Abstract: According to some embodiments, a waveguide cable includes a dielectric core and a conducting layer surrounding the dielectric core. A first antenna may be provided at a first end of the waveguide cable to receive a digital signal and to propagate an electromagnetic wave through the dielectric core. A second antenna may be provided at a second end of the waveguide cable, opposite the first end, to receive the electromagnetic wave from the dielectric core and to provide the digital signal.

Abstract: A protective relay for an electrical power distribution system and a method. The protective relay includes first and second current transformers arranged to sense a respective current flowing into a power line, and a voltage sensing device arranged to sense the voltage of the power line. The protective relay further includes a first and a second device for determining the direction of a fault within the system based on a current signal from the first and second current transformers and a voltage signal from the voltage sensing means. The protective relay further includes a third device for determining the fault direction based on a sum of the current signals from the first and second current transformers and a voltage signal from said voltage sensing means. A controller determines whether a fault is internal or external based on the fault directions determined by the first, second and third devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for an electromagnet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnetizable stationary core having first and second end portions and a side portion, a magnetizable movable armature disposed proximate the core for establishing a magnetic circuit therebetween, and a permanent magnet disposed between the first portion of the core and a first end of the armature. The armature is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position resulting in the first end of the armature being proximate the first end of the core.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for safely operating a switching device with at least one main contact, which can be switched on or off, and which has contact elements and a moving contact bridge, and with at least one control magnet, which has a moving armature. During switching on and off, the armature acts upon the contact bridge whereby closing and opening the corresponding main contact. At least one embodiment of the method includes the following: a) identifying whether the moving contact bridge of the at least one main contact has surpassed an opening point after the switching off; and b) interrupting the further operation of the switching device when the opening point has not been surpassed after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method and a device for the secure operation of a switching device are disclosed, including at least one main contact which can be switched on and off and which includes contact pieces and a displaceable contact bridge, and also at least one control magnet which includes a displaceable anchor. The anchor acts upon the contact bridge when it is switched on or off such that the corresponding main contact is opened and closed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: a) the displaceable contact bridge of the at least one main contact recognises when an opening point has been exceeded after being switched off, and b) the additional operation of the switching device is interrupted, according to a predetermined duration of time, when the opening point is not exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator. In particular, the present invention relates to an actuator having improved acceleration for payloads at an optimum volume and mass of actuator. Specifically, the present invention relates to an actuator comprising a field structure assembly comprising an arrangement of permanent magnets and magnetically soft components, and a moving coil assembly, wherein the arrangement of permanent magnets comprises a conical magnet and a plurality of segmented ring magnets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for overmolding a plastic shroud onto a bobbin including the step of providing a protrusion ring on the surface of the bobbin surrounding each standoff between the bobbin and a mold wall and extending outwards from the surface of the bobbin. A plurality of standoffs and protrusion rings is presently preferred. The protrusion rings are small relative to the standoffs, have low thermal mass, and thus are readily melted by the injected molten plastic, causing interstitching between the bobbin material and the overmolding material. The interstitching creates a highly effective hermetic seal against moisture leakage along the surface of the bobbin away from the standoff site. Perfect melting of the standoffs is no longer required, and standoffs can be designed to assure proper positioning of the bobbin during the complete overmolding process.

Abstract: There is provided a joint structure of a wound iron core in which iron core characteristics can be enhanced by improving the distribution of magnetic flux within an iron core. A wound iron core is formed to provide a joining structure or a butt joining structure and a lap joining structure disposed in an appropriate arrangement in which the a margin of overlapping is more increased as being closer to an outer periphery from an inner periphery of the iron core, taking a distribution of magnetic flux density within the iron core into consideration.

