An internal combustion engine-based system including an engine, a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine, a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit, and a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller. The controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval.

A smartphone case includes an integrated pager processor and pager antenna. The pager processor interfaces with the smartphone via physical connection such as USB or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth. A battery embedded in the smartphone case powers the pager processor and may be shared with the smartphone via a physical connection. The pager processor may display messages via the smartphone or independently via a speaker embedded in the smartphone case. The smartphone may communicate with a paging source via a cellular network to confirm receipt of one or both of a pager signal or a cellular network signal so that the paging source may produce maps of where various communication methods are useable.

Disclosed is a radio communication apparatus capable of stopping useless transmission of a calling signal to a locator. A calling apparatus transmits, using a near field radio communication apparatus, a calling signal to a locator attached to an item and outputting a notification sound, the calling signal being used for calling the locator. The calling apparatus periodically stands by for reception of a response signal from the locator using one slot when performing consecutive transmission of the calling signal to the locator using a plurality of slots. The calling apparatus stops the consecutive transmission of the calling signal by being triggered upon reception of the response signal from the locator.

A system for real-time monitoring carriers includes a carrier, a process device and a portable wireless communication apparatus. The carrier is disposed in the monitored area. The carrier includes a camera module to capture images of the monitored area. The process device is electrically connected to the carrier via wireless transmission. The portable wireless communication apparatus manipulates the carrier through the process device.

A method for monitoring at least one support structure in an above ground building, includes at least one strain gauge, wherein each of the strain gauges is attached to one of the support structures in the above ground building to detect the strain of the support structure at the area of attachment. An interrogator unit is connected to a gauge having a connection means providing access to the strain gauges for the interrogator unit, wherein the interrogator unit provides an output of strain values at each of the strain gauges. The embodiment also includes a monitoring system connected to the interrogator unit, wherein the monitoring system outputs an alarm signal when an evaluation of the strain value any of the strain gauges indicates a significant condition wherein the alarm signal in connected to the building control system to execute an action.

An instant alert notifier and docking station for use in emergency situations. Several notifiers and docking station can be located through a building. In a use, the user presses a button and pulls the device cover, which causes the notifier to (1) snap a still image of the person removing the notifier, (2) trigger a “code red” alert and/or activate flashing red LEDS on the docking stations where they are located throughout the building and/or (3) switch from a front to a rear camera operation. Using the notifier, real time video, and still images can be captured and uploaded to first responder devices. The pressing of the button or removal of the notifier from the docking station can also cause the system to stream live video to the first responders from all of the other notifiers in the building still contained within their docking stations.

Disclosed herein is an automated system to provide delivery persons a simpler manner of recognizing the exact location of a target destination. Such a system includes the utilization of an illuminating device, whether for direct signal viewing or for projection of an indicating signal, provided on a mailbox or other structure placed roadside near or adjacent to, at least, a home or like edifice. The illuminating device may be solar-powered to provide an efficient manner of providing sufficient electricity to generate the necessary illumination result (or projection thereof). The system thus allows for integration of such an illuminating device within an overall process wherein a delivery person (or even a visitor, for that matter) may utilize a GPS or like app as a guide to the desired location with the illumination thereof upon entry within a certain zone proximate to the target edifice for more reliable delivery results.

A smartphone case includes an integrated pager processor and pager antenna. The pager processor interfaces with the smartphone via physical connection such as USB or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth. A battery embedded in the smartphone case powers the pager processor and may be shared with the smartphone via a physical connection. The pager processor may display messages via the smartphone or independently via a speaker embedded in the smartphone case. The smartphone may communicate with a paging source via a cellular network to confirm receipt of one or both of a pager signal or a cellular network signal so that the paging source may produce maps of where various communication methods are useable.

An instant alert notifier and docking station for use in emergency situations. Several notifiers and docking stations can be located through a building. In use, the user presses a button and pulls the device cover, which causes the notifier to (1) snap a still image of the person removing the notifier, (2) trigger a “code red” alert and/or activate flashing red LEDS on the docking stations where they are located throughout the building and/or (3) switch from a front to a rear camera operation. Using the notifier, real time video and still images can be captured and uploaded to first responder devices. The pressing of the button or removal of the notifier from the docking station can also cause the system to stream live video to the first responders from all of the other notifiers in the building still contained within their docking stations.