Abstract: The container for retaining paper to be shredded includes an alarm for generating an audible signal when tilted. The alarm includes first and second position sensors for generating first activation signals in response to a change in position in first and second directions, respectively. It also includes an auditable signal generator and control circuitry responsive to the activation signals for activating the signal generator. The control means preferably includes a sensitivity adjustment and a timer means for adjusting the duration of the audible signal. The container further includes an access door to permit removal of the contents of the container which a reinforced locked.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for properly displaying a mark of a display device although the display device is pivoted. The apparatus includes a display unit, at least two mark units, a state detection unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays images. The mark units are disposed at a front region of the display unit and spaced apart from each other. The state detection unit detects whether the display unit is substantially in a horizontal or vertical orientation. The control unit operates at least one of the mark units according to a detection signal of the state detection unit.

Abstract: A display method for a mobile terminal includes displaying an active object on a display of a mobile terminal, the active object being able to be manipulated by a user, and detecting a degree of tilt of the mobile terminal relative to a reference plane. The method further includes responsive to the detecting of the degree of tilt, displaying a selectable plurality of inactive objects on the display, highlighting an object of the plurality of inactive objects responsive to user touch input relative to an associated one of the plurality of inactive objects, and deactivating the active object and displaying the highlighted object as a presently active object on the display responsive to user touch input relative to the highlighted object.

Abstract: An electric drill having a function for preventing drilling of unexpected oblique hole. Further, in the electric drill, when the direction of drilling is displaced in drilling work using the electric drill, it is sensed automatically to stop the drilling. The electric drill (1) performs drilling in the direction perpendicular a workpiece (7) and has a tilt sensor (10) mounted on a tilt sensor mounting surface (8) defined in parallel to the ground surface. When the rotation axis (C) of the drill positioned perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece is tilted to an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the tilt sensor (10) senses the tilt to shutoff a drive current of the electric drill.

Abstract: A CAPTCHA system uses images/pictures and/or motion for granting access to a computing system. The images can be culled from examples used in pictorial games, and can progressively presented to increase the strength of the CAPTCHA challenges. Speech recognition, motion and touch sensing can also be employed as parts of the challenge.

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 tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation.

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: Bi-axial tilt monitoring apparatus and method for bi-axial tilt monitoring of an article using a single-axis tilt monitoring device. A bi-axial tilt monitoring apparatus according to exemplary embodiments includes a single-axis tilt monitoring device and a support member supporting the single-axis tilt monitoring device and mountable to an article to be monitored. The support member has a supporting surface for supporting the single-axis tilt monitoring device at an acute angle relative to a substantially vertical surface of the article to be monitored when the tilt monitoring apparatus is mounted to the article to be monitored.

Abstract: A premises (20) is equipped with a plurality of containers (26) in which are stored bulk products (56) that are dispensed from the containers (26) for individual transactions. The containers (26) are equipped with asset tags (48) that monitor the dispensation of products (56). Event records (96) are electronically communicated from the asset tags (48) to a host (46) for processing. A tag event process (198) evaluates the event records (96) and calculates actual dispensation rates (224) that self-calibrate for a number of potential dispensation variances. The tag event process (198) detects when a container (26) becomes empty (68) and then performs a reconciliation (266) for the container (26). The process (198) also detects when inventory usage data is incomplete, whether by failure to receive communications or from missing a single event record (96), and causes a warning to be presented so that an audit may be performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a particular state of a body is sensed. In response to the sensing, at least one action is taken to modulate a projected adverse interaction between the body or a portion thereof and at least one object in the environment of the body.

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: It is an aim of the preferred embodiment, to provide an improved sensor unit that is at least as reliable as two sensor units of the prior art, thereby allowing one unit per fencing unit, i.e. per stretch of fencing between adjacent support posts to provide long term reliability.

Abstract: A transmitting mechanism for indicating the deposit of mail into mailboxes having doors that pivot about a horizontal hinge. Such mailboxes normally identified as curb side, wall mounted, and slot type. The transmitting mechanism is comprised of an adjustable knob capable of positioning an adjoining tilt switch, such that the mechanism can be set to send a signal at any preferred mailbox opening. As the mailbox door is opened past a predetermined angle, the tilt switch completes a circuit which emits a signal to a remote receiver which activates a sound and visual alarm indicating that mail has been deposited in the mailbox.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting whether a device has been tilted beyond a predefined threshold. A casing is included for temporarily enclosing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is unable to receive an RFID interrogation signal when the RFID tag is enclosed in the casing. The tilting of the device is monitored. In response to the amount of tilt exceeding the predefined threshold, the RFID tag is exposed to radio frequency (RF) signals. The RFID tag receives the RFID interrogation signal when the RFID tag is exposed. The RFID tag transmits a reply RFID signal in response to a receipt by the RFID tag of the RFID interrogation signal. The RFID tag transmits the RFID reply signal only when the RFID tag is exposed which indicates that tilting of the device beyond the predefined threshold has occurred.

Abstract: A probe has internal circuitry capable of operating in a plurality of different modes, for example a variety of filter modes and turn off modes. A switch on the probe sends an input to a controller which is arranged to set the mode in response to operation of the switch. The switch may be a push button which is operated externally of the probe by means of an actuator in the form of a plunger. The probe has a workpiece-contacting stylus mounted on a seat from which it is deflectable. The stylus and the seat may comprise the switch. An indicator, e.g., an LED, indicates the mode in response to an output from the controller. The controller outputs a plurality of indications of different modes in a sequence and a mode is selected by operating the switch once the desired mode is indicated.

Abstract: A wireless handheld electronic device configured to send and receive text messages. A microprocessor for receiving, processing and outputting data is located within the handheld device. A display screen in data-communication with the microprocessor presents information for user observation based upon data output from the microprocessor. A sensor is provided within the handheld device that detects the attitude of the device as held by the user. The sensor communicates data that is indicative of the detected attitude of the device to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is further enable to disable a user input device when the detected attitude of the device matches a predetermined attitude criteria.

Abstract: A system for verifying the operation of a railroad gate is provided. The system includes a tilt device for measuring a tilt of the railroad gate and a controller coupled to the tilt device. The controller is selectively operable in a calibration mode and a monitoring mode. In the calibration mode, the controller measures a predetermined tilt of the railroad gate. In the monitoring mode, the controller measures a current tilt of the railroad gate to determine deviations between the current tilt and the predetermined tilt.

Abstract: A tilt switch apparatus has an acceleration sensor or sensors, a temperature sensor, an auto-zero function or switch, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, a communication port, a current source circuit, a current sink circuit, an alarm output, an input power connection, a power conditioning circuit, a housing, an optional visual tilt, zero, and power indicator. The CPU monitors the temperature sensor and applies correction factors to the acceleration sensor reading to adjust for predetermined variations due to changes in temperature. The tilt angle is determined using the temperature corrected reading of acceleration due to gravity. The alarm output is generated when the measured tilt angle relative to an established reference plane exceeds a programmed threshold angle for greater than a programmed amount of time. The alarm output is discontinued when the tilt angle is reduced below the threshold angle by a programmed hysteresis angle for greater than a programmed amount of time.

Abstract: A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor is operative to generate a plurality of different output signals corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane. The movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitates the movement of one or more actuation balls of respective switches of the sensor, which in turn results in the generation of differing conditions or output signals corresponding to closed or open circuit conditions selectively created by the switches.

Abstract: A person under supervision wears a sensor consisting of at least one accelerometer (31) and a magnetometer (41), oriented in his vertical direction. A fall event is picked up when a significant and rapid oscillation of the acceleration signal coincides with a shift in the ambient magnetic field between two levels (between t=4000 and t=5000). Additional criteria that may also make use of the magnetometer enable the diagnosis to be made, and it is easier and safer to establish this than with accelerometers alone.

