Abstract: A system and method for determining whether an article is new or used; and if used, the extent of usage. A smart tag, or smart tag, integrates into the article. The smart tag has integrated therein, data, which related to the article. A tag reader communicates a query to the smart tag to obtain the data. A non-volatile memory contains the item manufacturer, a serial number, and an item identity. A one-time-activation circuit determines if the article is ‘NEW’ or ‘USED’. A sensing element contains a ‘wakeup’ process to respond to a query, or, to monitor and log usage. Usage is categorized to a density, a sequence, an interval, and an amplitude algorithm of movement as being representative of the scale of usage. This data stores in the non-volatile memory. A tag reader, or tag reader queries the smart tag to access the logged data.

Abstract: A networked visual and audible alarm apparatus with base station provides audible and visual alerts upon detection of smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas. The apparatus adapts to a light bulb socket to provide normal lighting when no event is detected. Multiple apparatuses are systematically disposed through different sections of a structure. Each apparatus independently emits an audible signal, dependent on the type of event detected in the respective section for the apparatus. Each alarm apparatus provides a colored high strobe light that illuminates at a color and intensity that varies, dependent on type of event detected. A microphone initiates the audible signal and the high strobe light upon detecting an audible signal from an adjacent alarm apparatus. Voice commands power off the alarming apparatus. A base station controls and monitors a network of apparatuses, and is programmable based on a code that is assigned to each alarm apparatus.

Abstract: A ‘placard’ lighting system of shapes, such as a logo, or other common form, that is attached to apparel, such as a shoe, backpack, jacket, etc. The placard receives display information communications via radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through an application (APP) running on a smartphone. Varieties of colored light and intensity of luminance signals are generated and received from a user's smartphone APP to the apparatus, or from a nearby user running the APP on his or her smartphone (when the APP is in an ‘OPEN’ channel mode). In this scenario, as the two individuals operating their apparatuses pass each other in close proximity (within range), they would ‘share’ display information data in unison, making apparel images illuminate in a harmonious manner. As they would separate again, out of each other's range, they would go back to their original, independent display settings.

Abstract: A networked visual and audible alarm light system and method with voice command control and base station having alarm for smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas provides illuminating LEDs, audible alerts, a base control, and a voice command control. The system detects and alerts to smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas. Multiple light fixtures audibly and visually alert in different colors, patterns, and intensities, dependent on the type of event detected. A network of systems are monitored and controlled from a base station that facilitates communication therebetween. The system provides speech recognition for powering on and off, dimming, brightening, and adjusting the lighting; including presets and emergency situations. The voice recognition command controls lighting choices, and can silence or suspend alarm-state by verbally commanding SHUT OFF. The base station monitors and programs individual LED and detecting devices that create a network within a home or structure to manage lighting and security.

Abstract: A networked light for illumination and intercom for communications in a single housing, with voice command and control, hands-free. The system in a housing configured to conventional looking lamp, bulb, fixture, lighting devices, suitable for a direct replacement of conventional illuminating devices typical found in homes or buildings. A network of such voice command and control systems may be further monitored and controlled from a base station that facilitates programming, communications, and higher functionality therebetween. The system provides speech recognition for powering on and off, dimming, brightening, and adjusting the lighting to preset, night and emergency settings.

Abstract: A networked visual and audible alarm light system and method with voice command control and base station having alarm for smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas provides illuminating LEDs, audible alerts, a base control, and a voice command control. The system detects and alerts to smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas. Multiple light fixtures audibly and visually alert in different colors, patterns, and intensities, dependent on the type of event detected. A network of systems are monitored and controlled from a base station that facilitates communication therebetween. The system provides speech recognition for powering on and off, dimming, brightening, and adjusting the lighting; including presets and emergency situations. The voice recognition command controls lighting choices, and can silence or suspend alarm-state by verbally commanding SHUT OFF. The base station monitors and programs individual LED and detecting devices that create a network within a home or structure to manage lighting and security.

Abstract: A networked visual and audible alarm apparatus with base station provides audible and visual alerts upon detection of smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas. The apparatus adapts to a light bulb socket to provide normal lighting when no event is detected. Multiple apparatuses are systematically disposed through different sections of a structure. Each apparatus independently emits an audible signal, dependent on the type of event detected in the respective section for the apparatus. Each alarm apparatus provides a colored high strobe light that illuminates at a color and intensity that varies, dependent on type of event detected. A microphone initiates the audible signal and the high strobe light upon detecting an audible signal from an adjacent alarm apparatus. Voice commands power off the alarming apparatus. A base station controls and monitors a network of apparatuses, and is programmable based on a code that is assigned to each alarm apparatus.

Abstract: A networked light for illumination and intercom for communications in a single housing, with voice command and control, hands-free. The system in a housing configured to conventional looking lamp, bulb, fixture, lighting devices, suitable for a direct replacement of conventional illuminating devices typical found in homes or buildings. A network of such voice command and control systems may be further monitored and controlled from a base station that facilitates programming, communications, and higher functionality therebetween. The system provides speech recognition for powering on and off, dimming, brightening, and adjusting the lighting to preset, night and emergency settings.

Abstract: A networked visual and audible alarm apparatus and method of synchronized alerting provides audible and visual alerts upon detection of events, such as smoke, carbon monoxide and gas. The apparatus adapts to a light bulb socket to provide normal lighting when no event is detected. The apparatuses are systematically disposed through different sections of a structure. Each apparatus independently emits an audible signal, dependent on the type of event detected in the respective section for the apparatus. Further, each alarm apparatus provides a colored high strobe light that illuminates at a color and intensity that varies, dependent on the type of event detected in the section of the alarm apparatus. A microphone enables the alarm apparatus to initiate the audible signal and the high strobe light upon detecting an audible signal from an adjacent alarm apparatus. Also, voice commands can be used to power off the alarming apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable dryer for point-of-use installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. A generally tubular main body has first and second main body sections, each having a generally tubular wall and an integral end closure. A coupling member interconnects the main body sections. Loose desiccant beads are retained by and substantially fill the main body from one end closure to the other. Inlet and outlet connectors are respectively provided on the main body sections for connection to a compressed air/gas line. The inlet and outlet connectors have air/gas passages in fluid communication with the drying composition. The dryer can be fabricated by molding the first and second main body sections, substantially filling the first main body section with the drying composition, locating the first and second main body sections in mutual adjacent relationship inside a mold cavity, and molding the coupling member thereon.

Abstract: A tire fill nozzle having an integrated dryer for drying compressed air or gas delivered to a tire. According to exemplary disclosed embodiments, the tire fill nozzle comprises a main body, an inlet connector on the main body adapted to engage an air/gas line, an outlet connector on the main body adapted to engage a tire valve stem, and a dryer in the main body adapted to dry air/gas passing through the nozzle. The dryer may comprise a drying composition, such as a desiccant, that can be permanently disposed within the main body or optionally disposed within a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: A wearable, disposable dryer for point-of-use installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The dryer includes a main body, a drying composition substantially filling the main body, inlet and outlet connectors, a carrying strap and a wall mount holder that provides a stowage accessory. The strap can be attached to the inlet and outlet connectors, each of which can be provided with a strap mounting portion. According to a method of use, the dryer is attached to air/gas lines and the strap is placed over a user's shoulder so that the dryer can be worn while delivering dried compressed air or gas to a tool. A dryness indicator may be provided as either a site glass or by virtue of a portion of the main body being transparent or translucent and a dryness indicating material in the dryer being viewable therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge air/gas dryer apparatus for installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The dryer includes a pressure vessel having first and second ends, an inlet port, and an outlet port. A disposable dryer cartridge is disposed in the pressure vessel. The cartridge includes a casing and a quantity of a drying composition in the casing. A cartridge support surface in the pressure vessel supports a first end of the cartridge. A cartridge-receiving opening is provided in the pressure vessel for inserting and removing the cartridge in the pressure vessel. A cover removably covers the opening and captures a second end of the cartridge. The dryer can be provided with a handle so that it can be easily and quickly replaced by opening the cover, pulling out the cartridge and inserting a new cartridge.

Abstract: A disposable dryer cartridge for an air/gas dryer apparatus for installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The cartridge includes a flexible elongated casing having a drying composition therein. The casing has an air/gas inlet and an air/gas outlet thereon. A handle is also provided on the casing. The casing is self-configurable into a cross-sectionally contracted configuration when lifted by the handle to facilitate insertion in or removal from an air/gas dryer apparatus. Following insertion of the casing in an air/gas dryer, it is manipulated as necessary to reconfigure the casing from the contracted configuration to an operational configuration wherein the casing is not cross-sectionally contracted and wherein the drying composition is compacted. When the casing needs replacement, it can be grasped by the handle and lifted to re-effect the contracted configuration and thereby removed from the dryer.

Abstract: A flexible, inline filter/dryer for installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The filter/dryer includes a first end connector, a second end connector, and a flexible main body extending between the first and second end connectors. A drying composition, such as desiccant beads, substantially fills the main body and is retained therein by a retaining system that can include one or more filter elements and a plenum-defining spacer element.

Abstract: A low-profile dryness indicator for point-of-use operation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The apparatus includes a vessel having a first end, a second end, and a central portion formed by a light transmissive wall that defines a containment chamber containing a dryness-indicating material, such as a color-changing desiccant or moisture sensitive paper. A rigid protective housing is disposed around the vessel wall and has one or more view ports for viewing the dryness-indicating desiccant in the containment chamber. First and second air/gas-permeable closures respectively close the first and second ends of the vessel. Each has a central raised portion facing toward the containment chamber and a plenum-defining cavity facing away from the containment chamber.

Abstract: An air/gas-driven tool with an integrated air/gas dryness indicator. The tool includes a housing that defines a cavity. An air/gas dryness detector is disposed in the cavity. An air/gas flow passage is situated to provide a stream of compressed air/gas to the dryness detector. A visual indicator is adapted to provide an indication of compressed air/gas dryness detected by the dryness detector. The tool can be constructed so that the air/gas dryness indicator is provided by way of a removable indicator cartridge containing a dryness-indicating material such as a color changing desiccant or moisture sensitive paper. The indicator cartridge can be sized and configured to be received in a cavity formed in a housing of the air/gas-driven tool, so as to be viewable through a view port formed in the tool. Alternatively, the indicator cartridge can be configured with its own view port and mounted on a surface of the tool while being partially received in the cavity.

Abstract: A radially expansible supporting collet for a tubular light-weight sleeve upon which a continuous filament, yarn, or roving may be wound. The collet comprises a plurality of axially extending, sleeve contacting bars carried on a generally cylindrical body which is rotated on its normal axis. At least one generally annular, closed, pneumatically expansible bladder is carried by and rotates with the body. The bladder is located inwardly of the bars and may be connected to a source of air under pressure. When the bladder is expanded by the air, it presses outwardly against the bars to move them radially outwardly against the interior of the sleeve in order to hold the sleeve concentric with the axis of the body, to prevent its axial movement and to transmit torque to the sleeve.