Abstract: An adaptive cycle-slipped detector (“ACSD”) for use in a Phase-Locked Loop (“PLL”) circuit. The ACSD may include a phase comparator, a phase shifter in signal communication with the phase comparator, and a cycle-slipped detector (“CSD”) in signal communication with the phase shifter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for making atomic clocks or atomic magnetometers as self-modulated laser systems based on the physics of push-pull optical pumping. An atomic vapor cell is required to be in the laser cavity. With proper conditions, spontaneous push-pull optical pumping can occur inside the laser cavity. This causes the laser beam to be modulated at hyperfine-resonance frequency. With a fast photodetector, the modulated laser signal can be converted into the electrical signal, which serves as the atomic clock ticking signal or magnetometer signal. The self-modulated laser system does not use any local oscillator and the microwave circuit to lock the oscillator frequency to the hyperfine-resonance frequency, and therefore can consume less power and become more compact than conventional systems. This invention will benefit applications of time measurements and magnetic-field measurements.

Abstract: To provide dual loop PLLs capable of reducing the lock-up time in the initial start-up, and multiplication clock generators contributing to reduction of the power dissipation. The dual loop PLL comprises a dual loop PLL having a phase comparison loop having a phase comparator 1 for comparing phases, and a frequency comparison loop having a frequency comparator 7 for comparing frequencies, wherein the frequency comparator 7 carries out frequency comparison using an input signal inputted from a calibration clock line CLcal 18, the input signal being different from a reference clock signal inputted from an external reference clock line CLex 11, the reference clock signal being used for a phase comparator 1. Moreover, multiplication clock generators are configured using the dual loop PLL.

Abstract: Disclosed is a PLL circuit including a deadlock detection circuit includes a counter circuit for counting a clock signal. In a deadlock state, the deadlock detection circuit outputs a deadlock detection signal responsive to an output signal from the counter circuit when the counter circuit has counted a preset number of the clock signal. The deadlock detection signal serves to release the PLL circuit from the dead lock. During the normal operation, the counter circuit does not impart noise to the PLL circuit.

Abstract: A PLL includes a charge pump, a loop filter, a VCO, and a calibration unit. The calibration unit performs coarse tuning to select one or multiple frequency ranges, performs fine tuning to determine an initial control voltage that puts the VCO near a desired operating frequency, measures the VCO gain at different control voltages, and derives VCO gain compensation values for the different control voltages. The calibration unit also pre-charges the loop filter to the initial control voltage to shorten acquisition time, enables the loop filter to drive the VCO to lock to the desired operating frequency, and performs VCO gain compensation during normal operation. For VCO gain compensation, the calibration unit measures the control voltage, obtains the VCO gain compensation value for the measured control voltage, and adjusts the gain of at least one circuit block (e.g., the charge pump) to account for variation in the VCO gain.

Abstract: A fully integrated, programmable mixed-signal radio transceiver comprising a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) which is frequency and protocol agnostic with digital inputs and outputs, the radio transceiver being programmable and configurable for multiple radio frequency bands and standards and being capable of connecting to many networks and service providers. The RFIC includes a tunable resonant circuit that includes a transmission line having an inductance, a plurality of switchable capacitors configured to be switched into and out of the tunable resonant circuit in response to a first control signal, and at least one variable capacitor that can be varied in response to a second control signal, wherein a center resonant frequency of the resonant circuit is electronically tunable responsive to the first and second control signals that control a first capacitance value of the plurality of switchable capacitors and a second capacitance value of the at least one variable capacitor.

Abstract: An improved system and method for determining the lock condition of a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is described. The lock detect circuit generates a fast lock detect signal that may be used to detect a transient loss of lock. The lock detect circuit may also include a phase alignment detect circuit to detect a misalignment in the phase of a reference clock and a feedback clock. Additionally, the lock detect circuit may include a reference clock detect circuit to detect if the reference clock signal is detected. Output signals from all of the above circuits may be communicated to a logic circuit in order to create an enhanced lock detect signal. An extended lock detect signal may also be communicated to the logic circuit.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit includes first and second transistors forming a differential pair, an output combiner connected to first terminal sides of the first and second transistors, and a current source connected to second terminal sides of the first and second transistors.

