Abstract: Device for fastening a sensor on containers with a flexible container wall, in particular mixing bags, comprising a sensor support which is fitted with a sensor, bears against an inner wall of the container wall at least with a rear subsurface averted from the sensor, and is guided with a central piece through an opening in the container wall in which the sensor support is fixed on the container wall by a clamping part which can be connected to the central piece, in which the container wall is clamped between the rear subsurface of the sensor support and on a bearing surface, facing an outer wall of the container, of the clamping part, and in which the rear subsurface bears sealingly against the inner wall of the container wall. The sensor support can also have an electronic or optical transmit unit which is connected to the sensor, in which case the transmit unit communicates in a wireless fashion with a receive unit arranged outside the container.

Abstract: A chamber-status monitoring apparatus includes a plurality of chambers, a time-division multiplexer configured to receive, via optical fiber probes, optical signals from each chamber, to divide each optical signal into first time slots having a predetermined duration, and to multiplex the first time slots to generate an OTDM signal, a multi-input optical emission spectroscope configured to receive and disperse the OTDM signal according to wavelengths to measure spectrum information, and a controller configured to divide the spectrum information of the dispersed OTDM signal into second time slots with a predetermined time interval therebetween, to classify the second time slots according to the chambers to obtain spectrum information of the optical signals of the individual chambers, and to control endpoint detection in each of the chambers in accordance with the spectrum information of the optical signal of the corresponding chamber.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects are disclosed. According to one system, a locating device can be configured to determine a location of an object. According to another system, an identifying device can be configured to determine the identification of an object. Further, a tracking system configured to store tracking information associated with the object. A communications system can be configured to communicate a signal to a remote computer device that identifies the location of the object and includes the tracking information associated with the object.

Abstract: Packet formats and associated metering infrastructure for filtering meter reading data that is being transmitted by utility meters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method suitable for being implemented in a metering environment is provided that filters meter reading data being received by multiple collectors. Specifically, the method includes ranking the relative ability of the plurality of collectors to capture transmissions from the same utility meter. Based on the relative ranking, at least one collector from the plurality of collectors is identified that will be configured to disregard transmissions that originate from the utility meter. Then, the method provides the collector with a read list for differentiating between transmissions containing meter reading data that will be forwarded to a utility service provider from transmissions that originate from the utility meter.

Abstract: The teachings described herein are generally concerned with systems and methods for selectively enabling an electronic device, such as an optical transceiver, that is configured to communicate with a remote computer. In one example of such a method, identification data is initially transmitted from the electronic device to the remote computer. At the remote computer, a determination is made as to whether the identification data is valid. If the identification data is valid, the remote computer generates encrypted data based upon the valid identification data. The encrypted data is then transmitted to the electronic device, where the encrypted data and the identification data are process to facilitate a determination as to whether operation of the electronic device will be enabled. The scope or extent to which the electronic device can be enabled is defined by predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system for collecting data includes a remote sensor assembly and a central data collection device. The remote sensor assembly has a data bus, a remote wireless node, and a plurality of remote sensor modules in wired communication with the remote wireless node via the data bus. Each of the remote sensor modules converts a sensed condition into data in response to a request from the remote wireless node. The central data collection device has a master wireless node for periodically wirelessly communicating with the remote wireless node. The remote wireless node collects data from each of the plurality of remote sensor modules and periodically transmits the data to the master wireless node. The remote sensor modules are interchangeable and new remote sensor modules may be added. The remote wireless node may detect the sequence of the attached remote sensor modules to enable three-dimensional mapping of the sensed conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for locating each of the wheels of a pair of twinned wheels mounted on a vehicle. Each twinned wheel is equipped with an electromagnetic receiving antenna, and these two twinned wheels are provided with elements of relative blocking rotation-wise designed to make it possible to obtain an offset by a predetermined angle (?), such that (?) is different from 0° and 180°, between the receiving antennas with which the two twinned wheels are equipped. The vehicle is equipped with a fixed source of emission of an electromagnetic signal suitable for covering an area passed through by the receiving antennas, and the electromagnetic field received by each of the receiving antennas is measured, so as to deduce, from the analysis of the time offset between the variations of the two measured electromagnetic fields, the location of each of the twinned wheels.

