Abstract: A system for collecting debris created for small-scale outflow pipes, including a collection net made of durable lightweight mesh material, for capturing debris and allowing for free flow of fluid. The collection net configured to be attached to an outflow pipe using a fixed collar and a movable collar. The system designed such that the fixed collar fits securely on outflow pipe, and the movable collar fits such that it may move towards the fixed collar longitudinally along the outflow pipe. A pressure sensor attached to the fixed collar triggers an electrical signal to alert users when a threshold capacity of the collection net is exceeded, by the pressure imparted by movable collar onto the pressure senor. An electrical signal triggers control unit to alert users when a predefined threshold is exceeded, by indicating via an indicator that capacity limits of collected debris have been exceeded.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator transmits a message to a remote peripheral platform and, upon determining that the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out a given functionality, responsively permits a particular function to be carried out by the movable barrier operator. Conversely, upon determining that it cannot be ascertained whether the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out the given functionality, the movable barrier operator responsively prevents the movable barrier operator from carrying out the particular function. Also, upon detecting that a targeted remote platform does not acknowledge a previously re-transmitted message and further upon detecting that this same remote platform has also not acknowledged a subsequent wirelessly-transmitted second message, the system can switch to automatically retransmitting that second message a lesser number of times than would otherwise be required.

Abstract: In one aspect, a portable electronic device is provided for accessing a secured area to deliver a package therein. The portable electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect an indicium of the package and communication circuitry configured to communicate a message to a server computer associated with the package upon the sensor detecting the indicium. The communication circuitry is further configured to receive delivery information from the server computer, the delivery information including at least a location of the secured area. The portable electronic device further includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the communication circuitry. The processor is configured to cause, via the communication circuitry, the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier associated with the secured area.

Abstract: In one aspect, a portable electronic device is provided for accessing a secured area to deliver a package therein. The portable electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect an indicium of the package and communication circuitry configured to communicate a message to a server computer associated with the package upon the sensor detecting the indicium. The communication circuitry is further configured to receive delivery information from the server computer, the delivery information including at least a location of the secured area. The portable electronic device further includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the communication circuitry. The processor is configured to cause, via the communication circuitry, the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier associated with the secured area.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator transmits a message to a remote peripheral platform and, upon determining that the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out a given functionality, responsively permits a particular function to be carried out by the movable barrier operator. Conversely, upon determining that it cannot be ascertained whether the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out the given functionality, the movable barrier operator responsively prevents the movable barrier operator from carrying out the particular function. Also, upon detecting that a targeted remote platform does not acknowledge a previously re-transmitted message and further upon detecting that this same remote platform has also not acknowledged a subsequent wirelessly-transmitted second message, the system can switch to automatically retransmitting that second message a lesser number of times than would otherwise be required.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator transmits a message to a remote peripheral platform and, upon determining that the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out a given functionality, responsively permits a particular function to be carried out by the movable barrier operator. Conversely, upon determining that it cannot be ascertained whether the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out the given functionality, the movable barrier operator responsively prevents the movable barrier operator from carrying out the particular function. Also, upon detecting that a targeted remote platform does not acknowledge a previously re-transmitted message and further upon detecting that this same remote platform has also not acknowledged a subsequent wirelessly-transmitted second message, the system can switch to automatically retransmitting that second message a lesser number of times than would otherwise be required.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automating extension and/or retraction of a line on a spool. The system detachably couples a spool of line to an automated winding portion such as a power drill, extends the line out from the spool in some embodiments, positions a distal end of the line at a desired position, performs an operation with the line, and automatically retracts the line. A winding portion, such as an electric drill, couples to a mounting end of a spool of line. The winding portion receives power from a power source and actuates to rotate the spool in a first direction for extending the line, and a second direction for retracting the line. A distal end of the line positions at a desired point away from the spool. An operation is performed with the line in conjunction with automated extension and retraction of the line. Finally, the winding portion powers refraction of the line back onto the spool.

Abstract: A control circuit initiates a relationship-establishment mode of operation and operates in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation. When the control circuit completes one of these modes of operation (for example, the learn mode of operation, the pairing mode of operation, or either) the relationship-establishment mode of operation can switch to only using the remaining mode of operation during a remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of operation. One can also disable a previously-established relationship for each of a first category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through a learn mode of operation) when the user presses a button. Upon then detecting a second end-user assertion of the end-user interface, the control circuit can further disable a previously-established relationship with each of a second category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through a pairing mode of operation).

