Abstract: Methods and sensors for the detection, identification, and quantification of one or more gas species, including volatile organic compounds, in a test sample are described. Methods employ gas sensors comprising a diffusion matrix present on the sensor surface. A gas analyte in a test sample diffuses through the matrix and is detected upon interaction of the analyte with the sensor. A response profile of a gas sensor to a gas analyte in the test sample is compared to a control gas sensor response profile determined in a similar manner for a known gas species. Comparisons of test sample and control sample sensor response profiles enable detection, identification, and quantification of a gas species analyte in a test sample.

Abstract: A rotatable child safety seat can include a seat shell for receiving a child therein. a rotating pedestal, and a seat base. The pedestal and seat shell can rotate with respect to the seat base. The pedestal can include a locking pin and the seat base can include a multitude of pin receiving apertures that allow a user to rotate the seat shell and pedestal in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction at a number of different angles or positions. The child safety seat can also include two separate seat belt/LATCH tether pathways. One seat belt/LATCH tether pathway can be provided on the seat back of the seal shell and can be used when the child safety seat is in a forward-facing configuration and the other seat belt/LATCH tether pathway can be provided in the seat base and used when in a rearward-facing configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a dwelling is provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless thermostats disposed throughout multiple zones within the dwelling and operable to control climate conditions in the corresponding zones. The system further includes a primary power source operable to supply power to thermostats for operating in a high-power mode when operatively connected thereto. The thermostats each include a secondary power source operable to supply power to the thermostats for operating in a low-power mode when the corresponding thermostat is not powered by the primary power source. Thermostats operating in the high-powered mode are operable to receive and repeat signals originating from one or more thermostats operating in the low-power mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring an initial current at a current sensor in a circuit, while a relay is de-energized; energizing the relay; measuring, at a periodic interval, an energized current while the relay is energized; incrementing a counter if an absolute difference between a first voltage related to the energized current and a second voltage related to the initial current is above a threshold; and determining a HVAC component is present if the counter exceeds a pre-determined value during a pre-determined time period.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a dwelling is provided. The system includes a plurality of wireless thermostats disposed throughout multiple zones within the dwelling and operable to control climate conditions in the corresponding zones. The system further includes a primary power source operable to supply power to thermostats for operating in a high-power mode when operatively connected thereto. The thermostats each include a secondary power source operable to supply power to the thermostats for operating in a low-power mode when the corresponding thermostat is not powered by the primary power source. Thermostats operating in the high-powered mode and are operable to receive and repeat signals originating from one or more thermostats operating in the low-power mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components is provided. The method includes the steps of measuring an initial current at a current sensor in a circuit, while a relay is de-energized; energizing the relay; measuring, at a periodic interval, an energized current while the relay is energized; incrementing a counter if an absolute difference between a first voltage related to the energized current and a second voltage related to the initial current is above a threshold; and determining a HVAC component is present if the counter exceeds a pre-determined value during a pre-determined time period.

Abstract: An artifact retaining device for holding a coin or the like in a display structure such as a belt buckle. A bezel with a detent is retained on the outside front surface of the display structure and is held in place by a detent on a retaining member that is inserted through an opening of the belt buckle and engages the detent on the bezel. The bezel and retaining member have display windows through which the front and rear face of the coin can be viewed. The bezel, coin, and retaining member are removable from the buckle.