Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for validating the installation and operation of a fault detection and diagnostic module that monitors a component of an HVAC system. A remote diagnostic server is in operative communication with the HVAC system, and with the fault detection and diagnostic module. A user device communicates data to the remote diagnostic server that defines an association between the fault detection and diagnostic module and the HVAC system. The remote diagnostic server initiates an installation validation by sending a command to the HVAC system that causes the monitored component to initiate an event that is expected to be reported by the fault detection and diagnostic module. For example, a fan motor is turned on. If correctly installed, the fault detection and diagnostic module senses the event, and reports the event to the remote diagnostic server, which confirms the association. The remote diagnostic server sends a message to the user device indicating the result of the validation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a temperature control system of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller are described. The HVAC system controller includes a processor in communication with a memory and a user interface. The processor is configured to determine a dynamic parameter related to a dynamic property of a conditioned space and maintain a controlled environment within the conditioned space by utilizing the dynamic parameter.

Abstract: Improvements to an HVAC thermostat include a fuel control module that estimates a rate of fuel usage by the HVAC system and issues a warning and optionally schedules a fuel delivery or solicits a fuel delivery bid when the on-site fuel supply drops beneath a predetermined level, a nightlight module that illuminates a touchscreen in accordance with at least one nightlight parameter, and a user interface mode control module that selects for display on the touchscreen display, a primary user interface from among a plurality of potential user interfaces based at least in part upon the frequency of use of each of the plurality of potential user interfaces.

Abstract: A method of engaging an automated breakout assembly includes receiving, by a tow socket having a rotatable sleeve multiple mating connectors, a cable into the tow socket through a slot. The cable comprises a tow ball. Each mating connector is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor. The method includes receiving, by the rotatable sleeve, the randomly-aligned tow ball through an entrance. The method includes rotating a cam configured to rotate the rotatable sleeve to substantially align the mating connectors of the tow socket with connectors of the tow ball such that each electrical conductor electrically coupled to a mating connector couples to a corresponding connector of the tow ball. The method includes transferring a tow loading force between the cable and the tow socket by moving the cable.

Abstract: A cable bend limiter provides one or more joints including alternating sleeves and outer ball sections enclosing inner ball sections. Friction is controlled by washers at, or low friction surface treatments on, either side of the outer ball sections.

Abstract: A method of engaging an automated breakout assembly includes receiving, by a tow socket having a rotatable sleeve multiple mating connectors, a cable into the tow socket through a slot. The cable comprises a tow ball. Each mating connector is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor. The method includes receiving, by the rotatable sleeve, the randomly-aligned tow ball through an entrance. The method includes rotating a cam configured to rotate the rotatable sleeve to substantially align the mating connectors of the tow socket with connectors of the tow ball such that each electrical conductor electrically coupled to a mating connector couples to a corresponding connector of the tow ball. The method includes transferring a tow loading force between the cable and the tow socket by moving the cable.

Abstract: A mounting plate assembly for securing a plug of a network cable to a jack of an electronic device. The assembly includes a mounting plate having an attachment mechanism that is configured for releasable locking engagement with the electronic device. Further, the mounting plate is adapted to be mounted to a mounting structure. The mounting plate includes inner passageway that is adapted to receive insertion of at least a portion of the plug. Additionally, the inner passageway is adapted to depress a locking clip of the inserted plug to a position that prevents the locking clip from lockingly engaging a protrusion in an aperture of the jack. Further, the retention member may include at least one arm that is configured to retain the plug in a relatively static position relative to the mounting plate when the plug is being received in, and removed from, the aperture of the jack.

Abstract: A cable bend limiter provides one or more joints including alternating sleeves and outer ball sections enclosing inner ball sections. Friction is controlled by washers at, or low friction surface treatments on, either side of the outer ball sections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a temperature control system of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller are described. The HVAC system controller includes a processor in communication with a memory and a user interface. The processor is configured to determine a dynamic parameter related to a dynamic property of a conditioned space and maintain a controlled environment within the conditioned space by utilizing the dynamic parameter.

