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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Click here to download full press release (PDF document, 284kb)Smart Solar and Alpine announced today that they have amicably resolved their intellectual property dispute relating to solar-powered, two-tier bird baths. In November 2009, Smart Solar brought a lawsuit against Alpine in federal Court in Chicago, alledging infringement of Smart Solar’s U.S. Patent No. 7, 484, 671, as well as Smart Solar’s copyrights and trade dress rights, for its two-tier bird baths. Today, after nine months of litigation, U.S. District Court Judge John Darrah entered a final order. Under the Order, Alpine agreed that Smart Solar’s patent, copyrights and trade dress were valid and enforceable and agree to pay an undisclosed sum to Smart Solar to settle the case.
Smart Solar launched a new technology for use in their solar water features which combines a solar panel and rechargeable battery, called Solar-On-Demand. This will enable customers to enjoy their water features both during the daytime in variable weather conditions or in the evening by using the integrated battery pack to provide power to the pumpl when there is little or no sunlight available to operate the water fountain.
The unit comes with an easy magnetic on/off switch on the panel so the customer can literally decide when they want to operate their fountain – hence "on demand." By leaving the unit in the “on” position, the battery provides automatic top up power during overcast conditions and will enable the pump to run on into the early evening (if charged). Alternatively, you can switch the unit “off” and all the power received by the panel will be used to charge the integrated rechargeable battery back. Then enjoy in the evening by simply switching the unit back “on”. The battery holds a maximum 6 hours of operation for the fountain, and it's recommended that the unit is always turned 'off' when not needed to conserve power and charge the battery.
This enhanced technology addresses the frustrations of solar fountains only operating by day in direct sunlight, and extends the period of time you can enjoy your water feature. While it is designed primarily to operate in the summer months, it will also work in spring and autumn provided there is good direct sunshine on the panel to charge the battery. Performance is directly related to the amount and strength of sunlight received.
Solar-On-Demand is being introduced into many different Smart Solar water features, and when used in their range of integrated water features, has the additional benefit of protection under Smart Solar’s patents.
Smart Solar’s US Patent for propriety integrated solar panels used in birdbaths, two tier fountains and other water features has finally been granted. US Patent no. 7,484,671 B2, dated 3rd February 2009, is a welcome addition to the European patents which were granted in 2008.
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