Abstract: An LC tank structure. The structure, including a set of wiring levels on top of a semiconductor substrate, the wiring levels stacked on top of each other from a lowest wiring level nearest the substrate to a highest wiring level furthest from the substrate; an inductor in the highest wiring level, the inductor confined within a perimeter of a region of the highest wiring level; and a varactor formed in the substrate, the varactor aligned completely under the perimeter of the region of the highest wiring level. The structure may additionally include an electric shield in a wiring level of the set of wiring levels between the lowest wiring level and the highest wiring level. Alternatively, the inductor includes a magnetic core and alternating electrically non-magnetic conductive metal coils and magnetic coils around the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conversion of waveguide modes from a mode of type TM01 to mode of type TE11 for transmission of power within the microwave range. The invention also relates to a mode-converting arrangement and an antenna arrangement with such a mode converting arrangement. The mode-converting arrangement comprises an incoming waveguide (1) for reception of power of the type TM01-an outgoing waveguide (6) for outputting power of mode type TE11 and a waveguide-mode-converting section (2-5) arranged between the incoming and outgoing waveguides. According to the invention, incoming power of mode type TM01 is divided in an input section (2) between two or more waveguides with cross-sections in the shape of circle sectors.

Abstract: An electrical processing network including a first set of ports and a second set of ports electrically coupled to the first set of ports. The first set of ports are for a first set of signals with approximately 0° and 180° relative phase. The second set of ports are for a second set of signals with approximately 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° relative phase.

Abstract: A filter for CATV applications includes a housing and two interface caps, each with an annular groove in a header portion thereof. A circuit board having a grounding bus along an edge of the board is disposed inside the housing. A split ring grounding clamp is disposed inside the housing such that a plurality of split rings are adjacent the grounding bus. The interface caps are press fitted into the ends of the housing, forcing the plurality of split rings into uniform contact with the grounding bus. The ends of the housing are then crimp-rolled such that a ridge is formed in the housing where the grooves in the headers are located in the interface caps, thereby sealing the ends of the housing to the interface caps.

Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein, as well as many aspects and embodiments of those inventions. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to one or more microelectromechanical ring resonator structures having a circular or substantially circular outer surface and a circular or substantially circular inner surface. The microelectromechanical ring resonator(s) include an anchor support element having an impedance matching structure coupled to at least one substrate anchor. The impedance matching structure may be a beam, having a predetermined length, which couples the ring resonator(s) to substrate anchor. In one embodiment, the impedance matching structure operates in a bulk-elongation mode. In another embodiment, the impedance matching structure operates in a flexure mode. In operation, when induced, the microelectromechanical ring resonator structure oscillates in an elongating/compressing or breathing mode (or in a primarily or substantially elongating or breathing mode).

Abstract: A film bulk acoustic resonator includes: a piezoelectric thin film that is formed on a principal surface of a substrate; and a lower electrode and an upper electrode that are arranged to sandwich the piezoelectric thin film. In this film bulk acoustic resonator, the piezoelectric thin film is made of aluminum nitride, and at least one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode contains a ruthenium or ruthenium-alloy layer.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic filter with a metal guide can is provided. The dielectric ceramic filter includes a metal guide can coupled to and projecting from both input/output ends of the dielectric ceramic filter. Alternatively, the dielectric ceramic filter includes: a dielectric block having a plurality of vertical grooves formed in its side surfaces, wherein a conductive material is coated on all surfaces of the dielectric block except its ends; and a metal guide can covering both ends of the dielectric block, wherein the metal guide can is a conductive metal plate projecting from both ends of the dielectric block.

Abstract: An absorptive bandstop filter includes at least two frequency-dependent networks, one of which constitutes a bandpass filter, that form at least two forward signal paths between an input port and an output port and whose transmission magnitude and phase characteristics are selected to provide a relative stopband bandwidth that is substantially independent of the maximum attenuation within the stopband and/or in which the maximum attenuation within the stopband is substantially independent of the unloaded quality factor of the resonators. The constituent network characteristics can also be selected to provide low reflection in the stopband as well as in the passband. The absorptive bandstop filter can be electrically tunable and can substantially maintain its attenuation characteristics over a broad frequency tuning range.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker frame and a trip unit. The circuit breaker frame includes a housing, a line terminal, a load terminal, separable contacts electrically connected between the line terminal and the load terminal, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a latch cooperating with the operating mechanism to open the separable contacts when actuated. The trip unit includes a housing, a line end terminal electrically connected to the load terminal of the circuit breaker frame, a load end terminal, and a fuse including a plunger. The fuse is housed by the housing of the trip unit and is electrically connected between the line end terminal and the load end terminal. An interface mechanism is structured to actuate the latch of the circuit breaker frame when the interface mechanism is engaged by the plunger of the fuse.

