Abstract: An ultrasonic doppler motion sensor device includes a transmitter (10, 12) for emitting a continuous ultrasonic transmission signal in a detection space, an ultrasonic receiver (20, 22) for detecting the ultrasonic transmission signal reflected by the detection object as a receive signal, and a mixer and detector (14, 18) for mixing the ultrasonic transmission signal or a signal derived therefrom with the receive signal and/or for demodulating the receive signal and for generating a motion detection signal therefrom, wherein the mixer and detector are assigned a system (14) for the adjustable generation of a phase shift greater than 0° between a phase of the ultrasonic transmission signal and a periodic impulse signal at the mixer or detector for scanning and mixing the receive signal.

Abstract: An autonomous system for managing power distribution to an electrically-powered device that includes a power controller module that includes power input and power output abilities and operably connected power switching abilities, wherein the power switching is configured for actuation by an integral power management module operably connected thereto, the integral power management module including integral actuation signal detection and actuation abilities configured for, in accordance with commands and operational parameters, upon detection of an actuation signal, actuation the integral power switching to alter power output through the power output from a first output level to a second output level.

Abstract: A multi-function biometric scanner is provided. The multi-function biometric scanner includes a housing that includes a dome-shaped or semi-dome shaped user interface, the user interface including a capacitive film for fingerprint capture that is disposed along an outer-surface of the housing and a plurality of biometric sensors that are disposed within the housing and that are configured to concurrently retrieve a plurality of biometrics from a user, each sensor being configured to measure a respective biometric of the plurality of biometrics. Fingerprints and the plurality of biometrics are compared to threat information in one or more threat databases to identify a person of interest.

Abstract: A connector structure that is joined to a housing so as to form the control unit includes a connector main body in which a connector is formed, a terminal including a power supply system and a signal system, and a component mounting portion including at least one of a capacitor and a coil, wherein the component mounting portion is provided parallel to a motor output shaft on the exterior of a motor or the housing, and the at least one of the capacitor and the coil included in the component mounting portion is electrically connected directly to the connector of the connector main body via the terminal.

Abstract: A power supply control module includes a first sheet portion, a second sheet portion, a wireless communication unit, a switch unit and a controller. The controller configured to cause the switch unit to switch between a closed state and an opened state based on the result of communication performed by the wireless communication unit, the closed state being a state in which a first cell side electrode layer and a terminal side electrode layer are electrically connected to each other and the opened state being a state in which the first cell side electrode layer and the terminal side electrode layer are electrically disconnected from each other.

Abstract: A bed proximity-determining system includes communications functionality and an ability to determine the proximity of a caregiver to a bed. Based on that proximity, the system transmits commands to the bed or a local system.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for controlling and providing a pulse-width-modulated signal to a switch operatively arranged between two terminals of a power supply for controlling an output power. A controller provides a pulse-width-modulated gate signal at a frequency to the switch. The controller is arranged to adjust the frequency as a function of a sensed parameter such that the power dissipated in the switch during switch transitions may be adjusted.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device is provided. The capacitive sensor device may include a clock module configured to generate a clock signal, a sensor module configured to generate a reference signal and a sense signal, and sample a difference between the reference signal and the sense signal according to the clock signal, and a current supply module configured to selectively generate a bias current according to the clock signal, and charge each of the clock module and the sensor module based on the bias current and according to the clock signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products monitor environmental conditions in an enclosed environment, such as a garage or storage shed. If a dangerous environmental condition is determined, such as elevated carbon monoxide, an entry door may be opened. If further remedial measures are required, ignition of an internal combustion engine may be prohibited.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitive coupling type touch panel including an input region having four sides, a peripheral region around the input region, terminals formed in the peripheral region along a first side of the input region, wirings formed In the peripheral region along second, third and fourth sides of the input region, and the input region having X and Y electrodes crossing. The wirings are connected between corresponding X or Y electrodes and wiring terminals plurality of terminals. A dummy wiring, which is not connected to any of the X electrodes or Y electrodes, is provided outside the wiring formed in a farthest position from the input region, and the dummy wiring extends through the peripheral region along the second, third and fourth sides of the input region, and electrically connects to at least one dummy wiring terminal.

Abstract: An electrically or manually actuated locking device comprising a magnetic reed switch as a sensor to monitor whether or not the device is locked. The reed switch is mounted on a circuit board to make a sub-assembly and the sub-assembly is coated with a plastic or other synthetic material which is impermeable to water and/or oil and which provides a degree of mechanical protection from breakage. The coated sub-assembly is then mounted within a housing incorporating the locking device. A pivotable magnet carrier which pivots when the bolt of the locking device is engaged causes the reed switch to be actuated.

