Abstract: An intelligent wire connector carrying a microprocessor for transmitting information and/or sensing conditions proximate the wire connector wherein information from the microprocessor may be transmitted to a remote location in either a wireless mode or indirectly through an electrical wire, which is secured in the wire connector.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently control the operating state of an electromagnetic lock under power on and power off conditions are presented. A lock component includes a solenoid component (e.g., bi-stable latching solenoid) that holds a lock pin in a locked or unlocked position without using power to hold the lock pin in the desired position, and using power to transition from one position to another position. A sensor component senses when power to the lock component will be lost, and if the lock pin is not in the desired position for the power off condition, the lock pin can be transitioned to the desired position, and if the lock pin is in the desired position for power off condition, the lock component can maintain the lock pin in the desired position, while the lock component is in the power off condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable and executable instructions are provided for detecting a use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Detecting a use of PPE can include collecting contact data from a number of touch sensitive sensors attached to the PPE. Furthermore, detecting a use of PPE can include determining if the PPE is in proper use based on the collected contact data.

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: A system is provided for verifying the performance of an electrical union. The electrical union provides electrical connectivity across an interface between first and second elements which rotate relative to each other. The system includes a signal source associated with the first element. The signal source is adapted to send an electrical signal over the union to the second element using a first signal frequency. The system further includes a frequency modulator associated with the second element. The frequency modulator is adapted to return the electrical signal over the union to the first element using a different second signal frequency. The system further includes a comparator which compares the signal sent by the data source to the signal returned by the frequency modulator. The comparator provides an output which identifies whether a discrepancy exists between the contents of the sent and returned signals.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting improper wiring or configuration in a monitoring system. The improper wiring or configuration is detected by measuring the value of an electrical property (e.g., voltage or current) of an electrical signal received from a first set of wiring terminals to which a transducer is connected and comparing that value to a predetermined value or range of values of the electrical property based on values that would be expected for the electrical signal if the transducer was the type configured to be monitored by the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A sanitary rotary valve has a casing, a side plate arranged at a first side of the casing, a rotor provided in the casing, a rotatable shaft for rotating the rotor, a geared motor for rotating the shaft, and a motor mount for mounting the motor. The side plate has a cylinder which extends into the casing and is inserted into the rotor, extending to an approximate center of the rotor. An angular supporting bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft is provided at an end of the cylinder disposed at the approximate center of the rotor. An electrical alarm system stops rotation of the geared motor automatically if the rotor touches the casing. A clearance between the side plate and casing can be cleaned by extracting the side plate using a hanger and connecting rod. The position of the side plate is correctly fixed by set bolts.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for configurable ground monitoring of a workbench, and the method comprises the steps as follows. The step of detecting if each of monitored objects of a monitor device is enable should be performed first. A digital value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is then calculated and accumulated. The step of detecting if each of the monitored objects reaches a predetermined number of samples is performed, and the step of calculating an average value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is followed. The average measured value is compared with a predetermined digital limit-value of each of the monitored objects; furthermore, a corresponding alarm will be sounded when the average measured value exceeds the predetermined digital limit-value. The digital value and a compared result are then sent, and then the step of detecting if the operator ground connection is enabled is performed.

Abstract: An automatic fault detector momentarily interrupts a provision of operating power to a load having a minimal forward-bias voltage requirement to thereby provide a testing window and then applies a test voltage during this window that is less than the minimal forward-bias voltage requirement to the load and monitors for a power-to-ground fault. By one approach the aforementioned momentarily interruption of power is neither frequent enough nor long enough in duration to substantially impair the provision of power to the load. Accordingly, load performance is not noticeably diminished. One can then responsively prohibit subsequent provision of the operating power to the load. One can then continue to monitor for the power-to-ground fault while continuing to prohibit provision of operating power to the load. If and when the fault disappears, these teachings will then accommodate automatically resuming an ordinary provision of power to the load.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for providing comprehensive control and monitoring of an electrical system are presented. The envisioned invention according to at least one aspect provides for control and monitoring functions that include main circuit level functions and sub-circuit level functions. The control and monitoring function further provides for communication with a remote central control center to send commands to and receive data from the main circuit control and/or sub-circuit(s). Information from the monitoring function may be used to alter the operation of the system, aid in diagnostic response, and ultimately, improve the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