Abstract: The electro-mechanical relay comprises a base having a transversal axis and a rocking member operatively connected over the base. The rocking member is pivotable, with reference to the transversal axis, between a first position and a second position. The relay also comprises a first contact provided on the base at a location facing the rocking member and being spaced-apart from the transversal axis, and a second contact having at least a portion provided on the rocking member and being in registry with the first contact. The first and second contacts are configured and disposed to be electrically engaged at the first position of the rocking member, and electrically disengaged from each other at the second position thereof.

Abstract: Multipole circuit breaker comprising single-pole breaking units in the form of cases with two large side faces and having at least one movable contact which operates in conjunction with at least one stationary contact, an operating mechanism common to a set of breaking units to command opening or closing of the contacts of said units, first line-side electrical connection means, second load-side electrical connection means; the breaking units are grouped on two superposed layers, at least one layer comprising at least one pair of units, the operating mechanism comprising mechanical connecting means to simultaneously actuate the single-pole breaking units of each layer.

Abstract: A trackball device of the present invention includes an operating ball, multiple rollers which rotate by contacting the ball while it is rotated, multipole permanent magnets which co-rotate with these rollers, and a reed switch disposed in a position where it turns on and off as a result of changes in magnetic flux caused by the rotation of the permanent magnets so as to provide tactile feedback when the ball is rotated. The trackball device is configured to make an attractive force generated between the reed switch and permanent magnet affect the rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: An actuator includes an electromagnetostrictive element that has one end located on a front side and the other end located on a rear side. An output shaft penetrates the electromagnetostrictive element and is pressurized toward the rear side of the electromagnetostrictive element. A housing houses therein the electromagnetostrictive element and the output shaft, and bearing portions respectively support the front side and the rear side of the output shaft. A bias spring is provided between the rear side of the output shaft and the housing, and a displacement sensor detects a position in an axial direction of the shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetic machine with a deformable membrane (1) includes at least one fixed part which can direct a magnetic flow interacting with at least one moveable part (12) having regions which are magnetically polarized in order to ensure that alternative displacement of the moveable part (12) corresponds to an alternative variation of the magnetic flow in the fixed part, the moveable part (12) being kinetically linked to an edge (5) of the membrane (1) such that an undulation of the membrane (1) corresponds to an alternative displacement of the moveable part (12), wherein the fixed part and moveable part (12) are arranged in such a way that the moveable part (12) can be displaced in a rotating manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the magnetic apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging system and method for forming uniform magnetic field. The magnetic apparatus comprises a field yoke for forming flux path, a first member of permanent magnet, provided on one end of the field yoke, free end of which is inclined inwardly, a second member of permanent magnet, provided on the other end of the field yoke in symmetry with the first member of permanent magnet, having reverse polarity with the first member of permanent magnet, an adjusting block, provided on the center of the field yoke for extruding magnetic field formed by the first and second members of permanent magnet. The adjusting block in the present invention can form a magnetic field for adjusting to extrude the basic magnetic field in order to provide a parallel magnetic field. The present invention can be applied in the MRI system and make the system have a high open degree for operations. The MRI system can be made compact, movable and inexpensive.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a MRI superconductive magnet enables sharp images representing patients' health states to be produced. [Means for Achieving the Object] A MRI superconductive magnet having a superconductive coil, a liquid vessel of liquid helium used to cool the superconductive coil, a heat shield to accommodate the liquid vessel therein, a vacuum chamber to accommodate the heat shield therein, a load supporting body for supporting the superconductive coil from the vacuum chamber and securing the superconductive coil, a second cold part of a multi-stage refrigerator for cooling a heat exchanger to condense evaporated helium gas, and a first cold part of the multi-stage refrigerator for cooling the heat shield, wherein a magnetic shield is provided from the first cold part of the multi-stage refrigerator to an outer periphery of the second cold part of the multi-stage refrigerator.

