Abstract: A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control.

Abstract: The tether of the present invention can prevent an appliance, such as a television or monitor, from toppling off furniture, such as a dresser, upon which the appliance rests. The tether attaches to the appliance and to the wall using surface-mounts. Embodiments of the tether may include some or all of the following features: (1) a length-adjuster to facilitate a snug fit; (2) loops and elastic components to maintain tautness while permitting tilt and swivel of the electronic device; (3) quick-release(s) to allow the electronic device to be moved without having to detach the surface-mounts from the wall or from the electronic device; (4) an adhesive surface for easy installation. Methods for using the tether are described.

Abstract: A system is presented for controlling an interactive electronic plush toy using a macro computer program created on a mobile electronic device using a mobile application. The plush toy is provided with an electronic wireless network interface for communicating wirelessly with the smartphone via a network. The macro provides computer programming for instructing the plush toy to perform an Internet search query, receive results of the query, and perform predetermined actions based on the query results. The actions may include producing sound or motion to make the toy seem life-like.

Abstract: A pressure-activated dome switch is provided for a disc battery. The dome switch is electrically insulated from the positive and negative battery terminals. The dome switch can be combined with an insulator to completely isolate one of the battery terminals, thereby preventing creation of an electrical current while the switch is in its normally-off state. The dome switch may be attached to the disc battery with an electrically-insulating adhesive material. The dome switch may be attached to the disc battery by an insulating cap and insulated from the positive or negative battery terminals by an insulating washer. A method for manufacturing a disc battery with a dome switch is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a protective container for transporting an enclosed object such as a flat screen television or other flat screen monitor. The protective covering includes two flaps and a base having soft padding material on their inner surfaces. An open configuration is essentially flat, allowing a monitor to be easily positioned on the covering. The flaps fold up to transform the protective container into a closed configuration, with straps or other connectors holding the flaps in place. The protective container has various features making it convenient to move manually and to transport in a delivery truck. The protective container is more convenient to use than the prior art, and can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials.