Abstract: A random number generator comprises a first high frequency (HF) oscillator, a second low frequency (LF) oscillator, and a sampling circuit. The HF oscillator generates a high frequency oscillating signal. The LF oscillator generates a low frequency oscillating signal. The LF oscillating signal is used to sample the HF oscillating signal to generate a sequence of random bits. In one preferred embodiment, the LF oscillator comprises a plurality of stages of inverters, and each inverter comprises a number of series-stacked minimum length transistors. The LF oscillating signal has a jitter distribution due to thermal noise present in each transistor of the LF oscillator. By series stacking a number of minimum length transistors in each inverter, the overall thermal noise in the LF oscillator is maximized to increase the jitter distribution of the LF oscillating signal and thereby increase the random behavior of the sequence of random bits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit topology for use in an n-phase voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) or injection-locked frequency divider includes a transmission line ring having n transmission line delay segments connected at n junctions, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3. Each transmission line segment provides a 1/n wavelength signal delay between adjacent junctions. The transmission line ring is coupled to a first power supply node. Each of the junctions has a respective transistor coupled thereto, each transistor having a first source/drain terminal coupled to its respective junction, a second source/drain terminal coupled to a second power supply node, and a gate terminal, wherein the gate terminal is coupled to a signal that is ½ wavelength out-of-phase with respect to a signal at the first source/drain terminal of the transistor.

Abstract: Spread spectrum clock generators and electronic devices including the same are provided. A spread spectrum clock generator may include an oscillation circuit that is configured to receive a first spread spectrum clock signal and to output an average frequency signal corresponding to an average frequency of the first spread spectrum clock signal. The spread spectrum clock generator may also include a phase lock loop that is configured to receive the average frequency signal and to generate a second spread spectrum clock signal. The spread spectrum clock generator may further include a control circuit that is configured to receive the first and second spread spectrum clock signals and to output a phase lock loop control signal to control the phase lock loop such that an average frequency of the second spread spectrum clock signal approaches the average frequency of the first spread spectrum clock signal.

Abstract: An oscillator includes resonator portions each mounted to a substrate via one or more mountings at one end and having an active resonance region defined between a set of electrodes. Each resonator portion has a longitudinal axis directed along the resonator portion from the mounted end to a free end. The resonator portions are mounted such that their longitudinal axes are directed in different directions, e.g. an anti-parallel arrangement, so that acceleration sensitivity vector components aligned with the longitudinal axis cancel each other out.

Abstract: To provide a piezoelectric vibrator manufacturing method that curbs a dispersion of a bonding film at a time of a gettering step and with which good electrical characteristics can be obtained, and an oscillator, electronic device, and atomic timepiece, in which is mounted a piezoelectric vibrator with which good electrical characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides a clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference, with multiple operating modes, such power conservation, clock, reference, and pulsed modes. The various apparatus embodiments include a resonator adapted to provide a first signal having a resonant frequency; an amplifier; a temperature compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to temperature; and a process variation compensator adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to fabrication process variation. In addition, the various embodiments may also include a frequency divider adapted to divide the first signal having the resonant frequency into a plurality of second signals having a corresponding plurality of frequencies substantially equal to or lower than the resonant frequency; and a frequency selector adapted to provide an output signal from the plurality of second signals.

Abstract: A multilayer balanced filter includes a first coil including a first straight line electrode and via electrodes. A first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a third capacitor are provided respectively between a ground electrode and a first capacitor electrode, between the ground electrode and a second capacitor electrode, and between the ground electrode and a third capacitor electrode. The first coil and the first capacitor constitute an LC resonator. A second straight line electrode is arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first straight line electrode, and a second coil and a third coil, each having a loop plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the loop plane of the first coil, are provided. A second capacitor and a third capacitor are respectively connected between balanced output terminals and the ground.

