Abstract: A vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose connection system is disclosed having a female connection end on a first vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose adapted for receiving a male connection end on a second vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose. The male connection has at least two male receptor plugs configured for inserting into female receptor holes in the female connection end. A vacuum cleaner hose connection system is further disclosed having a male connection end that has at least two male receptor plugs for transmitting current, a female connection end having at least two female receptor holes for receiving the male receptor plugs, and the male and female connection ends being rotatably movable, about the longitudinal axis of at least one of the female connection end and the male connection end, between an unengaged position and an engaged position.

Abstract: A fluid leak detection system includes a sensor, a control module and a valve module. The sensor is adapted to be placed near a fluid source, such as a water supply line of an appliance. The valve module advantageously includes a motorized ball valve or a magnetic latch configured to arrest fluid flow through a supply line. The control module actuates the valve module and an audible alarm when the sensor detects a fluid leak. The valve module closes a valve positioned along the water line to restrict flow through the water line until the control unit has been manually reset or until the leaked fluid has been removed. The control module also features user inputs to allow the valve to be manually cycled for cleaning, for instance.

Abstract: A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment, slot or recess for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active insert for enabling the device to emit an insect control material when the insert is secured in the compartment Combinations of one or more of a coiled fluorescent light, a plurality of colored LEDs, and an incandescent light source may also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb that provides insect control in the form of a cartridge, bottle, mat, tube, sheet, patch etc.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose connection system is disclosed having a female connection end on a first vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose adapted for receiving a male connection end on a second vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose. The male connection has at least two male receptor plugs configured for inserting into female receptor holes in the female connection end. A vacuum cleaner hose connection system is further disclosed having a male connection end that has at least two male receptor plugs for transmitting current, a female connection end having at least two female receptor holes for receiving the male receptor plugs, and the male and female connection ends being rotatably movable, about the longitudinal axis of at least one of the female connection end and the male connection end, between an unengaged position and an engaged position.

Abstract: A light element includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The device also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a placeable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A white light source is provided in the shell as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show, for displaying colored light schemes and for volatile active emission The devise may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound show.

Abstract: An outdoor light system comprising a plurality light elements linked to a central controller. Each light element include a translucent shell, plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell A compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A white light source may be provided in each device as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The devices can be used as white light sources, for displaying a coordinated colored light shows, for displaying colored light schemes and for volatile active emission. The devices of disclosed the system may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound shows.

Abstract: A light element includes a decorative, patterned translucent outer shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The device also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment A white light source is provided in the shell as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show, for displaying colored light is schemes and for volatile active emission. The device may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound shows. The device may also include a light sensor, a motion detector and/or a microphone or acoustic receiver thereby enabling the light and sound show to be dependent upon ambient light intensity, motion detection and/or ambient noise.

Abstract: A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of colored lights positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge for enabling the device to emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A dimmable white light source may also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb and is a combination white light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.

Abstract: A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A white light source is also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show and for volatile active emission. The volatile active may be emitted continuously when the device is used as either a white light source or for purposes of displaying a colored light show. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb and is a combination white light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.

Abstract: An electrically operated diffuser has a fragrance-emitting element (8) for facilitating diffusion of an active material, and at least one light emitting diode (7). The at least one light emitting diode (7) serves as a nightlight and has a luminous intensity rating of at least about 5000 mcd at 20 mA. Also, the at least one light emitting diode (7) may be positioned at a back surface of the diffuser, such that when an active material is received in the compartment the at least one light emitting diode (7) shines through the active material. The diffuser may include a remote-use assembly to supply power to the diffuser from a wall socket remote from the diffuser. The diffuser may also include a light controller to change one or more of the color and the intensity of the at least one light emitting diode (7).

Abstract: A diffusion device comprises a housing and first and second containers disposed within the housing and having first and second wicks, respectively, extending therefrom. The diffusion device further includes first and second active materials disposed in the first and second containers, respectively, and first and second piezoelectric elements disposed adjacent tips of the first and second wicks, respectively. Still further, the diffusion device includes a switch disposed on a top surface of the housing, wherein the switch is adapted to control the mode of operation of the device. The device includes first, second, and third modes of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation, the device emits the first active material, in the second mode of operation, the device emits the second active material, and in the third mode of operation, the device alternates between emitting the first and second active materials.

