Abstract: An engagement detection system (“EDS”) adapted to be positioned between, and in electrical communication with, an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument. The EDS adapted to electronically detect that the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into a trocar cannula, and thereafter deliver electrosurgical energy to the instrument. A method of operating an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument inserted into a trocar cannula, as well as a switch assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating emergency prevention sensor systems are described. Devices can include a plurality of components including a sensor component, a processor, and memory. In an example, a method can include receiving at a processor signaling from a plurality of environmental sensing devices, each having at least one biodegradable component, in an area of concern, wherein the area of concern corresponds to a particular set of coordinates in a database, determining environmental characteristics of an emergency associated with the area of concern based, at least in part, on the signaling, and determining a preventive action based on the determined characteristics. In another example, a number of components of the sensing devices are biodegradable.

Abstract: A control device configured for use in a load control system to control one or more electrical loads external to the control device may include an antenna and an actuation member having a front surface defining a touch sensitive surface configured to detect a touch actuation along at least a portion of the front surface. The control device may include a main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a control circuit, an antenna PCB connected to the main PCB, a tactile switch(es), a controllably conductive device, and a drive circuit operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive or non-conductive to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The antenna may extend substantially perpendicular from the main PCB through an opening in the yoke and into a cavity defined by the actuation member and the yoke.

Abstract: An environmental condition sensor device includes a microprocessor; a condition sensor, operatively connected to the microprocessor, to measure a condition of a system being monitored; and an optical output interface, operatively connected to the microprocessor, to produce light to optically communicate a measured condition of the system being monitored. The optical output interface can also produce light to optically communicate a status of the environmental condition sensor device being non-operational. The optical output interface can also produce light to optically communicate that the condition sensor is non-operational.

Abstract: A cover mountable over a sensor includes a hood and a baffle. The cover is adapted to create a barrier between the sensor and ambient light. The hood surrounds an interior volume for receiving the sensor. The baffle has a sidewall that surrounds an opening providing access to the volume.

Abstract: A thermostat for a building includes a light emitting diode (LED) system including one or more LEDs configured to emit light to illuminate a floor area beneath the thermostat. The thermostat incorporates an occupancy sensor to sense the approach of a user based on changes in conditions in proximity to the thermostat and detect an ambient light level. The thermostat includes a processing circuit configured to receive data outputs from the occupancy sensor, determine whether the data outputs indicate the approach of a user, cause the one or more LEDs to emit the light towards the floor in response to an indication that a user is approaching the thermostat based on occupancy sensor data correlated with occupancy conditions, and record and store LED activations and deactivations for later retrieval as historic data. The one or more LEDs may be configured as an illumination module removably attachable to the thermostat.

Abstract: In one aspect, coated electrical components are described herein. In some implementations, a coated electrical component comprises an electrical component and a graphene coating layer disposed on a surface of the electrical component. The graphene coating layer, in some implementations, has a thickness of about 300 nm or less. In another aspect, methods of increasing the service life of an electronic apparatus are disclosed herein. In some implementations, such a method comprises disposing a graphene coating layer on an environment-facing surface of an electronic component of the apparatus, wherein the electronic apparatus exhibits at least a 10 percent improvement in environmental testing performance compared to an otherwise equivalent electronic apparatus not comprising a graphene coating layer, the environmental testing performance comprising performance in a waterproofness test, acetic acid test, sugar solution test, or methyl alcohol test described herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of threats in secure areas are disclosed. Microwaves are transmitted into high traffic areas and are reflected off or transmitted through targets within that area. The resulting signals are detected at receiving antennas which are designed to have a high cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) such that co- and cross-polarizations of the resulting signals are separable for further processing. The receiving antennas of the present invention comprise elliptical antennas with a double-ridged waveguide on the interior and a conically-shaped exterior. This particular design for the receiving antennas allows to technologically obtain an XPD of about 30 dB or more for solid angles measured from a receiving antenna's boresight (the main lobe axis), and formed by rotating the corresponding 30-degree planar angle around the main lobe axis, the solid angles measuring approximately 0.84 sr, in a frequency range between 9.5 and 20 GHz.

