Abstract: An LED driver measures a voltage across the LED and a temperature associated with the LED. The LED driver drives the LED to operate below a knee in the voltage/current curve of the LED and derives an expected voltage across the LED from the temperature of the LED, the LED driving current, and a predetermined relation between the expected LED voltage and at least one of LED temperature and LED driving current. The LED driver determines if the measured voltage across the LED exceeds the expected voltage across the LED, and establishes, based on the determination, if an LED approaching end of life warning is to be generated. Thus, an approaching end of life may be determined by the LED driver while the LED is still operational.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic shelf label system, wherein the system comprises shelf labels fastened to shelf edge strips, wherein the shelf labels are designed such that they can be supplied with energy in a contactless manner, and the shelf edge strip comprises a supply device for contactlessly supplying energy to the shelf labels fastened on it, and the shelf edge strip comprises at least one conductor loop, wherein the conductor loop is a constituent of the supply device of the shelf edge strip and the conductor loop is used for emitting a signal, which can be generated by the supply device, for the purpose of the said supply of energy of shelf labels positioned on the shelf edge strip in a manner corresponding to the conductor loop, wherein according to the method, the said signal is generated with the aid of the supply device and emitted via the conductor loop and the respective shelf label positioned corresponding to the conductor loop stores electrical energy, which is transmitted with the aid

Abstract: A method checks a functionality of a solenoid valve for a brake system in a motor vehicle. The solenoid valve includes an armature and a coil. The armature, on actuation of the solenoid valve, is moved by a magnetic field of the coil, reducing an air gap of the solenoid valve defined by a position of the armature. The method includes measuring an electric current during the actuation of the solenoid valve, analysing a characteristic of the electric current during the actuation of the solenoid valve, and assessing the functionality of the solenoid valve based on the analysis of the characteristic of the electric current.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) is provided including a plurality of outlets; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of outlets. Each of the plurality of LEDs being configured to produce a plurality of colors and each of the plurality of colors being uniquely associated with different properties of the PDU.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a projector, a control method thereof, and an image system that make it possible to easily control operation performed by a projector. The projector includes a display control section which acquires display data including equipment control information that controls equipment, and which controls another equipment according to the equipment control information. The present technology is applicable, for example, to a projector that is to be connected to another equipment through a network.

Abstract: There is provided a method for executing disk operations in a data storage system (DSS) including a power supply connected to a plurality of serially connected storage enclosures, and a power management module, where each storage enclosure includes at least one disk storage. Each logical partition of plurality of logical partitions is hosted on respective sets of disk storages corresponding to protection groups. The DSS causes activation of a set of protection groups, and authorizes a subset of protection groups to accept execution of disk operations. Disk operations are received and executed by the subset. In response to determining that an operation parameter of a given protection group of the subset is equal to a predetermined threshold, a remaining protection group of the set of protection groups is added to the subset, and a new protection group is activated and added to the set of protection groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure obtains a hydraulic pressure control unit capable of appropriately diagnosing presence or absence of fixation of an electromagnetic valve. In the hydraulic pressure control unit according to the present disclosure, a controller includes: an acquisition section that acquires a current value of a current flowing through a coil of the electromagnetic valve in a hydraulic pressure control mechanism; and a diagnosis section that determines whether the current value has exhibited behavior of being temporarily reduced in a process in which the current value is increased at initiation of applying the current to the coil of the electromagnetic valve, so as to diagnose the presence or the absence of the fixation of the electromagnetic valve.

