters using mechanical, electrical and electromechanicals monitoring and transmitting devices. Such intelligent parking meters may be used for example to monitor pollution by idling vehicles, survey the area about the meters to identify events such as vandalism, accident or any other designated emergency situation, and to monitor volume and flow of traffic to help coordinate traffic light sequencing for facilitating optimum traffic movement. The meters may be coin, bill or card operated and are useful for monitoring individual parking spaces designed to monitor conditions ambient to the parking meter and issue summons to vehicles violating the preset requirements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying aircraft operations information are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving operations information, presenting a first portion of the information over a first area of a display medium having a first size, receiving a signal corresponding to an instruction to increase a fraction of the display medium occupied by the operations information, and presenting at least the first portion of the operations information over a second, larger area of the display medium. Multiple display media can be controlled by independent selectors, with each selector having two portions, one to select categories of aircraft operations information, and another to present groups of selectable options corresponding to each of the individual categories of operations information.

Abstract: A system involves encoding a video data stream. The system includes a first determinator for determining attributes associated with the video data stream and an encoder for receiving the attributes from the first determinator and encoding a stream header identifying stream syntax. The stream header is encoded in a markup language. A multiplexer combines the encoded stream headers with the video data stream.

Abstract: A digital sum value (DSV) control apparatus inserts a DC control bit for each DC control block. The apparatus includes a first DSV accumulated value comparator for setting a target flag to a DC control bit for a first DC control block, a second DSV accumulated value comparator for comparing a first DSV accumulated value accumulated and calculated from DSV values of the first DC control block with a second DSV accumulated value accumulated and calculated from DSV values of a plurality of DC control blocks subsequent to the first DC control block, and a DC control bit determination output section for determining a value of a DC control bit for the first control block according to an output of the first and the second DSV accumulated value comparators.

Abstract: A method for communication between a sender and a receiver, including receiving data in the form of an M-of-N code, where the M-of-N code includes a first component of length n1 and a second component of length n2; decoding data in which the first component is an m1-of-n1 code and the second component is an m2-of-n2 code; and decoding data in which the first component is an m3-of-n1 code where m1?m3 and the second component is an m4-of-n2 code where m2?m4.

Abstract: A compression and decompression method and apparatus comprising at least one data source providing a stream of data to at least one data destination, employing at least one pattern classifier processing the stream of data of the at least one data source into a single stream of messages and generating at least one pattern event, a message encoder and a message decoder changing an internal state in response to the at least one pattern event.

Abstract: In a bit stream syntax containing compressed video slice data for compressed video data of a slice structure, a slice header for compressed video slice data has attached thereto a slice start code, a register reset flag indicating whether a register value, which designates a status of a codeword occurring in an arithmetic coding process, should be reset in the next transmission unit, an initial register value which indicates a register value to be used to start arithmetic coding/decoding to build/decompose the next transmission unit, only when the register reset flag indicates that the register should not be reset.