Abstract: A vessel includes a memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store a vessel identifier. The processor is configured to initiate a timer for a shelf life of a solution placed into the vessel. The processor is also configured to conduct a measurement of the solution using one or more sensors in the vessel. The processor is also configured to compare the measurement to a threshold for the solution. The processor is further configured to activate a solution indicator to indicate that the solution should be discarded responsive to a determination that the shelf life has expired or a determination that the measurement exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A protective cover for a portable electronic device includes a support with a support element that includes a slot bounded by a forward surface and an opposed rear surface. The forward surface and the opposed rear surface are planar surfaces oriented parallel to one another and spaced apart a distance that enables the slot to receive peripheral edges of any of a plurality of differently configured devices from different manufacturers and having different capabilities. The forward surface and the opposed rear surface are located a single fixed distance apart from one another, enabling the slot to self-support the plurality of differently configured devices from different manufacturers and having different capabilities. The protective cover may include a keyboard.

Abstract: A storage lock for a storage door, the lock comprising a lock housing for mounting to the storage door or a storage frame supporting the door; and a lock mechanism arranged within the lock housing, the lock mechanism comprising a latch selectively operable between a locked position in which the latch is extended to engage with the other of the storage door and storage frame to block against opening of the storage door, and an unlocked position in which the latch is retracted to disengage from the other of the storage door and storage frame to allow the storage door to be opened for access to storage, and a latch control system selectively operable between a restricted position to block against operation of the latch out from the locked position, and an unrestricted position to permit operation of the latch out from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A storage lock for a storage door, the lock comprising a lock housing for mounting to the storage door or a storage frame supporting the door; and a lock mechanism arranged within the lock housing, the lock mechanism comprising a latch selectively operable between a locked position in which the latch is extended to engage with the other of the storage door and storage frame to block against opening of the storage door, and an unlocked position in which the latch is retracted to disengage from the other of the storage door and storage frame to allow the storage door to be opened for access to storage, and a latch control system selectively operable between a restricted position to block against operation of the latch out from the locked position, and an unrestricted position to permit operation of the latch out from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A storage lock for a storage door, the lock comprising a lock housing for mounting to the storage door or a storage frame supporting the door; and a lock mechanism arranged within the lock housing, the lock mechanism comprising a latch selectively operable between a locked position in which the latch is extended to engage with the other of the storage door and storage frame to block against opening of the storage door, and an unlocked position in which the latch is retracted to disengage from the other of the storage door and storage frame to allow the storage door to be opened for access to storage, and a latch control system selectively operable between a restricted position to block against operation of the latch out from the locked position, and an unrestricted position to permit operation of the latch out from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided to protect a portable electronic device, including a display surface that includes a display screen. The protective cover may include a computing accessory such as a keyboard. One or more magnets in the protective cover may be configured to align with magnets located in the portable electronic device. Upon placing the protective cover over the display surface, an attraction force between magnets can secure the protective cover, including the computing accessory, over the display surface. The magnets may be located proximate edges of the protective cover a portable electronic device, and the attraction force may be the primary or only mechanism for securing the protective cover in place. Optionally, the attractive forces pass through the display surface without also passing through a side or peripheral surface of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A storage lock for a storage door, the lock comprising a lock housing for mounting to the storage door or a storage frame supporting the door; and a lock mechanism arranged within the lock housing, the lock mechanism comprising a latch selectively operable between a locked position in which the latch is extended to engage with the other of the storage door and storage frame to block against opening of the storage door, and an unlocked position in which the latch is retracted to disengage from the other of the storage door and storage frame to allow the storage door to be opened for access to storage, and a latch control system selectively operable between a restricted position to block against operation of the latch out from the locked position, and an unrestricted position to permit operation of the latch out from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A multi-speaker audio system is configured to provide flexible use of speakers in any number of different environments. The multi-speaker system may include a stationary speaker unit and a portable speaker unit. The portable speaker unit may be operated in conjunction with, or separate from, the stationary speaker unit. When connected or otherwise used with the stationary speaker unit, the portable speaker unit may receive audio signals and pass at least some of the signals and/or corresponding data to the stationary speaker unit for output. When disconnected from the stationary speaker unit, the portable speaker unit may receive audio signals and output sound accordingly. The stationary speaker unit may also be able to receive audio signals and pass at least some of the signals or corresponding audio data to the portable speaker unit or output the data itself.

