Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved balloon catheter. The balloon is of a composite material having the flexibility and elastic characteristics of an elastomeric material, yet exhibiting the growth limits of inelastic materials. The balloon may be treated to maintain a substantially constant length during inflation and deflation. The balloon may be provided with regions of porosity for the delivery of therapeutic agents, and may be treated to exhibit regions of distinct compliance. Also disclosed is an apparatus, which may be used to impart the regions of distinct compliance into the balloon.

Abstract: A hand-held controller having a plurality of console command buttons that, in response to activation, cause the transmission of commands for the purpose of controlling the operation of a video game console. Parental control is provided by preventing the transmission of commands to the video game console in response to activation of a console command button as a function of a parental control parameter that is provided to the hand-held controller.

Abstract: A hand-held remote control which can be configured to communicate command codes to one or more home appliances of different makes, models, and manufacturers and a relay unit that can communicate with the remote control. The relay unit has a button that corresponds to a key on the remote control. When the button on the relay unit is activated, the relay unit signals the remote control. In response to the receipt of the signal indicating activation of the button or in response to activation of the key on the remote control, the remote control communicates to one or more of the home appliances those command codes that have been mapped to the key. Command codes are communicated to the home appliances using native communication protocols.

Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

Abstract: Circuitry using infra-red (IR) diodes in remote control units. In one embodiment an IR LED is used both as a transmitter diode and also as a receiver diode responsive to light to thereby develop photocurrents and/or voltages for use by external circuitry. In a second embodiment an improved amplifier circuit is provided for an IR LED and IR photo detector diode which is mounted behind, and receives light through, the transmitter IR LED.

Abstract: A remote control for use with a configurable target device. The remote control includes a keypad having a plurality of keys including a function key and a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal to the target device in response to activation of one or more of the plurality of keys. Activation of the function key causes the transmitted signal to be comprised of a command to effect a change in the configuration of the target device where the command is selected from a table comprised of a plurality of commands in the event that a single command has not been assigned to the function key.

Abstract: A fluid injector made of pressure rated components that attach to a fluid flow line so that flow is transferred from the flow line, into the injection unit and back to the fluid flow line. The inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank to provide an accurate preset or adjustable injection rate into the fluid flow line. Venproportioner ports provide an internal air release port and set injection ratios.

Abstract: A method of using a fluid injector in fluid communication with a fluid flow line where flow is transferred from the flow line into the fluid injector and back to the fluid flow line. An inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank.

Abstract: A system for programming a remote control. The system utilizes a readable media having electrical contacts for allowing the readable media to be releasably connected to the remote control. The readable media has stored thereon code data where the remote control is adapted to read the code data from the readable media and thereafter use the code data in connection with commanding a first home appliance to perform an operation. The remote control is also adapted to erase the readable media after the code data has been read from the readable media.

Abstract: An improved method for creating and searching data files in a database is described. The system and method uses a memory in which is stored a main data file having a plurality of data records each having a data field containing data representative of an alpha-numeric product descriptor. A bitmask generator generates a bitmask value representative of the data in the data field of each data record and appends to each data record stored in the memory a bitmask data field containing the bitmask value representative of the data in the data field of the corresponding data record. A prefix generator generates a plurality of prefix files that are stored in the memory, the prefix files including a copy of selected data records of the main data file, the data records being selected as a function of the prefix of the alpha-numeric product descriptors corresponding to the data in the data fields of the data records.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a target controlling appliance to communicate with a target controlled appliance. Setup information is supplied to a remote control to configure the remote control to communicate command codes to the target controlled appliance. A representation of configuration data is transmitted in a configuration message to the target controlling appliance. The target controlling appliance uses the representation of the configuration data to automatically configure itself to communicate command codes to the target controlled appliance. In particular, the target controlling appliance uses the representation of the configuration data to select those command codes in a command code library that are recognizable by the target controlled appliance. The command code library could be local or remote to the target controlling appliance.

Abstract: A controlling device having programming which ensures an appliance will be placed into a desired power state. The controlling device transmits a query message to a power monitor associated with the appliance to obtain the current power state of the appliance. If the current power state does not correspond to the desired power state, the controlling device transmits a command to the appliance to effect a change in the current power state of the appliance.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A universal remote control adapted to receive a voice input. The voice input is received by the remote control and compared to a plurality of voice command templates that are stored in the memory of the remote control. If the voice input matches one or more of the plurality of voice command templates, a valid voice input has been received by the remote control. Valid voice input may be a remote control command or keystroke data, input as an entire word or as individual characters. In response to a valid voice input, the remote control may transmit an operational command code and/or alphanumeric symbol code corresponding to keystroke data to a consumer electronic device.

Abstract: A pipe connection fitting having at one end a tapered edge (1) which communicates at its base with tightening nut (2) which communicates with male pipe threads (3) which communicates with extension member (4) having an angle cut (6) with a flow port (5) through the center of the fitting. Positive differential pressure is created by installing a differential pressure fitting facing into the fluid stream of a flow line. Negative differential pressure is created by installing a differential pressure fitting facing away from the fluid stream of a flow line. Tubing connects the fittings to a pressure tank containing the fluid to be injected in the flow line. Fluid flow past the fittings in the flow line motivates flow from the flow line to the pressure tank and from the pressure tank back to the flow line. The fitting being made of rigid plastic or metal.

Abstract: A chemical delivery system having a body defining a main fluid flow passage through which a fluid passes and a storage tank for holding a chemical. An inlet nozzle delivers a quantity of the fluid in the main fluid flow passage to the storage tank to be mixed with the chemical and an outlet nozzle return a quantity of the fluid mixed with the chemical from the storage tank to the main fluid flow passage. An adjustment dial having a plurality of orifices of varying diameter that are capable of being individually placed into relation with the inlet nozzle may be used to control the amount of fluid that enters the first inlet nozzle from the main fluid flow passage. Furthermore, an outlet nozzle trap in fluid communication with a vent port of the outlet nozzle may be placed in fluid communication with a fill control port of the inlet nozzle. The fill control port is used to direct fluid to the outlet nozzle trap to control venting of air from the storage tank to the main fluid flow passage via the vent port.

Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

Abstract: A media system capable of sending a plurality of input signals to a receiving device of the system is provided. A remote control for selecting among the input devices is also provided. An audio remote without numeric keys for an audio system is provided. The present apparatus also provides the user with the ability to control the output of an input selection key. This allows the user to select input source, perhaps from a table, or execute a function assigned to the key. When in a “locked” state, the input key will rotate through a table that contains individual input functions from target devices, or the target sources/devices. The table may consist of as many input functions are as available for each device. In an “unlocked” state the remote will attempt to send a function assigned to the input key prior to selecting a device selection from an input select table. Other features of a remote control for a media system are provided.

Abstract: A fluid injector made of pressure rated components that attach to a fluid flow line so that flow is transferred from the flow line, into the injection unit and back to the fluid flow line. The inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank to provide an accurate preset or adjustable injection rate into the fluid flow line. Vent/proportioner ports provide back flow protection, prevent fluid from siphoning from the storage tank, provide an internal air release port and set injection ratios. A mixing control valve adjusts the injection ratios by mixing outgoing injection solutions with incoming fluid from the fluid flow line. Flexible bladders isolate one or more injection solutions within one storage container which are injected simultaneously at independent injection rates.