Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises a barrel having a substantially cylindrical configuration. The barrel comprises an exterior surface and defines an interior volume. A base unit comprises a drive motor being configured to rotate the barrel by interfacing with the exterior surface of the barrel. The barrel comprises a thermoelectric heat pump attached thereto and being controllable for at least one of transferring heat out of the interior volume and transferring heat into the interior volume.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises a barrel having a substantially cylindrical configuration. The barrel comprises an exterior surface and defines an interior volume. A base unit comprises a drive motor being configured to rotate the barrel by interfacing with the exterior surface of the barrel. The barrel comprises a thermoelectric heat pump attached thereto and being controllable for at least one of transferring heat out of the interior volume and transferring heat into the interior volume.

Abstract: A pedal system for a vehicle is disclosed. The pedal system includes an accelerator pedal, a sensor, a sensor detection circuit, and a controller. The pedal has a footpad, and the pedal moves in response to user actuation of the footpad. The sensor, which is coupled to or integrated into the footpad, has a first state when the footpad is actuated and a second state when the footpad is not actuated. The sensor is independent of and distinct from any physical position sensors of the pedal. The detection circuit, which is electrically coupled to the sensor, can distinguish between the first state and the second state. The controller, which is coupled to the sensor detection circuit, controls operation of the vehicle in a manner that is influenced by the first state or the second state.

Abstract: A pedal system for a vehicle is disclosed. The pedal system includes an accelerator pedal, a sensor, a sensor detection circuit, and a controller. The pedal has a footpad, and the pedal moves in response to user actuation of the footpad. The sensor, which is coupled to or integrated into the footpad, has a first state when the footpad is actuated and a second state when the footpad is not actuated. The sensor is independent of and distinct from any physical position sensors of the pedal. The detection circuit, which is electrically coupled to the sensor, can distinguish between the first state and the second state. The controller, which is coupled to the sensor detection circuit, controls operation of the vehicle in a manner that is influenced by the first state or the second state.