Abstract: Improved techniques for presenting sound effects at a portable media device are disclosed. The sound effects can be output as audio sounds to an internal speaker, an external speaker, or both. In addition, the audio sounds for the sound effects can be output together with other audio sounds pertaining to media assets (e.g., audio tracks being played). In one embodiment, the sound effects can serve to provide auditory feedback to a user of the portable media device. A user interface can facilitate a user's selection of sound effect usages, types or characteristics.

Abstract: A system to signal proximity of at least one object or entity comprises reference means, sensing means for sensing the at least one object or entity in an electric field, and processing means for detecting at least one capacitive change in at least a portion of the electric field. The sensing means is configured to at least partially form the electric field with at least a portion of the reference means. Also provided is a sensing device comprising at least one electrically conductive unit, at least one reference, and an electrical circuit coupled to at least one processor. At least one of the electric circuit and the at least one processor is configured to cause the at least one electrically conductive unit and the at least one reference to form a capacitive relationship, and detect a capacitive change in at least a portion of the electrical field.

Abstract: An access control system for a passageway having a passageway barrier including an active infrared sensor device and a locking mechanism for selectively locking and unlocking the passageway barrier. The active infrared sensor device includes an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver having one or more position-sensing photodetectors operative for receiving infrared light and generating a signal corresponding to a position and/or intensity of the reflected infrared light, and a processing unit operative for detecting a change between a first signal generated by one or more position-sensing photodetectors after receiving reflected infrared light at a first location on one or more position-sensing photodetectors and a second signal generated by one or more position-sensing photodetectors after receiving infrared light reflected in response to the object moving into the surveillance area and for controlling an operation of a locking mechanism based on the change.

Abstract: A snow making spray head that can be adapted to a snow tower is disclosed. The spray head is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis without having to rotate the tower itself so that the direction of the spray can be adjusted to effectively lay down quality snow onto the trail in an effective pattern under different wind directions.

Abstract: A hot water heater and method that includes power consumption reporting to enable consumers to better understand and control the energy usage and/or efficiency of the hot water heater. Monitoring energy consumption of an electric hot water heater having at least one electrical load that is selectively activated by a controller of the hot water heater includes sensing the amount of time the at least one electrical load is activated multiplying the amount of time by a known value corresponding to a power rating of the electrical load to determine energy consumed, and displaying on a display device an indicator corresponding to the energy consumed.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling an home energy management (HEM) system to work with a home power generator to run the home in a “survival mode” when the home has lost power from the main utility feed. The HEM controls the operation of the main appliances/loads to enable the homeowner to have basic functionality (hot water, lights, heat, cooking & preserving food) of their home, all while ensuring the max draw on the home does not exceed the output rating of the generator thereby allowing the use of a smaller generator while still providing functionality similar to larger generators resulting in energy and cost savings to the consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for maximizing the value of power generated by a residential power generator. A home energy manager device is configured to implement a minimum energy usage profile during a peak demand event such that a maximum amount of power generated by the consumer can be sold back to the utility. For renewable energy sources such as solar cells, peak demand events often correspond with peak output of the renewable energy source. For example, hot sunny summer days are conducive to maximum solar power output and, typically, also result in maximum power demand for powering air conditioners.

Abstract: An energy management system for a home network is provided. The energy management system comprises one or more power consuming devices and a central controller having a memory and a communication module. The controller is operationally connected to the power consuming devices. The energy management system further includes a user interface capable of providing energy data to a user, and an emergency power device enabled with a communication device communicatively linked to the communication module, such that information may be transmitted by one of the communication device and communication module, and received by the other of the communication device and communication module.

Abstract: A hot water heater and method for controlling same. The hot water heater can be programmed to only heat water when the consumer anticipates that they will need it. The consumer can control the temperature of the water, the time at which the hot water will be needed, and can specify the speed vs. efficiency tradeoff regarding how the water is heated by selecting an operating mode, for example, thereby resulting in a more energy efficient and cost effective hot water heater.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon-fueled hot water heater for supplying hot water includes a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet, a selectively activatable burner for applying heat to a volume of water between the inlet and the outlet, a sensor for sensing activation of the at least one burner, and a communication interface for communicating data corresponding to the activation of the at least one burner to a processor configured to multiply the amount of time the burner is activated by a known value corresponding to a flow rate of the burner to estimate an amount of fuel consumed by the hydrocarbon-fueled hot water heater. Other devices and methods of submetering hydrocarbon fueled water heaters are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that monitors water of a water heating and storage system. At least one flow meter is integrated within the system having a tank for storing water to be heated. The meter is in communication with other devices in a home network and a controller of the network with a communication module. The flow meter is connected to the cold water inlet pipe and/or the hot water outlet pipe of the system. Data is presented to the user to enable more informed use of water and of water consumption habits.

Abstract: An energy management system and method of alerting a consumer of a peak pricing event receives information relating to cost of energy use and communicates data to one or more appliances in response thereto. An audible source operatively associated with a controller/module or one or more appliances signals a response. The audible signal can be used in conjunction with other types of alerts to the homeowner. The system preferably uses existing microprocessor based speakers provided in one or more appliances in order to disseminate the audio signal throughout the home.

Abstract: A household energy management method is provided comprising: a local generator for generating local energy, wherein the local generator is selected from the group consisting of wind, solar, water, and fuel powered generators. The capacity of the local generator establishes a supply limit. The method further comprises: determining a demand schedule and a peak demand limit from a controller; and, determining whether the demand schedule and peak demand indicates occurrences of exceeding the supply limit. If peak demand exceeds the supply limit, then the controller sheds the load of one or more appliances to prohibit the peak demand from exceeding the supply limit. Shedding load of at least one appliance is initiated based on a predetermined hierarchy of shedding load.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A user interface client application configured to provide real time information to a user/consumer and to an energy provider/utility about the consumption of the home, each device, and receives inputs to modify the controllers and/or the devices.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that communicates data available from an Energy Services Interface (ESI) to devices over multiple secondary networks of a home in different communication protocols. The controller is a home energy gateway that includes multiple communication modules for binding to a meter on a primary network and to form multiple secondary networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for monitoring water leaks within a home. A home network with various devices monitors these devices with a controller. Information is received from a water flow meter via a transceiver for tracking a total water flow amount through pipelines in the home. By comparing information collected to a predetermined threshold, a leak is determined as present or not within each pipeline. Upon the detection of a leak in the home, a home owner is notified of the condition so that action is taken expeditiously. A shut off valve can be triggered remotely when a request is received from the user, which closes the water pipeline to prevent water damage.

Abstract: A multiple straw fluid dispenser is disclosed including a cap assembly containing two or more straws, each of the straws are accessible to one or more users for the purpose of drinking one or more fluids. Each straw includes a back flow prevention means allowing users to drink a fluid or fluids independent of other users and or other fluids. The fluid dispenser may be used in a conjunction with a multiple compartment fluid storage container or a single compartment storage container.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for updating of schedules to a device controlled by an energy management system.

Abstract: In operation of an electronics device, audio based on asynchronous events, such as game playing, is intelligently combined with audio output nominally generated in a predictive manner, such as resulting from media playback. For example, an overall audio output signal for the electronic device may be generated such that, for at least one of audio channels corresponding to predictive manner processing, the generated audio output for that channel included into the overall audio output signal is based at least in part on configuration information associated with a processed audio output signal for at least one of the audio channels corresponding to asynchronous events based processing. Thus, for example, the game audio processing may control how audio effects from the game are combined with audio effects from media playback.

Abstract: A computer screensaver program runs a home energy manager application. The screensaver program is activated after a predetermined time and automatically runs a web browser by detecting the URL of the home energy manager application. The home energy manager interface is then displayed on the computer screen or a remote monitor. Preferably, the screensaver cycles through one or more various screens and remains active until a key is pressed or the mouse is activated.