Abstract: An event sensor device comprises a detector and circuitry, connected thereto, produced by printed electronics processes. This circuitry may be comprised of fixed characteristic devices, such as a series resistive chain, or variable characteristic devices such as thin film transistors (TFTs) and the like. A pulse is input to the printed electronic circuitry. The printed electronic circuitry divides the pulse across the various devices comprising the circuitry according to pulse amplitude and pulse width. The circuitry provides an output signal which is provided to a plurality of display elements, which are capable of indicating the division performed at the printed electronic circuitry. In one embodiment, each display element is an electrophoretic display which changes contrast as a function of the applied voltage. Not only the pulse amplitude and pulse width, but the number of pulses applied to the printed circuitry (i.e., sensed by the detector) may be indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a change in operation of a medical infusion pump includes a memory configured to store an original pump parameter and a current pump parameter. The apparatus further includes a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the memory, the programmable circuit programmed to display the original pump parameter and the current pump parameter.

Abstract: A base computer that, under normal conditions receives and stores individual ingress/egress data transmitted from at least one card reader and that maintains a current occupancy census of a facility. Under emergency conditions, individual exit from the facility is registered at a plurality of card readers located at evacuation assembly areas and such egress data are transmitted by wireless means to a portable computer that is in communication with the base computer thereby allowing a real time, current occupancy census to be generated and displayed. Egress can also be registered by telephone to a preestablished phone number.

Abstract: A communication apparatus which transmits data to another communication apparatus through a transmission channel, includes: a display which displays a plurality of communication rates; and a controller which permits the display to display the communication rates. The controller acquires a first communication rate received from the another communication apparatus and based on a predetermined signal transmitted to the another communication apparatus through the transmission channel at a first time. The controller acquires a second communication rate received from the another communication apparatus and based on a predetermined signal transmitted to the another communication apparatus through the transmission channel at a second time. The controller calculates a plurality of communication rates on the basis of the first and second communication rate.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and associated methodology for interactively monitoring and reducing driver drowsiness use a plurality of drowsiness detection exercises to precisely detect driver drowsiness levels, and a plurality of drowsiness reduction exercises to reduce the detected drowsiness level. A plurality of sensors detect driver motion and position in order to measure driver performance of the drowsiness detection exercises and/or the drowsiness reduction exercises. The driver performance is used to compute a drowsiness level, which is then compared to a threshold. The system provides the driver with drowsiness reduction exercises at predetermined intervals when the drowsiness level is above the threshold.

Abstract: A plurality of weak discriminators output determinations results about a status of an apparatus. Weight values are individually assigned to the determination results. By performing majority vote of the weighted determination results, the status of the apparatus is determined. The determination results are displayed on a single status indicating screen such that portions corresponding to a normal status are indicated in white while portions corresponding to an anomalous status are indicated in one or more colors other than white. The areas of the portions differ from one another depending on magnitudes of weight assigned to the determination results corresponding to the portions.

Abstract: An air monitoring apparatus includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a housing having at least one fluid passage to permit a fluid to enter the housing, and a constituent detection device positioned in the housing. The detection device includes at least one electrode, a power supply electrically coupled to the at least on electrode, and a logic circuit electrically coupled to the power supply. The logic circuit is configured to detect a change in at least one of impedance magnitude and a phase shift angle magnitude over a range of frequencies when the detection device contacts at least one fluid constituent contained in the fluid flowing into the cartridge through the at least one fluid passage, or when the detection device contacts at least one constituent in a solid whose chemical and/or material properties change as a function of fluid flowing into the housing through the at least one fluid passage.

Abstract: A system and method that helps evacuees exit a building in the event of an emergency such as a smoke event, a fire, an earthquake, a security breach, and/or the presence of unsafe levels of hazardous gasses, using linear illuminators parallel to and near the floor of an interior room or hallway to provide floor-level identification and illumination of the exit route to be used in the event of such an emergency, with some linear illuminators having directional aspects along hallways to lead evacuees toward an exit, and other illuminators outlining the perimeter of windows or doors that are safe to exit through, the illuminators normally being hardly noticeable but having controllers and energizers linked to the alarm and security systems of hospitals, hotels, residences and other occupied building structures to light up the planned exit route when emergency conditions are detected.

