Abstract:
Upon detecting (101) (via an animate object detector (506)) an animate object, these teachings provide for automatically and responsively transmitting (102) a remote light control signal and also selectively controlling (103) local lighting (505). This can comprise temporarily switching the local lighting to a higher power mode of operation (such as a fully-on mode of operation) from a lower power mode of operation (such as a fully-off mode of operation). These teachings will further accommodate determining (301) a relatively closeness of the animate object to the remote control. When the detected animate object is more than predetermined distance from the remote control, the local lighting can remain in the lower power mode of operation. When the detected animate object, however, is within that predetermined distance from the remote control, then the aforementioned step of switching the local lighting to the higher power mode of operation can be undertaken as described.
Abstract:
A system and method for allowing the owners of audio and/or audiovisual files to resell or purchased used content. The system provides for access via the internet and allows a user to upload or download content. To ensure against illicit copying of content, the system preferably includes a verification software package that must be downloaded onto the audio and/or audiovisual file player from which the user is attempted to resell content. The files uploaded to system are then made available for repurchase by another user. When the file is resold to another user, the file is removed from the available content list so that only the original audio and/or audiovisual file is ever transferred from one user to another user.
Abstract:
A wireless access control system having a microcontroller, a field generator, an access card reader, a proximity detector, and a self-contained energy source. Energy demands are reduced by maintaining the reader and field generator in a powered off state until the proximity detector detects the possible presentation of an access control card. The microcontroller then activates the field generator and card reader for a predetermined time period for obtaining data from the control card. If data is received, the system determined whether to grant access, or transmits the data to a host for determination whether access should be granted, and then operates a security mechanism accordingly. If data is not received within the time period, the field generator and reader are power off until the next proximity detection.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a wireless communications system. The system includes a first wireless headset having a first headset body member, a first RF transceiver tuned to a predetermined RF channel, a first microphone element and a first speaker element electrically coupled to the RF transceiver, and a first battery configured to provide electrical power to the first RF transceiver, the first microphone element and the first speaker element. The first RF transceiver and the first battery being disposed in the first headset body member. At least one second wireless headset includes a second headset body member, a second RF transceiver, a second microphone element and a second speaker element electrically coupled to the second RF transceiver, and a second battery configured to provide electrical power to the second RF transceiver, the second microphone element and the second speaker element. The second RF transceiver and the second battery are disposed in the second headset body member. The second RF transceiver is tuned to the predetermined RF channel such that the first wireless headset and the at least one second headset are directly connected by a single channel wireless network comprising a coverage range that is a function of a battery capacity of the first battery and/or second battery.
Abstract:
The present invention teaches that a small standardized plate may be affixed to a cellular telephone or item of office equipment. The plate has a first fastener portion. The base unit of a wireless headset and base unit device is equipped with a second fastener portion which cooperates with the first fastener portion on the plate to secure the base unit to the plate and thus to the cellular telephone or office equipment. The plate may be permanently affixed to the surface of the telephone or other item by such means as adhesives, because when it is necessary to remove the base unit from the surface, it may be unfastened from the plate, leaving the plate in place. The fasteners used may be metal snaps, plastic snaps, hooks, clasps, clips, fabric hooks, magnets, latches and combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, there may be extra fasteners.In embodiments, the fasteners may be standardized in type, dimension and configuration so as to allow interoperability and portability of the base units: a given base unit may be removed from a given surface and replaced with another base unit, or transferred to another surface equipped with a plate of the invention.The second fastener portion may be adhesively affixed to the base unit, may be integral with the base unit or may be otherwise attached to the base unit in a manner which may be permanent.
Abstract:
The present invention teaches a wireless ear-piece headset forming an antenna with the interior of a human ear, especially the ear canal. An antenna in operative connection with such interior of such human ear greatly improves reception and transmission of the device. The antenna may be comprised of a conductive plastic forming the lower body of the ear-piece headset, a sound tube projecting from the body or only a part thereof. The antenna may form an efficient capacitive connection with the body or may form a direct electrical connection. The wireless ear-piece headset comprises a headset body; a microphone, a transceiver, a receiver and a battery within the headset body, and a sound tube projecting from the headset body. A mini-speaker disposed within the headset body passes sound from the mini-speaker out and into the interior of a human ear.
Abstract:
A system for facilitating operation of keys or buttons of an access control or communication system under conditions of low ambient light. For example, a keypad may be mounted adjacent a gate to control a gate actuator in response to operation of keys in a predetermined sequence. A light source is positioned to provide either front or back lighting to the keys and is turned on in response to generation of a signal by a sensor of either physical presence or motion of an infra-red emitting body in proximity to the sensor. The light source may be turned off in response to entry of the proper code on the keypad, or by timing means such as a pulse count generated by a microcontroller which passes or blocks the signal from the sensor which controls illumination of the light source.
Abstract:
The present invention is a wireless headset having a removable compliant polymer sheath that is retained in the ear of a user via friction. The wireless headset is reduced in size to earpiece, in which the comfort and sanitation of the user and the life span of the device may in increased by providing a replaceable compliant polymer sheath for the sound tube which is inserted into the ear canal. In alternative embodiments, the sheath and ear canal may mechanically cooperate to retain the wireless headset in the ear canal. The sheath may be easily removed and replaced so as to adapt the length and diameter of the device for the needs and comfort of different users, allow safe and sanitary use of one wireless device by more than one user, and allow for easy repairs and refurbishments.
Abstract:
A method for installing an axial multiple connection component, for connecting to a circuit board, comprising a shell, the shell substantially cylindrical, having two opposite ends. Conducting leads extend from the opposite ends along the axis, for providing two isolated connections to other components on the circuit board. At least one contact ring encircles the shell with the axis at the center of the contact ring, and provides another connection to the other components on the circuit board. The conducting leads are inserted into lead holes on the circuit board, and the contact ring rests against a metallically plated through ring hole. The component is either manually solder utilizing a solder melting tool or alternatively wave soldered onto the circuit board, with the solder wicking up the plated through ring hole to the contact ring to make a good electrical contact therebetween.
Abstract:
A helmet with an automatic vent that is normally open and responds to external air pressure to close. The vent is pivotally mounted to the body of the helmet to move between a closed position, wherein the vent does not permit any flow of air into the cavity of the body, and an open position, wherein the vent allows the flow of air into the cavity of the body. A spring provides a biasing force that urges the vent into the open position. The biasing force provided by the spring is overcome by air pressure on the vent when the helmet is in motion so that the vent closes. The vent may be a windshield that closes when the user travels at a predetermined velocity and opens when the user is stationary, thereby avoiding the need for the user to manually open and close the vent.