Pyramid Meriden Inc.

Pyramid Technologies LLC

Newtyme, Inc.

George Bucci

Teja N Shariff

Dominic Caciopoli

Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user () sends a low power discovery message to devices () using a portable programming tool (). The devices () within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool () organizes the responses by proximity and sends a 'flash' message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (), allowing the user () to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (), the portable programming tool (), and/or a central or local controller (). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

Methods and apparatus for identifying and categorizing distributed devices

A card printer is disclosed which uses shaped-illumination to illuminate the portion of a card upon which printing will occur. The shaped-illumination is produced by passing light from a light source through a light source shaping assembly. In an embodiment, the light source shaping assembly is composed of a plurality of baffles molded into the portion of the printer which defines the path of motion of the printer's print head. In this way, alignment between the shaped-illumination and the printing process is guaranteed with essentially no increase in the cost of printer and, in many cases, a reduction in cost.

Optical printing guides for manually-activated printers

Systems for reducing the power consumption of fluorescent lights are provided. The systems can be used in new construction as well as retrofitted into existing buildings employing overdriven fluorescent lights without significantly affecting the operation of utility power lines. In preferred embodiments, the systems provide substantially constant light output during start-up and low voltage conditions.

Apparatus and methods for reducing the power consumption of fluorescent lights

A unitary guide and shield member ( ) for use in guiding time cards ( ) to a time and attendance recorder is provided. The guide and shield member serves to (1) guide the time card to feed rolls ( ), (2) hold the time card at a substantially constant distance from a light source and a light sensor, and (3) protect the light sensor from ambient light.

Card feed and read mechanisms for time and attendance recorders

A keyless entry system for use with conventional locksets is provided. The system employs a battery operated motor and a gear train mounted on the inside of a door. The motor and gear train rotate the inside handle of the lockset in the same manner as a user would rotate the handle to unlatch the door. Misalignments between the gear train and the lockset are accommodated by a pawl which connects the gear train to the connecting shaft between the lockset's inside and outside door handles. The electric motor is activated by a control system responsive to a RF signal generated by a transmitter pendant carried by the user. The RF signal includes a user code, and the control system has a learning mode and an operating mode, with the learning mode serving to record a list of one or more authorized user codes and the operating mode employing that list to determine if the door should be unlatched in response to a particular user code.

Growing community of inventors

Southington, CT, United States of America

George Bucci