Abstract: There is provided a common mode filter capable of allowing an ultrahigh speed differential signal to transmit and hardly allowing a common mode noise to transmit, comprising: a lumped-constant differential delay line DL formed by arranging inductors Lo, being passive series elements, and capacitors Co, being passive parallel elements, in a ladder-shaped differential four terminal network composed of the passive series elements and the passive parallel elements arranged in the differential lines 1, 3. In the lumped-constant differential delay line DL, the capacitors Co, being the parallel elements, are formed of two capacitors connected in series equivalent to each other and having same values with each other such as Co/2 and Co/2, or Co and Co.

Abstract: An multiband resonator of the present invention includes a dielectric substrate including three or more dielectric layers, a ground conductor, a main-line conductor, a sub-line conductor, a sub open stub, a main open stub, a short-circuit conductor, a main through conductor, and a sub through conductor. The short-circuit conductor electrically connects one end of the main-line conductor to one end of the sub-line conductor and to the ground conductor. The main through conductor electrically connects the other end of the main-line conductor to one end of the main open stub that is aligned with that other end of the main-line conductor. The sub through conductor electrically connects the other end of the sub-line conductor to one end of the sub open stub that is aligned with that other end of the sub-line conductor.

Abstract: A filter includes a multilayer body including a plurality of insulator layers stacked on top of one another. Outer electrodes are provided on surfaces of the multilayer body. A first resonator is connected to a first one of the outer electrodes and includes a first coil. A second resonator is connected to a second one of the outer electrodes and includes a second coil. A third resonator includes a third coil that is magnetically coupled with the first and second coils. The first and second coils are respectively defined by coil conductor layers provided on an insulator layer. The third coil is defined by via hole conductors that penetrate through the insulator layer in a z-axis direction.

Abstract: A MEMS vibrator according to the invention includes: a first electrode fixed to a surface of a substrate; and a second electrode having a beam portion including a second face facing a first face of the first electrode, and a supporting portion supporting the beam portion and fixed to the surface of the substrate. The beam portion has a first portion whose length in a normal direction of the first face of the beam portion monotonically decreases toward a tip of the beam portion.

Abstract: A tuneable resonator filter consisting of cavity resonators. In the partition wall separating the successive resonators on the transmission path of a resonator filter there is a coupling opening (CPO) with a typically constant width. The coupling strength between the resonators is adjusted by a tuning element which is supported to the partition wall on the opposite sides of the coupling opening so that it can be moved. The tuning element is conductive and grounded so that the impedance between its ends and the partition wall is low. For moving the tuning element, it is linked by a dielectric rod to an electrically controllable actuator being located on the filter lid. By means of the tuning mechanism the bandwidth of a filter can be set automatically.

Abstract: A filter of longitudinal axis Z includes: at least one resonant cavity delimited by walls made of a material that has a non-zero expansion coefficient; a dielectric resonator mounted in the cavity transversally to the axis Z; a mechanical device for compensating at least one resonance frequency of the cavity as a function of the temperature. The compensation device comprises: at least one rotationally mobile finger for each mode and for each cavity, the mobile finger penetrating to a fixed depth into the cavity via a pivot link, and an external mechanical actuator mounted parallel to the axis Z and mechanically coupled to the mobile finger, the external mechanical actuator being made of a material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion at least five times lower than that of the walls of the filter.

Abstract: A rigid radio frequency (RF) coaxial transmission line to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation may include a series of rigid coaxial sections coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each rigid coaxial section may include an inner conductor, a rigid outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. Each of the rigid outer conductors may include a rigid outer layer having opposing threaded ends defining overlapping mechanical threaded joints with adjacent rigid outer layers. Each of the rigid outer conductors may also include an electrically conductive inner layer coupled to the rigid outer layer and having opposing ends defining electrical joints with adjacent electrically conductive inner layers.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter comprises a reset key, a reset locking mechanism, a reset mechanism, a reset bracket, a bracket reset mechanism, a bracket homing mechanism, a reset linkage mechanism, and a reset linkage clutching mechanism. A conductive assembly is configured to selectively connect or disconnect electrical continuity between the power input side and the load side. The conductive assembly comprises pairs of short-circuit conductive strips with conductive movable contacts, power input connection assemblies with input conductive stationary contacts, wiring output assemblies, receptacle output assemblies with output stationary contacts, and a first short-circuit conductor and a second short-circuit conductor.

