Abstract: A portable nucleic acid extraction kit includes a portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus, at least one lysis buffer, at least one binding buffer, at least one washing buffer, at least one elution buffer, and at least three kit sample tubes. The portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus includes a handle, a rod, a tip, and may include a nucleic acid binding medium. The method of using the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus includes, treating a biological sample having a nucleic acid, binding the nucleic acid in the treated biological sample to the tip of the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus, incubating the tip of the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus bound with the nucleic acid, washing the tip of the portable nucleic acid apparatus bound with the nucleic acid, eluting the bound nucleic acid, and analyzing the eluted nucleic acid.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for enabling secure delivery of a package to a designated delivery area of a premises is described. In one embodiment, information regarding a delivery of a package to a premises may be received, a delivery person arriving at the premises may be detected, and instructions may be provided to the delivery person regarding how to deliver the package to the designated delivery area within the premises.

Abstract: A method for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a temperature of a first room of a building via a first thermometer placed in the first room and measuring a temperature of a second room of the building via a second thermometer placed in the second room and receiving the temperature of the first room via a first data communication device communicatively coupled to a first HVAC register in the first room and receiving the temperature of the second room via a second data communication device communicatively coupled to a second HVAC register in the second room. In some cases, the first data communication device is configured to communicate data between the first thermometer and a central automation controller and the second data communication device is configured to communicate data between the second thermometer and the central automation controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking location using a home automation system. One method includes receiving sensor data indicating presence of a wearable tracking device in a predetermined area of a property monitored by the home automation system, confirming an identity of the tracking device, and generating a notice indicating a location of the tracking device.

Abstract: A method for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a temperature of a first room of a building via a first thermometer placed in the first room and measuring a temperature of a second room of the building via a second thermometer placed in the second room and receiving the temperature of the first room via a first data communication device communicatively coupled to a first HVAC register in the first room and receiving the temperature of the second room via a second data communication device communicatively coupled to a second HVAC register in the second room. In some cases, the first data communication device is configured to communicate data between the first thermometer and a central automation controller and the second data communication device is configured to communicate data between the second thermometer and the central automation controller.

Abstract: A portable nucleic acid extraction kit includes a portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus, at least one lysis buffer, at least one binding buffer, at least one washing buffer, at least one elution buffer, and at least three kit sample tubes. The portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus includes a handle, a rod, a tip, and may include a nucleic acid binding medium. The method of using the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus includes, treating a biological sample having a nucleic acid, binding the nucleic acid in the treated biological sample to the tip of the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus, incubating the tip of the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus bound with the nucleic acid, washing the tip of the portable nucleic acid apparatus bound with the nucleic acid, eluting the bound nucleic acid, and analyzing the eluted nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for employee time entry using an automation and security system. An apparatus for employee time entry includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to request employee login at a control panel of an automation and security system at initiation of the employee's work shift, request employee logout at the control panel at completion of the employee's work shift, and collect data related to at least one of employee work hours, shift frequency, and employee cost.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking location using a home automation system. One method includes receiving sensor data indicating presence of a wearable tracking device in a predetermined area of a property monitored by the home automation system, confirming an identity of the tracking device, and generating a notice indicating a location of the tracking device.

Abstract: A method for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is described. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a temperature of a first room of a building via a first thermometer placed in the first room and measuring a temperature of a second room of the building via a second thermometer placed in the second room and receiving the temperature of the first room via a first data communication device communicatively coupled to a first HVAC register in the first room and receiving the temperature of the second room via a second data communication device communicatively coupled to a second HVAC register in the second room. In some cases, the first data communication device is configured to communicate data between the first thermometer and a central automation controller and the second data communication device is configured to communicate data between the second thermometer and the central automation controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for tracking location using a home automation system. One method includes receiving sensor data indicating presence of a wearable tracking device in a predetermined area of a property monitored by the home automation system, confirming an identity of the tracking device, and generating a notice indicating a location of the tracking device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for enabling secure delivery of a package to a designated delivery area of a premises is described. In one embodiment, information regarding a delivery of a package to a premises may be received, a delivery person arriving at the premises may be detected, and instructions may be provided to the delivery person regarding how to deliver the package to the designated delivery area within the premises.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for employee time entry using an automation and security system. An apparatus for employee time entry includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to request employee login at a control panel of an automation and security system at initiation of the employee's work shift, request employee logout at the control panel at completion of the employee's work shift, and collect data related to at least one of employee work hours, shift frequency, and employee cost.