Abstract: Embodiments of a method are provided for joining a secondary wire to a magnet wire, such as a fine gauge aluminum or silver wire. Further provided are embodiments of a disparate wire splice connector and embodiments of an electromagnetic coil assembly including such a splice connector. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic coil assembly includes disparate wire splice connector having a first blind bore and a second blind bore. A coiled magnet wire having a segment inserted into the first blind bore is soldered to the disparate wire splice connector. A secondary wire having a segment inserted into the second blind bore is also soldered to the disparate wire splice connector such that the secondary wire is electrically coupled to the coiled magnet wire through the disparate wire splice connector.

Abstract: A transformer includes a bobbin, at least one primary winding coil, at least one secondary winding coil, and a magnetic core assembly. The bobbin includes a main body, plural extension structures, and plural pin groups. The main body includes a channel, plural winding sections, a first connecting seat, and a second connecting seat. The plural extension structures are connected with the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat, respectively. In addition, each of the plural extension structures has a notch and a stepped structure, and the stepped structure comprises plural stepped parts. Each of the primary winding coil and the secondary winding coil includes plural outlet terminals. The plural outlet terminals of the secondary winding coil are respectively disposed on the plural stepped parts of the stepped structure and fixed on the pin group which is disposed on one of the extension structures.

Abstract: A transformer power splitter has a plurality of output ports and an input port. The transformer power splitter includes a plurality of primary winding conductors and a plurality of secondary winding conductors. The secondary winding conductors are electrically connected to the output ports respectively. Each of the secondary winding conductors is electrically connected between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a corresponding output port. The primary winding conductors are magnetically coupled to the secondary winding conductors respectively. The primary winding conductors are configured in a topology including series and parallel connections between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the input port.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a fuse having a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure may be a titanium-containing structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Some embodiments include a method of forming and using a fuse. The fuse is formed to have a tungsten-containing structure directly contacting an electrically conductive structure. An interface between the tungsten-containing structure and the electrically conductive structure is configured to rupture when current through the interface exceeds a predetermined level. Current exceeding the predetermined level is passed through the interface to rupture the interface.

Abstract: A surface mount chip resistor for increasing power handling capabilities of radio frequency (RF) circuits and for minimizing parasitic capacitance and inductance effects, the chip resistor includes a ceramic substrate having a main portion and an outrigger. A resistor element is between an input contact and an output contact on a top surface of the main portion. A ground plane attachment area is on a top surface of the outrigger. The ground plane attachment area is mounted to a ground plane of a circuit board to provide a heat pathway for dissipating heat generated by the resistor element.

Abstract: There are provided a chip resistor and a method of manufacturing the same. The chip resistor includes a ceramic substrate; an adhesion portion formed on a surface of the ceramic substrate; and a resistor formed on the adhesion portion, wherein the adhesion portion includes at least one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and copper-nickel (Cu—Ni).

Abstract: The use of user equipment, or distracting features thereof are restricted or prohibited to improve vehicle operation safety. The presence of user equipment within the operator's or driver's operational area is detected. The distracting features are then restricted either immediately or based on other conditions such as vehicle speed, motion, engine state, etc. When the conditions have been eliminated and/or the user equipment is vacated from the operator's operational area, the restrictions can be removed or removed after a threshold period of time.

Abstract: A control network system may control a control target by using control data. The control network system may include a wireless field device that transmits the control data through a wireless communication, a relay apparatus that relays the control data from the wireless field device, the relay apparatus including a storage unit that stores identification data of the wireless field device, the storage unit storing a flag associated with the identification data, the flag showing a progress state of commissioning of the wireless field device, and a host system that receives the control data from the wireless field device through the relay apparatus, the host system including a control unit that discontinues operation of controlling the control target when the flag is in a nonsteady state.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a controller having at least one of a vehicle security module and a playback module. The vehicle security module may operate in a secure once mode of operation or in a secure all mode of operation. The playback module records ride information associated with the vehicle. The ride information may be provided to an external device.