Abstract: The starter-use electromagnetic switch has an electrical contact interposed in a power supply line for supplying power from a battery to a starter motor, the main contact being turned on and off in interlock with energization of an electromagnet implemented by an excitation coil. The electromagnetic switch includes a connection fitting connected to the excitation coil at one end thereof and drawn outside through a resin cover of the electromagnetic switch at the other end thereof, and a terminal fitting electrically and mechanically connected to the other end of the connection fitting at one end thereof, the other end of the terminal fitting being branched into first and second terminal pieces. The first terminal piece serves as an excitation terminal supplied with power from the battery. The second terminal piece serves as a connection terminal connected to an excitation terminal of an external electromagnetic switch through a cable.

Abstract: A relay includes two stators and a movable element. Each stator has a fixed contact and includes an excitation portion that has a winding shape and generates a magnetic field. The movable element has movable contacts. In a magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the excitation portion, a movable element passing magnetic flux that passes through the movable element is orthogonal to a direction of current flowing in the movable element and a moving direction of the movable element. A Lorentz force that is generated by the movable element passing magnetic flux and the current flowing in the movable element acts in a direction for bringing the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A permanent magnet is pivotally mounted in a top spacer layer of a switching device and rests on a flex arm created in an underlying flex circuit layer. The underside of the flex arm rests on a thin bar formed in a lower spacer layer beneath which lies a base layer including an electromagnet. Activation of the electromagnet causes rotation of the flex arm to thereby close and open electrical contacts formed respectively on the underside of the flex arm and on the top surface of the base layer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid is provided with a bobbin having a generally cylindrical body and a pair of radially outwardly extending end flanges each disposed at opposite ends of the generally cylindrical body. The pair of end flanges each have an inner face facing one another and an outer face facing away from one another. The inner and outer faces of the pair of end flanges have a plurality of grooves formed in a surface thereof. The grooves provide for enhanced retention of an over-mold that seals a coil within the bobbin assembly.

Abstract: A propulsion mechanism that relies on magnets and the geometric property of a hole in a magnet in the direction of the polarity that always involves the addition of a directional component in the magnetic field. This additional direction component is benign in terms of pure geometry and non-ferrous materials without an interacting field of force, but when such a hole involves two or more magnets, the magnet not fixed experiences a net thrust away from the other.

Abstract: Described herein are rotary transformers for coupling signals between components that rotate relative to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, a rotary transformer comprises a rotary shaft, a first magnetic core on the rotary shaft, and a first winding wound around the first magnetic core. The rotary transformer farther comprises a hollow second magnetic core, and a second winding wound along the inner wall of the second magnetic core. During operation, the first winding on the rotary shaft rotates within the second winding with the magnetic cores magnetically coupling signals between the two windings. Also, the first and second windings are closely spaced to provide capacitive coupling between the windings that extends the frequency response of the transformer. In one embodiment, the windings comprises substantially flat conductors wound in the shape of the windings. In another embodiment, each of the windings comprises circular loops connected by jogs.

Abstract: A transformer includes a core having a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, a split primary winding including first turns about the first leg electrically coupled with second turns about the third leg, and a secondary winding about the second leg. Magnetic flux linking the first turns of the split primary winding and magnetic flux linking the second turns of the primary winding link the secondary winding.

