An animal trap sensor includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, a switch having a first metallic element and a second metallic element, and a signal unit, in which, when the first metallic element contacting the second metallic element, thereby forming a closed circuit, such that the signal unit transmits a signal to an off-site receiver. Or, an animal trap sensor includes a first portion and a second portion electrically connected with a signal unit including a power supply, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a first distance between each other, thereby generating an output property, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a second distance between each other, which is different from the first distance, thereby changing the output property and causing the signal unit to transmit a signal to an off-site receiver.

An auxiliary power circuit includes an impedance circuit, a switch, and a controller. The switch is coupled in series with the impedance circuit. The switch is configured to selectively couple the impedance circuit to a power source. The controller is coupled to the switch. The controller is configured to close the switch when an output voltage of the power source exceeds a voltage threshold.

Methods and systems are described for operating an intra-oral imaging sensor that includes a housing, an image sensing component configured to capture image data while the intra-oral imaging sensor housing is positioned in a mouth of a patient, and a multi-dimensional sensor positioned within the housing of the intra-oral imaging sensor. An electronic controller is configured to receive data from the multi-dimensional sensor and to control an action of the intra-oral imaging sensor based on the data received from the multi-dimensional sensor.

Methods and systems are described for operating an intra-oral imaging sensor that includes a housing, an image sensing component configured to capture image data while the intra-oral imaging sensor housing is positioned in a mouth of a patient, and a multi-dimensional sensor positioned within the housing of the intra-oral imaging sensor. An electronic controller is configured to receive data from the multi-dimensional sensor and to control an action of the intra-oral imaging sensor based on the data received from the multi-dimensional sensor.

As mobile computing devices are increasingly expected to be smaller, thinner, and/or lighter, less space is available for incorporating such structurally stiff perimeter components, as well as energy-absorbing components. The electroactive perimeter stiffening devices, systems, and methods described herein detect a free-fall event or condition, anticipate a subsequent impact event, and actively stiffen one or more electroactive perimeter stiffeners of an associated mobile computing device in preparation for the impact event. The electroactive perimeter stiffeners direct impact energy away from, and in some cases, distribute and/or dissipate the impact energy, in an effort to prevent damage to impact-sensitive components of the mobile computing device.

As mobile computing devices are increasingly expected to be smaller, thinner, and/or lighter, less space is available for incorporating such structurally stiff perimeter components, as well as energy-absorbing components. The electroactive perimeter stiffening devices, systems, and methods described herein detect a free-fall event or condition, anticipate a subsequent impact event, and actively stiffen one or more electroactive perimeter stiffeners of an associated mobile computing device in preparation for the impact event. The electroactive perimeter stiffeners direct impact energy away from, and in some cases, distribute and/or dissipate the impact energy, in an effort to prevent damage to impact-sensitive components of the mobile computing device.

Methods and systems are described for operating an imaging sensor, the imaging sensor including a multi-dimensional sensor. An electronic processor receives an output from the multi-dimensional sensor and transitions the imaging sensor from the low-power state into a ready state in response to a determination by the electronic processor, based on the output from the multi-dimensional sensor, that a first state transition criteria is satisfied and transitions the imaging sensor from the ready state into an armed state in response to a determination that a second state transition criteria is satisfied. In some implementations, the electronic processor operates the imaging sensor to capture image data only when operating in the armed state and prevents the imaging system from transitioning from the low-power state directly into the armed state.

An arrangement for actuating a component of a vehicle, wherein the component has a manually actuable actuating portion which is mounted on the vehicle so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the arrangement comprises a control element and an electric drive which is connected to the control element via an electrical connection, wherein, when the actuating portion moves into its open position, the control element activates the electric drive, and therefore the electric drive actuates the component, wherein a centrifugal weight element is mounted movably on the arrangement, wherein the centrifugal weight element is moved from an inoperative position into an interruption position by a predetermined acceleration acting on the component and moving the actuating portion into the open position, wherein, in the interruption position, the centrifugal weight element interrupts the electrical connection between the control element and the electric drive.

An arrangement for actuating a component of a vehicle, wherein the component has a manually actuable actuating portion which is mounted on the vehicle so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the arrangement comprises a control element and an electric drive which is connected to the control element via an electrical connection, wherein, when the actuating portion moves into its open position, the control element activates the electric drive, and therefore the electric drive actuates the component, wherein a centrifugal weight element is mounted movably on the arrangement, wherein the centrifugal weight element is moved from an inoperative position into an interruption position by a predetermined acceleration acting on the component and moving the actuating portion into the open position, wherein, in the interruption position, the centrifugal weight element interrupts the electrical connection between the control element and the electric drive.

Methods and systems are described for operating an intra-oral imaging sensor that includes a housing, an image sensing component at least partially housed within the housing, and a temperature sensor. An output of the temperature indicative of a sensed temperature is received and evaluated to determine whether the intra-oral imaging sensor is positioned in the mouth of the patient. The determination of whether the temperature sensor may be based on one or more determined conditions including whether a current temperature exceeds a threshold, whether a first derivative of the sensed temperature exceeds a rate-of-change threshold, and whether a second derivative of the sensed temperature exceeds a temperature acceleration threshold. In some implementations, the operation of the intra-oral imaging sensor is automatically adjusted in response to a determination that the sensor has been placed inside the mouth of a patient.