Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center. Here a human operator may listen to the signals in the audio file and take appropriate action, such as calling the location of the alarm for verification or contacting a professional first responder(s).

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a housing having an external surface including a user interface region. A battery cell within the housing is characterized by a charging status, a state of charge, and a state of health. A processor disposed within the housing determines and/or stores the charging status as well as one or more of the state of charge and the state of health of the battery cell. The user interface region provides a plurality of visual components configured to provide a plurality of visual cues relating to the charging status, the state of charge, and the state of health of the battery cell. The plurality of visual components may include a persistent display, an on-demand display, and an input component. The input component may be used to select the manner in which the visual cues are provided.

Abstract: An industrial inspection handset is disclosed, comprising a battery assembly for providing power to the handset, wherein the battery assembly comprises a connector for connecting a battery charger, a battery circuit for communicating with a processor in the handset, and a battery charge indicator on the surface of the battery assembly connected to the battery circuit for providing a visual indication of the charge remaining in the battery assembly. A method of power management for an industrial inspection handset is also disclosed comprising the steps of setting a first maximum power output value for the camera illumination for the insertion, monitoring an imager signal processor, to determine that the gain value of the image signal processor is less than a predetermined gain value, and setting a lower second maximum power output value for the camera illumination in order to increase the gain value.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formula for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor use the compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver which outputs a warning signal when the amount of remaining battery power is insufficient to perform a scheduled operation of a broadcast program, and a method of controlling an operation of the broadcast receiver, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes identifying broadcast information of a predetermined broadcast program; detecting an amount of remaining power of a battery of the broadcast receiver; determining if the remaining battery power is sufficient to perform a scheduled operation for the predetermined broadcast program based on the broadcast information and the detected remaining battery power; and outputting a warning signal if the determining determines that the remaining battery power is insufficient to perform the scheduled operation.

Abstract: An electronic device having several alarm functions checks to see if a first alarm type can be executed at a preset time, and if not, executes a second alarm type. The alarm types may be playing a received broadcast, playing a stored multimedia file, sounding a tone, or vibrating. If playing a received broadcast is selected as the first alarm type and playing an MP3 file is selected as the second alarm type, and when at the preset time, the broadcast cannot be received, then the MP3 file will be played.

Abstract: In a wireless battery operated medical component (10), a battery life monitor, particularly a voltage monitor (16), takes voltage readings of a battery (12) to assess charge level as the battery (12) drains. The monitored charge level and medical data are transmitted (20) to a receiver (22) associated with a remote host unit (24). The host unit includes historical and typical battery level information and estimates remaining life of the battery (12). Battery life and medical information are displayed on a user interface (42). Typical battery operated medical components include EKG sensors, pulse sensors, blood oxygen sensors, blood measure sensors, brain wave sensors, temperature sensors, perfusion pumps, IV drip controllers, patient identification tags or wrist bands, pacemakers, respirators, x-ray detectors, and an MRI coils.

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: The present invention relates to a method, a content status information providing unit (100), a portable electronic device (114), a computer program product (50) and a computer program element for providing status information related to at least one data content file, within a portable electronic device (114), to a user, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a battery capacity value (step 206), obtaining content related information for at least one data content file (steps 214, 216), determining a content status of the' at least one data content file, in dependence of the obtained battery capacity related to the at least one data content file (steps 222, 226, 233, 234), and providing information on the determined content status to the user (step 224), such that the user of the portable electronic device (114) can be made aware of the status of the at least one data content file.

Abstract: One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data from the first device to a second device, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data to the second device.

Abstract: A simulated battery test device and method that is capable of testing a battery charging circuit and logic circuit to determine proper operation. An operational amplifier is used that can both source and sink current to simulate the operation of the battery. A battery low signal can be generated using the simulated battery test device to test a battery charging circuit and logic circuit in a battery low condition. In addition, a battery open signal can be generated to test the battery charging and logic circuit in a battery open condition. Charging currents are detected to determine if currents fall within an acceptable range.

Abstract: Electronic devices that include batteries can be adapted to provide one or more indications of a low battery condition. An electronic device such as a controller can include a battery and can be adapted to determine a first low battery condition. A first indication can be provided in response to the first low battery condition. In some cases, a second battery condition can be determined and a second indication can be provided in response to the second battery condition. The indications provided to the user can be made progressively more noticeable over time, until the battery is replaced.

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: Battery leakage detection system comprising a gas sensor having a gas sensitive nanoparticle structure.