Abstract: A weather and bullet proof display system includes a casing that is nested within a headstone and has an opening formed therein. Solar panels are mounted on the headstone. A bullet proof shield is conjoined to the casing within the opening. A display screen is disposed behind the shield. A mechanism for converting solar energy to electrical energy is coupled to the solar panels and housed within the casing. A 12-volt rechargeable battery is coupled to the energy converting mechanism. A mechanism is included for converting a first DC voltage input level to a second DC voltage level, which is coupled to the solar energy converting mechanism. A system board is coupled to the DC voltage level converting mechanism and includes a mechanism for contemporaneously emitting a prerecorded audio and video output. Speakers are nested within the headstone and are coupled to the DC voltage level converting mechanism.

Abstract: A personal alerting device and method for detecting an approaching sound source includes a sound detector for detecting environmental sounds and for providing an electrical signal to a sound analyzer. The sound signal is analyzed to determine a baseline sound pattern comprising a plurality of distinct sounds corresponding to sounds emitted from a reference sound source. The distinct sounds in the baseline sound pattern may have substantially the same amplitude and time interval. The sound signal is monitored and compared against the baseline sound pattern to determine whether a target sound pattern is present in the sound signal, the target sound pattern corresponding to sounds emitted by the approaching sound source. When it is determined that the target sound is present in the sound signal, one or more of an audible, visual and tactile alert may be emitted to provide warning of the approaching sound source.

Abstract: An alert device comprising a plug adapted for insertion into a 12-volt electrical receptacle of a vehicle; a cover disposed on a second end of the plug; a microprocessor operatively connected to a vehicle power supply and to a backup power supply, when the vehicle is turned on the microprocessor is powered via the vehicle power supply; an audio controller connected to the microprocessor and to a speaker; a light component connected to the microprocessor; wherein when the vehicle is turned off an interrupt is triggered on the microprocessor and the microprocessor generates a first output command to the light component to activate the light component and generates a second output command to the audio controller to reproduce a pre-recorded message over the speaker.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding server chassis enumeration in a computer system are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method of connecting a plurality of computer server chassis configured as a plurality of nodes. For each cable connection between any two server chassis, a port on the first of the two server chassis to which a first end of a cable is connected is identified, and a port on the second server chassis to which a second end of the cable is connected is identified. The node containing second server chassis is uniquely designated by the port designator on the first server chassis, and the node containing the first server chassis is uniquely designated by the port designator on the second server chassis. An electronic alert is generated in response to any conflicting node designator.

Abstract: A signaling device for electrical monitoring devices, in particular for short circuit and/or ground fault indicators, and for optical, visually perceptible signaling with at least one luminous element is provided. The signaling device has a housing having a housing wall and a region formed in the housing wall so as to cover the luminous element. A printed circuit board is disposed in the housing. The luminous element is arranged within the housing and directly on the printed circuit board. The housing wall is formed such that it is at least light-transmissive in the region.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a sensor housing, a sensor package, an actuator and a switch. The sensor package is disposed within the sensor housing and includes first and second screens and at least one sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is disposed between the first and second screens and is adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid. The actuator is disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing and moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position. The switch is disposed proximate the actuator and is operable between closed and open positions. When the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch to control an electrical circuit connected therewith.

Abstract: A usage status notification method and corresponding medication storage device (e.g., mobile medication dispensing cart, medication cabinet, nurse server, etc.) are provided. To generate the usage status notification, the status of one or more components of the medication storage device may be monitored. An in-use notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is in use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged into the medication storage device). An available notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is available for use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged out of the medication storage device). Other types of usage status signals may also be provided.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a server in a server rack is illuminated to indicate its state with respect to an operating mode (e.g., a power mode, a environmental mode, or a performance mode). Data is collected for a server via sensors, power meters and/or the server. Depending on a user-selected operating mode, the server is illuminated at its physical location to indicate its data state based upon the data collected. The mode and collected data result in an illumination of the physical server location that varies by color, intensity and/or flash pattern to indicate the current (or a prior historical) state.

Abstract: An alarm pull station includes a housing, an alarm indicator carried within the housing, an alarm activation mechanism carried within the housing, such that the alarm activation mechanism is adjacent to the alarm indicator, and configured to generate an alarm signal, and a sensor carried within the housing such that the sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to a sensed condition and the alarm indicator is activated in response to the signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A PLC includes a first and second module. The first module having terminal positions and/or connectors behind a door located on its front side as well as having a display, and with the second module having a display unit. For servicing the first module, status messages for terminal position and/or connector of the first module are transmitted via a communication link to the second module and are displayed by a display of the second module.

Abstract: A combination low voltage light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a yard wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. Outdoor lighting and sound is produced with low voltage lighting that is wired or solar powered for operation. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection threshold in a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, a system includes a plurality of component slots and at least one indicator associated with each of said slots. The system also includes a controller coupled to the indicators. The indicators selectively provide installation guidance of components into said slots based on signals from the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-addressable notification appliance having multiple (e.g., dual) visual alarms such as strobes for notifying individuals of different types of detected events. For example, the notification appliance of the present invention could have a first strobe for indicating a fire, and a second strobe for providing mass notification of a different emergency such as a terrorist threat or attack. In one embodiment, the visual alarms could be colored differently from one another (e.g., clear and amber). In a typical embodiment, the dual notification appliance could be one of many non-addressable dual notification appliances utilized in a single alarm system that are controlled by a system controller.

Abstract: A device may include a receiver to receive a data stream. The device may also include logic to insert a product placement into the data stream based at least one of a location of the device or information associated with a user of the device.

Abstract: A system to monitor the entry and exit of individuals from a facility and to identify individuals who safely evacuated the facility and those who have entered, but apparently have not safely evacuated it and indicated safe evacuation by use of a card reader or similar device at an emergency reporting area. The system also indicates the most likely area of a facility in which an individual may be found. Such census information is made available to emergency workers and is of significant value in rescue efforts following facility evacuations. A modification of the systems allows an attendant to monitor the entry, exit, and re-entry of individuals traveling in two or more vehicles following stops. Finally, the system includes a head count census of individuals entering large facilities in which individual identity is effectively impossible to follow and a head count census of individuals evacuating the facility identified by specific parts of the facility.

Abstract: A meter device includes an indicator unit, movably supported within a predetermined range, for representing an amplitude value of an input signal by a movement amount ?? from a reference position ?0 which is one end of the predetermined range. A gain acquiring unit acquire a gain of the input signal; and a maximum movement amount determining part determines a maximum movement amount ??M of the indicator unit at the gain based on the gain acquired by the gain acquiring unit. A drive control unit moves the indicator unit to a position corresponding to the amplitude value of the input signal between the reference position ?0 and a maximum movement position ?M moved from the reference position ?0 by the maximum movement amount ??M based on the maximum movement amount ??M determined by the maximum movement amount determining part and the amplitude value of the input signal.

Abstract: A verbal language based output system includes data defining a geometrical region, such as a building, configuration data relative to various detectors in the region, and a plurality of event inputs associated with the detectors. Verbal language generation software, in response to the data and the event inputs, produces verbal descriptions of developing events. Such verbal descriptions can be audibly output for use by personnel needing to enter the region to address the events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamper respondent covering (10) wherein the covering (10) is adapted for mounting on a surface having at least one item (14, 16) disposed thereon, said tamper respondent covering (10) comprising a covering member defining a recess (28), and at least one non-metallic detecting element having an electrical characteristic disposed on said covering member, wherein said covering member is adapted for mounting on the surface and covering and protecting said at least one item (14, 16) on the surface such that damage to said at least non-metallic detecting element results in a detectable variation to said electrical characteristic.

Abstract: Control of vibrations generated in a portable terminal is disclosed. The vibration generating apparatus includes a plurality of vibrators mounted to the portable terminal to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval and having different resonance frequencies; and a control unit configured to determine vibration generation patterns of the plurality of vibrators according to a vibration event and to drive the plurality of vibrators according to the vibration generation patterns.