Abstract: A mount for support of a component on a surface is provided. A base includes a bottom adapted to be supported on the surface, a circuit component, and a data pathway extending from the circuit component. A compressible component is mounted above the base and in electrical contact with the data pathway of the base, the compressible component having an uncompressed state in which the circuit component is not electrically accessible through the compressible component, and a compressed state in which a data pathway is formed through the compressible component such that the data pathway of the base is electrically accessible through the compressible component. The compressible component is adapted to transition from the uncompressed state to the compressed state in response to a lag bolt passing through the compressible component and base and applying sufficient downward pressure to secure the base to the surface.

Abstract: Self-powered switches include a switch housing having an externally accessible user input member, a coil assembly, and a magnet arranged therein such that at least one of the coil assembly and the magnet move relative to each other responsive to movement of the user input member between first and second switch positions, and a control circuit held in the switch housing and coupled to first and second terminals of the coil assembly. The control circuit is configured to detect respective electrical characteristics of the first and second terminals of the coil assembly responsive to the movement of the user input member, and selectively transmit first and second wireless control signals to a remote receiver based on the respective electrical characteristics of the first and second terminals of the coil assembly, respectively. Related circuits and methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: To provide an electronic device which can be efficiently manufactured with stable quality. A photoelectric sensor 1A includes a cable 20 of which one end is drawn into a casing 10 through a cable insertion opening portion 10c, and a lead frame 25 which is electrically connected to a circuit board 34. A conductive wire 23 of the cable 20 is bonded to the lead frame 25, and an area from the cable insertion opening portion 10c to the bonded portion between the conductive wire 23 and the lead frame 25 is continuously sealed with resin R.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a smart home device is presented. The smart home device may include at least one sensor. The smart home device may include a speaker, a light, and a motion detection sensor that detects motion in an ambient environment of the smart home device. A processing system of the smart home device may be configured to select an illumination state based on a determined status. The processing system may cause the light to illuminate based on the selected illumination state. The processing system may determine a gesture has been performed in the ambient environment of the smart home device following the light being illuminated based on the selected illumination state. The processing system may output a detail of the status via the speaker corresponding to the illumination state in response to determining the gesture has been performed.

Abstract: Inductive Proximity Sensors are non-contact sensing devices used in manufacturing processes to sense metal targets. In practice, it is common for objects to contact the sensor causing the sensor to malfunction. An inductive sensor with improved durability is required. An inductive proximity sensor includes an exterior housing, an interior sensing coil and electronic circuit, and a connector. The Exterior housing is produced from one piece of metal bar, bored from one end to the tip of the other end, leaving the cylindrical tube open only on one end. The Exterior Housing is produced with an Inside Dimension that is smaller than previous proximity sensors and places the coil and electronic circuit further away from the Outside Dimension of the Exterior Housing. The interior sensing coil and electronic circuit are protected by the thick casing of the Exterior housing to improve structural rigidity and the longevity of operation in manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein reduce contention on shared buses through which multiple sensors send sensor readings to a computing destination by allowing different query rates for each sensor and dynamically adjusting the query rate for each sensor based on the readings that sensor reports. A first query is sent to a sensor via a bus to request a current sensor reading from the sensor. In response to the first query, the sensor sends the current sensor reading via a bus. A function of the current sensor reading, a predefined time range, and a predefined reading-value range is evaluated to determine a time interval between the first query and a second query to be sent to the sensor. When the amount of time elapsed since the first query was sent matches the time interval, the second query is sent to the sensor via the bus to request an updated sensor reading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system of providing information and navigation to a visitor at an indoor or outdoor cultural and/or natural attraction or a site. The information is provided with respect to objects and materials or the like on the site based on the visitors' needs, wants, interests, and backgrounds depending on his/her selection criteria and location in order to foster and enhance learning and real-time occupancy data and carrying capacities of each location to improve visitor experience and manage crowd on the site. Accordingly, the present invention comprises two subsystems for education and navigation for cultural and/or natural heritage attractions or sites to enrich visitor experience and make the best of their time. The system is implemented with a host computer, a server, and a mobile computing device connected by a cloud networking, used by an administrator and a visitor, the visitor playing a question and answer game or following a chosen route.