Abstract: A lighting device (132) includes a circuit having a power supply and a plurality of light emitting diodes (120) connected in series with the power supply. The plurality of light emitting diodes (120) includes at least two groups of series-connected light emitting diodes, the groups of series-connected light emitting diodes being connected in series. A different optically isolated field effect transistor (U3-U5) is connected in parallel with each group of series-connected light emitting diodes, for selectively shunting around the group of series-connected light emitting diodes. A different capacitor (C8-C10) can also be connected in parallel with each group of series-connected light emitting diodes. A controller (U2) is connected to a gate of each of the optically isolated field effect transistors (U3-U5) for selectively turning the optically isolated field effect transistors (U3-U5) on and off.

Abstract: Lighting object for providing a light show to an observer. The lighting object includes at least two LEDs, each of which emits light of a different wavelength, and a microcontroller for independently controlling the intensity levels of the at least two LEDs to vary colors perceived by the observer during the light show. The light show includes at least one segment for which a memory stores, for each of the at least two LEDs, a target intensity level and timing information. The microcontroller calculates a plurality of intermediate intensity levels for the at least two LEDs for the duration of the segment based on a starting intensity level, the target intensity level, and the timing information for each of the at least two LEDs. The microcontroller also controls the at least two LEDs to operate at each of the calculated intermediate intensity levels during the segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.

Abstract: Illuminated, decorative light objects are disclosed that provide at least one aesthetic lighting display or light show, and to a user interface for the same. A disclosed decorative light object includes a translucent housing. The housing has a bottom opening leading into a cavity. The object also includes a base assembly that covers the bottom opening of the housing. The base assembly includes a user interface. The user interface includes light show circuitry, memory for storing a plurality of light shows, switches or buttons for recalling the light shows from the memory and at least one light group comprising red, green and blue lights. The switches of the user interface are supported in the bottom opening. The light show circuitry, memory and lights are supported within the cavity. Preferably, a translucent light pipe with a roughened lambertian outer surface covers and hides the circuitry and the lights. As the light shines through the light pipe it is diffused thereby creating a warm glowing appearance.

Abstract: A diffusion device comprises a bottom portion having a bottom cover disposed thereon. The device further includes a top portion having a top cover disposed atop the bottom portion and a pump assembly disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover. First, second, and third arm portions extend from the pump assembly, wherein the first, second, and third arm portions include first, second, and third piezoelectric devices, respectively, attached thereto.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

Abstract: A system that may be used to generate documents and for broader uses such as assembling computer-processable components into computer-processable end products. In one form, the system is a document generation system having an assembly facility configured to be coupled to an origination platform; a knowledge base configured to be coupled to the assembly facility and to store objects in an object-relational hierarchy; and a content management system configured to be coupled to the knowledge base, where the content management system is configured to include an object and a rule. The system may be configured to interact with a knowledge base to create a first set of end products, each end product containing an object; apply precedence to the first set of end products; extract rules from the knowledge base; and assemble a second set of documents based upon applying precedence and rules.

Abstract: A method of processing seismic data, for example surface seismic data such as multi-component OBC (Ocean Bottom Cable) seismic data, comprises using vertical seismic profile (VSP) seismic data to determine a model of the relationship between depth within the earth and the velocity of seismic energy. In one embodiment, an model of the relationship between depth and velocity of seismic energy for P-waves is calibrated using VSP seismic data. Then, a model of the relationship between depth and velocity of seismic energy for S-waves is calibrated using VSP seismic data. Initially the models are calibrated for the vertical velocity of P-waves and S-waves, using zero-offset or low-offset VSP data. The models may then undergo further calibration steps, such as calibration for VTI anisotropy and anelastic attenuation. Once calibration is complete, the models are used to process surface seismic data.

Abstract: A data structure generation system. The system includes a knowledge base configured to store data structure components as objects in an object-relational hierarchy. Each object is configured to have a precedence, to include one or more rules, and to include content. The knowledge base may be coupled to a data structure assembly facility configured to retrieve one or more cross-referenced data structure components from a database. The one or more data structure components are configured to have a precedence level, and may be processed in a processor to generate a tree having a root node. The tree may be processed beginning at the root node, and objects of low precedence may be overidden with objects of high precedence.