Abstract: An electromagnetic induction device having an array of linearly arranged wires spanning between a pair of conductor plates forming a parallel circuit between each of the wires. The wires are arranged forming a plurality of planes, which are stacked into layers. Multiple induction devices are assembled together providing at least one “inductor” and at least one “inductee”. A moving magnetic field comprised of concentric circles is created in and around the at least one inductor when a cyclic current flows in the said wires. A voltage and current is induced by the said moving magnetic field. The field propagates then collapses through the wires of the inductees in a perpendicular manner, inducing therein a cyclic voltage and a current flow. The “inductor” and “inductee” can be shaped and assembled in a variety of form factors, including a linear arrangement, a toroidal arrangement, a stacked arrangement, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improved thermal conductivity within, among other things, electromagnetic coils, coil assemblies, electric motors, and lithography devices. In one embodiment, a thermally conductive coil includes at least two adjacent coil layers. The coil layers include windings of wires formed from a conductor and an insulator that electrically insulates the windings within each coil layer. In some cases the insulator of the wires is at least partially absent along an outer surface of one or both coil layers to increase the thermal conductivity between the coil layers. In some embodiments, an insulation layer is provided between the coil layers to electrically insulate the coil layers. In some cases the insulation layer has a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the wire insulator.

Abstract: Methods and structures for constructing a magnetic core of a coupled inductor. The method provides for constructing N-phase coupled inductors as both single and scalable magnetic structures, where N is an integer greater than 1. The method additionally describes how such a construction of the magnetic core may enhance the benefits of using the scalable N-phase coupled inductor. The first and second magnetic cores may be formed into shapes that, when coupled together, may form a single scalable magnetic core. For example, the cores can be fashioned into shapes such as a U, an I, an H, a ring, a rectangle, and a comb, that cooperatively form the single magnetic core.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring an operational parameter of a gas turbine, including a magnetic coupling between a signal source and a data output terminal. The magnetic coupling comprises a primary coil electrically connected to the signal source and wound around a first magnetic core section, and a secondary coil electrically connected to the output terminal but electrically isolated from the primary coil and wound around a second magnetic core section, wherein the first and second magnetic core sections are physically separated from one another.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated inductor including: a body in which a plurality of magnetic layers are stacked; at least one non-magnetic layers interposed between the magnetic layers and including a Al2O3 dielectric material and a K—B—Si-based glass; and a plurality of internal electrodes formed on the magnetic layers.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch comprising a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a snap-action disc, a housing having a lower part and an upper part which accommodates the switching mechanism, at least two stationary contacts provided on the inner surface of the upper part, each of which is connected to an outer connection, and a current transfer member arranged on the snap-action disc that is moved by said snap-action disc. The snap-action disc presses the current transfer member, in a temperature-dependent manner, against the two stationary contacts which serve as bearing areas for the current transfer member. A third bearing area for the current transfer member is provided on the inner surface. The current transfer member is an approximately round contact plate having on its surface facing the stationary contacts, a contact area closed in a circumferential direction around an axis of symmetry of the switch.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an ESD protection device and an ESD protection device, on sheets defining insulating layers, portions defining a first connection conductor and a second connection conductor and a portion defining a mixed portion are formed, then the sheets are laminated and heated. The mixed portion is formed using a mixed portion formation material containing a cavity formation material and a solid component containing at least one of (i) a metal and a semiconductor, (ii) a metal and ceramic, (iii) a metal, a semiconductor, and ceramic, (iv) a semiconductor and ceramic, (v) a semiconductor, (vi) a metal coated with an inorganic material, (vii) a metal coated with an inorganic material and a semiconductor, (viii) a metal coated with an inorganic material and ceramic, and (ix) a metal coated with an inorganic material, a semiconductor, and ceramic. The cavity formation material disappears during heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic shower system or other water dispensing system used for personal hygiene that incorporates both electronic access control technology and electronic water flow control means and, optionally, stored value monitoring technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a measurement variable that is detected by a measuring unit and transmitted via a data transmission channel to a main control unit of a domestic appliance that is isolated from the measuring unit is disclosed. The measurement control unit is coupled to the main control unit via a data transmission channel through which a measurement variable detectable by the measuring unit can be transmitted to the main control unit. The data transmission channel is a line having a protective impedance.

Abstract: A host organization system for a host organization of a physical site, receives a request, by a visitor with an identifier of a visitor organization for a visitor access medium, for access to the physical site controlled by a physical access control system requiring presentation of the visitor access medium for access to the physical site, wherein there is an electronic trust relationship between the host organization system and a visitor organization system for the visitor organization via a network, wherein the visitor organization system maintains an electronic identity profile for the visitor. Responsive to the host organization system receiving an authenticated identifier for the visitor from the visitor organization system and validating the authenticated identifier from the visitor organization system, issuing a visitor access medium to the visitor for controlling access to the physical site.

