Abstract:
An anti-carjacking system includes a transmitter programmed to receive a selected vehicle identification number or other code for use with a car assigned with that particular number or code. The system further includes a receiver associated with the computer system of the car so identified by the selected vehicle identification number and means for disabling normal driving operation of the car. There is further provided means for sending a disable command from the transmitter to the receiver so that the particular car with the selected vehicle identification number is rendered non-operational. The system may be implemented in various embodiments including a modified car radio system and a RFID embedded license plate configuration. Methods related to vehicle operation and occupant safety are also provided.
Abstract:
Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention is a remote controlled tanning bed salon that controls the operation of a plurality of tanning beds from a centrally located transceiver. A person wishing to use a tanning bed in the system will input a card having magnetic information coded onto a magnetic strip into a central unit. The central unit will read the information on the strip and determine if such information as to whether the user has already used the tanning bed within a recent time period, how much credit on the account, etc. Once the information has been verified by the central unit one of the tanning beds will be made operable by sending a message by a radio frequency signal to one of the tanning beds. Information concerning which tanning bed is to be used and the length of time of the tanning session are included in the message that is sent from the central unit.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for providing standardized mobile device distraction prevention and safety protocols are disclosed. In particular, an embodiment of a method for activating a distraction prevention or safety protocol behavior in a mobile device when the mobile device satisfies a specific condition is disclosed. The method includes discovering one or more protocol activators configured to transmit discovery information associated with a specific condition. The method further includes activating distraction prevention safety protocol behavior in the mobile device based at least in part on the discovery information. In an implementation, the specific condition may be a specified environment itself and or include an event when the mobile device enters a specified environment or a specified sequence of numbers is dialed from the mobile device.
Abstract:
An apparatus for eliminating electricity leakage from an electronic device connected to a power supply, while the electronic device is in switched-off state or stand-by state is disclosed. The electricity leakage is the electricity consumed by at least one active component of the electronic device that remains active in the switched-off state or standby state. The apparatus comprises of a charging module connected to at least one rechargeable battery for selectively providing electricity from the power supply to the rechargeable battery while the electronic device is in switched-on state using a MCU chip and associated circuit. An isolation module is provided for isolating the power supply from the electronic device while the electronic device is in switched-off state or standby state and restoring the power supply when the electronic device is in switched-on state. A back up module connected to the rechargeable battery, providing power to at least one active component from the rechargeable battery such that at least one active component remains operational even when the electronic device is in switched-off state or standby state.
Abstract:
An anti-carjacking system includes a transmitter programmed to receive a selected vehicle identification number or other code for use with a car assigned with that particular number or code. The system further includes a receiver associated with the computer system of the car so identified by the selected vehicle identification number and means for disabling normal driving operation of the car. There is further provided means for sending a disable command from the transmitter to the receiver so that the particular car with the selected vehicle identification number is rendered non-operational. The system may be implemented in various embodiments including a modified car radio system and a RFID embedded license plate configuration. Methods related to vehicle operation and occupant safety are also provided.
Abstract:
A transformer system for sensing load requirements and controlling a transformer accordingly to reduce power consumption when the load is in a stand by mode. One embodiment of the system includes a transformer implemented to receive an input and transform the input for use by a load, a sensor connected between an output of the transformer and the load, a communication link including the sensor and being connected between the transformer and the load, and a control switch connected to the transformer and sensor through the communication link. The sensor detects a mode of load operation and communicates a corresponding load mode signal over the communication link.
Abstract:
The vehicle safety system selectively deactivates a driver's cellular telephone when the driver is ready to drive his or her vehicle. The vehicle safety system first determines the proximity between the cellular telephone and the driver's seat of the vehicle. An identification tag is mounted on or in the vicinity of the driver's seat. The identification tag is sensed by a sensor to determine proximity. A gear state of the vehicle is then determined and transmitted to a call authorization module associated with the cellular telephone. The sensor for sensing the identification tag is also associated with the call authorization module. The call authorization module selectively deactivates the cellular telephone when the cellular telephone is located within a pre-set range from the driver's seat of the vehicle and the gear state of the vehicle is such that the vehicle may be driven under power.
Abstract:
Vehicle occupant identification and safety systems and methods include an RFID equipped vehicle including a computer system for controlling operating functions of the vehicle, an RFID emitter for use by a passenger of the vehicle, and processing logic associated with the computer system for determining when the vehicle has concluded operation and for detecting a signal from the passenger RFID emitter so that the computer system may be activated to send a distress signal when the passenger has remained in the vehicle after a predetermined time from when the vehicle has discontinued operation. Other embodiments of the system include an embedded RFID tag in a license plate to disable operation of a vehicle when the license place is removed from the vehicle.
Abstract:
Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.