This patent specification relates to various smart-home systems. Such a system may include a battery-powered smart home device that communicates using a first wireless protocol characterized by relatively low power usage and relatively low data rates. Such a system may further include a smart wall outlet device. The smart wall outlet device may include wireless communication circuitry comprising a first wireless interface and a second wireless interface. The first wireless interface may be configured to communicate with the battery-powered smart home device using the first wireless protocol. The second wireless interface may be configured to serve as a communication bridge between the battery-powered smart home device and a wireless network that uses a second communication protocol characterized by relatively higher power usage and relatively higher data rates.

This patent specification relates to various smart-home systems. Such a system may include a battery-powered smart home device that communicates using a first wireless protocol characterized by relatively low power usage and relatively low data rates. Such a system may further include a smart wall outlet device. The smart wall outlet device may include wireless communication circuitry comprising a first wireless interface and a second wireless interface. The first wireless interface may be configured to communicate with the battery-powered smart home device using the first wireless protocol. The second wireless interface may be configured to serve as a communication bridge between the battery-powered smart home device and a wireless network that uses a second communication protocol characterized by relatively higher power usage and relatively higher data rates.

An improved switching device includes a guide configured to reduce undesired movement of the switching element. The guide includes an upper portion configured to receive the switching element and a lower portion configured to receive a spring. The upper portion defines a seat to receive the switching element and includes at least one resilient tab to retain the switching element within the guide. The lower portion defines an opening in which the spring is positioned, where the spring is seated, in part, against the switching element and against the guide. The guide includes guide portions configured to engage a housing on the switching device to prevent rotation of the switching element within the switching device. The switching element further includes protrusions configured to engage each side of the guide and to prevent longitudinal movement of the switching element within the housing.

An improved switching device includes a guide configured to reduce undesired movement of the switching element. The guide includes an upper portion configured to receive the switching element and a lower portion configured to receive a spring. The upper portion defines a seat to receive the switching element and includes at least one resilient tab to retain the switching element within the guide. The lower portion defines an opening in which the spring is positioned, where the spring is seated, in part, against the switching element and against the guide. The guide includes guide portions configured to engage a housing on the switching device to prevent rotation of the switching element within the switching device. The switching element further includes protrusions configured to engage each side of the guide and to prevent longitudinal movement of the switching element within the housing.

A protective bag into which a mobile device can be placed to limit exposure of the device to unsanitary conditions or conversely to limit exposure of other surfaces to an unsanitary mobile device. The protective bags are distributed to users using a dispenser. The system improves overall hygiene associated with use of mobile devices.

An infinite switch includes a front cover, a back cover, and a base secured between the front cover and the back cover. A floating shaft extending through the front cover and the base. A cam fixed to the base and slidingly receiving an end of the floating shaft. The floating shaft is moveable in an axial direction extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the floating shaft and the cam is fixed to prevent movement in the axial direction.

An infinite switch includes a front cover, a back cover, and a base secured between the front cover and the back cover. A floating shaft extending through the front cover and the base. A cam fixed to the base and slidingly receiving an end of the floating shaft. The floating shaft is moveable in an axial direction extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the floating shaft and the cam is fixed to prevent movement in the axial direction.

A pyrotechnic circuit breaker comprising a housing, at least two connection terminals, an internal electric circuit connecting the two connection terminals and formed for example by an electrical conductor, an opening member, movable and arranged to open a part to be opened of the internal electric circuit when moving between an initial position and a final position, so as to form at least two discrete portions of conductor after opening,a pyrotechnic actuator arranged to move the opening member from the initial position to the final position, an internal chamber receiving the part to be opened, wherein the internal chamber comprises or contains at least one wall formed with a plastic material comprising silicone.

A pyrotechnic circuit breaker comprising a housing, at least two connection terminals, an internal electric circuit connecting the two connection terminals and formed for example by an electrical conductor, an opening member, movable and arranged to open a part to be opened of the internal electric circuit when moving between an initial position and a final position, so as to form at least two discrete portions of conductor after opening,a pyrotechnic actuator arranged to move the opening member from the initial position to the final position, an internal chamber receiving the part to be opened, wherein the internal chamber comprises or contains at least one wall formed with a plastic material comprising silicone.

A switch assembly, which is part of a chain of switch assemblies, includes a communication unit (CU) configured to receive, from an external controller, a fire command to activate a detonator, a voltage measuring unit configured to locally measure a voltage (V) at the switch assembly after receiving the fire command to activate the detonator, a computing core (CC) configured to locally make a decision whether or not to activate the detonator, after receiving the fire command to activate the detonator and after measuring the voltage (V), based on whether or not the measured voltage (V) at the switch assembly is larger than a threshold value.