Abstract: A lighted display assembly for an appliance includes interchangeable display screens. Multiple light sources flash, turn on and turn off to indicate a status of the appliance by illuminating a selected one of the display screens. A display grid extends between the light sources and the selected display screen and defines light passages that are each uniquely associated with a corresponding light source. Light emitted by each light source is confined to a discrete area of the display screen by the corresponding light passage. The discrete areas of the interchangeable display screens may include any of a variety of markings, for example, markings in a different language. The assemblies may be tailored to the needs of a particular customer by selecting an appropriate display screen.

Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.

Abstract: An item of print media (30) including an inductive secondary (50) for providing power to a load (32). The inductive secondary is responsive to an electromagnetic flux to generate a time-varying current or voltage therein. The current or voltage induced in the inductive secondary directly or indirectly powers the load to thereby enhance the functionality and/or the appeal of the item of print media without significantly adding to its cost. The load can provide a visual and/or auditory output, and can include an electroluminescent display, an e-ink display, a piezo speaker coil, an electrostatic speaker, an OLED, an LED or an LCD display. Embodiments of the invention can be utilized in connection with a wide variety of print media, including for example books, booklets, pamphlets, labels, magazines, manuals, brochures, maps, charts, posters, journals, newspapers or loose leaf pages.

Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: An inductively-heated applicator system including a heating module and applicator or applicator pen. The heating module includes a dock for seating the applicator. The heating module includes circuitry to selectively generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly provide energy to the applicator when it is positioned in the dock. The heating module may also include temperature control circuitry to at least one of monitor and control the temperature of the applicator. The applicator pen includes a heating element that may be heated through energy provided by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be directly inductively heated by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be a roller element that heats and applies the product. Alternatively, the applicator may include a secondary in which electrical power is induced when the electromagnetic field is present. In this alternative, the power may be applied to the heating element to produce resistive heat.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting ketohexokinase, for example, ketohexokinase-C (KHK-C) activity, may include a plant extract exhibiting at least IC50 (i.e., 50% KHK-C inhibition at a concentration in the range of from about 0.1 ?g/mL to about 1000 ?g/mL. The composition may be in a form suitable for oral ingestion. A method for inhibiting KHK-C activity in a subject may include administering a plant extract that exhibits at least 50% KHK-C inhibition at a concentration from about 0.1 ?g/mL to about 1000 ?g/mL. The administering may be done to treat or prevent at least one of sugar addiction, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. The administering may be done to provide a diminished craving in the subject from at least one member selected from the group consisting of craving of sugar, fructose, fructose-containing sugars, carbohydrates, and combinations thereof. The subject may be pre-diabetic, diabetic and or insulin resistant.

Abstract: A cosmetic treatment system is provided having ingredients that may prevent signs of aging, improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, and promote recovery from environmental stresses. The composition includes natural ingredients, including at least one ingredient or extract from rosemary; at least one ingredient or extract from Centella, Echinacea, Alpinia or mixtures thereof; a DNA repair enzyme; and at least one pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The treatment system may further include a patch for applying the cosmetic ingredients and/or a packaging system for holding the components of the cosmetic treatment system.

Abstract: A topical composition includes an alcohol-extracted Salvia hispanica seed extract in a glycol carrier in an amount effective for inhibiting melanin content in an individual. The extract may be extracted in a C1-C4 ethanol and re-suspended in a glycol carrier with one or more permeation enhancers. The topical composition may further include a Punica granatum extract. Methods for making and using the composition for whitening skin in an individual are also described.

Abstract: A wireless power receiver capable of receiving wireless power from close-coupled and mid-range wireless power supplies. The wireless power receiver includes a principal and supplemental receiver circuits. The principle receiver circuit is adjustable to operate in a close-coupled mode or a resonator mode. In close-coupled mode, the principle receiver circuit is coupled to the power input of a remote device and functions as the principle power source. In resonator-mode, the principle power circuit is electrically disconnected/isolated from the remote device and forms a closed resonant loop to function as a resonator that amplifies an electromagnetic field from a mid-range wireless power supply. The supplemental receiver circuit is coupled to the power input of the remote device and is configured to receive wireless power from the resonator and function as the power source when the principle receiver circuit is in the resonator mode.

Abstract: A wireless power system that may align a portable electronic device with an inductive wireless power supply. The induction coils used for transferring power wirelessly may be used as DC electromagnets to align the portable electronic device with the inductive wireless power supply. A DC current may be supplied to the primary coil and to the secondary coil to generate DC electromagnetic fields and attractive force between the primary and secondary coils. This attractive force may be used for alignment.