Abstract: A non-contact power system transfers power and signals simultaneously. The signals control the non-contact power system. And an operational frequency is operated on a resonant frequency so that there is no voltage alternating on power switch and power loss is reduced.

Abstract: In the present invention, a physical and chemical property of thermosensitive material is noted in selecting and using thermosensitive material to provide a noble and improved thermal fuse using thermosensitive material. To achieve this object, the present thermal fuse includes: a thermosensitive material formed of thermoplastic resin fusing at a prescribed temperature; a cylindrical enclosure accommodating the thermosensitive material; a first lead member attached at one opening of the enclosure, forming a first electrode; a second lead member attached at the other opening of the enclosure, forming a second electrode; a movable conductive member accommodated in the enclosure and engaged with the thermosensitive material; and a spring member accommodated in the enclosure, and pressed against and thus acting on the movable conductive member. When the thermosensitive material fuses at an operating temperature an electrical circuit between the first and second electrodes is switched.

Abstract: A thermal fuse incorporating a thermal pellet has its operating temperature, or heat distortion temperature, adjusted and the thermosensitive material of the pellet avoids deformation, modification or similar deficiency if it is exposed to a severe external environment. The inexpensive thermal fuse provides a wider range from which an operating temperature can be selected, improved insulation resistance after operation, faster response speed in operation, and enhanced strength of the thermal pellet. The thermosensitive material is formed of a thermoplastic resin corresponding to a high molecular weight substance. The thermal pellet's heat distortion temperature is adjusted by a temperature setting method. An enclosure of the fuse has a metal casing with a spring member's strong and weak compression springs both accommodated therein and hermetically sealed.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled locker system that utilizes distributing processing to control access to, and assignment of, a plurality of lockers in a school, workplace, fitness center, etc. The system uses a plurality of locker control units that control access to a corresponding set of lockers based on user inputs and on user/locker authorization data that is provided from a central administrator workstation. This administrator workstation communicates with a system control unit that is in communication with every locker control unit and which allows cross-communication between locker control units.

Abstract: An adapter to reduce the effects of cross phase communication between a PLC transmitter plugged into one of the L1 or L2 power lines of a home and a PLC receiver plugged into the opposite L2 or L1 power line includes a housing with one side configured as a 240 volt plug and an opposite side configured as a 240 volt, so that the adapter can be plugged into a 240 volt wall socket and a 240 volt appliance plugged into the adapter. A coupler or a repeater is in the adapter and extends between the L1 and L2 lines to reduce attenuation of a communication signal from the transmitter or alternatively to amplify the signal and send it on to the receiver. A high frequency filter can be interposed between the coupler and the 240 volt appliance to prevent noise from the appliance from entering the communication signal and for preventing communication signals from entering the appliance.

Abstract: A mobile incident recording and reporting system and method for use in a vehicle for forming at least one data package for reporting of incidents, wherein the system includes a computer system, the computer encrypts and compresses data package. A video and an audio capture device communicating with the computer, a GPS receiver and a magnetic card reader communicates with the computer, a power supply engages the computer, and a power converter and distribution device communicates between the GPS and the computer. A data entry device, Ethernet transceiver, security device to log on, and display communicate with the computer. The system receives data via the GPS receiver forming a continuously updated log, from an audio and video recording and the data entry device, the system links a data file to the audio and video recording and then creates at least one data package.

Abstract: A telemetry system coupled to a vehicle can communicate with a remote site using the overhead control channels of a wireless network, such as a cellular mobile radiotelephone network. The telemetry system can monitor or control aspects of the vehicle's operations based on remote user input. The telemetry system can take steps to reduce its consumption of electricity. When conditions warrant, the telemetry system can disable a driver's attempt to start the vehicle. A relay can consume minimal electricity until an unauthorized driver attempts to start the vehicle, at which time the telemetry system can energize the relay to interrupt the starting sequence. The telemetry system can monitor a driver's driving practices and report incidences that meet preset criteria, such as violating a speed limit for a selected amount of time or a crossing of a geographical boundary.

Abstract: A vehicle emergency notification system is installed on a vehicle to transmit an emergency notification signal to a base station when a collision occurs and provide with a collision sensor sensing a collision of the vehicle, a notification switch whose operation is permitted when the collision sensor senses the collision, and a communicating section transmitting an emergency notification signal to the base station. The communicating section allows the emergency notification signal to be transmitted to the base station when the notification switch is turned on.

Abstract: In response to a triggering event at a location such as a vehicle that has crashed a telematics system initiates a telecommunications call via telecommunications link 8 to PTN 10, through which it is routed to local 9-1-1 system 14 and thereby to local PSAP 18. Telematics system 2 waits, 26 (N), for local PSAP 18 to respond, 26 (Y), then exchanges ACN data with it per TTY protocols, 28. The PSAP then sends a command code back to the vehicle or other location to allow for voice communications with a person at the location. Other functions such as shutting the vehicle engine off can also be controlled by PSAP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for eliminating false messages in monitoring systems for electronic devices, especially for sensor circuits in motor vehicles. According to the inventive method, error messages increment a counter and an alarm is triggered when a predetermined position on the counter is reached.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle with at least one tire includes at least one pressure sensor adapted for sensing pressure inside the at least one tire. The system also includes at least one indicator adapted to communicate a stop signal indicating that pressure inside the at least one tire is equal to a target pressure. The indicator is also adapted to communicate a continue signal indicating that pressure inside the at least one tire is unequal to a target pressure. The continue signal is adapted to indicate how close the pressure inside the at least one tire is to the target pressure. The tire pressure monitoring system further includes a controller in communication with the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one indicator. The controller is adapted to determine the target pressure according to a predicted operating condition of the at least one tire.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: An RF transponder comprises a transponder integrated circuit, an antenna connected to the transponder integrated circuit, and at least one parasitic element adapted to interact electrically with the antenna and thereby affect antenna impedance. The orientation of the parasitic element with respect to the antenna is selected to achieve a desired operational frequency band for the RF transponder. Specifically, the spacing between the antenna and the parasitic element is selected to achieve the desired operational frequency band. For example, a first selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a first geographic region (e.g., the United States), a second selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a second geographic region (e.g., Europe), and a third selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a third geographic region (e.g., Japan).

Abstract: A digital verification control, which is incorporated with an alarm system, includes a first timer device for presetting a single zone verification time in the control panel and second timer device for presetting a multiple zone verification time in the control panel. The single zone verification time is a single detector time delay and arranged when one of the sensors detects at least two triggered signals in the respective detecting area within the single zone verification time, the local warning system is activated for producing a local warning signal. The multiple zone verification time, which is longer than the single zone verification time, is a multiple detector time delay and arranged when the two sensors detect two triggered signals in the detecting areas respectively within the multiple zone verification time, the local warning system is activated for producing the local warning signal.

Abstract: A dual technology glass breakage detector for a security system that detects the breaking of glass in a window or door without generating false alarms caused by similar types of sounds. The dual technology glass breakage detector includes an acoustic sensor/audio processor for detecting a sound of breaking glass within a premises protected by the security system, and also a second impact sensor mounted on the glass window or door to verify that there was a physical/mechanical impact to the glass window or door before the security system annunciates an alarm signal.

Abstract: A security alarm system that provides secure, realtime video and/or other realtime imagery of a secured location to one or more emergency response agencies over a high-speed communications link, such as an Internet link. Realtime video and/or realtime imagery, along with other useful information is therefore placed directly into the hands of those who are called upon and trained to respond to a potential emergency. As such, the emergency response agencies and their personnel are better informed. This, in turn, allows the personnel to be better prepared in their response to potential emergencies or acts of terrorism, saving manpower, money, lives and reducing the number of false alarms.

Abstract: Shipping containers are networked for transferring data between the shipping containers. The shipping containers include sensors for detecting hazardous conditions associated with the shipping containers. The hazardous condition sensed by any shipping container on a ship is transmitted through the network to a satellite transmitter and/or a radio transmitter for reporting to a central database.

