Abstract: The present invention relates to a gauging system, comprising a gauge configured to sense a process variable and to provide process data representative of the process variable, a processing unit connected to the gauge, the processing unit comprising power supply circuitry configured to receive power from a remote external power source and to provide regulated power, and first circuitry configured to receive process data from the gauge and to superimpose the process data onto the regulated power forming a power signal, and a wireless communication unit electrically connected to the processing unit by means of a two-wire control loop, the wireless communication unit comprising second circuitry configured to receive the power signal and to separate the process data from the regulated power, an antenna, and radio frequency (RF) communication circuitry being powered by means of the regulated power from the second circuitry, configured to receive process data from the second circuitry, and to transmit RF signals re

Abstract: Invention discloses a highly efficient integrated physical Reader with dual circular bi-static antenna device comprising an integral DC to DC converter 3, built in to supply power to the reader, wherein desired power, 48V is supplied from the switch 7, to the magnetic transformer 1, an integral RJ 45 female connecter 2, to separate the power; the separated power from the magnetic transformer 1, is fed in to the DC to DC converter 3, which steps it down around 8 volts and then fed to a regulator, providing +5 V as output; which is further fed to the reader to drive the dual circular bi-static antenna to receive or transmit the signals; wherein the said system is assembled within the Antenna enclosure, which eliminates severe distance limitation and deterioration in signal strength imposed by the RF cable.

Abstract: A shoe wear out sensor includes at least one detector for sensing a physical metric that changes as a sole of a shoe wears out, a processor configured to process the physical metric over time to determine if the shoe is worn out, and an alarm for informing a user of the shoe when the sole is worn out. A body bar sensing system includes a housing with at least one detector for sensing a physical metric that indicates a repetition movement of the housing when attached to the body bar, a processor for processing the physical metric over time to determine repetitions thereof, and a display for informing a user of the repetitions. A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor.

Abstract: An RFID based security system detects a lock/unlocked condition when securing a premise and an open/close condition of a window and/or door to monitor for an intruder. A local interface polls a RFID tag and relays a read value to a user panel for a determination if an intruder has opened a window and/or door. Alternately, the local interface is connected to at least one of a second local interface and the user panel to form a security network. The security network is relied on to convey security information to the user panel for a determination if an intruder has opened a window and/or door.

Abstract: Vehicle with wireless sensors includes a frame, at least one sensor assembly fixed to the frame and each including a sensor arranged to obtain data about a condition or property of the vehicle or part thereof or an environment in or around the vehicle, and a wireless transmission component coupled to the sensor for wirelessly transmitting a signal derived from the data obtained by the sensor, a receiver fixed to the frame arranged to receive signals from the wireless transmission component, and a reactive component for performing an action based on the data obtained by the sensor and transmitted from the wireless transmission component to the receiver. The data can be displayed as an indication to the driver or other occupant of the vehicle, relayed the data to a remote location for analysis or response and/or used to determine adjustment or control a component in the vehicle.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process is provided. The adapter includes I/O circuitry configured to couple to a two wire process control loop and to the process control transmitter and communicate on the process control loop. Wireless communication circuitry couples to the two wire process control loop and is configured to transmit an RF signal. Power supply circuitry provides power to the wireless communication circuitry.

Abstract: The wireless power transmission is a system for providing wireless charging and/or primary power to electronic/electrical devices via microwave energy. The microwave energy is focused to a location in response to receiving a beacon signal from a beacon device by a power transmitter having one or more adaptively-phased microwave array emitters. Rectennas within the device to be charged receive and rectify the microwave energy and use it for battery charging and/or for primary power.

Abstract: A tamper prevention system includes a mounting unit, a portable terminal device, a first data input unit, an authentication unit, a detecting unit, and a setting unit. The portable terminal device enables a user to input operation data, performs an operation in accordance with the operation data when a first mode is set, and fails to perform the operation when a second mode is set. The first data input unit enables the user to input first data. The authentication unit authenticates the user when the first data matches authentication data. The setting unit sets the portable terminal device to the first mode when the authenticating unit has authenticated the user, and sets the portable terminal device to the second mode when the authenticating unit has failed to authenticate the user and the detecting unit has detected that the portable terminal device is removed from the mounting unit.

