Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to detection of a lock is being tampered with, cut, removed, etc. An electrical circuit can be incorporated into a lock portion and a securing portion (e.g., a bar, a cable, etc.) of the lock. The electrical circuit can include a conductive element located along the length of the bar, cable, etc., with an electrical charge applied to the conductive element. Upon damage to the conductive element, e.g., during an attempt to cut or remove the lock, a change in the electrical charge from an initial state can be determined, which can further generate an alarm. The alarm can be a light, speaker, etc. An alarm notification can be transmitted from the lock to a remote device, e.g., a mobile phone, a central monitoring system, etc. A trembler switch can be incorporated into the lock to detect movement of the lock.

Abstract: A wireless communications device for performing wireless communications includes a notifying unit for notifying a user of a status of the corresponding wireless communications device when a dedicated user interface is manipulated, a display unit and a detector for detecting failure in the display unit. The notifying unit notifies the user of the status of the corresponding wireless communications device when a failure in the display unit is detected by the detector and prevents the status of the corresponding wireless communications device from being notified when the failure in the display unit is not detected by the detector.

Abstract: An electronic device can be provided with a housing having at least one wall defining a cavity and a flow sensor at least partially contained within the cavity. The flow sensor may be configured to detect a flow characteristic related to the flow of a fluid through a first portion of the cavity. The electronic device may also include a processor configured to alter a performance characteristic of the electronic device based on the detected flow characteristic.

Abstract: An elevator within a tower, such as a wind tower, includes a traction or drum type hoist powered by an electric motor where the hoist provides the mechanism to cause the vertical ascent or descent of the elevator. An aspect of the invention is to allow the descent of the elevator to drive the electric motor arranged to act as a generator and provide regenerative braking as well as power to drive an alarm device or devices.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the holding torque of a brake in a material handling system is disclosed. The material handling system may include a bridge, a trolley, and a hoist, each driven along a different axis by a motor. A brake is operatively coupled to the motor to prevent unwanted motion of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to each motor which controls operation of the motor and its corresponding brake. The motor controller generates a torque command to the motor while keeping the brake set. The initial torque command is less than the holding torque of the brake. The torque command is incremented until motion is detected on the motor. The torque value when motion is detected is stored in the motor controller and displayed to an operator.

Abstract: A fuel leakage detection system for an underground fuel piping system having fuel service pits installed at locations along the piping. Each pit has a pressure sensor and a reference electrode positioned external to the pit assembly for continuous and automatic monitoring of fuel pressure and pipe-to-soil potential measurements of an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP), and each pit assembly includes a processor and a transceiver. The system provides simultaneous and synchronized pressure and ICCP potential measurements which are transmitted over a wireless network to a control station that performs accurate location of a leakage point in the underground piping and can detect pressure loss during fueling operations which produce strong pressure transients that normally mask detection of pressure loss in the fuel piping, and can determine a leak in the piping and its location by analyzing the pipe-to-soil potentials taken on the fuel piping and pressure losses occurring between transients.

Abstract: There is described herein the extension of the application of the Laplace Test Statistic for trend analysis and prediction of incipient faults for power systems. The extensions consider the situation where two parameters believed to contribute explicitly to the eventual failure are monitored. The developed extensions applied to actual incipient failure events provide promising results for prediction of the impending failure. It is demonstrated that by incorporating two parameters in the trend analysis, the robustness to outliers is increased and the flexibility is augmented by increasing the degrees of freedom in the generation of the alarm signal.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting and localizing abnormal conditions and electrical faults in an electrical grid are provided. A method includes receiving a notification message including a state of an electrical component on an electrical grid. The method further includes displaying, by a computing system, an alarm message indicating the state of the electrical component to a system operator responsible for the electrical component such that system operator is able to determine at least one action to take in response to the state of the electrical component.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting a person to check a medical device while conserving battery power. The medical device initiates a status alert if a readiness condition of the medical device is no longer being met. The status alert includes notification periods during which an audible sound is emitted alternating with off periods during which substantially no audible sound is emitted. The audible sounds may include certain tones or at least one spoken word. At least one of the duration of successive notification periods or the duration of successive off periods may be varied. In this manner, the medical device may provide audible sound at different times during the day in an attempt to get the attention of a person. In addition, the medical device may sense an activity to determine when to provide the audible sound.

