Abstract: A retainer arrangement that includes a retainer for retaining a hinged arm on a vehicle in a stored position positively so that the hinged arm does not move away from the vehicle unintentionally. The arrangements may be used in connection with a hinged stop arm that is attached to the side of a school bus that is deployed when the school bus stops to pick-up or drop off passengers.

Abstract: A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan.

Abstract: A self-testing notification appliance includes a notification emitter, a verification circuit, and a controller. The notification emitter is operable to output light or light and sound based on a control signal. The verification circuit includes a notification sensor to detect the light or light and sound and generate a verification signal. The controller sends the control signal to the notification emitter and receives information based on the verification signal from the verification circuit. The self-testing notification appliance may be part of a network including a fire control panel and a plurality of additional self-testing notification appliances. The self-testing notification appliances may be assigned addresses on the network.

Abstract: A communication gateway wristband serves as a source of patient identification and as an interface between a personal area network (PAN) of miniaturized electronic medical sensors on a patient and a wireless wide-area network (WWAN) such as a hospital network. The gateway wristband includes a PAN transceiver which can establish wireless data links with wireless medical sensors, a WWAN transceiver which can establish a wireless data link with WWAN infrastructure, a memory which stores a patient identifier, and a processor which receives data via the PAN transceiver and relays the patient identifier and the received data to an external network via the WWAN transceiver. The processor manages communications with both the PAN and WWAN transceivers, stores received sensor data in memory, and translates data from the PAN protocol to the WWAN protocol so that sensor data is relayed to the hospital infrastructure.

Abstract: A bullet-proof vest bullet hit detection system, including a detector fitted within a bullet-proof vest and a GPS tracker, in which the detector is able to detect circumstances of the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets, and the detected circumstantial information is transmitted to a microprocessor. Moreover, the GPS tracker receives geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals, which are used to obtain the position of the bullet-proof vest, whereupon the position is transmitted to the microprocessor. Accordingly, position and circumstances of being hit by bullets can be transmitted to a remote server to enable notifying rescue units of the received information.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a location of a set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The location of the set-top box is determined utilizing global positioning information. A message indicating the emergency and the location is sent through a satellite in communication with the set-top box.

Abstract: A wearable monitoring unit can provide physiological information indicative of a condition of an individual wearing the unit, or, can provide ambient condition alarm related information, from a displaced ambient condition sensor, to the individual to warn the individual as to the existence of the ambient condition. A plurality of physiological conditions associated with the individual can be monitored along with a plurality of different outputs from displaced ambient condition sensors which are in wireless communication with the monitoring unit. All such information can be automatically presented to the wearer, or, forwarded to a supervisory unit.

Abstract: A multi doorlock includes a doorlock unit (200) installed to a hinged door (100), a non-powered DC motor (300) installed to the doorlock unit, and links (400) (410) having one ends connected to the DC motor and the other ends installed to a doorframe, the links being folded or unfolded with each other when the hinged door is closed or opened. The doorlock unit (200) frequently changes a braking resistance of the DC motor (300) while the hinged door (100) is opened or closed, thereby controlling an opening/closing speed of the hinged door. A relay switch (700) is connected to both ends of a power line (330) of the DC motor (300) to short the DC motor on occasions. When it is intended to fix the hinged door (100), the relay switch (700) is operated to short the DC motor (300) such that the hinged door is not moved.

Abstract: A disaster information handling method based on a broadcasting system and a mobile terminal supporting the same is provided. The method includes receiving a broadcast signal, determining whether disaster information is present in the received broadcast signal, when disaster information is determined to be present in the received broadcast signal, extracting geographic data of a disaster area from the disaster information and extracting location data of a transmitting base station from the received broadcast signal, and performing an alert output operation according to the distance between a site indicated by the geographic data and a site indicated by the location data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for providing a plurality of extracorporeal blood or plasma treatments, apt to receive at least one disposable article that can be connected to extracorporeal circuit, each disposable article being equipped with storage means containing information about the disposable article, the device comprising a first receiving station (2) for disposable articles (100) with a first reading means (3) for the associated article, a second receiving station (3) for disposable articles (100) with a second reading means (3) for the associated article, a memory comprising information concerning at least one treatment protocol designed to be executed by the device, and information concerning a configuration of the disposable articles necessary for each treatment protocol at each receiving station, a control unit (10) for comparing the stored configuration of articles concerning a treatment protocol with the configuration of articles once it is installed.

Abstract: A security system lays out a sensing optical fiber tautly at the perimeter of an area to be secured. The sensing optical fiber has at least one sensing Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) which is stretched when the sensing optical fiber is stretched by an intruder. The center wavelength of reflection of the stretched sensing FBG shifts towards longer wavelengths. The shifted center wavelength of reflection is detected using a reference FBG with a longer center wavelength of reflection. The sensing optical fiber has a loose buffer coating for isolating the sensing optical fiber and the sensing FBG from nuisance disturbances and noise such as vibrations caused by wind. Trip wires may be attached to the sensing optical fiber for enhancing intruder detection. A cut of the sensing optical fiber may be detected by monitoring the optical power exiting the far end of the sensing optical fiber.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock reminder system includes a normally closed deadbolt detector switch which supplies power to a proximity detector to detect a presence of a person in a vicinity of a door whenever the dead bolt is detected not to be in a locked position. When the person leaves the vicinity of the door, the proximity detector switches into a “person no longer detected” mode thereby triggering an alarm. The sounding of the alarm will remind the person to return to lock the dead bolt. The alarm sounds for a fixed duration while the person is still within earshot of the alarm.

Abstract: A main electrode is located in a vehicle seat. A guard electrode is located between a grounded vehicle body and the main electrode. A detection unit selectively applies an alternating voltage signal to the main electrode and the guard electrode, sets the main electrode and the guard electrode to be in an open state or a grounded state, detects an electric current of one of the main electrode and the guard electrode, converts the selected electric current into a voltage value, and detects an overcurrent in the main electrode and the guard electrode. A control unit determines the main electrode and the guard electrode to be an open failure, a power supply short failure, a grounded failure, or a short failure with the guard electrode, according to one or a combination of the voltage value and detection or non-detection of an overcurrent.

Abstract: An object tracking and alarm system comprising a geographic position signaling unit securely attached to the object and wirelessly interconnected to a monitoring station, an alarm pad and a base. The unit continually transmits the geographic position of the object to the monitoring station. The system transmits an alert, which can be deactivated, to the monitoring station when the unit is located farther that a preset distance from the base and a surveillance camera, an alarm, and/or a system to notify law enforcement and the user are activated. If the alert has not been deactivated and the object is moved to a location greater than the preset distance from the base, the system transmits the alert to the monitoring station, which continuously monitors and transmits updates the geographic position of the object.

Abstract: Methods and devices for locating lost or stolen mobile devices allow users to remotely activate an alarm by receiving a secret number within a message directed to the mobile device, such as an SMS, MMS or e-mail message. Upon receiving a message containing a number, the mobile device determines whether the received number matches a secret number that is stored in secure memory. If the receive number matches the secret number in secure memory the mobile device activates an alarm mode. The alarm mode may include sounding an audible alarm to attract attention to the mobile device as well as other actions. The alarm mode may be deactivated by entering the secret number into the mobile device or by sending the secret number to the mobile device in a subsequent message.

Abstract: An EAS tag has an adjustable retention cable for attaching the tag to an irregularly shaped object. A clutch mechanism prevents the retention cable from being released without authorization. The tag may carry electronic components including a circuit board, micro-processor, battery, audible alarm generator, light emitting diode, anti-tamper switches, infrared communication port, and other communication electronics. The tag may also carry an EAS element such as a harmonic element or acousto-magnetic element. An EAS system with which the EAS tag is associated may communicate with the EAS tag and obtain information, arm, disarm, encode information, and otherwise reprogram the tag via the infrared communication port or other means.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag incorporates alternative theft deterrence systems. The security tag incorporates both a benefit-denial ink-based system and two independent EAS detection elements operating at two different frequencies such that the tag can alternatively be operated in two different systems. The security tag is further adapted to be re-usable after ink ampoule breakage and includes a visual indication of ink to serve as a further visual deterrence to shoplifters.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) apparatus is comprised of a carrier and an EAS unit. The carrier receives the EAS unit and has an adhesive element on one of its surfaces to attach to an item to be protected. The EAS unit may have several electronic components including, among others, an EAS coil, a microprocessor, communication elements, a switch, a battery, and an audible alarm generator. The EAS unit can be removed from a protected item by opening, or parting, the carrier. Once the carrier is opened the EAS unit can be retrieved for reuse. External devices can be used to communicate with and disarm the EAS unit. If an EAS unit is removed without being disarmed, a switch detects the change in status and an audible alarm is generated.

Abstract: A method comprises submitting a content message to an alerting engine from a health monitor, said content message being configured to cause said alerting engine to send an alert message to a communications device. The method may further comprise determining, using said health monitor, an expected alert message according to said submitted content; receiving, at said health monitor, an alert message forwarded from said communications device; comparing said received alert message with said expected alert message; and selectively sending an alarm message based on said determination.

Abstract: A pet tracking system includes a pet positioning device and a pet monitoring device. The pet positioning device is worn on a pet and includes a positioning unit which is configured for detecting a position of the pet. And, the pet positioning device builds a direct wireless communication to the pet monitoring device by a wireless communication unit to send back the position of the pet. Therefore, the pet monitoring device is able to acquire the position of the pet without a mobile communication provided by a telecommunication proprietor. In preferred embodiment, the pet monitoring device can provide a warning signal to remind pet owners to pay attention to the pet while the pet is out of a predetermined range.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for communication. In certain aspects, an apparatus for communication includes one or more sensors configured to measure a condition external to the apparatus, a circuit configured to determine when to transmit data based on the measurement to another apparatus, wherein the determination is based on at least one parameter configurable by the another apparatus, and a transmitter configured to transmit the data.

Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.

Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.

Abstract: A domestic water leak and humidity detection and control apparatus to monitor and detect water leaks and to alert a user by an aural buzzer and by illuminated green, red, or yellow LEDs of an operative state of the apparatus incorporates one or more sensor sets, each sensor set having one or more leak detectors connected to a central controller; the central controller having for each sensor set a respective comparator set and a respective LED set, and the central controller connected to and controlling the aural buzzer and controlling a water valve to control water leaks originating from a domestic water supply by electrically controlling the water valve.

Abstract: An oil-level detection system for an engine-powered product includes a dipstick designed to be received within a crankcase. The system further includes a detector attached to the dipstick, where the detector is designed to sense, from within the crankcase, a level of oil within the crankcase. The system also includes a display in communication with the detector. The display identifies information to a user related to the level of oil within the crankcase, without the user opening the crankcase.

Abstract: A multi-function LED lighting device includes a light-sensitive switch on a housing; light sources including a light sensor and first LEDs wherein one light source further has second LEDs; and a controller including a CDS member, a detector, and an on/off switch. The detector may receive a signal from each light sensor and send same to the on/off switch for activation. Each light sensor may sense a predetermined area of a room and provide a signal to the detector in response to a detection of a presence of a person in the predetermined area, the detector is enabled by the signal to activate one of sections of the on/off switch electrically connected to the first LEDs of one light source. The light-sensitive switch may turn on and activate the CDS member in response to a dark environment, and the activated CDS member may enable the second LEDs.

Abstract: A system includes a component, an electronic circuit, and a display. The electronic circuit and the display are on the component. The electronic circuit is connected to receive data related to use of the component. The electronic circuit is connected to the display for providing a time parameter related to at least one from the group consisting of remaining life of the component and life expended by the component. The time parameter is for displaying on the display.

Abstract: A method for displaying battery remaining time is disclosed. Initially, battery voltage, battery current and remaining battery capacity are initially detected. Then, a first battery remaining time at intervals of a first cycle period is determined based on the battery voltage, the battery current, and the remaining battery capacity. The first battery remaining time is updated and displayed on a display unit accordingly. In response to a power consumption change event occurs, a second battery remaining time at intervals of a second cycle period shorter than the first cycle period is determined based on the battery voltage, the battery current, and the remaining battery capacity. The second battery remaining time is then updated and displayed on the display unit accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and method for reliable detection of errors in a pressure control system for a pilot's G-suit. Alarm systems for generating alarm signals in case of malfunctioning of the pressure control system. The systems may prevent the pilot from passing out with a high safeguarding against failure of the system during critical maneuvers.

Abstract: A capacitive passenger detector includes: a capacitive sensor having main, sub and guard electrodes; a sensor characteristic measurement unit for applying an alternating voltage signal to each electrode and for converting a current in each electrode to a voltage; and a controller. The controller defines a current in the guard electrode as a reference current when voltages of the main and guard electrodes have a same potential. The controller defines a current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be negative when the voltage of the main electrode is higher than the guard electrode. The controller defines the current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be positive when the voltage of the main electrode is lower than the guard electrode. The controller corrects the voltage of the main electrode based on the current of the guard electrode so that a corrected voltage is set to be a passenger determination data.

Abstract: The invention provides lighting apparatuses which are power efficient, environment friendly and long lasting and can be manufactured with high degree of speed, accuracy and flexibility. The lighting apparatuses are easily serviceable and can be produced, transported economically and have higher economical value even on completion of life term of the lighting apparatuses. The present invention reduce the waste of raw material thereby utilizing maximum percentage raw material for produce solid state lighting fixtures using CAD and CNC process and provides retrofitting lighting apparatuses which can be replaced without making considerable changes in existing infrastructure.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an apparatus for improving motion detection capability. More particularly, the apparatus improves motion detection capability by changing a motion in a normal state according to a motion state or by changing a motion detection process in the portable terminal in order to avoid motion detection capability deterioration in the portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a terminal state determiner that determines a motion state of the terminal by receiving sensing information for determining the motion state, and a controller that changes a motion detection process according to the portable terminal's motion state determined by the terminal state determiner.

Abstract: Device (10) for detecting wrong position of a container (2) in a container handling machine (1), comprising a movable contact element (11) provided with a trigger (34) coupled to an alarm sensor (33), said contact element (11) having a rest position wherein the trigger (34) blocks said alarm sensor (33), and a tilted position wherein the trigger (34) actuates the alarm sensor (33) to stop movement of the container (2).

Abstract: A method for indicating an overload condition of a data storage system, comprises the steps of: defining one or more load indexes, wherein each of the load indexes has an overload threshold; and if one of the load indexes has met its respective overload threshold, providing an indicator of the overload condition of the storage system, else, monitoring the load indexes.

Abstract: A warning unit for attachment to a handheld firearm comprises attachment means for attachment to a firearm, a light source, and digitally manipulable input means operable to enable selection of a mode of operation. The warning unit is capable of being operated in at least a narrow divergence mode, and a wide divergence mode wherein, in the narrow divergence mode, the warning unit is operable to emit a beam of light of a lower divergence than in the wide divergence mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable data medium and method for transferring configuration data from an external computer to a sensor.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer has a probe having a temperature measuring unit at its end, a temperature sensor arranged in the temperature measuring unit of the probe, a contact sensor arranged in a position shifter from the temperature measuring unit of the probe toward a thermometer body, a determining unit for determining whether a state of contact between the temperature measuring unit and a measurement target portion of a user is good or not, based on outputs of both the temperature sensor and the contact sensor, and a notifying unit for providing a notification according to a result of the determination by the determining unit.

Abstract: A position determining system with a sensor unit and a transducer unit, the sensor unit comprises a first RFID transponder reader unit and a first induction detection unit, the transducer unit comprises an RFID transponder and a metallic material, the sensor unit is movable relative to the transducer unit, and the position of the sensor unit can be determined using the data determined by the transducer unit.

Abstract: A passenger guidance method includes the following steps: receiving a signal that is transmitted by a transmitter and that has an identifier; calculating a position of the transmitter using the signal; and outputting the position information to the transmitter. A passenger guidance method is provided which helps the driver of a motor vehicle find his or her parked motor vehicle. To method includes a step of identifying the transmitter before outputting the position information for that purpose.

Abstract: A network communication system (2) for two-way communication comprises: —at least one group of network devices (11); —at least one command device (20) capable of issuing at least one command signal (SC); 5—coordinating means (40) provided with a network definition memory (41) and with a device status memory (42). A network device, in response to receiving a command signal (SC), sends an acknowledgement signal (SA) to the command device. The coordinating means, in response to receiving a command signal for a 10 network device, watches for the corresponding acknowledgement signal from that network device and, in case of that network device failing to timely send the acknowledgement signal, amends in said device status memory (42) the status information (M(i)) relating to said network device. The coordinating means automatically removes a potentially defective 15 network device from the network definition memory (41) on entry of a network amendment mode.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, electronic mixing is provided between multiple instruction channels from multiple users of a single controlled object such that each user can have partial control over the object at the same time. The percentage of partial control is adjusted between users according to any combination of the number of users, preset or user set percentages, randomness, or computer generation.

Abstract: A solar powered meter reading device (MRD) includes a metering circuit configured to measure consumption of a resource. A transceiver is operatively connected to the metering circuit and is configured and arranged to transmit and receive radio signals. A power arrangement is electrically connected to supply electrical power to at least one of the metering circuit and the transceiver. The power arrangement includes a photovoltaic array and a battery electrically connected to the photovoltaic array and to at least one of the metering circuit and the transceiver.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a traffic light assembly comprising a housing; at least one circular display screen disposed on a side of the casing; wherein the circular display screen has a central display region disposed in the center of the circular display, a circumferential display region disposed at a rim of the circular display surrounding the central display region; wherein the central display region displays at least one color selected from the group consisting of red, green, yellow, black, and white; wherein the circumferential display region displays at least one color selected from the group consisting of red, green, yellow, black, and white; and wherein the circumferential display region displays at least one color that is different from a color displayed by the central display region.

Abstract: A method identifies turbulence information from turbulence data generated by a set of remote aircraft based on a request to form identified turbulence information. The turbulence information is identified in response to the request received at an aircraft to view the turbulence information. The identified turbulence information is displayed on a display device in the aircraft.

Abstract: A “Constrained Predictive Interface” uses predictive constraints to improve accuracy in user interfaces such as soft keyboards, pen interfaces, multi-touch interfaces, 3D gesture interfaces, EMG based interfaces, etc. In various embodiments, the Constrained Predictive Interface allows users to take any desired action at any time by taking into account a likelihood of possible user actions in different contexts to determine intended user actions. For example, to enable a virtual keyboard interface, various embodiments of the Constrained Predictive Interface provide key “sweet spots” as predictive constraints that allow the user to select particular keys regardless of any probability associated with the selected or neighboring keys. In further embodiments, the Constrained Predictive Interface provides hit target resizing via various piecewise constant touch models in combination with various predictive constraints.

Abstract: A touch sensor system. The touch sensor system may include a touch sensor configured to provide an output in response to contact with a touch area, a controller coupled to the touch sensor and configured to provide a code representative of the output and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory may be configured to receive and store the code in a first time interval and to provide the code in a second time interval wherein the second time interval begins after the first time interval ends. Adjacent key suppression algorithms are also provided.

Abstract: A keypad for controlling software, such as disk jockey (DJ) software, includes a plurality of keys, each key being programmable for issuing any desired, predefined sequence of keystrokes and/or mouse commands in response to the key being pressed. At least some of the keys are laid out in a piano-style format, with those keys being programmed to direct the software to produce musical notes. The keypad is constructed to be attached to a phonograph turntable by engaging with physical features on the turntable. The keypad has a top surface that has a rounded edge that runs concentrically with the turntable's platter. It also has a straight edge, overhanging the side of the turntable, where the piano style keys are positioned. When used by a DJ, the keypad greatly simplifies the task of simultaneously operating the turntable and the DJ software.

Abstract: A decoding method comprising the following steps is provided. The mth lookup index for a new lookup table is obtained according to the number of leading 1's in the bit stream. The nth base Huffman code in a simplified Huffman table is obtained according to the mth lookup index. The (n+1) most significant bits (MSB) are obtained from the bit stream according to the nth base Huffman code. A difference is generated according to the (n+1) MSBs in the bit stream and the nth base Huffman code. Whether the difference is less than 0 is checked. If yes, a symbol index is generated according to the difference and the nth base symbol index, and a symbol is obtained according to the symbol index. If no, n is decreased or increased by 1 according to the method being used, and the data in the simplified Huffman table is compared continually.

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

Abstract: An integrated circuit that is capable of converting an analog signal to at least one digital signal is provided. The integrated circuit includes a first input end capable of receiving a first analog signal. A first set of 2n-1 inverters are capable of quantizing the first analog signal and outputting a first set of 2n-1 digital values. Each of the first set of 2n-1 digital values is either 0 or 1. A first adder is coupled with the first set of 2n-1 inverters. The first adder is capable of summing the first set of 2n-1 digital values, outputting a first integer value that is capable of corresponding to at least one digital signal.