Abstract: Multi-functional power distribution unit transitionable between different configurations and form factors to perform various power storage and distribution functions. Conversion cap attaches to a top of an expansion battery to convert the expansion battery into the multi-functional power distribution unit. A three-point coupling arrangement safely connects two power connectors (such as spring-loaded) of the expansion cap to two terminals on the expansion battery. Slidable/rotatable handles provide a gripping area for carrying the device yet remain unobstructive when stored. The multi-functional power distribution unit expands a power capacity of a power supply and/or generator (e.g., a solar-based power generator) and/or charges the expansion battery in a first configuration with the expansion cap connected to the power generator. Upon disconnecting from the power generator, the multi-functional power distribution unit transitions to a second configuration providing a standalone power supply (e.g.

Abstract: A phasing system for varying a rotational relationship between a first rotary component and a second rotary component includes a gear hub and a cradle rotor. A spider rotor is arranged between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to selectively lock and unlock relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A torsion spring is coupled between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to apply a torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A planetary actuator is coupled to the gear hub and the spider rotor. The planetary actuator is operable between a steady-state mode, in which relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor is inhibited, and a phasing mode, in which the planetary actuator receives a rotary input at a predetermined magnitude to selectively provide a relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor.

Abstract: A computer mouse module includes a body having a front face, a lower side, and a lower front edge portion that extends between the lower side and the front face. The lower front edge portion includes a slope between the front face and the lower side. The computer mouse module includes a movement sensor held along the slope of the lower front edge portion of the body. The movement sensor is configured to detect movement of the computer mouse module along a tracking surface at at least two angular positions of a longitudinal axis of the body relative to the tracking surface.

Abstract: A phasing system for varying a rotational relationship between a first rotary component and a second rotary component includes a gear hub and a cradle rotor. A spider rotor is arranged between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to selectively lock and unlock relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A torsion spring is coupled between the gear hub and the cradle rotor to apply a torque load between the gear hub and the cradle rotor. A planetary actuator is coupled to the gear hub and the spider rotor. The planetary actuator is operable between a steady-state mode, in which relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor is inhibited, and a phasing mode, in which the planetary actuator receives a rotary input at a predetermined magnitude to selectively provide a relative rotation between the gear hub and the cradle rotor.

Abstract: A toilet freshener and nightlight may include a flexible arm for attaching a body to a toilet bowel. The body may include a catch for selectively holding a fragrance dispensing container within the body. The body may also include a speaker for emitting white or pink noise or noise canceling waveforms. The toilet freshener may also include a transceiver to communicate with an application run on a mobile processor for allowing remote control of the toilet freshener and nightlight.

Abstract: The perceivability of user interface elements of a graphical user interface can be defined as a selection along a range. At one end of the range, a combination of settings for the graphical user interface allows for a highly-detailed user interface; at another end of the range, a combination of settings provides a graphical user interface having the highest perceivability. The high perceivability may include high contrast, but also may provide other user interface settings to address accessibility issues for an end user. The combination of settings can include attributes affecting the background, transparency, borders and text legibility. The selected combination of settings either sets, overrides or limits values for these attributes of user interface elements during rendering.

Abstract: An accessory apparatus includes a housing, an apparatus connector, a plurality of auxiliary accessory interfaces, and an internal microcontroller. The connection connector is configured to mate with a corresponding accessory connector of a physical controller to electrically connect the internal microcontroller to the physical controller. Each auxiliary accessory connector is configured to enable a separate auxiliary user input device to operatively connect to the accessory apparatus and electrically connect with the internal microcontroller. The internal microcontroller is configured to: (1) receive an input control signal from an auxiliary user input device operatively connected to an auxiliary accessory connector of the plurality of auxiliary accessory connectors, (2) map the input control signal to a mapped control signal corresponding to a physical control of the physical controller, and (3) send the mapped control signal to the physical controller via the apparatus connector.

Abstract: The perceivability of user interface elements of a graphical user interface can be defined as a selection along a range. At one end of the range, a combination of settings for the graphical user interface allows for a highly-detailed user interface; at another end of the range, a combination of settings provides a graphical user interface having the highest perceivability. The high perceivability may include high contrast, but also may provide other user interface settings to address accessibility issues for an end user. The combination of settings can include attributes affecting the background, transparency, borders and text legibility. The selected combination of settings either sets, overrides or limits values for these attributes of user interface elements during rendering.

Abstract: An accessory apparatus includes a housing, an apparatus connector, a plurality of auxiliary accessory interfaces, and an internal microcontroller. The connection connector is configured to mate with a corresponding accessory connector of a physical controller to electrically connect the internal microcontroller to the physical controller. Each auxiliary accessory connector is configured to enable a separate auxiliary user input device to operatively connect to the accessory apparatus and electrically connect with the internal microcontroller. The internal microcontroller is configured to: (1) receive an input control signal from an auxiliary user input device operatively connected to an auxiliary accessory connector of the plurality of auxiliary accessory connectors, (2) map the input control signal to a mapped control signal corresponding to a physical control of the physical controller, and (3) send the mapped control signal to the physical controller via the apparatus connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filter orientation on a control valve are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided for rotationally orienting a filter retention feature with respect to an application fluid passageway to control forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention feature. Additionally, methods for manufacturing a control valve are provided that enable a rotational relationship between a filter retention feature and an application fluid passageway to be constrained.

Abstract: A control system includes a controller. The controller repeatedly excites a control loop characterized by parameters having randomly selected values for each excitation and scores a response of the control loop to each excitation relative to a target signal until the scores no longer achieve a value less than a minimum of the scores for a predefined number of excitations occurring after the excitation yielding the minimum of the scores to auto-tune the control system.

Abstract: Embodiments establish duration estimates for tasks associated with media content ingestion, such as in application or game production. A content ingestion system receives a content submission request from a publisher. The request identifies a media content type that has a plurality of associated tasks. Based on previous submissions from the publisher, duration estimates for the tasks are generated and adjusted based on historical transaction data associated with other publishers (e.g., global averages). The duration estimates are provided to the publishers along with, for example, start and end dates for the tasks presented on a calendar or other workback schedule.

Abstract: A control system includes a controller. The controller repeatedly excites a control loop characterized by parameters having randomly selected values for each excitation and scores a response of the control loop to each excitation relative to a target signal until the scores no longer achieve a value less than a minimum of the scores for a predefined number of excitations occurring after the excitation yielding the minimum of the scores to auto-tune the control system.

Abstract: A dynamometer may be configured to simulate the rotating inertial characteristics of a wheel-tire assembly slipping relative to a road surface and having rotating inertial characteristics different than the rotating inertial characteristics of the wheel-tire assembly being simulated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for varying symbol amplitude. In one aspect, a system includes a symbol generator that includes a waveform generator configured to output waveforms at a plurality of selectable fundamental frequencies and with a selectable duty cycle. The symbol generator can also include a bandpass filter having a pass-band that corresponds to a communications channel of a communications network. The system can also include data processing apparatus operable to interact with the symbol generator and further operable to determine that at least a threshold number of endpoints that receive symbols from the symbol generator are experiencing a same type of transmission error. In response to the determination, the data processing apparatus can cause the waveform generator to adjust at least one of the fundamental frequency or a duty cycle of the waveforms.