Abstract: A vehicular keyless entry system is formed of an in-vehicle device and a plurality of portable devices. The portable device stores received checkup area identification information in a memory circuit. The portable device transmits a response signal including the stored checkup area information and portable device identification information, when a request signal is received from an in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device checks up a plurality of portable devices based on the portable device identification information included in the response signal, and determines locations of the plurality of portable devices based on the checkup area identification information included in the response signal. The in-vehicle device performs vehicle door locking control operation based on a determination result.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a vehicle includes a control module equipped with a remote keyless entry (RKE) receiver and configured to control vehicle functions in response to a RKE signal. The system includes a fob equipped with a RKE transmitter and a short range transceiver, such as BLUETOOTH™, IEEE 802.11, or near field communication (NFC). The fob transmits a RKE signal in response to receiving a message from a consumer device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, or personal computer equipped with a short range transceiver, enabling the user to control the vehicle from the consumer device. The system may be configured to transmit vehicle status information to the consumer device. The control module may include a third short range transceiver that communicates with the consumer device when the distance is between the vehicle and the consumer device is less than the distance threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device (1) comprising at least one authentication device (17) and a locking device (18), which authentication device (17) comprises at least one sensor (2) and an evaluation and comparison module (10), and a communication link (21) exists between the locking device (18) and the authentication device (17), and the sensor (2) is provided in the form of a thin-film sensor for detecting biometric data or spectral properties of the skin and layers of tissue lying underneath, and the communication link (21) is designed to effect a secure, wireless transmission of a unique user code determined by the authentication device (17) and is limited in terms of its operating range to a close-up range, in particular less than 50 cm, and the locking device (18) is deactivated if the user code matches an identification code assigned to the locking device.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for location, mobile, and user participating-based identity verification for the purposes of risk management. In one embodiment, the method, system, and computer-readable storage media includes receiving user data, receiving verification data, and verifying the identity of a user based on the user data and the verification request data. The user data may include location data and/or identity data, and the user data may be received from a mobile device. The identity data may include biometric data regarding the user. The method, system, and computer-readable storage media may include comparing the user data to the verification request data. The method, system, and computer-readable storage media may also include performing an action based on the results of the verification wherein the action is authorizing a payment.

Abstract: There is provided a portable device, comprising: control means for monitoring and controlling the operation of the device; and a user interface which comprises alarm means for performing a silent alarm producing a silent, invisible, tactile sensation in the user; the control means are arranged to give the user abstract information on multiple internal operational events of the device by using various silent alarm patterns of silent, invisible sensations produced by the alarm means and sensed by the user, the alarm patterns differing from one another such that at least one alarm pattern characteristic sensed by the user varies, said abstract information comprising a notification of a specific internal operational event of the device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits are described. According to one embodiment, a radio frequency identification circuit includes an antenna network, including an antenna and an antenna interface coupled to the antenna, wherein the antenna interface includes first and second capacitors, which are coupled in series with the antenna. An integrated circuit includes a first pin and a second pin coupled respectively to a first node and a second node of the second capacitor and configured to operate as a reader and a tag in combination with the antenna network, and an amplifier embedded in the integrated circuit and configured to provide an output admittance determined by a ratio of current and voltage negative feedback signals such that a frequency response of the combined integrated circuit and antenna network is adjustable without increasing power consumption of the RFID when operating as a reader.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging-based radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder. Specifically, the transponder includes a photo-responsive cell for capturing an image; and an analysis component. The photo-responsive cell captures images of objects. Once captured, the analysis component is configured to: determine whether the RFID transponder has sufficient power to analyze the image; analyze the image on the RFID transponder if sufficient power exists; and/or transmit data corresponding to the image to an RFID reader for analysis in the event the RFID transponder has insufficient power to analyze the image. Where quality of the image and/or performance of the transponder are less than desirous, any number of corrective approaches can be taken. For example, the setup of the transponder can be adjusted, the range readout can be reduced, the integration time per pixel of the image can be increased, etc.