Abstract: A signal transmitting/receiving circuit includes a transmitter, a receiver, a balun and an impedance matching circuit. The transmitter is utilized for transmitting an output signal. The receiver is utilized for receiving an input signal. The balun includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal. The impedance matching circuit, which is coupled between the transmitter, the receiver, and the balun, provides transmitting impedance when the transmitter transmits the output signal such that an output signal may be output at an output terminal of the balun via a transmitting path. Also, the impedance matching circuit provides transmitting impedance when the receiver receives the input signal such that the input signal may be transmitted from the output terminal of the balun to the receiver via a receiving path.

Abstract: Provided are a branching filter capable of well branching two electrical signals having a wide frequency band, and a wireless communication module and wireless communication device using same. The branching filter is provided with an input terminal (11), a first output terminal (12a), a second output terminal (12b), a first line conductor (14a) which is electromagnetically coupled to a resonator (13a) of an input stage so as to interconnect the input terminal (11) and the first output terminal (12a), a capacitor (15a) which interconnects the first line conductor (14a) and ground, and a second line conductor (14b) which is electromagnetically coupled to a resonator (13b) of an output stage and is connected to the second output terminal (12b), wherein a low pass filter is configured from the first line conductor (14a) and the capacitor (15a), and a band pass filter is configured from the first line conductor (14a), the second line conductor (14b), and a plurality of resonators.

Abstract: According to the teachings presented herein, a reconfigurable filter apparatus includes at least first and second passive filter sections connected in parallel to yield a composite filter response. Each passive filter section has a respective passband response and at least one of the passive filter sections is a ‘de-tunable’ passive filter section. Each de-tunable passive filter circuit includes a detuning circuit operable to exclude the respective passband response of the de-tunable passive filter section from the composite filter response by detuning a resonator within the de-tunable passive filter section. ‘Detuning’ the resonator can be understood as short-circuiting, opening the resonator, or otherwise disabling it, such that the filter path is blocked.

Abstract: A combiner for a Doherty amplifier includes, on and in a dielectric substrate, a carrier input terminal, a peak input terminal, an output terminal, a combining point for combining an output signal from the carrier amplifier and an output signal from the peak amplifier, a first ?/4 line connected between the carrier input terminal and the combining point, a second ?/4 line connected between the combining point and the output terminal, and a first directional coupler. The first directional coupler includes a third ?/4 line electromagnetically coupled to one, to be monitored, of the first ?/4 line and the second ?/4 line.

Abstract: A filter cut-off frequency correction circuit, inputted with a step function increasing from a first voltage to a second voltage, comprises a linear passive filter, for integrating the step function to obtain a third voltage; a first comparator, outputting a first high-level signal when the third voltage is greater than a first predetermined reference voltage; a second comparator, outputting a second high-level signal in a first period from the time that the second voltage is applied to the time that the first comparator outputs the first high-level signal; a counter, for counting a number of clock pulses of a reference clock inputted in the first period; a digital block, for calculating a variation rate of time constant according to the number of clock pulses of the reference clock, and generating a correction code; and a filter, for correcting the cut-off frequency according to the correction code. The correction circuit can improve the speed of cut-off frequency adjustment.

Abstract: A co-axial microwave bolometer architecture is disclosed that uses thick-film processes to construct very small thermistors on a substrate that is selected for low heat transfer. Thermal isolation is further enhanced by making the planar electrodes from a metal with lower heat transfer than typical electrical metals. Furthermore, a resistor with very strong temperature coefficient (thermistor), is arranged such that connecting metal paths are arranged axially, and as generally flat, thin, planar conductors. Additionally, the substrate of the thermistor is selected to have very low conductivity of heat, so the thermistor element itself is well isolated thermally from its surroundings.

Abstract: A pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: (i) a body, (ii) a ferrite core, (iii) a plunger, (iv) a ferrite surrounding, (v) a permanent magnet, (vi) a trip/reset coil, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the body, (viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point, and (ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point, wherein the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.

Abstract: A magnetically operated electrical switch is presented. The electrical switch includes a linear magnet assembly contained within a housing and movable along an axis of the housing, a rod attached to an end of the linear magnet facing an open end, and means for attaching the housing to a surface. An electrical switch assembly attachable to the open end includes a make/break switch, a switch plunger and an operating lever engaging the plunger where the make/break switch is placed in the first position when an end of the operating lever is contacted by the rod. An electrical wire connection harness includes at least two conductors where the make/break switch closes/opens a connection between one of the conductors. When an operating magnet assembly is positioned on the surface proximate to the switch, the operating magnet moves the linear magnet and a position of the make/break switch is changed.

Abstract: A permanent magnet arrangement for an electrical machine comprises a support structure for carrying magnetic flux and a pole assembly fixed to the support structure. The pole assembly comprises a magnet pole comprising at least one piece of permanent magnet material, and a magnet carrier on which the magnet pole is mounted and which provides a magnetic flux path between the magnet pole and the support structure. The permanent magnet arrangement further comprises a sleeve containing the magnet pole and at least part of the magnet carrier. The magnet carrier is secured to the support structure to fix the pole assembly to the support structure and the sleeve is clamped to the support structure by the magnet carrier. A method for assembling the permanent magnet arrangement is also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inductor has a substrate, a conductor disposed above the substrate and a seemless ferromagnetic material surrounding at least a first portion of the conductor.

Abstract: An inductor device comprising a first conductive pattern on a first layer of a substrate, a second conductive pattern on a second layer of the substrate, and a first region between the first layer and the second layer through which at least one hole is coupled between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, wherein a magnetic field induced by at least one of the first conductive pattern or the second conductive pattern at the first region is more intensive than that induced by at least one of the first conductive pattern or the second conductive pattern at a second region between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A reactor part includes at least a winding and a magnetic substance core, in which the core includes a pair of winding portions around each the winding is wound, and a non-winding portion around which no winding is wound, wherein a cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to a magnetic path of the non-winding portion of the core is made smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to a magnetic path of the each of winding portions.

Abstract: A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to displace the switchable contact, as well as multiple other components in the device, in response to a predetermined electrical condition.

Abstract: Ceramic material of the general formula: [SE1-xMIIx][Cr1-y-zRyLz]O3, wherein SE stands for one or more rare earth metals, MII stands for one or more metals of the oxidation state +II, L stands for Al and/or Ga, R stands for one or more metals selected from Fe, Zn, Ge, Sn, and it holds that: 0<x<1; 0<y<1; 0.5<z<1; y+z<1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method for a thermistor element having a metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use and multiple lead wires connected to said metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use. The method has a step wherein a thermistor raw material powder formed from a metal oxide, an organic binder powder, and a solvent are mixed and kneaded to form a clay, a step wherein the clay is extrusion-molded by means of a molding die (13) to form a rod-shaped, green molded body having multiple through-holes, a step wherein the rod-shaped green molded body is dried to form a rod-shaped dried molded body, a step wherein the rod-shaped dried formed body is cut to a prescribed length to form a cut molded body having through-holes, and a step wherein lead wires are introduced into the through-holes of the cut molded body and firing is then performed to form a metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use from the cut molded body.

Abstract: In a product distribution system, a product with a product identification code (e.g., a serial number) is shipped between the different entities of a chain with a security label having a security label code. At each entity, the product can be authenticated by sending a query with the security label to the product source. At the product source, the received label code is compared to a label code stored in a database. Preferably the label codes are indexed with the product identification and if they match, a verification of authenticity is sent to the entity. In addition, if the entity desires to relabel the product before sending it on the chain, the source generates a new label code, stores the new label code so that it can be authenticated in the future and sends information to the entity for generating the new label with the new label code. The entity cannot generate or print a new label without receiving the label code from the source.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer program product for determining user interest in media. The invention can select one of a set of different activity profiles specified within a data store. Each activity profile can include biometric attributes and associated baseline attribute values specific to an activity state. A media stream can be manipulated (e.g., created from environmental inputs and/or played upon a presentation device). Biometric data can be received from a user in proximity to the media stream. The received biometric data can be compared values in the selected activity profile. An interest level in the media stream can be determined based on comparison differences. A programmatic action can be performed relating to the media stream based upon the determined interest level. For example, a bitrate of the media and/or a marker in the media can be modified based on interest level.