Abstract: A power control system/method implementing Internet based access to hybrid home automation networks is disclosed. The system utilizes a smart gateway power controller (SGPC) to selectively switch an AC power source to a load device under control of local or remote network commands that may be routed through a variety of network interfaces and protocols present within home or other structure-local communications network. SGPC configurations may be nested within a home automation network to permit separation of control for load devices within a common home automation environment. Present invention methods may include routing protocols between disparate home automation networks as well as remote access protocols that permit control of disparate home automation networks via the Internet using a wide variety of remote access interfaces including mobile devices, tablet computers, laptops, desktop computers, and the like.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit; a sensor cable; and a current transformer electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The current transformer includes a secondary winding inductively coupled to the power conductor and a clamping circuit electrically connected in parallel with the secondary winding. The clamping circuit is structured to clamp a voltage across the secondary winding when the voltage across the secondary winding is greater than a predetermined value. An indicator circuit is electrically connected in series with the clamping circuit to indicate when the clamping circuit is actively clamping the voltage.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for detecting when an end-device is physically disconnected from a commodity delivery network. One method includes determining an impedance of a power input of the end-device after the end-device experiences a power interruption, generating a message including data regarding the impedance, transmitting the message to a computer-implemented back office over at least one communication network, and automatically setting a status of the end-device to a physically-disconnected status when the data regarding the impedance indicates the impedance is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: An alarm for detecting radiation and/or air pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like has a control circuit (11) including a microcontroller (12) configured to monitor preselected alarm parameters, and memory means (30, 36, 40) for storing data representing said parameters. The microcontroller (12) has an input/output means (3) connectible both to a preselected voltage level for switching said control circuit between an operational mode and a shutdown mode and to an external processing means for enabling downloading and display of said data.

Abstract: A metering apparatus is connectable to the terminals of a circuit breaker and includes a detection apparatus that is configured to detect a status of the breaker and one or more operational parameters of the breaker. The metering apparatus may further include a communication apparatus that is configured to communicate the status of the breaker and/or one or more operational parameters of the breaker to another device. The metering apparatus may additionally include a power input that is independent of the breaker. Alternatively or additionally, the metering apparatus can be configured to communicate with the other device via any of a variety of established protocols, with the metering apparatus being capable of retrofitting to change the communications protocol by which it communicates with the other device.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit, a sensor cable, and a current sensor. The base unit includes a first indicator circuit and a first resistance electrically connected to a voltage source. The sensor cable includes a conductor. The current sensor is electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The current sensor includes a second resistance and a second indicator. The first resistance and the first indicator circuit are electrically connected to the second resistance and the second indicator by the conductor.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit; a sensor cable; and a current sensor electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The base unit includes a first indicator circuit having a first indicator. The current sensor includes a second indicator. The first indicator circuit controls the first indicator and the second indicator to turn on simultaneously.

Abstract: A charger for an electric power tool includes a charging unit for charging a secondary battery detachably attached to the charger; a notification unit for notifying an operation state of the charging unit by using a combination of a turn-on and turn-off of the notification unit; a brightness reducing unit for reducing a light brightness of the notification unit; and a controller for controlling the notification unit and the brightness reducing unit. If an operation state of the charging unit satisfies a specific condition, the controller controls the brightness reducing unit to reduce the light brightness of the notification unit.

Abstract: A floating roof monitoring system is disclosed. According to embodiments, the floating roof monitoring system includes a monitoring device and a floating roof tank. The monitoring device can generate a current for a monitoring loop that includes one or more electrical connections between the monitoring device and the floating roof tank. A resistance value for one or more points within or along the monitoring loop can be determined and monitored. The monitoring device can determine, based upon the resistance value, if an action is to be taken.

