Abstract: A transformer comprises a circuit board, an iron core, a winding set and a plurality of magnetic conduction elements. The circuit board has a plurality of electric conduction holes connected via at least one power connection wire. The iron core is located on the circuit board and has a first winding section and a second winding section. The winding set is wound on the first winding section. Each magnetic conduction element has a connecting section located on the iron core and an input section and an output section inserted into the electric conduction holes. The output section of one magnetic conduction element is connected to the input section of another magnetic conduction element through the power connection wire, thereby the magnetic conduction elements and power connection wire form a magnetic conduction winding set which generates magnetic coupling with the winding set through the iron core.

Abstract: In an electrical energy generator, at least one permanent magnet generates flux and a magnetizable member forms the single flux path. An electrically conductive coil is wound around the magnetizable member, and a plurality of flux switches are operative to sequentially reverse the flux from the magnet through the member, thereby inducing electrical current in the coil. An alternative configuration uses stacked loops and a separate piece of material acting as the magnetizable member. One end of the magnet is coupled to one of the loops, with the other end being coupled to the other loop. Each loop further includes two flux switches operated in a 2×2 sequence to sequentially reverse the flux through the magnetizable member.

Abstract: A transformer assembly comprises a magnetic core assembly, a bobbin assembly, a coil winding, a transformer interconnect trace, and a coil winding terminal post. The bobbin assembly includes a coil winding assembly disposed around a portion of the magnetic core assembly. The transformer interconnect trace is fixed to a substrate secured to the transformer assembly proximate the bobbin assembly. The coil winding terminal post receives a coil winding end for electrically connecting the coil winding end to the transformer interconnect trace through the coil winding terminal post.

Abstract: A wiring board includes a substrate including first insulation layers, a second insulation layer on the first layers, a third insulation layer on the second layer, and a plain conductor on the third layer. The substrate has inductor forming portion in which inductor patterns are formed on the first layers and first via conductors formed in the first layers such that the first via conductors connect the inductor patterns through the first layers, the substrate has a land on the second layer and a second via conductor in the second layer such that the second via conductor connects the land and the outermost inductor pattern, the substrate has a third via conductor in the third layer such that the third via conductor connects the plain conductor and land and has the central axis passing through the center of the third via conductor inside projected region of the second via conductor.

Abstract: A switch includes a spring. The switch further includes a collapsing element. The spring has a first state in which it is being held in tension by a restraining element and a second state in which it is not being held in tension because the restraining element has failed. The collapsing element is situated such that when sufficient power is applied to the collapsing element heat from the collapsing element will cause the restraining element to fail. The switch further includes a first contact coupled to the spring. The switch further includes a second contact coupled to the spring. The first contact and the second contact are separate from each other when the spring is in the first state. The first contact and the second contact are electrically connected to each other when the spring is in the second state.

Abstract: An overload release is disclosed, in particular for a circuit breaker, including a metal strip which is made of at least two different types of metal and around which a heat conductor is wound. In an embodiment, the mechanical and electrical connection of the metal strip can be completely or partly disconnected, such that no current flows over the mechanical connection of the metal strip in the completely disconnected case and a portion of the current flows over the mechanical connection in the partly disconnected case.

Abstract: A disconnector for electric power equipment filled with dielectric liquid, especially transformers, applicable in protecting the operation of electric power equipment. The disconnector contains at least two cylindrical current-limiting fuses situated inside a tank, and each fuse is electrically connected with external phase power supply and through fixed contacts and moving contacts of the disconnector with the active part of the piece of electric power equipment. The disconnector is characterized in that the current-limiting fuses are placed in a common housing, in which a slide with a pilot is situated, and to the slide there are inseparably fixed moving contacts, which move together with the slide when the slide makes a to-and-fro motion. The to-and-fro motion takes place as a result of the operation of a tripping device situated in the current-limiting fuses and of the compression or stretching of springs fixed to the pilot and to a fixing disk.

