Abstract: An RFID communication system comprising a near field coupler that is capable of selectively communicating with a targeted transponder positioned among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler is configured to receive communication signals from a transceiver and transmit the signals to a targeted transponder in a transponder operating region. The coupler includes a number of radiating elements spaced apart and a switching element. The switching element selectively couples one or more of the radiating elements to the transceiver. The coupled elements transmit the signals into the transponder operating region by emanating a near field effect. The pattern of the near field effect may be adjusted by changing the combination of the coupled radiating elements.

Abstract: A system includes several functional modules to alert a user that an accessory has not been placed back into a bay of an electronic device after a predetermined time period. A sensor is configured for determining if the accessory has been received in the bay after the time period has expired. The sensor is further configured for generating a notification if the accessory has not been received in the bay after the time period has expired. An audio module is configured for receiving the notification, and transmitting an audio alarm via a speaker indicating that the accessory has not been received in the bay after the time period has expired. A display module is configured for receiving the notification, and displaying a graphic alarm on a display panel of the electronic device.

Abstract: A wireless breakage indicator for a shear pin having an axial bore. The indicator (10) comprises a stem (20) having a head (22) and a foot (24) at opposite ends thereof; a sleeve (32) around a portion of the stem between a first (28) and second (30) axial positions, the stem (20) and sleeve (32) adapted to be broken by the shear pin (12) in the event of its breakage; a spring (26) compressed between the head (22) of the stem (20) and a first end (34) of the sleeve (32); the foot (24) of the stem (20) being retained to the second end (36) of the sleeve (32). The breakage of the stem (20) frees the head (22) to be displaced by the spring (26) and indicate breakage of the shear pin (12). The indication can be direct, by visual inspection of the displaced head, or indirect by the displacement of the head activating a transmitter.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises a plurality of linearly extendable actuators arranged to be driven by a common electrically driven motor, each actuator, being provided with limit stops to limit extension and/or retraction thereof, wherein the limit stops of the actuators are positioned such that a first one of the actuators has a smaller range of permitted extension than at least a second one of the actuators.

Abstract: A data storing apparatus that wirelessly transmits data, wherein the apparatus is deformable so as to block wireless transmission of data when the apparatus is in the deformed state.

Abstract: A removable trailer hitch security system, comprising a housing assembly. The housing assembly comprises first and second ends and at least first, second, third, and fourth walls. The first and second walls comprise first holes that align. The first holes having first cooperative dimensions and shape to receive a first locking pin therethrough. The first end receives a hitch of a trailer assembly. A male member protrudes from the second end. The male member has a distal end. The male member further comprises fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth walls. The fifth and sixth walls comprises second holes that align. The second holes have second cooperative dimensions and shape to receive a second locking pin therethrough. The distal end inserts into a hitch receiver of a vehicle assembly. The present invention further comprises first and second cable assemblies and an electrical system.

Abstract: A system for encouraging the use of a load stabilizer in a cargo carrying vehicle comprising a storage device which has a detector, the detector being adapted to sense the presence or absence of a stabilizing member such as a shoring bar, the detector being designed to emit a first signal upon sensing the presence of the stabilizing member and to emit a second signal upon sensing the absence of the stabilizing member. The signal could activate or trigger a visual or audio indicator or alternatively the signal will allow or prevent an action being taken.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock reminder system includes a dead bolt lock mechanism including a dead bolt for mounting in a door to be secured in a closed door state and a transmitter subsystem constructed for positioning proximate the deadbolt lock mechanism and which further includes a transmitter and a detector. The detector is configured for detecting when the dead bolt is moved from a locked state position to an unlocked state position and from an unlocked state position to a locked state position and where the transmitter is configured for transmitting a dead lock reminder signal identifying that a state of the dead bolt has changed to one of locked and unlocked upon detection of same by the detector. A hand held receiver subsystem is configured to receive the dead lock reminder signal at a time of transmission, and maintain a status of a last change to a locked or an unlocked state for displaying to a user of the hand held receiver subsystem.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bearing is disclosed. The method involves positioning a non-contacting bearing isolator adjacent a bearing on a piece of rotating equipment so that at least one operating parameter of said bearing is communicated to said bearing isolator; and, positioning an energy detector within range of said bearing isolator so that said energy detector is able to monitor said at least one operating parameter of said bearing by detecting at least one operating parameter of said bearing isolator.