Abstract: The present invention provides a network camera having a plurality of digital output terminals for outputting an alarm, and a method of controlling the network camera. That is, the present invention includes a plurality of digital output terminals for transmitting image information obtained through a wireless communication network to a server and transmitting information about sensing a person and information about a problematic situation, respectively, using a 4-wire cable, so it is possible to check whether it is a normally-closed state or a normally-open state through the plurality of digital output terminals that are individually managed, respectively, and accordingly, it is possible to improve convenience in use.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-threat detection method and system for high-traffic areas, such as airports, other mass-transit hubs, malls, symposiums, and the like. The detection methodology comprises a set of detection blocks, each performing different functions, and taking the information resulting from each block and entering it into one or more detection algorithms. The blocks comprise microwave detectors, co-polarization versus cross-polarization processors, magnetometers, and cameras (optional). The values calculated by the blocks are entered into machine learning algorithms which detect a threat if a threshold value is met. The detection occurs at a distance and the alarm may be silent, such that authorities are able to address threats without the target being aware. The alarm is also able to differentiate among varying threats based on the values calculated. No shadowing problems exist, and thus several targets may be monitored simultaneously without slowing down the speed of processing.

Abstract: A license plate radio electronic identifier is provided. Through an isolated space defined between an RFID tag in an elongate frame of an identifier and a license plate to form a resonant cavity at a slot of a metal film antenna on the RFID tag, the metal film antenna can resonate and sense an electromagnetic wave signal reflected by the surface of the license plate through the resonant cavity. The electromagnetic wave signal of a frequency band is transmitted to a radio frequency identification chip under the action of the frequency band and the field pattern adjustment of the slot and a groove. The overall structure of the identifier serves as radio identification for a vehicle. The identifier is resistant to a metal interference and capable of long distance reading and can be put into mass production and is cost-effective.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The assembly also includes a first light module attached to the first carrier such that the first carrier and the first light module are movable in unison between a use position in which the first light module is operable to emit light and a storage position in which the first light module does not operate to emit light. The assembly further includes a second light module attached to the second carrier such that the second carrier and the second light module are movable in unison between a first position when the first light module is in the storage position and a second position when the first light module is in the use position. The second light module is operable to emit light when in at least one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: An induction vehicle detection and identification system comprising electronic identification devices with electronic memory, mounted on vehicles, and a reader capable of reading and/or writing data obtained from devices in HF-band. Devices have a non-volatile memory and are integrated into the vehicle's license plate. The reader combined with a magnetic frame is in a dielectric casing, which is mounted under the roadway. It generates an alternating magnetic field, which determines the detection and identification range. Minimum time the reader requires to read discrete responses generated by electronic identification devices and to identify the vehicle is less than 25 ms. The identification devices and the reader exchange data at the rate of 1 Kbit/sec or higher, and provide data encoding and decoding, as well as data access restriction.

Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, a RFID enabled license plate is constructed by using the license plate, or a retro-reflective layer formed thereon as part of the resonator configured to transmit signals generated by and RFID chip integrated with the license plate. Such an RFID enabled license plate can include a metal license plate with a slot formed in the metal license plate, and a RFID tag module positioned in the slot. The RFID tag module can include a chip and a loop, and the loop can be coupled with the metal license plate, e.g., via inductive or conductive coupling. In this manner, the metal license plate can be configured to act as a resonator providing increased performance.

Abstract: An induction vehicle detection and identification system comprising electronic identification devices with electronic memory, mounted on vehicles, and a reader capable of reading and/or writing data obtained from devices in HF-band. Devices have a non-volatile memory and are integrated into the vehicle's license plate. The reader combined with a magnetic frame is in a dielectric casing, which is mounted under the roadway. It generates an alternating magnetic field, which determines the detection and identification range. Minimum time the reader requires to read discrete responses generated by electronic identification devices and to identify the vehicle is less than 25 ms. The identification devices and the reader exchange data at the rate of 1 Kbit/sec or higher, and provide data encoding and decoding, as well as data access restriction.