Abstract: A server node connection system uses two or more proximity sensors per server node to determine progressive, real time changes in wipe length for each individual connector on the node that is connected to an opposing header connector on header connected to a midplane of the server assembly/rack. The system is capable of scanning, monitoring, trending, and alarming.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a dishwasher cavity for cleaning dishes, glasses, cutlery or similar wash items. The dishwasher cavity has a plurality of walls that delimit it, with at least one of the walls including a through-hole. A flat lighting unit is configured for placement in the through-hole such as to be pressed by a mechanical force application element against edge regions surrounding the through-hole.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to recognition of an appliance state based on sensor data and determination of a response based at least in part on the appliance state. In various embodiments, an apparatus to recognize an appliance state may include a sensor data module to identify sensor data in one or more signals relating to data from one or more sensors associated with an appliance, an appliance state recognition module to determine an appliance state of the appliance based at least in part on the sensor data, a response module to determine a response based at least in part on the appliance state, and a transmission module to send the response to at least one of an appliance controller for the appliance or a presentation device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator may include a power supply unit configured to power the refrigerator using commercial power, a battery coupled to the power supply unit and configured to supply auxiliary power to the refrigerator, a power detection unit coupled to the power supply unit and the battery and configured to detect whether power is being supplied from the power supply unit, a driving unit to provide cold air, and a controller configured to control an operational mode of the driving unit based on the detection at the power detection unit. When the power supply unit is supplying power, the driving unit may be controlled to operate in a normal operation mode, and when the power supply unit is not supplying power, the driving unit may be controlled to operate in a power failure operation mode and to control the power to be supplied from the battery.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system and method are disclosed. A battery monitor compares data in parallel register files. If voltage deviation above a certain threshold is detected in one register file, the system generates an alert that a fault exists upstream in the system. In order to better detect errors, the system may intentionally alter the voltages on the batteries to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for providing advanced security functions. The WTRU includes trusted platform module (TPM) for performing trusted computing operations; and a secure time component (STC) for providing a secure measurement of a current time. The STC and the TPM are integrated to provide accurate trusted time information to internal and external to the WTRU. The STC may be located on an expanded a subscriber identity module (SIM), on the WTRU platform, or two STCs may be used, one in each location. Similarly, the TPM may be located on an expanded SIM, on the WTRU platform, or two TPMs may be used, one in each location. Preferably, the STC will include a real time clock (RTC); a tamper detection and power failure unit; and a time report and sync controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the status of a solenoid. A method includes measuring a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The measured parameters are compared to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid. A system includes a sensor configured to measure a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The system includes a control module configured to receive the measured parameters and operable to compare the measured parameters to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically powered hand tool which comprises a device for providing tactile feedback to an operator of the tool. The tool further comprises a user-operated trigger for activating the working member of the tool. The tactile feedback provided by the tool alerts the operator about the activation status of the tool. More specifically, the operator is provided with an indication that the power to the tool is ON. The tactile feedback is provided at least from the time when the power to the tool is turned ON to the point in time when the trigger is pulled to activate the working member of the tool.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: a switching power supply; a switching unit for switching a connection state between an AC power supply and the switching power supply; an electricity storage unit; an auxiliary power supply circuit for feeding charging current to the electricity storage unit; a driving circuit for driving the switching unit; a voltage detection circuit for detecting a voltage of the AC power supply; and a control device configured to perform: an overvoltage detection process of determining whether the AC power supply is an overvoltage based on a detection value of the voltage detection circuit; and a process of, in a case where an overvoltage is detected, keeping the switching unit at a cutoff state where the alternating current power supply and the switching power supply are disconnected.

Abstract: Remote power loss detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: tracking location of an asset by an onboard device mechanically coupled to the asset, the onboard device electrically coupled to a source of power of the asset, and the onboard device receiving power from the asset; charging a supercapacitor coupled to the onboard device; and then detecting a complete loss of power provided to the onboard device, and the detecting by the onboard device; and after the complete loss of power sending a message by wireless transmission, the sending based on power derived from the supercapacitor, and the message including an indication of a last known voltage provide by the asset prior to the complete loss of power, and the sending by the onboard device after the complete loss of power.

Abstract: For cable management, a bi-stable liquid crystal display is positioned on an exterior segment of a communications cable. A display module that connects to the bi-stable liquid crystal display, connects to the communications cable with one or more pins, and receives the signal associated with one or more messages about the communications cable. The display module further causes the one or more messages to be shown on the bi-stable liquid crystal display in response to the display module receiving the signal.

Abstract: A charging cable, used for charging an electric storage device in an electric vehicle from an external power supply, controls a usage history of the charging cable by a CCID, displays a warning on an external monitor, and regulates charging when a service life limit of the charging cable has been exceeded.

Abstract: An electrical unit outlet device is disclosed for controlling power isolation, based on a predetermined time, for a device charger, while remaining plugged into a power outlet. An electrical outlet unit circuit cuts any power to the charging device off when charge is complete. An electrical device to limit the electrical power consumed by battery chargers, that are used to recharge the batteries of devices is described which includes: (1) a means to initiate a charging cycle; (2) surge protection circuit to protect both the battery charger and the device being recharged; and (3) an automatic control circuit to terminate a charging cycle. Secondly for the device to maintain the battery at full charge for extended periods of time while limiting power consumption, which includes: (1) a means to repeatedly initiate an abbreviated charging cycle and (2) a means to control the amount of time between the abbreviated charging cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cable including conductors to carry data signals and a power voltage from a device when the cable is connected to the device, and at least one active display assembly fixed along a length of the cable. The active display assembly includes a power converter connected to the conductors to convert the power voltage to a supply voltage, and a programmable display and a controller powered by the power converter. The programmable display is configured to display programmed indicia responsive to the supply voltage, and the controller is configured to program the display.