Abstract: Universal garage door opener and appliance control system operable to facilitate garage door opener and appliance control with a fob or other wireless device operable to wirelessly communicate corresponding instructions to a vehicle other device for subsequent relay to the garage door opener or controlled appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing remove indication over a teleconference environment. The apparatus comprises a first location and a second location having a suitable furniture arrangement in each location to allow teleconferencing in multiple zones within each location. The apparatus has a remote indicator system arranged for an object to be marked, and tracked from a remote location in conjunction with a tactile glove arranged for a user in the first location to control and guide a user in a second location to operation procedures.

Abstract: Controlling controllable devices (12) such as lamp units that are installed in a building (10) with a plurality of control interface units (14) such as light switches. Each control interface unit (14) has a receptor (20), such as a light switch, for receiving user actuations. Addresses to be used for selective transmission of messages to controllable devices (12) are established by enabling the control interface unit (14) that should control a controllable device (12) to read a tag (34) on or in the controllable device (12). The control interface units (14) each have their own a tag reader (26), capable of reading the tag (34) when the tag (34) is in a proximity of the control interface unit (14).

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a long-range real-time location system comprise transmitting a power signal from one or more exciters to at least a portion of the tags, wherein the exciters are located a distance from the tags within a range required to power the tags; initiating transmission of the power signal by a reader that transmits a command signal instructing the exciters to transmit the power signal to the tags, wherein the reader is located a greater distance from the tags than the range required to power the tags; receiving by multiple wideband antennas on the reader, wideband signals from at least one of the tags, and associating with the wideband signals a time of arrival at each of the wideband antennas; and calculating by the reader a location of the at least one tag based on differences between the time of arrival at each of the wideband antennas.

Abstract: A method of operating a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader used in an RFID system for use with a device includes the steps of: providing that the RFID system includes the RFID reader and an RFID tag, the RFID tag being attached to the device; controlling dynamically the RFID reader; monitoring constantly a plurality of outputs of the RFID reader; and determining, dependent on the steps of controlling and monitoring, whether the RFID reader senses the RFID tag in an actual location of the RFID tag.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of containers may include a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path and a size part which is arranged in an interchangeable manner on the apparatus. The size part may include a first identification element based upon RFID technology in order to identify the size part. The size part may in turn include a position detection device which detects a position of at least one element of the apparatus with respect to the size part and emits a signal characteristic of this position.

Abstract: An RFID system provides a transponder having a power store that can be recharged when located within an electro-magnetic field generated by a transceiver unit. The power store can be a battery and/or a capacitor. In certain embodiments, the transponder can communicate over at least two different frequencies so that the real time performance of the transponder can be improved without losing backwards compatibility. The system provides an ear tag for use on livestock with superior durability and overall performance in the field.

Abstract: Security of packages and other articles of containment if left unattended in crowded public areas will be declared as suspicious raising concerns over the contents of the articles. The laminate construct of the present invention produces a tamper evident construct having at least one layer in combination with cold seal water-based adhesive of a predetermined colour under or over an indicia or image, used in combination with at least one paper layer for showing evidence of tampering when ruptured.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of wireless node devices in a network. A network controller polls one or more sensor devices for status information. The sensor devices are in communication with at least one wireless node device. More than one sensor device may be associated with a single wireless node device. The wireless node device appends its own status information to the transmission frame of the sensor device's response message, and the transmission frame, containing the address and status information for both the sensor device and the wireless node device, is transmitted to the network controller. The inclusion of the wireless node device address and status information is done without the knowledge of the sensor device.