Abstract: A method for measuring electrical resistance of a joint includes supplying a first current between a first end of a first member of the joint and a first end of a second member of the joint. The method also includes measuring a first voltage between a second end of the first member and a second end of the second member. The first ends of the first member and the second member are oriented or situated opposite of the joint from the second ends of the first member and the second member. The method also includes calculating a first joint resistance of the joint from the supplied first current and the measured first voltage.

Abstract: In electric equipment that has a digital interface, an operation that is normally performed by an output terminal during authentication processing is executed on equipment connected to an input terminal of the digital interface by the input terminal as an erroneous connection detection operation. When there is a proper response from the equipment connected to the input terminal of the digital interface in response to the erroneous connection detection operation, the electric equipment detects that the connected equipment has been erroneously connected. When an erroneous connection is detected, the electric equipment gives notice of the detection of the erroneous connection.

Abstract: A solar panel system includes a plurality of the panels connected together in one or more panel strings. An embodiment includes a signal generator module connected to the photovoltaic panel strings injecting a multiple radio frequency signal onto each of the strings and a detector module analyzing a frequency response echo from the panel strings. The signal generator may include a string coupling module communicating with a controller. The detector module analyzes the echo to obtain an analog fingerprint for each panel string and determine whether the fingerprint for each panel string is within an acceptable range. The detector module initiates an alarm when one of the fingerprints is outside the acceptable range. During night time, when no current is being produced by the photovoltaic cells, a DC or AC source may be connected to the panel strings to inject a signal onto the strings for the same purpose.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a fan in an electronic system are disclosed. One example method includes obtaining a control setting of the fan and current speed of the fan. The example method further includes determining a fan speed threshold associated with the obtained control setting. The example method further includes comparing the fan speed threshold to the current speed. The example method further includes generating an alert based on the comparison.

Abstract: Battery charging circuitry is provided. A charge controller receives electrical energy from a photovoltaic panel. A first timer provides a stream of clock pulses. A second timer is triggered by the clock pulses and generates a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal. A duty cycle of the PWM signal is determined by way of comparing a time-varying capacitor voltage to a signal derived from a storage battery voltage. Transfer of electrical energy from the photovoltaic panel to the storage battery is regulated by a shunting element using the PWM signal.

Abstract: A network device may be configured to connect with an external device over a network. The network device may be provided with a light emitting element configured to indicate information concerning network communications, and a control unit. The network device may be configurable to any of a plurality of performance states including a first performance state and a second performance state. Power consumption in the second performance state may be smaller than power consumption in the first performance state. The control unit may allow emission of the light emitting element when the network device is set in the first performance state, and may control the light emitting when the network device is set in the second performance state such that power consumption of the light emitting element in the second case is smaller than power consumption of the light emitting element in the first case.

Abstract: An alarm circuit is for a fan. The alarm circuit includes a direct current converting circuit, a first electronic switch, a second electronic switch, a clock chip, and a light emitting diode. When the fan does not operate, the light emitting diode blinks to warn the user that the fan may have a problem.

