Abstract: A method for performing alternate and therefore least cost routing in distributed H.323 Voice over IP (VoIP) networks is provided. With this method, the VoIP network consists of a hierarchy of gatekeeper (GK) functions to provide alternate routing, network element redundancy, and scalability. The alternate routing function is performed by a directory gatekeeper with route selection advancing from a first route to a second route by either of two conditions: (1) there are no resources available to terminate the call in the first zone; and (2) a lack of response to the directory GK request for such resources.

Abstract: A terminal (10) for a motion transmitting remote control assembly (12) securable to a control member (14) in a vehicle includes a housing (44) for connection to a core element (20) of the motion transmitting remote control assembly (12) with the housing (44) defining an aperture (48) forming at least one open end (50). The terminal (10) also includes a connecting member (60) having a body (62) disposed in the aperture (48) with the body (62) having a cavity (66) for receiving the control member (14) and a groove (84) in communication with the cavity (66).

Abstract: The subject invention provides for a motion transmitting remote control assembly for transmitting motion in a curved path, including a terminal body defining a longitudinal axis and a cavity. The terminal body further defines a first opening extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking member is disposed within the cavity and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member has a trigger portion retaining the locking member in the unlocked position and a securing portion. A biasing member is disposed within the cavity and abuts the locking member. The terminal body further defines a second opening extending transverse to both the longitudinal axis and the first opening into the cavity. The second opening provides access to the trigger portion to release the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position and the securing portion at least partially closes the second opening.

Abstract: A cable entry box for mounting in a drywall panel, including a front opening for alignment with an opening in the drywall panel and a side opening to receive an expansion pocket that protrudes beyond the cable entry box, internally of the drywall panel for receiving electrical wiring and other components that are to be supported interiorly of the drywall structure.

Abstract: A battery holder apparatus and method includes a sleeve with an inside surface and an outside surface where the sleeve is flexible. A battery receiving space is created within the sleeve where the battery receiving space expands and the sleeve flexes to accommodate a battery when inserted therein and the inside surface at least partially contacts the battery. And a connection device is provided on the outside surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided.

Abstract: A method for performing alternate and therefore least cost routing in distributed H.323 Voice over IP (VoIP) networks is provided. With this method, the VoIP network consists of a hierarchy of gatekeeper (GK) functions to provide alternate routing, network element redundancy, and scalability. The alternate routing function is performed by a directory gatekeeper with route selection advancing from a first route to a second route by either of two conditions: (1) there are no resources available to terminate the call in the first zone; and (2) a lack of response to the directory GK request for such resources.

Abstract: A multi-function remote control and cradle system is presented. The remote fits within the opening of a standard light-switch faceplate and is magnetically held within a cradle which is connected to a conventional electrical box in the wall. The remote control includes a dwell function wherein when a button is pressed for less than a predetermined amount of time a first signal is sent, wherein when a button is pressed for more than a predetermined amount of time a second signal is sent. The remote control also includes a plurality of scene buttons wherein when pressed a plurality of architectural coverings are moved to a predetermined position. The remote control also includes a channel selector and a jog function wherein a unique signal is sent for each jog position between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

Abstract: The food storage device of the present disclosure includes a cover that can be connected to a food pan, and which at least partially separates refrigerant coils from surrounding insulating foam. This helps to prevent corrosion of the coils caused by condensation reacting with insulating foam, and also helps to prevent the coils from separating from the pan.

Abstract: An ice portion control module is provided that includes an ice bin for storing ice having a base in the ice bin having one or more portion control compartments and one or more magnets associated with the one or more portion control compartments, the one or more portion control compartments having an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice, an actuator which moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments, and a sensor outside of the ice bin that detects the one or more magnets.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending system comprising an ice portion control module, an ingredient module; an ice dispensing conduit in communication with the ice portion control module, and an ingredient dispensing valve removably connected to the ice dispensing conduit and in communication with the ingredient module. Ice is dispensed into a beverage container via the ice dispensing conduit and the ingredient is dispensed into the beverage container via the ingredient dispensing valve.

