Abstract: Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices according to the present embodiments comprise a processor, a motion sensor, and a camera. In various embodiments, the A/V recording and communication devices are configured to reduce latency and/or to reduce false positive indications of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for especially testing an IEEE 802.11 WLAN device, in particular for testing performance compliance of the device. According to a method aspect to be performed by a test system, exchange of an ICMP message pair is initiated between the device under test (DUT) and the test system; and a backoff time selected by the DUT during the message exchange is determined.

Abstract: Audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices according to the present embodiments comprise a processor, a motion sensor, and a camera. In various embodiments, the A/V recording and communication devices are configured to reduce latency and/or to reduce false positive indications of motion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method of an electronic device includes: determining whether data is received by a background process of the electronic device and outputting a tactile notification notifying a user of the reception of the data when the data is received. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A protective electrical wiring device includes a protective assembly including a sensor portion, a fault detection portion and a switch portion. A control circuit is configured to automatically perform a test cycle from time to time, each test cycle including a series of tests that determine the operational state of the protective assembly. At least one successive test in the test cycle is configured to test at least a portion of the protective assembly tested by a predecessor test in the test cycle. The control circuit is configured to establish a test result for each test in the series of tests, with each test result being stored in a test result table. The control circuit is configured to effect or not effect an end-of-life state by evaluating at least a portion of the test results in the test result table in accordance with a predetermined voting scheme.

Abstract: A system and method for testing fire detection and fire annunciation devices of a fire alarm system includes a central operations system, which provides a link between a control panel of the fire alarm system and a mobile computing device operated by a technician. During a walkthrough test, the on-site technician activates fire detection or fire annunciation devices of the fire alarm system and the activated devices signal the control panel and event data are generated. Event data from the control panel are sent to the central operations system to be stored. The central operations system sends the event data to a mobile computing device operated by the technician. The on-site technician is then able verify that the devices are physically sound, unaltered, working properly, and located in their assigned locations.

Abstract: In embodiments of person-centric RFID tag activation, an RFID tag is configured so as to be active or inactive based on proximity to a person. An RFID tag includes an integrated circuit (IC), an antenna coupled to the IC, and skin proximity activation circuitry. For example embodiments, the skin proximity activation circuitry is configured to establish an active state for the RFID tag if proximate to skin and an inactive state if not proximate to skin. For an example implementation, an RFID tag is placed in an operationally active state in which an interrogation signal is detectable by an IC if at least one skin contact point is touching skin. For another example implementation, an RFID tag is placed in a communicatively active state in which a received interrogation signal may trigger the sending of a response signal if a detected temperature comports with a human-appropriate range of temperatures.

Abstract: A method of operating an aspirated smoke detector includes providing an ambient condition detector, establishing a first flow baseline for the detector, establishing a second, lower, flow baseline for the detector, sampling a selected airflow, and determining if the slected airflow as sampled should be compared to the first flow baseline or the second, lower, flow baseline, and responsive thereto, determining if a trouble indictor should be generated.

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controllers are described herein. One method includes receiving an approximate relationship between each of a number of controlled and manipulated variables of an HVAC system, designating one of the number of controlled variables as a primary controlled variable, determining operating parameters for each of the number of manipulated variables that maintain the primary controlled variable based, at least in part, on the approximate relationship between the primary controlled variable and each respective manipulated variable, and determining operating parameters for each of the number of manipulated variables that maintain each of the other controlled variables based, at least in part, on the approximate relationship between each respective other controlled variable and each respective manipulated variable and the determined operating parameters for each of the number of manipulated variables that maintain the primary controlled variable.

Abstract: A system and methods for determining maintenance needs of an alarm system are provided. The system may include a central monitoring station configured to receive operational measurements and apply maintenance rules to the operational measurements and a maintenance history for the alarm system to determine maintenance needs of the alarm system. Additionally, the central monitoring station may be configured to receive points, which may be modules or devices, and status updates and apply installation rules to the points and status updates to determine the maintenance needs for one or more of the points.

Abstract: A tablet adapted to be combined with a rod holder is provided. The tablet comprises a device body with a first surface and a second surface. The device body includes a first side edge, a second side edge adjacent to the first side edge, and a support area located at a joint of the first side edge and the second side edge. A through hole extending through the first surface and the second surface is formed at the support area. When the rod holder is inserted through the through hole to be combined with the device body, an end of the rod holder abuts against a supporting surface, and a support angle is formed between the device body and the supporting surface via the other end of the rod holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing, commissioning, testing, and maintaining a fire alarm control panel via a mobile device are provided. Some methods can include receiving a first signal from a fire alarm control panel device, the first signal containing identifying information of the fire alarm control panel device, transmitting a second signal containing the identifying information to a server device, receiving a third signal containing a second piece of information from the server device, and displaying the second piece of information on a user interface device, wherein the second piece of information includes information for installing, commissioning, testing, or maintaining the fire alarm control panel device.

Abstract: A communication system for exchanging data between an actuator system and an external device, e.g. an operation where the communication system under the form of a gateway and a transcoder interprets the information in a bidirectional stream of data and distributes the information to both ends. The communication system is furthermore provided with a logger function, where the signals that are sent out to both sides of the gateway, are stored in a memory, so that the actions and signals that lead to an alteration on the actuator can later be reconstructed.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes: a wired communication circuit which receives, through a wired connection, an operation signal for controlling each of luminaires from a management device which controls an operation of each of the luminaires; a radio communication circuit which converts the operation signal received by the wired communication circuit and transmits the converted operation signal to each of the luminaires over a radio wave; an infrared ray receiver which receives an infrared ray signal transmitted from outside; and a controller. When the wired communication circuit receives a signal having a predetermined pattern from the management device, the controller transitions to a state for receiving the infrared ray signal, and, based on the infrared ray signal transmitted from outside, transmits a signal relating to communication setting between the radio communication circuit and each of the luminaires to each of the plurality of luminaires via the radio communication circuit.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a packet stream at a gateway device, the gateway device coupled to a component of a content distribution system. The method also includes transmitting, from the gateway device, a wireless signal that carries data corresponding to at least a portion of the packet stream to a first device. The wireless signal is transmitted in a wireless coverage area that includes a second device configured to receive and analyze the wireless signal to produce of an assessment of the content distribution system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.

Abstract: The tracking and safety smart watch is a signaling device that is worn in the manner of an accessory. The tracking and safety smart watch communicates through messages with an appropriate authority such that security information regarding an individual wearing the tracking and safety smart watch can be monitored. The tracking and safety smart watch allows an appropriate authority can determine the location of the tracking and safety smart watch and to monitor the exterior surroundings of the tracking and safety smart watch. The tracking and safety smart watch provides for the transmission of an emergency message from the individual to the appropriate authority. Safeguards are incorporated into the tracking and safety smart watch to prevent removal of the tracking and safety smart watch from the individual without the approval or the appropriate authority. The tracking and safety smart watch comprises a timepiece, a control system, and a housing.

Abstract: Monitoring and mass notification systems, such as fire alarm systems, for use in occupied structures, and more particularly to wireless monitoring and mass notification systems include wireless base units that can be modular in design. This allows horns, mini horns, strobes, and audio messaging modules (e.g., speakers) to be physically plugged into the wireless base unit creating a unit with the appearance of a single physical unit. Preferably standardized plugs are used. In some cases, visual and audio modules (i.e., notification devices) have their own battery pack or external power interface. Each wireless base unit can optionally function as a repeater if it has dual transceivers (master transceiver and slave transceiver).

Abstract: A method for detecting an event occurring during operation of a vehicle includes receiving indications of a plurality of variables from an installed device communicatively coupled to the mobile device via an internal communication link. The method further includes analyzing the received indications of the plurality of variables to detect the event occurring during the operation of the vehicle. Still further, the method includes, upon detecting the event, initiating: (i) a first communication session between the mobile device and an entity outside of the vehicle, and (ii) a second communication session between the mobile device and the installed device, wherein the mobile device forwards content communicated via the first communication session to the installed device via the second communication session such that the installed device presents the content to the vehicle operator. In one aspect, air pressure wave sensor and accelerometer data may trigger automatic crash notifications to emergency responders.

Abstract: A circuit interrupting device having an auto-monitoring circuit for periodically testing various functions and structures of the device. The auto-monitoring circuit initiates an auto-monitoring routine which, among other things, generates a self-test fault condition and determines whether the detection mechanisms within the device properly detect the self-test fault. A test fault circuit is configured to generate one or more test pulses that cause the self-test fault condition and the test pulses are generated to occur outside of an active region of the fault detection circuit.