Abstract: A transponder and a method for wireless data transmission is provided. The transponder comprises an input circuit with input terminals for connecting an antenna coil for data transmission to a base station by means of inductive coupling, a first controllable switching means, at least one resistor, which is looped in series with the first controllable switching means between the input terminals of the input circuit, and a controller which is designed in such a way that it connects through the first switching means as soon as a voltage applied at the input terminals falls below a first settable threshold value, and again interrupts it as soon as the voltage applied at the input terminals for a settable duration is above the first settable threshold value and/or above a second settable threshold value.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a contactless communication unit configured to conduct contactless communication with an external communication apparatus, a plurality of memory units configured to store information to be transmitted to the communication apparatus, and a controller configured to control communication with the communication apparatus and set a priority order for the plurality of memory units when transmitting information from the plurality of memory units to the communication apparatus. The controller sets the priority order depending on the current time.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates detecting and identifying objects within surface computing. An interface component can receive at least one surface input, the surface input relates to at least one of an object, a gesture, or a user. A surface detection component can detect a location of the surface input utilizing a computer vision-based sensing technique. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag can transmit a portion of RFID data, wherein the RFID tag is associated with the surface input. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) fusion component can utilize the portion of RFID data to identify at least one of a source of the surface input or a portion of data to associate to the surface input.

Abstract: An alarm suspend system utilizes an alarm trigger responsive to physiological parameters and corresponding limits on those parameters. The parameters are associated with both fast and slow treatment times corresponding to length of time it takes for a person to respond to medical treatment for out-of-limit parameter measurements. Audible and visual alarms respond to the alarm trigger. An alarm silence button is pressed to silence the audible alarm for a predetermined suspend time. The audible alarm is activated after the suspend time has lapsed. Longer suspend times are associated with slow treatment parameters and shorter suspend times are associated with fast treatment parameters.

Abstract: A system that produces a haptic effect and generates a drive signal that includes at least two haptic effect signals each having a priority level. The haptic effect is a combination of the haptic effect signals and priority levels. The haptic effect may optionally be a combination of the two haptic effect signals if the priority levels are the same, otherwise only the haptic effect signal with the highest priority is used. The frequency of haptic notifications may also be used to generate a drive signal using foreground and background haptic effect channels depending on whether the frequency ratio exceeds a foreground haptic effect threshold.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a waterproof keypad and a keypad assembly for the waterproof keypad are described. In one embodiment, the keypad assembly comprises: an embossed keypad including a top and bottom surface, the embossed keypad including a plurality of embossed keys on the top surface; a capacitive sensor layer located below the bottom surface of the embossed keypad; an actuator located below the capacitive sensor layer and moveable between a first position and a second position; and a driver configured to cause the actuator to move between the first position and the second position in response to the detection of the presence of an object near to or touching an embossed key in the embossed keypad.

Abstract: A vehicle display apparatus includes a display section, an estimation section, and a controller. The display section has a screen and displays an image on the screen so that a user views a design in the image at a position away from the screen by a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the screen. The estimation section estimates whether a movement of a line of sight of the user to the screen from a region outside the screen occurs. The controller gradually increases the distance, when the estimation section estimates that the movement occurs.

Abstract: A vehicle receiver system includes: a receiver provided in a vehicle cabin, wherein an operating mode of the receiver includes a first mode for receiving a first wireless signal transmitted from a portable key, and a second mode for receiving a second wireless signal relating to a tire air pressure, transmitted from a transmitter provided on a tire; and a key verification device that performs key verification on the portable key in the vehicle cabin on the basis of the first wireless signal. In a predetermined situation, the receiver is configured such that the operating mode of the receiver is switched between the first mode and the second mode, and proportion of a second mode operation time in which the receiver operates in the second mode is set to be greater when a vehicle speed is relatively high than when the vehicle speed is relatively low.

