Abstract: A plug-in device is provided for adapting a building's electrical wiring system as an antenna for receiving radio or over-the air television signals. The device has a plug for insertion into an electrical receptacle in the building, a coaxial connector for providing the communication signal captured by the antenna to a signal receiver, and a plurality of conducting wires extending from the plug to the coaxial connector. The conducting wires comprise first and second wires, and a third wire in electrical contact with the coaxial connector. The first and second wires are electrically insulated from each other and from the third wire to prevent passage of alternating current (AC) power to the signal receiver. The wires are wound to inductively transfer the communication signal captured by the antenna to the third wire for output to the signal receiver via the coaxial connector.

Abstract: A noise-cancelling earplug assembly is provided, having an ear piece for insertion into the ear canal and a housing removably attached to the ear piece. A hollow core is defined in the housing to receive a sound-selective sound barrier that contains at least one sound filtering element to attenuate sounds reaching the ear drum. An end cap is provided and is attachable to the housing to enclose the sound-selective sound barrier inside the housing. The sound selective sound barrier can be removed from the housing of the earplug and replaced with a different sound selective sound barrier with different sound attenuation characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for recording a transaction between a user and a transaction system on a distributed ledger maintained by nodes interconnected over a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Where the user has opted in, a block for the transaction is generated with the user's key and is broadcast to the P2P network for validation and entry on the distributed ledger. Where the user has not opted in, device information associated with the transaction is obtained, and a block for the transaction is generated by the device information and is broadcast to the P2P network for validation and entry on the distributed ledger. The device information may be used to locate, retrieve and claim the records of past transactions by the user on the distributed ledger.

Abstract: A reusable drinking straw assembly is provided, having a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion. The modular segments are separable from one another to allow for adjustability of the length of the straw assembly and to facilitate cleaning of the straw assembly between uses. Each of the modular segments is itself separable longitudinally into at least two re-attachable components to facilitate cleaning of the straw between uses. A mouthpiece is removably attached to one end of the tubular portion. A filter is removably attached to the other end of the tubular portion. The mouthpiece may include a one-way valve for controlling the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A plug-in device is provided for adapting a building's electrical wiring system as an antenna for receiving radio or over-the air television signals. The device has a plug for insertion into an electrical receptacle in the building, a coaxial connector for providing the communication signal captured by the antenna to a signal receiver, and a plurality of conducting wires extending from the plug to the coaxial connector. The conducting wires comprise first and second wires, and a third wire in electrical contact with the coaxial connector. The first and second wires are electrically insulated from each other and from the third wire to prevent passage of alternating current (AC) power to the signal receiver. The wires are wound to inductively transfer the communication signal captured by the antenna to the third wire for output to the signal receiver via the coaxial connector.

Abstract: A noise-cancelling earplug assembly is provided, having an ear piece for insertion into the ear canal and a housing removably attached to the ear piece. A hollow core is defined in the housing to receive a sound-selective sound barrier that contains at least one sound filtering element to attenuate sounds reaching the ear drum. An end cap is provided and is attachable to the housing to enclose the sound-selective sound barrier inside the housing. The sound selective sound barrier can be removed from the housing of the earplug and replaced with a different sound selective sound barrier with different sound attenuation characteristics.

Abstract: Insole apparatus for use in footwear is provided, comprising a planar insole base positionable on top of a base interior surface of the footwear, and at least one attachment accessory removably attachable to the insole base by way of a plurality of attachment elements distributed on at least one of an upper surface of the insole base and a lower surface of the attachment accessory. The plurality of attachment elements define attachment points, which are arranged with a predefined consistent spacing to enable interchangeability of the attachment accessory with other attachment accessories having similarly arranged attachment points. The interchangeability and removability of attachment accessories allows for customization of the insole apparatus for a user's needs and size and shape of foot.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for recording a transaction between a user and a transaction system on a distributed ledger maintained by nodes interconnected over a P2P network. Where the user has opted in, a block for the transaction is generated with the user's key and is broadcast to the P2P network for validation and entry on the distributed ledger. Where the user has not opted in, device information associated with the transaction is obtained, and a block for the transaction is generated by the device information and is broadcast to the P2P network for validation and entry on the distributed ledger. The device information may be used to locate, retrieve and claim the records of past transactions by the user on the distributed ledger.