Abstract: An electronic component including a core having a wire wound around a portion of the core with first and second ends being connected to terminals for mounting the component to corresponding lands in a circuit. The component having an outer body made of a mixture of magnetic and/or non-magnetic material and a binder which can either be potted and cured or compression molded. The mixture encasing at least a portion of the core and wire and leaving at least a portion of the terminals exposed for mounting the component to the circuit using conventional pick-and-place equipment. Further, methods of manufacturing such components and customizing same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling an operating temperature of existing vehicle engine cooling fan on and off cycles includes the installation of a temperature sensor switch assembly to a coolant hose of a vehicle engine, electrically connecting the temperature sensor and switch assembly to one or more relays, and electrically connecting the relays to respective cooling fans of the vehicle engine. The temperature sensor and switch assembly is pre-set to cycle on and off at pre-determined temperatures or temperature ranges and can be adjustable to allow for individual control. In another embodiment, the sensor signal can be transmitted to the CPU/ECU, which in turn is wired to the relays, or transmitted directly to the relays as noted above.

Abstract: A method provides, on a printed circuit board 16, at least a first and a second printed circuit board fuse trace A, B placed in parallel with each other in a main current carrying path 18. In a normal operating condition, it is ensured that 1) all of the traces carry a portion of a load current and 2) the traces are configured to prevent opening of the traces in the normal operating condition. When a fault condition occurs, it is ensured that the first trace A opens before a resistance thereof increases so as to divert more of a load current to the second trace B, thereby causing the second trace B to open after opening of the first trace A.

Abstract: The invention describes a temperature sensor for a,resistance thermometer having an electric measuring resistor the resistance material of which consists either of a ceramic material or of a metallic resistance material in combination with a ceramic or a mineral carrier; having a protective tube comprising a closed tip and a rear end that provides an access to the inner space of the protective tube and that contains the measuring resistor; having at least one connection wire of the measuring resistor that is brought out through the rear end of the protective tube; and having an electrically insulating filler based on a ceramic or a mineral material that fills the space between the protective tube on the one side and the measuring resistor on the other side.

Abstract: An integrated remote control system includes a remote control device for selecting and controlling a plurality of digital devices, each including a bit pattern tag having location information and device information. The remote control device includes a display, a light emitting module for emitting light toward the digital devices, a sensor for recognizing the tags of the digital devices, and a controller for analyzing the tags recognized by the sensor to provide the display information of the digital devices on the display and then controlling a digital device selected from the displayed digital devices.

Abstract: Opening and closing control method includes commencing an open or close operation of a vehicle component in response to an instruction signal for starting the open or close operation and ending the open or close operation if a wireless controller leaves a prescribed range of the vehicle prior to completion of the open or close operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for releasing the access to a computer system or to a program for a user via a terminal (2) without software having to be installed solely for this purpose on the terminal (2). A data connection is established between a portable data carrier (1) of the user and the terminal (2). An authentication of the user is performed by the portable data carrier (1). If the authentication is successful, an access code is made available by the portable data carrier (1) for releasing the access to the computer system or to the program for a transmission via the data connection.

Abstract: If a total number of specific RF tags is too large, many RF tags respond at a time. Therefore a problem occurs that an interrogator cannot receive information from the RF tags. A first invention relates to an RF tag. The RF tag includes an interrogator signal receiving section for receiving an interrogator signal from an interrogator, a synchronizing signal generating section for generating a synchronizing signal from the received interrogator signal, a response information obtaining section for obtaining response information according to the interrogator signal, a spread-code modulating section for modulating the response information with a spreading code and obtaining the spread-code modulated response information, and a transmitting section for transmitting the response signal that contains the spread-code modulated response information in a data area at a random transmission interval in synchronism with the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for visual indication of the function of wireless receivers where a wireless signal is transmitted to a group of receivers, and where each receiver intermittently flashes a visual indicator when a wireless signal is received, whereby the intermittence and flashing of the visual indicators of the receivers are synchronized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of notifying the selection of an item using a plurality of light emitting devices provided in a terminal, including: selecting an item of at least one item displayed on a display included in the terminal, and notifying the selection of the item using the plurality of light emitting devices. Disclosed herein is also a method of notifying the occurrence of an event using a plurality of light emitting devices provided in a terminal, including: notifying the occurrence of the event using the light emitting devices according to the detection of the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A method in computerized system mounted on a vehicle including a cabin and an engine. The system including a visible (VIS) camera sensitive to visible light, the VIS camera mounted inside the cabin, wherein the VIS camera acquires consecutively in real time multiple image frames including VIS images of an object within a field of view of the VIS camera and in the environment of the vehicle. The system also including a FIR camera mounted on the vehicle in front of the engine, wherein the FIR camera acquires consecutively in real time multiple FIR image frames including FIR images of the object within a field of view of the FIR camera and in the environment of the vehicle. The FIR images and VIS images are processed simultaneously, thereby producing a detected object when the object is present in the environment.

