Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for providing an integrated system for sensor monitoring and mapping in a translated coordinate system. One general aspect can include translating a digital map of a geographical region in a global positioning coordinate system to a translated coordinate system, where the geographical region includes a physical building. The method can also include generating digital interior maps of the physical building in the translated coordinate system and including on the maps control elements associated with devices physically located within the geographical region. The method can also include receiving, from a sensor data interceptor, sensor data from the devices. The method can also include providing a graphical user interface for viewing the digital maps and the sensor data associated with the physical devices on the map to provide a holistic view of the geographical region, including the exterior and interior of the physical building.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for providing an integrated system for sensor monitoring and mapping in a translated coordinate system. One general aspect can include translating a digital map of a geographical region in a global positioning coordinate system to a translated coordinate system, where the geographical region includes a physical building. The method can also include generating digital interior maps of the physical building in the translated coordinate system and including on the maps control elements associated with devices physically located within the geographical region. The method can also include receiving, from a sensor data interceptor, sensor data from the devices. The method can also include providing a graphical user interface for viewing the digital maps and the sensor data associated with the physical devices on the map to provide a holistic view of the geographical region, including the exterior and interior of the physical building.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed container containing animal feed for use in spreading the animal feed onto the ground over which the animal feeder is positioned. A housing moves between open and closed positions, wherein the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses a motorized animal feed dispenser positioned in proximity to a hole in the feed container through which the animal feed passes from the container. In the closed position, the sides of the housing completely block the dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. In an open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. Also, in the closed position, physical access from outside of the housing to the animal feed residing on the animal feed dispenser and through the hole is prevented.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed container containing animal feed for use in spreading the animal feed onto the ground over which the animal feeder is positioned. A housing moves between open and closed positions, wherein the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses a motorized animal feed dispenser positioned in proximity to a hole in the feed container through which the animal feed passes from the container. In the closed position, the sides of the housing completely block the dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. In an open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. Also, in the closed position, physical access from outside of the housing to the animal feed residing on the animal feed dispenser and through the hole is prevented.

Abstract: A modular rainwater storage tank configured to allow storage capacity in a small area when positioned around the corner of a rectangular house or other structure utilizing run off from a roof top. The storage tank may be designed as a three-dimensional quarter-round such that three units will fit in a tight configuration around a right angle. Each storage tank has opposing overflow channels in a raised rim enclosing a recess in the lid. Downspout water is directed to an opening in the raised rim. When the storage tank is full, excess water in the recess in the lid may be directed to an adjacent storage tank in a cascaded configuration. In this manner, three storage tanks may be positioned and cascaded around a corner.

Abstract: A modular rainwater storage tank configured to allow storage capacity in a small area when positioned around the corner of a rectangular house or other structure utilizing run off from a roof top. The storage tank may be designed as a three-dimensional quarter-round such that three units will fit in a tight configuration around a right angle. Each storage tank has opposing overflow channels in a raised rim enclosing a recess in the lid. Downspout water is directed to an opening in the raised rim. When the storage tank is full, excess water in the recess in the lid may be directed to an adjacent storage tank in a cascaded configuration. In this manner, three storage tanks may be positioned and cascaded around a corner.

Abstract: A system for operating a remote device has a portable timer module employing a microcontroller with an operating system configured to read and store executable instructions and data received over a communications link. A software application program in a personal computing device enables a user to select time of day control times for operating the remote device. The microcontroller receives the user-selected time of day control time data and instructions when coupled to the personal computing device. The microcontroller emulates the function of a time of day clock and generates control signals when the emulated time of day clock corresponds to the user-selected time of day control times. The portable timer module has a battery pack for powering the microcontroller. The portable timer module is configured to selectively couple battery voltage from the remote device to activate one or more of its electromechanical devices in response to the control signals.