Abstract: A device suitable for wireless communication with a network entity. The device comprises a functional unit configured to monitor an operational state of the device and, in response to detecting that the device is in a de-powered operational state, to inform the network entity of an ability of the device to wirelessly communicate with the network entity during a future time interval while the device remains in a de-powered operational state. A second functional unit capable of wireless communication with the network entity may also be provided and may be selectably powered from either a main power source or an alternate power source such that the second functional unit is powered from the alternate power source during the future time interval and becomes unpowered from the alternate power source after the future time interval. Thus, de-powered devices can be located and communicated with more easily.

Abstract: A system and method provides a status indicator to a battery pack of a medical device. The battery pack includes a power supply capable of being connected to the medical device. The battery pack also includes an indicator to automatically indicate a status of at least a portion of at least one of the battery pack and the medical device. For example, the indicator can indicate a status of the power supply.

Abstract: A simulated battery test device and method that is capable of testing a battery charging circuit and logic circuit to determine proper operation. An operational amplifier is used that can both source and sink current to simulate the operation of the battery. A battery low signal can be generated using the simulated battery test device to test a battery charging circuit and logic circuit in a battery low condition. In addition, a battery open signal can be generated to test the battery charging and logic circuit in a battery open condition. Charging currents are detected to determine if currents fall within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A life safety device can include a battery monitoring module configured to measure a voltage level of a battery, an alarm module configured to provide an alarm when the voltage level is less than or equal to a low battery threshold, and a silence module configured to silence the alarm for a random time period.

Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center.

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 method for monitoring the operating readiness of memory elements which are assigned to an electronic unit, an engine control unit for example. Furthermore, an electronic unit for executing the method and a computer program, as well as a computer program product are described. In the method described, a supply voltage of the electronic unit is monitored to ensure error-free operation of the memory elements.

Abstract: The invention is a method and remote control apparatus for controlling an electronic device that is capable of indicating a low battery state without the need for cooperation with the electronic device. In one aspect, the invention is a remote control apparatus for controlling an electronic device comprising: a power supply having a voltage; and means to activate an indicator, wherein the activation means activates the indicator in the first way when the voltage is at or above a predefined threshold and the activation means activates the indicator in the second way when the voltage is below a predefined threshold.

Abstract: An automatic circuit recloser is automatically removed from service prior to battery failure. Logic implemented on the automatic circuit recloser is used to determine whether a battery of the automatic circuit recloser may power operation of the automatic circuit recloser in place of a primary power source of the automatic circuit recloser is determined. The logic is also used to signal for the automatic circuit recloser to be automatically tripped when the battery may not power operation of the automatic circuit recloser in place of the primary power source. The logic also may be used to determine whether the battery is of a marginal quality in which the capability of the battery to power operation of the automatic circuit recloser is compromised, and to issue an alarm to indicate that the battery is of the marginal quality.

Abstract: A countdown timer for high performance flashlights and similar battery-operated devices that is initialized with a runtime figure equal to the life expectancy of installed linear depletion-curve cells, that is always on and visible, that counts down whenever the flashlight is switched to the ON position, and that displays time remaining until the installed cells/charge are depleted, thus permitting the user to see at a glance the approximate runtime remaining on the installed power supply.

Abstract: Battery leakage detection system comprising a gas sensor having a gas sensitive nanoparticle structure.

Abstract: An intelligent thermostat communicates with battery-powered threat detectors, such as smoke detectors, to allow remote quieting and coordination of a low battery warning detected by the threat detector. In one embodiment, the threat detector transmits a pre-warning signal to the thermostat indicating that a low battery condition is imminent. The thermostat uses this information to display a pre-warning to the consumer so that the consumer may better coordinate replacing of the battery at a convenient time. Once a low battery condition has been detected, the threat detector transmits a low battery warning signal to the thermostat. The thermostat then displays a warning message and an option for the consumer to quiet the chirping for a period of time from the thermostat. Preferably, the thermostat automatically quiets the chirping during quite times so as to not disturb the consumer.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a clamp-on sensor is coupled at a single point of a battery string in an un-interruptible power supply. In embodiments of the present invention, the clamp-on sensor is a Hall effects sensor for sensing ripple current through the battery string. The clamp-on sensor is coupled with a logic circuit for detecting a battery failure of the battery string. In response to detecting a failure of the battery string, the logic circuit automatically generates a message over a communication network indicating the failure of a battery in the battery string. In embodiments of the present invention, the logic circuit can also generate a message indicating the failure of an inverter in the un-interruptible power supply.

