Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, an ambient energy powered electronic gasket includes an insulating gasket body adapted to engage a surface of a powered device, and an electronic circuit enclosed within the gasket body including a DC power supply powered by an ambient energy source related to the powered device with which it is engaged. The ambient energy source can be an AC power source, electromagnetic energy, mechanical, heat, chemical, fluid flow, etc., by way of non-limiting examples.

Abstract: In some implementations, a sensing apparatus for an appliance connector, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes at least one substrate including one or more openings operative to receive a corresponding number of prongs of the appliance connector. At least one sensor is coupled to the substrate and is operative to sense at least one characteristic of an environment. A transmitter is coupled to the substrate and is operative to transmit one or more signals derived from the at least one sensed characteristic, where the transmitted signals are capable of being received by a receiving device. A power circuit is coupled to the substrate and is operative to provide power to the at least one sensor and to the transmitter, where the power circuit can receive electric current from at least one of the prongs of the appliance connector to drive the transmitter and the sensor.

Abstract: A remote control system, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes a remote control device including one or more controls operative to develop at button control signals in response to activation by a user. An interface device is responsive to the button control signals and is operative to provide device control signals via a wired connection to an electronic display device. The device control signals are operative to control an application running on an electronic display device.

Abstract: In some implementations, a sensing apparatus for an appliance connector, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes at least one substrate including one or more openings operative to receive a corresponding number of prongs of the appliance connector. At least one sensor is coupled to the substrate and is operative to sense at least one characteristic of an environment. A transmitter is coupled to the substrate and is operative to transmit one or more signals derived from the at least one sensed characteristic, where the transmitted signals are capable of being received by a receiving device. A power circuit is coupled to the substrate and is operative to provide power to the at least one sensor and to the transmitter, where the power circuit can receive electric current from at least one of the prongs of the appliance connector to drive the transmitter and the sensor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a power line surge protector circuit includes a first input node, a second input node, a first output node and a second output node; a semiconductor shunt having an avalanche breakdown potential, the shunt being coupled between the first input node and the second input node, whereby a voltage potential between the first input node and the second input node which is in excess of the avalanche breakdown potential shunts current between the first input node and the second input node; and a resettable circuit breaker coupled between the first input node and the shunt.

Abstract: A remote control system, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes a remote control device including one or more controls operative to develop at button control signals in response to activation by a user. An interface device is responsive to the button control signals and is operative to provide device control signals via a wired connection to an electronic display device. The device control signals are operative to control an application running on an electronic display device.