Abstract: A method to wirelessly control an entity having an attached transponder is disclosed. A geographical zone is defined. The geographical zone can be defined by allowing a user to define and load to a transponder a plurality of waypoints, each waypoint defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius originating from the geographical coordinate. The geographical zone can also be defined by selecting a plurality of coordinates that are loaded to a transponder and mapped on a pixilated image. The microprocessor in the transponder is programmed to determine the occurrence of an event associated with the status of the entity in relation to the geographical zone. Finally, the microprocessor is configured to execute a configurable operation if the event occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is for an umbrella with a device, called the umpod, built into the handle of the umbrella. When detached from the handle, the umpod serves as a receiver of a pulsating RF signal, or other electronic communication, sent from the handle of the umbrella. There is an transmitter located in the handle of the umbrella and a receiver located in the umpod. When the umpod is separated from the umbrella handle, the umpod is activated and when separated by more than a preset distance, the receiver senses the diminished strength of the communication signal and the umpod automatically goes into “alert” mode. In “alert” mode, the umpod vibrates and/or beeps until the umpod is brought back within the range of the preset distance from the umbrella handle.

Abstract: A TV remote control with a guided search function is provided, which comprises: a call sensing module, for sensing a trigger signal, and generating a corresponding control signal; a search times calculating module, for continually receiving the control signal, and accumulating a search times value according to the receive times; an alarm module, for receiving the control signal, and sending an alarm signal in response, to indicate the position of the remote control for the user; and an alarm signal adjusting module, for adjusting the alarm signal sent by the alarm module according to the accumulated search times value, thereby solving the problem of looking for the remote control.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic warning system, including an electrical line of a fence extending along a protected area; a pulser; a transmitter for transmitting pulses through the line; a receiver for receiving the pulses after being transmitted along at least a portion of the line; an impedance having a resistance substantially identical to the line characteristic resistance and connected at the end of the line, for absorbing the pulses when the pulses are received thereby at the end of the line so that the pulses do not return to the receiver; a plurality of sensors disposed at spaced-apart locations along the line and actuated responsive to phenomenon occurring in the vicinity thereof, for, when actuated, causing the pulses to return to the receiver; and a processor for operating the transmitter and receiver and for actuating a warning signal upon the detection, by at least one of the sensors, of the phenomenon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamper respondent enclosure which may be opened and closed as many times as necessary. In particular, the present invention relates to a re-usable tamper respondent enclosure comprising a first sensing means and a second sensing means wherein the first sensing means detects any attempt to breach the enclosure or to compromise the second sensing means.

Abstract: A compact system for determining the presence and speed of an object/vehicle, and its application for Red Light Camera photo-enforcement is disclosed. The disclosed system uses accurate timing, laser radiation in the form of optical pulses, and the scattering effect of optical pulses from the road or vehicle surface to determine the presence of a vehicle, and estimate its speed. The system can determine whether an object/vehicle is present at a specific location, estimate its height, and in the case that the object/vehicle is moving, the system can estimate its speed. Combining the disclosed technology with commercially available digital recording techniques and equipment, a traffic photo-enforcement system can be constructed. The system is capable of monitoring traffic in an intersection/highway, measure vehicle speed, identify potential traffic violations, and trigger a visual recording device such as a camera or video system for documenting a violation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for allowing users to verify the presence of personal items. RFID tags are attached to personal items, and the items are entered into a list. The user makes travel lists from the list of items. When traveling, the user queries the system to determine whether all personal items in the travel list are within range of the system. The system checks for the presence of the RFID tags associated with the items in the travel list. If any RFIDs are not present, the user is alerted. Optionally, the system updates the last known location of items whenever checking for the presence of personal items, so that if an item is not found the user can determine where the item was last known to have been.

Abstract: A method and service that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track and monitor inventory vehicles is presented. Each vehicle has an attached RFID tag that contains detailed information about that vehicle. The information in the RFID tags is wirelessly read and compared to a customer's product specifications. Any RFID tags containing a match with the customer's product specifications are located by triangulation, which provides a set of coordinates that correspond to a parking space in either a local or remote parking lot. If the desired vehicle is in transit, then a central database provides information about vehicles using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and RFID system on a transport truck. The transport truck transmits a real-time picture of precisely where the desired vehicle is located, allowing for re-routing of the transport truck if necessary.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus and method are provided. An identification tag such as a radio frequency identification tag is provided for molding into or attaching to a thermoformed article during the thermoforming process. The tag may be attached to the article by mechanical interlocking and/or a heat sensitive adhesive. The identification tag is applied to the article while the article is being formed in the thermoforming mold.