Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure and a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals. The transmitters and the receiver utilize code division multiple access (CDMA) for the tire pressure signals so that tire pressure signals transmitted simultaneously by the transmitters can be received by the receiver. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and collects and processes the tire pressure signals, and generates control signals for use in conveying tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer comprising a measurement module (8) having a heating furnace (1), a measurement station (16 ) which controls the measurement module (8) and has a measurement user interface, a monitor (24) and software operating on respective central processing units (6, 12 and 20). An inquiry made about the existence of data and transfer of user-designated data to the measurement stat ion (16) in which measurement data are stored from the monitor station (23) permits us to monitor the data at the monitor station (23).

Abstract: A software/hardware system which provides immediate, on-going interaction between an institution and its customers. The system communicates with customers/subscribers over numerous, different communication channels and actively screens market conditions for situations that could potentially impact its customers, based on the customers' unique situation and prearranged instructions. The system and method interacts with the institution's processing centers which handle incoming customer transactions and the system creates outgoing messages. The system has a decision making component used to make the decision in each case as to which information to push to the customer in the form of a message. The message is delivered to the customer via any communication channels presently known.

Abstract: An unattended ground sensor for the monitoring of a remote area. The unattended ground sensor comprises a housing that supports a power source, a communications module, at least one sensor module and a mainframe module. Additionally, the unattended ground sensor includes a common electrical bus in electrical communication with the power source, the communications module, the at least one sensor module, and the mainframe module. The common electrical bus is operative to provide a communications pathway between the power source, the communications module, the at least one sensor, and the mainframe module. Accordingly, the mainframe module is operative to control the operation of the unattended ground sensor through the common electrical bus.

Abstract: A communication system includes a transmitting device, a receiving device having receiving device for receiving data transmitted by said transmitting device and managing device for managing received data, detecting device for detecting whether or not communication of data between said transmitting device and said receiving device is permitted, said detecting device being provided with at least one of said transmitting device and said receiving device, wherein when said detecting device detects a fact that communication of data is permitted, said transmitting device starts transmitting data to said receiving device.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a robot on the basis of data from sensors with their own sensor data structures. For solving the problem of adapting to different sensors and their data structures and consequently permitting in simple manner the use of different sensors without intervening in the actual robot control program, according to the system the sensor data are processed to robot control data with a control data structure usable by a system control program and a processing device suitable for the same is provided.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus includes RFID circuitry on a first substrate, and sensor circuitry on a second substrate. A receiving structure is associated with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and at least one connecting structure is associated with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry. The at least one connecting structure is removable received within the receiving structure. The invention also encompasses a method of forming an electrical apparatus. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate has RFID circuitry thereon, and the second substrate has sensing circuitry thereon. A receptacle is joined with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and has at least one orifice extending therein. At least one prong is joined with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry.

Abstract: A temperature tag and system for sensing and reporting an internal temperature reading inside a container. The temperature tag mounts on an outside surface of the container, and a shaft with a temperature sensor extends through the side of the container and senses the internal temperature reading. A plurality of readings may be recorded at a predefined sampling rate and stored in a data memory. The temperature tag then sends the temperature readings to a reader device that presents the temperature readings to a user. The reader device may trigger the temperature tag to send the temperature readings with a signal such as an infrared (IR) signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, and the like. The temperature readings may be analyzed in the temperature tag, the reader device, or may be downloaded to a computer to determine if an alarm condition exists.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1) product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a product). The apparatus includes a “smart card”, or, more generally, “smart token”, in combination with one or more sensors which record the external influences on the product and/or the environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify this information, depending on the application, is restricted to those with access to the encrypting key.

Abstract: A test point monitor is disclosed which includes, a processor, a cellular modem interfaced to the processor, and at least one analog sensor interfaced to the processor. The monitor is configured with a wake-up cycle, and further configured to periodically measure a voltage during the wake-up cycle utilizing the sensor, and further configured to transmit the measured voltage over a cellular control channel utilizing the modem.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1) product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a product). The apparatus includes a “smart card”, or, more generally, “smart token”, in combination with one or more sensors which record the external influences on the product and/or the environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify this information, depending on the application, is restricted to those with access to the encrypting key.

