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: 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: A magnetic article with a corrosion resistant barrier formed from a poly(tetrafluoro-p-xylene) conformal coating or from a parylene conformal coating having a melting point of at least about 430° C. and a moisture vapor transmission less than about 0.5 g-mm/m2/day at 90% RH and 37° C., the conformal coating being covered with a polysulfone thermoplastic overlayer.

Abstract: A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.

Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve seat and a valve member movable with respect to the valve seat. An adjustment circuit assembly includes a resistive element that is coupled to the valve member and operable to position the valve member relative to the valve seat so as to alter the pressure setting in response to a current applied to the resistive element.

Abstract: Implantable physiological shunt systems and related fluid flow control devices and accessories for use therewith. Devices, systems and methods relating to implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets with increased resistance to inadvertent setting changes. Devices, systems and methods relating implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets which provide improved magnetic coupling to fluid flow control device accessories such as adjustment tools.

Abstract: Employing capacitors as shunts in a decorative light string can prevent the circuit from being opened when a lamp burns out or becomes loose in the socket. But manually assembling such a light string is costly and the quality of the resulting string is not assured to be high. The present disclosure introduces a shunted light string, and a method of assembling that light string that is able to be automated to ensure a consistent quality level by reducing or eliminating human workmanship issues.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve seat and a valve member movable with respect to the valve seat. An adjustment circuit assembly includes a resistive element that is coupled to the valve member and operable to position the valve member relative to the valve seat so as to alter the pressure setting in response to a current applied to the resistive element.

Abstract: Implantable physiological shunt systems and related fluid flow control devices and accessories for use therewith. Devices, systems and methods relating to implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets with increased resistance to inadvertent setting changes. Devices, systems and methods relating implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets which provide improved magnetic coupling to fluid flow control device accessories such as adjustment tools.

Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

Abstract: A system for mounting decorative objects, such as Christmas trees, is disclosed. The system can include a base and a plurality of inserts. The base can comprise a plurality of feet that have a retracted position for ready storage and a deployed position for supporting a tree. The base can further comprise a locking mechanism for locking the feet in the retracted position, the deployed position, or both. The base can further comprise an adapter for receiving one or more inserts. The inserts can comprise a consistent outer diameter, for insertion into the adapter, and a variety of inner diameters for use with a variety of tree diameters. The insert can be installed on the trunk of a tree and then installed into the adapter on the base simplifying the tree erection process.

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 system with an integrated timer is disclosed. The electrical safety system may have an input line connected to an output via one or more communication paths. The electrical safety system may also have a ground fault circuit interrupter module including a sensor coil for monitoring current passing from the input line to the electrical load and producing a current signal and a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. Further, the electrical safety system may have one or more switches for opening or closing the one or more communication paths between the input line and the output, and a solenoid for operating the one or more switches. Additionally, the electrical safety system may have a timer module comprising a timer circuit configured to generate a timer signal and a selector switch in electrical communication with the timer circuit and a visual display.

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: 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: A safety system for a swimming pool ladder is described for use in above-ground swimming pools. The safety system can comprise a frame covered with fabric or other enclosure permanently or temporarily affixed to the ladder and/or the sidewall of an above-ground swimming pool. The fabric can comprise a plurality of vent holes to prevent excessive side loads caused by water currents. The safety system can be detachably coupled to the ladder using a tab and slot configuration. The safety system can prevent objects from entering and becoming trapped between the pool sidewall and the pool ladder.

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: 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.