Abstract: A sensor element of an inductive proximity sensor or distance sensor contains a coil arrangement with at least one excitation coil and at least one receiving coil and includes an electrically conductive shielding which contains a shielding cup that surrounds the coil arrangement laterally and on the rear face. A method operates the sensor element. The shielding of the sensor element further contains a flange which is provided on the front face of the sensor element, is connected to the shielding cup in an electrically conductive manner, and completely surrounds the coil arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus to secure a sensor assembly for a device touch button (such as for a mobile communications device). A touch sensor slot forms a part of the device case interior at a back-side of the touch button surface, and is configured to position the touch sensor (such as a sense coil inductor) relative to the associated touch button. A touch sensor spring clip is inserted within the touch sensor slot to flexibly urge the touch sensor toward the front-side surface of the touch sensor slot (back-side of the touch button surface). The touch sensor can include front-side spacers to maintain a sensing gap between the touch sensor and the touch button surface, and can include a sensor stiffener at the back-side surface of the touch sensor assembly, the touch sensor spring clip contacting the sensor stiffener. The touch sensor assembly can comprise a flex circuit PCB assembly.

Abstract: A resistor bypass circuit for a series lighting circuit includes a plurality of serially connected light sources and a bypass resistor being connected in parallel with at least one of the respective light sources, each respective light source being low wattage and being capable operating on a one hundred percent duty cycle as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle cooling are presented. In one example, an electric pump may supply transmission fluid to a transmission and a driveline integrated starter/generator to cool, operate, and lubricate driveline components. The electric pump may be selectively operated to conserve energy and to supply driveline cooling when driveline cooling may be desirable.

Abstract: A sensor electrode (SE) for a capacitive sensor device is designed such that the width of the sensor electrode decreases towards the center such that the capacity between the sensor electrode and an object (F) with constant distance between the sensor electrode and the object (F) substantially is equal in size for each position of the object (F) relative to the sensor electrode along a longitudinal axis of the sensor electrode. The sensor electrode may consist of a plurality of segments arranged in a strip with decreasing width towards the center of the electrode.

Abstract: A latching mechanism includes a latch provided to a first unit, provided with a first engaging portion at its tip, and is rotatable about a rotation shaft from a first rotation position to a second rotation position, a shaft support provided to the first unit, rotatably supporting the rotation shaft, and is movable between a first position and a second position, a biasing portion provided to the first unit, and biasing the shaft support in a direction from the first position to the second position, and a second engaging portion provided to a second unit, and is engageable with the first engaging portion. The first and second engaging portions engage when the second unit is closed with respect to the first unit, the shaft support lies at the second position, and the latch lies at the second rotation position.

Abstract: A stud miss indicator system for a fastener driving tool includes at least one sensor generating at least one signal based on forces generated by a fastener driving operation, a software program configured for receiving the at least one signal, for evaluating the at least one signal as to a fastener being either improperly driven or properly driven, and the program generating at least one appropriate output signal reflective of the evaluation.

Abstract: A power apparatus having expandable outlet and outlet expanding method thereof, the power apparatus comprises a plurality of outlets, a first processor and a first network interface; the first processor is electrically connected a switch, the first processor can determine whether the switch be in an expandable outlet mode or not, the first network interface electrically connected to the first processor; wherein the first processor can be provided with a first user interface, the first user interface can be provided with outlet information of each outlet, when the switch be in the expandable outlet mode, the first user interface can increase expanded outlet information of amount X under at least one of the outlet information, therefore at least one outlet can be provided with expandability.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of detecting an occupancy state of a living space for controlling an on/off performance of an electrical apparatus. The method comprises using a motion sensor to send wave signal and detect wave signal reflected from a moving human body and using a dual sensitivity detection arrangement including a low sensitivity detection mode and a high sensitivity detection mode respectively performed for identifying the wave signal being a motion signal according to the electrical apparatus being in a turned-off state or in a turned-on state. The dual sensitivity detection arrangement enables the motion sensor to more precisely detect the occupancy state of a living space while minimizing a probability of the electrical apparatus being activated by a noise signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cloud-based thermal control of an access point performed by a cloud-based controller include periodically obtaining temperature measurements from the access point comprising one or more radio chips operating therein; responsive to the temperature exceeding a first threshold, causing one or more thermal mitigation techniques to modify operating conditions of the one or more radio chips; and, responsive to the temperature being lower than a second threshold, causing reversion back of the one or more thermal mitigation techniques.

Abstract: A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a peer-to-peer wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The communications link may be established using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth communications technology.

Abstract: A programmable light timer for implementing a timing pattern is described. The programmable light timer comprises a display, wherein a time selected on a user interface is provided on the display; a first programmable button of the plurality of programmable buttons on the user interface; and up and down keys on the user interface, wherein the up and down keys enable selecting an on time of the timing pattern to be implemented when the first programmable button is selected to be used during operation of the programmable light timer. A method of implementing a timing pattern on a programmable light timer is also described.