Abstract: A remote control assembly having a conduit and a core element slidably disposed in the conduit. An adjustment device is selectively connected to one of the conduit and the core element for adjusting an effective length thereof. The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing and a slider. A locking element, having locking teeth, engages with slider teeth of the slider. The locking element defines a cavity for allowing insertion of a tool to facilitate movement of the locking element from a locked position to an unlocked position. Also, a cover is slidably supported on the housing and the cover includes a detent to further facilitate movement of the locking element.

Abstract: A fitting assembly adapted for securing an elongate member to a bracket having an open-ended slot into which the fitting assembly is received. The fitting assembly includes a first fitting member adapted for attachment to the elongate member and having an axis and a second fitting member adapted for receipt into the open end of the slot and fixed engagement with the bracket through relative movement between the second fitting member and the bracket solely in a direction substantially lateral to the axis. The first and second fitting members are connected together and have first and second positions relative to each other in a direction substantially lateral to the axis and are constrained against relative movement substantially along the axis. The first and second fitting members are substantially immovable relative to each other in a direction substantially lateral to the axis in the second position.

Abstract: A product delivery mechanism for a beverage dispensing system that dispenses flavor/ingredients and ice into a serving cup for mixing and/or blending. The product delivery system includes a gas operated pump for moving the flavor/ingredients from a product source to a dispensing nozzle above the serving cup. A gas restrictor is connected to an exhaust port of the pump to regulate gas flow rate and product flow rate so as to prevent splashing at the cup while operating the pump well within its rated pressure limits.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for generating energy. According to one representative embodiment, a main housing includes an air chamber having an open bottom, and a paddlewheel is attached to the main housing so that the paddlewheel is free to rotate and thereby generate kinetic energy. An anchor is attached to the main housing, and an electrical generator which converts the kinetic energy of the paddlewheel into electrical energy is coupled to the paddlewheel. An upper portion of the paddlewheel is enclosed by the air chamber. When the main housing is submerged underwater and maintained in a level orientation, air within the air chamber remains trapped within the air chamber, thereby reducing resistance to rotation of the paddlewheel.

Abstract: A motorized roller shade includes a shade tube, including an outer surface upon which a shade is attached, an inner surface defining an inner cavity and two end portions, and a motor having an output shaft coupled to a support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket. The motorized roller shade further includes a counterbalancing unit configured to provide a counterbalancing force to the shade, a power supply unit, electrically coupled to the motor, configured to supply power to the motor, and an adaption component including at least one of a length adaptation component and a diameter adaptation component arranged within the shade tube and configured to adapt at least one of the motor and the counterbalancing unit to be used with a larger shade tube.

Abstract: A roller shade is provided. In some embodiments, the roller shade may include: a roller assembly; an inner portion of the roller assembly having an attaching structure for attaching to a mount; an outer portion of the roller assembly located on the roller assembly radially outward from the inner portion; a slot in the outer portion; and an insert dimensioned to be slidably received into the slot along with a portion of a shade to thereby attach the shade to the roller assembly. A method of attaching a shade to a roller assembly may also be provided.

Abstract: A product delivery mechanism for a beverage dispensing system that dispenses flavor/ingredients and ice into a serving cup for mixing and/or blending. The product delivery system includes a gas operated pump for moving the flavor/ingredients from a product source to a dispensing nozzle above the serving cup. A gas restrictor is connected to an exhaust port of the pump to regulate gas flow rate and product flow rate so as to prevent splashing at the cup while operating the pump well within its rated pressure limits.

Abstract: A method and a processing device for managing an interactive speech recognition system is provided. Whether a voice input relates to expected input, at least partially, of any one of a group of menus different from a current menu is determined. If the voice input relates to the expected input, at least partially, of any one of the group of menus different from the current menu, skipping to the one of the group of menus is performed. The group of menus different from the current menu include menus at multiple hierarchical levels.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides methods for manually and/or remotely controlling a motorized roller shade that includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube and a microcontroller. One method includes detecting a manual movement of the shade using a sensor, determining a displacement associated with the manual movement, and, if the displacement is less than a maximum displacement, moving the shade to a different position by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube. Another method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube.