Abstract: This invention uses the structures of the finite-sized conductor-backed coplanar waveguides for designing broadband switchable and tunable signal filters. The design methods construct a plurality of configurations, which including waveguides, via holes, metallic posts, and conductor planes in the structures, for selecting, coupling, converting, and dissipating of the signals with specific electromagnetic modes and frequencies propagating through the structures. The dominant electromagnetic modes of the signals include Coplanar Waveguide Modes and Microstrip-Like Modes. The design methods thereby produce a plurality of filter types, such as bandstop filters, bandpass filters, multiband filters, etc. The design methods can apply to the structures with single and multi-layer dielectric and metallic materials, such as Integrated Circuits, Thin-film transistor Circuits, Low Temperature/High Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC/HTCC), PCB, and others.

Abstract: A MEMS switch and method of fabrication comprises a RF transmission line; a RF beam structure comprising a RF conductor; a cantilevered piezoelectric actuator coupled to the RF beam structure; a plurality of air bridges connected to the cantilevered piezoelectric actuator; and a plurality of contact dimples on the pair on the RF beam structure. The RF transmission line comprises a pair of co-planar waveguide ground planes flanking the RF conductor; and a plurality of ground straps, wherein the RF transmission line is operable to provide a path along which RF signals propagate. The cantilevered piezoelectric actuator comprises a dielectric layer connected to the RF beam structure; a bottom electrode connected to the dielectric layer; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer in between the top and bottom electrodes, wherein the top electrode is offset from an edge of the piezoelectric layer and the bottom electrode.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism including a latch. The operating mechanism opens the contacts responsive to actuation of the latch. A trip mechanism cooperates with the latch to trip open the contacts. The trip mechanism includes a thermal overload mechanism actuating the latch responsive to a thermal fault caused by current flowing through the contacts, a solenoid cooperating with the thermal overload mechanism to actuate the latch responsive to the electromagnetic device being energized, and a processor repetitively determining a value of the current flowing through the contacts, determining if the value exceeds a predetermined value for a number of occurrences, and responsively energizing the solenoid, in order to actuate the latch contemporaneous with actuation of the latch by the thermal overload mechanism, in order to decrease the time to trip open the contacts.

Abstract: A trip actuator reset assembly for a circuit breaker includes a cradle assembly, a reset lever, a trip actuator, and a resilient element. The cradle assembly is pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker pole shaft. The reset lever includes first and second ends, and a pivot pivotably coupling the reset lever to the circuit breaker housing. The resilient element is pivotably coupled to the housing proximate the second end of the reset lever. In response to a trip condition, an actuating element of the trip actuator moves the first end of the reset lever. To reset the trip actuator, a guide member guides the cradle assembly into engagement with the resilient element which pivots the reset lever. The first end of the reset lever then resets the trip actuator. After reset, if the cradle assembly continues to move, then the resilient element bends to accommodate the additional motion.

Abstract: The electromechanical circuit breaker is intended to establish and break the current in a main circuit (3, 4) and comprises a fixed contact element (5) and a moving contact element (6) which in a first position are in electrical contact with each other for carrying the current of the main circuit (3, 4). Said moving contact element (6) is adapted to be displaced to a second position in which it is separated from the fixed contact element (5) so that the current in the main circuit is cut off. The circuit breaker is provided with a blow-out device (2) comprising a magnetising coil (8) traversed by a magnetising current for producing a magnetic field (26) adapted to drive an arc generated by the separation of said two contact elements (5, 6) into an arc extinction means. The blow-out device (2) comprises electrodes (12) electrically connected to the magnetising coil (8) and adapted to cooperate with said arc in such a manner that the latter generates said magnetising current in the magnetising coil (8).

Abstract: A universal magnetic switching assembly for detecting relative movement between first and second members, the universal switching assembly mounted on a bracket that may be used to adjust the positioning of the magnetic components relative to each other on opposing members to maintain the operational gap between the opposing magnetic components.

