Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of converting the necks on lamp shades into threadable couplers that allow the shades with the couplers to be screwed onto the exterior threads on light sockets, such as those types of sockets found on wall mounted and ceiling mounted candelabras and ceiling fans. The couplers can include plate members that are fastened in a sandwich configuration on both the inside and outside of the neck portion of the shade with the sandwiched plate members having an interior threaded surface. Modified lamp shades can be screwed to exterior threaded light sockets on candelabra lights, pendant lights, ceiling fan lights, and any other type of lamp sockets that have removable lamp shades.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of converting the necks on lamp shades into threadable couplers that allow the shades with the couplers to be screwed onto the exterior threads on light sockets, such as those types of sockets found on wall mounted and ceiling mounted candelabras and ceiling fans. The couplers can include plate members that are fastened in a sandwich configuration on both the inside and outside of the neck portion of the shade with the sandwiched plate members having an interior threaded surfaces. Modified lamp shades can be screwed to exterior threaded light sockets on candelabra lights, pendant lights, ceiling fan lights, and any other type of lamp sockets that have removable lamp shades.

Abstract: A system for heating a pool of water is provided. An inlet is provided for liquid to be delivered to the pool of water. The system includes an attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening. A third opening is disposed between the first and second opening. The attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid. An adjustable diverging mechanism is mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening. A tube having a flow channel and thermally conductive outer surface is coupled to the third opening and extends out of the pool to be exposed to environmental conditions and absorb thermal energy. The liquid passing through the flow channel of the tube returns to the pool of liquid and heated when passing through the tube prior to returning to the pool.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, fixtures, systems and methods of using a sliding hanger bracket for overhead lights that allows the light shade, such as a glass bowl, to lower away from a ceiling fan or light base, and tilt allowing the light shade to be cleaned and change light sources, such as the light bulbs, without having to disassemble the light fixture. The hanger bracket can have an up position locked in place where the outside of the overhead light appears undistinguishable from traditional ceiling light fixtures or lights on ceiling fans.

Abstract: An electrical plug adapter has a plug body, female receptacles in one surface of the plug body, male prongs extending from another surface of the plug body, and a male catch mechanism associated with one of the male prongs and resiliently biased to a catch position relative to the one male prong. The male catch mechanism is configured to catch on an object in a standard electrical outlet when the male prongs are inserted into corresponding receptacles of the outlet. An actuator on the plug body is configured, when actuated, to selectively move the male catch mechanism to a release position relative to the one male prong and allow the male prongs to be removed from the corresponding receptacles. A one-way retention mechanism can be associated with one of the female receptacles and configured to permanently retain a male connector prong from a standard electrical connector plug when inserted into the female receptacles.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of popping popcorn. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a popcorn popper, a popped popcorn hopper and a dispensing mechanism in communication with the hopper. By actuation, the dispensing mechanism dispenses one or more servings from the hopper. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a dosing mechanism to provide sequential doses of unpopped corn to the popper to make a plurality of batches of popped popcorn. In another aspect of the invention, a sensor sensing when popped popcorn in the hopper exceeds a pre-determined level or amount and instigates a signal to actuate the dosing mechanism to fill the hopper. In a system according to the invention, a self-contained cabinet includes the popper, hopper, dispensing mechanism and dosing mechanism, as well as a control circuit and actuators to operate the dosing mechanism and dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: An electrical plug adapter has a plug body, female receptacles in one surface of the plug body, male prongs extending from another surface of the plug body, and a male catch mechanism associated with one of the male prongs and resiliently biased to a catch position relative to the one male prong. The male catch mechanism is configured to catch on an object in a standard electrical outlet when the male prongs are inserted into corresponding receptacles of the outlet. An actuator on the plug body is configured, when actuated, to selectively move the male catch mechanism to a release position relative to the one male prong and allow the male prongs to be removed from the corresponding receptacles. A one-way retention mechanism can be associated with one of the female receptacles and configured to permanently retain a male connector prong from a standard electrical connector plug when inserted into the female receptacles.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided which may include a nozzle adapted to receive and dispense a plurality of pressurized constituents. The nozzle may include an inlet portion; an outlet portion spaced from the inlet portion; and an actuation member receiving portion. The dispensing device may further include a head configured to receive the nozzle therein. The head may include a bottom part mountable atop a plurality of pressurized containers, and a top part adapted to be received on the bottom part of the head so as to substantially enclose the nozzle. The top part of the head may include a resilient actuation portion formed integrally thereon and adapted to be depressed by a user and an actuation member disposed on an internal surface of the resilient actuation portion of the head for contacting the nozzle actuation member receiving portion.

Abstract: Each attention button is tied to a presence signal, which is also used to detect the presence of a PCI adapter card within a slot. By comparing HPPC register states, pending due to a system control interrupt (“SCI”), with stored HPPC register states prior to the SCI, the HPPC is able to distinguish between an attention button press and a PCI card insertion or removal and therefore may respond appropriately to the SCI. According to the method, SCIs generated in a computer system by attention buttons are diagnosed and serviced by storing the contents of the HPPC registers. The contents of the registers identify the state of the presence and manually-operated retention latch (“MRL”) signals prior to the occurrence of a SCI and upon receiving a SCI corresponding to a state change for either signal, identify the hot plug controller and the slot where the interrupt occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of popping popcorn. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a popcorn popper, a popped popcorn hopper and a dispensing mechanism in communication with the hopper. By actuation, the dispensing mechanism dispenses one or more servings from the hopper. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a dosing mechanism to provide sequential doses of unpopped corn to the popper to make a plurality of batches of popped popcorn. In another aspect of the invention, a sensor sensing when popped popcorn in the hopper exceeds a pre-determined level or amount and instigates a signal to actuate the dosing mechanism to fill the hopper. In a system according to the invention, a self-contained cabinet includes the popper, hopper, dispensing mechanism and dosing mechanism, as well as a control circuit and actuators to operate the dosing mechanism and dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: Each attention button is tied to a presence signal, which is also used to detect the presence of a PCI adapter card within a slot. By comparing HPPC register states, pending due to a system control interrupt (“SCI”), with stored HPPC register states prior to the SCI, the HPPC is able to distinguish between an attention button press and a PCI card insertion or removal and therefore may respond appropriately to the SCI. According to the method, SCIs generated in a computer system by attention buttons are diagnosed and serviced by storing the contents of the HPPC registers. The contents of the registers identify the state of the presence and manually-operated retention latch (“MRL”) signals prior to the occurrence of a SCI and upon receiving a SCI corresponding to a state change for either signal, identify the hot plug controller and the slot where the interrupt occurred.