Abstract: Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a security system uses a controller to communicate with security-monitoring devices and has an integrated image-capture device with a circuit board structure with an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating conductors. A camera is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a first angle relative to the nonadjustable surface. A motion detector is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a second angle relative to the nonadjustable surface of the circuit board. The support article sets the first angle relative to the second angle for capturing both images and motion in a target area. A data-communication circuit communicates data from the camera and the motion detector and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller. A solar circuit provides power to the device.

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 computing system for managing site security through a communication device includes a mobile communication device, a notification, and the communication device. Using BLUETOOTH technology, the mobile communication device communicates with and activates the communication device and the notification. The communication device detects any noteworthy event and captures visual data accordingly, and transmits the visual data to the mobile communication device. The notification generates visual and audio alerts. A related method and storage medium with instructions for performance of the method also provided.

Abstract: Wireless power receiving apparatus (150) is retrofitted to a portable electrical device (100) to enable the device to receive power wirelessly. The apparatus comprises a power-receiving element (200) adapted to be attached to the device, e.g. by adhesive (201), and also being adapted to receive power wirelessly from a transmitter of power when the element and transmitter are in proximity with one another. One or more power connectors (203) are connected electrically to the power-receiving element and are adapted to be connected, when the apparatus is in use, to one or more corresponding power connectors (101) of the portable electrical device to deliver power received by the element to the device. The power-receiving element may be in the form of a sticker or may be carried by or incorporated in a replacement cover portion for the portable electrical device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing power to devices that are part of RFID systems are described. Energy is harvested at portable/mobile devices, stored and conditioned to provide on-going power as needed for various circuits/components. The energy may be generated in a variety of ways, including using a vibratory energy harvesting device, a magnetic energy harvesting device, and an optical energy harvesting devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for secure communication between an electrical utility company and an electricity customer, such that the customer is able to shed one or more loads in response to a load shed command from the utility company. A system server of the customer periodically connects to a utility server of the utility company using a standard computer protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The system server sends a request message via the Internet to the utility server. The request message provides data on the total possible load, the present power consumption, and the present load shed state of the electricity customer. The utility server receives the request message and responds to the request message by transmitting to the system server a response message, which includes a load shed command.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.

Abstract: A safety device is incorporated within conventional lighting fixtures, such as table lamps, floor lamps, wall lighting fixtures, ceiling lighting fixtures, chandeliers, recessed lighting fixtures, and decorative lighting fixture structural members such as ceiling medallions. The safety device incorporates several safety function response mechanisms within conventional lighting fixtures to conceal or obfuscate their presence. The safety device provides power failure lighting, alert signals in response to gas, smoke, fire, intrusion, and any other externally generated alarm signal. It may also provide night lighting. The safety device may include a safety module having a light and/or audio source, a power sensing circuit, a control circuit, and a light sensing circuit.

Abstract: Rogue RFID readers are detected by listening to communication between rogue reader and a tag, capturing a time stamp and/or a channel associated with the communication, and checking the captured time stamp/channel to determine whether it is a result of a command from another legitimate reader. Audible or visible alerts may be issued, flags may be set, or messages transmitted to an administrator upon determining the operation of the rogue RFID reader. Based on the alert(s) affected tags or the rogue reader may be jammed or an effect of the illegal transmission by the rogue reader may be reversed or tags replaced.

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 method includes setting, by a mobile device, a notification based on the mobile device being within proximity of a predetermined location at a predetermined date or time. The mobile device detects that the mobile device is located within proximity of the predetermined location at the predetermined date or time. Subsequent to the detecting, the mobile device provides the notification.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring latent faults in power supplies may include a variable voltage source and a logic module that may be coupled to an OR FET circuit. The monitoring system may also include comparators for measuring a voltage drop across a FET and, based upon a value of the voltage drop, may determine a latent fault, such as a short circuit or open circuit across the FET.