Abstract: A solid state power controller (SSPC) for an electrical power distribution system (EPDS), the SSPC may include a solid state switching device (SSSD) configured to interrupt current in a feeder line of the EPDS and a processing engine. A clamping device may be interposed between the feeder line and an electrical ground of the EPDS, An opto-coupler may be interposed between the processing engine and the clamping device. The opto-coupler may coupled to the clamping device to provide a lightning-detected signal to the processing engine only when a voltage drop develops across the clamping device. The processing engine may be constrained from commanding an alteration of state of the SSSD upon receiving the lightning-detected signal.

Abstract: A system and method for testing fire detection and fire annunciation devices of a fire alarm system includes a central operations system, which provides a link between a control panel of the fire alarm system and a mobile computing device operated by a technician. During a walkthrough test, the on-site technician activates fire detection or fire annunciation devices of the fire alarm system and the activated devices signal the control panel and event data are generated. Event data from the control panel are sent to the central operations system to be stored. The central operations system sends the event data to a mobile computing device operated by the technician. The on-site technician is then able verify that the devices are physically sound, unaltered, working properly, and located in their assigned locations.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a self-test (ST) ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) monitor configured to generate a simulated ground fault starting in a first half-cycle of a first cycle of AC power and extending into a second half-cycle of the first cycle of AC power, wherein the first half-cycle of the first cycle of AC power precedes the second half-cycle of the first cycle of AC power. Further, the ST GFCI monitor can detect a response to the simulated ground fault.

Abstract: A smoke detector has enhanced audio and communications capabilities that allow audio content to be provided at each smoke detector location. This audio content may be music, intercom, doorbell actuation and radio programs. The smoke detector may also include a microphone for monitoring and two way communications between two or more smoke detectors, a intercom panel at a doorbell location, controlling lights in an area of the smoke detector with voice commands, and further providing for speakerphone answering and communications capabilities. Audio content and control may be provided to the smoke detector with a software program application running on a personal computer, tablet computer and a smart cell phone. A smoke detector may further be controlled with a Bluetooth or infrared handheld controller located in a area proximate to the smoke detector.

Abstract: A device receives an address from a computer terminal; determines a location associated with the address; and determines a current signal quality at the location by referencing a file that represents an area that includes the location. The device further determines whether the location qualifies for a fixed wireless service based on the current signal quality. The device also transmits information to the computer terminal. The information indicates whether the location qualifies for the fixed wireless service.

Abstract: An alarm triggering device (200) for a security system (10), includes an interface (210) arranged so as to connect the alarm triggering device (200) to a device for managing the security system (100) via a wireless connection (50); triggering elements (220) for triggering an alarm in the case of a pre-determined event; elements for controlling the wireless connection (240) in order to check, during an alarm triggering device installation step, the quality of the wireless connection between the alarm triggering device and the management device; and signalling elements (250) for signaling, to the alarm triggering device, an indication of the quality of the wireless connection between the alarm triggering device and the management device during the alarm triggering device installation step.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are included for providing hazard detection. For example, a hazard detection device may include a printed circuit board. The hazard detection device may further include a chassis that provides a housing for components of the hazard detection device; a smoke chamber that at least partially houses a photoelectric diode; a carbon monoxide sensor that at least partially encased in a metallic covering; a first wireless interface component that comprising a first radio antenna configured to transmit and receive data according to a first wireless communication protocol; and a second wireless interface component that comprises a second radio antenna configured to transmit and receive data using a second wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: An assembly including an integrated device for dispensing washing agents, having a body intended to be mounted in an opening of a sheet-like wall which delimits the washing chamber and which has a peripheral formation which protrudes towards the outside and is intended to abut against the surface of the wall surrounding the opening, on the side of the wall which faces the washing machine; and an ozone-generating device, with a housing which has an outlet opening and contains electric ozone-flow generating means suitable for emitting a flow of ozone towards the outlet opening, so as to introduce it into the washing chamber of the machines.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer includes a plurality of dies and at least one test probe. Each of the plurality of dies includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag circuit. The at least one test probe includes a plurality of probe pads. The plurality of probe pads is configured to transmit power signals and data to each of the plurality of dies, and to receive test results from each of the plurality of dies. The data are transmitted to each of the plurality of dies in a serial manner. The test results of each of the plurality of dies are also transmitted to the plurality of probe pads in a serial manner.

Abstract: A method and a system for a handheld communication device is provided. The method includes: a testing a printed circuit board PCB assembly; identifying an emission point in the PCB; allocating a frequency radio (RF) absorber over or close to the emission point where the emission point is a potential source of electromagnetic interference (EMI) other than electronic components mounted on the PCB. The system includes a PCB assembly; and an RF absorber planar plate secured over or close to the emission point, for reducing the EMI from the emission point. A handheld communication device includes an antenna system and the PCB assembly with the RF absorber for isolating the antenna system from self-interference in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for smoke detection having an image sensor may be tested using image or pattern recognition, or facial gesturing without having to climb a ladder or chair to initiate the test, or be uncomfortably close to the smoke detector apparatus during initiation of the testing thereof. Carbon monoxide (CO) and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring and alarm may also be incorporated into this apparatus. Other control functions may also be initiated with image or pattern recognition, or facial gesturing such as audio features associated with the smoke detector apparatus such as networked speakers for distribution of music, intercom, telephone, and/or doorbell annunciation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection device is constructed in such a way as to include a discriminating processing unit (a time width detecting part 13 and a pulse width discrimination part 14) for approximating the shape of each signal which is a reflection signal which is reflected from an object as a result of transmitting a ultrasonic pulse toward the object, or a noise as an isosceles triangle and computing a pulse time width equal to the length of the base of the approximating isosceles triangle, and for discriminating between the reflection signal and the noise signal by determining whether the computed pulse time width exceeds a predetermined pulse width discrimination threshold. Therefore, the ultrasonic detection device can determine the pulse time width with stability, and carry out the discriminating process with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: A light source apparatus is adapted to be shared by excimer lamps. An IC tag is disposed at each lamp, and the IC tag stores information identifying the lamp. A storage unit of the light source apparatus stores information identifying a usable lamp (or usable lamps) for the light source apparatus, an emission wavelength of the lamp, and a sensitivity correction value of an optical sensor that corresponds to the emission wavelength. When the light source apparatus is driven to cause the lamp to light, the information stored in the IC tag and information stored in the storage unit are collated and it is determined whether the lamp is usable and the emission wavelength of the lamp is a preset emission wavelength. If it is determined that the lamp is usable and the emission wavelength is appropriate, the sensitivity of the optical sensor is corrected with the correction value.

Abstract: A safety system may include a monitoring device that receives analog values of various parameters from one or more safety appliances. The analog values may be compared to upper and lower control limits in control charts for the parameters for each safety appliance. When an analog value falls outside of the upper control limit or lower control limit in the control chart, an alert may be issued to indicate that the safety appliance may be degrading or failing. The monitoring device may also generate control charts for safety appliances from the analog values output from the safety appliances.

Abstract: A method for verifying associations between initiating devices and notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include including actuating an initiating device of the alarm system, thereby activating one or more notification appliances that are associated with the initiating device. The method may further include deactivating each notification appliance that is expected to be associated with the actuated initiating device and, at an alarm panel, providing an indication of whether there are any notification appliances that are still active.

Abstract: A self-characterization optical receiver comprising a tunable filter comprising a first transmission peak and configured to receive an optical signal comprising a plurality of channels at different wavelengths and output one channel at a wavelength corresponding to the first transmission peak, an optical-to-electrical (OE) converter configured to convert the one channel optical signal into an electrical signal, a monitor unit configured to adjust at least one control parameter based upon a power level of the electrical signal, and a control unit configured to adjust a heater bias current based upon control parameters received from the monitor unit, and wherein adjusting the heater bias current shifts the wavelength corresponding to the first transmission peak.

Abstract: A wireless electronic device may contain an antenna tuning element for tuning the device's operating frequency range. The antenna tuning element may include radio-frequency switches, continuously/semi-continuously adjustable components such as tunable resistors, inductors, and capacitors, etc. A test system may be used to measure the radio-frequency characteristics associated with the tuning element assembled with an electronic device. The test system may include a test host, a test chamber, a signal generator, power meters, and radio-frequency testers. The electronic device under test (DUT) may be placed in the test chamber. The signal generator may generate radio-frequency test signals for energizing the antenna tuning element. The power meters and radio-frequency testers may be used to measure conducted and radiated signals emitted from the DUT while the DUT is placed in different desired orientations. A phantom object is optionally placed in the vicinity of the DUT to simulate actual user scenario.