Abstract: A particular portable radio frequency identification (RFID) reader includes an active antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements to receive RFID signals from RFID devices. The antenna elements include control circuitry to control a beam pattern generated by the active antenna array. The portable RFID reader further includes sum circuitry and difference circuitry. The sum circuitry is operable to determine a sum signal by summing the RFID signals received by at least two of the plurality of antenna elements. The difference circuitry is operable to determine a difference signal between the RFID signals received by at least two of the plurality of antenna elements. The portable RFID reader also includes a controller to electronically steer the beam pattern and to determine a direction from the RFID reader to a particular RFID device.

Abstract: A packaging system (20), has a container (22) which delimits a container volume which can hold at least one unit-measure or unit-quantity of a selected commodity or article (24). The container includes at least one access portion (26) that can provide a selective closed arrangement and a selective open arrangement. An electronic data mechanism (28) can be operatively connected to the container (22), and can be operatively configured to electronically transpond or otherwise transmit data to a reader mechanism (30). A deactivation mechanism (32) can be operatively connected to the container (22) and to the electronic data mechanism (28), and can be operatively configured to selectively disable the electronic data mechanism.

Abstract: System, methods and computer program product are provided for an adaptive control for adjusting the electromagnetic interrogation signal of an RFID transceiver where said signal is used to read and/or write to an RFID transponder, or to adjust the gain of the RFID transceiver, or adjust both the gain and the signal strength. The system includes a RFID transceiver having at least a transmitter portion and a receiver portion and capable of generating electromagnetic signals, a signal-to-noise ratio module, and an adaptive control module that adjusts the power of the electromagnetic signal of the transmitter portion or the gain of the receiver portion according to the signal-to-noise ratio of a first electromagnetic signal. In one embodiment the system may be employed in printer-encoder devices for reading or encoding RFID transponders during a printing process.

Abstract: Described is a device comprising a dosimeter reader including an RFID tag reader for retrieving and/or updating all or a portion of the data stored in the non-volatile memory of an RFID tag on a dosimeter sled that is part of a radiation dosimeter. Also described is a method retrieving and/or updating the data stored in the non-volatile memory of the RFID tag.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining when a set of RFID tags on a set of stacked objects belongs to a same defined subset of stacked objects (“set identification”).

Abstract: A power controller includes an infrared emitting circuit, an infrared receiving circuit, and a switching circuit. The infrared emitting circuit emits an infrared signal received by the infrared receiving circuit which outputs a corresponding control signal. The switching circuit is connected to the infrared receiving circuit to receive the control signal, and is connected to a powering control terminal of a motherboard of a computer to output a pulse signal to turn the computer on and off according to the control signal.

Abstract: A remotely controllable receptacle system is disclosed. The remotely controllable receptacle system includes a remote control device for emitting a first request signal and a searching signal, and a plurality of receptacle devices for emitting a first reply signal according to the first request signal. The remote control device determines whether the first reply signal is received and the receptacle device emitting the first reply signal is classified as the vicinity receptacle device and the receptacle device not emitting the first reply signal is classified as the missing receptacle device. The vicinity receptacle device is configured to emit a second request signal according to the searching signal and determine whether the missing receptacle device emits a second reply signal according to the second request signal before a mutual communication between the remote control device and the missing receptacle device via the vicinity receptacle device is established.

Abstract: A communication device locks input of the communication device and executes an alarm if a current time reaches a set alarm time. When the alarm is executed, an unlock input set is generated for unlocking the input and an alarm disable button set is generated for disabling the alarm. If an unlock input set is the same as the generated unlock keypad set, the locked input is unlocking. If the alarm disable button set input by the user is the same as the generated alarm disable button set, the communication device disables the alarm.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for distributing electrical power throughout a residence. The electrical distribution system includes a plurality of electrical distribution lines configured to distribute electrical power to one or more appliances; and an electrical panel in communication with (i) a utility company and (ii) the plurality of electrical distribution lines. The electrical panel is configured to receive the electrical power from the utility company, and distribute the electrical power onto the plurality of electrical distribution lines for consumption by the one or more appliances. The electrical panel is further configured to receive, from the utility company, time data indicating a current time of day, and provide, through the plurality of electrical distribution lines, the time data to each of the one or more appliances so that the one or more appliances can keep track of the current time of day.

