Abstract: An environment-transforming system transforms a user's environmental information in ways that allow the user to better perceive her environment. For example, the system transforms some aspects of a visual scene into a sound space for a visually impaired user. Once the user learns to interpret the sound space, she avoids walking into an object because a sound cue tells her that the object is in her near environment and roughly where it is. Various types of transformations are possible depending upon the user's needs and preferences. As all people are different, each user has a personalized profile that directs the transformation process. More generally, the environment to be transformed may include aspects of artificial or enhanced reality. The transformed environmental information can be presented to the user in a number of ways, such as in haptic feedback, as directional audio, through oral stimulation, or through modified visual display.

Abstract: A tailsitter aircraft includes an airframe having first and second wings with first and second pylons extending therebetween, a thrust array attached to the airframe, payloads and payload saddle assemblies coupled to the pylons each configured to secure a respective payload. The thrust array includes propulsion assemblies configured to transition the airframe between a forward flight orientation for wing-borne lift and a VTOL orientation for thrust-borne lift. Each payload saddle assembly includes a latch assembly and a retainer configured to secure the respective payload against a respective pylon. A latch assembly is movable between various positions including an open position and a closed position and is configured to secure the respective payload in the closed position and release the respective payload in the open position. Each latch assembly is configured to move from the closed position to the open position to release the respective payload in the VTOL orientation.

Abstract: A device for capturing optical information configured for being installed in a recess of an exterior surface of a vehicle, comprising at least an imaging means configured for obtaining optical information of the surroundings of the vehicle. The imaging means are movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, wherein in the non-operating position the imaging means is able to be located in the recess of the vehicle. The device also comprises a protective cover configured for being able to cover the opening of the recess when the imaging means is in an operating position outside the recess.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of hair styling appliances having a multi-function actuator are provided herein. In general, the disclosed embodiments of hair styling appliances may include a multi-function actuator configured for adjusting settings of one or more hair appliance variables. In one embodiment, the multi-function actuator may include at least two separate actuators, which are assembled together on the hair styling appliance to look like one component, yet are configured to be actuated independently of one another. In one embodiment, the multi-function actuator may be ergonomically positioned on the hair styling appliance for easily accessible manipulation and actuation with the user's thumb. In one embodiment, the multi-function actuator may comprise a push button and dial combination. In one embodiment, the push button may be used to select temperature and/or time, and the dial may be used to adjust the temperature and/or time to a desired setting.

Abstract: A spare tire release device is provided for a motor vehicle. That spare tire release device includes a wheel cradle, a first slider mechanism to displace the wheel cradle in a first direction and a second slider mechanism to displace the wheel cradle in a second direction whereby the wheel cradle may be maneuvered for easy access to a spare tire and wheel held in the cradle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of transferring a 3D model displayed on a mobile device to a target device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of detecting at a mobile device a trigger operation for activating a model transfer application to transfer a 3D model, scanning by the mobile device a matrix barcode displayed at a target device, decoding a target identifier from the matrix barcode scan, initiating a distant transfer action using a remote server using the target identifier and a model identifier of the 3D model, and downloading from the remote server to the target device the 3D model files associated to the model identifier.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and assessing the language proficiency of a student with a web based interface package

Abstract: A hand held hair dryer is provided herein with a split nozzle having a first nozzle arm and a second nozzle arm arranged opposing the first nozzle arm, such that a slot region is formed between the first nozzle arm and the second nozzle arm. The first nozzle arm and the second nozzle arm each include a plurality of air vents, which are configured to direct air flow within the slot region simultaneously from multiple opposing directions. In some embodiments, the hair dryer is further provided with a moveable component, which is selectively configurable to direct the air flow within the slot region simultaneously from multiple opposing directions, or to redirect the air flow in a primarily forward direction out a front end of the split nozzle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of hair styling appliances having a multi-function actuator are provided herein. In general, the disclosed embodiments of hair styling appliances may include a multi-function actuator configured for adjusting settings of one or more hair appliance variables. In one embodiment, the multi-function actuator may include at least two separate actuators, which are assembled together on the hair styling appliance to look like one component, yet are configured to be actuated independently of one another. In one embodiment, the multi-function actuator may be ergonomically positioned on the hair styling appliance for easily accessible manipulation and actuation with the user's thumb. In one embodiment, the multi-function actuator may comprise a push button and dial combination. In one embodiment, the push button may be used to select temperature and/or time, and the dial may be used to adjust the temperature and/or time to a desired setting.

Abstract: A spare tire release device is provided for a motor vehicle. That spare tire release device includes a wheel cradle, a first slider mechanism to displace the wheel cradle in a first direction and a second slider mechanism to displace the wheel cradle in a second direction whereby the wheel cradle may be maneuvered for easy access to a spare tire and wheel held in the cradle.

Abstract: A device for capturing optical information configured for being installed in a recess of an exterior surface of a vehicle, comprising at least an imaging means configured for obtaining optical information of the surroundings of the vehicle. The imaging means are movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, wherein in the non-operating position the imaging means is able to be located in the recess of the vehicle. The device also comprises a protective cover configured for being able to cover the opening of the recess when the imaging means is in an operating position outside the recess.