Abstract: A door lock system includes a first component mounted on one side of a door and a second component mounted on the opposite side. The system features a structure that mechanically connects the two components, designed to pass through the gap between the closed door and its frame. Additionally, the system incorporates a communication link between the first and second components.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described. In one illustrative embodiment, an active cover plate includes a multi-gang face plate configured to be installed over a multi-gang light switch installation, the multi-gang faceplate including at least two apertures sized to accept a manually manipulatable element of switches in the multi-gang light switch installation. Prongs extend rearward from the multi-gang faceplate around at least one of the apertures.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active units that sense environmental variables and take various actions are described. In one embodiment, an active unit includes at least one sensor to detect a change in an environmental variable and generate a sensor signal and an action module configured to influence the environmental. The active unit may also include a communication module and a processor module configured to accept the sensor signal and determine if the environmental variable exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module to transmit a signal to other active units that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: A variety of active units that sense environmental variables and take various actions are described. In one embodiment, an active unit includes at least one sensor to detect a change in an environmental variable and generate a sensor signal and an action module configured to influence the environmental. The active unit may also include a communication module and a processor module configured to accept the sensor signal and determine if the environmental variable exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module to transmit a signal to other active units that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active units that sense environmental variables and take various actions are described. In one embodiment, an active unit includes at least one sensor to detect a change in an environmental variable and generate a sensor signal and an action module configured to influence the environmental. The active unit may also include a communication module and a processor module configured to accept the sensor signal and determine if the environmental variable exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module to transmit a signal to other active units that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a drinking straw may include a first part that includes a manual manipulation feature and a second part with an interior volume with an open side and at least one open end. The first part may be configured to be accepted into the interior volume and the manual manipulation feature of the first part may be configured to extend through at least one of the open side and open end.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles or switches are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles are described.

Abstract: A variety of active cover plate configurations with prongs configured to contact side screw terminals of electrical receptacles or switches are described.