Abstract: A control circuit for an indicator light includes a power source, a switch unit, a ground resistor, and a first adjusting unit. The power source supplies a voltage. The switch unit is connected between the power source and the indicator light and turns on or turns off the indicator light. The ground resistor is connected between the power source and the ground via the indicator light and the switch unit. The first adjusting unit includes a first adjusting resistor and a first control switch. The adjusting resistor is connected between the indicator light and the ground via the first control switch. The first control switch is capable of connecting the first adjusting resistor with the ground resistor in parallel.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a power distribution unit having modular components. For example, according to one embodiment, a power distribution unit can include a component portion that comprises at least two modules including outlet modules, circuit protection modules, power input modules, communications I/O modules, and display modules. Each of the at least two modules of the component portion can comprise at least one connection element and can be removably secured to one or more other of the at least two modules via the connection elements. The power distribution unit can also include a housing that defines an interior cavity. The component portion can be removably secured to the housing at least partially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a brush holder assembly and/or detecting wear of a brush in a brush holder assembly are disclosed. One method includes sending data from a plurality of remote monitoring locations to a central control unit, where the data may be evaluated in order to monitor states of brushes at a plurality of remote electrical facilities. For example, multiple images of a marker tracking longitudinal movement of the brush may be acquired. A comparison of the images, for example, a comparative imaging technique, such as pixel-by-pixel comparison, may then be performed in order to evaluate a condition of the brush, such as the wear rate, wear state, or life expectancy of the brush.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector system is provided. The system includes a coaxial cable connector, the connector having an internal physical parameter sensing circuit configured to sense a physical parameter of the connector and a status output component. The system further includes a data reader located externally to the connector. The reader includes a receiver element, a memory unit, a transmitter element, and a decision logic unit. The receiver element receives information about the connector, via the status output component, from the physical parameter sensing circuit. The memory unit stores predefined threshold limits of the physical parameter of the connector. The transmitter element is adapted to send the information over a network. The decision logic unit is adapted to compare the received information with the threshold limits and, if the received information exceeds the threshold limit, transmits the information over the network.

Abstract: A kitchen exhaust hood assembly having a fire suppression system with built-in redundancy and monitoring capabilities is presented. The fire suppression system includes one or more fire suppression devices associated with the kitchen hood for extinguishing a fire within the vicinity of the exhaust hood. The fire suppression devices can be triggered by a series of manual actuators or fire sensors. A switching circuit including a plurality of switches operatively connected to the manual actuators or fire sensors triggers the fire suppression devices by enabling either a first or second actuating circuit.

Abstract: A frequency/timing measurement apparatus includes a reference source having a reference source output terminal. At least one target source has a target source output terminal. The at least one target source is communicatively coupled to the reference source. A frequency timing measurement block has a first input terminal electrically coupled to the reference source output terminal. A second input terminal is electrically coupled to the target source output terminal and at least one output terminal. The frequency timing measurement block is configured to perform a noise shaping technique to reduce measurement error attributable to a phase noise that is correlated between the reference source and the target source, and to provide a reduced correlated noise measurement at the at least one output terminal. A method to reduce correlated noise is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assistance terminal (5, 6a, 6b) including a housing (5) and at least one terminal (6a, 6b) for remotely monitoring a person (1) connected to a medical assistance and/or monitoring device (3).

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a system comprises an A/V switcher that is configured to monitor a presence of an A/V signal in a cable and transmit data regarding said A/V signal presence. A cable clamp-on device is coupled to the cable and includes at least one indicator for displaying said A/V signal presence, and a transceiver configured to receive the data regarding said A/V signal presence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for safe handling of information handling resources are provided. In some embodiments, a method is provided. The method may include detecting occurrence of a power down sequence and in response to detecting of the power down sequence, controlling operation of a cooling fan coupled to information handling resources based at least on a first criteria of a predetermined policy. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal indicating a thermal property of a particular information handling resource coupled to the sensor. The method may include determining if the thermal property satisfies a second criteria of the predetermined policy, the second criteria comprising a safe temperature range for handling the particular information handling resource. If the thermal property meets the second criteria, the method may provide an alert via an indicator to a user indicating the particular information handling resource is safe for handling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coaxial cable connector that includes a backscattering arrangement configured to receive an RF signal in a coaxial transmission line and produce a modulated backscattered response. The modulated backscattered response corresponds to a sensed condition in the coaxial cable connector.

