Abstract: A tabletop Bluetooth® receiving device including a speaker and Bluetooth® interface circuitry, which reproduces audio signals from selectable sources including an audio signal received from a Bluetooth® compliant transmitter connected via the Bluetooth® interface circuitry. A user interface associated with the Bluetooth® receiving device generates command signals in response to user input via one or more knobs and/or buttons, and the command signals may be transmitted via the Bluetooth® interface circuitry to thereby remotely control the Bluetooth® compliant transmitter.

Abstract: A set top box interface 10 for one or more televisions permits the one or more televisions to directly control one or more associated set top boxes so that the each television may provide an integrated remote control interface for television and set top box functions. Under direction of the interface 10, when each television is viewing the video source controlled by the interface, the television forwards remote control functions received by each television to the interface and translated for control of each associated set top box. The interface, after translation, forwards these remote control functions to the associated set top box. The invention is particularly useful in patient care environments where the television controls may be integrated into a pillow speaker/pillow remote, which can have a simple and intuitive format and yet control all of the relevant functions needed by the patient/guest functions of the set top box and television.

Abstract: An appliance capable of being operated in compliance with the Orthodox Jew requirement that no work shall be done on the Sabbath. The applicance has a control system that monitors and controls all of the components of the applicance. The control system can be activated so that it prevents all visual displays and audible alarms from being actuated by the user during the Sabbath. The control system also prevents any actions of the user from causing the machine to do work.