Abstract: Described is an antenna proximity determining system for determining the location of an animal with respect to a transmitting antenna utilizing the bit error rate corresponding to a signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna and received by a receiver unit carried by the animal and for delivering a stimulus to the animal based on its location with respect to the antenna.

Abstract: License plate for a vehicle includes a plate having an indicia and arranged to be mounted on the vehicle, and a transponder arranged in the plate. The transponder is arranged to receive a signal from an interrogator, modify the received signal and transmitted the modified signal to the interrogator. The transponder may be a SAW transponder, an RFID transponder and/or include a reflective or back scattering antenna, a polarization antenna, a rotating antenna, or a corner cube or dihedral reflector. An energy harvesting component can be arranged on the license plate or in the license plate for providing power to the transponder. The energy harvesting component generates energy during or from movement or vibration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pick and place machine for placing components upon a workpiece includes a placement head, a robotic system and at least one detachable nozzle. The robotic system is configured to generate relative movement between the placement head and the workpiece. The detachable nozzle is coupled to the placement head and includes wireless communication circuitry. A detachable nozzle having wireless is communication abilities is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate the display of status information associated with a network device using a plurality of multi-function status indicators, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). In one implementation, a network device includes a plurality of user-viewable status indicators adapted to display status information associated with the network device. The network device further includes a processor adapted to detect a plurality of event conditions at the network device. A logic circuit of the network device is adapted to determine first and second sets status information to be displayed by the status indicators. A control circuit of the network device is adapted to provide the status indicators with display states associated with the first and second sets of status information without requiring user interaction with the network device. The event conditions may be multiplexed to identify associations between the event conditions and the display states.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward secure access systems. Specifically, a radio frequency (RF) enabled device is provided that includes an RF powered human feedback element. An interrogator emitting an RF field may control the human feedback element through the RF field such that information may be transmitted from the interrogator to the device.

Abstract: An aircraft emergency lighting system including: a plurality of units having communication devices arranged to communicate wirelessly with a master controller, wherein each unit is wired to a common power supply for powering the unit in a first mode of operation and has its own back-up battery power supply for powering the unit in a second mode of operation, and wherein the device is provided for off-load testing the back-up battery power supply of each unit and indicating if the unit is operational.

Abstract: A life safety alarm, for example a smoke alarm, that is battery powered, has an extended life, and is less prone to user mistakes. The batteries are sealed inside the alarm portion so that the batteries cannot be accessed by the user. As a result, the batteries are not replaceable. Rather, the alarm portion is replaced at the end of the alarm life, for example after expiration of a predetermined time period, such as ten years. The alarm is designed to be automatically activated upon initial attachment of the alarm portion to the bracket. The alarm can be manually deactivated, but once deactivated, the alarm cannot be reactivated and the alarm portion cannot be reattached to the bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining compliance for a treatment device powered by an energy storage device by determining an average power consumption of the treatment device and a power capacity of the energy storage device; determining a start time and a stop time for using the energy storage device; determining usage based on the power capacity and the average power consumption; and determining compliance as a function of the usage, start time and stop time. In another aspect, the compliance monitoring device monitors sound delivery as a measure of compliance.

Abstract: A transponder device comprises an integrated CMOS circuit with a semiconductor substrate. A first rectifying diode (DS) is formed by the substrate diode of the CMOS circuit. A first MOS transistor structure (DR1) and a second MOS transistor structure (DR2) have their channels connected in series such that they function as a second rectifying diode, the cathode of the first rectifying diode being connected to the anode of the second rectifying diode. The first MOS transistor structure (DR1) and the second MOS transistor structure (DR2) are spaced from each other such that a distance between the two MOS transistor structures is large enough that a parasitic npn-structure formed within the substrate by the first and the second MOS structures has a negligible current gain.

Abstract: A midspan power sourcing equipment (PSE) for operation with power over Ethernet (PoE). The midspan PSE provides powering over wire pairs that are also used for data communication. To reduce costs by the midspan manufacturer, the midspans can be designed without the use of data transformers. Rather, midspans can include transmit/receive couplers that have blocking capacitors and divider trees for the insertion of power.

Abstract: A remote battery access device for remotely and conveniently positioning the battery of a smoke detector from the smoke detector. The remote battery access device includes a battery module having a battery holder shaped to retain the battery. The remote battery access device may also include an electrical connector for electrically connecting the battery module to the smoke detector and a plurality of wires connecting the electrical connector with the battery module, which permit the smoke detector to be disposed remotely from the battery module.

Abstract: A communication system is capable of two-way wireless data communications between a parent unit and a child unit. The child unit includes a power switch for turning power to the child unit on/off; a power control signal issuing unit operable to issue a power control signal for turning power to the parent unit on/off in response to turning the power switch on/off; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the parent unit. The parent unit includes a power control signal receiving unit operable to receive the power control signal from the issuing unit of the child unit; a power control unit operable to turn power to the parent unit on/off in response to reception of the power control signal from the receiving unit; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the child unit.

Abstract: A personal alarm system can be worn or carried by the user, may be activated at any time by the user and/or may be automatically activated to send a signal to any remote monitoring station on the network. The device identifies the user as well as the user's location within the monitored area. The alarm-sending unit is designed to fit within a box the size of a small cell phone or pager. The unit includes an ID memory for identifying the user, is programmable and has an on-board processor for generating a signal to a wireless transmitter for sending the signal to a to a local receiver for inputting the signal onto the network. A centralized, networked RF receiver is used with the personal alarm unit and one or more of these RF receivers may be installed in order to provided adequate coverage of the monitored area.

Abstract: Portable alarm apparatus for warning a person is provided which includes a manually portable housing or base unit; a constant power supply supported by the base unit, the constant power supply including an external power supply having an interface connectible to a power source external of the base unit, the constant power supply including an onboard power supply independent of the external power supply whose makeup includes at least one of: photovoltaic, piezoelectric and thermoelectric; a detection circuit supported by the base unit, the detection circuit being connected to the constant power supply, the detection circuit being operable to detect a monitored condition, the detection circuit including at least one of: a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire detector; and an alarm circuit supported by the base unit, the alarm circuit being connected to the constant power supply, the alarm circuit being operable in response to detection of the monitored condition by the detection circuit to prod

Abstract: A limiter for controlling an overvoltage and an RFID tag having the same are provided. The limiter includes a first limiter part and a second limiter part serially connected to the first limiter part. The second limiter part has at least one limit diode whose threshold voltage is lower than that of elements in the first limiter part. Accordingly, if an overvoltage is input, the limiter can maximize the input current drop so that the limiter can maximize the leakage voltage. As a result, the RFID tag can prevent the RFID driving part from being damaged due to the overvoltage. In addition, the RFID tag can normally operate regardless of the intensity of the driving voltage input from the RFID reader, so that the yields of products can improve.

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 comprising a circuit board structure having an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating electrical 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 via the data-communicating electrical conductors and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, an integrated security arrangement detects unwanted intruders in a facility. The arrangement includes an intrusion sensor to sense an intrusion at a target area of a facility, a second sensor to sense movement, an image-capture device, and a base unit. The image-capture device captures images in response to an intrusion indication from the intrusion sensor and in response to a movement indication from the second sensor. The base unit integrates a direction of view of the second sensor and of the image-capture device, thereby directing the second sensor to sense in the target area in which the images are captured by the image-capture device.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for obesity management through remote monitoring and feedback are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, periodic measurements of parameters affecting the obesity of a user are transmitted to a server through a user interactive communication device. Based on the information of the user, a customized feedback action is transmitted to the particular user. In another embodiment of the present invention an implantable apparatus having a neuro-stimulator device provides a therapeutic effect by stimulating a feeling of satiety to eating.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: A method for communicating authenticity of a battery in a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device executes an authentication process to determine the authenticity of the battery used in the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device establishes a communication link with a wireless network. The wireless communication device notifies a network server if the battery is not authenticated while allowing the portable communication device to function. The network server performs a specific task in response to a notification received.

Abstract: A bottoming indication system indicates contact between an inner wall of a fluid conducting conduit and a tip of a differential pressure measuring probe. The system includes a piezoelectric device and an indicator. The piezoelectric device is affixed to the tip of the differential pressure measuring probe so that pressure exerted on the piezoelectric device by contact between the piezoelectric device and the inner wall of the conduit produces a voltage difference across the piezoelectric device. The indicator is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric device so that a voltage difference across the piezoelectric device activates the indicator to indicate contact between the inner wall of the conduit and the tip of the differential pressure measuring probe.

Abstract: There is provided a remote control wiring mechanism, which makes it easy to construct a system by facilitating a connection work and treatment of members constructing the system. A main unit includes signal terminals connected to signal lines and power supply terminals to supply power for driving a relay. A relay unit having a relay is detachably connected to a relay socket of the main unit and is integrally coupled to the main unit. When a transmission signal including on-off information of a switch is received through the signal lines, the on-off state of the switch is reflected in the switching of the relay.

Abstract: A power supply for providing excitation to notification appliance circuits (NACs) in fire alarm applications meets revised national and international requirements for both NAC drive and auxiliary load drive tasks with a single circuit configuration. The requirements stipulate ability to tolerate inrush when activating strobe lights and horns of ten times the nominal output, while limiting short-circuit drive in AUX mode to eight amperes after five seconds. The novel power supply improves on the requirements, first by continuously testing for overcurrent NAC status and signaling faults in real time, and second by shutting off AUX drive in event of a short and retrying periodically without a requirement for manual reset. Thus testing for wiring errors is rendered safer and nondestructive, and correction of a wiring error can be quicker.

Abstract: A personal alarm system can be worn or carried by the user, may be activated at any time by the user and/or may be automatically activated to send a signal to any remote monitoring station on the network. The device identifies the user as well as the user's location within the monitored area. The alarm-sending unit is designed to fit within a box the size of a small cell phone or pager. The unit includes an ID memory for identifying the user, is programmable and has an on-board processor for generating a signal to a wireless transmitter for sending the signal to a to a local receiver for inputting the signal onto the network. A centralized, networked RF receiver is used with the personal alarm unit and one or more of these RF receivers may be installed in order to provided adequate coverage of the monitored area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling power to a load device. The apparatus include a standby loss prevention module or a transformer system including the module. The module and system are directed to sensing load requirements and controlling a transformer accordingly to reduce power consumption when the load is in a stand by mode. One method includes interposing a control switch between an electrical supply and a load device, determining when the load device requires full-level operational power, activating the control switch to interpose a step-up transformer between the electrical supply and the load device, providing full-level operational power to the load device, and deactivating the step-up transformer when the load device is not in use.

Abstract: A car-used lock with alerting function comprises a lock installed with a sensor, a buzzer and a transmitter; a receiving control device for receiving signals from the transmitter; the receiving control device being installed with a receiver, a decoder, a microprocessor, an indicator, leaning keys, a dialing control wire and a power source; a car-used handset connected to the receiving control device and having a battery. The receiver serves to transfer the high frequency signals emitted from the transmitter into digital signals. The decoder serves to transfer the digital signals into codes. The microprocessor serves to compare the codes with the built-in data. The lock has the affect of immediate alert and communication with legal frequency bands and power. The power source is from the car used handset. Furthermore, two sets of quick dialing numbers are used so that the line busy of the car owner can be avoided.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply that provides power to an electrical device, the uninterruptible power supply that includes a first housing; a cover plate that includes a plurality of electrical outlets located on a surface of the cover plate and said cover plate is connected to the first housing in an angled position; and a battery in electrical communication with the plurality of electrical outlets on the surface of the cover plate, and the battery being removably attached to the first housing.

Abstract: An emergency lighting arrangement preferably includes plural emergency light units connected to an on-board power supply network of an aircraft, and plural emergency current sources that each include at least one capacitor. Each emergency light unit includes an emergency light emitting element and a control unit that automatically connects the capacitor of the emergency current source to the emergency light emitting element upon the failure of the on-board power supply network. Preferably, the emergency current source including the capacitor is integrated into the emergency light unit. The emergency light unit may further include normal operation light emitting elements selectively connected by the control unit to the on-board power supply network. The control unit switches between normal operation of the normal light emitting elements and charging of the capacitor, and emergency operation in which the capacitor discharges through the emergency light emitting element.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification connector connects a radio frequency identification device to an elongate member such as a safety cable.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is powered by a microstructure power device. The microstructure power device can be a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS)-based device that derives power from energy harvested from mechanical vibrations. The RFID tag having the microstructure power device coupled thereto is affixed to an item and placed in an environment where mechanical vibrations are present. The mechanical vibrations provide sufficient power to allow the RFID tag to be read and/or written to by an automatic data collection device.

Abstract: A vehicular battery charging is accomplished by a solar battery charging system including a solar panel which can be attached to any edge of a windshield by way of being incorporated into the glass of the windshield or by being adhesively attached thereto. this system prevents the battery from being drained of its power when sitting in any location for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: To provide a fault-tolerant architecture to supply electrical operating power in fluid flow measurement applications, apparatus and associated systems, computer program products, and methods include an intelligent power module with redundant and electrically independent battery strings to supply regulated voltage to electronic fluid flow measurement data processing circuitry. In a preferred implementation, the intelligent power module transmits operating power and battery status information over a two wire interface. Circuitry may encode information about the status of individual battery strings in a DC supply voltage. The fluid meter processing circuitry operates from the DC supply voltage and decodes the battery status information. Preferred embodiments may also include a switched-mode power supply capable of extracting substantially all available stored energy capacity from each of the battery strings, each of which is electrically isolated by a unidirectional current circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may include an antenna for a wireless device, the antenna operable to store electrical energy received from a power source. The stored electrical energy may then be used to power the circuitry of the device. Storing electrical power in this manner may allow the device to temporarily continue operating when the incoming harvested energy becomes too weak to instantaneously provide all the power needed to continue operating the device. In some embodiments the wireless device is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

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 remote surveillance device is provided herein, which mainly contains a camera, infra-red LEDs, an anti-theft circuit, a radio-frequency transmission circuit, a solar panel, and a battery, etc. The remote surveillance device is operable during power outage, saves captured images locally, transmits captured images to at least a remote control center via a wireless air interface, generates alarm and notifies a control center whenever an abnormal condition occurs. The infra-red LEDs provides lighting for continuous image capturing during night time.

Abstract: A display device for use in an instrument panel to be mounted in an automotive vehicle is capable of displaying information concerning the status of the automotive vehicle. The display device is further capable of providing an alarm, when a predetermined physical parameter among physical parameters representing the status of an automotive vehicle is within a predetermined range, by effecting at least one of a change in display luminance and a change in displayed color.

Abstract: A radio communication apparatus includes a housing; a battery for driving the radio communication apparatus; an antenna provided in the housing and arranged around the battery; and a magnetic sheet arranged around the battery.

Abstract: A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop. The loop carries data and provides power to the field device. RF circuitry in the field device is provided for radio frequency communication. A power supply powers the RF circuitry using power received from the two-wire process control loop.

Abstract: A host processor card configured to be fitted into a server system includes a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor for storing an operating system. A power control line controls the power state of the host processor card. A graceful shutdown circuit is coupled to the processor and the power control line. The processor is configured to provide a graceful shutdown signal to the graceful shutdown circuit. The graceful shutdown circuit is configured to allow a graceful shutdown of the host processor card when the power control line indicates that the host processor card is to be powered down if the processor has provided the graceful shutdown signal.

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

Abstract: A 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 back drafting alarm assembly is designed to detect back drafting in combustion fired appliances. The assembly includes a temperature sensor unit that is attached to the diverter bonnet of a water heater or furnace to measure the temperature at all times. The sensor is connected to an alarm assembly that sounds an alarm when the temperature of the bonnet reaches or exceeds 130 degrees F. for a predetermined time period. The preferred time period is three (3) minutes. The alarm assembly also includes a reset button to shut off the alarm and a test button to make certain that the device functions when installed. A microprocessor provides the additional capability to record the total number of excursion events over a longer monitoring period. The alarm operates on direct current from a battery, or standard 110 volts AC with a suitable AC/DC transformer. A battery backup feature provides uninterrupted power when using 110 volts AC as a power source.

Abstract: A vehicle power outlet switch (10) can include a threshold detector (14) for comparing a predetermined threshold with a vehicle battery characteristic and a power switch (18) controlled by the output of the threshold detector. Note, the vehicle battery characteristic differs while the vehicle engine is turned on or turned off and the threshold detector provides an enabling signal to the power switch when the vehicle engine is detected as being on. The threshold detector can also provide a disabling signal to the power switch when the vehicle engine is off. The power outlet switch can further include a timer (16) coupled to an output of the threshold detector that continues to provide an enabling signal to the power switch for a predetermined time after the threshold detector detects that the vehicle engine is turned off. The timer can include or be a one shot timer.

Abstract: Alarms are often required on various vehicles and equipment such as fork lifts, dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. An alarm is disclosed controlled by a microprocessor, which is an integral part of the basic circuit. The alarm has a flat diaphragm, and a novel acoustic lens. The acoustic lens is constructed such that sound emanating from the center of the diaphragm has a direct path to the outside of the alarm. Sound produced around the periphery of the diaphragm must pass through a path containing switchbacks, that serve as an acoustic delay line, so this sound is delayed in exiting the alarm. The result is an alarm that with full sound in the important regions such as behind and to the side rear of the vehicle, but is very quiet for the operator or driver of the vehicle. The microprocessor is relied upon for adjusting alarm output based on source voltage and varying the signal based on ambient noise, as well as specific signals for particular applications.

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 tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) having a self-powered sensing module having a sensor unit with at least one sensor for measuring at least one of a temperature, a pressure, and an acceleration in the tire, and a power unit generating a power by being deformed mechanically according to a rotation of the tire and supplying the sensor with a power required for actuating the sensor. The self-powered sensing module and the TPMS using the same are powered by the power unit generating the power owing to the mechanical deformation, without using a separate power supply. Hence, there is no need to replace a battery of the sensing module and maintenance costs are reduced.

Abstract: A closure cap (10) is provided with an audible warning when the cap (10) is removed from a container (12). The closure cap (10) preventing the inadvertent consumption of pharmaceutical products, bleaches or other products by children or other minors. In use, the closure cap (10) may be provided with child resilient means and can be screwed on to any standard container (12). When the cap (10) is removed from the container (12), mechanical energy is expended by the user and such mechanical energy is converted to sufficient electrical energy using a piezoelectrical element (14) contained in the cap (10). The electrical energy generated is then conditioned and stored using signal conditioning electronics (26) such that and alarm signal of sufficient level is sounded.

Abstract: A Very Local Area Network (VLAN) comprises a power strip device having an electrical connector for connection to an AC power supply line and one or more surge protectors and line filters. Multiple electrical power outlet sockets receive plugs from electrical appliances. A communications pathway interconnects the multiple electrical power outlet sockets to enable communication between appliances connected to the sockets. Electronics configure appliances as they are connected to the sockets to enable them to communicate over the communications pathway.

Abstract: Vehicle positioning apparatus for facilitating the positioning of a vehicle in a specific position within an enclosure having an automatic door opening device with concurrently activated light source is disclosed. The vehicle positioning apparatus includes a light generating device mounted to the enclosure for generating a targeting mark. A photovoltaic cell generates electrical power from light emitted by the light source when the automatic door opening device is activated. The photovoltaic cell is coupled to the light generating device to provide electrical power for the generation of the targeting mark when the light is illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured to be connected to a power distribution network. A communications circuit is also provided. The communications circuit is operatively associated with the UPS and operative to generate a power line carrier status signal on the power distribution network. The power line carrier status signal is indicative of a status of power delivered to the power distribution network by the UPS. Related methods of operating such apparatus are also provided.