Abstract: A circuit includes a receiver that includes an input stage to receive a touch signal from a touch system. A noise reduction circuit that samples the touch signal to detect a noise signal in the touch signal. The noise reduction circuit generates a reduction signal based on the noise signal that is fed back to the input stage of the receiver to mitigate noise interference of the noise signal with respect to the touch signal at the receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling downhole linear motors to minimize connections to surface equipment. In one embodiment, an ESP system is coupled by a power cable to equipment at the surface of a well. The ESP system includes a linear motor and a reciprocating pump. The motor has a set of position sensors that sense the position of a mover in the motor. Combining circuitry (E.G., XOR gate) combines the outputs of the position sensors into a single composite signal in which signal components corresponding to the position sensors are indistinguishable. A single channel carries the composite signal from the ESP system to the surface equipment. A control system determines a starting position of the motor and determines its subsequent position based on transitions in the composite signal. The motor is then operated based on the position determined from the composite signal.

Abstract: A power gating control circuit may include a transmission control circuit configured to receive a first fuse signal and output a second fuse signal based on a level of the first fuse signal in a normal mode or output a second fuse signal regardless of a level of the first fuse signal in a power down mode. The power gating control circuit may include a logic circuit block including logic gates and configured to apply the second fuse signal to the logic gates.

Abstract: A bobbin for holding inductive coils includes features that yield a smaller overall size and prevent irregular and asymmetric coil windings. The bobbin comprises a central hub and a single flange that extends from a middle circumference of the hub. The bobbin includes no end flanges at the ends of the central hub, reducing the height of the bobbin. The interface between the flange and the hub is a sharp corner with little or no radius, facilitating regular and symmetrical coil geometries. Coil assemblies can be attached to the respective two sides of the flange concentrically with the hub. Each coil assembly can be formed by winding a transmitter coil, then winding a receiver coil concentrically over the transmitter coil. Conductive pins that extend from the outer edge of the flange interface the coil lead wires to a printed circuit board of an inductive sensor or other device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of local thermal control of an access point include determining temperature associated with the access point including one or more radio chips operating therein; responsive to the temperature exceeding a first threshold, performing one or more thermal mitigation techniques to modify operating conditions of the one or more radio chips; and, responsive to the temperature being lower than a second threshold, reverting back the one or more thermal mitigation techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device having a first number of light-emitting elements and having a second number of control elements, operating contactlessly, for controlling the light-emitting elements such as especially for switching the light-emitting elements on or off and/or for controlling their brightness, the second number being less than or equal to the first number, the light-emitting elements being controlled contactlessly by a movement of at least one hand of a user over two or more control elements. The invention also relates to a relevant method.

Abstract: A controllable electrical outlet may be used to control one or more standard electrical outlets. The controllable electrical outlet may include a first connection configured to be electrically coupled to a hot connection, a second connection configured to be electrically coupled to a standard electrical outlet, and a third connection configured to be electrically coupled to a neutral connection. The controllable electrical outlet may also include a load control circuit, a communication circuit, and a control circuit. The load control circuit may be electrically coupled in series between the first and second screw terminals to control power delivered to the standard electrical outlet, and the control circuit may be coupled to the load control circuit and the communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control power delivered to the standard electrical outlet in response to a wireless signal received via the communication circuit.

Abstract: A hand dryer that includes a capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structure that detects a capacitance generated in a capacitance detection electrode to detect a presence or absence of an object to be detected, includes a plurality of capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures. While one of the capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures is in operation, an operation of at least another of the capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures is stopped to operate the capacitance-detection-type proximity sensor structures during different periods of time.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flooring system for generating electricity from users as they walk. A flooring system (1) for characterizing a footstep (2), comprising: a plurality of tiles (200) for supporting one or more people; and a plurality of sensors (100x, 100y, 100z), each sensor (100x, 100y, 100z) arranged to generate a signal representing a force applied thereto, wherein each tile (200) is supported by at least three sensors (100x, 100y, 100z), the flooring system (1) further comprising a data processing system (1001) in communication with each sensor (100x, 100y, 100z) for receiving the signal generated thereby, wherein for each tile (200): the data processing system (1001) is arranged to produce output data by comparing the signals received from the sensors (100x, 100y, 100z) supporting that tile (200) to estimate the location of a footstep (2).