Abstract: Wireless power receiving apparatus (150) is retrofitted to a portable electrical device (100) to enable the device to receive power wirelessly. The apparatus comprises a power-receiving element (200) adapted to be attached to the device, e.g. by adhesive (201), and also being adapted to receive power wirelessly from a transmitter of power when the element and transmitter are in proximity with one another. One or more power connectors (203) are connected electrically to the power-receiving element and are adapted to be connected, when the apparatus is in use, to one or more corresponding power connectors (101) of the portable electrical device to deliver power received by the element to the device. The power-receiving element may be in the form of a sticker or may be carried by or incorporated in a replacement cover portion for the portable electrical device.

Abstract: An alarm unit, for sounding an alarm on detection of a fire emergency condition, which comprises a smoke detector, an alarm indicator and a heat detector wherein the smoke detector is capable of receiving power from a first power source and the heat detector is capable of receiving power from a second power source.

Abstract: A sensor device for the detection of smoke and carbon monoxide. Smoke and carbon monoxide detecting elements are placed within a housing which also contains a rechargeable power source for powering the detector elements The housing is provided with a first interface to engage a lighting fixture and a second interface for engaging a light source. Upon applying electric current to the lighting fixture, power is applied to the sensor device for charging the rechargeable power source and for illuminating the light source.

Abstract: A shoe wear out sensor (100,210,310) includes at least one detector (104,312) for sensing a physical metric that changes as a sole of a shoe wears out, a processor (102) configured to process the physical metric over time to determine if the shoe is worn out, and an alarm (106) for informing a user of the shoe when the sole is worn out. A body bar sensing system (500) includes a housing (502) with at least one detector (506) for sensing a physical metric that indicates a repetition movement of the housing when attached to the body bar, a processor (504) for processing the physical metric over time to determine repetitions thereof, and a display (508,512) for informing a user of the repetitions. A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor.

Abstract: An emergency reporting apparatus includes a power supply circuit, a control circuit, and a timer. The power supply circuit generates operating power of the emergency reporting apparatus from a vehicle battery in a vehicle battery mode and from an auxiliary battery in an auxiliary battery mode. The control circuit causes the power supply circuit to switch from the vehicle battery mode to the auxiliary battery mode in response to a trigger event and starts an emergency reporting procedure using the auxiliary battery. The timer measures time elapsed since the power supply circuit switches to the auxiliary battery mode. The control circuit causes the power supply circuit to switch back to the vehicle battery mode, when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold time period.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for reducing a power consumed by a physical layer device (PHY). A length of a cable connecting the PHY to a link partner is determined. Based on the length, power provided to one or more components of the PHY, or any portion thereof, is reduced. The power provided is reduced while maintaining a level of reliability specified by a protocol governing operation of the PHY. The length can be determined using time-domain reflectometry (TDR) techniques. Any portion of an echo cancellation filter, a crosstalk filter, an equalizer, a precoder, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a forward error correction (FEC) decoder and/or an FEC coder can be powered-down or power-optimized to reduce the overall power consumed by the PHY. The protocol governing operation of the PHY can be IEEE 802.3.

Abstract: An in vehicle device transfers connection information to a power management device, the connection information indicating whether the in-vehicle device can communicate with the power management device. The in-vehicle device either transfers condition information to the power management device, the condition information indicating that the in-vehicle device is ready for turning off, or sets the in-vehicle device to not communicate with the power management device when a predetermined condition is met, the predetermined condition indicative of an inability of the in-vehicle device to transfer information to the power management device. The power management device requests the connection information from the in-vehicle device and requests the condition information from the in-vehicle device.

Abstract: A transfer switch configured particularly for use with traffic signal controllers, to enable a traffic signal controller to be powered by a portable electrical generator, when utility line power is unavailable. A housing, configured to be mounted either on the surface of a traffic signal controller cabinet, or recessed into an opening of the cabinet, so as to be flush to the surface thereof, is provided. The housing is configured to be substantially weatherproof without requiring the use of gaskets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable electronic tag housing. The housing includes a base for supporting the electronic tag. A cover is removably attachable to the base and defines between the cover and the base a passageway for accommodating an elongate member. The base includes a deflectable latch for locking engagement with the cover. The cover includes an access opening adjacent the latch for insertion of a removal tool thereinto to release the latch permitting detachment of the cover from the base.

Abstract: A power outlet adaptor device having a housing, at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component, and an electrical socket box including at least one electrical socket is provided. The multimedia, networking, and/or communications component is secured within the housing and provides multimedia, networking and/or communications capabilities. The electrical socket accommodates an electrical device plug. The housing fits around the electrical socket box. The electrical socket box electrically couples to the multimedia, networking, and/or communications component.

Abstract: An antenna device includes: a transmitting unit which is connected to a control unit of an in-vehicle device mounted at a vehicle; and a transmission antenna connected to the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit operates the transmission antenna based on a binary signal and a carrier signal from the control unit. The transmitting unit includes: a duty ratio controller that modifies the binary signal to a duty ratio signal having a prescribed duty ratio and outputs the duty ratio signal; and a driving circuit that supplies an energizing current to the transmission antenna based on the carrier signal. The duty ratio controller changes intensity of the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna by changing the energizing current according to the duty ratio signal so as to form a desired communication range.

Abstract: A transformer system for sensing load requirements and controlling a transformer accordingly to reduce power consumption when the load is in a stand by mode. One embodiment of the system includes a transformer implemented to receive an input and transform the input for use by a load, a sensor connected between an output of the transformer and the load, a communication link including the sensor and being connected between the transformer and the load, and a control switch connected to the transformer and sensor through the communication link. The sensor detects a mode of load operation and communicates a corresponding load mode signal over the communication link.

Abstract: A system and method of recovering unused energy from a source power cell and transferring the recovered energy to a rechargeable target power cell. A controller controls operation of the charging circuit that is coupled between the two power cells for regulating transfer of energy between the two power cells.

Abstract: A system for indicating a power condition in a conductor includes an indicator constructed to provide notification to a user of a utility power condition, and a sensor non-electrically connected to a utility conductor to control operation of the indicator in response to detection of power in the utility conductor.

Abstract: In an emergency report apparatus in a vehicle, even though a power switch is turned into an OFF state, an execution enabled state of an emergency report process is maintained when an occupant is determined to be in the vehicle. Therefore, even when a necessity of executing an emergency report process arises after the power switch is turned into the OFF state, it is unnecessary to turn the power switch into the ON state, thereby improving the usability. In addition, after the power switch is turned into the OFF state, an execution disabled state is designated when the occupant is determined to be not in the vehicle. Such an execution disabled state restricts the electric power supply from an in-vehicle battery, thereby reducing the power consumption and helping prevent the battery from running out.

Abstract: An autonomous-power radio device including an electromagnetic energy transducer having a permanent magnet (1), a soft-magnetic element (9), an electrical coil (6), and stop points (8a-8d). The electrical coil surrounds a part of the magnetic circuit, wherein the permanent magnet (1) and said soft-magnetic element (9) are arranged to form a magnetic circuit with a first flux direction. At least one of the soft-magnetic element (9) and the permanent magnet (1) is mounted for rotary movement about an axis (4) with respect to the other. End points of the rotary movement are formed by the stop points (8a-8d).

Abstract: A wireless communication method and protocol, and wireless devices and systems for stimulation, are provided for communication between a wireless device and a charging device. During active wireless charging, communications (data transmission) from the wireless device to the charging device occurs via pulse loading the receive antenna of the receiving device. Because switching regulation in the receiving device may interfere with the communications, the switching regulation is disabled during a communications window. To further reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation of signals detected in the charging device resulting from the switching regulation or noise, the data bit rate of the pulse loading communications is maintained higher than the switching regulation frequency.

Abstract: A power management system embodiment of the present invention comprises a power manager with a network agent in communication over a network with a network manager. The power manager is connected to control the operating power flowing to various pieces of computer network equipment at a single site. A user is able to assign names to each control port, and the power manager maintains a list of enrolled users who have access. Many operational mode choices are possible, and each can be configured by the user while remote from the power manager. The power manager can be commanded to upload a user configuration list, and it can be commanded to accept a downloaded user configuration list.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle collision/crossing warning system provides for simple, inexpensive and decentralized installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable vehicle collision/crossing warning system. The autonomous warning system preferably utilizes a single frequency TDM radio communication network with GPS clock synchronization, time slot arbitration and connectionless UDP protocol to broadcast messages among vehicles and components in the warning system. Adaptive localized mapping of components of interest within the warning system eliminates the need for centralized databases or coordination and control systems and enables new vehicles and warning systems to be easily added to the system in a decentralized manner. Preferably, stationary warning systems are deployed as multiple self-powered units each equipped to receive broadcast messages and to communicate with the other units by a low power RF channel in a redundant Master-Slave configuration.

Abstract: A water detection and alarm system to monitor household plumbing fixtures for leaks. A wick attached to a water activated battery cell connects to a charge accumulator, pulse timer, and audio transducer. The wick draws water from the leak and transports it into the battery cell. A sponge inside the cell absorbs the water and expands, chemically activating the cell, and subsequently providing the electrical energy for the charge accumulator and timer. The timer utilizes the energy stored in the charge accumulator to generate a pulse that drives an audio transducer. No conventional battery is used or required; thus periodic battery replacement is not necessary nor is there a need for a battery monitoring circuit to test for battery depletion.

Abstract: A transfer switch configured particularly for use with traffic signal controllers, to enable a traffic signal controller to be powered by a portable electrical generator, when utility line power is unavailable. A housing, configured to be mounted either on the surface of a traffic signal controller cabinet, or recessed into an opening of the cabinet, so as to be flush to the surface thereof, is provided. The housing is configured to be substantially weatherproof without requiring the use of gaskets.

Abstract: A power supply base for an alarm device contains at least one pair, comprising a first terminal for an incoming power supply line and a second terminal for an outgoing power supply line, and a switch element for initial electrical connection of the respective first terminal to the second terminal of the at least one pair. The switch element has an actuating device for switching the switch element into a nonconducting state in response to an insertion of an alarm device into the power supply base.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.

Abstract: A power supply unit for a fire detector, especially a smoke alarm, includes a power unit and battery terminals for connecting a predeterminable battery. The power unit has first connection means for connection to a power supply network and second connection means for connecting the fire detector. In order to increase the functionality of a fire alarm, the battery terminals are operatively connected by at least one first electric connection with the second connection means. The first electric connection includes hereby at least one diode.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes an alarm signal power source, a first semiconductor device, a current sensing unit, and a controller unit. The alarm signal power source is configured to generate bias power for activating a notification appliance circuit of a notification system. The first semiconductor device has a load path coupled between the alarm signal power source and the notification appliance circuit. The current sensing unit is operably coupled to generate a sensing signal that is dependent on the current in the load path. The controller circuit is operably connected to receive the current sensing signal and to control the first semiconductor device responsive to a current sensing signal that exceeds an in-rush current threshold.

Abstract: A universal microelectromechanical (MEMS) nano-sensor platform having a substrate and conductive layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices at the same time, a patterned insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured to expose one or more portions of the conductive layer, and one or more functionalization layers deposited on the exposed portions of the conductive layer to make multiple sensing capability on a single MEMS fabricated device. The functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and thermal sensors for chemical and physical variables and producing more than one type of sensor for one or more significant parameters that need to be monitored.

Abstract: An easily deployable miniature, LED light unit specifically for home security yard signs that is rechargeable by means of a solar cell array having a light sensor which automatically activates the light at dusk and deactivates it at dawn. The solar light unit is contained in a unique compact molded housing that positions the components and also includes an integral clamp-mount specifically for slide-on mounting to the stakes of typical home security signs.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a dual mode power amplifier is capable of operating in either linear mode such as class A operation, or a non-linear mode such as class F operation. The power amplifier may be utilized in an RFID interrogator. The power amplifier may be biased to operate in a linear mode if the power amplifier is operating in a higher linearity mode, or may be biased to operate in a non-linear mode if the power amplifier is operating in a higher efficiency, lower power mode. The power amplifier may comprise two or more amplifiers coupled in parallel. A current mirror circuit may turn on more amplifiers if the power amplifier is operating in a higher power mode, and may turn on fewer amplifiers if the power amplifier is operating a lower power mode.

Abstract: A system for indicating a power condition in a conductor includes an indicator constructed to provide notification to a user of a utility power condition, and a sensor non-electrically connected to a utility conductor to control operation of the indicator in response to detection of power in the utility conductor.