Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a pressure value to account for an altitude-induced pressure effect. One method includes determining an average pressure value experienced at a first altitude, determining a ratio based on the average pressure value and a reference pressure value, determining a current pressure value experienced at the first altitude, and adjusting the current pressure value based on the ratio to obtain an altitude-adjusted pressure value.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous time keeping system includes a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device includes a receiving unit to receive a first signal having a time component, a processor coupled to the receiving unit and operable to process the signal to produce a processed time component, an internal clock to store the processed time component and to increment the component thereafter to produce a first internal time, and a transmitting unit to transmit a second signal having the first internal time and an event having an instruction and a time element. The secondary device includes a transceiving unit to receive the second signal and transmit a third signal, an internal clock to store the first internal time and to increment the internal time to produce a second internal time, and an event switch operable to execute the instruction when the second internal time matches the time element.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous time keeping system includes a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device includes a receiving unit to receive a first signal, a processor coupled to the receiving unit and operable to process the first signal to produce a processed time component, an internal clock to store and increment the component to produce a first internal time, and a transmitting unit to transmit a second signal having the first internal time and an event having an instruction and a time element. The secondary device includes a receiving unit to receive the second signal, an internal clock to store and increment the first internal time to produce a second internal time, a memory operable to store one or more messages, a display operable to display the messages, and an event switch operable to execute the instruction when the second internal time matches the time element.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous time system comprising a primary master event device and secondary slave devices. The primary event device receives a global positioning systems “GPS” time signal, processes the GPS time signal, receives a programmed instruction, and broadcasts or transmits the processed time signal and the programmed instruction to the secondary slave devices. The secondary slave devices receive the processed time signal and the programmed instruction, select an identified programmed instruction, display the time, and execute an event associated with the programmed instruction. The primary event device and the secondary devices further include a power interrupt module for retaining the time and the programmed instruction in case of a power loss.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing an event system. The method includes receiving a first signal at a primary device, where the first signal includes a time component, and processing the first signal to produce a second signal, where the second signal includes the time component and an instruction. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the second signal to a repeating device, wirelessly receiving the second signal at the repeating device, and wirelessly transmitting a third signal from the repeating device, where the third signal includes the time component and the instruction. The method further includes wirelessly receiving the third signal at a secondary device and executing an event with the third signal.

Abstract: A time keeping system having a first time module operable to keep a first time, a second time module operable to keep a second time, and a control module operatively coupled to the first time module and to the second time module. The control module adjusts the first time in response to information stored in the control module and adjusts the second time to reduce a time difference between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: A primary device for a synchronous event system. In one construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to convert light into electricity; a receiver operable to receive a global positioning system time signal; a processor coupled to the receiver and operable to process the global positioning system time signal to produce a processed time component; a internal clock coupled to the processor and operable to store the processed time component and to increment relative to the processed time component thereafter to produce an internal time; and a transmitter coupled to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time to a secondary device for wireless reception by the secondary device and synchronization of the secondary device relative to the primary device.

Abstract: A hanger for mounting an object on a surface such as a wall. The hanger includes a slot that receives a projection such as a nail extending from the wall. The slot is nonlinear and provides an entry path through which the projection travels to reach its mounting position. The hanger also includes slot branches extending from the slot, which together with the slot create a maze through which the projection travels when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall. The slot branches provide dead end paths that the projection may encounter when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall.

Abstract: A wind velocity measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal sensor and a processor operatively coupled to the thermal sensor. The processor is configured to receive a first temperature reading from the thermal sensor of a beginning temperature sensed by the thermal sensor and to receive a second temperature reading from the thermal sensor of an ending temperature sensed by the thermal sensor after a quantifiable amount of heat is applied to the thermal sensor for a quantifiable amount of time. The processor is further configured to determine a theoretical temperature based on the quantifiable amount of heat, the quantifiable amount of time, and the beginning temperature and to determine a wind velocity based on the difference between the theoretical temperature and the ending temperature.

Abstract: A temperature measurement apparatus allows for accurate temperature measurement in both the sun and the shade using two different thermal sensors. A black sensor has an infrared absorbent surface and a white sensor has an infrared reflecting surface. Using the measurements from these two sensors, a series of equations calculate the correct ambient temperature regardless of where the measurement device is located and ensures accurate readings using a performance check system.

Abstract: A primary device for a synchronous event system. In one construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to convert light into electricity; a receiver operable to receive a global positioning system time signal; a processor coupled to the receiver and operable to process the global positioning system time signal to produce a processed time component; a internal clock coupled to the processor and operable to store the processed time component and to increment relative to the processed time component thereafter to produce an internal time; and a transmitter coupled to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time to a secondary device for wireless reception by the secondary device and synchronization of the secondary device relative to the primary device.

Abstract: A time keeping system used to automatically adjust for daylight savings includes a processor having a preprogrammed internal clock module, a preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module, and a low power detection module. The preprogrammed internal clock module is programmed with a time, a date, and a year. The preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module is programmed with a plurality of daylight savings changes and automatically adjusts the internal clock to reflect a daylight savings time change. The low power detection module detects an operating power level. A primary battery is operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a primary power source to the processor. A frequency generating unit is also operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a frequency to the preprogrammed internal clock module. Furthermore, a clock movement unit is operatively coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive a series of timed-pulses from the processor.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a case and an adapter contoured to mate with a battery socket of a power-consuming device. The battery socket is formed to receive an intended, standard-sized battery. The battery pack includes positive and negative leads electrically connecting the adapter to the case and two battery slots formed to receive intended, standard-sized batteries in parallel electrical communication with the positive and the negative leads.

Abstract: A clockworks, a timepiece and a method for operating a timepiece. The timepiece comprises a housing providing a face, the face having indicators corresponding to respective time increments, a plurality of hands rotatably supported on the face, the plurality of hands being rotatably positionable relative to the indicators to indicate a time, one of the plurality of hands being a sweep hand, and the clockworks supported by the housing.

Abstract: A radio-controlled clock movement for use in a radio-controlled clock which is synchronized with timing information supplied by a broadcast time signal includes a sound transducer for providing an audible signal representative of the strength of the received time signal. The clock is synchronized by setting the clock hands to an initial set position, decoding timing information from the broadcast time signal, calculating the relative distance to move the clock hands to make the displayed time synchronous with the decoded timing information and moving the clock hands the calculated relative distance. The initial set position is determined based on the desired time zone. In this manner, time zones are considered when setting the clock.