Abstract: A pool skimmer to operate independently of a pool filter pump. A pool skimmer has a bucket assembly similar to pool skimmers that use the filter pump to create a suction to draw and hold surface floating debris inside the pool skimmer where the debris can be removed from the bucket assembly and emptied. However, instead of using the pool filter pump, a sealed electrical pump assembly uses a rotatable magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. A magnetic impeller fits within the pump body and rotates in response to rotation of the magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. This creates a water flow forcing water out of the bucket assembly in contrast to using a filter pump to suck water through the bucket assembly as in conventional technology. Because each pool skimmer operates independently of others and of the filter pump, they may be located without regard to filter pump efficiencies. Moreover, the suction created is not enough to create a health hazard for users, especially small children.

Abstract: A device for locating an object, which includes a master transmitter with at least one servant receiver. A signal from the master transmitter unit activates the servant receiver unit, which then turns itself on. The servant receiver unit has both sound and light output to attract the attention of a user. The servant receiver unit is placed on an object like luggage, a remote control, a personal data assistant, or the like. When the user has misplaced the valuable object, the master transmitter unit is used to activate the servant unit whose light and sound makes it possible to locate the lost object. Because the servant receiver unit is not turned on until it receives the signal from the master transmitter unit, it draws negligible current from a battery. This means that batteries need not be replaced in the servant receiver unit whose effective life will be close to the shelf life of the batteries.

Abstract: A portable ranging and warning device adoptable to a variety of uses. The portable ranging and warning device uses a source of aimed wave energy to detect and recognize objects in proximity to the device. A beam of directed energy is sent from the device where it is reflected by the object and the reflected energy is received by a receiver on the device. A computer within the device can calculate the distance between the device and the object by the time delay between the pulsed directed energy beam and the return reflection. By sending sequential pulses of energy and varying the direction of the aim of the directed energy, a pattern of reflections may be stored in the computer's memory. This pattern of reflected energy may be compared to templates of reflected energy for particular objects. When there is a correlation between the reflected energy and the template, an object may be identified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing an activation signal based on a received radio frequency (RF) signal. The apparatus includes an RF receiver configured to admit a received RF signal in a given frequency band and a converter configured to convert the admitted RF signal to a proportional signal. The apparatus also includes a low power comparator that has a first and second input and an output. A biasing and offset compensation circuit is configured to bias the proportional signal higher by an offset midrange voltage and bias the second input to an offset compensated voltage based on an offset between the inputs of the comparator. The comparator is configured to receive the biased proportional signal at the first input and produce the activation signal at the output when a voltage difference between the biased proportional signal and the offset compensated voltage exceeds a comparison voltage threshold.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning device for delivering a cleaning fluid to a vacuum hose of a dental suction system is provided which automatically dispenses a measured amount of cleaning fluid into the vacuum hose each time that a dental instrument is changed. The automatic cleaning device includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing is adapted to releasably receive a hollow dental instrument, such as a suction tube. The second end of the housing is coupled to the vacuum hose. The housing of the automatic cleaning device includes a cavity which extends from the first end to the second end and a reservoir is disposed within the housing, the reservoir containing a cleansing fluid. A hollow piston is disposed within the housing and coupled to the first end of the housing such that receipt of the hollow dental instrument in the first end of the housing causes a forward-backward longitudinal movement of the hollow piston.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted unit is provided to wind and unwind lines which suspend an overhead sign. The lines are connected to a shaft in the ceiling unit which is rotated by a motor, raising and lowering the sign suspended by the lines. A brake is provided to prevent the sign from unintentionally lowering under its own weight. The unit is controlled and powered by a portable elongate control device operable by a person on the floor to raise and lower signs by engaging the ceiling unit with the control device. Guide members radially extend from the ceiling unit to facilitate engagement by the control device.