Abstract: An alarm device for a vehicle includes state information obtaining unit, alarm information obtaining unit, alarming unit, and controlling unit. The state information obtaining obtains as state information at least one of information of an occupant, information of the vehicle, and information of a surrounding of the vehicle. The alarm information obtaining unit obtains alarm information. The alarming unit informs the occupant of the alarm information. The controlling unit determines an expiration time of the alarm information based on the state information obtained by the state information obtaining unit when the controlling unit receives the alarm information from the alarm information obtaining unit, wherein the control unit causes the alarming unit to inform the occupant of the alarm information while the expiration time is valid.

Abstract: If a manipulation on the open switch of an outdoor manipulation section which is a manipulation section for open or close the associated door from outside a train is detected in a state that an operation of opening a door of the train is prohibited, a door control section for controlling the doors as the opening/closing members of the train outputs, to a main control section, a control signal indicating occurrence of an abnormal manipulation. For example, the invention can be applied to control systems of trains and automobiles.

Abstract: Peer-to-peer communications between vehicles providing warning of a collision or near-collision event and/or collision avoidance is controlled by otherwise underutilized air bag deployment processors in respective vehicles. Direction of reception of warning signals is used to selectively control relaying of warning signals at differentiated warning levels, collision avoidance actions and/or in-vehicle warning alarms to operators of vehicles in the vicinity of an event.

Abstract: Interior monitoring system of a vehicle wherein at least one transducer is arranged on a first side of the structure of the vehicle and transmits waves toward an opposite, second side of the structure so that any objects contained in the interior space of the structure are situated between the first and second sides. Each transducer receives waves reflected from any objects between the first and second sides. A processor is coupled to each transducer and obtains information about any objects from which waves have been reflected and received thereby. Each transducer may be arranged to transmit infrared waves into the interior space, e.g., infrared waves in an eye-safe range.

Abstract: An adaptor for modifying a seatbelt configuration includes a proxy seatbelt tongue. The proxy seatbelt tongue engages a sensor within a seatbelt buckle, thereby preventing the activation of a “fasten seat belt” warning or alarm. In various embodiments, the adaptor is coupled to an ignition key, contains a warning indication thereon, and is coupled to an alternative seatbelt or safety harness.

Abstract: A system for providing warning lights for emergency vehicles in which the warning lights are incorporated into standard appearing accessories of the vehicle. A hood mounted deflector includes warning lights and takedown lights. Side window vent visors include warning lights, alley lights, and a convenience light. A rear spoiler includes warning lights. The warning lights are connected to at least one controller that provides various patterns of warning lights involving at least one color. In one embodiment, the takedown lights are connected to a controller that provides for flashing the takedown lights in addition to operating them continuously. The convenience light is connected to the interior lights of the vehicle. An operator panel in the vehicle is connected to the controllers and the alley lights.