Abstract: A control circuit initiates a relationship-establishment mode of operation and operates in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation. When the control circuit completes one of these modes of operation (for example, the learn mode of operation, the pairing mode of operation, or either) the relationship-establishment mode of operation can switch to only using the remaining mode of operation during a remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of operation. One can also disable a previously-established relationship for each of a first category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through a learn mode of operation) when the user presses a button. Upon then detecting a second end-user assertion of the end-user interface, the control circuit can further disable a previously-established relationship with each of a second category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through a pairing mode of operation).

Abstract: A wireless radio-frequency receiver is configured to selectively receive in at least two discrete bands can be operably coupled to at least a first antenna comprising a reception antenna. This reception antenna can be tuned to a first one of at least two discrete bands. In turn, a wireless radio-frequency transmitter can be operably coupled to a transmission antenna, wherein the transmitter is configured to selectively transmit in at least one of the two discrete bands. This transmission antenna is tuned to a second one of the at least two discrete bands that is different from the first one of the at least two discrete bands. By one approach, the wireless radio-frequency transmitter is configured to transmit in only one of the two discrete bands (such as the second one of the at least two discrete bands).

Abstract: A movable barrier operator transmits a message to a remote peripheral platform and, upon determining that the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out a given functionality, responsively permits a particular function to be carried out by the movable barrier operator. Conversely, upon determining that it cannot be ascertained whether the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out the given functionality, the movable barrier operator responsively prevents the movable barrier operator from carrying out the particular function. Also, upon detecting that a targeted remote platform does not acknowledge a previously re-transmitted message and further upon detecting that this same remote platform has also not acknowledged a subsequent wirelessly-transmitted second message, the system can switch to automatically retransmitting that second message a lesser number of times than would otherwise be required.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal pension administration system that allows multiple companies to use the same system for valuation report generation, benefit calculation, database administration, and trust payment direction. Plan Actuaries define a pension plan by answering questions related to the plan. A Developer Actuary uses tools to develop a pension plan framework that defines plan questions and logic and calculations to support the plan definition. A first tool is used to define the logic for pension plan definition, calculation sequencing, and report generation. In the calculation sequencing, rules are defined to refer to spreadsheets in which complex calculations related to the plan are performed. A second tool is used to design discrete calculation objects using a standard client-based spreadsheet. The spreadsheets are sequenced on a server in any manner as dictated by expert system code generated from the calculation-sequencing tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal pension administration system that allows multiple companies use the same system for valuation report generation, benefit calculation, database administration, and trust payment direction. Plan Actuaries define a pension plan by answering questions related to the plan. A Developer Actuary uses tools to develop a pension plan framework that defines plan questions and logic and calculations to support the plan definition. A first tool is used to define the logic for pension plan definition, calculation sequencing, and report generation. In the calculation sequencing, rules are defined to refer to spreadsheets in which complex calculations related to the plan are performed. A second tool is used to design discrete calculation objects using a standard client-based spreadsheet. The spreadsheets are sequenced on a server in any manner as dictated by expert system code generated from the calculation-sequencing tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal pension administration system that allows multiple companies use the same system for valuation report generation, benefit calculation, database administration, and trust payment direction. Plan Actuaries define a pension plan by answering questions related to the plan. A Developer Actuary uses tools to develop a pension plan framework that defines plan questions and logic and calculations to support the plan definition. A first tool is used to define the logic for pension plan definition, calculation sequencing, and report generation. In the calculation sequencing, rules are defined to refer to spreadsheets in which complex calculations related to the plan are performed. A second tool is used to design discrete calculation objects using a standard client-based spreadsheet. The spreadsheets are sequenced on a server in any manner as dictated by expert system code generated from the calculation-sequencing tool.

Abstract: Rotary switches, and in particular riser-style commutators, are detailed together with featured strips from which they are made. Segments formed from the strips may include anchor notches and slots for receiving reinforcing rings. The structure of the strip additionally permits electrical isolation of adjacent riser segments to occur through its coining rather than through slotting.

Abstract: Rotary switches, and in particular riser-style commutators, are detailed together with featured strips from which they are made. Segments formed from the strips may include anchor notches and slots for receiving reinforcing rings. The structure of the strip additionally permits electrical isolation of adjacent riser segments to occur through its coining rather than through slotting.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: A double depth crypt vault having two casket compartments, and which permits the placement of two caskets in the same crypt. A center dividing shelf separates the lower casket compartment from the upper casket compartment. The upper crypt compartment has a cover portion designated the vault lid which is configured to mate with and be sealed to the upper edge of the crypt vault. The double depth crypt vault can be formed and integrally molded as a unit out of a heavy-duty plastic material. Optionally, the double depth crypt vault may have tapered walls for added strength and stability for shipping purposes. Ground augers may be employed with the double depth crypt vault to prevent upward floatation.