Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing oscillator frequency divider settings as a temperature sensor are described herein. An example method may involve a reader device transmitting an RF signal to a tag device that includes an electronic oscillator configured to generate an oscillator signal with an oscillator frequency and a frequency adjuster configured to adjust the oscillator frequency with a frequency adjustment factor to provide a resulting frequency, the oscillator frequency being dependent on a temperature of the tag device and the resulting frequency being based on a reference frequency provided by the RF signal. The method may also involve the reader device receiving data from the tag device, the data being indicative of the oscillator frequency. The method may further involve the reader device determining an estimate of the temperature of the tag device based on at least the received data and a predetermined relationship between temperature and oscillator frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for assessing the life span of a product and/or system—particularly with respect to end-of-life conditions which are defined by a customer, owner, operator, or other person(s) associated with the product and/or system—and communicating the assessment to said customer, owner, operator, or other person(s). According to one aspect, end-of-life conditions are defined in terms of product life (e.g., anything that relates to how well and how long the product/system operates) and/or economic life (e.g., anything that relates to the cost of deriving a benefit from the product/system). In one particular example, the products or systems relate to lighting systems, particularly those utilizing LED (or other solid-state) light sources.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hazard detector may include a housing having a back plate and a front casing coupled therewith to define an interior space within which various components are contained. The components may include an alarm device and a hazard sensor that is configured to detect a potentially hazardous condition to trigger the alarm device. A cover plate may be coupled with the housing and may face an occupant of a room in which the hazard detector is positioned. The cover plate may include a relatively large population of relatively small openings that are positioned, configured, and dimensioned so that internal components are substantially hidden from view of the occupant while air is allowed to substantially freely flow through the cover plate. A collective area of the openings may be at least 30% of the total area of the cover plate.

Abstract: An early warning and monitoring system is disclosed for battery cells and battery packs. During normal cycling of a battery, surface temperature, voltage, current and impedance may be monitored to determine if abnormalities exist in the battery and/or battery structure. The abnormalities may be advantageously detected using battery temperature characteristics, where the characteristics are subject to rule-based processing to determine impending battery failure. By receiving advance notice of failure, a warning signal may be transmitted to provide notice and/or allow corrective action to be taken.

Abstract: A method and system for conditioning an energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle, like a high-voltage battery or a fuel cell used for vehicle propulsion. It may be detrimental for a high-voltage battery in a parked vehicle to be exposed to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time. Thus, the method and system may be used to condition such a battery—for example, by heating it up if it is too cold or by cooling it down if it is too hot—so that the performance, durability, lifespan and/or other aspects of the battery are improved. In an exemplary embodiment, the method predicts if the battery will need conditioning the next time the vehicle is parked and, if such conditioning is needed, then the method predicts if the battery has sufficient charge to perform this conditioning. If the charge appears insufficient, then the method operates an energy generator that provides additional charge to the battery in anticipation of the needed conditioning.

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: 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: A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A disabling unit can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.

Abstract: A modular device having at least one master integrated circuit, and one or more slave integrated circuit modules coupled to the at least one master integrated circuit with each slave integrated circuit module of the one or more slave integrated circuit modules coupled to and associated with only a single cell of the battery. Each slave integrated circuit module of the one or more slave integrated circuit modules further comprises: detection circuitry adapted to detect data comprising one or more of the temperature, voltage or charge status, and malfunctioning of the single cell associated with and monitored by the slave integrated circuit; and an interface operable to send said detected data to the at least one master integrated circuit. The at least one master integrated circuit is adapted to send commands to a slave integrated circuit module in response to the detected data detected by the slave integrated circuit module.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing a battery pack for a vehicle includes a temperature measurement module for measuring temperature of the battery pack; a current measurement module for measuring a charge/discharge current of the battery pack when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined temperature range; a time measurement module for measuring the time while the measured charge/discharge current is over a predetermined current value; a storage module for accumulating and storing the measured time; and a control module for determining a state of the battery pack according to the accumulated and stored time and providing the state information to a user.

Abstract: System for remote measuring a physical variable comprising an RF transceiver arranged for transmitting an RF signal and for receiving a reflection signal derived from the transmitted signal. An RF transponder comprises a dielectric material having a dielectric property which is dependent on the physical variable according to a first function. The dielectric material is exposed to the physical variable to be measured. The transponder is arranged to receive the signal transmitted by the transceiver and to reflect a reflection signal, or the second and/or higher harmonics of it, which is dependent on the actual dielectric property. Processing means are provided for comparing the signal transmitted by the transceiver and the reflection signal received from the transponder and for converting the comparison result, e.g. the phase shift, into a value which is representative for the physical variable to be measured. The transponder may be e.g. a patch antenna.