Abstract: In a sensor network system, a communications network connects a set of sensors to a server collectively managing the set of sensors. First, the sensor-managing server acquires remaining drive times of batteries in the sensors, and specifies a target remaining drive time. The server then controls the operation of the sensors so that the remaining drive times of the batteries in the sensors are substantially equal to the target remaining drive time. This reduces the maintenance workload for a system manager, especially, in the recharging of the sensor batteries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for informing a user of an available battery time of a battery in a hybrid terminal based on the operating mode of the hybrid terminal. The hybrid terminal has a plurality of modes and performs a function corresponding to a selection of the user. A battery current amount is subdivided into a plurality of current amount levels for each operating mode of the hybrid terminal, and an available battery time in each operating mode is calculated for each current amount level, so as to generate an available battery time table. The generated available battery time table is stored in a memory of the hybrid terminal. The operating mode of the hybrid terminal, and the amount of current supplied to the hybrid terminal are detected. An available battery time corresponding to the detected current amount is obtained from the available battery time table. A text or a sound message indicating the obtained available battery time is displayed.

Abstract: The battery remaining amount warning circuit can issue a battery remaining amount warning after battery power is fully used, reduce current consumption, and issue a warning at appropriate timing for various types of battery. A system controller calculates DC resistance value of the battery from a difference between a current value in an operating mode before a change which is stored in the memory and a current value in an operating mode after the change which is stored in the memory and a voltage variation of the battery measured by an A/D converter, and when the calculated DC resistance value becomes greater than a predetermined value, the system controller sends a warning instruction signal to a data LCD.

Abstract: A backup electrical power unit for an alarm panel. The unit comprises a solar panel array which produces an array output DC voltage and a charging current for a battery through a first circuit at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the battery terminal output at a second battery voltage level. The charging current resumes when the battery output voltage is at or below the first voltage level. The backup unit also includes a second circuit interposed electrically, serially with the first circuit to disconnect the array output from the battery terminal output below a disconnect, voltage level. A circuit is provided for connecting the battery to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted. Status indicators are provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus of delivering the power status data signal of the smart battery includes a control device, a data buffer device and a data storage device. The control device is for outputting a smart battery clock signal, a first clock signal and a second clock signal according to an input clock signal, and for receiving and outputting the power status data signal serially. The data buffer device is for receiving the power status data signal serially and outputting the power status data signal in parallel according to the first clock signal. The data storage device is for storing the power status data signal and outputting the power status data signal in parallel according to the second clock signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring at least one battery. A reference ramp voltage signal is applied to a battery. A difference between a measurement ramp voltage signal output from the battery and the reference signal is compared with a threshold to determine battery condition. The determined battery condition can be transmitted remotely from the battery location.

Abstract: Determining near-end-of-life (NEOL) state of a combustion engine battery, comprising: first and second multi-functional modules operatively connected to a logic function linking group, each operating with different low cranking strength criteria based on using different reference voltages, and each counting a different number of occurrences of low cranking strength exhibited by the battery, for a plurality of engine startings; a third multi-functional module, additionally operatively connected to the logic function linking group, monitoring extent the battery was recharged by the charging system of the combustion engine during previous operation of the combustion engine, during each engine starting; and logic function linking group, performing logic operations and making decisions using simultaneously received output values of first, second, and third, multi-functional modules, for unambiguously determining a single logically correct specific case associated with the combustion engine battery in, or not in, t

Abstract: An apparatus of monitoring motor vehicle's electric power and method thereof are provided. The apparatus is disposed in the motor vehicle and includes a monitor and alarm device parallel connected to both a battery to be measured and a starting motor of the motor vehicle. The starting motor is taken as a load for forming an outer loop sampling circuit, 1/t second is set as a sampling time interval during discharging, voltage and current curves are formed by connecting a plurality of continuous voltage values each sampled in 1/t second, a minimum voltage of the voltage curve is compared with a predetermined alarm value for determining a status of the battery to be measured, and an alarm is issued in time if the status of the battery to be measured is abnormal.

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.

Abstract: An uninterruptable power supply for use with an Internet Telephone or Internet Telephone Cable Modem comprises a power supply and a load. The power supply has an AC/DC converter for producing converter DC, and also a rechargeable battery. A DC output multiplexer selects one of such DC sources and furnishes it to the load. The multiplexer has an input control signal for switching the DC source to a battery, and an output indicator indicating when the battery is acting as the DC source. The load includes a controller which generates this test signal at times when it is useful to test the battery, and accepts the indicator signal to know when the battery is providing this current. The controller includes a test function for measuring the reserve charge of the battery by measuring the temporal voltage drop and time of this temporal voltage drop with the use of an A/D converter. Additionally, the controller measures the charge and discharge intervals of the battery.