Abstract: A GPS-based energy management system for a home network is provided that includes a plurality of enemy consuming devices. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to each energy consuming device, and one or more GPS-enabled devices configured to communicate with the central controller. The central controller is programmed to modify the behavior of the energy consuming devices based on the location of at least one member of a home network.

Abstract: A GPS-based energy management system for a home network is provided that includes a plurality of enemy consuming devices. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to each energy consuming device, and one or more GPS-enabled devices configured to communicate with the central controller. The central controller is programmed to modify the behavior of the energy consuming devices based on the location of at least one member of a home network.

Abstract: An energy management system for a home network comprising a plurality of power consuming devices including a pool pump is provided. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to the power consuming devices and configured to receive and process a signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility, including at least a peak demand state and an off-peak demand state, and a display device. The central controller further includes a scheduling algorithm configured to enable a user to program a schedule for the pool pump.

Abstract: A home energy management system for providing energy usage and cost projections to a user related to management of a home network is provided. The system comprises a central controller coupled to at least one energy consuming device, the central controller being configured to receive energy consumption data from the at least one energy consuming device, and a user interface comprising a display coupled to the central controller to receive user input data and provide the user with information. The central controller is further configured to use the energy consumption data and user input data to provide the user with one or more of future energy consumption projections, energy saving suggestions, and cost saving suggestion.

Abstract: An energy management system for a home network is provided. The energy management system comprises one or more power consuming devices and a central controller having a memory and a communication module. The controller is operationally connected to the power consuming devices. The energy management system further includes a user interface capable of providing energy data to a user, and an emergency power device enabled with a communication device communicatively linked to the communication module, such that information may be transmitted by one of the communication device and communication module, and received by the other of the communication device and communication module.

Abstract: An energy management system for a home network comprising a plurality of power consuming devices including a pool pump is provided. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to the power consuming devices and configured to receive and process a signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility, including at least a peak demand state and an off-peak demand state, and a display device. The central controller further includes a scheduling algorithm configured to enable a user to program a schedule for the pool pump.

Abstract: A drum for a clothes dryer includes a generally cylindrical sidewall rotatable about a horizontal axis. The sidewall has an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall defines an interior volume for receiving articles to be dried. A hanger mechanism is coupled to the inner wall. The hanger mechanism is configured to support items hanged therefrom for drying without rotation of the drum. A shelf is coupled to the inner wall. The shelf is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When extended, the shelf is configured to support articles to be dried. The drum is stationary during drying cycles wherein the hanger mechanism and the retractable shelf are in use. A heat source is operated at a reduced power level when the drum is not rotated.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of a remotely located person is disclosed herein. The system includes at least one electronic device. The electronic device includes a first sensor a processor and a transmitter. The system also includes a remote monitoring station that receives data from at least one electronic device and produces an evaluation of the person's health.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of a remotely located person is disclosed herein. The system includes at least one electronic device. The electronic device includes a first sensor a processor and a transmitter. The system also includes a remote monitoring station that receives data from at least one electronic device and produces an evaluation of the person's health.

Abstract: A drum for a clothes dryer includes a generally cylindrical sidewall rotatable about a horizontal axis. The sidewall has an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall defines an interior volume for receiving articles to be dried. A hanger mechanism is coupled to the inner wall. The hanger mechanism is configured to support items hanged therefrom for drying without rotation of the drum. A shelf is coupled to the inner wall. The shelf is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When extended, the shelf is configured to support articles to be dried. The drum is stationary during drying cycles wherein the hanger mechanism and the retractable shelf are in use. A heat source is operated at a reduced power level when the drum is not rotated.

Abstract: A washing machine including a tub, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, and a spraying ring disposed at a top portion of the tub, and including a plurality of nozzles arranged in groups, the nozzles separated by a first distance, the groups separated by a second distance different than the first distance; wherein each of the plurality of nozzles has an opening therein, the openings of the plurality of nozzles of the same group are parallel to each other, and the spray ring is configured to direct water into the tub through the openings.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a wash basket for a washing machine including providing a substantially cylindrical housing having a bottom and an inner wall, providing a plurality of geometric structures and connecting the plurality of geometric structures to the inner wall. The plurality of geometric structures may be configured to optimize a relationship between mechanically agitating an article contained within the wash basket during a wash cycle and reducing a residual moisture content of the article during a spin cycle. A wash basket for a washing machine may include a housing having an inner wall fabricated by a first process and a plurality of geometric structures fabricated by a second process where the plurality of geometric structures are attached to and extend radially inwardly from the inner wall, the geometric structures comprising a separate structure relative to the housing.