Abstract: This electric power fuse has a fuse element that is formed continuously and integrally by a plurality of heat dissipating parts formed from a conductive film by the conductive film being formed on a ceramic substrate and a plurality of isolating parts. The conductive film is constituted of printed layers formed by printing one or more times on the surface of the ceramic substrate, and the number of laminations of printed layers formed in the heat dissipating parts is greater than or equal to the number of laminations of the printed layers constituting the isolating parts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thin film resistor that is formed on a substrate along with other semiconductor devices to form all or part of an electronic circuit. The thin film resistor includes a resistor segment that is formed over the substrate and a protective cap that is formed over the resistor segment. The protective cap is provided to keep at least a portion of the resistor segment from oxidizing during fabrication of the thin film resistor and other components that are provided on the semiconductor substrate. As such, no oxide layer is formed between the resistor segment and the protective cap. Contacts for the thin film resistor may be provided at various locations on the protective cap, and as such, are not provided solely over a portion of the resistor segment that is covered with an oxide layer.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: Techniques for determining whether a mobile device crosses a boundary defined by a first wireless access point (WAP) and a second fixed-location WAP are provided. A method according to these techniques includes receiving, at a mobile device, information defining a boundary defined by first and second fixed-location WAPs, the boundary being defined at least in part based on a ratio of a round trip time (RTT) between the mobile device and the first fixed-location WAP to a ratio of a RTT between the mobile device and the second fixed-location WAP, determining the ratio of the RTT between the mobile device and the first fixed-location WAP to a ratio of the RTT between the mobile device and the second fixed-location WAP, determining whether the mobile device has crossed the boundary, and triggering an event in response to the mobile device crossing the boundary.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to participate in the performance of tasks, for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance, or for facilitating other interactions with such devices.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling automatic opening of a vehicle's trunk through wireless communication between a fob key for the vehicle and a bumper LF antenna disposed in the rear of the vehicle. The apparatus controls the trunk so as to be automatically opened through communication with the bumper LF antenna on the basis of the position of the fob key and the number of receptions of an RF signal, when a fob key holder approaches the trunk for opening the trunk. Alternatively, a sensor module is attached near the trunk (particularly, a lower end center of a rear bumper) and determines whether there is the fob key, thereby allowing the trunk to be automatically opened when a sensing signal is inputted by simple movement.

Abstract: In transponder communication (near field wireless communication), an electronic key uses drive radio waves as a power source and thereby does not need to be supplied with power from a key battery. To establish transponder communication, the distance between the electronic key and the vehicle has to be shorter than that for smart communication. However, transponder communication can be performed to switch a plug lock device between a lock state and an unlock state when a smart system cannot perform smart communication that switches the lock device between different states.

Abstract: A lock actuating device is presented for mounting to a door leaf of a door. The lock actuating device has a transceiver capable of interaction with a wireless key device in the form of a mobile telecommunication terminal by short-range wireless data communication. A controller of the lock actuating device is coupled to the transceiver and capable of generating a control signal. A lock actuator has an electric motor and is adapted for actuation of an internal lock mechanism of a lock inside the door leaf upon receipt of the control signal from the controller. A local battery power unit serves as a sole power source for powering the lock actuating device.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to participate in the performance of tasks, for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance, or for facilitating other interactions with such devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking transactional information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: A sensor system comprises a tag. The tag comprises at least one radio-frequency chip and a first antenna. The chip comprises a memory element, the memory element comprising electrical storage of a binary coded word comprising at least one bit, and output terminals. The tag further comprises at least one conductive polymeric system disposed in electrical communication with at least one output terminal of the chip and adapted to change electrical state in association with a predetermined change in an environment of the conductive polymeric system. The first antenna is disposed in electrical communication with the output terminal(s) of the chip and the conductive polymeric system.

Abstract: A radio frequency identifying reader (RFID) and a method for locating a tag by the RFID includes transmitting, by the RFID reader, signals to the tag on at least two frequencies and receiving a corresponding reflection signal, combining, by the RFID reader, received reflection signals and acquiring the combined signal which is received, and mapping the combined signal that is received to a constellation point in a constellation map to locate the tag such that the tag can be more easily located.