Abstract: A surface-mountable over-current protection device comprises one PTC material layer, first and second connecting conductors, first and second electrodes and an insulating layer. The PTC material layer has a resistivity less than 0.2 ?-cm, and comprises crystalline polymer and conductive filler dispersed therein. The first and second connecting conductors are capable of effectively dissipating heat generated from the PTC material layer. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to first and second surfaces of the PTC material layer through the first and second connecting conductors, respectively. The dissipation factor depending on the ratio of the total area of the electrodes and the conductors to the area of the PTC material layer is greater than 0.6. At 25° C., the value of the hold current of the device divided by the product of the area of the PTC material layer and the number of the PTC material layer is greater than 1A/mm2.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of methods and systems for providing an event experience by adjusting contents of an event based on emotional engagements of a specific participant of the event. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes, identifying at least one behavior of the specific participant at a specific physical venue, when the specific participant is participating in an event on the network; determining emotional engagement of the specific participant based on the at least one behavior of the specific participant; and adjusting a content or a content flow of the event in substantial real-time based on the emotional engagement of the specific participant.

Abstract: A light grid (10) is provided having a plurality of light transmitters (14) for transmitting a respective monitoring light beam (38) and having a plurality of associated light receivers (22) to generate an objection detection signal (42a-d) depending on the reception of the monitoring light beam, having a control (30, 32) which is configured to divide the monitoring light beams (30) into groups and to consecutively activate the monitoring light beams (38) of the groups, wherein, in a group-wise parallel monitoring sequence, a respective monitoring light bream (34) of each group is activated in parallel, as well as having a first bus (34) over which the object detection signals can be output to the control (32) by the light receivers (26, 26). The light receivers (22, 26) are in this respect configured to output the object detection signals to the control (32) in a time multiplex process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method with at least one presence detector, wherein the presence detector has a radio transmitter. The system further comprises at least one radio receiver that is constructed in such a manner as to receive and evaluate signals of the presence detector transmitted via radio. The radio receiver further comprises at least one device that acts on downstream units as a function of the evaluation result.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for brokering limited access to a service device via an intermediary. In one example, the method may include receiving a request communication at a control device including a request for limited access to a service device, wherein the request is received from an intermediary device on behalf of a request device, and transmitting an access communication to the intermediary device, wherein the access communication includes an access ticket to be used by the request device to gain the limited access of the service device.

Abstract: A local inventory control system according to the invention can be remotely regulated by a centralized server architecture. The local inventory control system contains product offered by a business entity, and the same business entity can control unlocking of the local inventory control system using the centralized server architecture. In a practical implementation, the inventory control features are integrated with e-commerce features such that the local inventory control system can be automatically unlocked subsequent to the completion of online purchase transactions initiated at the local site. The inventory control system is well-suited as part of a supply program to manage vendor inventories of life science research products.

Abstract: A system for verifying a communication device, the system comprising at least a one communication device comprising a transmitter for performing communication, and a storage for holding first information, the first information comprising ID information of the communication device, at least a one security communication device comprising a transmitter for performing communication, and a storage for holding second information, the second information comprising ID information of the security communication device, a verification element, and a communication element for receiving the ID information from one or more of the communication devices and one or more of the security communication devices, transmitting the received ID information to the verification element, wherein the verification element is adapted to verify each of the one or more communication devices only if the received ID information of the pertaining communication device can be verified and the received ID information of at least one of the one or