Abstract: A system for detecting stray voltage in a conductive object is disclosed herein. The system includes a pick-up element, electrical circuitry, a housing for enclosing the circuitry, a support for mounting the housing, and an indicator. The pick-up element is separated from the conductive object and capable of detecting an electric field from the conductive object. The support of the housing is such that the pick-up element remains separated from the conductive object. The electrical circuitry determines a voltage level corresponding to the electric field detected by the pick-up element and generates, based on a comparison of the determined voltage level relative to a reference voltage level, an indicator signal representative of whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object. Based on the indicator signal, the indicator indicates to a user of the system whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus for connection to a photovoltaic array, the apparatus comprising a signal processor arranged to monitor solar energy generated electrical power output from the photovoltaic array, the signal processor arranged to detect when an irregular power output is sensed from the photovoltaic array, and the apparatus arranged to cause an alarm condition to be activated if the irregular power output is sensed.

Abstract: A system includes a component, an electronic circuit, and a display. The electronic circuit and the display are on the component. The electronic circuit is connected to receive data related to use of the component. The electronic circuit is connected to the display for providing a time parameter related to at least one from the group consisting of remaining life of the component and life expended by the component. The time parameter is for displaying on the display.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a household electrical appliance easily to know whether electricity rates are high or low when using the household electrical appliance, even in the variable rate system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring ventilatory parameters, analyzing ventilatory data associated with those parameters, and providing useful notifications and/or recommendations to clinicians. For example, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of a fluctuation in resistance during mechanical ventilation of a patient. Furthermore, clinicians may not easily determine potential causes for the fluctuation in resistance and/or steps for mitigating the fluctuation in resistance. According to embodiments, a ventilator may be configured to monitor and evaluate diverse ventilatory parameters to detect fluctuations in resistance and may issue suitable notifications and recommendations to the clinician based on potential causes of the fluctuation, ventilatory and/or patient data, etc.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a plurality of electrical assets comprise an electricity distribution infrastructure, including a plurality of electrical asset sensors coupled to the electrical assets for monitoring an operating condition of the electrical assets as well as any fault conditions. The sensors may include a current transformer for obtaining a current waveform, a GPS receiver for applying a synchronized time-stamp to the waveform data, and a mesh network radio for transmitting the time-stamped waveform data. Data from the plurality of sensors may be encrypted and transmitted over a mesh network to one or more gateways that are in communication with a central command processor. In response to an abnormal operating condition of any electrical asset, the central command processor may determine a probable fault location, a probable fault type, and a fault response.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system and method for preparing a device for power loss when the presence of a component cover is not sensed. The system includes a component cover with a detection portion; a sensor adapted to detect the presence of the detection portion in the component cover; and a processor able to receive information from the sensor and to prepare the mobile device for power loss.

Abstract: An inverter is forcibly operated to supply electric power to a motor, thereby performing detection of a current leakage, on condition that a power-on operation is performed, that the motor is stopped, and that determination as to occurrence or non-occurrence of the current leakage has not yet been made even once after the power-on.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water).

Abstract: A dual release circuit comprises a plurality of pyrotechnic initiators electrically interconnected in series, a plurality of subcircuits electrically interconnected between the pyrotechnic initiators to form at least a first circuit route to electrically interconnect the plurality of pyrotechnic initiators and a second circuit route to electrically interconnect the pyrotechnic initiators, and a control unit electrically connected to the first circuit route and the second circuit route and configured to monitor a first parameter of the first circuit route, monitor a second parameter of the second circuit route, detect when at least one of the first parameter and the second parameter is outside of a specified parameter range, generate an alert indication according to the detection and be able to release the pyrotechnic initiators in response to a release request.

Abstract: In a limit signal indicator for determining two positions of a pneumatically operated positioning device, a position sensor detects a position of the positioning device. A first signal transmission contact, a second signal transmission contact, and a microprocessor are provided. The first and the second signal transmission contacts each output a respective electrical limit position signal, the limit position signals representing an adoption of the first and the second positions or of at least one position of the positioning device above or below a predetermined set limit value. At least one of the signal transmission contacts is connected for signal transmission so that in case of a malfunctioning of a signal transmission, the switch amplifier is capable of generating an emergency signal above a maximum limit value or below a lower limit value, and to transmit the emergency signal to an external processing location.

