Abstract: An emergency device actuator absence notification system and method therefore capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the presence and operability of the emergency device actuator and also capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the absence or inoperability of the emergency device actuator.

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 telecommunications network manager includes a network scanner, a scanner interface unit, and intelligence activation units. The intelligence activation units are used with cable connection modules including insulation displacement contacts for connecting to cables. The intelligence activation units provide visual signals to a technician about which cable connection modules should be accessed during system set up or system maintenance.

Abstract: A manual connecting device includes a connecting tool to be guided manually for connecting a connection to a predetermined connecting point, in particular to a predetermined connecting point in an electrical switchgear cabinet or in an electrical control cabinet. The connecting device also includes a camera and an image processing device connected to the camera. The device is suitable for detecting a respective connecting point before, during or after connecting and for generating an alarm signal if the detected connecting point deviates from the predetermined connecting point.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the level of a refrigerator includes: a main body; a guide groove formed to be level in a forward/backward direction of the main body; a movement unit inserted in the guide groove and moving in the direction in which the main body is inclined; a contact point part formed at one of both ends of the guide groove and selectively connected to the movement unit; and a notifying unit informing about whether or not the contact point part is connected. When the refrigerator is installed, an installation technician can recognize whether or not the refrigerator is installed to be level regardless of a skilled degree of the installation technician, so the installation time can be shortened and a service satisfaction of consumers can be increased.

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 phone, method, and system are presented for determining whether a cordless handset is positioned on a base unit of a cordless telephone. An on-base unit signal may be generated in response to a cordless handset being positioned in contact with a base unit of a cordless telephone and an off-base unit signal may be generated in response to the cordless handset not being positioned in contact with the base unit. The on-base unit signal or the off-base unit signal, depending upon the position of the cordless handset, may be communicated over a communications network with which the base unit is in communication.

Abstract: A medicine dispenser and method of reminding a user to take medicine includes providing a device having a housing defining a plurality of compartment openings, each adapted to hold at least one medicine item and a plurality of covers. Each of the covers selectively closes one of the compartment openings to restrain access to the content of that compartment and provide access to the content of the respective compartment when opened. The device further includes a safety latch having first and second positions, wherein the safety latch inhibits opening of any of the covers when in its first position and allows opening of any of the covers when in its second position. When a user is reminded to take a medication, the position of the safety latch is monitored for an indication that the safety latch is moved from its first position to its second position. The user continues to receive the reminder until such indication is given.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a hollow probe provided at its longitudinal tip with a temperature measuring unit having a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, electrodes neighboring to the temperature sensor and arranged in the hollow of the probe, and a determining unit for determining whether temperature measuring unit is in appropriate contact with a measurement target portion of a user or not, based on a change in electrostatic capacity sensed using the electrodes.

Abstract: A mating force sensing coaxial cable connector is provided, the connector comprising: a connector body; a sensing circuit positioned on a face of an insulator component, the insulator component located within the connector body; a capacitive space in immediate proximity with the face of the insulator component upon which the sensing circuit is positioned; and a flexible member forming at least one boundary surface of the capacitive space, said flexible member being movable due to mating forces. Such movement or bending of the flexible member causes a change in the capacitive space and the sensing circuit uses this change to determine if the connector as mated is properly tightened.

Abstract: A safety circuit used in low-voltage connecting systems leaves the two low-voltage systems disconnected until it determines that it is safe to make a connection. When the safety circuit determines that no unsafe conditions exist and that it is safe to connect the two low-voltage systems, the safety circuit may connect the two systems by way of a “soft start” that provides a connection between the two systems over a period of time that reduces or prevents inductive voltage spikes on one or more of the low-voltage systems. When one of the low-voltage systems has a completely-discharged battery incorporated into it, a method is used for detection of proper polarity of the connections between the low-voltage systems. The polarity of the discharged battery is determined by passing one or more test currents through it and determining whether a corresponding voltage rise is observed.

Abstract: A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote alarm panel display for monitoring wrist-strap cords used by an operator to install components during the manufacturing of hard disk drives in order to provide grounding to the operator as the operator handles electrically sensitive components and also to provide mobility to the operator within the assembly floor. In one embodiment, the remote alarm panel display comprises a plurality of alarm indicators which are activated when a corresponding wrist strap is disconnected from a wrist strap monitoring device connected to the remote alarm panel display. In one embodiment the alarm indicators are light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for conditionally actuating an illuminator, based on a connector status. In use, a status is determined for a connector adapted for being releasably connected to an input line. Further, an illuminator is conditionally actuated, based on the status.

Abstract: An alarm indicating output appliance can be releasably affixed to a mounting plate. The plate carries wire receiving terminals which couple to the appliance. In the absence of the appliance, at least two of the terminals can be short circuited.

Abstract: A technique for preventing damage to a portable device includes detecting movement of a portable device and determining whether a port of the portable device is attached to an external device. When the external device is attached to the port, a notification is provided to a user of the portable device that the external device requires detachment from the portable device (e.g., assuming that the notification is not masked).

Abstract: An emergency shutdown detection device for a gas turbine includes a longish, mechanically severable sensor element (5), in which at least one electric line (1 to 4) is provided, with at least one resistor (R1 to R3) being electrically connected to the electric line such that upon severance of the sensor element (5), the electrically connected resistor is electrically disconnected from the electrical line to alter a resistance value for the electrical line.

Abstract: A system for assisting the alignment of a hitch pin mounted on the rear of a vehicle with a hitch socket mounted on the front of a trailer. The system includes a camera mounted to the vehicle and positioned to capture an image rearwardly of the vehicle. A video display is contained within the vehicle which displays the image captured by the camera. A processor is also contained in the vehicle which calculates a preferred path of travel of the vehicle to position the hitch pin in alignment with the hitch socket. The processor is programmed to provide instructions to an operator of the vehicle of the required steering to maintain the vehicle on the preferred path of travel. The processor recalculates the preferred path of travel whenever the vehicle veers from the preferred path of travel by a preset threshold.

Abstract: A heater unit includes power failure management to detect disruptions in the electrical power supply, such as the AC supply, for the unit. The heater unit emits an audible alarm in response to detection of such a disruption, and may shut down the heater(s) and visuals display(s). The heater unit advantageously includes a power storage device, such as a super-capacitor, to temporarily power the electronic circuitry of the heater unit. Operating parameters, such as of a processor of the electronic circuitry, may be stored in a non-volatile memory response to the disruption, and recalled if the disruption terminates before the level of power has gotten too low to sustain reliable operation of the processor.

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: This is directed to systems and methods for detecting the insertion of a plug in a device port without physically contacting the plug. For example, systems and methods are provided for detecting the insertion of an audio plug into an audio jack without using physical contacts placed in the periphery of the audio jack. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive element (e.g., a circuit board trace) can be provided on a surface of the port or within the port wall. When a metallic or conductive plug is inserted into the port, the plug can interact with the conductive element and cause a change in capacitance or induction detected by appropriate circuitry coupled to the conductive element. In some embodiments, an optical sensor can be used to detect a plug placed in a port. In some embodiments, the electronic device can detect distinguishable attributes associated with the contact between the electrical contact of plug and port contacts using an appropriate sensor (e.g., a microphone or an accelerometer).

Abstract: The medical device system includes: first and second medical devices that are used in the body cavity and surfaces of which have conductivity; a first electrode electrically connected to the surface of the first medical device; a second electrode electrically connected to the surface of the second medical device; a resistance measuring unit for measuring an inter-device resistance value between the first electrode and the second electrode; a threshold storing unit for storing a predetermined lower limit threshold of the inter-device resistance value; a determining unit for determining, when the inter-device resistance value is lower than the inter-device resistance threshold, that the first medical device and the second medical device come into contact with each other; and a warning generating unit for generating a warning.

Abstract: A system and method automatically maintains data indicating a type of transmission medium connected at a port in a data switch device. The method comprises reading first transmission medium type data representing whether a first transmission medium type is connected to the port. A check is performed to determine whether a stored first transmission medium value is updated based at least in part on the first transmission medium type data, the first transmission medium value representing whether the first transmission medium type is actively connected. The method also involves reading second transmission medium type data representing whether a second transmission medium type is connected to the port. A check is performed to determine whether a stored second transmission medium value is updated based at least in part on the second transmission medium type data, the second transmission medium value representing whether the second transmission medium type is actively connected.

Abstract: A self-contained handle assembly for a door provides a light emitting diode which indicates whether the door is locked or unlocked. The LED blinks when the door is locked and thus provides an active reminder of the position of the deadbolt.

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: A security system for not enabling, enabling or disabling electrical devices for deterring theft, or preventing unauthorized use of such devices. The security system comprises a plurality of electrical devices which are operationally linked via a bi-directional communication medium, which may be via a mains power supply or a microwave or radiowave medium. Programmable means are provided for controlling operation of the operative parts of the electrical devices. The programmable means may have a signal transmitting and receiving means associated with it for transmitting and receiving control signals over the communication medium.

Abstract: A protection device for an oscillating power circuit, namely for a demining coil, such device incorporating circuit breaking means positioned between an alternating current supply network and the power circuit, such device wherein it comprises at least one means to measure and analyze the current supplying the power circuit, means able to detect the appearance of a direct current and connected to triggering means ensuring the opening of the circuit breaking means when the alternating current ceases.

Abstract: A user may purchase in a retail outlet a host device for receiving cable services. The cable operator needs to provide a point-of-deployment (POD) module for insertion into the host device to realize out-of-band communications, and provide conditional access to premium subscription channels. Security measures are implemented to detect removal of the host device from its connection to a broadband communications system. If its removal is unauthorized, the service area in which the host device is located may be identified when it is reconnected to the system. In addition, a transmission device in the host device may be activated to transmit detectable signals to help recover the host device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding a first wireless communication unit installed on a first asset and a second wireless communication unit installed on a second asset, wherein the first asset is connected to the second asset by electrical power lines. The method and system can be used for binding a wireless communication unit of a tractor and a wireless communication unit on a trailer. The method monitors the current in the auxiliary power connection between the assets. By transmitting and detecting power pulses through the auxiliary power line, the wireless communication units can ensure that the two assets are attached and therefore it would be proper to establish a wireless connection between the two wireless communication units. The number of power pulses can be used to identify differing devices. Such method can also be used to detect an open fuse or circuit breaker. In the case of an open fuse, voltages can be used in place of power pulses to complete the binding process.

Abstract: A digital cable broadcast system includes a broadcast receiver, a broadcast transmitter, and an alternative data receiver. The broadcast transmitter transmits a new emergency alert message associated with an emergency alert event if the broadcast receiver is not plugged into a power supply. More particularly, the transmitter transmits a status request to a cable mode or an out of band (OOB) included in the broadcast receiver, and it determines that the receiver is not plugged into the power supply if no response is received from the receiver. The alternative data receiver receives the new emergency alert message from the transmitter and displays the new emergency alert message in order to inform users.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first notification mechanism capable of notifying a user of information indicating that the medical device is suitable for use with a patient having a specified disease.

Abstract: A multimeter for testing a plurality of electrical parameters comprises a case having a plurality of test lead jacks. Each of the test lead jacks includes a unitary conductive socket. Preferably, the sockets are made of metal such as brass. A circuit board located in the case has jack conductors in electrical communication with each of the sockets. A jack detection arrangement is adapted to automatically determine whether a plug is inserted into a respective one of the sockets based on a change in electrical characteristics. For example, the jack detection arrangement may include a photonic emitter and a photonic detector situated such that a beam path therebetween is interrupted by insertion of a plug. The case may further have a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function.

Abstract: A warning device includes an acquisition unit which acquires history information that expresses a history of past connected states between a communication cable and a connection terminal of a radiographic device. On the basis of the acquired history information, a judgment unit judges whether or not the communication cable that is connected to the connection terminal is unsuitable for transfer of image information. If it is judged that the communication cable connected to the connection terminal is unsuitable for transfer of the image information, warning unit is controlled such that a warning is given.

Abstract: An indicator system for use on a medicine bottle to indicate the times and dates of the last dosage taken and the next dosage to be taken, including means for registering time and date when the bottle is opened and then closed.

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 diagnostic system for use in the electronic control circuit for motor actuated lift and/or recline mechanisms for chair wherein a hand controller is used to operate said lift and/or recline mechanisms, and wherein a series of LED indicators are situated at strategic locations in the circuit. The LED indicators can be used to determine whether electricity is flowing to such points in the circuit, which in turn will enable possible problems that might cause the hand control device not to work properly to be quickly more easily pinpointed by immediately narrowing the potential sources or causes of the problem.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring patch fields at distribution points in data networks comprises patch cables which can be plugged by means of plugs into connectors in the patch fields. Each of the two plugs of each patch cable is provided with a transponder. A device is arranged before or in the proximity of one of the patch fields with its connectors. The device is equipped with readers and reader coils. The readers are in data communication with an evaluation unit. The device comprises a plurality of reader coils, the number of which exceeds the number of connectors in the patch field. The reader coils can be independently driven.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge includes a dial with at least first and second ranges of markings. The first range of markings indicates one type of vehicle information and the second range of markings indicates another type of vehicle information. A single motor is used to move a common pointer between the first and second ranges of markings. A selector is to be operated by a user to select between the different types of vehicle information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assisting patients in the taking of medication, and to assisting third parties in accumulating information regarding patient medication intake. The invention may be embodied a system including a portable medication monitor used in association with an instrumented medication package to provide intake data acquisition and patient support functions. The system may further be connected to a computer or computer network allowing information distribution between the medication monitor and third parties, such as physicians or pharmacists.

Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.

Abstract: A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel having a plurality of connector ports, and having an RFID reader and RF antennas associated with the connector ports. A plurality of patch cords are configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. Each connector of a respective patch cord includes an RFID tag. The RFID tags for a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier stored therewithin. The RF antenna associated with a connector port emits RF signals that cause a patch cord connector RFID tag to transmit its identifier. Each RF antenna detects the transmitted identifier of a patch cord connector RFID tag when the respective patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective one of the connector ports.