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for determining a first proximity status of a first mobile device with respect to a vehicle, and determining a second proximity status of a second mobile device with respect to the vehicle. Additionally, an accessibility of one or more functions of the vehicle may be configured based at least in part on the first proximity status and the second proximity status. In one example, a policy associated with one or more of the first mobile device and the second mobile device may be identified, wherein the accessibility is configured further based on the policy.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for secure code entry in public places. The code entry apparatus includes a display for displaying a code character, the display having a structure that assures that only the user of the apparatus can view the code character; a character selector for selecting the code character; and an input device for confirming selection of the code character.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus, and a system for password control, and relate to the field of password technologies. The method includes: receiving, by a combination lock, an unlock password that is sent by a mobile terminal through a network; matching, by the combination lock, the unlock password with an unlock password preset for the mobile terminal; when the unlock password matches the unlock password preset for the mobile terminal, executing, by the combination lock, an unlock operation. Embodiments of the present invention enhance the security of entering passwords.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system and method are capable of remotely controlling opening and closing a door and/or a trunk of a vehicle. In particular, the method of remotely controlling a vehicle utilizes a remote control key including an operation button for remotely controlling a designated control target of the vehicle, and includes steps of: determining whether communication with the vehicle is possible; and notifying whether the communication with the vehicle is possible.

Abstract: An electronic system is configured to receive input content (e.g., audio content, video content and/or other content) from a user and convert the input content to input signals (e.g., audio signals, video signals, etc.) that are stored in an electronic storage medium, where the input signals correspond with specific code signals. The recorded input signals are output based upon specific code signals input to the electronic device. For example, the electronic system can include an electronic device and at least one accessory associated with the electronic device, where the accessory includes an accessory code that is readable by a code reader of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for mass population notification of lost items. A user indicates a location in the proximity of where an item was lost and can also enter information describing the lost item and possibly upload a picture of the item. The user can select how many residents that he wants to notify about the lost item. The user's item description and contact information is processed to create a short voice message and/or text message to be delivered to the residents around the location where his item was lost. A map can be displayed to the user that graphically displays the area that is covered by the phone numbers found or an estimate of the phone number coverage selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surveillance and/or identification devices having capacitors connected in parallel or in series, and methods of making and using such devices. Devices with capacitors connected in parallel, where one capacitor is fabricated with a relatively thick capacitor dielectric and another is fabricated with a relatively thin capacitor dielectric achieve both a high-precision capacitance and a low breakdown voltage for relatively easy surveillance tag deactivation. Devices with capacitors connected in series result in increased lateral dimensions of a small capacitor. This makes the capacitor easier to fabricate using techniques that may have relatively limited resolution capabilities.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A moving carrier signal transmission method and a signal transmission device using the same are provided. A main moving carrier acquires an identification code of an ambient moving carrier. The main moving carrier adds an identification code of the main moving carrier and the identification code of the ambient moving carrier in a data request and then sends out the data request to the ambient moving carrier according to the identification code of the ambient moving carrier. When the ambient moving carrier obtains the data request, the ambient moving carrier adds the identification code of the main moving carrier in a moving carrier list and transmits the moving carrier list to the main moving carrier.

Abstract: Remote control systems utilize touch-sensitive user-input devices and/or displays which may be integral with the touch-sensitive user-input devices. Gestures input into a touch-sensitive user-input device result in signals transmitted to one or more appliances for the purpose of controlling the one or more appliances. A display provides intuitive visual feedback regarding input into the remote control system, through a touch-sensitive user-input device and/or other user-input devices. The remote control systems may be configured and dynamically updated based on user activity in connection with the remote control systems.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a bed frame and communication circuitry operable to transmit bed status data to a network of a healthcare facility and to receive messages from the network. The messages include information indicating whether bed status conditions are being monitored by a remote computer of the network for generation of alert messages to at least one caregiver in response to alert conditions being indicated by the bed status data. The bed has at least one user input that is used locally at the bed to enable and suspend monitoring of the bed status conditions by the remote computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle with a set of indicator lights, It comprises a main mirror (G1) having a first field of view and a spotter mirror (G2) having a second field of view, placed at different levels and connected by a step or partition (St) and a first indicator light (Li1) in association with a light source (30), said indicator light issuing at least a light beam directed towards a driver eyes (Dv) intended to highlight or demarcate said spotter mirror (G2) making it easier the driver to focus on it in response of an action of the driver, detection of an approaching vehicle or a vehicle advancing, or in response to a turning maneuver without turning signalization and a second indicator light (Li2) activated in response to a light turn signal activator.

