Abstract: Various aspects include a speaker including: an acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a set of microphones for detecting a user voice command; and a controller coupled with the acoustic transducer and the set of microphones, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to detecting a power down command, switch the set of microphones from an active listening mode to a standby mode for a parking period, in response to detecting a power up command during the parking period, switch the set of microphones from the standby mode to the active listening mode after a first time period, and in response to detecting the power up command after expiration of the parking period switch the set of microphones from the standby mode to the active listening mode after a second time period that is greater than the first time period.

Abstract: Various aspects include a speaker including: an acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a set of microphones for detecting a user voice command; and a controller coupled with the acoustic transducer and the set of microphones, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to detecting a power down command, switch the set of microphones from an active listening mode to a standby mode for a parking period, in response to detecting a power up command during the parking period, switch the set of microphones from the standby mode to the active listening mode after a first time period, and in response to detecting the power up command after expiration of the parking period switch the set of microphones from the standby mode to the active listening mode after a second time period that is greater than the first time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bi-layer pre-oil valve assembly and method of making that may be attached to a receptacle that provides a fluid resistant seal but allows for the expulsion of air pressure from the interior of a receptacle. The valve assembly may include a base layer, an adhesive layer, a fluid layer, and a material layer. The fluid layer may be a low viscosity fluid that is applied during the manufacturing of the valve and incorporated into the layer of the valve. The base layer may include an aperture. The adhesive layer may be provided about a portion of the perimeter of the base layer to define a non-adhesive portion. The fluid layer is applied along a portion of the non-adhesive portion of the base layer to define a channel or path to facilitate the release of gas or fluid from the receptacle.

Abstract: A salient pole machine and method of forming the same comprising a rotating field assembly and at least one inter-pole cap connected to the rotating field assembly and/or at least end coil cap connected to the rotating field assembly. Each inter-pole cap preferably includes a top surface that has a curvature and/or at least one cavity. Each end coil cap may include at least one support. The salient pole machine may also include at least one fan assembly independent of the rotating field assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the salient pole machine includes at least one mounting plate, wherein each fan assembly is mounted on the mounting plate. The inter-pole caps and the end coil caps preferably comprise composites, polymers, alloys, ceramics, or naturally occurring materials.

Abstract: A salient pole machine and method of forming the same comprising a rotating field assembly and at least one inter-pole cap connected to the rotating field assembly and/or at least end coil cap connected to the rotating field assembly. Each inter-pole cap preferably includes a top surface that has a curvature and/or at least one cavity. Each end coil cap may include at least one support. The salient pole machine may also include at least one fan assembly independent of the rotating field assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the salient pole machine includes at least one mounting plate, wherein each fan assembly is mounted on the mounting plate. The inter-pole caps and the end coil caps preferably comprise composites, polymers, alloys, ceramics, or naturally occurring materials.

Abstract: A salient pole machine and method of forming the same comprising a rotating field assembly and at least one inter-pole cap connected to the rotating field assembly and/or at least end coil cap connected to the rotating field assembly. Each inter-pole cap preferably includes a top surface that has a curvature and/or at least one cavity. Each end coil cap may include at least one support. The salient pole machine may also include at least one fan assembly independent of the rotating field assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the salient pole machine includes at least one mounting plate, wherein each fan assembly is mounted on the mounting plate. The inter-pole caps and the end coil caps preferably comprise composites, polymers, alloys, ceramics, or naturally occurring materials.

Abstract: An identification band is formed from a soft flexible woven fabric, such as polyester or nylon. The identification band includes a front surface and a back surface. Patient specific indicia can be imprinted on selected areas of the front surface. The identification band initially is part of a laminated sheet that can be processed through a printing apparatus.

Abstract: A mailer includes first and second panels that are articulated to one another along a fold line. The fold line is configured to enable the first and second panels to be separated from one another. The first panel is formed from first and second sheets. Similarly, the second panel is formed from first and second sheets that are unitary respectively with the first and second sheets of the first panel. Adhesive-backed labels are formed on the first sheet of the first panel and can be separated from the second sheet. An envelope is formed by the first and second sheets of the second panel. The second panel may also include a return card that can be inserted into the envelope. The mailer can be printed with indicia specific to a targeted recipient.

Abstract: An envelope sheet assembly for securing into a brochure or binder includes multiple sheets overlying one another so that the assembly is of uniform thickness to facilitate printing thereon. The envelope sheet assembly is preferably 8½ inches by 11 inches in size, and the envelope is preferably 11 inches by 4½ inches. Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is employed to hold the sheets together and to form the envelope. The adhesive is also applied to the sealing flap, with a removable strip coated with a suitable release agent (i.e. silicone) protecting the adhesive coated flap. Perforations permit easy removal of the envelope from the assembly. The perforations can have a cut and tie pattern wherein the ties attach the envelope to the sheet assembly. The sheet assembly frames the envelope at all outside edges of the envelope or some of the outer edges of the sheet assembly can form outer edges of the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly which includes a display card-forming section and an identification card-forming section. The identification card-forming section includes a first backing sheet and contains an identification card backing region. Further included is a first adhesive layer, a first release layer joined to the first side of the backing sheet and to the first adhesive layer except at the identification card backing region where there is an opening in the first release layer, and a transparent lamination sheet. The transparent lamination sheet has a first side, joined to the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: A versatile method for the manufacturing of image transfer sheets which provide users with cold transferring images without using supplemental heat in the course of image transfer to a wide variety of substrates includes printing an image with water-based ink onto an image transfer sheet that has a coating of water-accepting adhesive. A method of manufacturing image transfer sheets includes first applying a water impermeable layer onto a flexible substrate. A layer of water-activatable adhesive is applied upon the water impermeable layer. The adhesive is then dried in a dryer with dehumidified air. A water permeable detack layer is then applied upon the layer of adhesive. In a particular embodiment, the sheet further includes a water-accepting image holding layer in between the water-accepting adhesive layer and the water impermeable layer. The image holding layer becomes water-resisting when heated to within a range of activation temperatures.