Abstract: A sensor module is integrated into a lighting fixture. The sensor module includes one or more environmental sensors and can be readily installed in or removed from the lighting fixture. In one embodiment, a heatsink of the lighting fixture is configured to receive the sensor module. Readings from the environmental sensors may be passed to control electronics associated with the lighting fixture and used to control the light output of the lighting fixture. The readings may also be passed on to other lighting fixtures, which may also use the readings to control their light output.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device is provided. The wearable therapeutic device includes a garment, and the garment includes an electrode and a conductive thread. A control unit is coupled to the conductive thread and identifies an electrical connection between a conductive surface of the electrode and the conductive thread, and an alarm module can provide information about the positioning of the electrode in the garment based on the electrical connection.

Abstract: A console including one or more light-emitting devices that are intended to be combined with one or more identical or different signalling devices. The console has at least one first frame element including an upper part with a front side and a lower part with a rear side that is intended to be mounted to a mounting surface, and a first light-emitting device that is directly or indirectly arranged on the frame element. The function of the signalling devices should not be adversely affected by the light-emitting devices while enabling a modular combination of such systems to increase safety. For this purpose, the frame element has at least two parts in the direction of a central axis (M). At least one groove is provided between the front side and the rear side, which groove extends at least partially around the central axis (M) on the outer side. The light-emitting device is arranged in the groove.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to low pressure warning devices which may be worn with encapsulated protective suits and hoods by a user and may provide audio and visual alerts. In an embodiment, a low pressure warning device may comprise an earpiece operable to be retained to the ear of a user, wherein the earpiece may comprise a control system operable to sense the pressure inside the encapsulated protective suit or hood and activate the audio and/or visual alerts when necessary. In an embodiment, the low pressure warning device may be equipped with short range wireless communication capabilities.

Abstract: A vehicle approach notification apparatus for an electric motorcycle, which outputs notification sound for notifying a walker or the like of approach of a vehicle from a speaker attached to a vehicle body includes a control unit for controlling the notification sound. The control unit is attached to a position, displaced rather forwardly of the vehicle body, of a bottom face in an accommodating box disposed below a seat of the electric motorcycle. A cover plate, which configures part of the bottom of the accommodating box, is removably disposed above the control unit. A low voltage battery as a power supply for auxiliaries is accommodated on the bottom of the accommodating box displaced rather rearwardly of the vehicle body from the control unit. The cover plate is disposed so as to cover an upper portion of the low voltage battery in flush with an upper face of the control unit.

Abstract: An operation apparatus includes a base, a sensing unit, a plurality of plates, and a drive mechanism. The base has a surface. The sensing unit includes at least three pressure-sensitive detection regions that are provided at different vertex positions of a polygon having at least three corners set in each of a plurality of regions obtained by partitioning at least a part of the surface of the base. The plurality of plates are provided to correspond to the plurality of regions and cover the at least a part of the surface. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of plates on the basis of a signal generated by detection of the sensing unit.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a removable portion having a material and a chemical detection system coupled with the removable portion. The chemical detection system can obtain an amount of the material from the removable portion and determine whether the amount of material obtained from the removable portion includes a predetermined substance. In response to determining that the amount of the material obtained from the removable portion includes the predetermined substance, the chemical detection system can provide a first signal to initiate a first operation of the apparatus. Additionally, in response to determining that the amount of material obtained from the removable portion does not include the predetermined substance, the chemical detection system can generate a second signal to display an alert that indicates the material is not approved by at least one of a manufacturer of the apparatus or a supplier of the apparatus.

Abstract: Smoke alarm comprising at least one internal chamber, which chamber has at least one opening towards the surroundings, such that air may pass through the chamber, and where means are provided for emitting light and means for detecting said light is provided in or around said chamber, where the change in light intensity registered by the means generates a smoke alarm.