Abstract: Keypad indicia are integral with a window of a vehicle. The keypad indicia are formed using a ultra-violet (UV) fluorescent dye that is nearly invisible to a human eye until exposed to UV light. A UV light emitting device of the vehicle is configured for outputting UV light. The light emitting device is mounted for enabling the keypad indicia to be exposed to the outputted UV light thereby causing the keypad indicia to become readily visible by the human eye. An imaging device of the vehicle captures user interaction with the keypad indicia while the keypad indicia is exposed to the outputted UV light. The keypad interaction processor determines if a sequence of body part movements with respect to the keypad indicia that is captured by the imaging device during exposure of the keypad indicia to the outputted light corresponds to an access code of the vehicle.

Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.

Abstract: An electronic key for a merchandise security device is provided. The electronic key may include electronic circuitry for providing electrical power to a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The electronic key may also include an audio component configured to indicate a status of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards authenticating users using biometric devices. The biometric device may be arranged to capture one or more biometric feature of a user that may be wearing the biometric device such as biometric features that correspond to an electrocardiogram of the user. The user of the biometric device may be authenticated based on one or more biometric features, or a combination thereof. Authenticating the user of the biometric device, may include communicating information that includes biometric features to an authorized authentication device (AAD). When the user is authenticated, the biometric device may be preauthorized for the user. When the preauthorized biometric device senses at least one access point, an authorization signal may be provided to the access point. If the preauthorized biometric device is removed from the user, the biometric device is deauthorized, disabling access to access points by the user.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an unlocked mobile device is configured to capture images, analyze the images to detect a user's face, and automatically lock the device in response to determining that a user's face does not appear in the images. The camera capturing and face recognition processing may be triggered by the device having detected that it has been motionless for a threshold period of time. In another embodiment, a locked mobile device is configured to capture an initial image using its camera, capture a new image in response to detecting movement of the device, determine that the device moved to a use position, capture a subsequent image in response to determining that the device moved to a use position, analyze the subsequent image to detect a user's face, and unlock the device in response to detecting the user's face. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for event management are described. In one embodiment of the present subject matter, an audio beacon indicative of a location code associated with a location is received from a user device by an event management system. The event management system may then identify the location and an event associated with the location, based on a current time and an event schedule. Event content related to the identified event may then be provided to the user device in real time. In another embodiment, visual tag data pertaining to color coded tags embedded in one or more objects in the location of the event may be received and information content related to the object may be provided to the user device, based on the event schedule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively reading radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags by an RFID reader includes the RFID reader transmitting an interrogation signal at each of a plurality of power levels beginning with a lowest power level and sequentially increasing power of the transmitted interrogation signal to a highest power level. The RFID reader receives, in response to transmitting the interrogation for at least one of the power levels, at least one data signal from each RFID tag within a read zone of the RFID reader, wherein each of the data signals contains stored data corresponding to the RFID tag responding to the transmission of the interrogation signal. The RFID reader selectively reads the stored data contained in the data signals received from the responding RFID tags.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes conummicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a reusable transport item (RTI); and determining whether the RTI has passed a predetermined useful lifetime thereof based on information received from the RFID tag. A method according to one embodiment includes conummicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a reusable transport item (RTI); and determining both a horizontal and vertical position of the RTI. A method according to yet another embodiment includes communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a reusable transport item (RTI); and performing an action based at least in part on at least one of a location and a determined inactivity of the RTI.

Abstract: An RFID evaluation system which evaluates an RFID system is disclosed, the RFID evaluation system including a tag position and posture varying unit which accepts a manual operation from an operator to vary a position of an RFID tag and automatically varies a posture of the RFID tag; an antenna unit which transmits a radio signal for testing to the RFID tag and which receives the radio signal transmitted from the RFID tag; and a control unit which, for each combination of the position and the posture of the RFID tag, controls the antenna unit to measure a response radio wave strength of the RFID tag, wherein the control unit includes a position measuring unit which measures the position of the RFID tag; and an information providing unit which provides information for moving the RFID tag to a target position.

Abstract: A system and method of using motion or spatial identification technology with a mobile RFID reader to detect whether an RFID tag is part of a forklift load or other ambulatory space such as a shopping cart receptacle, includes determining whether a tag is within a defined space and/or whether a tag is in motion relative to a mobile RFID reader. The system and method determines whether a particular RFID tag is part of a forklift load/space, has been added to or removed, is an extraneous tag, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to secure data transmission in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system against eavesdropping, using multiple communication channels. In one embodiment, a method includes communicating key information and cipher text generated based on the key information, or plain text, using a plurality of different, distinct and separate communication channels connected to an RFID tag.

Abstract: A method of processing RFID data packets at an RFID receiver includes performing channel estimation and data detection on a first received RFID data packet in a single-user reception mode, the first RFID data packet being transmitted by a first RFID tag and in response to detection of a second received RFID data packet from a second RFID tag while the first RFID data packet is being processed in the single-user reception mode, performing channel estimation and data detection in a multi-user reception mode to recover data transmitted from both the first and second RFID tags in a collision-less manner.

Abstract: Data carriers for inventorying by means of a communication station, whereby the communication station and each data carrier are brought into communicative connection, and each data carrier brought into communicative connection with the communication station is configured to generate a response signal that renders possible an inventorying of the data carrier and is capable of delivering a generated response signal with the use of a transmission start moment that can be selected from a plurality of transmission start moments, each data carrier tests whether another data carrier is already giving its response signal. Each data carrier is configured to discontinue the generation or delivery of its response signal if another data carrier is already providing its response signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow for dynamic selection and query of different types of RFID tags into a session. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for dynamic activation of different types of RFID tags. In certain embodiments of the invention, an inclusive operation is performed on the RFID tags and in other embodiments an exclusive operation is performed.

Abstract: Method for connecting wireless electric actuating devices (2) to a medical appliance (1) via a wireless communication channel, having the steps of initiating the connection operation for a wireless electric actuating device (2) to a medical appliance (1) and performing a connection procedure, in which the actuating device (2) is assigned to the medical appliance (1), characterized in that the initiation of the connection operation is carried out from the medical appliance (1).

Abstract: A method for determining a transponder type to which an electromagnetic transponder in the field of a terminal belongs, wherein the type is determined based on a difference between a measured value of a piece of information representative of the current in an oscillating circuit of the terminal and a no-load value of this piece of information.

Abstract: An electronic identification package and methods are disclosed. The electronic identification package comprises an electronic identifier operable to provide an identification. A ground conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to conductively couple to a conductive body. An insulator is operable to insulate the electronic identifier from the conductive body, and a reader conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to electronically couple to an electronic identification reader.

Abstract: An antenna is disposed near a route of mobile object. A fixed tag is disposed at a location where a radio wave can be received from the antenna. When receiving a read command from the antenna, a mobile tag attached to the mobile object and the fixed tag send back a response signal at prescribed timing. A signal received from the fixed tag by the antenna is substantially constant. The signal from the fixed tag cannot be read while buried in a signal transmitted from the mobile tag to the antenna while the mobile tag is positioned at a location where communication with the antenna is expected. Conversely, when the mobile tag is at least a prescribed distance away from the antenna, the signal from the mobile tag cannot be read while buried in the signal from the fixed tag.

Abstract: A handheld computing system for adaptive multi-sensor, a manipulator grip and its method is provided. The system includes plurality of sensor systems for sensing characteristics of a physical object as well as a distance analyzer for dynamically determining the activation of at least one of the sensor systems based on a distance to the object and pre-determined criteria. Characteristics include an identifier and one or more attributes for contributing to identification of the object. Additions to the system include a display for displaying the object's image and having an analysis field and a zoom for placing a specific captured characteristic of the object in the analysis field. Additions to the handheld computing system further include a handheld ergonomic data input device for operating a handheld computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a transceiver, a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to obtain an identifier and a first set of values from a device via the transceiver, to determine a second set of values, the second set of values being based at least in part on the first set of values and a probabilistic function, to transmit the second set of values to the device via the transceiver, and to create an event indicator associated with the identifier in the memory, the event indicator comprising at least a portion of the first set of values.