Abstract: An NFC device may include a first and second controller interfaces, a first communication channel coupled to the first controller interface, and a second communication channel connected to the second controller interface. A secure element may include a secure element interface connected to the first communication channel and encryption/decryption circuitry configured to encrypt data to be sent on the first communication channel for being framed into the encrypted frames and to decrypt encrypted data extracted from the encrypted frames and received from the first communication channel. The secure element may also include management circuitry configured to control the encryption/decryption circuitry for managing the encrypted communication with the NFC controller.

Abstract: A method of generating an action in an ad hoc wireless network includes providing an ad hoc mesh network of nodes having at least one node associated with a consumer product and at least one node capable generating node data about a consumer product, sending node data to a computing device, using the computing device to retrieve data from a database and associate the data with the node data, and determining, at the computing device, an action based upon the association, and executing an action using the computing device.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: An electric whistle has a power circuit, an inductor, an electric switch, a buzzer, a tone-set resistor and a sound IC. The sound IC generates an audio control signal to activate the electric switch. When the electric switch is activated, the inductor produces an induction voltage to activate the buzzer. The oscillation frequency of the audio control signal is determined by the single tone-set resistor without a capacitor. Therefore, few passive devices are used. The electric whistle of the present invention is compact and portable.

Abstract: A tactile sense providing apparatus comprising a tactile sense providing unit, a measuring light source unit, a light-receiving unit; and a control unit. The control unit is configured to calculate a distance to an object based on a light emitted by the measuring light source unit and received by the light-receiving unit, determine a tactile stimulus condition based on the distance; and drive the tactile sense providing unit according to the tactile stimulus condition.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.

Abstract: A license plate (401) is shown configured to be attached to a vehicle such that when so attached the license plate appears substantially similar to a conventional license plate. The license plate includes a concealed housing (403). Inside the housing, there is provided a position detection device (404) and a communication device (405). A battery 406 may also be provided within the housing 403 concealed battery 406 may be recharged from a battery present within the vehicle or it may receive electrical power from a photo-voltaic source 407.

Abstract: A hitch mounted lift platform includes platform and lift base back-up sensors for detecting and alerting a vehicle occupant of a rear obstruction being approached to prevent collision and damage to the lift platform, items carried on the lift and the rear obstruction. The lift platform includes quick disconnect devices for connecting and disconnecting the associated wiring for easy attachment and detachment of the lift platform from the vehicle. The back-up sensors communicate with a visual display and/or speakers for visually and audibly alerting the vehicle occupant of any approaching rear obstructions. In operation, the visual display is activated when the vehicle is put in reverse. An audible alerting noise, such as beeping, is initiated by the back-up sensors detecting the vehicle is coming within a predetermined distance of an obstruction.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted surrounding object recognizing apparatus, comprising: a camera that captures an environment surrounding an own vehicle; and an image processing device; wherein the image processing device is configured to process an image captured by the camera to calculate an index value of a color component with respect to an image portion having a luminance value greater than a predetermined value, and determine whether the image portion is related to a light from a surrounding vehicle based on a relationship between the calculated index value of a color component and a predetermined threshold, and the predetermined threshold is changed according to a lighting status of a forward lighting device of the own vehicle.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor has an RFID (radio frequency identification) device having a parallel resonant circuit including an inductor and a first capacitor for generating a first radio frequency (RF) signal for transmission to a reader circuit, and a second capacitor coupled across the parallel resonant circuit by a first switch in a first position and generating a second RF signal for transmission to the reader circuit. A capacitive pressure sensor is coupled across the parallel resonant circuit by the first switch in a second position for generating a third frequency RF signal for transmission to the reader, wherein a difference in frequency between the first and third RF signals is indicative of a pressure of a tire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring an analog process alarm in digital control devices are provided. In one example embodiment, a system may include a logic editor configured to create templates, including one or more alias names for corresponding one or more analog alarm sub-variables associated with an analog process variable, within the digital control system; a human-machine interface configured to provide to a user an analog alarm virtual block diagram visualizing processing logic associated with the analog process variable within the digital control system and to receive from the user a request to select a template from the created templates; and a template generator configured to automatically generate, based on the selection of the template, the alias names for the corresponding analog alarm sub-variables of the analog process alarm. The alias names may be defined directly on the analog process variable.

Abstract: A system performs facility sanitization management. The system includes a computer processor and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic performs receiving a condition of an individual and determining the condition is on a pre-defined list of conditions, and receiving tracking information indicative of locations in a facility traversed by the individual. The logic also performs retrieving, from a first database, at least one solution for eliminating elements of the condition, and retrieving, from a second database, pre-defined structures and materials disposed in the locations, and identifying prescribed cleaning methods for the pre-defined structures and materials. The logic further performs creating a clean-up job for each of the locations using the at least one solution and based on the prescribed cleaning methods.