Abstract: Multi-layer sheet assemblies and methods for their use are disclosed, utilizing an indicia receivable label for media storage devices and associated inserts. These multi-layer sheet assemblies are provided with overall dimensions that facilitate easy feeding into and through printers, where desired indicia may be disposed onto the provided media storage label and associated insert. Software may be provided which contains templates to assist in the proper placement of indicia on the multi-layer sheet assemblies, including the label and the front and back of the insert. The assemblies provided may be configured for labeling various media storage devices, including CDs. A single multi-layer sheet assembly may include both a CD label and an insert for a CD jewel case, and both the label and insert may be printed all in one pass through a printer.

Abstract: An envelope sheet assembly for stand-alone use, or for securing into a brochure or binder, includes multiple sheets overlying one another so that the assembly is of uniform thickness to facilitate laser, offset, flexograph printing or the like thereon. The envelope sheet assembly is preferably 8½ inches by 11 inches in size, and the envelope is preferably 11 inches by 4½ inches. Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is employed to hold the sheets together and to form the envelope. The adhesive is also applied to the sealing flap, with a removable strip protecting the adhesive coated flap. The sheet assembly may frame the envelope at all outside edges of the envelope or some of the outer edges of the sheet assembly can form outer edges of the envelope.

Abstract: Multi-layer sheet assemblies and methods for their use are disclosed, utilizing an indicia receivable label for media storage devices and associated inserts. These multi-layer sheet assemblies are provided with overall dimensions that facilitate easy feeding into and through printers, where desired indicia may be disposed onto the provided media storage label and associated insert. Software may be provided which contains templates to assist in the proper placement of indicia on the multi-layer sheet assemblies, including the label and the front and back of the insert. The assemblies provided may be configured for labeling various media storage devices, including CDs. A single multi-layer sheet assembly may include both a CD label and an insert for a CD jewel case, and both the label and insert may be printed all in one pass through a printer.

Abstract: An envelope sheet assembly for securing into a brochure or binder includes multiple sheets overlying one another so that the assembly is of uniform thickness to facilitate printing thereon. The envelope sheet assembly is preferably 8½ inches by 11 inches in size, and the envelope is preferably 11 inches by 4½ inches. Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is employed to hold the sheets together and to form the envelope. The adhesive is also applied to the sealing flap, with a removable strip coated with a suitable release agent (i.e. silicone) protecting the adhesive coated flap. Perforations permit easy removal of the envelope from the assembly. The perforations can have a cut and tie pattern wherein the ties attach the envelope to the sheet assembly. The sheet assembly frames the envelope at all outside edges of the envelope or some of the outer edges of the sheet assembly can form outer edges of the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope sheet assembly for stand-alone use, or for securing into a brochure or binder, includes multiple sheets overlying one another so that the assembly is of uniform thickness to facilitate laser, offset, flexograph printing or the like thereon. The envelope sheet assembly is preferably 8½ inches by 11 inches in size, and the envelope is preferably 11 inches by 4½ inches. Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is employed to hold the sheets together and to form the envelope. The adhesive is also applied to the sealing flap, with a removable strip protecting the adhesive coated flap. The sheet assembly may frame the envelope at all outside edges of the envelope or some of the outer edges of the sheet assembly can form outer edges of the envelope.

Abstract: A carrier assembly includes a face sheet on the top and a base sheet on the bottom, respectively. The face sheet has an opening, and substantially filling the opening is an insert. Between the first sheet and the base sheet is a first discontinuous adhesive pattern bonding the face sheet to the base sheet, and between the insert and the base sheet is a second discontinuous adhesive pattern releaseably bonding the insert to the base sheet. The carrier assembly reliably passes through a high speed printer or copier for variable printing, and a user may remove the insert from the accompanying carrier for later use.

Abstract: A versatile method of cold transferring images without using supplemental heat in the course of image transfer to a wide variety of substrates includes printing an image with water-based ink onto an image transfer sheet that has a coating of water-accepting adhesive. The sheet is then applied to the substrate to transfer only the portions of the adhesive that bear the image onto the substrate, with the remainder of the adhesive remaining attached to the sheet. A method of manufacturing image transfer sheets includes first applying a water impermeable layer onto a flexible substrate. A layer of water-activatable adhesive is applied upon the water impermeable layer. The adhesive is then dried in a dryer with dehumidified air. A water permeable detack layer is then applied upon the layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A versatile method of cold transferring images without using supplemental heat in the course of image transfer to a wide variety of substrates includes printing an image with water-based ink onto an image transfer sheet that has a coating of water-accepting adhesive. The sheet is then applied to the substrate to transfer only the portions of the adhesive that bear the image onto the substrate, with the remainder of the adhesive remaining attached to the sheet. A method of manufacturing image transfer sheets includes first applying a water impermeable layer onto a flexible substrate. A layer of water-activatable adhesive is applied upon the water impermeable layer. The adhesive is then dried in a dryer with dehumidified air. A water permeable detack layer is then applied upon the layer of adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly which includes a display card-forming section and an identification card-forming section. The identification card-forming section includes a first backing sheet and contains an identification card backing region. Further included is a first adhesive layer, a first release layer joined to the first side of the backing sheet and to the first adhesive layer except at the identification card backing region where there is an opening in the first release layer, and a transparent lamination sheet. The transparent lamination sheet has a first side, joined to the first adhesive layer.