Abstract: portable recording devices digitize audio signals and store the resulting digital audio samples locally. A master device periodically communicates a time marker and index value. Upon receiving a time marker from the master device, the recording devices latch their sample recording address occurring at that time, and store this latched address along with the received index value. Since the same index value is associated with recorded sample addresses occurring at the same time across all units, the shared index value provides a coordination means to later align the individual recordings, emulating a central multi-track recorder. Optionally, one of the portable recording devices can assume the additional role of master.

Abstract: A water sterilizer powered by solar energy is described. A first check valve allows an increment of untreated water to flow from a reservoir into a boiling chamber where it is heated to boiling, and thus sterilized, by focused solar energy. A second check valve with a higher cracking pressure than the first valve remains closed, holding the increment of untreated water in the boiling chamber until the pressure of steam forces the second valve open, thus evacuating the chamber of now-sterilized water. Once the chamber is evacuated, the second valve automatically closes, and the first valve automatically opens, allowing another incremental sterilizing cycle to begin.

Abstract: portable recording devices digitize audio signals and store the resulting digital audio samples locally. A master device periodically communicates a time marker and index value. Upon receiving a time marker from the master device, the recording devices latch their sample recording address occurring at that time, and store this latched address along with the received index value. Since the same index value is associated with recorded sample addresses occurring at the same time across all units, the shared index value provides a coordination means to later align the individual recordings, emulating a central multi-track recorder. Optionally, one of the portable recording devices can assume the additional role of master.

Abstract: A water sterilizer powered by solar energy is described. A first check valve allows an increment of untreated water to flow from a reservoir into a boiling chamber where it is heated to boiling, and thus sterilized, by focused solar energy. A second check valve with a higher cracking pressure than the first valve remains closed, holding the increment of untreated water in the boiling chamber until the pressure of steam forces the second valve open, thus evacuating the chamber of now-sterilized water. Once the chamber is evacuated, the second valve automatically closes, and the first valve automatically opens, allowing another incremental sterilizing cycle to begin.

Abstract: A method for controlling detached lighting units uses source light of a capable flashlight to communicate information. The capable flashlight encodes an ID Tag in modulated light, and the detached lighting units recognize the specific ID Tag and responds, for example by activating and creating illumination. A user can illuminate selected areas by shining the beam of the flashlight on detached lighting units to selectively activate them, and since the detached lighting units only respond to the encoded light, unintended activation is avoided. In addition to the encoded ID Tag, mode information can be included such that the detached lighting units can respond in a number of ways, such as selected periods of activation. Stored ID Tags can be transferred and thus shared using the same modulated light. ID Tags can be randomly re-assigned, and the new value shared among other flashlights and detached lighting units, creating a coordinated set.

Abstract: A method for controlling detached lighting units uses source light of a capable flashlight to communicate information. The capable flashlight encodes an ID Tag in modulated light, and the detached lighting units recognize the specific ID Tag and responds, for example by activating and creating illumination. A user can illuminate selected areas by shining the beam of the flashlight on detached lighting units to selectively activate them, and since the detached lighting units only respond to the encoded light, unintended activation is avoided. In addition to the encoded ID Tag, mode information can be included such that the detached lighting units can respond in a number of ways, such as selected periods of activation. Stored ID Tags can be transferred and thus shared using the same modulated light. ID Tags can be randomly re-assigned, and the new value shared among other flashlights and detached lighting units, creating a coordinated set.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, and static periods. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, and static periods. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.