Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container, such as an above-ground pool, with an improved porthole. The container can include a base, a side wall joined to the base, and at least one porthole. The porthole can comprise an aperture in the side wall and a generally transparent window sheet attached to the side wall and completely covering the aperture in the side wall. Such a design can be stronger and more durable than conventional portholes. The pool can also have portability and storability characteristics that are superior to those of conventional pools.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the use of re-usable cold storage keys to sign messages may be facilitated. In some embodiments, an offline computer system (operating within an offline computing environment) may obtain, from a removable computer-readable storage medium, signing key shards corresponding to a signing private key and a blockchain transaction to be signed, where the signing key shards satisfy a key shard threshold that is (i) a number of key shards required for reconstructing the signing private key and (ii) less than a number of key shards derived from the signing private key using a ceremony key. The offline computer system may form a ciphertext of the signing private key using the signing key shards and reconstruct the signing private key by decrypting the ciphertext using the ceremony key. The offline computer system may sign the blockchain transaction using the signing private key.

Abstract: A connection system to facilitate the mechanical coupling, and the transfer of electrical power between, trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The connection system can include a mechanical coupling system having a guiding surface and a guiding slot on a first trunk section and a guiding protrusion disposed inside a second trunk section. Insertion of the first trunk section into the second trunk section and thus contact of the guiding protrusion against the guiding surface can cause the first trunk section to rotate relative the second trunk section until a predetermined rotational alignment is reached, aligning electrical contacts of first and second electrical connectors, each of which is attached to an outer wall of a respective trunk section. The electrical contacts of the first and second electrical connectors can establish electrical communication between the first and second electrical connectors, and thus between the first and second trunk sections.

Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: An electrical safety apparatus includes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) module, a timer module and a housing without a display screen. The GFCI module includes a sensor configured to output a differential current signal according to a current flowing to and from an electrical load, a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit in electrical communication with the sensor, and one or more switches arranged on one or more communication paths for supplying power to the electrical load. The timer module is in electrical communication with the GFCI module and configured to generate a timer signal. Responsive to the differential current signal or the timer signal, the ground fault circuit interrupter circuit generates a driving signal to selectively open or close the one or more switches. The housing encloses the GFCI module and the timer module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for providing light, such as through lighting wiring apparatuses. Some apparatuses may include three wires extending along a similar direction, such as a first component wire, a second component wire, and a return wire. The three wires may have a first and second predominantly terminal section, and the first predominantly terminal section of the first component wire may be connected to the first predominantly terminal section of the second component wire near the first end of the apparatus. The second predominantly terminal sections of the three wires may be connected near the second end of the apparatus and a plurality of diodes may be connected to the first component wire and the second component wire at periodic distances.

Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution systems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution systems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution systems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution system can engage the voids of another power distribution system without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for providing light, such as through lighting wiring apparatuses. Some apparatuses may include three wires extending along a similar direction, such as a first component wire, a second component wire, and a return wire. The three wires may have a first and second predominantly terminal section, and the first predominantly terminal section of the first component wire may be connected to the first predominantly terminal section of the second component wire near the first end of the apparatus. The second predominantly terminal sections of the three wires may be connected near the second end of the apparatus and a plurality of diodes may be connected to the first component wire and the second component wire at periodic distances.

Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution systems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution systems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution systems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution system can engage the voids of another power distribution system without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for a pool pump and one or more pool hoses. The pool pump may be connected to the pool through the one or more pool hoses. The system provides a pool pump comprising an outlet and an inlet. The inlet may connect to a first inlet hose. The first inlet hose may connect the pool pump to a three-way connection to the pool. The three-way connection may connect the first inlet hose to a second inlet hose and be in fluid connection with an interior of the pool. In some embodiments, the three-way connection may be attached to the pool.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology include a decorative lighting system that can be integrated with an artificial tree. The decorative lighting system may include a white light emitting diode (LED) light string and a variable-color LED light string. The variable-color LED light string may employ LED lamps having embedded Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs. The RGB LED lamps may include an embedded integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with and control the energizing of each of the corresponding RGB LEDs to create a multitude of colors and color combinations that can vary with time to create a light show. An electronic controller in communication with the LED lamps may allow a user to select the mode for the light show and further may provide a periodic reset signal to restart or re-synchronize the light show.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a water-resistant decorative lighting system having a plurality of lamp assemblies and a wiring harness having two or more insulating conductors and configured to electrically connect the plurality of lamp assemblies. Each lamp assembly of the plurality of lamp assemblies includes a lamp holder, a light source, a waterproofing device, and an outer bulb. The lamp holder comprises a hinged portion connected between a first and second side portions. The lamp holder is configured to move about the hinged portion from an open position to a closed position. Each side portion includes a locking mechanism. The light is configured to fit within the lamp holder when the lamp holder is in the closed position. The outer bulb is detachably attachable to the lamp holder.

Abstract: An artificial tree comprising a first trunk section and a second trunk section is disclosed. The second trunk section can be configured to receive a portion of the first trunk section and can include a sleeve disposed proximate an end of the second trunk section. The sleeve can include a lower lip having an angled portion that can interact with a rolling protrusion disposed on the first trunk section. The rolling protrusion can rotate upon interaction with the angled portion of the lower lip to guide and assist the second trunk section to receive a portion of the first trunk section.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology include a decorative lighting system that can be integrated with an artificial tree. The decorative lighting system may include a white light emitting diode (LED) light string and a variable-color LED light string. The variable-color LED light string may employ LED lamps having embedded Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs. The RGB LED lamps may include an embedded integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with and control the energizing of each of the corresponding RGB LEDs to create a multitude of colors and color combinations that can vary with time to create a light show. An electronic controller in communication with the LED lamps may allow a user to select the mode for the light show and further may provide a periodic reset signal to restart or re-synchronize the light show.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning device having filtering and pumping capabilities. Some embodiments of the disclosed device can be unencumbered by hoses, cables, and the like when in use in the pool. The device may be buoyant and can be configured to float at or just below the surface of the water. The device can comprise a strainer, a pump, a housing for the strainer and pump, and one or more floatation devices. Such a design may allow for a floating skimmer and pump with no need for installation in a side wall. In some embodiments, the device can further comprise a pre-filter. For example, in some embodiments, the strainer and filter can remove large objects and particulates, respectively, before the water passes through the pump. As disclosed in some embodiments, various components of the device may be removeable and replaceable to extend the lifetime of the device.