Abstract: An adjustable occupancy sensor capable of being secured to a light fixture includes a housing having a side and a bottom, a sensor assembly attached to the housing at the bottom of the housing, and an adjustable mounting assembly provided on the side of the housing. The adjustable mounting assembly includes a slot defined in the side of the housing and a track having a plurality of segments extending along the length of the track. The track is configured to be releasably secured to the side of the housing within the slot, the plurality of segments being configured to be breakable from the track to adjust a length of the track. The adjustable mounting assembly further includes a connector molded or otherwise secured to the track to connect the housing of the adjustable occupancy sensor to the light fixture. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An intrusion detector comprises a housing including a cover and baseplate mounting a circuit board. The cover and baseplate are removably mountable to a base. A motion sensor and bracket are mounted to the circuit board. The cover has a lower lookdown window. A lookdown enable/disable actuator extends from a rear side of the circuit board and is accessible through the baseplate. The actuator is operable to move a door pivotally mounted to the bracket between an on position to enable a lookdown function and an off position to disable the lookdown function. The detector is normally mounted on a wall by securing the base to the wall. The cover and baseplate can be removed from the base. A screwdriver can be used to turn the actuator. The cover and baseplate can then be remounted to the base.

Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time.

Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing and a coupling portion movably coupling the first housing and the second housing to each other. The first housing includes a guide groove formed in a surface of the first housing facing the second housing that restricts a direction of movement of the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other. The guide groove includes a bottom portion. The coupling portion includes a coupling main body fixed to a surface of the second housing facing the first housing, a guide pin protruding from the coupling main body so as to be able to advance and retreat within the guide groove and including a tip portion, the tip portion being housed in the guide groove, and an urging member urging the guide pin toward the bottom portion of the guide groove.

Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.

Abstract: An electric motorcycle includes a front cover for covering a head pipe of a vehicle body frame from a forward direction and a speaker for notifying an individual, such as a walker or the like, of the approach of a vehicle. The speaker has a sound emitting direction directed forwardly on the vehicle body and is disposed at a position on the opposite side to a key cylinder of a main switch, which is disposed in a vehicle body sideward direction of the head pipe, across the head pipe. A front stay support a front carrier disposed on the vehicle body front side of the front cover and is attached to the vehicle body front side of the head pipe is provided on the vehicle body rear side of the front cover. The speaker is disposed above the front stay as viewed in front elevation of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A tamper resistant and easily adjustable mobile tracking device is provided, or alternatively may be created by adding appropriate programming to a GPS enabled cellular communications device, by which location data and other information is transmitted to an administrative hub for processing and distribution according to operator defined parameters. Confirmed two-way communications are possible with mobile devices having display screens.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal.

Abstract: First, a user may select an illumination color for a bezel framing a display of an electronics device. Second, the illumination of a digital picture frame may be established based on sensed motion nearby and/or ambient light. Third, the color of a user interface presented on a display can be established to match the color of the room in which the display is disposed, as indicated by colorimetry from a camera.

Abstract: A system and method for a panel system containing embedded electronic elements providing both housing for the electronics and structural support. A preferred embodiment of the system is for a container security system, which is constructed into or conforming onto the roof, walls, door, or base of a cargo container is provided. The panel system may consist of a variety of electronic elements, batteries or power elements, sensors, a processing element to collect the sensor data, and a communications element to transmit outside of the container.

Abstract: A self-shunting security system for detecting the absence or presence of a removable auxiliary alarm assembly for preventing theft of one or more products operatively connected to said system. A port is operatively attached to circuitry and is adapted to receive the removable auxiliary alarm assembly. A shunting assembly is also operatively attached to the circuitry and is disposed in relation to the port for detecting the absence or presence of the removable auxiliary alarm assembly within the port. The port and shunting assembly are in parallel electrical configuration. The shunting assembly automatically forms a first closed circuit when the removable auxiliary alarm assembly is not inserted into the port.

Abstract: A pest detection device includes a housing with a sensor and one or more bait members. The sensor includes one or more of a chisel-shaped electrically conductive trace carried on a substrate, a low resistance electrically conductive ink defining an electrical pathway on a substrate with a pointed profile, and/or a substrate including a directional grain structure oriented in a predefined manner relative to an electrically conductive pathway.

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: A smoke detector device featuring a base for mounting to a ceiling, wall, or fixture. The base has three grooves disposed in its outer surface. Rings can wrap around each groove on the base. Each ring has at least two modules with an inner chamber and a door, wherein the inner chamber of each module can hold an item. The base can move between an expanded position wherein the three grooves are exposed and a collapsed position wherein only one groove is exposed. Flanges and set screws can secure the base in the expanded position.

