Abstract: An interactive audio system employs a sound signal processor coupled with a microprocessor as an interactive audio control system. A pair of tranceivers, operated as stereophonic loudspeakers and also as receiving microphones, are coupled with the signal processor for receiving voice commands from a principal user. The voice commands are processed to operate a variety of different devices, such as television, tape, radio or CD player for supplying signals to the processor, from which signals then are supplied to the loudspeakers of the transceivers to produce the desired sound. Additional infrared sensors may be utilized to constantly triangulate the position of the principal listener to supply signals back through the transceiver system to the processor for constantly adjusting the balance of the sound to maintain the "sweet spot" of the sound focused on the principal listener.

Abstract: A recirculating hot water system includes a hot water supply pipe and a hot water return pipe connected in a loop between a hot water outlet of a hot water tank and a return inlet to that tank. An electrically controlled recirculating pump is placed in the return pipe between the inlet to the hot water tank and the supply pipe which has hot water taps located at various points along it. Manually operated push buttons are located adjacent at least some of these hot water taps to operate a time delay circuit, which turns on the recirculating pump for a pre-established time interval determined by the parameters of the time delay circuit. Thus, the recirculating pump is turned on only when there is a demand for hot water circulating through the system.