Abstract: An inline electromagnetic tool actuator incorporates an actuator housing, an elongated armature, a tool assembly, spaced-apart return magnets, at least one drive magnet, and at least one magnet wire. The elongated armature is located inside the housing, and is adapted for reciprocating linear movement along a notional assembly axis. The tool assembly is operatively attached to the armature. The return magnets are located inside the housing, and are coaxially aligned with the armature. The return magnets have respective inward facing surfaces defining respective magnetic poles. The drive magnet is affixed to the armature, and is arranged between the return magnets. The drive magnet has opposing outward facing surfaces each of like polarity to adjacent inward facing surfaces of the return magnets. The magnet wire is coiled about the armature.

Abstract: The present invention is an inductive element formed by a printed circuit board (PCB), which includes holes in the insulating layers that are filled with non-conductive material having high magnetic permeability, to reduce the magnetic reluctance of a magnetic path of the inductive element. Some embodiments of the present invention may use non-conductive materials having high magnetic permeability to connect the filled holes, such that a contiguous magnetic path is formed, which significantly reduces the reluctance of the contiguous magnetic path. Reducing the reluctance increases the inductance of the inductive element.

Abstract: An embodiment is an inductor that may include a slotted magnetic material to decrease eddy currents therein that may limit the operation of the inductor at high frequency. An embodiment may employ electro- or electroless plating techniques to form a layer or layers of magnetic material within the slotted magnetic material structure, and in particular those magnetic material layers adjacent to insulator layers.

Abstract: A trip unit in a miniature circuit breaker having a plurality of stacked bimetal elements welded front-to-back at one end and attached to a load terminal. The bimetal elements are made of similar compositions and have the same thickness. The free ends are connected to a yoke and to a pigtail that is optionally wound around the yoke in which the bimetals are received. The pigtail is connected to the conductive blade of the trip unit. To attach the pigtail from one direction, a notch is formed in the free end of one of the bimetals, exposing part of the other bimetal behind it. Or, two notches are formed in a staggered relationship such that the pigtail connections can be made from either direction. The stacked relationship of the bimetal elements allows the overall width of the circuit breaker to be reduced without sacrificing its rating requirements with one bimetal.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting of an electrical conductor has an electrical conductor arranged in a housing, a pyrotechnic drive and a cutting device. After the triggering of the drive, the cutting device enters into engagement with the conductor to cut it.

Abstract: A system, that incorporates one or more enclosures constructed around one or more objects at which, “hot work” is to be performed at a facility at a first location containing flammable or combustible materials. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system which is capable of being in radio communication with a control system at a second, but remote, location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing security for delivered goods purchased via electronic or telephonic commerce is provided in the form of a digital lock box, and method of operating the lock box in cooperation with senders of goods. This method further comprises generating a owner access code for full access to a secured area, individually dividing this secured area into a plurality of sections after each delivery, generating a delivery access code for access to particular sections of a secured area, forwarding this delivery access code to senders of deliverable goods, and deactivating this delivery access code after the delivery of these goods.

Abstract: A method for locking an electrical device to a location includes installing a location code generating unit into a power network hub servicing a geographic area, generating a location code for the geographic area, at least periodically transmitting the generated location code substantially throughout the geographic area, further including, transmitting the location code substantially throughout the geographic area at a specific frequency, installing at least one frequency filter along at least one boundary of the geographic area for filtering the specific frequency at which the location code is transmitted to prevent transmission of the location code beyond a boundary of the geographic area, receiving the location code from the power network, prompting one or more electronic devices within the geographic area to input the location code, and locking the one or more electronic devices to the location via the location code.

Abstract: Communication apparatus, comprising: a network of power lines; and first, second and third transceivers, coupled to the network, the first transceiver being adapted to transmit a first signal over the network to the second transceiver within a selected frequency band at a transmission power level sufficiently strong that the first signal can be decoded by the second transceiver, but is attenuated sufficiently when it reaches the third transceiver so that the third transceiver can receive a second signal over the network in the selected frequency band substantially without interference by the first signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus and method. The motor vehicle identity includes a microcomputer (1), communicators (2), member anti-fake apparatus (3) and information displays (4). The motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus is installed on vehicle license and members of the vehicle. The apparatus monitors, analyzes and judges the vehicle and the license plate and certificates thereof automatically under the control of the preloaded software or the wireless management of the administrative institution, and provide information of the self-detection to outside. The present invention is used for anti-fake of motor-vehicle-identity-status and provides to the enforcement organ for recognizing the legal status of motor-vehicle-identity.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing vehicle theft and carjackings. There is provided a method comprising generating an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and sending the immobilization profile to the vehicle over a wireless communication network. There is also provided a method generally comprising determining current vehicle data regarding vehicle dynamics and driving conditions, obtaining an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and adjusting vehicle throttle and/or braking (e.g., friction-type braking, engine braking, etc.) so that vehicle speed approximates the immobilization profile. In one embodiment, the above described methods further comprise communicating with the vehicle operator prior to implementing vehicle immobilization profiles.

Abstract: Integrated processing unit captures range images shot by CCD cameras which are respectively provided on front, rear, left and right sides of a vehicle and image processor. Location-allocation unit creates a location-allocation model of an obstacle from the range images and road surface images (heights of images above road surface). Vehicular swept path calculating unit calculates a swept path of each representative point. Collision decision calculates intersection of the obstacle of the location-allocation model with the swept paths of the representative points and judges whether the points cross the obstacle. When a representative point may possibly cross the obstacle, the point is enhanced and displayed together with the obstacle (object) on monitor.

Abstract: An object detector capable of reliably detecting objects around a vehicle is mounted on a wall of a bumper of a vehicle. Thicknesses of the bumper and of a bottom surface portion of a housing are less than one-half the wavelength of ultrasonic waves generated by a piezoelectric vibrator. This suppresses the reflection of ultrasonic waves by the bumper and by the bottom surface portion of the housing, and enhances the ultrasonic wave propagation efficiency, making it possible to reliably detect objects positioned around the vehicle.

Abstract: Described are a method and a device for signaling information relevant for the operation of a motor vehicle which make it possible for the vehicle's driver to receive information about the vehicle's optimum engine efficiency. The specified information is thus formed by an operating point of a drive unit of the vehicle. A haptic signal is formed at a control element of the vehicle, an accelerator pedal in particular, as a function of the operating point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire pressure sensor system that has multiple functions and is integrated into a small package. The system includes one or more Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS)-based sensors, including a MEMS-based pressure sensor; a MEMS-oscillator-based wireless signal transmitter; and a microcontroller, where the microcontroller processes the data generated by at least one of the MEMS-based sensors, controls at least one of the MEMS-based sensors, and controls the encoding and timing of transmission of data from the wireless signal transmitter. Preferably, the MEMS-based sensors, MEMS-oscillator-based wireless signal transmitter, and microcontroller are integrated onto one or more chips in one or more packages. The system also preferably includes a MEMS-based motion sensor, a low frequency (LF) receiver, an IC-based voltage sensor, a voltage regulator, a temperature sensor and a polarization voltage generator.

Abstract: A tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation. The interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options. Further, the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator. The interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non-operation. The transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire.

Abstract: A universal monitor to be mounted in a tire of a vehicle, the monitor for use in a remote tire pressure monitoring system for the vehicle. The monitor includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, and a storage device for storing a plurality of codes, each code comprising at least a data format. The monitor also includes a transmitter in communication with the sensor and the storage device, the transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal including data representing the sensed tire pressure. The wireless signal is transmitted by the transmitter according to at least one of the stored plurality of codes.

Abstract: A transmitter unit of an apparatus for monitoring the condition of a tire includes a casing having an opening defined in an end of the casing. A transmitter is received in the casing through the opening. The transmitter gathers and wirelessly transmits information regarding the condition of the tire. The casing is secured to the outer circumferential surface of a rim wheel of the tire by an adhesive tape or an adhesive agent. Accordingly, the transmitter unit is capable of being attached to the rim wheel in a suitable manner.