Abstract: A system detects the level of a liquid contained in a liquid gas tank or the like by using a magnet. This system is mounted on a tank (1). The tank is usually provided with a mechanical level indicator. The mechanical level indicator transmits a certain angular rotation to a stem (2). The upper end of the stem is connected with a magnet. The magnet is placed within a flanged body (3) which is fixed on the tank surface. A casing (4) including a transmitting apparatus (6), coupled with at least a magnetic reader (5) is arranged out of the tank (1) and over the magnet which is placed within the flanged body (3). On the basis of the angular displacement of the magnet, the transmitting apparatus and magnetic reader translate the filling level of the tank in signals to be transmitted to suitable receiving devices.

Abstract: A compact magnetic field exposure sensor and analysis system suitable for use in the calibration of induction heating processes such as foil cap sealing or the heat treatment of metals. The compact sensor is a self-contained sensing coil, and signal storage, processing and/or transmittingcomponents that can be configured to suit narrow-mouth containers. Detected and/or processed signals can be transmitted to remote storage, processing and/or display subsystems from the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor element is secured in a housing by a sealing packing, for example, and has a measurement area and a lead wire area. At least one lead wire having a first electric resistance with a positive temperature coefficient to a measurement device arranged in the measurement area is provided in the lead wire area of the sensor element. The lead wire area has at least one second electric resistance having a negative temperature coefficient. The first resistance and the second resistance as well as a third resistance of the measurement device enter into a total resistance. The temperature coefficients of the first and second resistances are coordinated so that the total resistance remains at least approximately constant when there is a change in the temperature distribution in the lead wire area of the sensor element.

Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.

Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.

Abstract: An intra-vehicle communications system in a mining vehicle monitoring system. A status sensor, status radio transmitter and power source are located adjacent to a portion or component of the vehicle to be monitored and a status radio receiver is located adjacent to a vehicle-to-base transmitter that receives a status radio signal from the status radio transmitter and forwards that signal to a base station at a central monitoring location. Preferably a plurality of such sensors, status radio transmitters and respective power sources are distributed throughout the vehicle. The status radio transmitters are relatively low power devices which require relatively low power for operation. Preferably the vehicle-to-base radio operates at a different frequency from the intra-vehicle status radios so as to avoid mutual interference. In many cases the power sources obtain their power from the motion of the vehicle itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low-power sensing and processing are provided. A method preferably includes collecting a plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensors include sensed data representative of at least shock and vibration. The method also includes converting the plurality of sensor signals into digital data, processing the digital data, generating a data communications protocol for communicating the digital data, and simultaneously and remotely detecting the generated communications protocol having the processed data to determined the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition. An apparatus preferably includes a low-power, data acquisition processing circuit responsive to a plurality of sensor signals representative of at least shock and vibration for acquiring and processing the sensed data.