Abstract: An information signal to be communicated to a roof-mounted light bar or other electrical or electronic device travels over the vehicle's or other environment's power bus or other power conductor. In one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, a modulated current load draws power supply current in an amount that is instantaneously responsive to at least some characteristic of the information signal to be communicated. This modulated current loading induces the vehicular or other power supply (e.g., DC battery) to modulate its output voltage in a manner that is responsive to the modulated current loading. A voltage sensor and demodulator also connected to the power bus senses the resulting voltage fluctuations and demodulates those fluctuations to recover or regenerate the original information signal.

Abstract: A light emitting diode warning device is provided capable of acting as a roadway warning flare or as a flashing warning marker the device being portable and rechargeable and presenting warning lights in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction with the horizontal illumination being observable over 360 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates systems and methods to determine the location information of a signal made from a radioactive device or hazardous material. The system employs multiple radiation sensor devices, which his capable of determining the signal strength and the angle of arrival of a radioactive signal. The mobile switching center sends a request along with radiation information to a location processor, which controls devices. The location processor sets up each sensor device to track the radiation signal. If at least two devices are successful in tracking the radioactive signals and returning information about the radiation signal, then the location processor can determine the location of the radioactive device or hazardous material by using a triangulation method.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for receiving navigational data via a wireless messaging service on a navigation system. The system and method provides a way to send requests for destination information via the wireless messaging service and capture navigational data from the responsive message received, such as addresses, telephone numbers, or email addresses, and then utilize that data for navigational routing, generation of telephone calls, emailing and the like, from the vehicle's navigation system. A wireless device can be paired with the navigation system over a Bluetooth communication link, wherein the navigation system periodically polls the wireless device for newly received messages. In one embodiment, the NAVI displays icons on a map that correspond to the extracted addresses from the messages received in relation to the vehicle's current location. The icons can be shown in a plurality of visual formats to distinguish previously viewed locations from newly received ones.

Abstract: A method for continually and precisely tracking objects over a set distance that includes a starting point and a finishing point. A reference point, RTK, is established with in the set distance. GPS nodes are connected to each object and periodically transmit a location signal and identification code of the say object within the set distance. The node receives the location signal and verifies the accuracy with the reference device. The node sends the location signal and identification code to the remote collection unit that calculates actual speed, course, and heading of the object and organizes the information into data packets. The data is then used to create an animated image of the objects and there course. A server transmits the data packets and animation through the Internet to adjacent servers that will be accessed using specific mobile and Internet applications. Information is added at the servers to the live animated transmission.

Abstract: A wireless system including an antenna, an electrical energy storage unit connected to the antenna, the energy storage unit receiving power via electromagnetic coupling of the antenna with an RF field generated by a master unit, and an electronics package. The electronics package is powered by the energy storage unit, and it includes a sensor, a processor that is capable of acquiring data from the sensor, and a transmitter connected to the processor and to the antenna, wherein the energy storage unit is capable of storing sufficient energy to supply power for the processor to format a message containing data acquired from the sensor and for the transmitter to transmit the message wirelessly via the antenna.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communication in a wireless sensor network. In one embodiment, one or more routers in a network may be available for communication with one or more star nodes at a randomized time and/or frequency. A connectivity assessment, which may be performed at several different frequencies and/or times, may be performed to evaluate the quality of communications between devices in the network. Primary and secondary communication relationships may be formed between devices to provide for system redundancy. One or more proxies may be maintained where each proxy includes a status of one or more devices in the network, e.g., one or more star nodes or routers. Proxies may be used to handle information requests and/or status change requests, e.g., a proxy may be requested to change a communication relationship between devices in the network and may generate command signals to cause the corresponding devices to make the change.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes, in some embodiments, a magnetostrictive element configured to output magnetic signals in response to a magnetic field. A sensor is configured to sense a value of a property of a selected object, and to provide an electrical resistance that varies in response to variations in the sensed value. The sensor cooperates with the magnetostrictive element to vary the frequency of the signals output by the magnetostrictive element based on variations of the electrical resistance provided by the sensor. A transmitter provides an alternating magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, and a receiver picks up the magnetic signals generated by the magnetostrictive element. The frequency of the signals received is correlated with the sensor resistance, and the resistance is correlated to a value of the property sensed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and systems are provided for adaptation of a wireless communication device based on current environmental conditions, historical environmental condition patterns and/or historical usage patterns. In this regard, the device senses such environmental conditions as light, sound, motion, temperature and the like and, automatically or at user discretion, adjusts functionality on the device that is affected by these conditions. Additionally, by determining environmental and usage patterns the device can adapt to the patterns by providing certain functionality and/or applications to the user at prescribed times of the day, week, month, etc. By being able to automatically adapt the functionality of a wireless communication device, the user of such a device experiences greater ease in using the device and an overall heightened user experience.