Abstract: A rack server system includes a rack, a number of servers, and a power center. The rack defines a receiving space that is divided into a plurality of units. Each of the servers includes a motherboard and is received in a corresponding unit. The power center is received in at least one unit. The power center includes a plurality of cables connecting to the motherboards, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor is coupled to a device positioned within an enclosure and is configured to determine the status of the device or its surrounding environment. The sensor transmits the information to a central computer and/or a local indicator. Once the information is received at the central computer, the information is processed for the operators and maintainers to interpret. Based on the information received, the operators and maintainers may implement procedures to maintain the device or its surrounding environment under observation. In certain embodiments, the central computer provides instructions to a second device within or adjacent to the enclosure to implement corrective actions. In some embodiments, the sensor is coupled to a microcontroller which performs analysis received from the sensor and provides instructions to the second device to implement corrective actions.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector is provided, the connector includes: a connector body and a ground isolation circuit positioned within the connector body. The ground isolation circuit is configured to generate a voltage signal comprising a positive voltage and a negative voltage. The ground isolation circuit is electrically isolated from the connector body.

Abstract: A method for noise alerting includes: recording ambient sound around an electronic device and generating corresponding sound signals; determining a volume of the ambient sound according to the sound signal; obtaining a noise grade corresponding to the determined volume of the ambient sound in a first table mapping relationships between a plurality of volumes and noise grades; searching a second table mapping relationships between the noise grades and solutions to obtain a solution corresponding to the obtained noise grade of the ambient sound; and outputting an alert to a user for recommending the obtained solution. The electronic device for noise alerting is also provided.

Abstract: A biological signal processor includes a sensor unit 2 that is usable with a mattress, measures biological displacement of a subject on the mattress, and outputs a measurement signal indicative of a measurement result, a signal processing unit 7 that amplifies the measurement signal with a plurality of different gains and outputs respective output signals, an AD converting unit 8 that performs AD conversion on the respective output signals to obtain level values and outputs the respective level values, and a determining unit 90 that determines that the sensor unit 2 is in an abnormal condition in case where a variation measure indicative of variation degree in level value corresponding to an output signal amplified with a minimum gain among the respective level values is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting and calculating the level of ambient and/or environmental noise, such as electromagnetic interference generated by electric power lines, ambient lights, light dimmers, television or computer displays, power supplies or transformers, and medical equipment. In some embodiments, the system performs frequency analysis on the interference signal detected by light photodetectors and determines the power of the interference signal concentrated in the analyzed frequency bands. The worst-case interference level can be determined by selecting the maximum from the computed power values. In some embodiments, the determined interference signal power can be compared with the noise tolerance of a patient monitoring system configured to reliably and non-invasively detect physiological parameters of a user. The results of the comparison can be presented to the user audio-visually. In some embodiments, the system can be used to perform spot check measurements of electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A home appliance and home appliance system are provided which enable a portable terminal not to recognize an acoustic signal sound corresponding to product information output by the home appliance as noise. Thus, the acoustic signal corresponding to product information output by the home appliance may be transmitted to a service center through the portable terminal. The home appliance may include a controller that sets a dead time at a predetermined interval of time with respect to a signal corresponding to product information to avoid a noise detection section of a portable terminal, a converter that converts the signal into an acoustic signal of a predetermined band, and a sound output device that outputs the acoustic signal as sound.

Abstract: A battery-powered supplemental alert generator is disclosed that is adapted to be mounted in close proximity to, such as within 3 or 4 feet of, a conventional smoke, heat and/or fire detector/alert device. The supplemental alert generator operates in a relatively low power mode while listening for the nearby detector/alert device to generate a standard audible alert signal. Upon detecting that a monitored sound level has reached a particular threshold, the supplemental alert generator enters into a higher power analysis mode in which it analyzes the detected signal to assess whether it is an audible alert signal. If an audible alert signal is detected, the supplemental alert generator generates one or more supplemental alert signals, such as a 520 Hz audible square wave signal. The supplemental alert generator may be used to retrofit a house, hotel, or other building to comply with new standards or to otherwise increase the effectiveness of the existing detection/alert system.