Abstract: A system for early detection of component failure in a hydraulic system comprises a particle detection device disposed in a fluid flow channel of a machine, the particle detection device configured to monitor a current particle count associated with fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel. The system further includes a condition monitoring system in wireless data communication with the particle detection device. The condition monitoring system is configured to receive data indicative of the current particle count and analyze historic particle count data collected by the particle detection device. The condition monitoring system is also configured to estimate a trend in the historic particle count data based on the analysis. A failure event associated with one or more components associated with the fluid flow channel is predicted if the data indicative of the current particle count deviates from the trend by a threshold amount.

Abstract: A diversity antenna system including a plurality of antennas can include an antenna interface circuit configured to connect an antenna of the plurality of antennas to a transceiver using an antenna selection signal. The antenna control circuit can be configured to produce the antenna selection signal using at least one of a random sequence generator configured to generate a random antenna selection signal or a predetermined sequence generator configured to generate a predetermined antenna selection signal according to a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A traffic entity, such as a passenger car, is warned that a situation requiring the change of driving mode will be required. The traffic entity is alerted to the presence of a second traffic entity, such as an emergency vehicle which requires the moving traffic entity to change its movement when it is proximate to the second traffic entity. The alert is changed, such as by increasing the intensity of visible signals, as the distance between the moving traffic entity and the second traffic entity decreases or the closing speed between the two entities increases, and the mode of the alert is changed, such as from visible to audible, as the distance between the entities further decreases or the closing speed further increases. A variety of traffic entities are accommodated by the system.

Abstract: A monitor device includes a substrate and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the substrate. The monitor device also includes a processor coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive one or more signals from the plurality of temperature sensors. The processor is further adapted to convert the one or more received signals into one or more converted signals. The monitor device further includes a transceiver coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive the one or more converted signals. The transceiver is further adapted to transmit one or more output signals to an external receiver.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system, communication and control for automated meter reading, a meter data collector, and associated methods are provided. The system includes at least one utility meter, at least one meter sensor interfaced with the utility meter, a meter data collector positioned adjacent the utility meter and positioned to receive data from the at least one sensor, and a remote automatic meter reading control center positioned to receive data from the collector such as through RF or other types of communication to gather and process usage reading data. Meter usage data is obtained by the collector from the meter sensor, date and time stamped, and stored in the collector until directly transmitted to the control center or a substation if within range and not blocked or impeded by a physical structure or other obstacle. If the collector is not in range, then the data is forwarded to another collector associated with a location closer to the control center or substation.

Abstract: The present invention includes an automatic commodity or services billing and metering system that when installed does not damage any existing meters or gauges, will fit virtually all known meters and gauges, and has incorporated into the system programmable reading ability to allow reading and accumulation of data by unit, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or any other form of counting required by the customer. The meters are read by various means, one method is by counting and or sensing radiation increases and decreases of radiation emitting from a meter hand or gauge passing a sensor to generate a count. The read data is then sent via the Internet through the telephone line, by satellite, or by cellular phone connection to an offsite central billing and payment processing center where the rate payer and the utility or customer will have various forms of programmable access to its consumption data.

Abstract: As described in U.S. Pat. No. D436,747 owned by Earl J Wiley and Paula Wiley of 820 Oakside La., University Park, Ill. (US) 60466, one type of a chair has been proposed with a built-in remote control. The problem with that design is that it indicates one transceiver. Depending on how the user is sitting in the chair or the layout of the room, this could impede the transceiver signal. For example, if the user is sitting with his feet up, he might block the signal for the device which should be controlled. Therefore, transceivers on both front sides are necessary to ensure reliable performance. Another case could be that the user wants to control devices behind him without turning the chair around. In this case the user can, with this invention, control the device with the transceivers which are built in the back of the chair.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit.

