Abstract: As mobile computing devices are increasingly expected to be smaller, thinner, and/or lighter, less space is available for incorporating such structurally stiff perimeter components, as well as energy-absorbing components. The electroactive perimeter stiffening devices, systems, and methods described herein detect a free-fall event or condition, anticipate a subsequent impact event, and actively stiffen one or more electroactive perimeter stiffeners of an associated mobile computing device in preparation for the impact event. The electroactive perimeter stiffeners direct impact energy away from, and in some cases, distribute and/or dissipate the impact energy, in an effort to prevent damage to impact-sensitive components of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: As mobile computing devices are increasingly expected to be smaller, thinner, and/or lighter, less space is available for incorporating such structurally stiff perimeter components, as well as energy-absorbing components. The electroactive perimeter stiffening devices, systems, and methods described herein detect a free-fall event or condition, anticipate a subsequent impact event, and actively stiffen one or more electroactive perimeter stiffeners of an associated mobile computing device in preparation for the impact event. The electroactive perimeter stiffeners direct impact energy away from, and in some cases, distribute and/or dissipate the impact energy, in an effort to prevent damage to impact-sensitive components of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A touch screen panel comprises an outer surface that defines a touch sensitive surface with a touch sensitive area. The outer surface comprises friction features distributed throughout at least a portion of the touch sensitive area according to one or more predetermined spacings. The friction features are configured to have predetermined friction characteristics that impart a desired tactile effect, e.g., a paper-like feel, to the touch sensitive surface when contacted by a user's finger or a stylus. Methods of forming a touch screen panel with predetermined friction features are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for collecting, analyzing, and transmitting real-time electron sources of an electrical grid are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a computing device may be configured to collect data describing present generating source or sources for one or more present supplies of electricity to an electrical grid. Additionally, the computing device may be configured to analyze the data, and determine an amount of a present electricity flow on the electrical grid being generated from one or more renewable sources. Further, the computing device may be configured to generate and transmit a signal or message to one or more devices associated with consumption and/or storage of electricity supplied by the electrical grid, based at least in part on the result of said analysis and determination. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for authorizing a non-premise mobile (NPM) paying consumer to consume electricity from an electrical outlet are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the electrical outlet has an associated outlet identifier, but limited, at most local communication capability. In various embodiments, a computing device may be configured to receive from a communication device associated with the NPM electricity consumer, a request to consume electricity through the electrical outlet. The request may include the outlet identifier, a payment identifier associated with the NPM electricity consumer, and a transaction quantity. Additionally, the computing device may be configured to generate and transmit, on successful arrangement for at least some payment, an authorization token authorizing a limited or unlimited consumption of electricity through the electrical outlet commensurate with the payment arranged, to the communication device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an electrical outlet arrangement and a system formed with a number of the arrangements and a remote control server are disclosed herewith. The arrangements may be configured to encourage usage of electricity generated using renewable sources and/or to enable non-utility entities (NUE) to provide and be compensated for consuming electricity through the NUE are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, an arrangement may include an electrical outlet and a switch coupled with each other. An electrical outlet may be configured to accept electrical coupling from a load for electricity consumption. A switch may be configured to enable or disable electricity flow to the electrical outlet, in response to control of a local controller and/or the remote control server.

Abstract: A laminate (10) which is transparent to radio frequency emissions, useful as a thermal control and electrostatic discharge surface, for example for protecting spacecraft antenna hardware, comprises a conductive layer (12) for dissipating electrostatic charges and a thermal control layer (24) for reflecting thermal radiation and reducing the effect of temperature variations on one side of the laminate on the region on the other side of the laminate. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive layer (12) preferably comprises a semiconductor, such as germanium. The thermal control layer (24) comprises a film layer (14), for example of polyimide film, a mesh layer (16), for example of polyamide fabric, attached to the film layer (14), and a thermally reflective coating (20), applied to the mesh layer (16) for aiding the conductive layer (12) and thermal control layer (24) in reflecting radiation.