Abstract: In various embodiments, changing the function involves disabling an input device, disabling an output device, changing a display mode of the output device from portrait to landscape, or increasing volume of the output device. In an embodiment, the change of the function is delayed by a time period, and the delay for changing the output device is longer than the delay for changing the input device. If the electronic device is upright, the input device and the output device are enabled. The tilt is sensed by a sensing device, signals from the sensing device are filtered, and a delay is introduced. In this way, premature disabling or enabling of the electronic device is avoided.

Abstract: A monitoring system for physically challenged clients can have a base hub unit, one or more sensor units, one or more repeater units, and a mobile unit for a client to wear in a residential setting. In an institutional setting, a mobile repeater can be used for monitoring outside premises. A three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect falls and to monitor for other life activities, such as sleeping.

Abstract: A portable computer and mobile phone are provided. The portable computer includes a data processing module, an environment parameter sensor and a screen. The environment parameter sensor is electrically connected to the data processing module to transmit a sensed environment parameter to the data processing module. The screen is electrically connected to the data processing module to show the environment parameter. The mobile phone includes a control module, a communication module, an environment parameter sensor and a screen. The communication module is electrically connected to the control module. The environment parameter sensor is electrically connected to the control module to transmit a sensed environment parameter to the control module. The screen is electrically connected to the control module to show the environment parameter.

Abstract: A wireless position sensing device is provided for monitoring railyard equipment status. The device comprises a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees. A processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, receives the displacement signal. A radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, transmits a data signal indicative of the angular displacement. The processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal. The gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.

Abstract: A method for warning a driver when parking a motor vehicle, in which an inclination variable describing the roadway inclination in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is ascertained, a vehicle standstill is ascertained, a steering angle variable describing the steering angle is ascertained, and in the case of a standstill of the vehicle a driver warning information is output if the inclination variable fulfills a specified inclination condition and the steering angle variable fulfills a specified steering angle condition.

Abstract: A seismic switch is a programmable device capable of distinguishing between seismic movements due to an earthquake or an explosion, which is used to send a signal to control panels for security doors. The device uses accelerometers and a microcontroller for the detection and signal analysis of the seismic movements. In the event of an explosion or earthquake, the device produces an alarm.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, and a fragment mechanism installed inside the housing. The fragment mechanism includes a first fragment, and a second fragment pressing against the first fragment. The first fragment is capable of being separated from the second fragment when an impulsive force greater than a critical impulsive force is applied to the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A potential parking area level indicator is provided that includes a centralized hub with a plurality of arms depending therefrom. Preferably, four arms are provided that are spaced 90 degrees from each other thereby defining two sets of opposing arms. In operation, a driver of an RV would locate the level indicator on a potential parking area thereby placing the arms onto the potential parking surface. If the line defined by a pair of opposed arms is placed on a generally level area, indicator lights will illuminate indicating that fact. If, however, the line defined by opposing arms is placed on a grade that is not acceptable for parking, the indicator lights will not illuminate showing that the potential parking area is unsafe for parking. Proper illumination of the lights is driven by accelerometers incorporated into the arms of the level indicator.

Abstract: Bi-axial tilt monitoring apparatus and method for bi-axial tilt monitoring of an article using a single-axis tilt monitoring device. A bi-axial tilt monitoring apparatus according to exemplary embodiments includes a single-axis tilt monitoring device and a support member supporting the single-axis tilt monitoring device and mountable to an article to be monitored. The support member has a supporting surface for supporting the single-axis tilt monitoring device at an acute angle relative to a substantially vertical surface of the article to be monitored when the tilt monitoring apparatus is mounted to the article to be monitored.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the leveling device applying the optical interaction between a laser beam and a freely floating air bubble confined in a transparent, liquid-filled vial. When the air bubble is impacted by the laser beam, the curved surface of the air-bubble deflects the beam toward the end of the vial, where a photo-electric device is positioned. The photo-electric device activates a sound emitter such as a buzzer. The function of the level being based on the optical interaction between a laser beam and the curvature of an air-bubble, it is highly accurate and consistent. It is applicable for vertical and horizontal settings, has an adjustable arm for secure attachment to structural frames or other objects. No direct eye and manual contact with the device is needed while in operation.