Abstract: A remote energy meter system and method is provided having a meter server and a client module located remotely from the meter server. The meter server communicates with the client via a wireless communications link to recover energy production parameter values. The remote energy meter system preferably provides real-time and automated monitoring of, at least, energy production and system failure parameters.

Abstract: The extended range of optical data communication is enabled through the use of intermediary relay stations spaced fairly far apart. IRDA communicatiOn, as is well known, uses very short duration optical pulses to send data up to 1 Mbit/sec; this has the concomitant effect of minimizing LED duty cycle and preventing excessive heating. The invention uses a number of integrated pulses to represent a single bit instead of utilizing a one-to-one correspondence between pulses and bits. Processing software causes the transmitter to “stutter” or repetitively emanate the identical pulse representing a bit of information. Sufficient photons are thereby gathered at a receiver to reach a predetermined threshold. A tradeoff of the data transmission frequency in this invention is that as signal intensity drops by a factor of 100 when distance increases by a factor of 10 yielding a distance/intensity ratio of 1/10.

Abstract: A multi-core distributed temperature sensing optical fiber is described, wherein the arrangement and construction of at least two cores provides a spectral attenuation corrected (e.g., corrected for hydrogen and/or stress on the fiber) temperature measurement.

Abstract: A wireless metering device for real time measuring of at least one parameter has a probe for measuring the at least one parameter. The probe will wirelessly transmit real time measured values. A meter is wirelessly coupled to the probe. The meter is used for displaying the real time measured values.

Abstract: A measuring instrument, in particular a flow or level meter, includes a base module for the acquisition and processing of measured data and an add-on module. Both the base module and the add-on module feature an optical interface interconnecting the base module and the add-on module. The result is a measuring instrument which, by interchanging the add-on module, can be equipped with various external interfaces without requiring any recalibration of the measuring instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measure acquisition system (300) comprising a measure acquisition assembly (200), which comprises a casing (30) being enclosed by a cover (40), an electronic card (50) coupled to said cover (40), a power supply (20) supplying power to said electronic card (50), and a transducer (10) connected to said electronic card (50); a receiver means (11) that communicates with the measure acquisition assembly (200) by means of radiofrequency, and alternatively an antenna (21), which receives information from the receiver means (11) and transfers the same to a base station (31).

Abstract: For monitoring a sensor using differential voltage evaluation for detecting a short circuit to ground and/or to supply voltage UB, a first resistor and a second resistor R1, R2 are assigned to the sensor, a sum voltage is determined from voltages UP, UM at terminals of the sensor, the sum voltage is compared to supply voltage UB, a ratio a of determined sum voltage to supply voltage UB is then calculated, and depending on the value for the ratio a, the occurrence of a shunt at the positive terminal and/or negative terminal of the sensor is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a batter providing power to the transmitter. To conserve battery power, each tire pressure signal transmitted by the transmitters includes a wake-up signal only when the vehicle has been stationary for a predetermined time period. The wake-up signal ensures receipt of the tire pressure signal by a vehicle mounted receiver alternating between active state and inactive states.

Abstract: A temperature recorder capable of storing, in time sequence, measured temperatures and measured times as temperature records in a memory incorporated therein, wherein, the temperature recorder is installed in a power line for temperature recording and, when the power line supplies a power in a normal temperature range, wirelessly transmits the temperature record to a monitor at a frequency of once every half day and, when an abnormal heating is detected from the power line, wirelessly transmits the temperature record as a temperature alarm record.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus and method is provided which makes discrete functional elements perform a cooperative work without various limitations caused by a wired configuration. The wireless communication apparatus has a plurality of fine functional elements 3 each having a communication unit for data transmission and reception by using radio waves or light and one or more unit other than the communication unit, and a base station 4 for controlling and collectively managing the fine functional elements through communications with the fine functional elements, wherein one or more units other than the communication unit are activated through communications of one of the fine functional elements 3 received control information from the base station 4 with another of the fine functional elements 3 via the communication units, to thereby make the discrete functional elements 3 perform a cooperative work.

