Abstract: Landscape sprinkling systems that incorporate fire sensors, optional moisture sensors, and control electronics that continuously monitor the perimeter of a property for fire and/or smoke, and optionally low soil moisture conditions. When an alarm is detected, the systems automatically turn on selected sprinkler valves to water areas that would be most impacted by a fire or are in need of water. Wireless and wired system embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Landscape sprinkling systems that incorporate fire sensors, optional moisture sensors, and control electronics that continuously monitor the perimeter of a property for fire and/or smoke, and optionally low soil moisture conditions. When an alarm is detected, the systems automatically turn on selected sprinkler valves to water areas that would be most impacted by a fire or are in need of water. Wireless and wired system embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An bendable double-walled insulated drinking straw for use in drinking hot and cold liquids. The insulated drinking straw comprises an inner tubular member that is sealed to an outer tubular insulating member at a sealed section, and that is separated from the inner tubular member at other than the sealed section to provide an air space therebetween. A flexible joint is formed at the sealed section that allows a portion of the straw on one side of the joint to articulate with respect to a portion of the straw on the other side of the joint. The double-walled portion of the straw may be the drinking end of the straw, or the entire straw may be double-walled, except for the sealed section. In one embodiment, an air space is formed between the inner and outer members. In another embodiment, interconnections are formed between the inner and outer members, such as ribs and serpentine members. In other embodiments, insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer members.

Abstract: An insulated drinking straw and an insulating member for use in drinking hot and cold liquids, such as those consumed from a cup or other container. The insulated drinking straw comprises an inner tubular member and an insulating member disposed around a portion of the periphery of the inner tubular member. The insulating member may be used as a separate device. In one embodiment of the insulating member, the insulating member has an inner shaft, an outer shaft connected to the inner shaft such that an air space is formed between the shafts, and a slot is formed in the insulating member between the inner and outer shafts. In another embodiment of the insulating member, the insulating member has an outer shaft, a compressible insulating material having an inner opening that is attached to an inner wall of the outer shaft, and a slot is formed in the compressible insulating material and outer shaft.

Abstract: An bendable double-walled insulated drinking straw for use in drinking hot and cold liquids. The insulated drinking straw comprises an inner tubular member that is sealed to an outer tubular insulating member at a sealed section, and that is separated from the inner tubular member at other than the sealed section to provide an air space therebetween. A flexible joint is formed at the sealed section that allows a portion of the straw on one side of the joint to articulate with respect to a portion of the straw on the other side of the joint. The double-walled portion of the straw may be the drinking end of the straw, or the entire straw may be double-walled, except for the sealed section. In one embodiment, an air space is formed between the inner and outer members. In another embodiment, interconnections are formed between the inner and outer members, such as ribs and serpentine members. In other embodiments, insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer members.

Abstract: An improved retaining mechanism for use with a pierced earring having an ornament having a stem. The retaining mechanism has a base with an opening therein through which the stem of the earring passes, a cylindrical tube extending from the base with threads on an external surface. An inner wall of the tube tapers from its open end toward the base. A cap is provided that has a closed end with an opening therein through which the stem of the earring passes. The cap has threads formed on an inner surface that mate with the threads on the external surface of the cylindrical tube. A tapered member extends from the closed end of the cap and is tapered along its exterior wall. The external taper of the tapered member substantially matches the internal taper of the cylindrical tube. The tapered member has a slot formed in its wall.