Abstract: A display system for a working machine displays basic information at all times and, in case of an abnormality, displays the details of the warning in addition to the basic information to enable an operator to reliably recognize details of the warning. For example, a first warning display function, upon receiving an abnormality information signal relating to a charge warning, displays an appropriate warning icon in a warning icon display region. A simplified basic-information display function, then displays simplified basic-information images and a second warning display function displays, in a free area of the display, a second warning message inclusive of a “Charge warning” message as display details of the warning icon, and of character information relating to a simplified remedial action. The operator can then reliably recognize the “Charge warning” and understand its details as well, by viewing the second warning message in addition to the warning icon.

Abstract: An image display device is provided to receive a image corresponding to a program and identification information regarding the program from a mobile terminal, determine an image processing scheme with respect to the received image based on the identification information, and process the received image based on the determined image processing scheme, thus allowing a user to conveniently and effectively view the image provided from the mobile terminal in a stable environment in a vehicle. The image display device includes: a communication unit configured to receive an image corresponding to a program and identification information corresponding to the program from a mobile terminal; a controller configured to determine an image processing scheme corresponding to the received image based on the received identification information, and process the received image based on the determined image processing scheme; and a display unit configured to display the processed image.

Abstract: A vehicular child alert device includes a main body housing a pressure switch configured to indicate the status of a vehicle door, a memory configured to store audible notifications, a speaker configured to play the audible notifications, and a processor configured to control the device.

Abstract: A sensor for actuating a vehicle warning signal includes a housing, a magnetically activated switch on an outside surface of the housing, and a wireless connection connecting the switch to a warning signaling device. The housing includes a cavity, at least one spring inside the cavity, and a moveable magnetic weight element adjacent the spring. In a first condition the weight element is located in a first resting, non-activating position remote from said switch, and in a second condition, during a deceleration of the vehicle, the weight element moves to compress the spring so that the weight element moves from the first position to a second activating position proximate the switch so that the switch is closed by magnetic interaction with the weight element, the closing of the switch causing the warning signaling device to be activated to provide a warning to following vehicles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. Two separate communications paths are established from an alarm controller. Bandwidths available from each communications path are measured. When an alarm condition is detected, an alarm message is sent from the alarm controller over a communications path having a greater bandwidth.

Abstract: An occupancy detection network controls illumination from lighting devices in each of a plurality of defined areas. Motion detection modules and sound detection modules provide output signals based on detected occupancy in each defined area. The sound detection modules automatically adjust sorting criteria over time in accordance with identified sound characteristics associated with occupancy, detect sound in the associated defined area in accordance with the sorting criteria, and provide an output signal based on the detected sound. A central lighting controller is linked to the detection modules via a common bidirectional data bus. The controller receives an output signal, determines an occupancy state for the associated defined area, and controls lighting devices in the area to be turned on and off in accordance with the determined occupancy state.

Abstract: A first communication apparatus 100 transmits a pilot signal which was generated by a pilot signal generation section 14, at predetermined timing, and detects an unbalance component of a transmission line 300 at the time of pilot signal transmission in an unbalance component detection section 13, and controls a transmission signal in such a manner that an unbalance component is reduced by a transmission control section 12 on the basis of the detected unbalance component.

Abstract: A hygiene compliance module is configured to be retrofit with a compatible dispenser to enable hygiene compliance monitoring functions. The hygiene compliance module is configured to be coupled to the dispenser via a communication interface to receive power, ground, and dispenser actuation signals therefrom. In addition, the hygiene compliance module is enabled to communicate with a wireless data tag that is worn by a user of the dispenser and with a remote hygiene compliance monitoring station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of monitoring a mobile station's activity to determine user behavior is disclosed. One example method may include determining a location of the mobile station, and determining data that is accessible to the mobile station based on its location. The method may also include transmitting the data to the mobile station, tracking the movement of the mobile station over a specified time interval, and compiling a report of the mobile station's activity within the specified time interval.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing (a) a wireless communications component, configured to send and receive wireless signals such that the device is locatable via a wireless means; the wireless communications component including: (i) a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) module for measuring signal strength of a wireless signal received at the wireless communications component, wherein the device is configured to be tracked by a mobile computing device (MCD) running a mobile application wherein the distance of the device from the MCD is calculated by the mobile application upon receiving between one and three RSSI values, measured by the RSSI module, and sent in a signal by the device to the MCD, wherein the distance is calculated based an average of the received RSSI values.