Abstract: A computing system is provided with a portable electronic device, a computing accessory, and a multi-functional support accessory. The support accessory may provide a supportive configuration for supporting the portable electronic device in an upright, working position. The support accessory can also transition to a protective configuration for acting as a protective cover for the computing accessory. When the support accessory is in the protective configuration, the computing accessory can be inserted into, or otherwise protected thereby. When the support accessory is in the supportive position, the portable electronic device can be stabilized in an upright orientation by the support accessory.

Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone (e.g., a smart phone, etc.), a portable media player or a tablet computer, includes at least one game control element for use in playing a game on the portable electronic device. In addition to the game control element, the protective case may include a receptacle and a base, which may be part of the receptacle or operatively associated with the receptacle. The receptacle is configured to receive or otherwise carry the portable electronic device, and may be configured to protect the portable electronic device. The receptacle may be configured to move relative to the base in a manner that enables a user to select an orientation of a display of the portable electronic device relative to the at least one game control element.

Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone (e.g., a smart phone, etc.), a portable media player or a tablet computer, includes at least one game control element for use in playing a game on the portable electronic device. In addition to the game control element, the protective case may include a receptacle and a base, which may be part of the receptacle or operatively associated with the receptacle. The receptacle is configured to receive or otherwise carry the portable electronic device, and may be configured to protect the portable electronic device. The receptacle may be configured to move relative to the base in a manner that enables a user to select an orientation of a display of the portable electronic device relative to the at least one game control element.

Abstract: A reversible connection device to attach a cover to a tablet computer in two opposite configurations has a channel pivotally coupled to the cover to receive an edge of the tablet computer. The channel has a first magnet array to magnetically attach to a magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a first orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel. A tab is movably coupled in and carried by the channel and movable into the channel. The tab has a second reversed magnet array to magnetically attach to the magnet array of the edge of the tablet computer in a second reversed orientation of the tablet computer with respect to the cover and the channel. The second reversed magnet array has a reversed orientation with respect to the first magnet array of the channel.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided to protect a portable electronic device, including a display surface that includes a display screen. The protective cover may include a computing accessory such as a keyboard. One or more magnets in the protective cover may be configured to align with magnets located in the portable electronic device. Upon placing the protective cover over the display surface, an attraction force between magnets can secure the protective cover, including the computing accessory, over the display surface. The magnets may be located proximate edges of the protective cover a portable electronic device, and the attraction force may be the primary or only mechanism for securing the protective cover in place. Optionally, the attractive forces pass through the display surface without also passing through a side or peripheral surface of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A multi-speaker audio system is configured to provide flexible use of speakers in any number of different environments. The multi-speaker system may include a stationary speaker unit and a portable speaker unit. The portable speaker unit may be operated in conjunction with, or separate from, the stationary speaker unit. When connected or otherwise used with the stationary speaker unit, the portable speaker unit may receive audio signals and pass at least some of the signals and/or corresponding data to the stationary speaker unit for output. When disconnected from the stationary speaker unit, the portable speaker unit may receive audio signals and output sound accordingly. The stationary speaker unit may also be able to receive audio signals and pass at least some of the signals or corresponding audio data to the portable speaker unit or output the data itself.

Abstract: A system and apparatus providing protection and functionally for mobile devices by providing a protective cover, a variable angle stand, and a more convenient user input device.

Abstract: A hard protective cover is configured to protect the display, or screen, and optionally the housing of a mobile computing device while the mobile computing device is not in use. When positioned over the display of a mobile computing device, the hard protective cover may provide protection without substantially increasing the thickness or other dimensions of the mobile computing device. The hard protective cover may also be configured to orient the mobile computing device in a working orientation and, in some embodiments, may enhance or add to the functionality of the mobile computing device. Systems including assemblies of a protective cover and a mobile computing device and, optionally, external devices, are also disclosed, as are methods for using hard protective covers.