Abstract: A flameless electric candle having a fan-driven scent diffuser. The candle includes a body portion having a translucent portion and a generally elongated cylindrical shape and housing therein a light emitting device configured to permit its emitted light to be partially visually discernible through the translucent portion. There is below the body portion, a base portion that includes a PCB, a switch, a light emitting device, a power source, a fan oriented to force air in a downwards direction away from the body portion, a pad configured to receive upon a surface thereof a fragrance or scent, openings in a wall of the base portion to allow the forced air scented by the fragrance to escape the base portion. The switch is selectable among a first mode in which the LED and fan are both on, an off mode both the LED and fan are off, and a second mode wherein only one of the LED or fan is on.

Abstract: A diffuser made of thermoform molded pulp in a desired shape, such as a hanging ornament, having features to secure a wicking part of the diffuser to a rounded bottle opening filled with an oil fragrance. To insert the diffuser, a cap is unscrewed from a bottle filled with oil fragrance, and the wicking part is inserted through the opening of the bottle until it rests on the interior bottom of the bottle. A rotatable capping feature is featured at the top of the wicking part, which is closed during insertion of the wicking part to prevent accidental spillage and loss oil due to evaporation. The wicking element draws the oil fragrance into the ornamental diffusing part by capillary action.

Abstract: A flameless electric candle having a fan-driven scent diffuser. The candle includes a body portion having a translucent portion and a generally elongated cylindrical shape and housing therein a light emitting device configured to permit its emitted light to be partially visually discernible through the translucent portion. There is below the body portion, a base portion that includes a PCB, a switch, a light emitting device, a power source, a fan oriented to force air in a downwards direction away from the body portion, a pad configured to receive upon a surface thereof a fragrance or scent, openings in a wall of the base portion to allow the forced air scented by the fragrance to escape the base portion. The switch is selectable among a first mode in which the LED and fan are both on, an off mode both the LED and fan are off, and a second mode wherein only one of the LED or fan is on.

Abstract: An inline clip for holding a light bulb along a light string includes a top flat area, two symmetrical sides, and two symmetrical tabs. The flat area has a constant width extending across a side profile and a constant thickness extending from a top surface of the top flat area to an internal surface of the top flat area. The two symmetrical sides extend in a continuous manner at respective upper ends from a left end and a right end of the top flat area, and are arcuate shaped for forming a hollow interior space configured to receive within the light bulb and a portion of the light string aligned side-by-side along a diameter of the light bulb. The two symmetrical tabs extend in a continuous manner at respective connecting ends from the lower ends of the two symmetrical sides.

Abstract: A holder for setting a bulb in a specified orientation is provided. The holder includes a supporting post, a base including a latch for receiving the supporting post, a flexible portion, a fastener attached to the flexible portion, and a first hinge positioned between the base and the flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured to pivot at the first hinge between (i) a first position where the flexible portion and the base are coplanar and (ii) a second position where the flexible portion and the base are not coplanar and the supporting post is received in the latch.

Abstract: A no wrap strap for a string of decorative lights including a plurality of apertures within a main body and a plurality of pairs of hanging hooks extending from the main body, with each pair of hanging hooks being disposed near a corresponding aperture. The no wrap strap further includes a securing element integrally attached to and extending from one end of the main body, the securing element including a plurality of securing balls arranged along a securing string.

Abstract: A no wrap strap for a string of decorative lights including a plurality of apertures within a main body and a plurality of pairs of hanging hooks extending from the main body, with each pair of hanging hooks being disposed near a corresponding aperture. The no wrap strap further includes a securing element integrally attached to and extending from one end of the main body, the securing element including a plurality of securing balls arranged along a securing string.

Abstract: An inline clip for holding a light bulb along a light string includes a top flat area, two symmetrical sides, and two symmetrical tabs. The flat area has a constant width extending across a side profile and a constant thickness extending from a top surface of the top flat area to an internal surface of the top flat area. The two symmetrical sides extend in a continuous manner at respective upper ends from a left end and a right end of the top flat area, and are arcuate shaped for forming a hollow interior space configured to receive within the light bulb and a portion of the light string aligned side-by-side along a diameter of the light bulb. The two symmetrical tabs extend in a continuous manner at respective connecting ends from the lower ends of the two symmetrical sides.

Abstract: An inline clip for holding a light bulb along a light string includes a top flat area, two symmetrical sides, and two symmetrical tabs. The flat area has a constant width extending across a side profile and a constant thickness extending from a top surface of the top flat area to an internal surface of the top flat area. The two symmetrical sides extend in a continuous manner at respective upper ends from a left end and a right end of the top flat area, and are arcuate shaped for forming a hollow interior space configured to receive within the light bulb and a portion of the light string aligned side-by-side along a diameter of the light bulb. The two symmetrical tabs extend in a continuous manner at respective connecting ends from the lower ends of the two symmetrical sides.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a diagnostic device (8) for identifying a defect in an LED light string includes a probe (18) and a polarity selector switch (16). The LED light string includes a conductor provided within an insulation layer. The probe (18) is configured to penetrate the insulation layer and contact the conductor of an LED light string. The polarity selector switch (16) is electrically coupled to the probe (18) and configured to control the polarity of an electrical waveform provided to the probe (18).

Abstract: A method of forming artificial needles in an elongated planar strip of plastic material to be formed into artificial tree branches, comprises bending longitudinal edge portions of the strip out of the plane of the strip progressively along the length of the strip, and slitting longitudinal edge portions of the strip, including the bent portions of the strip and portions of the strip adjacent the bent portions, in a direction transverse to the length of the elongated strip, to form artificial needles. The strip is preferably advanced continuously along a bending tool to bend the longitudinal edge portion. The longitudinal edge portion of the strip may be heated prior to or during the bending of the edge portion to reduce spring back.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a diagnostic device (8) for identifying a defect in an LED light string includes a probe (18) and a polarity selector switch (16). The LED light string includes a conductor provided within an insulation layer. The probe (18) is configured to penetrate the insulation layer and contact the conductor of an LED light string. The polarity selector switch (16) is electrically coupled to the probe (18) and configured to control the polarity of an electrical waveform provided to the probe (18).

Abstract: A method of providing a vehicle service event includes providing at least one vehicle service area at a service facility. The at least one service area is configured to provide for the performance of a service event on a customer vehicle. At least one video camera is positioned with respect to the service area and the customer's vehicle to provide for capturing images of the customer vehicle. The method further includes performing a service event on the customer vehicle and while performing the service event, capturing images of the customer vehicle with the video camera. The method additionally includes receiving the captured images in a recording device, recording the captured images onto a electronic storage media with the recording device, and providing the electronic storage media to the customer.

Abstract: An integrated meter/timer comprises a plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical outlet connected to a power distribution circuit, a socket for receiving a plug from an electrical appliance, an electrical connection between the plug and the socket that includes a controllable switch for opening and closing the electrical connection to control the supplying of electrical power to the appliance, a current sensor coupled to the electrical connection for producing a signal representing the magnitude of electrical current flowing in the electrical connection, a microprocessor receiving the signal and producing a display signal representing a numerical value corresponding to the current magnitude, and a display coupled to the microprocessor for receiving the display signal for displaying the numerical value.

Abstract: An alarm system for an indoor Christmas tree comprises a temperature sensor located on the tree or in proximity to the tree, an excessive-temperature detection circuit connected to the sensor and producing an excessive-temperature output signal when the sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, and an alarm receiving the excessive-temperature output signal and producing an alarm indicating that the predetermined temperature limit has been exceeded. The excessive-temperature detection circuit and the alarm are located remotely from the tree, are powered by a standard power distribution system of the building in which the tree is located, and are connected to the temperature sensor at the tree by wires. An alarm may also be produced in response to an open circuit or a short circuit in the wires connecting the excessive-temperature detection circuit to the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A string of miniature holiday lamps connected in a series circuit with each lamp having an indicating device connected in parallel to its respective lamp. The indicating device is operated in response to the non functioning of the lamp with which it is connected in parallel. When the lamp fails, the full line voltage of the series circuit passes through the indicating device causing it to activate, signaling the non functioning lamp. The signaling device can be a resistor associated with a thermochromic paint that changes color when activated by the heat from the resistor, a sound alarm, an odor activated device or an electroluminescent light. In another embodiment the signaling device can be used to indicate a circuit having a resistive load is energized.

Abstract: A string of miniature holiday lamps connected in a series circuit with each lamp having an indicating device connected in parallel to its respective lamp. The indicating device is operated in response to the non functioning of the lamp with which it is connected in parallel. When the lamp fails, the full line voltage of the series circuit passes through the indicating device causing it to activate, signaling the non functioning lamp. The signaling device can be a resistor associated with a thermochromic paint that changes color when activated by the heat from the resistor, a sound alarm, an odor activated device or an electroluminescent light. In another embodiment the signaling device can be used to indicate a circuit having a resistive load is energized.