Abstract: The invention provides apparatus having a sensor system for providing sensor information for a monitoring, control or other operating function of the apparatus. The sensor system comprises: a transducer (16) adapted to be responsive to a predetermined environmental characteristic of the apparatus for providing an electrical output, and means (18) adjacent to the transducer to accentuate the said characteristic. At least one sensor (20) is arranged to be operated by power derived from the electrical output for generating a detection signal, and means (38, 40) arranged to be operated by power derived from the electrical output and responsive to the detection signal are also provided for communicating sensor information to a processing unit remote from the sensor system and associated with the said function.

Abstract: A system and business methodology for providing interactive and customizable digital full-motion, animated and static multimedia content, to be used for communicating unique personalized entertainment, information, and messages and advertising to be delivered via the internet, electronic mail, or any other methods of delivering interpersonal communications and messages. The communications and messages are initiated and received by senders and recipients visiting a host site of the system through the internet. Content within the customized communication includes content personally relevant to a user which is integrally associated with sponsorship or advertising information. Creation of a customized communication begins by selection of a content item by a user, which content may be personalized by graphical editing techniques.

Abstract: A keyboard (61) is provided with rubber (silicone) buttons (64, 66) with collapsible webs (14) connecting the buttons to a base layer (10, 40, 60). A solid finger of rubber (20) underneath each button actuates a membrane switch (23) underneath the button. Additionally or alternatively a conductive member (52) can be attached to the end of the finger (20) to make two contacts (48, 50, 56, 58). The buttons and the finger can be of any suitable section, such as round, rectangular etc., and a variety of types of membrane switches can be used.

Abstract: A detector circuit for use in conjunction with a trunk circuit of a PABX telephone system interfacing with a central office providing for constant monitoring of normal or reverse battery application by the central office during the high impedance idle state or the low impedance busy state. In addition, the circuit provides for detection of: proper loop closure, electrically shorted tip and ring leads, open circuit condition of tip and ring leads or a grounded ring lead. Furthermore, the circuit indicates when current flow of proper magnitude is sensed during normal or reverse battery conditions.