Abstract: A passenger screening system including a first gradiometer, and a second gradiometer disposed adjacent the first gradiometer. The first and second gradiometers are each configured to operate at a first frequency and a second frequency to facilitate detecting the presence of an explosive material. A method of operating the passenger screening system is also described herein.

Abstract: Provided a system and method for detecting an event while discriminating against false alarms in a monitored space using at least one sensor suite to acquire signals, transmitting the signals to a sensor system device where the signal is processed into data packets, transmitting the data packets to a data fusion device, where the data packets are aggregated and algorithmic data fusion analysis is performed to generate threat level information. The threat level information is distributed to a supervisory control system where an alarm level can be generated when predetermined criteria are met to indicate the occurrence of an event in the monitored space.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained security system for protecting an object external to the system, the system comprising one or more sensors and one or more alarms to draw attention to the unit if the sensors are activated.

Abstract: A key-operated remotely monitorable locking assembly including a key-operated lock including a lock body including a key operated locking assembly and a tamper monitorable lockable assembly which is selectably locked to the lock body by operation of the mechanical key operated locking assembly and a wireless communication circuit located in a least one of the lock body and the lockable assembly for providing a remotely monitorable indication of tampering with the lockable assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intrusion detecting system and method for precisely locating an intruder along the length of a sensor cable and for determining the intruder distance from the cable to precisely locate multiple, simultaneously occurring intrusions. The method includes the steps of: generating a TX signal and transmitting same over a first transmission line of the sensor cable, for creating an electromagnetic field; detecting an RX signal induced in a second transmission line of the cable by the electromagnetic field and identifying in the RX signal a contra-directional reflection received from a target and a co-directional reflection received from the far-end of the first transmission line, processing the contra-directional reflection for providing a first coordinate of the target, and processing the co-directional reflection for providing a second coordinate of the target.

Abstract: A tamper-proof structure for protecting an electronic module, comprising a pattern of signal lines having a highly unpredictable layout, which is an approximation of a space-filling curve obtained by the replication of at least one elementary space element having an inscribed base curve inscribed therein. The base curve is adapted, by replication of the elementary space element, to generate an approximation of an at least two-dimensional space-filling curve, the replication being such that an end of the base curve in one elementary space element is connected to the end of the base curve in another, adjacent elementary space element of the replication.

Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.

Abstract: A related information presenting system includes identification devices and an information presenting apparatus The identification devices are provided in respective materials distributed to users. Each identification device stores an identifier that specifies presentation information relating to the corresponding material so that the identifier is wirelessly readable The information presenting apparatus includes a presentation information storage unit, a reading unit, a searching unit and a presenting unit. The presentation information storage unit stores the presentation information corresponding to the identifiers. The reading unit wirelessly reads an identifier from the identification device that exists within a proximity range of the reading unit. The searching unit searches the presentation information storage unit for presentation information corresponding to the read identifier. The presenting unit outputs found presentation information visually.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a radio frequency identification (RFID) network, including a plurality of radio frequency (RF) antennas that transmit signals representative antenna data, an RF switch for isolating a signal from an antenna, a RF switch controller for controlling the RF switch, and a reader for reading the signals from the antennas, wherein the system only requires one reader to monitor the RFID network. A radio frequency integration platform (RFIP) monitors a plurality of RFID networks. The RFIP includes an RFIP server and an RFIP database for managing antenna and RFID network data.