Abstract: In order to determine the tire positions or wheel positions automatically while the vehicle is in operation, the attenuation along a transmission path from the tire to a fixed position on the vehicle is measured and compared with stored values. Systems of this kind are error prone when other vehicles using similar systems are located in the receiving range. In order to increase the reliability of such a system it is useful to determine the attenuation along the transmission paths between the wheel units and compare it with known values. Toward that end, the novel wheel unit enables data to be provided by way of which the attenuation of the transmission path from one wheel unit to another wheel unit can be determined.

Abstract: The meter has a back light illuminating with a predetermined color, a display portion disposed in font of the back light and being changeable between a positive mode and a negative mode at a predetermined state, and a reverse control device determining whether an engine of a vehicle is in an initial starting step or the vehicle is in a running state. The control device reverses the display portion in response to a result of the determination. The control device changes the display portion from one of the positive and negative modes to the other at a lower speed when the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step than when the control device determines that the vehicle is in a running state. When the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step, the control device changes the display portion in one of the positive and negative modes from a neutral contrast state.

Abstract: Sensors in a network each have a geographical location and they each periodically broadcast this information to all the sensors in the network. Each receiving sensors then builds a list of sensors (neighbor list) that are closest to that sensor by computing the distance between itself and the other sensors. This list can then be used along with a decision algorithm to decide whether that sensor should act or perform a command when it receives a message from other sensors. In one embodiment, a sensor can use the neighbor list to command a specific other sensor(s) to perform a specific function.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided, by which alarm information and location data from a wireless personal tracking device carried by an individual is transmitted to an administrative hub for processing and action according to defined rules, including dispatching optimum assistance in the event of an alarm. Simultaneous monitoring of a plurality of individuals with diverse tracking units and effective event recording and reporting can be implemented.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a security event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants. Preferably, the position of unknown participants or foes is also displayed to friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a handheld device, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views of another friendly or from another location, giving increased situational awareness. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including status and directions.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying, locating, and managing inventory of sterilized medical devices located within a sealed sterilization case in preparation for a surgical procedure. Communication tags, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) tags, are connected to the medical device and communicate information wirelessly. Information is obtained from the communication tags and sent to the database where it is compared with the information in the database. The results may be displayed on the interface thereby providing the user with information about the medical instruments contained in the sealed sterilization case without breaking the seal of the sealed sterilization case.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means for receiving an Audio/Video (A/V) signal from an original A/V source and re-formatting and re-transmitting the A/V signal such that it can be displayed on a nearby portable mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a means for detecting external threats by the use of methods and apparatuses for the wide area detection of chemical, radiological or biological threats using modified personal wireless devices combined with new advanced micro and nanosensor technologies. A cost effective method is provided for wide area surveillance of a potential terrorist or personal threat. Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs or watches, in combination with new microsensor technologies described herein, can be used as a new type of platform detection technology for wide area surveillance of major threats. A “Homeland Security” chip is further provided which combines the elements of geo-location, remote wireless communication and sensing into a single chip. The personal electronic devices can be further equipped for detecting various medically related threats. Similarly modified personal devices can be used to detect external threats that are person-specific.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronically tracking the progress of teams as they cover an assigned geographic area are described herein. A server computer establishes a coverage area, divides the coverage area into a plurality of regions, and assigns each region to a team. Each team carries a tracking device capable of autonomously determining its present location without user assistance, thus allowing the team to focus on the assigned task, such as searching for a missing person, plowing a field, paving a road, etc. The server monitors the location of each tracking device as each team covers its assigned region, and updates on a visually displayed geographic map a historical path associated with each tracking device based on the monitored location of each tracking device. In this manner, users can quickly view the visual depiction of the historical to determine as yet uncovered areas.

Abstract: Security system communication with a user device via electronic means, including via e-mail transmitted over the internet are provided. A security system interface receives a signal indicating an occurrence of an event, such as a fault or alarm condition, in a zone of the security system; a memory stores a user e-mail address associated with the security system and the address of a server for providing internet service, such as an ISP server; and an e-mail generator transmits to the server an e-mail message based on the event. The communication node in such a system may be integrated with the control panel of the security system. The e-mail generator can transmit the e-mail using SMTP or other TCP/IP. An attachment of the e-mail, such as a picture or an audio or video file relevant to the event or the zone may be transmitted.

Abstract: A passive optical anti-tamper system including one or more light pipes, one or more light detectors and an alarm. The light pipes each include an input end and an output end and are located within a chassis with the one or more light detectors. The one or more light detectors are optically coupled to the output ends of the one or more light pipes. The alarm is operable to transmit a tamper-event-warning signal if an increased light level is detected by at least one detector.

Abstract: A computer arrangement for inducing a retraction of a computer component in response to a sensed emergency or security condition. The computer arrangement can include an enclosure with an open inner volume and a support member extendably and retractably retained relative to the enclosure. A computer component, such as a monitor, a keyboard, or a laptop computer, can be retained relative to the support member. One or more sensors can sense an emergency or security condition thereby to induce a retraction of the support member and, possibly, a closing of a lid. The keyboard or laptop computer can be retained relative to a support unit or cradle, which can be manually or automatically pivotable between a storage configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A method and a device for securing objects that are present in protected spatial areas, whereby the objects to be secured are provided with an identifier or linked with an identifier and said identifier is detected by a receiving unit when the object to be secured is displaced. For this purpose, the receiving unit detects the presence of the identifier and electronic data for proving the presence of the identifier are stored. The electronic data are adapted to allow an unambiguous assignment of the signal detected by the receiving unit to the identifier. Data are detected independently of the detection of the identifier that allow an identification of a person carrying an object to be secured.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a main body; an input unit for inputting information; an information processor for processing the information input with the input unit; a movement detecting sensor, provided in the main body, for detecting a movement of the main body; a power-supply controller for turning on a main power supply in the main body based on a movement detection signal supplied from the movement detecting sensor; and an alarm generator for generating an alarm when the main power supply is turned on based on the movement detection signal.

Abstract: A dynamic product tracking system uses RFID (radio frequency identification) to provide real time updates regarding item-level product movements, enriches the received RFID scan data with master and associative data, and stores the resulting enriched data in a product tracking server database. The product tracking server also stores static reference data, pre-defined rules or queries, generates pre-defined messages for delivery to other business management (e.g., ERP, accounting, and EDI) systems, and responds to ad hoc, online user inquiries and tracking requests. In a preferred embodiment, a model or state machine representation of the system is used.

Abstract: A transponder device comprises an integrated CMOS circuit with a semiconductor substrate. A first rectifying diode (DS) is formed by the substrate diode of the CMOS circuit. A first MOS transistor structure (DR1) and a second MOS transistor structure (DR2) have their channels connected in series such that they function as a second rectifying diode, the cathode of the first rectifying diode being connected to the anode of the second rectifying diode. The first MOS transistor structure (DR1) and the second MOS transistor structure (DR2) are spaced from each other such that a distance between the two MOS transistor structures is large enough that a parasitic npn-structure formed within the substrate by the first and the second MOS structures has a negligible current gain.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. An antenna is disposed on the frame with respect to the path of travel so that the antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass. The antenna comprises a substrate and a plurality of patch elements disposed on the substrate in respective positions that are sequential with respect to a direction transverse to the path of travel. An electric current at each patch element drives radiation of the radio frequency signals and defines a rotating electric current pattern. Respective rotational directions of the electric current pattern at two patch elements are opposite to each other.