Abstract: A multi-mode control device is provided for controlling an external load device. The control device includes a high-power interface, a low-power interface, and a control module. The high-power interface can be electrically coupled to a high-power module providing current from an external power source to the load device. The low-power interface can be electrically coupled to a low-power module. The high-power interface can receive a first current from the high-power module. The low-power interface can receive a second current from the low-power module that is less than the first current. The low-power interface can prevent the first current from flowing to the low-power module. The control module, which is electrically coupled to the high-power interface and the low-power interface, be powered by one or more of the first and second current.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving data from one or more sensors associated with a vehicle; and receiving a message from a first processor. The message from the first processor includes a first control command for an actuator of the vehicle and a first certificate function. The method also includes receiving a message from the second processor. The message from the second processor includes a second control command for the actuator of the vehicle and a second certificate function. The method also includes computing a first certificate based on the first certificate function and the data; computing a second certificate based on the second certificate function and the data; determining a valid control signal based on an accuracy of the first second control command and second control command relative the first certificate and second certificate; and transmitting the valid control signal to the actuator of the vehicle.

Abstract: Electrostatic field sensor and security system in interior spaces and exterior spaces which can measure electrostatic fields and the variations thereof along a metal conductor that acts as a detection probe or antenna (1). The antenna (1) is connected to an electronic circuit (2, 3, 4, 31, 32) which is able to decode the changes in the electrostatic field around the conductor and to detect minuscule variations in the electrostatic field by means of a processor (7) enabling the clear detection of a human presence in an area surrounding the antenna (1) and the ability to differentiate between a human presence and any other type of animal or object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a haptic feedback device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a mobile part (2) including a touch-sensitive surface (6) and at least one vibratory actuator (7) for vibrating the touch-sensitive surface (6); and a stationary part (3) intended to be secured to the motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one asymmetric damping member (5; 15) disposed at least partially between the mobile part (2) and the stationary pan (3), said asymmetric damping member (5; 15) being configured such that the vibration generated by the vibratory actuator (7) is dampened more in one direction than the other.

Abstract: Remote inductive sensing uses a sensor resonator with a remote sense inductor coupled to a resonator capacitor through a shielded transmission line. The T-line includes a signal line and a shield return line: the sense inductor is connected at a T-line sensing end between the signal line and the shield return line, and the resonator capacitor is connected at a T-line terminal end to at least the signal line. An inductance-to-data converter (IDC) is connected at the T-line terminal end to the signal line and shield return line (set to a common mode voltage). In operation, the IDC drives oscillation signals over the signal line to the sensor resonator to sustain a resonance state, with the sense inductor projecting a magnetic sensing field, and converts changes in oscillation drive signals, representing changes in resonance state resulting from a sensed condition, into sensor data corresponding to the sensed condition.

Abstract: A system for detecting and discriminating a metal object in a bulk non-metallic material includes at least one triple-axis magnetometer adapted to detect a change of a magnetic field and output a signal including a detection signal representative of a metal object and a signal processing system adapted to detect the detection signal. The bulk non-metallic may be continuously moving through a detection volume, or may be placed in and removed from the detection volume as a batch.

Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving, at a power adapter, power from a power supply, routing a first portion of the power received from the power supply to the doorbell unit, and routing a second portion of the power received from the power supply to both the device of the doorbell unit and the doorbell chime when the doorbell button is being actuated. In some cases, the power adapter is wired, via doorbell wiring, to at least one of a doorbell chime, a doorbell unit, and the power supply. In one example, the first portion of power is routed to power a device of the doorbell unit when a doorbell button of the doorbell unit is not being actuated.

Abstract: System for customizing hazard notifications based on user activity includes a hazard detector and a computer server system communicatively coupled to the hazard detector. The hazard detector detects a hazard level that is greater than a threshold setting, the hazard level indicating an amount of smoke or carbon monoxide present at the hazard detector. The hazard detector generates hazard data indicating the detection of the hazard level and transmits the hazard data to the computer server system. The computer server system associates a location with the hazard detector. Activity data indicating a user location is received at the computer server system and the hazard data is received at the computer server system. The computer server system generates a notification based on the hazard location and the user location in response to receiving the hazard data.

Abstract: Obscured feature detectors and methods of detecting obscured features are disclosed. An obscured feature detector can include a plurality of sensor plates. Each of the sensor plates can have an equivalent primary sensing field zone and a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and can be selectively set to identify a location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: Various arrangements of smart devices and systems are presented. Such smart devices and systems may include a wireless interface, a light sensor that detects an ambient brightness level of an ambient environment of the smart device, a motion sensor that detects motion of a user in the ambient environment of the smart device, a light that is capable of outputting light into the ambient environment of the smart device, and a processing system. The processing system may cause the light to illuminate based on: the message indicating that the lighting feature has been activated; the ambient brightness level being below the threshold brightness value; and the user moving in the ambient environment of the smart device or system.