Abstract: A device connectable to a power line conductor includes an electrically conductive insulated first winding of wire wound into at least two turns having a first and a second end. The first end is configured to be attached to a first power line conductor. An electrically conductive insulated second winding of wire wound into at least one turn having a first end connected to the second end of the first winding of wire and a second end is configured to be attached to a second power line conductor. A switchable connecting device is configured to move between a first position connecting the first and second power line conductors in series, a second position connecting the first winding of wire in series with the first and the second power line conductors, and a third position connecting the first and second power line conductors and the first and second windings of wire in series.

Abstract: A transmission line includes a first connection module, transmission module, and second connection module. The first connection module has a first terminal, sampling unit, and first light emitting module. The transmission module has a cable and an optical fiber. The optical fiber has an end coupled to the first light emitting module. The cable has an end connected to the first terminal. The second connection module has a second terminal and fixing unit. The second terminal is connected to another end of the cable. The fixing unit is fixed to another end of the optical fiber. Current and data are transmitted between the first and second terminals by the cable. The sampling unit samples the current from the cable and generates sampling voltage to be transmitted to the first light emitting module for driving the first light emitting module to emit a first light coupled to the optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods and/or devices are provided for monitoring life-expectancy and/or useful life of an optical transceiver module by tracking an insertion cycle count of an optical transceiver module. An alarm/warning indicator may be generated or the optical transceiver module can be disabled completely if the insertion cycle count exceeds a predefined threshold. The host device first detects the insertion of the optical transceiver module and then reads the cycle count along with an identifier value from the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module. The host device then increments the insertion cycle count by one, to account for the current insertion, and stores this new cycle count into a non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module. The insertion cycle count value may be encrypted and/or the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module may be password-protected to avoid accidental and/or unauthorized access to the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module.

Abstract: An extension cord with environmental condition sensing ability has a plug for connecting to a power source, and includes a main body, a sensor unit, and a current control unit. On the main body, there are provided a first socket group and a second socket group, which are electrically connected to the power source via the plug. The sensor unit is electrically connected to the second socket group for sensing an environmental condition and thereby generating a signal. The current control unit and the sensor unit together form an electric circuit, and the current control unit receives the signal generated by the sensor unit and turns on or cuts off electric current being supplied to the second socket group according to the received signal.

Abstract: A generator coupling kit is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the generator coupling kit may comprise a wire adapted to couple with a generator on a first end, the wire adapted to couple with an outdoor box on a second end; the outdoor box adapted to couple with the wire; an indoor electrical panel adapted to couple with the outdoor box via a generator breaker; and the generator breaker adapted to couple with indoor electrical panel, the generator breaker adapted to couple with the outdoor box via internal wiring, the generator breaker comprising a circuit breaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable structure with indicating function, which comprises a cable, a first connector plug and an indication unit. The first connector plug has a main body and a connection part, and coupled with one end of the cable; and the indication unit is fastened in the main body and installed with at least an indicating device coupled with a circuit board and having an indicating function on the main body, the circuit board is connected to a power circuit between the cable and the first connector plug through a wire, and through a detecting circuit of the circuit board performing a comparison operation, the indicating device is enabled to respectively display the indication of charging in progress and charging finished. As such, a user can directly observe the charging status of the hand-held device through the display of the indication unit without needs of actuating the screen of the hand-held device.

Abstract: An anode of a light emitting diode (LED) and a second terminal of a third electrical switch are connected to a first power source. First terminals of the first and second electrical switches are respectively connected to a second power source and a suspend signal pin. A second terminal of the first electrical switch is connected to a cathode of the LED and an output pin of a counter chip. A second terminal of a second electrical switch is connected to the first power source through a first resistor and a first terminal of the third electrical switch. A third terminal of the third electrical switch is grounded through second and third resistors and a capacitor in sequence and a voltage pin of the counter chip.