Abstract: A device to be monitored plugs into the event counter apparatus which, in turn, plugs into a power source. The event counter apparatus monitors the flow of power from the power source, such as a wall outlet, to the device to be monitored. Each time the device to be monitored is powered on, current flows through the event counter apparatus. The current flow is detected and logged as an event. Event counter apparatus internal circuitry maintains a count of the number of times a device is powered on and off. The count is displayed on a display window of the event counter apparatus. The event counter apparatus may also include self-calibrating circuitry that stores a profile of the device's typical operating characteristics. The stored profile acts as a outside the fingerprint is detected an alarm can be activated to inform an observer to an anomalous status.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one tire condition value in each of a plurality of pneumatic tires of a moving vehicle, wherein each of the tires has associated therewith a passive electronic tire tag for sensing the at least one tire condition value and is responsive to an interrogation signal transmitted thereto to transmit a data modulated signal representative of the at least one tire condition value. The monitoring system includes portable ramp apparatus for supporting the moving vehicle, portable vehicle sensing apparatus for sensing the presence of the moving vehicle and tire pressure sensing apparatus embedded in the ramp apparatus for detecting the presence thereon of a vehicle tire on the ramp apparatus. In addition, the monitoring system includes transmitter antenna structure and receiver antenna structure respectively embedded in the ramp apparatus.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: A non-contact temperature measuring apparatus is provided with spherical semiconductors mounted on a measurement object and a data collector disposed out of contact with the measurement object. Each spherical semiconductor has an electronic circuit which is operable using internal power created from electromagnetic energy supplied from the data collector, to thereby obtain temperature information. The data collector contactlessly determines a temperature of or a temperature distribution across the measurement object based on pieces of temperature information transmitted from the spherical semiconductors specified by pieces of identification information sequentially transmitted from the data collector.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the resonant frequency of a passive sensor, for example a saw device, comprises: means (5,7, 3) for transmnitting signals of a plurality of frequencies to said passive sensor (2); means (3, 7) for receiving signals from said passive sensor simultaneously with said transmitting of signals; means (7) for comparing the received signals with the transmitted signals to identify a characteristic change in the relationship between the received signals and the transmitted signals which occurs when the sensor is being driven at its resonant frequency. Typically, as the frequency at which the passive sensor is driven passes through the resonant frequency of the sensor the phase and/or amplitude of the signal generated by the passive sensor win change. By identifying this change of phase and/or amplitude the point at which resonance occurs can be detected.

Abstract: An data interface module is provided for allowing a user to remotely modify a predetermined number of operating parameters of a motor driven by a motor control and for displaying the same. The interface module includes a micro-controller interconnected to a communications network and a visual display structure. The visual display structure has a first screen which displays a scrollable list of the operating parameters and a second screen which displays a data value for a user selected one of the operating parameters. A user may modify the user selected operating parameter when the second screen is displayed.

Abstract: An electronic pest monitoring system includes an electronic pest monitoring device which may be used in combination with or separate from a bait box. The electronic pest monitoring device is adapted to be removably attached to a bait box. The electronic pest monitoring device includes a pest detector, such as a passive IR detector, which provides a pest detection signal in response to the presence of a pest. A processor coupled to the pest detector includes a real-time clock, and stores in memory a time and date of occurrence of the pest detection signal and a duration of the presence of the pest. Such pest detection event information may be transmitted from the electronic pest monitoring device over a wireless communications channel, such as an IR communications channel, to a hand-held computer unit for display and analysis.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method of operation for evaluating body activity relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a processor that is associable with a sensor for sensing dynamic and static accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor is operable to process the sensed dynamic and static accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic and an environmental representation to thereby determine whether the evaluated body activity is within environmental tolerance. The processor operates to monitor both activity and inactivity relative to the environmental representation.

Abstract: A wireless, programmable system for medical monitoring includes a base unit and a plurality of individual wireless, remotely programmable biosensor transceivers. The base unit manages the transceivers by issuing registration, configuration, data acquisition, and transmission commands using wireless techniques. Physiologic data from the wireless transceivers is demultiplexed and supplied via a standard interface to a conventional monitor for display. Initialization, configuration, registration, and management routines for the wireless transceivers and the base unit are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of evaluating vehicle electrical control systems implements a base evaluation and programming station by an appropriately programmed portable computer. A wireless network communication interface is connected to the base evaluation and programming station. Vehicles may then be brought into the general vicinity of the base station. The electrical control system for each vehicle brought into range for testing may be temporarily attached to a transferable wireless node including a wireless communication interface and two way data staging element. Thereupon an ad hoc network is established with individual communication links between the wireless communication interface connected to the base evaluation and programming station and each transferable wireless communication interface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position fixing system associated with the keyboard of a digital computer, the keyboard being provided with an array of passive keys which identify the numerals, letters, symbols and other values to be entered in binary code forms into the computer when the keys are touched by a finger of the operator. The system includes a responder mounted on the operator's finger and a transmitter-receiver assembly housed in the computer which cooperates with the responder to yield a signal indicative of the exact position of the finger when touching a particular key. Digitally stored in the data storage of the computer is a table listing the keyboard location of each key and the binary codes of the values identified by the keys.