Abstract: A location system and method for determining the location of a tagged item in a facility. In one embodiment, the location system includes a plurality of room transmitters designed to be located throughout the facility. Each room transmitter has a unique signature. The system also includes at least one item or location tag affixed or otherwise associated with an item. Each tag is operable to send a signal having information related to the signature of a room transmitter within the reception range of the tag and information related to the identity of the tag. Signals from the tags are received by one or more locating receivers. Each locating receiver is operable to determine the identity of an item tag and the likely location of the item tag within the facility based upon the signal from that tag. The invention also provides a method of locating an item in a facility.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of an electric current-carrying heating element involving installing the heating element in a location and setting the initial composition Ci of the material as a reference baseline at an initial time Ti corresponding to said installation of the heating element. Data is then collected reflecting the subsequent composition Cs of the heating element material after a subsequent time Ts at the installed location and any change in the material composition of the heating element between Ti and Ts is monitored. An alarm is sent when the change reaches a threshold value indicating a possible failure condition. According to one embodiment, an impedance monitor is provided that calculates and compares impedance at the required levels of accuracy to determine changes in material composition. The impedance monitor, or portions thereof may be embedded within a microcontroller for increased portability and functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhalation gaseous component gauge including, in a palm-sized casing having exhalation taking-in and taking-out slots made on its front and rear sides, a semiconductor gas sensor so placed that the air flowing from one's mouth may pass the sensor, a CPU responsive to the signal from the sensor for determining the quantity of the exhalation gaseous components, and a display for showing the so determined result. The palm-sized casing is so sized and configured as to permit one to have a look at the display while holding the gauge in hand to direct the air from the mouth to the exhalation taking-in slot. Also, disclosed is a cellular phone equipped with an exhalation gaseous component gauge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the proper operation of an electronic pet containment transmitter. The transmitter includes an internal short loop antenna that is used to activate the receiver unit when it is brought into close proximity of the transmitter.

Abstract: A telemetered characteristic monitor system includes a remotely located data receiving device, a sensor for producing signal indicative of a characteristic of a user, and a transmitter device. The transmitter device includes a housing, a sensor connector, a processor, and a transmitter. The transmitter receives the signals from the sensor and Tirelessly transmits the processed signals to the remotely located data receiving device. The processor coupled to the sensor processes the signals from the sensor for transmission to the remotely located data receiving device. The data receiving device may be a characteristic monitor, a data receiver that provides data to another device, an RF programmer for a medical device, a medication delivery device (such as an infusion pump), or the like.

Abstract: A telemetered characteristic monitor system includes a remotely located data receiving device, a sensor for producing signal indicative of a characteristic of a user, and a transmitter device. The transmitter device includes a housing, a sensor connector, a processor, and a transmitter. The transmitter receives the signals from the sensor and wirelessly transmits the processed signals to the remotely located data receiving device. The processor coupled to the sensor processes the signals from the sensor for transmission to the remotely located data receiving device. The data receiving device may be a characteristic monitor, a data receiver that provides data to another device, an RF programmer for a medical device, a medication delivery device (such as an infusion pump), or the like.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring device, being installed in a motor vehicle having a plurality of tires, includes: a plurality of sensor modules being installed onto the tire and having a wireless communication signal transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal. The RF signal includes a specific code for the status of the tire and a specific code for the sensor module. The device further includes a plurality of antenna modules, each being installed individually for one of the sensor modules for receiving the signal; and a receiving device, electrically coupled to the antenna module for processing the signal.

Abstract: The present invention features a wireless, remote monitor system for multiple, diverse sensors. A remote transceiver is equipped with one or more interchangeable sensors, each type of sensor being capable of providing a unique identity code to the base monitoring station. Multiple sensors may be piggybacked so as to monitor more than one condition substantially simultaneously. The inventive system includes routines which automatically recognize the sensors and then upload and execute one or more sensor-specific software routines. This quasi “plug and play” approach overcomes problems where improper sensor inputs are made to a particular data analysis routine resulting in erroneous results. The inventive system is applicable to a wide variety of fields such as biomedical, athletics, security, etc. Each remote sensor included provisions for signal conditioning and data analysis.