Abstract: A method and systems for reminding a user about personal objects that should be carried or should not be carried, depending upon the user, the date and the time and other parameters. In the system, a radio frequency identifiers tag identifying each personal object is directly attached to the object. All the objects are listed in an object table storing the identifiers and their main characteristics. A rule table is provided having entries setting forth the relations between the objects according to four basis rules of the types “X requires Y”, “X excludes Y”, “X required” and “X excluded”. When activated, the reminder device checks the present objects and analyzes the rules to determine which objects are missing and which objects should be absent. The user is forewarn if objects are missing or should be absent.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method, which may be implemented on a system, is provided to have RFID tags provide a human perceptible signal when identified by an interrogator.

Abstract: A RFID cabinet comprises a cabinet structure and one or more drawers or shelves. Chambers are formed within the cabinet to house the one or more drawers or shelves. An RFID scanner is configured to scan items tagged with RFID tags in the chambers via one or more antennas. The antennas can include transmit and receive antennas or antennas configured to perform both transmit and receive functions. The drawers can have a access cover, or lid that can be controlled so as to control access to the drawer. The scanner can be configured to perform inventory control for the tagged items.

Abstract: A goods genuineness/counterfeit discrimination method using a plurality of IC tags each having functions of storing genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information and transmitting the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information and a genuineness/counterfeit discrimination equipment for receiving the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information from the IC tags to use it for genuineness/counterfeit discrimination, the method including: reading, by means of the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination equipment, information stored in one or more IC tags mounted on goods on which a first predetermined number of IC tags are mounted; and discriminating genuineness/counterfeit of the goods by determining, by means of the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination equipment, whether or not partial information is identical to each other among genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information read from IC tags equal to or more than a second predetermined number of IC tags mounted on the goods, the second p

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system having the capacity to detect conditions of alignment, wherein the system may be used with hand-held, fixed-in-place, stationary, and permanently mounted apparatus. The system includes an RF interrogator configured for use with dental x-ray, medical imaging, film, and digital radiography apparatus, and may include a multiplicity of RF transponders or interrogators. An RF interrogator, an RF transponder, and an x-ray sensitive imaging device, and its holder are configured to be critically aligned to a dental x-ray machine head apparatus, rendering repeat imaging unnecessary. The x-ray emitter may be further configured to automatically obtain a desired x-ray image or configured so that the device cannot activate and provide a radiograph until alignment with the transponder and associated x-ray sensitive imaging device has occurred.

Abstract: Systems, methods, or computer program products may collect information about the performance of individual RFID tags. In particular, signal strength and/or signal sensitivity of individual RFID tags may be measured and the resulting performance information may be stored in a data repository. In the data repository, the performance information for an individual tag may be associated with an identifier that is uniquely associated with the tag. In one exemplary embodiment, the performance information may be used by an on-line system configured to automatically determine the performance margin with which RFID tags are being read in an RFID system, or to automatically tune the RFID system to achieve a desired performance margin.

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: An anti-theft security tag includes an engagement member and a housing for supporting an electronic article surveillance (EAS) marker. The housing includes a rotating inner core for supporting the engagement member for attachment to the article. The engagement member includes a line for connection to the article and a locking mechanism for securing the first and second ends of the line therein so that the core and the engagement member can rotate together within the housing. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes one or more self-crimping members which automatically secure at least one end of the line upon insertion therein. One end of the rotating core may be disposed flush with one end of the housing, so that the consumer cannot twist the line in order to remove the tag.

Abstract: An electronic fence system comprises a fence wire which radiates a radio signal for defining a boundary; a transmitter electrically connected to the fence wire and transmitting a boundary radio signal including a mode selection signal; and a receiver attached to the pet, which receives the boundary defining signal with respect to a pet's approach to the fence wire, and which, depending on receiving the shock mode, applies an electrical shock only to the pet depending on receiving the shock mode, or depending on the shock after vibration mode which indicates a mode giving a shock after vibration, after vibration or vibration with a sound, applies an electrical shock to the pet if the boundary defining signal is continuously received or does not apply an electrical shock to the pet if the boundary defining signal is not received. If the pet has a hearing loss, or the circumference is noisy, a warning signal can be given through a touch to the skin of the pet.