Abstract: An input buffer circuit having a function to detect whether or not a cable is connected includes a differential circuit for receiving differential data having first data and second data, and changing a signal level of an output signal when a difference between a signal level of the first data and a signal level of the second data exhibits a predetermined value. The input buffer further includes a conversion circuit for matching the signal level of the output signal to a specific band level.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the condition of an item and, particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for detecting a specific condition of a motor vehicle tire. The invention provides apparatus comprising a structure for radiating radio frequency energy in response to a reception by said structure of radio frequency energy; said structure having a first configuration which, in use, is changed to a second configuration in response to said item attaining said specific condition; said change in configuration producing a detectable difference in radio frequency energy radiated from said structure. Apparatus according to the present invention thereby allows for the remote interrogation of the condition of an item.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for application to at least one data item, and comprising at least one sensitive element connected by way of sensor electronic circuitry having a storage arrangement with an input/output port. This input/output port of the sensor arrangement is able to be connected by a line arrangement having at least three lines, with an external electrical or electronic device with an external electrical device, two lines being adapted for use as power supply lines and at least one third line being adapted for the transmission of sensor signals to the electrical device. By way of an external parametrization means, able to be connected with the at least one sensor signal line, parametrization signals may be supplied to the sensor electronic circuitry in order to parametrize the sensor arrangement by the storage of parametrization values. Accordingly sensor arrangement may be parametrized or re-parametrized fitting without any additional line or wireless transmission path being necessary.

Abstract: A fully integrated wireless spread-spectrum sensor incorporating all elements of an “intelligent” sensor on a single circuit chip is capable of telemetering data to a receiver. Synchronous control of all elements of the chip provides low-cost, low-noise, and highly robust data transmission, in turn enabling the use of low-cost monolithic receivers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input method using the pointing device in which the pointing device's ON operation causes an application to recognize that the state of the pointing device has transitioned to an ON state and the pointing device's OFF operation causes the application to recognize that the state of the pointing device has transitioned to an OFF state. The input method includes responding to the ON operation of the pointing device maintained in a certain period and bringing about a latch state in which the pointing device remains in the ON state for the application even if the OFF operation of the pointing device has taken place; and executing a program for informing a user that the latch state has been brought about.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a first substrate having first circuitry thereon. The first circuitry has a terminal extending therefrom, and the terminal defines a first electrical node. The apparatus further comprises a first dielectric material covering a predominate portion of the first circuitry and not covering the first electrical node. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a second substrate having second circuitry thereon. The second circuitry has a terminal extending therefrom, and such terminal defines a second electrical node. A second dielectric material covers a predominate portion of the second circuitry, but does not cover the second electrical node. The second substrate comprises a different material than the first substrate. A portion of the second substrate is over a portion of the first substrate to define an overlap between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting particles in a fluid including a housing having a cavity associated therewith, a magnet disposed adjacent the cavity to attract particles into the cavity, first and second coils wound around the outer surface of the cavity, the induction of the first coil being responsive to the particle accumulation within the cavity, the inductance of the second coil being responsive to the temperature of the fluid and being independent of the particle accumulation within the cavity, a first microprocessor coupled to the first and second coils for processing the signals received therefrom and for outputting signals indicative of the particle accumulation within the cavity, an rf transmitter for converting the signals received from the first microprocessor into rf signals, and an rf antenna for transmitting the processed signals to a remote location. The signals outputted from the first microprocessor are encoded with an identification code to identify and distinguish such signals.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an alarm. The alarm monitoring and control system comprises alarm units for detecting an associated alarm condition; at least one monitoring and control unit, coupled to a group of the alarm units, for receiving alarm information; and a base station, coupled via an IVDS link to the at least one monitoring and control unit, for receiving alarm data from said at least one monitoring and control unit. The present invention allows the combination of alarm and lamp monitoring and control functions in a single monitoring and control unit. Furthermore, it allows image data to be collected at either the alarm unit or the monitoring and control unit when an alarm condition is detected. Additionally in accordance with another embodiment, it allows the alarm condition to be generated by a panic button.

