Abstract: A variable power device in a form of a power strip includes a plurality of power outlets for powering electrical devices connected thereto. A current sensing circuit is electrically coupled to each power outlet and senses current flowing through the power outlet and drawn by an electrical device connected to the outlet. A power control circuit selectively provides one of a standby mode power signal and an active mode power signal to a respective power outlet in response to the feedback signal from the current sensing circuit associated with the power outlet.

Abstract: An antenna structure for receiving digital television broadcast signals includes a vase antenna housing having a generally hourglass shape with conically-shaped upper and lower segments joined together to define a narrower diameter middle portion. The antenna structure further includes a signal receiving antenna etched on the inner surface of the vase antenna housing. The signal receiving antenna conforms to the shape of the vase antenna housing and thereby exhibits an arcuate, partial hourglass shape. The signal receiving antenna may be a cloverleaf antenna or a spiral antenna.

Abstract: A variable power device in a form of a power strip includes a plurality of power outlets for powering electrical devices connected thereto. A current sensing circuit is electrically coupled to each power outlet and senses current flowing through the power outlet and drawn by an electrical device connected to the outlet. A power control circuit selectively provides one of a standby mode power signal and an active mode power signal to a respective power outlet in response to the feedback signal from the current sensing circuit associated with the power outlet.

Abstract: A home control protection system includes at least one surge protection strip having a plurality of power outlet receptacles, and a wall mountable central control unit that is in electrical communication with the at least one surge protection strip. The surge protection strip includes a replaceable surge protector module. The surge protection strip includes a circuit for detecting and counting the number of power surges which are shunted by the surge protector module, and compares the number of power surges with a predetermined threshold power surge number that corresponds to a predicted maximum number of power surges before failure of the surge protector module will occur.

Abstract: An antenna structure for receiving digital television broadcast signals includes a vase antenna housing having a generally hourglass shape with conically-shaped upper and lower segments joined together to define a narrower diameter middle portion. The antenna structure further includes a signal receiving antenna etched on the inner surface of the vase antenna housing. The signal receiving antenna conforms to the shape of the vase antenna housing and thereby exhibits an arcuate, partial hourglass shape. The signal receiving antenna may be a cloverleaf antenna or a spiral antenna.

Abstract: A home control protection system includes at least one surge protection strip having a plurality of power outlet receptacles, and a wall mountable central control unit that is in electrical communication with the at least one surge protection strip. The surge protection strip includes a replaceable surge protector module. The surge protection strip includes a circuit for detecting and counting the number of power surges which are shunted by the surge protector module, and compares the number of power surges with a predetermined threshold power surge number that corresponds to a predicted maximum number of power surges before failure of the surge protector module will occur.