Abstract: A pacifier weaning apparatus is provided that includes a shell or shell assembly providing a housing, and a nipple configured to protrude from the housing. The nipple includes a first end adapted to be held by the housing, and an opposing, sucking end adapted for insertion into a user's mouth. The nipple also defines a first chamber and an expandable, second chamber that are both open at the first end and extend in a direction from the first end to the sucking end, and the first chamber being open and the second chamber being closed at the sucking end. And the pacifier weaning apparatus includes an airflow-control component configured to regulate either or both a break pressure at or above which airflow through the first chamber is permitted, or a rate of airflow through the first chamber.

Abstract: A pacifier weaning apparatus is provided that includes a shell or shell assembly providing a housing, and a nipple configured to protrude from the housing. The nipple includes a first end adapted to be held by the housing, and an opposing, sucking end adapted for insertion into a user's mouth. The nipple also defines a first chamber and an expandable, second chamber that are both open at the first end and extend in a direction from the first end to the sucking end, and the first chamber being open and the second chamber being closed at the sucking end. And the pacifier weaning apparatus includes an airflow-control component configured to regulate either or both a break pressure at or above which airflow through the first chamber is permitted, or a rate of airflow through the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a housing, a display, a communication interface, a processor, and a plurality of detection components each of which is located proximate a respective face of the housing. At least two of the faces of the housing proximate to which two of the respective detection components are located are adjoining faces lying in planes that cut one another, the apparatus thereby supporting a two-dimensional arrangement of apparatuses. The apparatus and other apparatuses may be formed into an arranged group of apparatuses, and in such instances, the processor is configured to receive corresponding indications from the detection components, and data from the other apparatuses in the group via the communication interface. The processor is configured to calculate an output as a function of the number of apparatuses and their arrangement, and configured to communicate the calculated output via the display.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for discouraging a user from sucking on their thumb. The apparatus of one example includes a hollow vacuum-breaking device, a pair of straps extending from the vacuum-breaking device, and a retainer. The vacuum-breaking device is sized to permit insertion of the user's digit into the vacuum-breaking device so that its base is nearer to the base of the thumb, with its air passages preventing the user from establishing a sucking vacuum when the respective digit including the vacuum-breaking device is inserted into the user's mouth. The pair of straps defines a pair of holes, and the retainer is configured to extend through overlapping holes of the straps to thereby secure the straps together. The retainer defines an aperture for receiving a wristband securable to the user's wrist to secure the straps to the user's wrist, with the vacuum-breaking device thereby being securable to the user's hand.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a substrate and an affixed accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the substrate, and produce a signal representative of the measured acceleration. The apparatus also includes a light-emitting component capable of emitting multiple colors of light with variable luminosity, with the color and luminosity of light emitted by the light-emitting component defining a visual output produced by the light-emitting component. And the apparatus includes a processor coupled to the accelerometer and light-emitting component. The processor is configured to receive the signal from the accelerometer, calculate a visual output according to an algorithm as a function of the measured acceleration of the substrate, and cause the light-emitting component to produce the calculated visual output.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a substrate and an affixed accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the substrate, and produce a signal representative of the measured acceleration. The apparatus also includes a light-emitting component capable of emitting multiple colors of light with variable luminosity, with the color and luminosity of light emitted by the light-emitting component defining a visual output produced by the light-emitting component. And the apparatus includes a processor coupled to the accelerometer and light-emitting component. The processor is configured to receive the signal from the accelerometer, calculate a visual output according to an algorithm as a function of the measured acceleration of the substrate, and cause the light-emitting component to produce the calculated visual output.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a display, a communication interface, a processor, and a detection component configured to detect proximity of the apparatus with respect to one or more of the other apparatuses. The apparatus and other apparatuses may be formed into an arranged group of apparatuses, and in such instances, the processor is configured to receive corresponding indications from the detection component, and data from the other apparatuses in the group via the communication interface. The processor is configured to determine the number of apparatuses in the group, and the arrangement of one or more apparatuses in the group, including the arrangement of one or more other apparatuses not immediately adjacent the respective apparatus. The processor is also configured to calculate an output as a function of the number of apparatuses and arrangement, and configured to communicate the calculated output via the display.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a housing, a display, a communication interface, a processor, and a plurality of detection components each of which is located proximate a respective face of the housing. At least two of the faces of the housing proximate to which two of the respective detection components are located are adjoining faces lying in planes that cut one another, the apparatus thereby supporting a two-dimensional arrangement of apparatuses. The apparatus and other apparatuses may be formed into an arranged group of apparatuses, and in such instances, the processor is configured to receive corresponding indications from the detection components, and data from the other apparatuses in the group via the communication interface. The processor is configured to calculate an output as a function of the number of apparatuses and their arrangement, and configured to communicate the calculated output via the display.