Abstract: A support includes a base having an outwardly extending projection with a passageway therethrough, and having a tag receiving portion configured to removably support a tag on the base adjacent one end of the passageway. A different arrangement involves a tag that includes a housing having an opening therethrough and having an annular surface around the opening, an annular gasket engaging the annular surface, and circuitry within the housing having a sensor located in the region of the opening and having a transmitter that can transmit wireless signals. A method includes defining a passageway that provides fluid communication between an interior and exterior of a container, supporting a tag on the exterior of the container, and causing the tag to sense, at a location in the region of an end of the passageway, a condition within the container.

Abstract: A secure connector is provided. The secure connector comprises a casing; a tamper sensor disposed inside the casing and configured to detect unauthorized tamper events; and one or more conductors configured to carry signals, the one or more conductors passing through the tamper sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for incorporating guided network cable Move/Add/Change (MAC) work order capability into a power patch panel. MAC work orders may be controlled and monitored using in-band signaling using, e.g., standard RJ-45 patch cords. Cable detection is performed at a port level on a real-time basis. Coordination of guided MAC operations may be performed by the patch panel, independently, or in conjunction with, or under the control of, a remote Network Management System. The patch panel may be in either an interconnect or cross-connect configuration.

Abstract: A self-powered sensor detects or measures an event by converting one form of energy into another form. The converted energy may be conditioned and regulated to drive a wireless transmitter and encoder. A receiver may detect and validate a received message. If validated, the message may be processed or decrypted and processed to determine what has been identified or requested.

Abstract: An optical traffic signal column including stacked levels fixed to one another by rotation. The base of each level includes, distributed along its periphery, oblong passages and fixed connectors. The conductors include rods each having two ends angularly offset from one another, and including a common conducting rod and a stage-specific conducting rod. The connector rods are identical and respectively fix the bottom of a conducting rod of the relevant level and the top of the respective conducting rod of an adjacent level, the angular offset between the two fixing points corresponding to that of ends of the conducting rods. The conducting rods are mutually arranged and mounted to effect, from one level to the next level, an essentially identical angular position of the common conducting rods and an angular offset of the stage-specific conducting rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe-insertion guiding apparatus for guiding a user towards correct insertion of therapeutic probes into a patient. The apparatus comprises a template which comprises a plurality of apertures sized to accommodate therapeutic probes and to guide insertion of such probes into a body, a probe command receiver for receiving probe insertion commands specifying template apertures through which probes are to be inserted, and at least one of a) a sensory output device operable to indicate to a user which aperture is to receive a next inserted probe, and b) a probe detection device operable to detect insertion of a probe into an aperture. Preferred embodiments include feedback modules providing feedback to a user indicating whether the user's probe did or did not correspond to a probe insertion specified by a received probe insertion command.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A media component is provided for controlling home automation signals. The media component can include a housing containing management circuitry. A plurality of communication ports can also be included for the media component. The communication ports may be coupled to the housing. In addition, a plurality of light units is provided. The light units are lit in order to guide a user to take a pre-determined action with respect to the communication ports.

Abstract: In an encoder which is equipped with two detectors arranged on both sides of a rotating shaft in order to eliminate an eccentricity error, the mounting of the detectors is facilitated by making provisions so as to not cause a problem in the calculating of an average even if the detectors happen to be so mounted that the difference between the angular values calculated from the outputs of the respective detectors becomes equal to 180°. In an initialization process after power on, the difference ?? between the angular values ?1 and ?2 calculated from the signals output from the respective detectors is stored as an initial value. Position data ? is output by taking an average between ?3 and ?2, where ?3 is a value obtained by correcting ?1 by the initial difference ??.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a passive UHF omnidirectional container electronic seal. It comprises a locking bar and a locking cap; the locking bar contains a locking bar hasing a RFID chip and a cable connector, wherein the RFID chip is electrically connected with the cable connector; and the locking cap hasing a plug-in unit, which is matched with the cable connector in the locking bar for connecting an antenna in the locking cap. The present invention combines the mechanical container seal in the present market with the RFID technology and adopts the ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID technology, which has overcome numerous shortcomings to reach the long-distance transmission, the transmission distance can be up to 10 meters and with no direction, can resist more than 1.2 tons pulling force, and the appearance is novel, small, exquisite and cheap.

Abstract: A contactless data communication system includes a reader-writer device, a contactless identification tag including a plurality of contactless identification tags, and baggage including multiple pieces of baggage. The reader-writer device includes a data reception part, a data transmission part, a control part, an operation part, and a display part. The contactless identification tag includes a data communication part, a data control part, a voltage monitoring part, a detachment detection part, a display processing part, and an electrophoresis display device. The voltage monitoring part and the detachment detection part detect a voltage change caused when the contactless identification tag is detached from the baggage, so as to detect that the contactless identification tag is detached.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A post office box (2) including an enclosed space (3) defined by a front surface (7) with an opening (20) fitted with a sealing device (21) that includes a first sealing element (31) movable between an open position in which the space is accessible via the front opening, and a closed position in which the front opening (20) is substantially sealed, and which includes a locking device (50) for locking the first sealing element (31). The box (2) comprises a locking element (41) movable along a rear surface (8) and connected to the first sealing element (31) via a connection (49) for transmitting a movement proportional to the movement of the first sealing element (31), said locking device (50) being mounted on the rear surface (8) and engageable with the locking element (41). A post office box system (1) including a plurality of such boxes is also disclosed.

Abstract: This present application relates to a device for detecting positions of a movably guided part, comprising a proximity sensor which supplies an output signal which is a measure for the distance of an object located in front of the proximity sensor, and further comprising at least one transponder arranged on the movably guided part, the proximity sensor being designed such that the data stored in the transponder can be read out by means of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A chair based interface comprising a lower portion attachable to the base of a two part chair and an upper portion attachable to the shaft of a two part chair. A rocker arm connects the two portions and depresses an internal switch when pressure is placed on the chair. A wireless transmitter and receiver and attached interface can control a computer or other device based on the activation or deactivation of the switch. The device can be integrated into or attached to a chair during manufacturing or attached after market.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a ply layup for a composite panel is provided. The system and method may include attaching an electronically identifiable tag to at least one of a plurality of plies, and checking, using the electronically identifiable tag, to ensure the proper sequence of plies for the panel is being followed.

Abstract: A system for verifying that parts are properly assembled. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is connected to one of the parts that has an antenna loop. The antenna loop has two spaced contacts that may be bridged by a shorting bar on the other one of the parts. When the parts are properly assembled and the shorting bar bridges the contacts, the RFID tag is enabled to communicate a coded signal to a receiver thereby determining that the parts are assembled.

Abstract: A system for generating a reminder signal to one or more individuals exiting a vehicle for purposes of preventing the inadvertent leaving of a child, pet or other object therein. A sensor assembly monitors the presence of an individual within a predetermined proximity area and actuates an alarm assembly so as to generate a demonstrable reminder signal of significant intensity. A control assembly operatively connected to the sensor assembly comprises both arming and shut-off capabilities which are automatically and/or manually operable, respectively, to activate and deactivate the sensor assembly. In operation, the sensor assembly will cause the alarm assembly to generate the reminder signal upon the passage of one or more individuals out of the predetermined proximity area thereby forcing a return to the vehicle to deactivate the system, wherein the interior of the vehicle is readily observable to determine the existence of an inadvertently left object.

Abstract: There is provided a system for identifying a plurality of components via an RFID reader with an associated database and processing element. The system includes a first component with an associated first RFID transponder and a second component with an associated second RFID transponder. A third RFID transponder may be associated with the first component, wherein either the first or third RFID transponder includes stored information relating to both transponders. The first and second RFID transponders are adapted to communicate with the RFID reader to enable identification of the connection of the first component to the second component. One of the RFID transponders may be adapted to identify the other RFID transponder and store the identification information for subsequent communication to the RFID reader of identification information for both RFID transponders and the associated components. The system is adapted to create a map of the two or more components, such as components of telecommunications equipment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preventing an unauthorized person from use a portable computer having an external port. The system includes a control device capable of connecting to an external port of the portable computer. The control device includes a wireless receiver to receive wireless signals. The control device is capable of enabling and disabling a security function executed by the computer based on a wireless signal received by the wireless receiver.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal including a shaft portion, a sensor, a socket arranged to engage the shaft portion and the sensor in a monitorable manner and a wireless communicator associated with at least one of the shaft portion, the sensor and the socket and being operative to provide a remotely monitorable indication of at least one monitorable event, the sensor being operative to sense application of force to the electronic seal in an attempt to separate the shaft portion from the socket and to indicate the application of force as one of the at least one monitorable event.

Abstract: A security system for powering and displaying a handheld electronic device includes a stand assembly mounted to a support and a housing removably mounted on a top portion of the stand assembly. The handheld electronic device is secured to a top portion of the housing and a sensor is coupled to the handheld electronic device. The sensor has a secure and a non-secure state and produces a detectable signal in the non-secure state. An output voltage controller controls an output voltage to the handheld electronic device which can be set only when the sensor is in the non-secure state. The output voltage is set to zero if the sensor is not placed in the secure state within a predetermined time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in setting up workpiece treatment or processing equipment. A disclosed system processes silicon wafers that are treated during processing steps in producing semiconductor integrated circuits. The processing equipment includes a wafer support that supports a wafer in a treatment region during wafer processing. A housing provides a controlled environment within the housing interior for processing the wafer on the wafer support. A mechanical transfer system transports wafers to and from the support. A wafer simulator is used to simulate wafer movement and includes a pressure sensor for monitoring contact between the simulator and the wafer transfer and support equipment. In one illustrated embodiment the wafer simulator is generally circular and includes three equally spaced pressure sensors for monitoring contact with wafer transport and support equipment.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors wear of a connector by counting insertions or extractions between circuit boards. The monitoring system includes a sensor that senses insertions or extractions through contact or non-contact sensing. The monitoring system also includes a monitor connected to the sensor to monitor insertions or extractions and, optionally, store data in memory and generate an alarm signal if a predetermined threshold has been exceeded. The monitoring system may be positioned at any location in an electronic system and may be configured such that the sensor connects to the monitor directly, indirectly, or over a network.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes at least one rotating member and at least one stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the at least one rotating member and a portion of the at least one stationary member. The clearance gap has a measurable radial dimension and a measurable magnetic flux is generated in the clearance gap at least partially by relative movement between the stationary member and the rotating member. A method of monitoring a clearance gap measurement system for the rotary machine includes providing at least one clearance gap measurement assembly. The measurement assembly has at least one dimension measurement apparatus and at least one magnetic flux measurement apparatus. The method also includes positioning the at least one measurement assembly on the stationary member to facilitate measurements of the clearance gap during operation of the rotary machine.

Abstract: A two part guidance system that can be added to any vehicle with a traditional ball hitch that provides guidance to the driver during the hitching process. A sensor plate holds multiple sensors in an orientation that surrounds the ball and the sensors provide position information regarding the trailer's tongue to the driver via a display box in the cab of the vehicle. The display box preferably includes selectively illuminated arrows that indicate to the driver which direction to go in order to align the ball directly underneath of the tongue. Detection signals are sent to the display box through a cable or wirelessly. The display box can receive electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system or from batteries.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a porthole in a tank or conduit that includes threads on an end thereof. A piece of processing equipment is mounted within the porthole by a threaded coupling collar. The threads of the coupling collar engage the threads of the porthole. A sensor collar is mounted in fixed relationship to the porthole at a predetermined distance from an end of the porthole and includes a status sensor mounted thereto. The status sensor detects a position of the threaded coupling collar to ensure that the piece of processing equipment is properly mounted in the porthole.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a container having a first container portion and a second container portion, placing an inflatable life raft within the container, placing a transmitter mechanism adjacent the container, and automatically detecting whether a tamper condition has occurred. The tamper condition comprises at least one of the following: removal of the life raft from the container; an increase in distance between the first and second container portions; and a change in position of at least a portion of the life raft relative to one of the portions of the container. The transmitter mechanism is adapted and configured to transmit a signal upon the detection of the tamper condition.

Abstract: A method for notifying installers 14–22 of the existence, type, and location of a portion 26 of an item within an assembly line 10. The notification allows the installers 14–22 to respectively ensure that the components 40 which are needed to be placed upon the portion 26 are available for use by the installer 14–22 in a timely manner.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preventing an unauthorized person from taking or using a portable computer. The anti-theft/security system includes a USB device having a motion sensor attached to a casing of a portable computer. The USB device is connected to a port of the portable computer using a connector. The anti-theft/security system also includes an alarm sub-system to cause an audible sound to be generated, which is triggered based on a signal generated by the motion sensor located inside the USB device.

Abstract: A seat buckle sensor system is provided that provides an output representative of a lock condition of a seat belt buckle. The system includes a magnet on an end of a seat buckle lock pin and a Hall device. The lock pin, and magnet on the end thereof, move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the Hall device. The magnet imparts a first magnetic flux on the Hall device in the locked position causing the Hall device to produce a first output. The magnet imparts a second magnetic flux on the Hall device in the unlocked position causing the Hall device to produce a second output.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure for preventing the loss of a pen of an electronic device comprising a pen holding slot, a sensor switch disposed in the pen holding slot, and a control circuit being electrically connected to the sensor switch, so that if the pen is not placed into the pen hold slot, the sensor switch will send a non-press signal to the control circuit, enabling the control circuit to turn on a beeping circuit to generate a warning sound to remind users to place the pen back into the pen holding slot. Therefore, the present invention can prevent the loss of the pen by the reminder of such warning sound.

