Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system can include a vacuum unit, a plurality of inlet valves, an exhaust, a cleaning air path from the inlet valves through the vacuum unit to the exhaust, and a control unit. An example control unit can include a power input, a power output, motor control circuitry to control application of power from the power input to the power output, a first port, a second port, a conduit providing a conduit air path between the first port and the second, a heat sink in thermal contact with the conduit air path and a component of the motor control circuitry, wherein the control unit is connected through the first port and the second port in the cleaning air flow path between the inlets and the exhaust, and the power output is connected to a power input of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an alarm system that includes at least one base unit operable to detect sound levels and to transmit a signal to cause an alarm response, such as emission of media that may be the sound of one or more dog barks. The media may be emitted through one or more applicable broadcasting device, such as through a speaker, and may be the sound of one or more dog barks. The broadcasting device and base units may be configured to function collectively to create a realistic deterrent effect. Other alarm responses may be part of the system, such as electronic device warning messages, turning on a light, etc. The alarm responses and the general operation of the system may be set by a user, either through the base unit or by other remote input means (e.g., a fob unit or other electronic device).

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system can include a vacuum unit, a plurality of inlet valves, an exhaust, a cleaning air path from the inlet valves through the vacuum unit to the exhaust, and a control unit. An example control unit can include a power input, a power output, motor control circuitry to control application of power from the power input to the power output, a first port, a second port, a conduit providing a conduit air path between the first port and the second, a heat sink in thermal contact with the conduit air path and a component of the motor control circuitry, wherein the control unit is connected through the first port and the second port in the cleaning air flow path between the inlets and the exhaust, and the power output is connected to a power input of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: An appliance and a method of determining a wireless communication frequency range from received AC power input comprising automatically determining an AC power characteristic from the AC mains power, automatically mapping the determined AC power characteristic to the wireless frequency range within a pre-determined wireless frequency range, and automatically selecting the wireless communication frequency range to communicate with an auxiliary appliance.

Abstract: Sensor includes electrodes on internal layer of multilayer printed circuit board, and sensing circuitry drives electrodes and reads signal having characteristic based upon capacitance between electrodes. Board may have first layer second layer, with electrodes between layers. One layer may be thicker than other layer such that capacitance external to board is primarily contributed from adjacent other layer. Electrodes may be on internal surface and sensing circuitry may be on opposing external surface. Components for sensing circuitry may be assembled to board such that board and components are multilayer printed circuit board assembly.

Abstract: Sensor includes electrodes on internal layer of multilayer printed circuit board, and sensing circuitry drives electrodes and reads signal having characteristic based upon capacitance between electrodes. Board may have first layer second layer, with electrodes between layers. One layer may be thicker than other layer such that capacitance external to board is primarily contributed from adjacent other layer. Electrodes may be on internal surface and sensing circuitry may be on opposing external surface. Components for sensing circuitry may be assembled to board such that board and components are multilayer printed circuit board assembly.