Abstract: A user engagement system and methods for operating the same to display notification messages are provided herein. The user engagement system may include a camera assembly, an image monitor, and a controller configured to initiate a message-display operation based on a signal received from a user device. The camera assembly may be mounted in a fixed position and directed away from a cabinet of a cooking appliance. The image monitor may be directed away from the cabinet.

Abstract: A method of operating a cooking appliance in coordinated communication with, for example, a remote server and a user device, is provided. The method may include receiving a recipe selection signal of a predetermined recipe at the remote server, and transmitting a recipe information signal to the cooking appliance based on the predetermined recipe. The method may further include receiving an appliance confirmation signal from the cooking appliance in response to a discrete recipe action of the predetermined recipe being performed at the cooking appliance subsequent to receiving the recipe selection signal. The method may still further include transmitting a determined status signal to the user device based on the received appliance confirmation signal.

Abstract: A method of connecting a household appliance to a secure network using a remote interface device includes discovering the appliance by receiving a short-range broadcast from the appliance. The short-range broadcast includes a unique identifier and a model number. The method also includes establishing an encrypted short-range radio connection between the appliance and the remote user interface device. The method further includes receiving a network credential for the secure network and transmitting the network credential to the appliance via the encrypted short-range radio connection. The method then includes connecting the appliance to the secure network using the received network credential.

Abstract: A user engagement system and methods for use thereof in an augmented reality context are provided herein. The user engagement system may include a camera assembly, an image monitor, and a controller. The camera assembly may be directed at a cooking zone. The image monitor may be directed at an area forward from the cooking zone. The controller may be in operative communication with the camera assembly and the image monitor. The controller may be configured to initiate a directed cooking operation. The directed cooking operation may include receiving a video signal of the cooking zone from the camera assembly, presenting a real-time feed of the cooking zone at the image monitor, overlaying a dynamic figure onto the real-time feed of the cooking zone at the image monitor, and animating the dynamic figure over the real-time feed based on a selected recipe.

Abstract: A method of connecting a household appliance to a secure network using a remote interface device includes discovering the appliance by receiving a short-range broadcast from the appliance. The short-range broadcast includes a unique identifier and a model number. The method also includes establishing an encrypted short-range radio connection between the appliance and the remote user interface device. The method further includes receiving a network credential for the secure network and transmitting the network credential to the appliance via the encrypted short-range radio connection. The method then includes connecting the appliance to the secure network using the received network credential.

Abstract: A method of operating an appliance includes receiving a user credential. The method also includes receiving a unique identifier associated with the appliance via a short-range radio signal. The method further includes detecting that a distance between the appliance and a remote user interface device is less than a distance threshold based on a received signal strength indicator of the short-range radio signal. The method also includes activating the appliance with a predetermined customized operating parameter. The predetermined customized operating parameter is based on the unique identifier associated with the appliance and the user credential.

Abstract: In vitro biomimetic models of the neonatal immune system are provided along with methods of using the models in pre-clinical assessment of infant immune cell-mediated and humoral responses to immunogenic stimulation, such as vaccination. The models include one comprising cord blood-derived T follicular helper cells and B cells, and one comprising cord blood-derived dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells. The models can be used, for example, to assess candidate vaccines via analysis of cellular responses to antigen and vaccine exposure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating appliance communication settings to compensate for temperature fluctuations are provided. In particular, an appliance that includes one or more data communication components that provide wireless communication functionality can monitor one or more characteristics describing data communication failures experienced by the one or more data communication components. When the monitored characteristics indicate that the appliance is experiencing an increased rate of communication failure, the appliance can log the temperature conditions at the data communication components. Periodically, the appliance can analyze the logged temperatures to identify one or more temperature ranges associated with increased communication failure. The appliance can then update one or more communication settings associated with such temperature ranges so as to compensate for anticipated temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced network identification are provided. One example method includes receiving, by a computing device, identification data for each of a plurality of networks. The identification data for each of the plurality of networks includes a service set identifier and a basic service set identifier. At least one of the plurality of networks is hosted by an appliance. The method includes comparing, by the computing device for each of the plurality of networks, the service set identifier to the basic service set identifier. The method includes determining, by the computing device for each of the plurality of networks, whether to attempt to connect to such network based at least in part on the comparison of the service set identifier to the basic service set identifier for such network.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates energy management systems and methodologies wherein control over local appliances is implemented to control stress on a local transformer to which a plurality of user locations may be connected. Some of the user locations are provided with home energy management (HEM) devices that control operation of certain appliance at their location based in part on constraints associated with the local transformer. The HEMs may negotiate among themselves how to meet the constraints of the local transformer and, in certain circumstances, take into consideration estimates of usage at user locations connected to the local transformer but that do not have their own HEM.

Abstract: A system for enabling a viewable personal area network (PAN) identification (ID) over an wireless network. The system includes a coordinator configured to assign a PAN ID to an available PAN, a device configured to transmit and/or receive data using 802.15.4 protocol or equivalent, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is programmed to receive a request from the device to scan for an available wireless network, receive the assigned PAN ID based on the request, determine whether the PAN ID is a viewable PAN ID, and provide the PAN ID based on the determination.

Abstract: A device configured in a unitary housing which includes a computing device with memory that stores energy information. A power supply and prongs attach to the power supply in the same unitary housing, wherein the prongs are configured to plug into a wall outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of an appliance and method utilize data keys to facilitate the exchange of data and information among devices as part of an energy management system. The data keys contain and/or encode information particular to the appliance. This information helps to distinguish data that originates from one appliance from data that originates from other appliances in the household. In one embodiment, the data keys are stored locally, either on devices (e.g., memory) incorporated into the appliance or on a communication device (e.g., a wireless radio) that can connect to the appliance to permit the exchange of inputs and outputs. Exemplary configuration of the appliance can sense the connection with the communication device and provide an input to the communication device to determine the data key that is associated with the appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating appliance communication settings to compensate for temperature fluctuations are provided. In particular, an appliance that includes one or more data communication components that provide wireless communication functionality can monitor one or more characteristics describing data communication failures experienced by the one or more data communication components. When the monitored characteristics indicate that the appliance is experiencing an increased rate of communication failure, the appliance can log the temperature conditions at the data communication components. Periodically, the appliance can analyze the logged temperatures to identify one or more temperature ranges associated with increased communication failure. The appliance can then update one or more communication settings associated with such temperature ranges so as to compensate for anticipated temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced network identification are provided. One example method includes receiving, by a computing device, identification data for each of a plurality of networks. The identification data for each of the plurality of networks includes a service set identifier and a basic service set identifier. At least one of the plurality of networks is hosted by an appliance. The method includes comparing, by the computing device for each of the plurality of networks, the service set identifier to the basic service set identifier. The method includes determining, by the computing device for each of the plurality of networks, whether to attempt to connect to such network based at least in part on the comparison of the service set identifier to the basic service set identifier for such network.

Abstract: Redox-active NPs are disclosed that can potentiate innate immunity and stimulate distinct adaptive responses, producing distinct T cell subset polarization outcomes. Nanomaterials that can alter the cellular redox environment through ROS modulation can impact human immunology. TiO2 nanoparticles potentiate DC maturation, inducing the secretion of IL-12, p70, and IL-1B, while treatment with CeO2 nanoparticles induces IL-10, a hallmark of suppression. When delivered to T cells, the materials direct distinct TH polarization, where TiO2 stimulates largely a TH1 dominated response, whereas CeO2 stimulates a TH2 bias and TReg differentiation.

Abstract: In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of controlling an appliance is provided comprising establishing settings on an appliance related to threshold variables, wherein the settings include the threshold variables for determining a reaction of the appliance in response to reaching one or more of the threshold variables. The method further comprises sending a signal from an associated utility to the appliance, wherein the appliance includes a controller in signal communication with the associated utility. The controller receives and processes a signal from the associated utility, and converts and compares the signal to the threshold variables. The method still further comprises changing the operating of the appliance from a first state of operation to a second state of operation, wherein in the second state of operation one or more power consuming functions of the appliance are based on the comparison of the signal to the threshold variables and, returning the appliance to the first state of operation.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: An energy data management control system is configured to allow a user to control operation of the data management among a plurality of modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.