Abstract: A connector device used for electrical connection between electrical devices, including: a first connector; an IC chip disposed in a casing of the first connector; a first antenna disposed in the casing of the first connector, for wirelessly transmitting ID data of the IC chip stored in the IC chip in response to a signal from an external device; a second connector detachable from the first connector, electrically connecting the electrical devices when coupled to the first connector; and a second antenna disposed in a casing of the second connector, brought close to the first antenna to amplify and transmit a radio wave from the first antenna, when the first and second connectors are normally coupled together.

Abstract: An alarm indicating output appliance can be releasibly affixed to a mounting plate. The plate carries wire receiving terminals which couple to the appliance. In the absence of the appliance, at least two of the terminals can be short circuited.

Abstract: A tamper prevention system includes a mounting unit, a portable terminal device, a first data input unit, an authentication data storing unit, an authentication unit, a detecting unit, and a setting unit. The portable terminal device is detachably mounted to the mounting unit. The portable terminal device includes an operation input unit, and a performing unit. The operation input unit enables a user to input operation data. The performing unit performs operation in accordance with the operation data when the performing unit is set to a first mode, and fails to perform operation in accordance with the operation data when the performing unit is set to a second mode. The first data input unit enables the user to input first data. The authentication data storing unit stores authentication data. The authentication unit authenticates the user when the first data matches the authentication data. The detecting unit detects whether or not the portable terminal device is removed from the mounting unit.

Abstract: Based on a user's instruction, a door control unit drives a door opening/closing motor for a pop-up operation. A door is thereby rotated to a predetermined angle, which is smaller than a fully opened angle. Therefore, even when a user holds stuff in his/her hands, the door can be easily opened up to the predetermined angle. When the door is opened at the predetermined angle, the user can insert a part of his/her body into a gap corresponding to the predetermined angle and then further open the door by pushing the door from the door inside surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for protecting an article against theft. Once a protection element is in the on-position (100), a selection signal is transmitted from an emitter to a receiver provided in the protection element, in order to associate the protection element with the emitter and to shift said protection element into a connection mode (110). The receiver is then deactivated (111) in the connection mode (110). The deactivation (111) of the receiver reduces the energy consumption of the protection element, and prevents the protection element from unintentionally receiving other selection signals. Once the protection element has been shifted (112) into an alarm state (120), for example, due to an attempted theft, the receiver thereof is reactivated, in order to reauthorize the reception of a selection signal. The alarm state (120) can be terminated (123) by one such selection signal.

Abstract: A Utility Pole and Tower Safety and Protection Device includes a utility pole with a crossbar to support utility conductors. The crossbar is attached to the pole with a release mechanism. A pressure transducer is attached to the release mechanism and automatically controls the release and descent of the crossbar at a predetermined load limit. A shear pin may also be used if a mechanical system is desired. An alarm system is attached to the pole and linked to a relay station announces when the system is activated. Power and continuity to the utility conductors is terminated when the system is activated, virtually eliminating the risks of a downed utility conductor. The device protects power and utility lines from breakage due to external forces, such as weather or trees. When the external force is removed, the device is reset by winching the crossbar into position and resetting the release mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a plurality of connection terminals and a control method thereof. The electronic device including a plurality of connection terminals, including: a light-emitting unit disposed adjacent to the plurality of connection terminals; a sensing unit sensing whether an external connection terminal is within a predetermined sensing range with respect to the connection terminal; and a control unit controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light when it is determined that the predetermined external connection terminal is within the predetermined sensing range according to the sensed result of the sensing unit. With this configuration, the connection convenience is provided by guiding an external connection terminal to the corresponding connection terminal of the electronic device under a low luminance condition, and a control method thereof.

Abstract: An electronic system that monitors a trailer hitch assembly having a plate hitch with a throat for receiving a kingpin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin within the throat. The electronic system determines whether the trailer hitch assemblies is properly coupled to the trailer, and comprises a first magnet creating a first magnetic flux, and a first Hall-effect sensor for sensing the position of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate by measuring the first magnetic flux. The system further comprises a control circuit operably coupled with the first Hall-effect sensor in determining whether the first magnetic flux indicates a proper location of the kingpin of the trailer relative to the throat of the hitch plate. The electronic system discriminates between the kingpin and foreign materials, thereby assuring proper locking of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An object detection system is mounted at the rear of a vehicle the trailer receiver for the vehicle. The object detection system warns the driver of the vehicle of persons or objects behind the vehicle, when the vehicle is moving backwards. The system emits microwaves rearwardly of the vehicle and senses microwave reflected from objects behind the vehicle. The microwave transceiver is mounted in the trailer receiver in place of the trailer ball that is normally mounted in the receiver.