Abstract: Facility sanitization management includes receiving a condition of an individual and determining the condition is on a pre-defined list of conditions, and receiving tracking information indicative of locations in a facility traversed by the individual. The facility sanitization management also includes retrieving, from a first database, at least one solution for eliminating elements of the condition, and retrieving, from a second database, pre-defined structures and materials disposed in the locations, and identifying prescribed cleaning methods for the pre-defined structures and materials. The facility sanitization management further includes creating a clean-up job for each of the locations using the solution and based on the prescribed cleaning methods.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a system and method that distributes warning with a description the probability of the severity of the hazardous condition producing the warning and incorporating a policy engine for expressing rules for responding to the warning.

Abstract: An alarm system includes a battery-powered base unit having an audible alarm, a switched constant on constant off light which can be used as a flashlight, and a strobed light providing a visible position indicator. The audible alarm and strobed light are activated simultaneously upon the release of a pull pin from a pair of electrical contacts within the base unit. The strobed light can be visible or infrared. A trip line can be connected to the pull pin to provide a secure line of entry or a secured enclosed area.

Abstract: A mine door control system and method that uses sensor input from a plurality of sensors corresponding to at least one of a position of at least one associated opposing wing mine door and a path through the at least one associated mine door to determine at least one predefined action in accordance with received sensor input. A control command is then communicated a drive mechanism associated with the at least one associated mine door, the control command including instructions for operating the drive mechanism in accordance with the at least one predefined action.

Abstract: A system for protecting articles, especially displayed goods, from theft is typically configured to produce information about the article when a person is detected approaching the article or the article is moved but not taken. The system typically includes an alarm which may be sounded if the article is moved too far from the display position or under other conditions.

Abstract: One or more servers and hospital beds are connected to a healthcare network. At least one of the servers includes an event notification module that operates to receive patient EMR information and patient bed configuration information. The patient EMR information is comprised of a patient fall risk profile. At least one of the patient beds includes sensors that transmit messages which include information about the current bed configuration state to the event notification module. The event notification module uses information included in the patient fall risk profile and current bed configuration information to determine whether a patient is at risk of fall out of their bed, and if the patient is at risk, generates an alert message that is sent to a call station or hospital worker.

Abstract: The present invention includes a healthcare system for capturing and maintaining patient healthcare records and employing information in the records to proactively alert hospital workers to a condition that places patient health at risk.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a person's level of risk for developing an adverse condition; selecting a care protocol based on the level of risk; displaying a proposed configuration of a person support structure corresponding to the care protocol for a caregiver to approve; and upon approval by the caregiver, implementing the configuration.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit, a sensor cable, and a current sensor. The base unit includes a first indicator circuit and a first resistance electrically connected to a voltage source. The sensor cable includes a conductor. The current sensor is electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The current sensor includes a second resistance and a second indicator. The first resistance and the first indicator circuit are electrically connected to the second resistance and the second indicator by the conductor.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit; a sensor cable; and a current sensor electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The base unit includes a first indicator circuit having a first indicator. The current sensor includes a second indicator. The first indicator circuit controls the first indicator and the second indicator to turn on simultaneously.

Abstract: An audio system including wireless speakers. The wireless speakers include rechargeable batteries and are interchangeable so that two loudspeakers may be recharged while two loudspeakers are operating wirelessly.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit; a sensor cable; and a current transformer electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The current transformer includes a secondary winding inductively coupled to the power conductor and a clamping circuit electrically connected in parallel with the secondary winding. The clamping circuit is structured to clamp a voltage across the secondary winding when the voltage across the secondary winding is greater than a predetermined value. An indicator circuit is electrically connected in series with the clamping circuit to indicate when the clamping circuit is actively clamping the voltage.

Abstract: A data display device is adapted to associate data and parameters obtained from a numerical control apparatus with extracted information selected by an operator, and specify an arrangement condition or a selection condition based on the extracted information. The data display device is also adapted to display controlling information in an arranged manner according to the arrangement condition. Alternatively, the data display device is adapted to display only information in a selective manner which satisfies the condition specified according to the selection condition.