Abstract: A security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller, and a memory operably coupled to the controller for initially providing a security disarm code (SDC) to a programmable key including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller and a memory operably coupled to the controller. The programmable key subsequently provides the SDC to a security device configured for attachment to the merchandise and including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller, and a memory operably coupled to the controller. Thereafter, the security device is disarmed by using the programmable key to verify the SDC in the memory of the key with the SDC in the memory of the security device.

Abstract: A walking guidance apparatus using human body communication, including: a first human body communication device acquiring a walking guidance information signal, converting the acquired walking guidance information signal into a signal available for human body communication, and transmitting the converted signal through a user's body; and a second human body communication device receiving the signal transmitted through the user's body from the first human body communication device, converting the received signal into a signal that can be recognized by the user, and outputting the converted signal. Walking guidance information having a high privacy function and high stability and accuracy can be provided to enhance user convenience.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing security of areas in an aircraft. The method is provided for managing aircraft security. A set of sensors associated with a set of secured areas is monitored for an indication of a compromised space within a cabin of the aircraft. In response to receiving a signal from a sensor in the set of sensors identifying a breach, an area for the breach in the cabin is identified to form an identified area. A visual indication device associated with the identified area is identified to form an identified visual indication device. A presentation of an alert on the identified visual indication device is initiated.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods for use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described below provide for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system. Embodiments of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and device status information and historical alarm information to the operator. Embodiments also direct interaction with the alarming functions of the device by the operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on any current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats that are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display one or more related display messages on the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of sensors within the security system where each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with an asset, detecting activation of a sensor of the plurality of sensors and displaying an image of the asset associated with the activated sensor.

Abstract: A surgical system and method includes a surgical instrument configured to wirelessly transmit identifying data specific to the surgical instrument and a console configured to receive the identifying data. The console is configured to register the surgical instrument based on the identifying data, establish a wireless two-way communication link between the surgical instrument and the console, receive at least one of operational data and commands from the surgical instrument, and provide operational feedback data to a user of the surgical instrument during an operation of the surgical instrument based on the at least one of operational data and commands.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the detection of portable electronic device functionality. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a chemically coated antenna to serve as a trigger for device functionality detection. The chemically coated antenna may be passively or actively detected. In active detection, a detection apparatus releases a chemical which reacts or otherwise respods with the chemical trigger in a detectable manner. The detection apparatus detects the reaction, which is specific to the functionality of the portable electronic device. In passive detection, a detection device simply detects the chemical trigger, which is specific to the portable electronic device functionality. Other trigger embodiments utilizing optics, radio frequency (RF) signals, sound waves, and magnetic identification are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless braking and turning indicator attached to a motorcycle helmet and a motorcycle mounted transmitter is herein disclosed. An illumination assembly is attached on the rear surface of the helmet by means of either double-sided adhesive or an elastic band. An integral wireless receiver powered by a rechargeable battery receives a signal from a transmitter mounted on the motorcycle and electrically connected to the brake and turn signal indication circuits. In such a manner, the helmet-mounted light assembly will illuminate whenever the motorcycle brakes are applied in much the same manner as a center-mounted high brake light on motor vehicles. Turning direction is also indicated in like manner. When used, the rider's head is at a sufficient elevation to be easily seen by following traffic.

Abstract: Within an industrial automation environment, a human-machine interface (HMI) is provided comprising a HMI computer, a display electrically coupled with the computer, and a controller wirelessly coupled with the computer. The controller is configured to detect motion of the controller, and wirelessly transmit motion data related to the motion of the controller to the HMI computer. The HMI computer is configured to receive industrial automation data, wirelessly receive motion data from the controller, process the motion data into control data, and select a first set of industrial automation data for display in response to the control data.

Abstract: A notification system and method of visual notification of different types of events by flashing different colors is provided, wherein the notification system includes a master controller and a notification device. The master controller is configured to communicate at least one signal. The notification device includes an enclosure accepting a plurality of conductors providing both signaling and electrical power to the notification device, and at least one strobe drive circuit configured to supply an electrical signal for periodically flashing at least one strobe. The notification device further includes a strobe system configured to flash at least one strobe, such that the strobe system flashes one of at least two different colors, and a control logic configured to determine which color of the at least two different colors to flash at least one strobe based upon the signal received from at least one of the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: A portable device includes a plurality of interface modules and a processing module. The processing module is operably coupled to detect a user input and determine a user interface mode of operation. When the user interface mode of operation is in a first mode, the processing module enables a first one of the plurality of user interface modules to process data corresponding to the user input as the first type of human sensory data and enables a second one of the plurality of user interface modules to process the data corresponding to the user input as the second type of human sensory data.

