Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a water-resistant capture device for enclosing wired electro-magnetic components, the capture device having a base module and a connecting cap module, wherein when the base module and cap module enclose an electro-magnetic component and the base module is connected to the cap module, one or more electric wires are passed through wire apertures formed by a combined base module and cap module. In some embodiments, the base module may be deformable and deform when affixed to the cap module. In some embodiments a sealing agent may be disposed in an interior of the capture device. The sealing agent may, for example, be assembled in solid form and be at least partially liquified for distribution. In an exemplary embodiment, an LED may be captured within the capture device. The sealing agent may provide a water resistant seal between a base and a housing element.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an pressure-controlled air mattress for enabling a user to set a desired firmness or pressure level of the air mattress. The pressure-controlled air mattress may automatically maintain the desired pressure by replacing leaked air with air from a pressurized air reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a water-resistant capture device for enclosing wired electro-magnetic components, the capture device having a base module and a connecting cap module, wherein when the base module and cap module enclose an electro-magnetic component and the base module is connected to the cap module, one or more electric wires are compressed within deformable wire apertures formed by the combined base module and cap module. In some embodiments, the base module is deformable and deforms when affixed to the cap module so as to form a compressive water-resistant seal to an interior of the capture device. In an exemplary embodiment, an LED may be captured within the capture device. The cap module may provide a compressing aperture to provide a water resistant seal around the lens of a LED projecting therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an expandable light string that can span various length dimensions. The expandable light string has a flexible backbone cable, a plurality of lighting elements and single expandable member. The flexible backbone cable has a plurality of conductive wires extending and providing electrical conduction along a length between a first end and a second end of the flexible backbone cable. Each of the plurality of lighting elements is conductively coupled to at least two of the plurality of conductive wires of the flexible backbone cable so as to illuminate in response to receiving electrical operating power therefrom. The single expandable member is coupled at a plurality of coupling locations to the flexible backbone cable along the length thereof. The single expandable member is configured to expand or contract so as to change a length dimension of the expandable light string.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a self-deploying tree are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a self-deploying tree system comprises a top tree assembly, a main tree assembly, and a base. The lower end of the top tree assembly may be coupled to the upper end of the main tree assembly, and the lower end of the main tree assembly may be coupled to the base, providing a vertical orientation of the self-deploying tree system. The self-deploying tree system further comprises a deployment mechanism which may be activated to automatically convert the tree from a collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration or from a deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration. The collapsed configuration comprises a reduced height and a reduced circumference to allow for ease of handling and storage. The deployed configuration provides for the tree to be extended to a desired height and for deployment of the limbs as desired for display.

Abstract: A cable interface is configured to mechanically and electrically connect to, via a plurality of piercing members, power-channel wires and a common wire of a ribbon cable. A lighting-element socket coupled to the cable interface is configured to receive a lighting element within and to provide electrical connection between power and common electrical contacts of the lighting element received and power-channel and common electrical contacts of the lighting-element socket. A channel selector conductively connected to the power electrical contact of the lighting-element socket is configured to select and electrically connect to a selected one of the plurality of power-channel wires via the power-channel contacting members.

Abstract: A cable interface is configured to mechanically and electrically connect to, via a plurality of piercing members, power-channel wires and a common wire of a ribbon cable. A lighting-element socket coupled to the cable interface is configured to receive a lighting element within and to provide electrical connection between power and common electrical contacts of the lighting element received and power-channel and common electrical contacts of the lighting-element socket. A channel selector conductively connected to the power electrical contact of the lighting-element socket is configured to select and electrically connect to a selected one of the plurality of power-channel wires via the power-channel contacting members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial tree having a plurality of electrified tree sections that couple together to provide power and/or command signals to devices connected thereto. One or more tree sections may have a trunk portion, one or more electrical connectors having a plurality of terminals, branches, a light string, and an electrical distribution system located at least partially within the trunk portion. A first tree section may be configured to couple to a second tree section such that an electrical connector of the first tree section is in electrical connection with an electrical connector of the second tree section, thereby mechanically and electrically connecting the first tree section to the second tree section such that power and/or the control data are transmitted to the second tree section. Further, each trunk segment may include an axial electrical connector that permits adjacent trunk segments to connect in a plurality of radial orientations relative to each other.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an pressure-controlled air mattress for enabling a user to set a desired firmness or pressure level of the air mattress. The pressure-controlled air mattress may automatically maintain the desired pressure by replacing leaked air with air from a pressurized air reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a water-resistant capture device for enclosing wired electro-magnetic components, the capture device having a base module and a connecting cap module, wherein when the base module and cap module enclose an electro-magnetic component and the base module is connected to the cap module, one or more electric wires are compressed within deformable wire apertures formed by the combined base module and cap module. In some embodiments, the base module is deformable and deforms when affixed to the cap module so as to form a compressive water-resistant seal to an interior of the capture device. In an exemplary embodiment, an LED may be captured within the capture device. The cap module may provide a compressing aperture to provide a water resistant seal around the lens of a LED projecting therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial tree having a plurality of electrified tree sections that couple together to provide power and/or command signals to devices connected thereto. One or more tree sections may have a trunk portion, one or more electrical connectors having a plurality of terminals, branches, a light string, and an electrical distribution system located at least partially within the trunk portion. A first tree section may be configured to couple to a second tree section such that an electrical connector of the first tree section is in electrical connection with an electrical connector of the second tree section, thereby mechanically and electrically connecting the first tree section to the second tree section such that power and/or the control data are transmitted to the second tree section. Further, each trunk segment may include an axial electrical connector that permits adjacent trunk segments to connect in a plurality of radial orientations relative to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lighting display that has a plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements distributed therealong. The plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements are series-connected from a first, through intervening one(s), to a last of the plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements. The intervening one(s) of the plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements receiving input power from and providing an output control signal to an immediately preceding one of the plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements. The intervening one(s) of the plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements providing output power to and receiving an input control signal from an immediately succeeding ones of the plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a water-resistant capture device for enclosing wired electro-magnetic components, the capture device having a base module and a connecting cap module, wherein when the base module and cap module enclose an electro-magnetic component and the base module is connected to the cap module, one or more electric wires are passed through wire apertures formed by a combined base module and cap module. In some embodiments, the base module may be deformable and deform when affixed to the cap module. In some embodiments a sealing agent may be disposed in an interior of the capture device. The sealing agent may, for example, be assembled in solid form and be at least partially liquified for distribution. In an exemplary embodiment, an LED may be captured within the capture device. The sealing agent may provide a water resistant seal between a base and a housing element.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lighting system configured to be suspended overhead between two supporting structures. A tensile force will be imparted to the lighting system as a consequence of suspending the lighting system overhead. The lighting system can include one or more lighting sections connected end to end. Each of the lighting sections has a structural support cable and a light string coupled thereto. Each of the lighting sections has first and second end connectors on first and second ends of the lighting section. The first and second end connectors provide mechanical connection between adjacent structural support cables as well as electrical connection between adjacent light strings. The lighting sections are configured such that the tensile force imparted to the lighting section is mostly borne by the structural support cable.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a water-resistant capture device for enclosing wired electro-magnetic components, the capture device having a base module and a connecting cap module, wherein when the base module and cap module enclose an electro-magnetic component and the base module is connected to the cap module, one or more electric wires are passed through wire apertures formed by a combined base module and cap module. In some embodiments, the base module may be deformable and deform when affixed to the cap module. In some embodiments a sealing agent may be disposed in an interior of the capture device. The sealing agent may, for example, be assembled in solid form and be at least partially liquified for distribution. In an exemplary embodiment, an LED may be captured within the capture device. The sealing agent may provide a water resistant seal between a base and a housing element.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a water-resistant capture device for enclosing wired electro-magnetic components, the capture device having a base module and a connecting cap module, wherein when the base module and cap module enclose an electro-magnetic component and the base module is connected to the cap module, one or more electric wires are compressed within deformable wire apertures formed by the combined base module and cap module. In some embodiments, the base module is deformable and deforms when affixed to the cap module so as to form a compressive water-resistant seal to an interior of the capture device. In an exemplary embodiment, an LED may be captured within the capture device. The cap module may provide a compressing aperture to provide a water resistant seal around the lens of a LED projecting therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a collapsible tree system having limbs which automatically pivot from a low-profile position while the tree is in a collapsed state to an in-use position when the tree is in an extended state. In an illustrative example, the system may include limb supports movably disposed along a central support. Movement of the limb supports closer together and further apart may cause the limbs to pivot to and from positions. For example, due to limb contact with an adjacent limb support, the limbs may be caused to pivot to the low-profile position. When no forcible contact is present between an adjacent limb support and limb, gravitational forces may permit the limbs to freely pivot to the in-use position. In an illustrative example, each limb support may include a nesting cup for receiving a proximal end of the limbs while in the stowed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lighting system configured to be suspended overhead between two supporting structures. A tensile force will be imparted to the lighting system as a consequence of suspending the lighting system overhead. The lighting system can include one or more lighting sections connected end to end. Each of the lighting sections has a structural support cable and a light string coupled thereto. Each of the lighting sections has first and second end connectors on first and second ends of the lighting section. The first and second end connectors provide mechanical connection between adjacent structural support cables as well as electrical connection between adjacent light strings. The lighting sections are configured such that the tensile force imparted to the lighting section is mostly borne by the structural support cable.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a bridge/splitter connector for configuring an electrical signal distribution network. The bridge/splitter connector includes a body block and two cable retention covers, each configured to removably engage the body block. The body block has two cable channels, each configured to receive a multi-conductor flat cable therewithin. Each cable channel has a plurality of conductive piercing members laterally spaced apart from one another for piercing insulation of the multi-conductor flat cables received so as to conductively contact a corresponding one of a plurality of conductive wires of the multi-conductor flat cable. Each of the plurality of conductive piercing members of each cable channel is conductively coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of piercing members of the other cable channel, The cable retention members are configured to retain the multi-conductor flat cables received within the cable channels when engaged with the body block.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lighting system configured to be suspended overhead between two supporting structures. A tensile force will be imparted to the lighting system as a consequence of suspending the lighting system overhead. The lighting system can include one or more lighting sections connected end to end. Each of the lighting sections has a structural support cable and a light string coupled thereto. Each of the lighting sections has first and second end connectors on first and second ends of the lighting section. The first and second end connectors provide mechanical connection between adjacent structural support cables as well as electrical connection between adjacent light strings. The lighting sections are configured such that the tensile force imparted to the lighting section is mostly borne by the structural support cable.