Abstract: An arc detector for detecting undesired arcs. The arc detector includes: an antenna for receiving an electromagnetic signal representing an arc; and a discriminator for analyzing a signal from the antenna, the discriminator including a spectrum analyzer arranged to detect whether the signal represents a normal arc or an undesired arc. The discriminator is arranged to detect whether the signal represents a normal arc or an undesired arc by comparing signal levels at frequencies of a spectrum of the signal corresponding to at least one partial reference spectrum, and determining the arc to be a normal arc if a deviation from the reference spectrum is less than a threshold deviation. A corresponding method is also presented.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit includes a first detecting unit, a second detecting unit, a comparing unit and an indicating unit. The first detecting unit is configured for detecting a temperature of a vehicular lamp and sending out a first signal. The second detecting unit is configured for detecting the surrounding temperature and sending out a second signal. The comparing unit is configured for comparing the first signal with the second signal, and controls the indicating unit to show the state of the vehicular lamp according to the compared result. When the first signal is higher than the second signal, the comparing unit controls the indicating unit to show that the vehicular lamp is unlit. When the first signal is equal to or lower than the second signal, the comparing unit controls the indicating unit to show that the vehicular lamp is lit.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus may receive product information as an image and may perform a diagnosis on the home appliance irrespective of a communication environment or surrounding environments by receiving the product information in a form of a code from the home appliance, capturing the code, and diagnosing the home appliance, thereby enhancing convenience.

Abstract: A system for clamping a flexible tube containing medical fluids includes a cable assembly coupled to a remote driver and a slidable clamp that imparts a clamping force to the flexible tube. An electrical continuity detector is included to measure the wear of an internal insulating layer of the cable between a sliding inner wire and a cable casing member. An indication of the wear to the cable is generated in response to a comparison of the electrical integrity of the insulating layer with a threshold. The wear indication enables the cable to be repaired or replaced prior to a malfunction of the overall tube clamp system.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes a first wireless communication unit that communicates with a base station; a second wireless communication unit that communicates with another communication terminal including an equivalent of the first wireless communication unit; a temperature measurement unit; and a control unit that selects one of the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit according to a temperature measured by the a temperature measurement unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling charging of a portable terminal equipped with a solar battery that converts solar energy into an electrical energy, the apparatus including a thermistor in which a resistance value changes according to a temperature change; a comparator which outputs a first signal when a temperature surrounding the thermistor is less than a preset reference temperature as determined by the resistance value change of the thermistor according to the temperature change and outputs a second signal when the temperature is at least the preset reference temperature or more; and a charging unit which is activated and receives the electrical energy from the solar battery to charge a battery when the first signal is inputted from the comparator, and is deactivated and blocks the charge of battery in case the second signal is inputted.

Abstract: Provided are early-warning methods and early-warning devices for indicating a usage condition of a semiconductor storage device comprising a semiconductor storage medium. The semiconductor storage medium comprises a plurality of physical storage blocks. The method comprises: retrieving a usage condition value; comparing the usage condition value with a preset threshold; and providing an early-warning signal based on a result of the comparison, wherein the usage condition value comprises one of an average number of used times of the blocks and a maximum number of used times of the blocks. Since the early-warning is used to indicate the usage condition information of the semiconductor storage medium, users may be aware of when the lifetime of the semiconductor storage medium will expire so that important data can be backed up before the storage device is aged, thus ensuring safety of the data and avoiding data lost.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an energy store for supplying an actuator, an antenna device for receiving, by contactless communication, energy for charging the energy store and one or more control signals comprising a command for triggering the actuator, and a control unit for controlling the supply of energy to the actuator on the basis of the control signals. After the triggering command has been received, the state of charge of the energy store is determined. When this state is less than a state of charge threshold value that is sufficient for triggering the actuator, a response signal to continue contactless communication is transmitted to the transmitting device via the antenna device. When this state is greater than or equal to the state of charge threshold value, the control unit controls the supply of energy from the energy store to the actuator so that it is possible to trigger the actuator.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus to remove static electricity generated between a substrate and a mask, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device using the thin film deposition apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.

Abstract: A server system includes an enclosure, first to fourth subsystems, first to third AND gates, and an indicator. The indicator is mounted on a front panel of the enclosure. The first and second subsystems are respectively connected to two input terminals of the first AND gate. The third and fourth subsystems are respectively connected to two input terminals of the second AND gate. Output terminals of the first and second AND gates are respectively connected to two input terminals of the third AND gate. An output terminal of the third AND gate is connected to the indicator. When any one or more of the first to fourth subsystems breaks down, the indicator is started.

Abstract: A communication port identification system enables an intelligent interconnect patch panel to reliably track connections to network switches. Network switch ports are provided with port ID modules that are inserted into the ports. Intelligent interconnect patch cords each utilize a patch cord microcontroller and out-of-band conductors to enable communication between an intelligent interconnect patch panel and the port ID modules of the switch port. Each port ID module is provided with a unique identification number, and the intelligent interconnect patch panel is thereby able to track all of its connections to the port ID modules in real time, and to update a network management system accordingly.

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: A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has an address decoder with a unique system address which generates a VALID signal whenever an incoming address from a source is a match. A local microcomputer and optional encoder receive incoming object identification signals from the source and supplies the desired object address to all the file folders in the cabinet. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer. The invention can be applied to a wide variety of collective objects management systems, such as supermarkets, automobile parts distributors, and various manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A system and method for determining when a LED-based position light is nearing its end of life by providing to maintenance personnel visible indication that end of life is approaching. An example system includes a controller, a main LED light, an indicator LED light, a first elapsed time counter, a second elapsed time counter, and an oscillator. The first elapsed time counter recognizes when a first time threshold is exceeded, causing the indicator LED light to flash and triggering the second elapsed time counter to start counting. The second elapsed time counter recognizes when a second time threshold is exceeded, disabling both the indicator LED light and the main LED lights, thereby notifying maintenance personnel that the main LED lights have reached their end of life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a GFCI that trips and provides indication at the end of its life. It comprises a leakage signal detection circuit (LSDC) and a failure alarm for providing indication in case of failure. The LSDC includes a leakage signal amplification circuit (LSAC) which amplifies the signal from test and neutral toroidal coils and controls a mechanical tripping mechanism through a silicon control unit and an igniter. The mechanical tripping mechanism is controlled by the LSDC through the silicon control unit by a forcible tripping coil connected thereto. This LSDC is powered by a power unit. Additionally, a failure alarm circuit which triggers and supplies visual indication through an optical display element in the event of failure is connected to the power unit of the LSDC. This alarm circuit also includes a forcible tripping coil to control the mechanical tripping mechanism at the end of the device life.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be installed in an information processing apparatus to detect a failure of the information processing apparatus, and to output an alarm signal when the failure is detected, the monitoring device including an alarm signal generating unit that generates the alarm signal upon detecting the failure, an alarm signal storing unit that stores the generated alarm signal, an alarm signal output unit that outputs the stored alarm signal to outside, an alarm signal input unit that receives, when the monitoring device is in a standby state, another alarm signal from another monitoring device in an active state, and an alarm signal storage instructing unit that supplies to the alarm signal storing unit an instruction signal for storing said another alarm signal in the alarm signal storing unit.

Abstract: A method generates an error signal indicating the location of a ground fault in a line between two line ends. A voltage and a current are measured at both ends of the line, establishing measured values, and the location of the ground fault is determined when or after a ground fault is detected. Accordingly, harmonic indicator variables are established and used for determining the location of the ground fault.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems for transmitting and receiving digital and analog signals across a single isolator, solid state lighting systems, and DC/DC converter feedback regulation control systems are disclosed. At least some of the circuits, systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes to provide, for example, a single integrated circuit or ASIC.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an electrical system of a vehicle. Data pertaining to the electrical system is obtained. Calculation modules are performed using the data to generate intermediate determinations. An aggregate calculation module is performed using each of the intermediate determinations to generate an aggregate determination pertaining to the electrical system. Redundant intermediate calculations are performed using the data to generate redundant intermediate determinations. Each of the redundant intermediate determinations is used for comparison with a respective intermediate determination.