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: A wireless communication device and method adapted for temperature monitoring and warning is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: providing (510) a multi-mode communication device including an unrestricted mode having an unrestricted operation temperature range, a restricted mode having a restricted operation temperature range and a warning mode having a warning operation temperature range; determining (520) if a temperature in proximity to the energy storage device is in at least one of the restricted operation temperature range, the unrestricted operation temperature range and a warning operation temperature range; and entering (540) the warning mode when in the warning operation temperature range. The warning mode can include a notification, banner or the like, to a user, to suggest that at least one active application be shut down.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent charge of an incompatible secondary cell while suppressing the size of a mobile electronic device and a secondary cell without increasing power consumption so as to prevent damage of the secondary cell or the mobile electronic device by charge. A detachable secondary cell (30) supplies power to a mobile electronic device (2). The mobile electronic device (2) includes: a cell terminal (60) which outputs and inputs power to/from the mounted secondary cell (30); non-contact information extraction means (20) which performs a magnetic field communication; a loop antenna (26) which transmits/receives a signal using an electromagnetic wave by the non-contact information extraction means (20); and control means (22) which acquires particular information outputted from the non-contact information extraction means (20) and controls charge of the secondary cell (30) according to the acquired particular information. The loop antenna (26) is arranged in the cell terminal (60).

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring battery health in an HVAC system. The charge state of a rechargeable battery and the number of amp-hours provided to or from the rechargeable battery are monitored. The number of amp-hours provided is recorded and an end-of-life condition is detected based on the number of amp-hours provided during the charge or discharge cycle. In some constructions, the end-of-life condition is detected by comparing the number of amp-hours provided during the charge or discharge cycle to a threshold. In some constructions, the end-of-life condition is detected by calculating a rate of change of the number of amp-hours provided during a charge or discharge cycle and comparing the rate of change to a threshold.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for monitoring electrical safety conditions and managing energy consumption using a microcontroller embedded in a circuit breaker. The microcontroller receives a plurality of inputs detected by a plurality of sensors in the circuit breaker. An amount of energy consumed during a preset interval of time is determined. A temperature of a circuit breaker panel board detected by a temperature sensor is received and compared with a preset temperature alarm threshold value to determine a panel board overheating condition. A condition of the neutral conductor is determined based on a plurality of line voltages and currents received from a plurality of voltage and current sensors by comparing a voltage differential with a preset threshold differential voltage value.

Abstract: A method of providing assistance for locating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device is provided. The RFID device preferably comprises a power source having a power level and a feedback device. The method comprises determining the power level of the power source is below a first predetermined power level, and transmitting a first signal that indicates the power level of the power source is below the first predetermined power level. Thereafter, the method comprises receiving a second signal that instructs the RFID device to activate the feedback device, and operating the feedback device in response to receiving the second signal.

Abstract: A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A disabling unit can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.

Abstract: An early warning and monitoring system is disclosed for battery cells and battery packs. During normal cycling of a battery, surface temperature, voltage, current and impedance may be monitored to determine if abnormalities exist in the battery and/or battery structure. The abnormalities may be advantageously detected using battery temperature characteristics, where the characteristics are subject to rule-based processing to determine impending battery failure. By receiving advance notice of failure, a warning signal may be transmitted to provide notice and/or allow corrective action to be taken.

Abstract: A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without the need to obtain a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is selected from voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and they are connected to sensing input nodes NA and NB in two types of patterns with different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection). Sensing input nodes NA and NB are held at reference potential Vm by voltage sensing part 20, and current Ina and Inb corresponding to the voltage at voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 flows to input resistors RIk and RIk-1. Currents Ina and Inb are synthesized at different ratios in voltage sensing part 20, and sensed voltage signal S20 is generated according to the synthesized current Ic. Sensed voltage data S40 with low error is generated according to the difference between the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two connection patterns.

Abstract: An over temperature detector circuit for use in a switching converter including one or more power switches in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a silent sense generator connected to at least one power switch and operable to detect a noise level of the switch and to provide a generator output signal indicative of absence of switching noise and a comparator operable to compare a temperature sensor signal from a temperature sensor with a reference voltage to provide an alarm signal indicating an over temperature condition when the temperature sensor signal exceeds the reference voltage, wherein the alarm signal does not indicate an over temperature condition when the generator output signal does not indicate absence of switching noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printed circuit (10) comprising a support (12) that is insulating under normal conditions of operation of the printed circuit (10). The printed circuit (1) carries at least one component (14) that is capable of accidentally causing undesirable heating of a sensitive zone (Z) of the support (12). For this purpose, the printed circuit (10) further includes a detector for detecting heating of the sensitive zone (Z). The detector comprises a device (26) that are sensitive to the increase in the conductivity of the support (12) with temperature.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and an RF cell monitor. The RF cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a cell monitor. The cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.