Abstract: A communications module that permits remote meter reading of a utility meter via a wireless modem that communicates using data packet networks along a communications system, such as ARDIS. The communications module is a microprocessor-based transmitter/receiver which receives data collection requests from a system server, initiates data collection from a utility meter, and reports the data back to a host computer system residing, for example, at a central office. Preferably, session-based communication using the meter protocol is implemented between the communications module and the meter, and packet switching is used between the communications server and the communications module through the network.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system includes a central station adapted to receive vital signs data concerning a plurality of patients, and one or more transmitter/receivers associated with the central station. At least one patient monitor is configured to monitor a particular one of the plurality of patients by collecting vital signs data from the particular patient, and configured to establish communications with the central station and communicate the collected vital signs data to the central station via the one or more transmitter/receivers. The at least one patient monitor is operable by a user to identify the particular patient from the plurality of patients, and to inform the central station of the identity of the particular patient. The central station is configured to associate the vital signs data received from the at least one patient monitor with the particular patient. The system, transmitter/receivers and at least one patient monitor may be wireless or wired.

Abstract: A meter is provided of the type used for recording data primarily related to power and/or energy use. The meter includes an IrDA port for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the meter. Preferably, the IrDA port operates according to one or more of the standard IrDA protocols and is preferably mounted on the face of the meter to allow data to be read using a handheld computing device. Upon the detection of the handheld computing device, the IrDA port automatically transmits data to the handheld computing device. The handheld computing device is preferably programmed with application software for processing the read data. The processed data can then be transmitted either wirelessly or non-wirelessly to a computing device, such as a remote server or personal computer, for preparing bills, statistical charts, energy reports, etc.

Abstract: A measurement device of the present invention includes a measurement portion for acquiring measured data from a sensor; a memory portion for storing the measured data; a radio portion for performing radio transmission/reception of the measured data; a PC interface portion for transmitting the measured data to a host computer via the universal interface; and a control portion for controlling the measurement portion, memory portion, radio portion, and PC interface portion, the control portion has a switching function for setting a mode by selecting between a remote mode and base mode; in the remote mode, the measured data acquired by the measurement portion are stored in the memory portion and transmitted by the radio portion, and in the base mode, the measured data acquired from the radio portion are stored in the memory portion and transmitted to the host computer by the PC interface portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for radio utility meter reading processing of data acquisition for use with an automatic billing system involves a utility meter transmitter antenna system installed at or near ground level. An RF utility meter communication apparatus transmits utility meter data to a remote utility meter data collection unit from an underground pit box. The pit box includes a utility meter and has a generally ground level pit lid with an opening therethrough. An antenna element has an upper member extending at least partly through such pit lid opening. A depending base of the antenna element extends from the upper element and passes through the pit lid opening into the underground pit box. The depending antenna element is capacitively coupled or provided with some other form of non-mechanical coupling to the output of an RF transmitter also included within the pit box.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire pressure monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a batter providing power to the transmitter. To conserve battery power, each tire pressure signal transmitted by the transmitters includes a wake-up signal only when the vehicle has been stationary for a predetermined time period. The wake-up signal ensures receipt of the tire pressure signal by a vehicle mounted receiver alternating between active state and inactive states.

Abstract: A distributed telemetry method is effected by coordinating the taking of readings of a parameter by mobile phone users, the parameter readings being then sent to a service system together with location information on the users. Collating the readings and location information enables a representation to be generated of the geographic variation of the measured parameter. Incentives can be offered to encourage cell phone users to participate in the telemetry method.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus allow the remote monitoring of utility usage without the need of a human meter reader. The embodiments include a usage data provider that generates an electronic form of utility usage data, and a communications interface that communicates the electronic form of the utility usage data to a remote data collection facility.