Abstract: A method for inspecting notification appliances in an alarm system. The method may include placing the alarm system in an inspection mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected is activated. The method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated. A first alternative method may include placing the alarm system in a test mode, whereby a verification indicium on each notification appliance being inspected and tested is activated. The first alternative method may further include performing a physical inspection of a notification appliance, as well as actuating an input device on the notification appliance whereby the verification indicium on the notification appliance is deactivated and a notification feature of the notification appliance is activated for a predefined amount of time.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a method and system for calibrating an electronic monitoring device having a housing and a strap being connected to a first end and a second end of the housing. The method provides for calibrating a transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap. Then, the signal is generated and transmitted along the strap from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Calibrating the transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap provides for minimizing the power level to a lowest transmission power level detectable by a receiver located in the housing or until the signal is lower than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: An electrical safety monitor for monitoring electrical energy potentials of one or more electrical power input lines of an A.C. circuit. The electrical safety monitor including one or more detector circuits, each including one or more capacitors corresponding to one or more electrical power input lines arranged to charge responsive to an electrical energy potential on the corresponding line and a discharge circuit electrically communicating with the one or more capacitors to cause a capacitor discharge at a predetermined capacitor voltage. A plurality of solid-state light-emitting devices disposed in a human-viewable arrangement, each light emitting device electrically communicating with a selected capacitor and producing a light output responsive to capacitor discharge of the corresponding capacitor. A testing circuit generates a test current through the one or more detectors circuits providing verification of the electrical safety monitor integrity.

Abstract: Among other things, an entry monitor has circuitry to detect when a person enters a monitored space and an indicator perceptible to other people in the space to indicate a cleanliness state of the hands of the person who has entered the space.

Abstract: A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system, including the steps of measuring ambient noise at a notification appliance, comparing the measured ambient noise to a threshold ambient noise level, and performing a self-test of the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise does not exceed the threshold ambient noise level. The method may further include the step of recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise exceeds the threshold ambient noise level. Performing the self-test of the notification appliance may include the steps of activating a notification feature of the notification appliance, measuring output of the notification feature, comparing the measured output to a predefined value, recording a pass result for the notification appliance if the measured output exceeds the predefined value, and recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured output does not exceed the predefined value.

Abstract: A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time.

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: An apparatus for smoke detection having an image sensor may be tested using image or pattern recognition, or facial gesturing without having to climb a ladder or chair to initiate the test, or be uncomfortably close to the smoke detector apparatus during initiation of the testing thereof. Carbon monoxide (CO) and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring and alarm may also be incorporated into this apparatus. Other control functions may also be initiated with image or pattern recognition, or facial gesturing such as audio features associated with the smoke detector apparatus such as networked speakers for distribution of music, intercom, telephone, and/or doorbell annunciation.

Abstract: A method for inspecting down hole drilling systems for identifying indications of flaws in material. The method can include removing particulate, disposing a wave coupling medium on an area of interest, attaching a probe to a sound carrying wedge, engaging the sound carrying wedge over the wave coupling medium, transmitting inspection signals to the area of interest, manipulating the probe to produce detection signals, transmitting the detection signals to a data storage, presenting the detection signals and a known reference level to a user, and comparing the detection signals to the known reference level to determine if the detection signals are within a standard deviation of the known reference level. The method can include adapting a sound carrying wedge to form-fittingly couple to an area of interest of a down hole drilling system.

Abstract: A system and method for low-cost, fault tolerant, EMI robust data communications, particularly for an EV environment.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a method and system for calibrating an electronic monitoring device having a housing and a strap being connected to a first end and a second end of the housing. The method provides for calibrating a transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap. Then, the signal is generated and transmitted along the strap from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Calibrating the transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap provides for minimizing the power level to a lowest transmission power level detectable by a receiver located in the housing or until the signal is lower than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: An automated testing system includes systems and methods to facilitate inline production testing of samples at a micro (multiple microns) or less scale with a mechanical testing instrument. In an example, the system includes a probe changing assembly for coupling and decoupling a probe of the instrument. The probe changing assembly includes a probe change unit configured to grasp one of a plurality of probes in a probe magazine and couple one of the probes with an instrument probe receptacle. An actuator is coupled with the probe change unit, and the actuator is configured to move and align the probe change unit with the probe magazine and the instrument probe receptacle. In another example, the automated testing system includes a multiple degree of freedom stage for aligning a sample testing location with the instrument. The stage includes a sample stage and a stage actuator assembly including translational and rotational actuators.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.