Abstract: Generally, smart sensors, logic to process messages from smart sensors, and smart sensor systems are described herein. Embodiments may comprise logic such as hardware and/or code to communicate events as messages via a messaging system to post the messages to a messaging account. The messaging system may be a texting service like Twitter™ that captures the messages and then re-broadcasts the messages, e.g., immediately as a tweet or a cellular text message. In some embodiments, the smart sensor comprises a communications module with a Twitter™ application program interface (API) on a communications platform with a software/hardware framework to interconnect with one or more pluggable monitors with sensors. In other embodiments, the communications module may be integrated with one or more monitors. Further embodiments comprise a smart-device, which can provide status updates and event notifications to a user.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is a device for detecting a relative position of a first element (12, 14) having a main mechanical function and a second element, including an electric circuit (4) the opening and closing of which respectively correspond to a first and a second position of the first and second elements with respect to each other, wherein at least the first element is part of the electric circuit (4). An object of the present invention is also a monitoring installation comprising such detecting devices.

Abstract: A system is provided for conveying information to an occupant of a motor vehicle. In one example of an implementation, driving-relevant information is obtained for example using sensors or a navigation system. An audio message is determined based on the obtained driving-relevant information. Spatial characteristics for the audio message are also determined. The audio message is output in the motor vehicle with the determined spatial characteristic via loudspeakers.

Abstract: A network device includes a processor configured to i) assign status information indicative of the network device to a plurality of classes, wherein each of the plurality of classes is associated with a different characteristic of the network device, and ii) combine the status information in the plurality of classes into at least one group of status information in response to user inputs. A display includes a plurality of individually controllable light emitters. The light emitters are configured to display at least one group of status information based on the user inputs. The processor is configured to provide at least one group of status information to the display.

Abstract: A vibration device is provided. The vibration device includes a case, a vibrator, a coil, and a spring. The vibrator is disposed inside the case and including a magnet, a yoke, and a weight. The coil is supported by the case. The spring allows the vibrator to be elastically supported by the case. The spring includes a first coupling portion coupled to the vibrator, a second coupling portion coupled to the case, and a connecting portion connecting the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion. The second coupling portion is disposed on a concentric circle with respect to a center of the first coupling portion. A region in which the second coupling portion is disposed on the concentric circle ranges from 40% or more to less than 100% of a total region of the concentric circle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. Similarly, the remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.

Abstract: A portable electronic integrated fire fighting device used by firefighters and other emergency response workers to acquire and relay information, store sensory information, provide location data, and provide a point-to-point network with repeater capability. The portable electronic fire fighting device may include a housing, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver, a microprocessor, a communications interface, electronic memory, a power supply, and one or more sensors and may be configured in the form of a door chock, an axe handle, a fire fighter's hook handle, and a fire fighter's helmet. The portable electronic fire fighting device may also interface with a firefighter's heads-up display or other handheld device, or with other electronic fire fighting devices that are known in the art.

Abstract: A dual-warning protector having multiple protections includes a protection circuit, a first alarm circuit and a second alarm circuit. The protection circuit includes two protection modules each having a thermistor, a semiconductor discharge tube, and a voltage dependent resistor. The protector provides multiple protections for the equipment, the circuit and the maintenance personnel, keeping the operating voltage steadily and not interrupting communication.

Abstract: An alert device is disclosed. The alert device has at least one light, at least one speaker, and a communication system configured to receive an alert notification containing instructions for each of at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one light, at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one speaker, and an overall duration of the alert notification. The alert device further has a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one light, the at least one speaker, and the communication system. The controller is configured to monitor the communication system for the alert notification, decode the alert notification, activate the at least one light and the at least one speaker for their respective at least one patterns and durations of activation, and deactivate the at least one light and the at least one speaker after the overall duration elapses.