Abstract: A cabinet for a fire extinguisher located in a building. The cabinet includes a housing having a door and a dome light located in an interior of the housing. The cabinet also includes an exterior light located on the door and a status light for indicating whether the cabinet is operating properly as a notification device. A fire safety system is also provided, wherein the fire safety system includes detectors for detecting an unsafe condition in the building and notification devices for providing notification of the unsafe condition. When an unsafe condition is detected, the interior and exterior lights are turned on to provide notification of the unsafe condition.

Abstract: Reusable 3D glasses are provided, comprising temples embedded with RFID chips, a detachable lens portion, and a curved bridge portion. The RFID chips are to be used with a tracking system that performs a plurality of functions of: monitoring available inventory levels; counting the number of 3D glasses used by patrons; preventing unauthorized use of 3D glasses; preventing theft of 3D glasses; and counting the number of re-uses per pair of glasses. The tracking system further comprises a plurality of boxes for storing reusable 3D glasses; each box may comprise one or more RFID chips affixed along a cutting line on the box and one or more RFID chips inside the boxes. The curved bridge portion is configured for a user to comfortably wear 3D glasses over prescription glasses. The detachable lens frame is configured for salvaging a usable part in case of partial damage of the reusable 3D glasses.

Abstract: A smoke detector includes processing circuitry coupled to a camera. The field-of-view of the camera contains one or more targets, each having spatial indicia thereon. At least a portion of one of the targets is coated, at least in part, by an infra-red absorbing dye. The dye produces visually discernable dark areas on the coated target(s).

Abstract: A package comprises a security device where a security loop is formed integrally with the package for detecting a breach of the package. Additionally, the security loop may be formed with a portion to be interrupted if the contents are removed from the package.

Abstract: Methods and systems to redirect the audible and visible signals from alarms on a portable safety device. A cover (10) cooperates with a portable safety device (50) to define a sound chamber (12) that amplifies audible warning signals. A visual alarm guide (14) also is provided. A calibration adapter (500) affords quick and simple bump testing and calibration of the portable safety device.

Abstract: A personal care implement or toothbrush includes a sensor for detecting a position of the toothbrush and orientation display for providing content to a user. The display may be configured to present content in a mirror-image format. The personal care implement may be configured to operate in one or more modes of operation. One or more components may be included for setting variables associated with the modes of operation, for changing an orientation of the displayed content between a mirror-image format and forward-facing format, and for changing the particular mode of operation.

Abstract: A safety detection alarm device for a ladder includes a control alarm unit and a sensor unit. A load sensor module, a voltage detection sensor module or an angle detection sensor module of the sensor unit is installed on the ladder. The load sensor module of the sensor unit is to detect the weight of the load. The voltage detection sensor module is to detect and sense the load of the electricity and current. The angle detection sensor module is to detect the angle of the ladder. A light alarm module or a sound alarm module is used to send an alarm to warn the user that the load, electricity or current of the ladder is over or the ladder is unstable. The present invention is safe for use and provides a better function for use.

Abstract: A console including one or more light-emitting devices that are intended to be combined with one or more identical or different signalling devices. The console has at least one first frame element including an upper part with a front side and a lower part with a rear side that is intended to be mounted to a mounting surface, and a first light-emitting device that is directly or indirectly arranged on the frame element. The function of the signalling devices should not be adversely affected by the light-emitting devices while enabling a modular combination of such systems to increase safety. For this purpose, the frame element has at least two parts in the direction of a central axis (M). At least one groove is provided between the front side and the rear side, which groove extends at least partially around the central axis (M) on the outer side. The light-emitting device is arranged in the groove.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal.

Abstract: A programmable communicator device is disclosed having a wireless communications circuit, including an antenna, configured to receive a transmission, and an identity module having a unique identifier. The programmable communicator further includes a processing module including program code configured to determine if the transmission is from an authenticated caller by determining whether a received transmission contains the unique identifier, and memory configured to store telephone numbers or IP addresses received in transmissions from an authenticated caller.