Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding and decoding data in an audio channel are provided. At least one notch attribute for each of a set of notches to be applied to a source audio channel corresponding to data to be encoded is determined. The data is encoded by applying notch-filtering to the source audio channel to create a modified audio channel having the set of notches having the at least one notch attribute. The notches in the modified audio channel are then analyzed to determine at least one characteristic of each of the notches, and data is then decoded from the at least one characteristic of each of the notches.

Abstract: An automated window mechanism is disclosed having an electric motor attached to a sliding panel of a window configured to open and close the window by moving the sliding panel. The electric motor has a locked state in which the electric motor and sliding panel are stationary. The automated window mechanism also includes a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the electric motor is in the locked state. In response to the monitor identifying the external force while the electric motor is in the locked state the electric motor opposes the external force to prevent unwanted movement of the sliding panel. A method and system for preventing unwanted movement of an automated window are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an automated window mechanism having an electric motor attached to a sliding panel of a window configured to open and close the window by moving the sliding panel. The electric motor has a locked state in which the electric motor and sliding panel are stationary. The automated window mechanism also includes a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the electric motor is in the locked state. In response to the monitor detecting the external force while the electric motor is in the locked state the positive lead and the negative lead to a same electric potential thereby rendering the electric motor an electric brake impeding the external force from moving the sliding panel. A method and system for preventing unwanted movement of an automated window are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bottle handle may have a base member and a first strap. The base member may have a first knob, a second knob, and a bottle engagement portion with a ring shape configured to receive and grip a bottle. The strap may have a first end having a first clip attached thereon, wherein the first clip is shaped to receive the first knob, and a second end having a second clip attached thereon, wherein the second clip is shaped to receive the second knob. Each of the first and second knobs may have a head portion and a neck portion narrower than the neck portion. Each of the first and second clips may have an aperture with an enlarged portion sized to permit passage of the head portion therethrough, and a smaller portion sized to receive the neck portion without permitting passage of the head portion therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a window covering is disclosed. A rotational cam member is provided for extending a first piston on one side of a headrail and compressing a second piston on the opposite side of the headrail between a window casing. A lever arm is provided for rotating the rotational cam. Easy installation of a window covering headrail may be achieved as one arm is used to hold the headrail while the other hand is able to actuated the lever arm. Mounting brackets are provided for easy window covering removal after installation.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a device includes detecting the proximity of a beacon or transponder, communicating with a server regarding the identity of the transponder and the device, and controlling the operation of the device according to pre-determined settings. The device may be controlled when it is on or in a vehicle or when it is at a venue. An apparatus for controlling the operation of the device is also described.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) test apparatus and testing method are described. The PCB test apparatus includes a motor connected to a gearbox that includes a gear that is directly connected to an output shaft. The test apparatus includes two printed circuit board connections for testing an electric-component connector that includes two circuit boards. One connection port includes a plurality of contact pins for attaching one of the PCBs while the other connector port is part of a position encoder that includes a diametrically magnetized magnet that tests the other PCB's ability to detect changes in magnetic fields. The apparatus is configured such that both PCBs of the electric-component connector are tested in tandem.

Abstract: The invention is an intelligent headrail for a window covering which includes an extensible end cap which applies force to the adjacent window or door frame to hold the headrail in place. The end cap includes a pressure sensor or a force sensing resistor to detect whether sufficient force is present to safely hold the headrail in place. The headrail may include a controller which is connected to the pressure sensor or a force sensing resistor. The controller may include program code which identifies the safety status of the window covering based on the pressure or force reading. The controller may include a data transmission port which transmits pressure or force readings to an output device. The program code may also send a report to the output device to indicate whether the force or pressure is moderately low or so low that the window covering is in danger of falling.

Abstract: A headrail for a motorized window covering is described that includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor that is configured to actuate a window covering. The headrail includes a safety detector with one or more sensors that detect an irregular strain when the window covering is being raised. The headrail may further comprise a recoil mechanism or a deactivation mechanism to reduce the likelihood of damage to the window coverings and/or individuals caught or tangled in the window covering.

Abstract: Window blinds with automated mechanisms that require a power source often include a battery housing that is placed at least partially outside of the headrail. This is done to make room for mechanical devices that are required to be housed within the headrail. We disclose a battery housing which may be mounted within a headrail of a window blind. Consequently, the battery housing is not visible when the headrail is mounted. This creates a more aesthetically pleasing window treatment. The disclosed battery housing may include a base mounted on two elongated battery compartments. An elongated channel may separate the two elongated battery compartments. The elongated channel is designed to allow a tilt rod within the headrail to pass through.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) test apparatus and testing method are described. The PCB test apparatus includes a motor connected to a gearbox that includes a gear that is directly connected to an output shaft. The test apparatus includes two printed circuit board connections for testing an electric-component connector that includes two circuit boards. One connection port includes a plurality of contact pins for attaching one of the PCBs while the other connector port is part of a position encoder that includes a diametrically magnetized magnet that tests the other PCB's ability to detect changes in magnetic fields. The apparatus is configured such that both PCBs of the electric-component connector are tested in tandem.

Abstract: A headrail for a motorized window covering is described that includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor that is configured to actuate a window covering. The headrail includes a safety detector with one or more sensors that detect an irregular strain when the window covering is being raised. The headrail may further comprise a recoil mechanism or a deactivation mechanism to reduce the likelihood of damage to the window coverings and/or individuals caught or tangled in the window covering.

Abstract: We disclose an intelligent headrail for a window covering which includes an extensible end cap which applies force to the adjacent window or door frame to hold the headrail in place. The end cap includes a pressure sensor or a force sensing resistor to detect whether sufficient force is present to safely hold the headrail in place. The headrail may include a controller which is connected to the pressure sensor or a force sensing resistor. The controller may include program code which identifies the safety status of the window covering based on the pressure or force reading. The controller may include a data transmission port which transmits pressure or force readings to an output device. The program code may also send a report to the output device to indicate whether the force or pressure is moderately low or so low that the window covering is in danger of falling.

Abstract: Window blinds with automated mechanisms that require a power source often include a battery housing that is placed at least partially outside of the headrail. This is done to make room for mechanical devices that are required to be housed within the headrail. We disclose a battery housing which may be mounted within a headrail of a window blind. Consequently, the battery housing is not visible when the headrail is mounted. This creates a more aesthetically pleasing window treatment. The disclosed battery housing may include a base mounted on two elongated battery compartments. An elongated channel may separate the two elongated battery compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a window covering is disclosed. A rotational cam member is provided for extending a first piston on one side of a headrail and compressing a second piston on the opposite side of the headrail between a window casing. A lever arm is provided for rotating the rotational cam. Easy installation of a window covering headrail may be achieved as one arm is used to hold the headrail while the other hand is able to actuated the lever arm. Mounting brackets are provided for easy window covering removal after installation.

Abstract: A system for interactive network access approval includes a server, a first application running on a first device for requesting access to a website on the network, and a second application running on a second device for approving access to the website. The server receives a request via the first application for access to the website, immediately transmits the request to the second application, receives via the second application approval for access to the website, and immediately grants access to the website to the first application. A method for granting access to a website is also described.

Abstract: A system for interactive network access approval includes a server, a first application running on a first device for requesting access to a website on the network, and a second application running on a second device for approving access to the website. The server receives a request via the first application for access to the website, immediately transmits the request to the second application, receives via the second application approval for access to the website, and immediately grants access to the website to the first application. A method for granting access to a website is also described.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a device includes detecting the proximity of a beacon or transponder, communicating with a server regarding the identity of the transponder and the device, and controlling the operation of the device according to pre-determined settings. The device may be controlled when it is on or in a vehicle or when it is at a venue. An apparatus for controlling the operation of the device is also described.

Abstract: A conference management system is described for administering large numbers of conferences in an organization. The conference management system receives a hierarchical set of categories from a system administrator and configuration settings for each category. When a user requests to create a new conference, the conference management system creates the conference and assigns the new conference to a category. The conference takes on the settings of the category to which it belongs, which eliminates individual configuration of each conference. Administrators can also delegate authority to manage conferences to others in the organization.

Abstract: A conference management system is described for administering large numbers of conferences in an organization. The conference management system receives a hierarchical set of categories from a system administrator and configuration settings for each category. When a user requests to create a new conference, the conference management system creates the conference and assigns the new conference to a category. The conference takes on the settings of the category to which it belongs, which eliminates individual configuration of each conference. Administrators can also delegate authority to manage conferences to others in the organization.