Abstract: An entertainment device is used to notify a user of a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device and/or to notify a user of a perceived problem in a configuration of a controlling device used to control functional operations of the audio visual entertainment system.

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: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes a source of negative voltage, a first resistor arrangement, and a circuit arrangement. The first resistor arrangement is coupled between the source of negative voltage and the signal output of the safety notification system. The circuit arrangement is configured to detect a first voltage at the signal output of the safety notification system, and to generate a trouble signal output if the first voltage at the signal output is above a first threshold or below a second threshold.

Abstract: A power grid event detection apparatus includes an event detection unit to detect a location of an event in a power grid, a customer location unit to determine a location of interest to an interested party, and a rule application unit to determine whether to perform an action designated by the interested party at least when the location of the event corresponds to the location of interest to the interested party.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for driving light emitting devices. The system for driving light emitting devices includes a main light emitting device and at least one sub-light emitting device. The main light emitting device includes a first communication unit for exchanging information with a central monitoring server and a close sub-light emitting device using a wireless communication module, a first light emitting unit having at least one light emitting element, and a first control unit for controlling the light emission of the first light emitting unit, and transmitting a command signal for controlling the sub-light emitting device to the sub-light emitting device. The sub-light emitting device includes a second communication unit for exchanging information with the main light emitting device, a second light emitting unit having at least one light emitting element, and a second control unit for controlling the light emission of the second light emitting unit.

Abstract: A smart harness may be coupled to an electronic device. The smart harness may communicate with the electronic device by an exchange of signals when the harness is secured to the electronic device. The electronic device and/or smart harness may operate in various modes based on the communications or lack of communications, such as when the exchange of signals is interrupted. The various modes may be selected from a non-exhaustive group of a limited functionality mode, an alarm mode, a full feature mode, and a non-active mode.

Abstract: A method for testing a power converter having at least one power transistor is disclosed. The method may include receiving a power transistor test request, and resetting a fault flag. The method may also include applying a gate driver signal to each power transistor, receiving a feedback signal from each power transistor, and determining a difference between the gate driver signal and the feedback signal associated with a respective power transistor. The method may further include identifying a fault if the difference exceeds a threshold profile, and setting a fault flag when a fault is identified.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive health monitoring of a joined component includes: supplying a first current between a first end of a first member and a first end of a second member of the joined component; measuring a first voltage between a second end of the first member and a second end of the second member, wherein the first ends of the first member and the second member are situated opposite of at least one joint from the second ends of the first member and the second member; calculating a first joint resistance of the at least one joint from the supplied first current and the measured first voltage; comparing the calculated first joint resistance to a predetermined minimum joint resistance; and comparing the calculated first joint resistance to a predetermined maximum joint resistance, wherein the predetermined maximum joint resistance is greater than the predetermined minimum joint resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, and more particularly to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, which detects an increase in leakage current according to a deterioration in performance of the surge protection device in order to provide notice of a replacement time for the surge protection device. According to the present invention, it is possible to for a user to provide notice of a replacement time by displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device (SPD) to the outside. Additionally, as another effect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm an amount of leakage current flowing into the ground of the SPD and whether the SPD is properly installed on a ground line by using a current and ground state detecting sensor.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus for sensing occurrence of abnormality in a plant that manufactures products by processing substrates, the alarm apparatus includes: means responsive to an inspection result of a surface of the substrates during manufacturing the products for aggregating degree of occurrence of defects for each monitoring unit region to produce an aggregation result, the monitoring unit region having a prescribed size configured for each type of the abnormality; means for comparing the degree of occurrence of defects in each of the monitoring unit regions with a reference; and means responsive to detection of the monitoring unit region with the degree of occurrence of defects being higher than the reference for transmitting an alarm and outputting the aggregation result.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control. A first set and a second set of device states are monitored. The plurality of device indicator lights are individually utilized to communicate each of the first set of device states. It is determined if the user control has been activated. The plurality of device indicator lights are used in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.