Abstract: A human machine interface includes a display screen coupled to a processing device. The display screen is disposed on a case and displays an image frame. In the processing unit, a comparing module compares a first trigger signal stored in a storage unit with a monitored signal transmitted from a signal source. A notification signal is generated when the first trigger signal is detected appearing in the monitored signal. A control module receives the notification signal and generates a first alert signal to display in the image frame or on the case.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure. Loss of locator to drill rig telemetry can trigger an automated switch to a different communication path within the system.

Abstract: A method of wireless communication includes providing a matrix of trackers. The matrix includes rows and columns of trackers. A number of rows and a number of columns in the matrix is determined. If the number of rows is substantially greater than the number of columns, then vertical sweeping is performed including passing data along each of the columns of trackers to an end tracker in each column. If the number of rows is substantially less than the number of columns, then horizontal sweeping is performed including passing data along each of the rows of trackers to an end tracker in each row. If the number of rows is substantially equal to the number of columns, then diagonal sweeping is performed including passing data diagonally across each of the rows and columns of trackers to an end tracker in each row and each column. The data is passed along the end trackers to a final destination data collector.

Abstract: For each first tracker in a first subset there exists a respective second tracker in a second subset such that a distance between the first tracker and the second tracker is shorter than each distance between the second tracker and each of the other first trackers in the subset by more than a threshold distance. In a first time slot, data is wirelessly transmitted using a same first frequency from each of the first trackers in the subset of the first trackers to the respective second tracker in the subset of the second trackers. In a subsequent time slot, the data is wirelessly transmitted from each of the second trackers in the subset of the second trackers to a final destination data collector.

Abstract: If the number of rows in a matrix of wireless devices is greater than the number of columns, then vertical sweeping is performed including passing data along each of the columns of wireless devices to an end wireless device in each column. If the number of rows is less than the number of columns, then horizontal sweeping is performed including passing data along each of the rows of wireless devices to an end wireless device in each row. If the number of rows is equal to the number of columns, then diagonal sweeping is performed including passing data diagonally across each of the rows and columns of wireless devices to an end wireless device in each row and each column. The data is passed along the end wireless devices to a final destination data collector.

Abstract: Receiver and digital demodulation circuitry for an external controller for communicating with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is used to sample received analog data transmitted from the IMD at a lower rate than would otherwise be required for the frequency components in the transmitted data by the Nyquist sampling criteria. To allow for this reduced sampling rate, the incoming data is shifted to a lower intermediate frequency using a switching circuit. The switching circuit receives a clock signal, which is preferably but not necessarily the same clock signal used by the DSP to sample the data. The switching circuit multiplies the received data with the clock signal to produce lower intermediate frequencies, which can then be adequately sampled at the DSP at the reduced sampling rate per the Nyquist sampling criteria.

Abstract: A product may be provided with a product sensor, thus making it possible to determine, together with the product, data relating to a system or a machine with the aid of the product sensor. The data determined can be used to diagnose and/or control the system or machine. In this case, it is advantageous that the data are obtained at the location of the product and it is thus possible to directly determine a desirable or undesirable effect (for example of environmental parameters or of the system itself) on the product. This system can be used, for example, in automation, in systems or machines or in different product manufacture variants.

Abstract: An automotive communication method includes installing a sensor within a vehicle such that the sensor is submerged in a liquid during operation of the vehicle and/or substantially surrounded by a metallic structure during operation of the vehicle. A long wave magnetic signal is transmitted from the sensor. The signal is indicative of a condition sensed by the sensor. The signal is wirelessly received at a controller disposed within the vehicle. Receipt of the signal at the controller is responded to by adjusting a display and/or a setting within the vehicle.

Abstract: Parking arrangement and method for making a parking arrangement equipped with an automatic vehicle detection system ready for operation, which parking arrangement comprises a central computer with a database and at least a number of parking places identifiable by a location code, which parking places are each provided with at least one wirelessly operating parking sensor module, which is connected with the central computer via a UHF radio link and which is provided with an identification code, which parking sensor module comprises at least one vehicle sensor which in operation provides measuring values representative of the presence or absence of a vehicle in the respective parking place, wherein use is made of parking sensor modules which have an RFID identification circuit in which the identification code is stored, which identification code is wirelessly readable.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: collecting a user's pattern; generating a filtered pattern by filtering the user's pattern with a current attribute; generating a mobile engagement score by calculating a weighted average from the filtered pattern and a user's current status; selecting a content based on the mobile engagement score for displaying on a device.