Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and components thereof are provided. The electronic device may include a housing and a cover inserted into an opening in the housing. The electronic device may also include a first assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a first end, and a second assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a second end. The electronic device may also include end cap assemblies. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include an input mechanism coupled to the housing and a plate coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, a connector of the electronic device may be mounted on a circuit board by inserting a fixture into the connector, mounting the connector to a portion of the circuit board, removing the fixture from the connector, and separating the portion of the circuit board from another portion of the circuit board.

Abstract: This is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing circuitry that can be used to control multiple solar cells to generate power for a portable electronic device. For example, in response to determining that one or more of the solar cells is generating a reduce voltage output (e.g., due to a partial obstruction of one or more of the solar cells), the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a constant preset voltage, as long as a subset of the solar cells is operating. The voltage generated by the solar cells can then be boosted to a value suitable for powering the portable electronic device and/or any of its individual components. As another example, the connections among the solar cells can be configured to generate a startup voltage to directly power the portable electronic device and/or any of its components.

Abstract: This is directed to a power adapter plug arm manufactured from a single piece of material. The plug arm can include a plug operative to extend into a wall socket, an elongated plate coupled to an end of the plug such that the plug extends from a first surface of one end of the plate, and a pin coupled to the opposite end of the plate and extending from the opposite surface of the plate. The pin can be operative to engage a circuit board of the power adapter to provide power received from the wall socket to an electronic device coupled to the power adapter. To enhance the strength of the plug arm, the plate can be manufactured by creating a co-axial plug and a stem from a single piece of material, bending the stem, and cold heading the bent portion of the stem to form a plate. Because the cold heading process involves cold working the material, the arm and in particular the bridge member at the interface between the plate and the stem can become stronger as a result of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a plate placed behind a screen formed from a window and a display module to provide the screen with additional stiffness (e.g., to resist dropping events). The window may be maintained in the electronic device by trapping the window between a bezel and the display module. In some embodiments, the window may include a chamfered edge operative to be received by a recessed edge in the bezel. In some embodiments, the input mechanism of the electronic device may be metallic and need to be grounded, but may be surrounded by plastic components or other non-grounding components. The electronic device may include screws operative to pass through a circuit board to reach a frame, which may serve as a ground, where the screws are located in proximity of the button.

Abstract: A ventilation device provided which includes a valve arranged in a combined spring accumulator and operating brake cylinder. On depressurization of a pressure medium chamber in the spring accumulator brake cylinder, ventilation of a spring accumulator chamber of the spring accumulator brake cylinder, from the pressure medium chamber of the operating brake cylinder, is effected. A chambers is provided on the side of a valve piston in the valve, facing away from a control chamber, which, with an open valve, connects a first working connections to this chamber and, hence, to a second working connection, arranged axially on the front side of the valve, by means of a passage provided in the valve piston.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for providing a port in an electronic device housing that is electrically isolated from a conductive portion of a connector inserted in the port. In some embodiments, the connector may include a non-conductive flange or ring operative to contact the housing and the portions of the housing within the port. In some embodiments, a thin layer of non-conductive material may be applied to the portions of the housing within the port to prevent conductive portions of the connector from coming into contact with the housing (e.g., and grounding the conductive portion). This invention may be of particular interest when the conductive portion that may come into contact with the housing is not used to ground the connector.

Abstract: A system and method for warning vehicle operators of obstructions are provided. First clearance data of the vehicle, including vehicle height and width, are obtained and stored in memory. An obstruction in the vehicle's path and the travel surface between the vehicle and the obstruction are scanned by a sensor device. Second clearance data of the obstruction, including the height and width of the vehicle passage defined by the obstruction, are determined and are stored in memory. Utilizing a comparison/warning signal generating device, the first and second clearance data are compared, and a warning signal is generated when values of the first clearance data are equal to or greater than corresponding values of the second clearance data. A monitoring device monitors the time period between generation of the warning signal and responsive action by the vehicle operator to avoid a collision.

Abstract: A noise damper for a compressed air device includes a tubular housing part provided with an air inlet and an inserted insulating material, in particular, an inserted knitted fabric roll. The air inlet is embodied in the envelope of the tubular housing part such that the supplied air tangentially flows through the insulating material or the knitted fabric roll, is radially deviated inside the tubular housing part, and axially flows out from at least one end of the tubular housing part.

Abstract: A device which comprises a sensor and/or actuator and a connector for electrically and mechanically coupling the sensor and/or actuator. The connector comprises an individual electrical conductor having a core made from a first material and having a jacket made from a second material. The first material can have a lower thermal conductivity than the second material.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer combination includes a semitrailer tractor having a front axle and at least one drive axle having a predefined nominal axle load, a semitrailer having a first axle and at least one second axle, and an axle load adjusting device, which has an axle center height drive for the first axle enabling the axle load acting on the drive axle to be changed by adjusting a center height of the first axle, that can automatically switch into a starting assistance mode in which the second-axle axle load is increased to a starting-assistance axle load that is always below a predefined maximum axle load. An axle center height controller is adapted to automatically detect actuation of an off-road starting sensing device, and increase the second-axle axle load to an off-road starting axle load that is greater than the maximum axle load if the off-road starting sensing device is actuated.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a circuit for detecting the insertion of a component into a docking station, e.g., an audio plug. When the component is inserted into the docking station, an electronic switch can be opened. When the switch is opened, a detector (e.g., monostable multivibrator) for detecting a change in state of the switch can be activated. Responsive to the detected change in state, the detector can issue a signal to a control device. Responsive to the signal, the controller can look to a resistive identification circuit and, based on its resistance, determine whether the component has just been inserted or removed from the docking station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the cost and time required for diagnosing and fixing electronic devices are provided. A host electronic device may be configured to generate a log of events that it experiences. A help component may access the generated log and analyze the log to detect if the host device has experienced a problem. Data may then be exchanged between the help component and the host device in order to fix the detected problem.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user's performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user's goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities.

Abstract: A reusable continuously sealing one-way valve assembly and delivery system flows a sterile flowable substance from a source to an outlet orifice and prevents any backflow of contaminants through the continuously sealing one way valve assembly when the flowable substance ceases to flow. The valve assembly includes an elastomeric membrane which aids in preventing any backflow of contaminants when dispensing of the flowable substance is stopped. Multiple dosing of preservative-free flowable substance is provided.

Abstract: An improved threaded connection, in which a first part having a female thread is threadably engageable with a second part having a male thread. The first and second parts have different strengths in at least the area of the thread turns, and the thread turns have cross-sectional areas that differs from the cross-sectional areas of gaps between the thread turns.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring brake performance, in particular, in motor vehicles, are provided. The braking distances specific to each vehicle wheel are determined and compared using an electronic control unit. If a wheel exhibits a longer than average braking distance, insufficient braking is identified and is displayed by means of a display device.

Abstract: A display system is provided for a trailer equipped with an electronic braking system (EBS) and/or an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A separate display device having a display is provided for indicating at least the mileage on the trailer vehicle. In order to reduce the amount of wiring required, a speed signal of at least one of the wheels of the trailer is looped through the EBS/ABS and is routed directly to the display device.

Abstract: Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain novel sulfonyl semicarbazides, carbonyl semicarbazides, semicarbazides, ureas and related compounds in therapeutically effective amounts are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compounds and methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also disclosed. In particular, the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as caused by hemorrhagic fever viruses is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to, Arenaviridae (Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, Sabia, Lassa, Tacaribe, Pinchinde, and VSV), Filoviridae (ebola and Marburg viruses), Flaviviridae (yellow fever, omsk hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur Forest disease viruses), and Bunyaviridae (Rift Valley fever).