Abstract: A control apparatus to control a page displayed in an electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a motion sensor for detecting the motion of the electronic device to send a plurality of motion parameter of detected points, a processor for receiving the motion parameter to determine tilting angles and a tilting speeds of the electronic device based on the motion parameters and to determine an average tilting speeds by averaging the previous predetermined number tilting speeds, wherein the average tilting speeds are compared with a predetermined speed to determine a content-movement speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and device for controlling the display of elements n a screen on an electronic device, according to an orientation of the device. In the system, a graphics management system for elements displayed in a screen on a display on an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: a sensor; an movement detection module connected to the sensor providing an orientation signal registering a notable signal from the sensor; and a graphical user interface (GUI) adjustment module to determine a new layout for the elements being displayed on the display utilizing orientation data provided by the movement detection module. The sensor may provide orientation data indicating a new orientation of the device. Also, the GUI adjustment module may provide the new layout by shifting a position of one or more of the elements in the screen to reflect the new orientation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is a battery powered, portable microprocessor based early warning alarming ashtray. It provides the smoker two different time limited unattended cigarette alarms, as well an alarm for a tipped ashtray; an alarm for a bumped ashtray; an alarm based on nearby or lower elevation smoke by either of the two smoke detection devices; and a low power alarm. It offers “full protection” for most of the likely scenarios encountered by smokers that could result in a fire. Emptying of the ashtray by tipping overrides and disables the tipping alarm momentarily. Since the apparatus is microprocessor controlled, the timing intervals and magnitude of the different alarm notifications can be preprogramed as well as the sensitivity of the smoke detector devices.

Abstract: A tilt switch apparatus has an acceleration sensor or sensors, a temperature sensor, an auto-zero function or switch, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, a communication port, a current source circuit, a current sink circuit, an alarm output, an input power connection, a power conditioning circuit, a housing, an optional visual tilt, zero, and power indicator. The CPU monitors the temperature sensor and applies correction factors to the acceleration sensor reading to adjust for predetermined variations due to changes in temperature. The tilt angle is determined using the temperature corrected reading of acceleration due to gravity. The alarm output is generated when the measured tilt angle relative to an established reference plane exceeds a programmed threshold angle for greater than a programmed amount of time. The alarm output is discontinued when the tilt angle is reduced below the threshold angle by a programmed hysteresis angle for greater than a programmed amount of time.

Abstract: The present invention details a system for tracking writing motions internally to the pen (or other instrument) and communicating such motions to a general or specific purposes computer systems. In a preferred embodiment the present invention uses multiple tubes with electrically active material with viscosity surfaces in order to generate the necessary signals to determine the motion of the device in a targeted number of degrees. The data on movement is either supplemented with or oriented with magnetically-active thin film material which generates signals when the device is rotated. The data is then filtered and optionally processed and stored. The data then can be downloaded to a computer or other processing device to determine the motion of the pen or other tracking device.

Abstract: An object tilt and fall detection apparatus (30) capable of detecting the tilt and fall of an object by using a disk body (11) rolling according to the tilt of the object, comprising a timer means (50) starting the measurement of a time, stopping the measurement of the time by the rolling of the disk body (11), and displaying the time at which the measurement was stopped.

Abstract: A system for tracking objects including visually sensible indicators on objects being tracked, at least one imager capturing images of the objects being tracked which images also show the visually sensible indicators and at least one image processor receiving outputs of the at least one imager and extracting from the outputs coded information indicated by the visually sensible indicators.

