Abstract: Electro-active multi-focal spectacles are disclosed. The spectacles have a stack of at least two electro-active regions. The electro-active regions produce a plurality of viewing correction zones. The spectacles also have a controller for independently activating the electro-active regions to produce viewing correction zones. An electro-active multi-focal spectacle having a blending zone is also disclosed. The blending zone provides a transition of optical power between viewing correction zones.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system with a modular protective structure for preventing damage to the display system due to its use in a floor environment. The modular protective structure may be configured to provide a distributed system of vertical supports to absorb and diffuse pressures and impacts on the floor display system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system with interactive features. The floor display system may be arranged in a public place, and be configured to display electronically modifiable arbitrary content, such as advertising or other informational content. The floor display system may be configured to detect an indication of the presence or activity of a person in the vicinity, and upon detecting the indication, perform a corresponding action in response, such as generating a predetermined display or audio output.

Abstract: A range finder device for use with a controller in an optical system is disclosed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The range finder device comprises a transmitter configured to produce a first beam of non-visible radiation for intersecting a perceived object, and a receiver configured to detect a second beam of non-visible radiation reflected from the perceived object, the controller configured to determine a viewing distance of the perceived object based on signals received from the transmitter and receiver. A method of controlling an optical lens system is also disclosed. The method comprises utilizing a range finder device to determine a viewing distance of an object perceived through an electro-active lens and adjusting a focal length of a first portion of the electro-active lens based on the viewing distance an optical lens system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to shoe-cleaning product comprising a first or top water-absorbing layer having a tacky top exposed surface. The water-absorbing layer is adjacent to a water-resistant layer. An apparatus for dispensing the shoe-cleaning material, and an apparatus comprising the shoe-cleaning material in combination with a floor covering, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-active lens that may include first and second electro-active cells, the cells being adjacent to each other and, when in a resting state, oriented orthogonal to each other to reduce birefringence.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: A mirror assembly including an active lens and a reflective surface. The mirror assembly may change its refractive index when a voltage is applied to the active lens, thereby changing the field of view in the lens. Exemplary applications include a blind spot system in a motor vehicle, in which, upon sensing another vehicle in a driver's blind spot, the mirror assembly changes the driver's field of view to include the blind spot. Additional applications include a magnifying mirror for shaving or applying cosmetics.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described.

Abstract: A system in accord with the present invention includes a first optical lens having a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and an outer perimeter, an electro-active refractive matrix; and a conductor coupled to the electro-active matrix. An alternative system in accord with the present invention includes a frame, the frame having a lens support and a temple region; an optical lens coupled to the lens support, the optical lens including an electro-active refractive matrix; a controller coupled to the electro-active refractive matrix; and a range finder coupled to the controller. The present invention also includes a method of assembling an optical lens system that comprises placing an electro-active refractive matrix into a cavity of a first optical lens; and covering at least a portion of the electro-active refractive matrix with a second optical lens.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may comprise a material with a dual chemistry such that the tacky surface is tacky both when dry and when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for altering the temperature of a surface of a body of water is disclosed. In an embodiment for the method of the invention, the method includes positioning a conduit below the surface of the body of water (i.e., underwater) substantially perpendicular to naturally occurring ocean currents, dispensing a substance from the conduit, and upwelling water to the surface. In another embodiment, the method includes positioning an upwelling system underwater, the upwelling system having a plurality of valves controllably releasing an upwelling substance, releasing the upwelling substance from a subset of the plurality of valves to upwell water to the surface. In an embodiment for the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes a conduit, disposed underwater, the conduit releasably containing an upwelling substance and including an input and a plurality of outputs.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.