Abstract: A driver condition determination device determines whether a driver of a host vehicle has degraded consciousness. A main component for distribution of an accelerating operation condition with respect to proximity when tailgating a preceding vehicle is analyzed (S16), all data is origin-shifted (S18), and the accelerating operation condition of the driver when the driver has consciousness is created as a normal traveling model (S20). The likelihood of the accelerating operation condition, a likelihood average, a likelihood variance, and a likelihood threshold value are calculated (S22 to S26), and it is determined whether the likelihood of a current driving operation is lower than the likelihood threshold value (S28). When the likelihood is lower than the likelihood threshold value, the driver is determined as being in degraded consciousness.

Abstract: A method for interactive attentiveness enhancement of a vehicle driver includes steps of determining that a driver assistance function for semiautomatic control of the motor vehicle is active, detecting a stimulus which may be experienced by the vehicle driver upon an observation of the surroundings of the motor vehicle, detecting an input of the vehicle driver in response to the stimulus, determining a game result based on the input and the stimulus, and outputting a notice concerning the game result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wear detection system (10) and to a method for detecting wear, in particular for friction elements, such as brushes, friction linings, brake linings, lubrication pieces or the like, comprising at least one consumable friction element and a transponder unit (11), wherein the transponder unit can communicate wirelessly with a transmitter-receiver unit (12), the wear detection system comprising a shielding device, the shielding device being configured in such a manner that the transponder unit can be at least partially shielded by means of the shielding device as a function of a wear condition of the friction element, such that communication between the transponder unit and the transmitter-receiver unit can be influenced.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, including at least one electric motor connected to at least one rechargeable energy storage unit that stores electrical power, wherein the charging operation of the energy storage unit is carried out in such a way that a charging state limit that lies below the maximum charging state of the energy storage unit is not exceeded, wherein upon activation of at least one vehicle starting system, which is designed to automatically carry out a maximum acceleration of the motor vehicle from the standing position, the charging operation of the energy storage unit is carried out before the acceleration of the motor vehicle in such a way that the energy storage unit is charged up to a further charging state limit that lies above the first charging state limit and/or at least one further rechargeable energy storage unit is connected in series

Abstract: A U-turn signaling system and method. The U-turn signaling system signals an intent to orient a vehicle in a substantially opposite direction. The U-turn signal might have an inverted U shape. The signaling system also includes a control circuitry for controlling the U-turn output signal responsive to user actuation of a U-turn signal switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting apparatus with functions of break warning and directional indication, comprising a break sensor unit, a control unit, at least one display unit and a direction sensor unit. The break sensor unit detects a reduced speed of a vehicle during its break and outputs a break signal correspondingly; the control unit is eclectically connected to the break sensor unit and outputs a break actuation signal correspondingly; the display unit is symmetrically provided on two lateral sides of the vehicle rear and displays different colors of warning lights based on the break actuation signal. The control unit is connected to a direction sensor unit for detecting a turning direction of the vehicle and outputting a direction signal such that the control unit outputs a direction actuation signal based on the direction signal and the display unit displays an indication light based on the direction actuation signal.

Abstract: A real time automatic headcount system is configured with a portable transmitter operated by a crisis coordinator and operable to output an alert signal which is received by a plurality of receivers which are coupled to respective persons associated with a crisis-event site. The receivers each generate an acknowledgement signal transmitted via a central processing unit to the transmitter. Upon receiving the acknowledgement signal, the central processing unit is operable to update a check list of all person associated with the crisis-event site, identify those who have not been accounted for and implement back up procedures for locating and accounting for the previously unaccounted for persons in real time.