Abstract: An expansion tank which comprises a tank having a predetermined volume capacity; a flexible diaphragm in the tank, partitioning tank volume into a liquid-containing portion for holding liquid and a gas-containing portion for holding a gas under a pressure that defines a normal pressurized gas volume when the liquid-containing portion holds a predetermined liquid volume; and a proximity sensor suspended in the gas-containing portion of the tank and adapted to energize an alarm signal when volume of the gas-containing portion is reduced a predetermined amount as indicated by proximity of the diaphragm.

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: 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: An apparatus that enables indication of power utilization from an electrical outlet to be visually provided to a user, comprising receptacles, an illumination means, and a toggle switch. When an electrical power cord is plugged into the apparatus and is drawing any amount of current above zero (0) amps, the illumination means will activate, thereby alerting the user that the device is drawing power, even if the device is turned off, and allowing the user to take corrective action if necessary. The integral toggle switch deactivates the power to the device while leaving it plugged in.

Abstract: An electric current flow indicator senses electrical current flowing through an electrical device and produces a visible feedback to indicate proper operation. The current flow indicator has a voltage and current regulation circuit having first and second inputs connected to first and second conductors, respectively. The circuit converts an AC line voltage carried by an electrical supply cord into a limited low voltage DC current. A toroidal core inductor coil and at least one current indicating LED are connected to the circuit. The first conductor passes through a center of the inductor coil. A transistor amplifier is connected to an output of the inductor coil for energizing the current indicating LED when an electrical current conducts through the first conductor. The flow indicator can be integrated into an electrical supply cord, a male or female electrical cord end, a single or duplex electrical outlet, or a universal plugin adapter.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides an alarm method and apparatus for terminal anti-eavesdropping. The method includes: acquiring the working state of a microphone of a terminal; and sending alarm information according to the working state of the microphone of the terminal. Particularly, alarm information can be sent when the microphone of the terminal is switched on. According to the embodiments of the present invention, a user can be alerted when the background sound of the terminal may be eavesdropped on, thereby improving the security of communications. In addition, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a terminal having an anti-eavesdropping alarm function.

Abstract: An approach to cable management is presented. A bi-stable liquid crystal display that requires no power to maintain an image is attached to a communications cable. A bi-stable liquid crystal display may be attached to each end of the cable. The bi-stable liquid crystal displays may be built into the connectors. A display module connects to the bi-stable liquid crystal display and receives signals associated with a message about the communications cable. The display module causes messages to be shown on the bi-stable liquid crystal display in response to receiving the signal. The signal may be generated by a user with a hand held driver. The signal may also be generated automatically by computing devices (such as switches) that are attached to the communications cable. Users may easily determine information about the communications cable by looking at the messages on the bi-stable liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: An electrical unit outlet device is disclosed for controlling power isolation, based on a pre-determined time, for a device charger, while remaining plugged into a power outlet. A power isolating circuit cuts any power to the charging device off when charge is complete.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a touch switch with touch contacts 304, 306, located on the grip of the lighting device is that the light 312 can be turned on when the contacts are bridged by the hand of a user. An electronic circuit 300 includes a latching arrangement 302, 316 to latch the light on. The light can be dimmed by use of a further touch contact 308.

Abstract: An adapter and a portable electronic device which may contain the adapter are disclosed. The adapter may be detachably contained in a containing recess of the portable electronic device, and it includes a base, a first connecting end and a second connecting end. The first connecting end is disposed on the base, and the second connecting end and the first connecting end are electrically connected to each other. In addition, a containing recess is formed on a surface of the portable electronic device for containing the adapter. The portable electronic device may remind the user to put away the adapter into the containing recess.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a system comprises a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to a portable device and the second end is connected to an A/V switcher. The A/V switcher is configured to monitor presence of an A/V signal in the 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 configured to display said A/V signal presence within the associated coupled cable, and a transceiver configured to receive the data, via a wireless link, the data regarding said A/V signal presence.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a cable clamp (100) comprises a first half member (110) and a second half member (115). Each of the half members comprises first and second mating surfaces (120, 125), and interior and exterior surfaces (130, 135). The half members are connected at the first mating surfaces thereof such that the half members form a passageway (140) for receiving a cable (145) therethrough. The clamp further comprises at least one actuator (150) disposed on one of the exterior surfaces, at least one indicator (155) disposed on one of the exterior surfaces, and a transceiver (160) configured to transmit data regarding the at least one actuator and to receive data regarding the indicator via a wireless link.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism including sensing electronics, a power source and a length of bifilar wire. The bifilar wire has two electrically conductive filaments separated by an insulator, with a first end in electrical connection with the sensing electronics and the power source and a second end that is free. A circuit can be created by fusing together the two filaments in a section of the bifilar wire. The sensing electronics are configured to monitor the status of a circuit created between the bifilar wire, sensing electronics and power source and to output a signal when the circuit is broken.