Abstract: A modular security, monitoring, and control device having a core module, an input/output module, a first peripheral, a first end cap, and a tamper monitor. The core and input/output modules in electrical communication with one another. The first peripheral is removably connected to the core module so that the core module and the first peripheral are in electrical communication. The first end cap is removably connected to the first peripheral. The tamper monitor detects tampering with the first peripheral.

Abstract: When a lead used for taking a pet for a walk or leashing the pet to a place such as a kennel is pulled by the pet or a human during walk or while the pet is leashed, a portable electric power generator connected with the lead generates electricity using mechanical energy obtained by the pulling action. The electricity generated by the portable electric power generator is supplied for the electronic device attached to pet worn by the pet through a charging cable disposed along the lead inside or outside the lead, thereby charging a rechargeable battery inside the electronic device attached to pet. The electronic device attached to pet uses the electrical energy of the integrated battery to perform a predetermined operation (such as wirelessly reporting the current location of the pet, and wirelessly reporting information representing the sound of the pet). The electronic device attached to pet reports that the pet got away from a location where the owner exists and has gotten lost for a number of conditions.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal including a shaft portion, a sensor, a socket arranged to engage the shaft portion and the sensor in a monitorable manner and a wireless communicator associated with at least one of the shaft portion, the sensor and the socket and being operative to provide a remotely monitorable indication of at least one monitorable event, the sensor being operative to sense application of force to the electronic seal in an attempt to separate the shaft portion from the socket and to indicate the application of force as one of the at least one monitorable event.

Abstract: A workpiece testing and marking system includes an apparatus for testing a workpiece and for selectively generating a signal that is representative of a result of the test. The system also includes a marker that is adapted to provide a visual indication on the workpiece. A receptacle is provided for selectively supporting the marker. The receptacle includes a locking mechanism for selectively preventing removal of the marker from the receptacle. A controller is responsive to the test result signal for controlling the operation of locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can include a sensor for generating a signal to the controller when the marker is disposed within the receptacle. If the length of time that the marker is removed from the bore exceeds a predetermined maximum, then the controller can generate a fault or alarm signal to the operator of the testing apparatus.

Abstract: In a method and system for inspecting alignment between an IC (integrated circuit) die and a package substrate, a plurality of fiducials are located on the package substrate for determining a plurality of references. A center point of the package substrate is determined from the plurality of references. In addition, whether a center point of the IC die is aligned to the center point of the package substrate within an acceptable range is determined.

Abstract: A seat belt status monitoring system for use with one or more seat belts of an automotive vehicle. The system includes a status monitor incorporated into the seat belt buckle and has a receiver and operator signaling device located in the instrument panel. The status monitor utilizes a piezoelectric element to generate an electrical signal that is fed to a transmitter to generate a wireless signal from the buckle. A mechanical sensing member is used to activate the piezoelectric element to generate its electrical signal by imparting a mechanical force on the piezoelectric during insertion and removal of the seat belt tongue from the buckle. A microswitch in the buckle is used by the transmitter to determine whether the seat belt is latched or unlatched, and this information is conveyed by the transmitted wireless signal.

Abstract: The infant alarm system for automobiles for alarming when the driver seat is unoccupied has a pressure sensor pad for detecting the presence of a person in a car seat. A belt buckle switch is for determining whether a belt buckle is buckled into an infant car seat. A control box is electrically connected to the pressure sensor pad and the belt buckle switch. The control box is for outputting an alarm signal when the belt buckle switch indicates that the belt buckle is buckled into the infant car seat and the pressure sensor pad does not detect the presence of the person in the car seat.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism comprises an interlocking safety pin and a sleeve or other mechanism which, in a locking position, exposes a hole which is adapted to receive the safety pin. The safety pin includes an interlock to activate either an audible alarm, a visible alarm, of both. In alternative embodiment, the pin mechanism further includes means to foil a would-be thief in uncoupling the towed vehicle. In a further alternative embodiment, the safety pin includes an internal power supply to eliminate certain wired connections.