Abstract: A system for and method of estimating the state-of-age of a secondary cell utilizing an adaptive group filter algorithm, includes battery current, voltage, and temperature sensors, a communication device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensors and device, configured to filter data by analyzing only sample data points from instantaneous charge or discharge events, selecting only a sample of n instantaneous points for further regression, including n/2 charge event points and n/2 discharge event points, and separately averaging the charge and discharge event points, and further configured to determine the state-of-age by determining a resistance slope based on the rate of current and voltage change between the averages of the points, and matching the slope to a calibrated scalar or relational database.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system (100) for use with a variable reluctance sensor such as found in vehicle wheel bearing applications, which utilizes existing sensors (12) such as the antilock braking system or traction control system sensors as a direct current resistive temperature gauge. The temperature sensing system (100) includes electrical components (R4, C1) configured to separate the DC voltage (VDC(t)) representative of sensor temperature from the original magnetically induced AC voltage output signal (VSN1(t)) representative of the rotation such as vehicle wheel speed, thereby permitting the temperature sensing system (100) to be retrofitted and installed in vehicles or other components without significant alteration to an existing wiring harness or electrical components.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using a frequency division circuit to produce a desired frequency in a radio frequency identification transponder (RFID tag). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an RFID tag includes a frequency division circuit connected to a logic circuit and a oscillator. The logic circuit is adapted to identify at least one frequency associated with a received RF signal (e.g., the frequency of the signal, a frequency identified by the signal, etc.). This frequency is then used by the frequency division circuit to calibrate the frequency provided by the oscillator. In one embodiment of the present invention, the frequency division circuit includes at least one variable counter adapted to divide the frequency provided by the oscillator (i.e., the oscillation frequency) by a programmable factor to produce a desired frequency. The desired frequency is then provided to the logic circuit and used to modulate a received RF signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring at least one battery condition. An ac signal is applied to a battery. A difference between a signal output from the battery and a threshold determines a battery condition. The determined battery condition is transmitted remotely from the battery location either wirelessly or through a network to controller and/or is visibly displayed at the battery location.

Abstract: A low battery indicating device is disclosed for indicating that a battery has low power. The device includes an indicator having a body movable between a retracted, unactuated position and an extended, actuated position. The indicator is visible when in the actuated position. The device also includes means for biasing the indicator towards the actuated position, and latch means cooperating with a portion of the body of the indicator, when the latch means is in a stop position, to hold the indicator in its unactuated position. The latch means is movable between the stop position and a go position which frees the indicator to move, under operation of the biasing means, to the actuated position. A memory alloy wire is mechanically associated with the latch means so as to leave the latch means in the stop position when the memory alloy wire is in a relaxed state and to move the latch means to the go position when the memory alloy wire is in a contracted state caused by heating of the memory alloy wire.

Abstract: A current control device for driving LED devices uses a switched-mode current control loop inside of an output intensity low-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) control loop. This allows separate control of current level (for accurate light wavelength output) and light intensity. The current control device requires only one switch to regulate current level, and no other switches for the intensity control. This allows lower parts count for greater reliability and lower system cost.

Abstract: A color-to-temperature converter senses temperatures of a device, translates the temperatures into light of different colors, and emits or displays the light. The color-to-temperature converter includes a tri-color light emitting diode (LED) assembly with inputs corresponding to red, green, and blue monochromatic LEDs within the assembly. The processor of the converter separately controls the intensity of each monochromatic LED of the assembly, and the outputs of the monochromatic LEDs converge to appear as one color to an observer. In typical operation, the relationship between the temperature input and the converged color imparts to the observer an intuitive understanding of the consequences of the sensed temperatures to operation of the device whose temperatures the converter monitors.

Abstract: A radio communication device capable of changing an output signal to a proper transmission output value in accordance with a usage mode, including a storing unit for storing a plurality of maximum transmission outputs corresponding to a plurality of predetermined usage modes; a usage mode detecting unit for detecting a usage mode; a maximum transmission output determining unit connected to the usage mode detecting unit and the storing unit, for determining a maximum transmission output on the basis of a detection result of the usage mode detecting unit; a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal to the outside; and an output control circuit connected to the maximum transmission output determining unit and the transmission circuit, for controlling a transmission output from the transmission circuit on the basis of the maximum transmission output.

Abstract: A transmitter (100) incorporates an energy storage device (112) to improve operation at low temperature ranges by preventing a battery voltage from dropping below a nominal value of a PLL (104). A processor (106) in the transmitter (100) checks a voltage across the battery (102) during a previous transmission and monitors the temperature from a temperature sensor (110). If the battery voltage and/or the temperature fall below a selected threshold, the energy storage device (112) stores energy that is released when the PLL (104) transmits a signal. By supplementing the energy from the battery (102) with energy from the energy storage device (112), the transmitter (100) keeps the battery voltage from dropping below the nominal value.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.