Abstract: The Wireless Information Meter is a meter that has solved the many problems of having to use wires to send and receive information from and to meter. Now that the meters can be wireless where they can save in additional cost and installation and also solve the many problems that come along with having to use wires in hooking up to operate and receive and send information. What is very unique about this invention is that the meter can be placed a great distance from the source the information is be received or sent to making the meter more versatile then any wired meters. This meter can perform many functions in one meter without the use of any wires to power it, get information or receive information and can display the information in the meter display with and without the use of control button on the meter and is totally waterproof for indoor or outdoor applications.

Abstract: A longwall control system controls a longwall support and facilitates the remote inspection of the longwall support. The longwall support comprises a plurality of hydraulically operated supports. The longwall control system comprises a plurality of shield control devices respectively associated with the supports for rearranging the supports in the sense of robbing, advancing, and setting. The longwall control system further comprises detection devices for detecting inspection values associated with the operating parameters of the shield control devices. The longwall control system also comprises a hand-operated device. The hand-operated devices comprises signaling devices, such as a readout or display. Long-distance transmission devices transmit the detected inspection values from the detection devices to the hand-operated device, and the signaling devices provide signals representative of the transmitted inspection values.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrical device that includes an enclosure and an optical signal.

Abstract: A vibration monitor is provided which is worn on the wrist of an operative for an operating plant or apparatus. The monitor includes a piezoelectric transducer and associated circuitry which generates electronic digital signals during the periods when vibrations are experienced by the operative. Preferably, the plant or apparatus has a transmitter which transmits a code identifying the plant which is received by the monitor. Alternatively, the code may be entered manually. The monitor preferably includes a logger which can be connected to a host computer which data can be transferred over an external communications link. The logger includes a storage device for storing how long the operative is subjected to vibrations.

Abstract: Vibration data is transmitted from a remote site to a control facility using wireless data transmission. In one embodiment, the vibration signal is conditioned and digitized, and then sent via a page transmitter to the control facility.

Abstract: A location system and method for determining the location of a tagged item in a facility. In one embodiment, the location system includes a plurality of room transmitters designed to be located throughout the facility. Each room transmitter has a unique signature. The system also includes at least one item or location tag affixed or otherwise associated with an item. Each tag is operable to send a signal having information related to the signature of a room transmitter within the reception range of the tag and information related to the identity of the tag. Signals from the tags are received by one or more locating receivers. Each locating receiver is operable to determine the identity of an item tag and the likely location of the item tag within the facility based upon the signal from that tag. The invention also provides a method of locating an item in a facility.

Abstract: A tire pressure display device for a vehicle having several wheels provides each monitored tire with an electronic module including, for example, an integrated pressure sensor with measuring and control electronics which are coupled to a high-frequency transmitter/receiver. Away from the wheels, there is at least another high-frequency transmitter/receiver that is coupled to a microprocessor that exchanges high-frequency radiograms with each wheel's electronic module in an interrogation-response mode. In addition, a remote control locking arrangement activates a locking system on the vehicle. The triggering of a control command effectuated on the remote control locking arrangement also activates the microprocessor, which then initializes the electronic module for each monitored tire.

Abstract: An autonomous sensor system is provided for powering sensors using thermoelectric modules driven by thermal energy. The system includes solid-state thermoelectric (TE) modules for the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. The TE modules are composed of p-type and n-type semiconductors that are interdigitated so that the p-type and n-type elements form thermocouples. The TE modules derive electrical power from thermal energy available in the immediate environment. The system also includes sensors that are powered by the TE module, wherein a corresponding free space signal is generated.

Abstract: A novel system and method for achieving accurate readings of the rotational speed, number of revolutions and direction of rotation of a utility system. More specifically, a system and method for retrofitting existing utility meters with a lightweight tape, having contrasting sections of reflective and non-reflective material applied thereto, which is read by optical sensors as the lightweight tape passes by with the revolutions of the disk of the utility meter. Additionally, the system and method detects unauthorized use of the utility or tampering with the utility meter and its functions.