Abstract: An environment and hazard condition monitoring system is provided. One embodiment of the environment monitoring system is adapted to incorporate a plurality of preexisting sensors. The environment monitoring system comprises at least one user interface and a plurality of sensor agents, with each sensor agent communicating with the preexisting sensors, the user interface and with the other sensor agents. Another embodiment of the invention provides new sensors that include sensor agents that can communicate with each other and with a user interface. The sensor agent in either environment monitoring system can also communicate with portable devices.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.

Abstract: A data collection apparatus includes a sensing unit for attaching to a structure or live subject for sensing a parameter of the structure or live subject. The sensing unit includes a sensor, a data storage device, and a transmitting device. The data storage device is for storing data from the sensor. The apparatus also includes a control unit that is separable from the sensing unit. The control unit includes a data receiving device and a second data storage device different from said first storage device. The data receiving device is to receive data transmitted from the data sensing unit. The second data storage device is for storing the data received from the sensing unit. The apparatus also includes a triggering device for modifying the storing of data being stored to the first data storage device or for initiating transmission of data from the sensing unit to the control unit. The triggering device is controlled by a real time change in information about the structure or live subject.

Abstract: The device for monitoring the storage level of a product contained in a tank includes a device for measuring the storage level of the product, a central processing unit for utilizing the level read off by the measurement device, a memory for holding at least one storage level threshold, a device for comparing a level value output by the central processing unit with the threshold, a device for triggering a restocking command and controlled by the comparison device, and a device for transmitting the restocking command to a restocking center. It furthermore includes a device for receiving at least one time of information which is issued by the restocking center in response to the transmission of the restocking command.

Abstract: A method for monitoring health signs of an individual is provided including the steps of detecting at least one health sign characteristic of the individual with a sensor unit that is located proximate to the individual; producing a health signal from the sensor unit that indicates at least one health sign of the individual; communicating the health signal from the individual to a receiving unit over a wireless connection; processing the health signal to determine if an emergency condition exists; and providing an indication of an emergency condition to a destination node of a network, wherein operating electrical power is applied to the receiving unit in an initialization mode, the receiving unit determining if the receiving unit has received an identification signal from the sensor unit, and receiving a health signal only from a sensor unit having the received identification signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low-power sensing and processing are provided. A method preferably includes collecting a plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensors include sensed data representative of at least shock and vibration. The method also includes converting the plurality of sensor signals into digital data, processing the digital data, generating a data communications protocol for communicating the digital data, and simultaneously and remotely detecting the generated communications protocol having the processed data to determined the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition. An apparatus preferably includes a low-power, data acquisition processing circuit responsive to a plurality of sensor signals representative of at least shock and vibration for acquiring and processing the sensed data.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of a plurality of mechanical components, such as various bearings, speed reducers and the like. Each of the mechanical devices includes a respective local transmitter in electrical communication with various local sensors. Among the sensors which may be utilized are a temperature sensor and a shaft speed sensor, as well and an accelerometer for detecting vibration. The local transmitter receives information from the sensors and provides status information in a predetermined output format, such as a serial digital format. Unique electronic identifiers are assigned to respective of the local transmitters to facilitate selective communication with a central monitoring processor. As a result, the status information will be supplied to the central monitoring processor at predetermined times.

Abstract: A wireless gauge alert system including a near empty sensor, a near full sensor, a transmitter, a receiver, and an alert device used to monitor the fuel level status of a liquid fuel or pressure (vessel) tank having a measuring device with an output member and gauge. Upon detection of a predetermined near empty condition, the transmitter sends an encoded wireless alarm signal to the receiver. The alert device then generates a user notification signal. The receiver and alert device, which preferably comprise an LED, are held in a housing having a plug extending therefrom to mount the housing to an electrical socket in a high traffic area. An alternate alert system includes a receiver unit coupled with a computer that allows either the user or a vendor computer to monitor the status of the sensor and respond accordingly. Another alternate alert system includes multiple zone remote assemblies for installation on separate fuel tanks to be monitored.