Abstract: A microwave cooking device is used for cooking food using steam inside a microwave oven. The device includes an outer body with a top portion that has a recessed portion with the ability to hold water, to aid in the microwave cooking and reheating process, protruding inwardly and towards a bottom portion of the device. The device further includes ridges on the outer body configured to be collapsible and expandable. The device has handles on the outer body configured to allow a user to pick up the device or hot dishware after microwaving. The recessed portion of the device includes (i) a rotatable knob with plurality of leaves, and (ii) plurality of holes. The device prevents splattering of food inside the microwave oven and is inexpensive, eco-friendly, easy to use and can be washed in the dishware after use.

Abstract: A site monitoring system is provided including a base unit configured to be mounted to a structure of a monitored site; at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one monitored site condition; and a controller disposed within the base unit, the controller configured to receive sensor information regarding the at least one monitored site condition from the at least one sensor and to receive operation information from at least one monitored site management system. The controller is configured to process the sensor information and the operation information against predetermined monitored site parameters and to provide control instructions to the at least one monitored site management system to affect the at least one monitored site condition.

Abstract: Creating and deploying a voice from text-to-speech, with such voice being a new language derived from the original phoneset of a known language, and thus being audio of the new language outputted using a single TTS synthesizer. An end product message is determined in an original language n to be outputted as audio n by a text-to-speech engine, wherein the original language n includes an existing phoneset n including one or more phonemes n. Words and phrases of a new language n+1 are recorded, thereby forming audio file n+1. This new audio file is labeled into unique units, thereby defining one or more phonemes n+1. The new phonemes of the new language are added to the phoneset, thereby forming new phoneset n+1, as a result outputting the end product message as an audio n+1 language different from the original language n.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining a current location using a location detection element, determining a local time zone based on the current location using a memory unit, keeping time using a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) oscillator unit co-fabricated on a common substrate with the location detection element, and determining a local time based on the local time zone using a controller element. Optional embodiments comprise a MEMS oscillator unit that is fabricated underneath, next to, or on top of the location detection element. Additional embodiments comprise a GPS chip optionally assisted by a cell phone chipset or FM receiver to enhance location and time determination. Optional embodiments may additionally enter a power conservation mode after the current location has been determined, or may detect air travel to disable the location detection element and enable the location detection element upon detected landing.

Abstract: A self-configuring wearable electronic data and communication device comprising a self-contained module comprising means for self-configuring based on a user's activity and context an operational mode in a plurality of operational modes, wherein the self contained module further comprises intelligent situational awareness derived from at least one of pre-programmed criteria, a sensing ability, a user-specified lifestyle theme, a communication functionality, an accessory, and a user motion pattern. The self-contained module further comprises a display, a processor, a memory, and a battery, and is capable of configuring itself according to an accessory to which it is attached or connected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving an input by a user on an interactive touchscreen display based, electronic data and communication device, the input comprising a contact gesture, which further comprises touchscreen single or multiple simultaneous contacts. The contact gestures are classified as primary, secondary, tertiary, universal and non-universal contact gestures. The method further includes performing an operation or entering an operational mode based on the user input.