Abstract: A system for programming and lighting electronic detonators (1) each having an identifier (IDdet) associated therewith, includes: a programming unit (20) arranged to determine the identifiers of the detonators (1) and to associate the detonators individually, in memory, with a lighting time delay (Tdet) in order to form a blasting pattern (PT); a blasting unit (10) arranged to recover the blasting pattern (PT) from the memory (280) of the programming unit (20), and to control a blasting sequence of the detonators according to the recovered blasting pattern; and the programming unit (20) includes: a passive RFID tag (28) provided with a chip (280) acting as a memory for storing the blasting pattern (PT), and a radiofrequency reader (27) arranged such as to read/write passive tags. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: A control device may include a control unit to control transmission of a predetermined control command to a controlled device, when an operation surface is put face down is detected from a detection result of at least one sensor indicating the operation surface is put face down.

Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.

Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect generates a drive cycle signal that includes a drive period and a monitoring period. The drive period includes a plurality of drive pulses that are based on the haptic effect. The system applies the drive pulses to a resonant actuator during the drive period and receives a signal from the resonant actuator that corresponds to the position of a mass in the actuator during the monitoring period.

Abstract: This invention provides for a vegetation removal system capable of removing vegetation from irrigation canals, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes and other water systems where the growth of vegetation impedes the flow of water, access to water or there is a desire to remove unwanted vegetation. The vegetation removal system comprises a rake system that allows for the removal of the vegetation while letting the water and silt or mud flow through the rake and substantially remain as part of the bank or bottom of the body of water. The invention also allows for the folding of the vegetation removal rake into a compact form by folding the outboard wings over on top of the main rake section. Sensors attached to the vegetation removal system can provide situational awareness for the operator as well as determine the position orientation of the rake when the rake is submerged or working near obstacles.

Abstract: The invention describes a visual driver information and warning system for a driver of a motor vehicle, which driver information and warning system comprises an information display device, at least one data detection means for information relating to the surrounding area and at least one data interchange device for information relating to the surrounding area, wherein a two-dimensional projection of at least one three-dimensional model of an actually existing, stationary or moving object which cannot be seen by the driver is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between manual-mode steering and autonomous-mode steering, including a steering wheel assembly sending a signal to an autonomous driving electronic control unit, to engage autonomous-mode steering, in response to an autonomous interface steering wheel of the assembly having been moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for HMI steering for a telematics-equipped vehicle based on likelihood to exceed eye glance guidelines. By determining whether a task is likely to cause the user to exceed eye glance guidelines, alternative HMI processes may be presented to a user to reduce ASGT and EORT and increase compliance with eye glance guidelines. By allowing a user to navigate through long lists of items through vocal input, T9 text input, or heuristic processing rather than through conventional presentation of the full list, a user is much more likely to comply with the eye glance guidelines. This invention is particularly useful in contexts where users may be searching for one item out of a plurality of potential items, for example, within the context of hands-free calling contacts, playing back audio files, or finding points of interest during GPS navigation.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.

Abstract: An indication unit for vehicles is suggested, which comprises at least one LED and at least one electrical circuit in a housing. The indication unit is connected to a first control, which is arranged in the vehicle, and connected to an LED driver circuit. A second control circuit, which is arranged in or on the housing of the indication unit, operates the LED with pulse-width modulated signals.

Abstract: A method for testing notification appliances in an alarm system and creating a record of such testing including the steps of placing an alarm system in a test mode, actuating an input device of a notification appliance in the alarm system a first time, whereby a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a test period, and automatically entering a waiting period after expiration of the test period. The method may further include actuating the input device of the notification appliance a second time during the waiting period, whereby a pass signal is transmitted from the notification appliance, and creating a record of the pass signal. The method may further include transmitting a fail signal from the notification appliance after expiration of the waiting period if the input device of the notification appliance was not actuated during the waiting period and creating a record of the fail signal.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sensor interface module. The sensor interface module includes a comparator having a first comparator input, a second comparator input, and a comparator output. A current- or voltage-control element has a control terminal coupled to the comparator output and also has an output configured to deliver a modulated current or modulated voltage signal to an output of the sensor interface module. A first feedback path couples the output of the current- or voltage-control element to the first comparator input. A summation element has a first summation input, a second summation input, and a summation output, wherein the summation output is coupled to the second comparator input. A supply voltage module provides a supply voltage signal to the first summation input. A second feedback path couples the comparator output to the second summation input.

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of the sea floor, including a collection apparatus, a diving apparatus and a control apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor (100, 300, 400) that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate (102, 406) having one or more sensor arrays (104, 302), a power source (106, 416), an output interface (108, 418) and a processor or analog circuit (304), all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate (102, 406). The substrate (102, 406) can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array (104, 302), the power source (106, 416), and the processor or analog circuit (304). Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays (104, 302) measure acceleration, force or pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for controlling and monitoring a mosquito misting system. The apparatus includes a chemical reservoir, a delivery system, a spray system, one or more sensors, a communication network and a misting management unit. The sensors may detect normal and abnormal operations of the misting system and send this data to the misting management unit. The misting management unit may then analyze the data and determine the problem. If the problem can be fixed without personnel, the misting management unit may simply adjust the system and fix the problem. If the problem requires personnel, the system may automatically schedule the service call based on a number of criteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for initiating a distress signal by knocking over an object, such as a table, decorative piece, furniture, etc., that includes a built-in or embedded safety device. When the safety device senses substantial movement (i.e., toppling) of the object, the safety device transmits a distress signal to third-party responders, and also can initiate various events in the environment surrounding the object to deter, delay, or disrupt a perpetrator.

Abstract: A merchandise sensor for protecting an item of merchandise displayed on a merchandise display security device from theft includes sensor electronics and a sensor element operably coupled to the sensor electronics. The sensor element provides an output value in an initial stable state before an interaction state and in a subsequent stable state following the interaction state. The sensor electronics compares the output value of the sensor element in the subsequent stable state and the output value of the sensor element in the initial stable state to determine whether a change in the output value indicates an alarm condition. In the event that the output value of the sensor element in the subsequent stable state is not within a predetermined tolerance bandwidth of the output value of the sensor element in the initial stable state, the sensor electronics activates an alarm in response to the alarm condition.

Abstract: A data center equipment location system includes both hardware and software to provide for location, monitoring, security and identification of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The system provides a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to a equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers then link over a local area network to a central control computer. The central control computer provides an operator interface, and runs a software application program that communicates with the equipment rack controllers. The software application program of the central control computer stores IDs of the equipment rack controllers and each of its connected electronic ID tags in a database.

Abstract: A RFID tag includes an RF transceiver; logic to operate the RF transceiver to respond to a received signal with a unique radio frequency id; logic to compare information in the received signal with conditional response criteria; and logic to determine if data has been received and written into a writable memory area by the RFID tag, and to respond to the received signal only if the data has been received and stored in the writable memory area and matches the conditional response criteria.

Abstract: A documents management system with remote location and retrieval of documents contained in file folders positioned in file drawers in a collection of file cabinets. Each document has an RFID tag containing a document identifier and the contents of the document stored in a read-only memory. Each file folder has a circuit containing a unique identifier for that folder. Each file cabinet has a control unit which searches for a specific file folder in response to receipt of a file folder request from a source. If the folder is found, each cabinet has an R.F. reader which searches for a specific document in response to receipt of a document request from the source. If the document is found, the R.F. reader extracts the document contents and transmits them to the source.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for hanging clothes, comprising an engaging portion and a deformable elongate member, the elongate member comprising a connection mechanism such that the elongate member can be deformed back upon itself and connected to itself to form a loop.