Abstract: A decentralized load shedding device turns off a load in response to determining that an electric grid is approaching its maximum operating point. By turning off the load, demand on the electric grid is minimized thereby reducing the likelihood of blackouts. The device may be coupled to the load or may be incorporated into the load in one embodiment.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating a request for technical assistance for a device (100) having a configurable memory (104), but no physical external user interface. The system includes a personal controller (10) for use in wirelessly extracting data from the configurable memory of the device and communicating the extracted data to a remote location to update a record having manufacturing information relating to the device.

Abstract: A PCIe Fabric that includes an IO tier switch, hub tier switches, and a target device connected to one of the hub tier switches. The IO tier switch is configured to receive a TLP from a client, make a determination that an address in the TLP is not associated with any multicast address range in the first IO tier switch and is not associated with any downstream port in the first IO tier switch, and, based on the determinations, route the TLP to the first hub tier switch via a upstream port on the IO tier switch. The hub tier switch is configured to make a determination that the TLP is associated with a multicast group, and, based on the determination, generate a rewritten TLP and route the rewritten TLP to a target device via a downstream port on the hub tier switch.

Abstract: A blister package is defined for retaining product. The package is formed from a receptacle substrate having a planer sealing flange and at least one receptacle hollow for retaining product therein. A top layer is provided, covering the receptacle hollow with a portion overlapping and sealed to the sealing flange. A score pattern is formed in the top layer for promoting propagation of a tear upon forcing product from receptacle hollow against the top layer. The score pattern is defined by a plurality of rows of parallel straight lines aligned with the receptacle hollow. In addition, a plurality of spaced curved or bowed score lines are provided. The curved or bowed score lines transversely intersect the rows of straight lines above the receptacle hollow.

Abstract: A PCIe Fabric that includes an IO tier switch, hub tier switches, and a target device connected to one of the hub tier switches. The IO tier switch is configured to receive a TLP from a client, make a determination that an address in the TLP is not associated with any multicast address range in the first IO tier switch and is not associated with any downstream port in the first IO tier switch, and, based on the determinations, route the TLP to the first hub tier switch via a upstream port on the IO tier switch. The hub tier switch is configured to make a determination that the TLP is associated with a multicast group, and, based on the determination, generate a rewritten TLP and route the rewritten TLP to a target device via a downstream port on the hub tier switch.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a host apparatus (300) through a wireless link with a personal controller (10). The device includes a wireless communications module (202) configured to communicate with personal controller (10) via a peer-to-peer communications standard. The device connects to host apparatus (300) via a plug and receptacle interface (206) which includes power and signal pins. The device simulates an actuation signal using a reed relay (216) to cause host apparatus (300) to perform a function.

Abstract: A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person.

Abstract: A device and method for remotely controlling the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus or system. The device (200) includes a wireless communications control module (202) configured for peer-to-peer communications, a microcontroller (208), and a sensor module (206) configured to detect at least one of light or proximity. The electrical supply is varied based on a command received through the wireless communications control module that may include specifying a threshold where data received from the sensor module that matches a predetermined threshold triggers a variance in the electrical supply.

Abstract: A digital playback device and a method and apparatus for modifying a digital audio signal. The method includes allowing a user to select a digital audio track and modifying the digital audio track with a predetermined spectral modification signal to create a spectrally modified digital audio track. The spectrally modified digital audio track can then be retrieved by a user to a digital playback device.

Abstract: A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The power control unit is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct.

Abstract: A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The power control unit is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct.

Abstract: A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The power control unit is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a simulated roof vertical ventilation training apparatus configured to be pivotably attached to a simulated roof. In some examples, the vertical ventilation training apparatus includes a frame pivotably mounted to an exposed rafter of the simulated roof. The frame is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The edges of the frame are configured to engage with at least one disposable support member to maintain the frame in a closed position. The disposable support member is configured to be cut by a user with a hand tool to allow pivot of the frame into the open position.

Abstract: A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a peer-to-peer wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The communications link may be established using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth communications technology.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes connecting, by an electronic device, to a network and transmitting, by the electronic device, at least one communication to the network. The method also includes identifying, by a processor of the electronic device, at least one communication parameter of the at least one communication and determining, by the processor of the electronic device, a first disconnect time as which to disconnect from the network based on the at least one communication parameter identified by the processor. The method further includes disconnecting from the network at the first disconnect time.

Abstract: A blister package is formed for retaining individual products. The package includes a receptacle substrate having a sealing flange and at least one receiving cell formed to retain product therein. A polymer top layer covers the cell and a portion thereof is sealed to the sealing flange. A score pattern is formed in at least one surface of the top layer and overlapping the cell. The score pattern is defined by a first plurality of score lines formed in a repeating pattern and a second plurality of score lines formed in a repeating pattern. The first and second plurality of rows overlap one another to define a plurality of intersections, with the overall score line pattern having a total linear length of the score lines per cell of at least 5 inches and a total number of score line intersections per cell of at least 10.

Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate formed by an outer structure joined to an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to form a flap that is lifted to open the package. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate. The outer score line includes at least one tab having one end integrally joined to an outer edge of the flap and an opposite end anchored to a portion of the outer structure spaced from the outer edge, the tab being torn through upon initial creation of the opening through the flexible packaging laminate.

Abstract: A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person.

Abstract: A package supports and dispenses one or more longitudinally stacked product pieces (18). The package includes a sheet positioned around the stacked product pieces. The sheet includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced weakened locations (120) extending transversely thereabout. The weakened locations include a pair of weakened extents (125) which are closely longitudinally spaced. Each weakened location defines a severable location for the sheet to permit dispensing of the product from the package.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes connecting, by an electronic device, to a network and transmitting, by the electronic device, at least one communication to the network. The method also includes identifying, by a processor of the electronic device, at least one communication parameter of the at least one communication and determining, by the processor of the electronic device, a first disconnect time as which to disconnect from the network based on the at least one communication parameter identified by the processor. The method further includes disconnecting from the network at the first disconnect time.