Abstract:
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular computer system for use in residential, recreational, and commercial regions. The system is a computer system disposed within an existing outlet receptacle housing. The receptacle includes a conventional NEMA standard OS1 and OS2 type electrical housing and electrical line designed to accommodate a residential or commercial light switch, electrical outlet, etc. The computer system is electrically coupled to the electrical line disposed within the housing of the receptacle and includes a mechanically extendable expansion bus configured to mechanically support and data inter-couple a set of modules for providing computer functionality. The expansion bus can be extended to access the modules or collapsed within the receptacle so as to be externally visually obscured by an interface module or cover. The computer system is configured to dynamically detect and data couple with other modular computer systems in a particular region.
Abstract:
The present invention is an improved cable/cord storage device. The cable management device includes first and second expanded regions, a medial region, and at least one channel with a resealable slit. The first and second expanded regions are respectively wider than the medial region. The at least one channel includes an opening on the first region, an opening on the medial region, and an internal cavity therebetween. The internal cavity may be intentionally exposed via a resealable slit to allow a cable to be routed through the internal cavity between the openings. Upon release, slit automatically reseals, thereby reliably supporting the cable. A second embodiment includes two such channels, one in each expanded region. An improved embodiment features transition zones at the origin and terminus of each channel, a rounded edge to each slit, and transitioning curvature of the medial region.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved cable storage device. Stored cables may be of any type, form electrically conductive wires to curtain drawstrings. The cable management device includes first and second expanded regions, a medial region, and at least one channel with a resealable slit. The first and second expanded regions are respectively wider than the medial region. The at least one channel includes an opening on the first region, an opening on the medial region, and an internal cavity therebetween. The internal cavity may be intentionally exposed via a resealable slit to allow a cable to be routed between the openings. Upon release, slit automatically reseals, thereby reliably supporting the cable in the internal cavity. A second embodiment includes two such channels, one in each expanded region.
Abstract:
A touchless, digital electrical switch includes at least one sensor that is oriented or associated with other elements in such a way as to detect substantially vertical sweeping, or switching, motions. When an intended switching motion is sensed by the optical sensors within a predetermined period of time, loads are switched and the status of a switch is communicated to other switches, if any, along the same circuit (i.e., the “position” of the switch is changed). An indication of the “position” of the switch may be provided by way of a visual indicator. An acceptable switching motion may also result in an audible “click” or other signal.
Abstract:
Tool grips and handles may be enhanced by the addition of modular inserts which compensate for two voids in the human hand. A first insert may fill a void in the palm of the hand while a second may fill one by the fingers. By filling the voids, a more natural, relaxed, and customizable grip may be achieved for almost any handle. Use of a plurality of inserts allows for customization according to hand size while the size of the inserts also accounts for the size, dimensions, and axes of the handle and tool in general. Meniscus-shaped inserts may be stacked on one another for optimum effect.
Abstract:
The present invention is a decorative and interactive toy which may be used to enhance user involvement with an environment. The toy features a figurine attachable to a mount which is then utilized to attach the figurine to a number of different familiar items and other toys, games, decorations, etc. The toy may be manufactured with circuitry and/or processors which allow the addition of the toy to an element of the environment, another toy as an example, to modify the behavior of the environmental element. The distinctive mount may also the utilized as a general motif to enhance brand awareness.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to sensory feedback for non-contact electrical switching systems. Such systems may be used in conventional electrical circuits or in traditionally non-electrical switching systems, such as faucets. The non-contact electrical switching mechanism includes a motion sensor to detect motion for the purpose of changing between an on and an off state. The sensory feedback system is physically disposed on the non-contact electrical switching mechanism in proximity to the motion sensor and is configured to transmit sensory data corresponding to the current state of the non-contact switching mechanism. Sensory data is data which is received by one or more of the five human senses. The sensory data may include continuous, responsive, and/or synchronized sensory feedback. It will be appreciated that teachings of the present invention may be applied to other forms of human interface non-contact switching mechanisms such as those responding and/or detecting human generated sound, thoughts, etc.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a customized health care monitoring system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to providing individuals with a health care monitoring system that specifically accommodates their health care needs. The method includes receiving health related information, including but not limited to age, weight, disease status, etc. The health related information is then correlated with specific health related devices that are necessary to measure particular aspects of an individual's health. The correlated health related devices are then automatically displayed to the user. The method may optionally include providing the opportunity for a user to manually select additional health related devices which may or may not be recommended based on the received health related information. The method then produces a product in which the various health related devices are configured to operate together.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems and methods for real time diagnostic and data correlation utilizing a computer network. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for interfacing a health monitoring system with an on-line medical information site to provide real-time diagnostics and or updated research data correlation. The method includes measuring and recording at least two health related values, compiling the at least two health related values into a format consistent with an online medical information database, and transmitting the compiled versions of the at least two health related values to an online medical information database. The method may further include receiving real time diagnostics from a medical professional. The method may also include receiving updated medical research data corresponding to the transmitted values. An alternative embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for providing real time remote diagnostic and correlated research data. The system includes a medical monitoring system configured to measure at least two health related values, a remote medical database which is accessible by diagnostic medical professionals and which contains updated medical research data, and a communication link between the medical monitoring system and the remote medical database.
Abstract:
A touchless, digital electrical switch includes at least one sensor that is oriented or associated with other elements in such a way as to detect substantially vertical sweeping, or switching, motions. When an intended switching motion is sensed by the optical sensors within a predetermined period of time, loads are switched and the status of a switch is communicated to other switches, if any, along the same circuit (i.e., the “position” of the switch is changed). An indication of the “position” of the switch may be provided by way of a visual indicator. An acceptable switching motion may also result in an audible “click” or other signal.