Abstract: A mobile communication device and/or the network by which it communicates may comprise logic to associate a specific vibration pattern to aspects of an outgoing call. The vibration pattern may be associated with one or more of an urgency, seriousness, or humorousness of the outgoing call, or with aspects of the information in the call such as font, style, color, punctuation, or symbols such as emoticons.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of monitoring and controlling interior functions of a vehicle, for example, a memory seat position, a vehicle pedal position, a steering column position, a vehicle interior temperature, and/or whether the vehicle is occupied or unoccupied at certain times and under certain conditions. The interior functions are controlled by passively monitoring a characteristic of an occupant, determining an identity of the occupant based on the monitored characteristic, and regulating the interior function based upon the identity of the occupant. The monitored characteristic, for example, may be representative of a weight classification or biomass associated with the occupant, or a signal or input generated based upon a user identification device, for example, a key fob or other personal electronic device carried by the occupant.

Abstract: One embodiment of such a method of assisting a driver of a vehicle comprises receiving a command from the driver attesting that the driver has performed one of a plurality of driving requisites; in response to receipt of the command, presenting an audible cue commending the driver for performing one of the plurality of driving requisites; tracking an amount of time that elapses before the command attesting to performance of a respective driving requisite is received; and in response to the amount of time exceeding a threshold for the respective driving requisite, presenting an audible cue intending to remind the driver about the respective driving requisite being tracked that has exceeded the respective threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting safe operation of a vehicle includes an environment sensor system detecting hazards within the vehicle environment, a driver monitor providing driver awareness data (such as a gaze track), and an attention-evaluation module identifying hazards as sufficiently or insufficiently sensed by the driver by comparing the hazard data and the gaze track. An alert signal relating to the unperceived hazards can be provided.

Abstract: A system for aiding a user when travelling in a vehicle with a portable, handheld electronic device includes a sensor that detects an object outside the vehicle and that detects a condition regarding movement of the vehicle with respect to the object outside the vehicle. The sensor is supported in the vehicle for travel with the vehicle. The system also includes a communication system that allows the vehicle and the electronic device to communicate a signal therebetween. The signal relates to the condition detected by the sensor. Furthermore, the system includes an output device included on at least one of the vehicle and the electronic device. The output device is operable to output an alarm based on the signal communicated between the vehicle and the electronic device.

Abstract: A method, a sensor, a detector and a system are provided for locating at least one wheel on a vehicle. A signal is received from a first sensor mounted on the wheel, the signal providing a position of the wheel. Additionally, a measurement value is received from a second sensor that measures the angular position of a wheel and that is associated with a specific position of the vehicle. When the phase position of the first signal stays within a predefined tolerance range relative to the measured value within a specific observation period, the first sensor can be associated with the second sensor.

Abstract: A Voice over IP (VoIP) module is used to connect an alarm system to a monitoring station over the Internet. A built-in wireless or Ethernet over A/C power component is described, such that the Voice-over-IP equipment can be placed at a distance from a router, without the need to run an Ethernet cable from the VoIP equipment to the router. This arrangement is useful, as in many cases, the customer's security system is hidden within a closet, or else placed within the home or business at a significant distance from their Internet connection and router. The present invention accomplishes this by adding a built-in WiFi (wireless) radio, or a built-in Ethernet over Power circuit, into the Voice-over-IP equipment installed in the home or business.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a range reduction detection apparatus that is able to detect blocking of its field of view. Detection of an event, due to movement or intrusion within the field of view, is arranged to start a timer, which will time-out thereby providing an indication of such blocking unless a subsequent event is detected within the time-period.