Abstract: A power distribution circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power distribution circuit includes a plurality of transistors and a control unit IC. First terminals of each of the transistors may be coupled to separate voltage sources. Second terminals of each of the transistors may be coupled to a common power node. An electronic system may receive power from one of the voltage sources when one of the transistors is on. The control unit IC may activate one or more of the transistors by driving a voltage to the control terminal of the transistor to be activated. The control unit IC may also monitor a voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal of each of the transistors. If the voltage of the second terminal becomes greater than the voltage of the first terminal for a given transistor, the control terminal may deactivate the transistor.

Abstract: A system and method for inventory monitoring and control of household consumable items using at least one smart container. A smart container implements an ID tag and one or more sensors to determine the type and amount remaining of a household consumable item it contains. The modular nature of a smart container enables the system to monitor and control the inventory of such items wherever they are located within home storage areas. The smart containers communicate with a container interface unit, which in turn communicates with a logic processing unit that uses novel methods to monitor and control the inventory of any or all household consumable items. A global access unit communicates with other devices on the internet to execute the monitoring and control methods. Any one or more of these three units can be constructed as part of, or be located inside or outside, home storage areas.