Abstract: A household appliance includes an information light device that projects light onto a surface to enable a user to determine whether or not the household device is in operation. The information light device may include a light guide. The light guide may be disposed along a side portion of the household appliance.

Abstract: A home appliance and a signal output method thereof are disclosed. The home appliance outputs product information in the form of a sound signal, which is transmitted to a service center at a remote site over a communication network so that the service center can readily check the state of the home appliance. A digital signal including product information of the home appliance is converted into a sound signal based on a plurality of frequency signals. Therefore, a larger amount of data can be rapidly transmitted for a fault diagnosis, so as to improve fault diagnosis accuracy.

Abstract: Hence, according to the present invention, an energy monitoring apparatus (100) is provided. The energy monitoring apparatus comprises a detector (111) configured to detect light from a flashing lamp (11) on an energy meter (10) and provide a detector signal based on the detected light. The flashing frequency of the lamp indicates energy consumption metered by the energy meter. The energy monitoring apparatus further comprises a signal adjusting component (112) configured to process the detector signal and output a rescaled signal (based on the processed detector signal), and a controller (121) configured to adaptively control the signal adjusting component such that, responsive to detection of light from the flashing lamp, the rescaled signal pulsates (or oscillates) around a predetermined threshold level. The present invention is advantageous in that it can be used for a wide range of energy meter lamps.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for managing configuration and for managing maintenance of apparatus. It relates to a device for managing configuration and maintenance of a number N of items of apparatus EQi integrated into a system, i denoting an identification index for the apparatus EQi and lying between 2 and N. The system includes a main computer RC. The apparatus EQi exchanges data with the main computer RC through a communication network. The apparatus EQi being able to be integrated into the system or to be removed from the system. According to the invention, the device includes at least one data concentrator C, N radio tags ETi, each tag ETi is fixed securely to the apparatus EQi, a number M of communication nodes Nj, where j denotes an identification index for the communication node Nj, j lies between 2 and M, M is less than or equal to N.

Abstract: An automated and/or remote method for identifying and/or changing the source of power for these generator sets, which may apply to any environment where there are alternative sources of power available which must be managed remotely (such as for other powered containers not used for refrigeration transport).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable structure with indicating function, which comprises a cable, a first connector plug and an indication unit. The first connector plug has a main body and a connection part, and coupled with one end of the cable; and the indication unit is fastened in the main body and installed with at least an indicating device coupled with a circuit board and having an indicating function on the main body, the circuit board is connected to a power circuit between the cable and the first connector plug through a wire, and through a detecting circuit of the circuit board performing a comparison operation, the indicating device is enabled to respectively display the indication of charging in progress and charging finished. As such, a user can directly observe the charging status of the hand-held device through the display of the indication unit without needs of actuating the screen of the hand-held device.

Abstract: A security device having a flexible material into which a product may be sealed and unauthorized removal of the product triggers a security alarm. The security device includes a flexible material adapted to house a product therein and is operable in a sealed orientation when the product is sealed within the flexible material and in an open orientation when the product is accessible from within the flexible material. Conductive material is affixed to the flexible material and forms a closed electrical circuit with an alarming device when the security device is in the sealed orientation and an open electrical circuit when the circuit is opened. The security alarm is triggered when the electrical circuit is opened.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a system comprises a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to a portable device and the second end is connected to an A/V switcher. The A/V switcher is configured to monitor presence of an A/V signal in the 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 configured to display said A/V signal presence within the associated coupled cable, and a transceiver configured to receive the data, via a wireless link, the data regarding said A/V signal presence.

Abstract: An anode of a light emitting diode (LED) and a second terminal of a third electrical switch are connected to a first power source. First terminals of the first and second electrical switches are respectively connected to a second power source and a suspend signal pin. A second terminal of the first electrical switch is connected to a cathode of the LED and an output pin of a counter chip. A second terminal of a second electrical switch is connected to the first power source through a first resistor and a first terminal of the third electrical switch. A third terminal of the third electrical switch is grounded through second and third resistors and a capacitor in sequence and a voltage pin of the counter chip.