Abstract: A laser light actuation system for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus. The system includes a laser module adapted to produce a known laser light signal, which is preferably sparsely modulated, the signal being suitable for transmission over a long distance. The system also includes a receiver module adapted to receive and detect the known laser light signal. The receiver module is also adapted to selectively produce an actuation signal in response to the known laser light signal to selectively actuate such an apparatus. The receiver module includes a timer operatively associated with the receiver module to selectively limit the time of actuation of such an apparatus in response to the laser light signal. A laser light actuation method for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus.

Abstract: A container assembly having a lid which connects to an open container. A locking mechanism is employed which preferably includes a slide which cooperates with at least one stop connected to the lid wherein movement of the slide relative to the lid is preferably utilized to disengage the locking mechanism to allow the lid to be unscrewed relative to the container.

Abstract: A laser light actuation system for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus. The system includes a laser module adapted to produce a known laser light signal, which is preferably sparsely modulated, the signal being suitable for transmission over a long distance. The system also includes a receiver module adapted to receive and detect the known laser light signal. The receiver module is also adapted to selectively produce an actuation signal in response to the known laser light signal to selectively actuate such an apparatus. The receiver module includes a timer operatively associated with the receiver module to selectively limit the time of actuation of such an apparatus in response to the laser light signal. A laser light actuation method for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus.

Abstract: A locking mailbox (5) for receiving mail and other deliveries, to include newspapers and magazines, in a weather and theft resistant enclosure having a generally upright housing (7), a bottom compartment (8), and a separate top compartment (9), defined within the housing. An elongated mail slot (26) is closed on the bottom compartment by an elongated flap (28) through which mail and deliveries are passed into the bottom compartment. Bottom compartment (8) has a generally rectangular side opening (32) defined therein, opening (32) having a pair of parallel and spaced part recessed side edges (33) and a recessed top edge (34) for receiving lockable door (36) flush on the housing, the door being movable from an open position into a closed position locked on housing (7) for enclosing bottom compartment (8). Top compartment (9) is formed as an elongated tubular body above the bottom compartment and is completely separate from bottom compartment (8).

Abstract: A fluid dispensing container (5) having a generally rectangular and planar top wall (10), a pair of generally rectangular and coplanar opposed sidewalls (18), a front wall (22), and an opposed back wall (23), fastened to one another along their common edges. A generally rectangular and planar interior partition (30) is fastened to and sealed on the sidewalls (18), front wall (22), and rear wall (23) intermediate the first and second ends of each wall, respectively, to form sealed fluid container (5). Interior partition (30) is angled downward from rear wall (26) toward front wall (22). A fluid outlet opening (32) is defined in the second end of front wall (22) adjacent interior partition (30). A flexible hose (36) is fastened in sealed fluid communication with fluid outlet opening (32), hose (36) having a nozzle (40) fastened to its free end in sealed fluid communication. Nozzle (40) is adapted to be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A top opening locking mailbox (5) for receiving mail and other deliveries, to include newspapers and magazines, in a weather and theft resistant housing (7) having a top panel (22) pivotally supported on the top of housing (7), the top panel being movable from an open to a closed position. Top panel (22) is locked onto the housing by a locking mechanism (26) in a closed position on top of housing (7), forming a first enclosed compartment (9) for the receipt of mail and other deliveries. A second and external compartment (10) is mounted on the exterior of housing (7), second compartment (10) holding mail for pickup. Top panel (22) extends beyond front panel (14) of housing (7), forming a protective lip (56) for sheltering mail slot (34) defined in the front panel. Mail slot (34) extends the width of front panel (14) and is enclosed by a flap (36) which is pivotally supported on the inside of the housing within first compartment (9). Top panel (22) is sealed on the top horizontal edges of housing (7).

Abstract: A device for forming a solid support surface adjacent an open wire shelf having a front support member, a rear support member and a plurality of intermediate wire members which have longitudinal openings therebetween wherein the solid support surface is flexibly resilient to be snapped in place between a slot defined in the ticket molding secured along the front support member of the open wire shelf and the rear support member thereof. The cover plate of the solid shelf device preferably is of a plastic or spring steel material to facilitate placement thereof between a slot defined by the ticket molding and the rear support member.