Abstract: A system and method for mitigating interference between two or more inductive systems. Interference can be mitigated by, in response to an interference causing event, temporarily adjusting operation of one or more of the inductive sub-systems to reduce interference. A controller can receives communication from multiple inductive systems and instruct the systems to operate so as to reduce interference. The inductive systems can coordinate to operate out of phase with respect to one another to reduce interference. Communication from a data transfer inductive system can be mimicked by another inductive system so that both systems transmit the communication. Interference between multiple inductive systems can be mitigated by specific physical positioning of the transmitters of the inductive sub-systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the identification, powering and control of products and product packaging. The systems can include a point of sale display having a contactless power supply. The contactless power supply can provide a source of wireless power for products and product packaging. The products and product packaging can include light emitting diodes, e-ink displays and printed speaker circuits that activate as the operating frequency of the contactless power supply varies. Other embodiments include product level sensors, inductive reader networks, printed temperature sensors, product alignment systems, passive identification circuits and methods for controlling operation of the same.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface.

Abstract: A detection method for use in a primary unit of an inductive power transfer system, the primary unit being operable to transmit power wirelessly by electromagnetic induction to at least one secondary unit of the system located in proximity to the primary unit and/or to a foreign object located in said proximity, the method comprising: driving the primary unit so that in a driven state the magnitude of an electrical drive signal supplied to one or more primary coils of the primary unit changes from a first value to a second value; assessing the effect of such driving on an electrical characteristic of the primary unit; and detecting in dependence upon the assessed effect the presence of a said secondary unit and/or a foreign object located in proximity to said primary unit.

Abstract: A heating and dispenser system including base unit and an applicator assembly. The applicator assembly may include an applicator tip, a dispensing module, and an applicator housing. The applicator assembly may be integral or separable, and may also house a heating module. Alternatively, the heating module may be separate from the applicator assembly. The system also includes a control system for heating and dispensing various products. The applicator assembly may be replaceable, interchangeable, or single-type for applying product to a surface. The applicator may also be constructed of materials that impact heat transfer or storage.

Abstract: Circuitry for use in a primary unit of an inductive power transfer system to generate an electromagnetic field so as to transfer power wirelessly by electromagnetic induction to one or more secondary units of the system, the or each secondary unit being separable from the primary unit, the circuitry comprising: a plurality of drivable portions, each portion comprising a primary coil or a dummy coil; driving means operable to supply both or at least two of said portions with drive signals so as to cause those driven portions that have a said primary coil to generate said electromagnetic field; and control means operable, in dependence upon a feedback signal indicative of a characteristic of the primary or dummy coil of one or more of the driven portions, to control the circuitry so as to tend to regulate said feedback signal, wherein the circuitry is configured so that; those portions that are driven are connected together in parallel and have a tuned resonant response; and said control tends to regulate such

Abstract: Circuitry for use in a primary unit of an inductive power transfer system to generate an electromagnetic field so as to transfer power wirelessly by electromagnetic induction to one or more secondary units of the system, the or each secondary unit being separable from the primary unit, the circuitry comprising: a plurality of drivable portions, each portion comprising a primary coil or a dummy coil; driving means operable to supply both or at least two of said portions with drive signals so as to cause those driven portions that have a said primary coil to generate said electromagnetic field; and control means operable, in dependence upon a feedback signal indicative of a characteristic of the primary or dummy coil of one or more of the driven portions, to control the circuitry so as to tend to regulate said feedback signal, wherein the circuitry is configured so that; those portions that are driven are connected together in parallel and have a tuned resonant response; and said control tends to regulate such

Abstract: A fluid flow director for use in a water treatment system is provided. The fluid flow director is defined by a plastic sheet made up of a plastic substrate with a protective coating. The plastic substrate has fasteners disposed along two parallel edges thereof and the protective coating is substantially opaque to UV light. The plastic sheet is configured to be helically rolled such that the fasteners align and sealingly mate to form a tube. The fasteners are sized, constructed, and arranged to sealingly mate to form a substantially water-tight seam therebetween. In one embodiment, the plastic substrate is polyethylene and the UV opaque coating is polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”).

Abstract: An inductive power transmitter for transmitting electrical power to a device by electromagnetic induction, the transmitter being configured to receive power conductively by way of a current via an electrical conduit from an external power source, the transmitter including a field generator configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a fundamental frequency; and at least one impedance element connected along an electrical path of the transmitter configured to carry said current, the impedance element or a combination of the impedance elements having a high enough impedance at the fundamental frequency such that, in use, electromagnetic noise experienced at the power source is substantially suppressed, such noise arising from coupling between the electromagnetic field and a circuit having said path and linking the power source to the transmitter.