Abstract: A mounting plate assembly for securing a plug of a network cable to a jack of an electronic device. The assembly includes a mounting plate having an attachment mechanism that is configured for releasable locking engagement with the electronic device. Further, the mounting plate is adapted to be mounted to a mounting structure. The mounting plate includes inner passageway that is adapted to receive insertion of at least a portion of the plug. Additionally, the inner passageway is adapted to depress a locking clip of the inserted plug to a position that prevents the locking clip from lockingly engaging a protrusion in an aperture of the jack. Further, the retention member may include at least one arm that is configured to retain the plug in a relatively static position relative to the mounting plate when the plug is being received in, and removed from, the aperture of the jack.

Abstract: An improvement on a bean-bag game-board that allows the user to fold up the game boards into a case and easily carry them around with the bean bags inside. The popular game is known by names like “bag toss”, “bags”, “tailgate toss” or “cornhole”. The present invention is a light-weight, easy to use and carry version of the original game that takes up minimal space when consolidated for storage. Lightweight construction allows one game board to fit within the other while forming a case for game bags. A handle for carrying that also acts as a hinge-free and locking fastener for easy assembly when game set is packed for carrying or storage. Folding legs allow the boards to fit together in a small space and have an offset pivot point that provides the strength of having three points of contact when in the open position.

Abstract: A portable abdominal exercise mat apparatus is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, an elongate, flexible mat having a relatively rigid elongate handle portion engaged at one end of the mat, the apparatus being sized and configured for providing adequate support for a user's back, neck and head while the user performs a wide range of abdominal exercises. In further embodiments, the handle portion is configured for removably accepting a variety of attachment accessories, some of which are designed to allow the user to selectively add resistance to their abdominal exercises. Other attachment accessories allow the user to perform various non-abdominal exercises using the apparatus. When the apparatus is not being used, it can be easily rolled up or laid flat for storage or transport with very little space or weight requirements.

Abstract: A portable abdominal exercise mat apparatus is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, an elongate, flexible mat having a relatively rigid elongate handle portion engaged at one end of the mat, the apparatus being sized and configured for providing adequate support for a user's back, neck and head while the user performs a wide range of abdominal exercises. In further embodiments, the handle portion is configured for removably accepting a variety of attachment accessories, some of which are designed to allow the user to selectively add resistance to their abdominal exercises. Other attachment accessories allow the user to perform various non-abdominal exercises using the apparatus. When the apparatus is not being used, it can be easily rolled up or laid flat for storage or transport with very little space or weight requirements.

Abstract: A differential signaling system is provided. The differential signaling system comprises one or more cable pairs for carrying signals, one or more differential drivers for providing signals to the one or more cable pairs, and one or more differential receivers, the one or more differential receivers being coupled to the one or more differential drivers via the one or more cable pairs. The differential signaling system further comprises one or more test devices for testing the differential signaling system, and at least one switch coupled to at least one of the one or more cable pairs and to at least one of the one or more test devices, the switch being adapted to dynamically switch the at least one of the one or more test devices into a differential interface of the differential signaling system.

Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus for proving secure transmissions from a smartcard reader are described. A signal created by the smartcard reader dependent on the smartcard is encrypted. The signal comprises access information. The encrypted signal is transmitted to a remote location relative to the smartcard reader. The transmitted signal is translated at the remote location to another format useable by an access controller. An access mechanism is controlled using the access controller dependent upon the translated signal.

Abstract: A push button switch including a housing and a push button body disposed at least partially within the housing. The push button body may include a base portion and at least one guide portion extending from the base portion. The housing may include at least one mating guide portion for receiving the least one guide portion of the button body and guiding the translation of the button body in the housing. A rocker may be positioned between the push button body and a contact closure, and the push button body may pivot the rocker about a pivot point upon depression of the head thereby changing a state of the contact closure. A light source may be positioned beneath the rocker and for illuminating a bottom of the button head.

Abstract: A push button switch including a housing and a push button body disposed at least partially within the housing. The push button body may include a base portion and at least one guide portion extending from the base portion. The housing may include at least one mating guide portion for receiving the least one guide portion of the button body and guiding the translation of the button body in the housing. A rocker may be positioned between the push button body and a contact closure, and the push button body may pivot the rocker about a pivot point upon depression of the head thereby changing a state of the contact closure. A light source may be positioned beneath the rocker and for illuminating a bottom of the button head.