Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering a remote network device with a network control device. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a query from the network control device requesting that the remote network device provide a network identification code stored within the remote network device, transmitting a response to the query after a time period has expired, the response comprising the network identification code stored within the remote network device, determining whether an acknowledgement message has been received from the network control device, if the acknowledgement message has been received, setting a flag within the remote network device indicating that the remote network device has successfully registered with the network control device, and if the acknowledgment message has not been received, re-sending the response to the network control device after a second time period has elapsed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable music system, comprising a remote control for transmitting signals over a wireless connection, an audio player for receiving the signals from the remote control, and conventional audio output wiring that is employed by a listener to listen to audio files that are stored on the audio player, wherein the conventional audio output wiring is further employed as an antenna for receiving the signals from the remote control.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for testing the installation of sensors, irrigation system components and controllers are provided. An apparatus or sensor unit is for use with an irrigation system and comprises a processor and a sensor coupled to the processor and adapted to provide a sensor response. The sensor can be a water sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a ground moisture sensor, a solar radiation sensor, a wind speed sensor, or a water flow rate sensor, among others. A communication circuit is coupled to the processor which in turn can cause the communication circuit to transmit a first signal in response to the sensor response. The processor can further cause the communication circuit to transmit a test signal having a signal strength that is less than the strength of the first signal to simulate the deteriorated conditions that can be present during a transmission.

Abstract: An improved vehicle security system is disclosed in which different modes of arming and disarming the system are utilized. The system uses an arming feature to disable operation of the vehicle which is initiated by the vehicle ignition switch being turned off following which one or more doors of the vehicle are opened. The system also uses a voice actuated alarm deactivation procedure in which operation of the vehicle is enabled following voice identification of a spoken password as belonging to an authorized individual. The vehicle security system uses a positive interlock in which both the vehicle's starting system and its ignition system are disabled when the system is armed.

Abstract: A gift item which is illustrated in the form of a stuffed teddy bear houses a control system which incorporates a re-programmable solid state analog memory device which is used to record a message. In the illustrated embodiment, a write switch is housed in the teddy bear's ear, and while it is being squeezed, a microphone in the main control system will record a spoken message into the non-volatile analog memory. The recording will take place as long as the two-contact switch is squeezed, and will stop upon release of the switch or expiration of the memory capacity of the memory device, which is about 20 seconds. The message is played back by momentary compression of another two-contact switch placed in the bear's paw, which would typically be done by a child. Replacement of a prior message with a subsequent one can be done at will by closing the write switch again as was done initially.