Abstract: An antenna structure capable of determining the direction of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag includes a wide-angle antenna disposed within an attenuator that has regions of low attenuation. The attenuator may include a metal plate with holes. In this case, the antenna only detects RFID tags that are aligned with a hole, and hence the direction of the RFID tag is detected. Multiple holes of different sizes can be provided. In this case, if the RFID tag is moving, the direction and speed of movement can be determined from the duration of received RFID signals. For example, a long period of RFID tag signal reception indicates that the tag passed in front of a large hole in the attenuator. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with conveyor belts and in applications where RFID tags move along known paths.

Abstract: A tag can receive first and second wireless signals respectively defining first and second transmission fields that overlap. When the tag moves from the first field to the second field through the region of overlap, the apparatus transitions only once from recognizing the tag is in the first field to recognizing the tag is in the second field. According to another aspect, first and second signposts are supported at spaced locations in the region of a crane, and respectively transmit first and second wireless signals that are different, and that respectively define first and second fields of transmission. According to yet another aspect, a signpost transmits wireless signals having a transmission field, and a system senses positional information regarding a tag movable relative to the signpost, the system using the positional information to determine a location of the tag in relation to the transmission field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resonant label (10) which is designed to be directly applied to a data carrier (20) that is provided with a metallisation, such as a CD, DVD or an MO disc. To facilitate and/or improve the electromagnetic remote identification of said label using a frequency in the RF range, the label is equipped with an outer coil (12) that forms part of an electric resonant circuit and runs essentially around the outer edge of the data carrier (20). The resonant label (10) is preferably configured on a transparent substrate, so that it blends in with the data carrier (20) and permits an impression on the latter (20) to remain visible. The resonant label (10) can either be used as an entity in itself or in a particularly advantageous manner as a type of wave collector or booster for a smaller RFID label (30) that is located on the same data carrier. The label thus permits the remote identification of the RFID label (30), even if the data carrier (20) is completely metallised.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device with two or more antennas may select one antenna to backscatter or otherwise transmit, while deriving power from receipt of a carrier wave at one or more other antennas. The RFID device may select the antenna receiving the lower power or producing the lower voltage to transmit. The RFID device may select the antenna receiving the higher power or producing the higher voltage to transmit if the lower power or voltage is insufficient to operate the RFID device to backscatter or transmit. The RFID device may select neither antenna to transmit if the higher power or voltages are insufficient to operate the RFID device to backscatter or transmit.

Abstract: To suppress a loss in the operation due to electromagnetic coupling of a plurality of antenna elements which boot up reading/writing action of RFID tags that are attached to a large number of densely placed commodity media. A commodity managing antenna for booting up reading/writing action of RFID tags attached to commodity media that are densely stored on a shelf comprises: a plurality of loop-type antenna elements arranged in parallel at a constant interval on the shelf where the commodity media are densely stored; a first switch for selectively supplying electricity to one of the antenna elements; and a plurality of second switches inserted to each loop of the antenna elements which, when one of the antenna elements to which the electricity is supplied by the first switch is resonating, electrically disconnect the loops of remaining antenna elements so that those antenna elements become non-resonant.

Abstract: A radio-communication apparatus carries out movement of a dielectric element toward an antenna of RFID reader/writer when the RFID reader/write cannot perform within a predetermined time radio-communication with a data carrier mounted on the RFID label that is arranged on a rolled base sheet passing between the dielectric element and the antenna. The movement is performed step by step to stop the dielectric element at positions at each of which the radio-communication is executed, until the reader/writer can perform radio-communication with the data carrier within the predetermined time at any one of the positions.