Abstract: A method for registering for an appliance event notification comprises scanning a machine-readable code by a device and sending a request to register for an event notification to an appliance. A user interface corresponding to the appliance is displayed and the user interface includes an identification of at least one appliance specific event. A selection of an appliance specific event is received and a request to register for an event notification corresponding to the selected appliance specific event is sent to the appliance. An event notification is received upon occurrence of the event at the appliance. Additionally, the user interface includes an identification of at least one appliance specific control function. A request to register for control of the appliance corresponding to a selected appliance specific control function is sent to the appliance. Accordingly, instructions for control of the appliance are sent from the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein describe a global safety system for workers in hazardous locations such as electrical Class 1/Division 1 locations. In at least one example, a user will carry a user device that is approved for the hazardous electrical locations. This device will monitor for safety-triggering events such as a lack of user movement, a press of an emergency button, or any other indication of an emergency. Once a safety-triggering event is detected, the user device will transmit an alert to a user station outside of the hazardous electrical location. In turn, the user station will transmit an alert to a remote station regarding the status of the user device.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a two component system for ensuring persons (such as infants), objects or animals are not unintentionally left unattended in parked cars. The system requires the driver (custodian) to activate a first component that emits a radio signal. The radio signal is received by a second component. The second component may be attached to the custodian's ignition key chain. The radio signal has limited range. If the custodian walks away from the car or first transmitting component without first disabling the first component, an alarm will illuminate or sound. The system may also be used with other devices such as shopping carts. It may also be used to monitor movement of disabled individuals.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing medical error is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a worker device adapted to be worn on a worker, a compliance device, an action device and a base station. The compliance device defines a work zone based on a signal strength received by the worker device from a monitoring signal transmitted from the compliance device. The action device is adapted to be installed to a pump bottle, having a pressure-sensitive mechanism for actuating the action device upon the worker pressing the pump bottle, and an omnidirectional antenna adapted to transmit an action signal to be received by the worker device upon actuation of the action device. The base station is adapted to receive data transmitted from said worker device.

Abstract: An alert beacon carried directly by a human being is equipped with a transmit circuit able to produce an alert signal transmitted on the same channel as that used by a walkie-talkie. The transmit circuit has a memory containing, for each symbol of the coordinates of the current position of the alert beacon, an audio transcription of the symbol, and a microcontroller able to introduce, into the alert signal produced, the audio transcriptions recorded in the memory corresponding to each symbol of the coordinates in such a way that the coordinates can be played back in the form of a voice message comprehensible to a user of any walkie-talkie that has received this message on a channel that is being listened to.

Abstract: A computer receives a reservation for a location. The computer detects if a user is present in the location. The computer then determines if the user is allowed to be present in the location by comparing identification information of the user with identification information of the reservation.

Abstract: A fiber optic network has alarmed fiber optic lines in the cables connecting a secured junction box to plural user lock boxes. An outgoing alarm line and return alarm line in each cable connect the junction box to each user box. The outgoing alarm line is looped to the return alarm line inside the user lock box. The return alarm line is looped to the outgoing alarm line of a different cable inside the junction box to interconnect a plurality of alarm lines passing through a plurality of user boxes. A detector detects an alarm signal in the connected alarm lines to trigger an intrusion alarm.

Abstract: A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing, the at least one case-open switch assembly including an arrangement of electrical contacts including at least first, second and third contacts and a displaceable conductive element, the tamper indication circuitry and the third contact together being operative such that when the third contact is short circuited to at least one of the first contact, the second contact and another contact, an output indication of possible tampering is provided.

Abstract: In some implementations, a container monitoring device can include an electrically conductive cable for securing the doors of a shipping container. The container monitoring device can transmit a signal through the cable and detect when the cable has been cut or tampered with based on the transmitted signal. In some implementations, the conductive cable can be reused to secure the doors of the shipping container after the cable has been cut. In some implementations, the container monitoring device can wirelessly communicate with one or more sensor pods located inside the shipping container. The sensor pods can include various environmental sensors configured to take measurements of environmental conditions within the shipping container. The sensor pods can transmit the sensor measurements to the container monitoring device and the container monitoring device can report the sensor measurements to a server for review by a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for purchasing an article having a security tag attached thereto. The methods involve: obtaining, by a mobile communication device, article information and payment information for purchasing the article; communicating the article information and payment information from the mobile communication device to a remote system via a network connection for completing a purchase transaction; and communicating a detachment key from the mobile communication device to the security tag via a first short-range communication. Notably, the detachment key is communicated to the security tag exclusively if the article was successfully purchased during the purchase transaction. The detachment key is configured to cause an actuation of a detachment mechanism of the security tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a security tag of an Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system. The methods involve providing a unique identifier from the security tag to an application installed on a mobile communication device via a first short-range communication when the security tag is attached to an article for sale. A second short-range communication is received by the security tag from the mobile communication device that comprises a detachment command. The detachment command is received by the security tag exclusively after the article has been successfully purchased. Thereafter, the security tag verifies that the second short-range communication is intended to be processed thereby. Next, the security tag performs operations to actuate a detachment mechanism in response to the detachment command so that the security tag can be detached from the article for sale.

Abstract: The social alarm system includes a fall detector unit, worn by the user, having an accelerometer to detect a fall. A controller monitors for an acceleration signal which exceeds a wake-up or starting threshold and, in response, distinguishes between a fall event and a non-fall event based at least on the acceleration signal. A counter unit maintains a count of the non-fall events over a monitored time period such as one day. An alarm signal unit generates an inactivity alarm signal when the count of non-fall events is below a count threshold within the monitored time period.

Abstract: Temperature monitoring beverage containers and associated methods are provided. The containers include a temperature sensor operative to sense the temperature of a beverage stored within the container. The temperature of the beverage may be displayed on a display. The containers are also operative to provide one or more alerts to a user indicating that the beverage stored in the container may not be suitable for consumption. When used for beverages that are normally consumed when hot, the alerts may indicate to a user that the beverage is dangerously hot or undesirably cool. When used for beverages that are normally consumed when cold, the alerts may indicate to a user that the beverage is at a temperature known to cause spoilage of the beverage, thus preventing the user from consuming a potentially spoiled beverage. The alerts may be provided by way of an audible or visual indicator, such as an LED.

Abstract: A presence determination system comprising at least one motion sensor for detecting movement in a sensing area. The system is adapted to determine a plurality of properties associated with at least one movement detected by the at least one sensor preceding a period where no motion is detected by the at least one sensor. The plurality of properties of the movement(s) detected before the period where no movement is detected are compared with a profile in order to determine whether or not the sensing area is unoccupied. The profile may be representative of movement properties indicative of exiting a room.

Abstract: A system for providing awareness of an interactive surface is disclosed. The system may include a processor that is communicatively linked to an interactive surface. The processor may determine a position and a velocity of an object that is within range of the interactive surface based on one or more of media content, vibrations, air movement, sounds and, global positioning data associated with the object. Additionally, the processor may determine if the object has a trajectory that would cause the object to collide with the interactive surface based on the information associated with the object. If the processor determines that the object has a trajectory that would cause the object to collide with the interactive surface, the processor can generate a notification.

Abstract: A depth guide system gives an operator of a watercraft carrier an alert that the carrier is at a proper water depth to launch or stow the watercraft. The system includes an activator device or sensor having a housing vertically adjustable along a length of a vertical member. The device activates and deactivates the alert based on water level within the housing. When water is absent from the housing, the device activates a first LED at the top of the vertical member. When water located within the housing is sufficient to electrically connect two contacts, the device deactivates the first LED and activates a second LED of a different color at the top of the vertical member and can also activate an audible alert. A proximity sensor can be included which warns of any obstructions around the perimeter of the watercraft carrier via a secondary audible alarm.