Abstract: A loss prevention device for pens includes a pen having an exterior shell generally free of openings therethrough and a writing device housed within the exterior shell and a loss prevention device mounted within the pen which includes a gravity-actuated position sensing switch having an outer electrically conductive cylinder and an inner electrically conductive cylinder mounted within and extending in generally concentric alignment with the outer cylinder, the contact ends of the outer and inner cylinders being generally adjacent to one another such that an electrically conductive ball bearing housed in a generally frustoconical ball bearing chamber can fall into contact with the contact ends of the outer and inner cylinders thereby completing an electrically conductive circuit and initiating an audio-generating programmable electronic device for generating and outputting an audio signal to a loudspeaker when the pen is oriented in a generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor is operative to generate a plurality of different output signals corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane. The movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitates the movement of one or more actuation balls of respective switches of the sensor, which in turn results in the generation of differing conditions or output signals corresponding to the particular pattern of electrical or conductive connection between a pad and terminals of the sensor facilitated by the switches thereof.

Abstract: In a dump truck where a monitoring system prevents the raising of the cargo bed when the level of lateral tilt exceeds a safe limit, a keyed switch allows for presetting the maximum safe degree of tilt by simple left or right manipulation of the switch, and to switch the display from current level of left or right tilt to the value of the preset limit.

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: Described herein are a transient event detector comprising electrical circuitry suitable to detect a transient event, and a container having a wall with at least two electrically conductive contacts that are electrically connected to the electrical circuitry, each of the at least two electrically conductive contacts being electrically isolated from each other, and a movable electrically conductive piece that intermittently connects at least two of the at least two electrically conductive contacts when the electrically conductive piece is in motion, said movable electrically conducting piece having a mass that is low enough such that if the movable electrically conducting piece is at rest and bridges two of the at least two electrically conductive contacts no transient event is detected by the electrical circuitry, methods of use and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at preventing apparatus damage, loss of data, accidental firing of a firearm due to dropping or subjection to an impact, and other mishaps caused by accidental dropping or improper handling of the apparatus, firearm, etc. due to carelessness on the side of users. To achieve this, a drop detecting means is provided that detects the dropping of the apparatus when the apparatus is dropped, and control is performed so as to set the apparatus in a safe condition in response to a drop detection signal supplied by the drop detecting means.

Abstract: A power tool includes a leveling mechanism that determines horizontal or vertical planes of the power tool. The leveling mechanism has a housing with a cavity in the housing. A rotating member is in the housing. The rotating member moves in the cavity such that the rotating members seeks an equilibrium position. The equilibrium position corresponds to a horizontal or vertical plane. Electrical contacts are coupled with the rotating member such that the electrical contacts only complete an electrical circuit when the rotating member is in the equilibrium position. An indicator is electrically coupled with the electrical contacts to indicate to the user when the mechanism is in an equilibrium position. A power source is coupled with the electrical contacts and the indicator to energize the indicator when the circuit is complete.

Abstract: A probe 10 has internal circuitry capable of operating in a plurality of different modes, for example a variety of filter modes and turn off modes. A switch on the probe sends an input to a controller which is arranged to preset the mode in response to operation of the switch. The switch may be a push button 32 which is operated externally of the probe 10 by means of an actuator in the form of a plunger 34. The probe has a workpiece-contacting stylus 11 mounted on a seat from which it is deflectable. The stylus and the seat may comprise the switch. An indicator, eg an LED 44, indicates the mode in response to an output from the controller. The controller outputs a plurality of indications of different modes in a sequence and a mode is selected by operating the switch once the desired mode is indicated.

Abstract: A MEMS (micro-electronic mechanical system) sensor unit is described for wireless security applications that provides an extended battery life for the MEMS sensor unit, to provide both immediate MEMS motion detection, and also an “out of range” detection capability when the MEMS sensor unit is moved beyond the range of a security system receiver, providing both capabilities without an unacceptable reduction in battery life for the MEMS sensor unit.

Abstract: A fault tolerant operating method for a cotton compactor of a cotton module builder or packager of a cotton harvesting machine, which serves as an alternative to shutting down the compacting process or erratic operation thereof, in the event of indication of a fault or failure condition involving one or more sensors associated with the compactor, or a conductive path in connection with a sensor, all generally identified as a fault or failure condition.

Abstract: A tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation.