Abstract: A system for managing a distributed array of appliances includes a distributed array of the units, at least some of the relay units being appliance controllers having an appliance interface. At least some communications are relayed through at least two other relay units for coverage over a wide range using low power transceivers, based on automatically generated routing tables that are maintained in the relay units.

Abstract: A system for managing a distributed array of appliances includes a distributed array of the units, at least some of the relay units being appliance controllers having an appliance interface. At least some communications are relayed through at least two other relay units for coverage over a wide range using low power transceivers, based on automatically generated routing tables that are maintained in the relay units.

Abstract: A system for managing a distributed array of appliances includes a headend computer having a low power main transceiver and a distributed array of relay units. Each relay unit includes a low power satellite transceiver, a microcomputer connected to the satellite transceiver, the satellite transceiver being controlled by relay program instructions for detecting communications directed by the headend computer relative to the same relay unit and directing communications to the headend computer relative to the same relay unit, and for retransmitting communications to other relay units. At least some of the relay units are appliance controllers and include an appliance interface for communicating with the appliance, the microcomputer being also connected to the appliance interface and having program instructions for directing communication between the satellite transceiver and the appliance interface.

Abstract: A tooth and gum appliance that includes a flexible sheet or pad which can carry cleaners, mild abrasives, medicaments or other substances has a miniature hook-loop fastener member at one edge of the pad, the mating fastener member being carried by a tab that extends from the pad opposite the one edge for fastening the appliance about a user's finger. The pad can be formed of cotton loop-woven cloth, and the tab can be a separate strap or an integral portion of the pad. A nested plurality of the polishers can be supplied in a foldable, rectangular carton dispenser having a side slot for access to the fasteners, the tabs protruding from one side of the slot. The dispenser can have a plurality of the slotted, cylindrical cavities spaced about a rotatable drum-shaped holder for permitting the user to select among several configurations of the polisher.