Abstract: A method bilayer composite thin-film beam structure is described. The structure incorporates a bulk phase change material as small inclusions in one layer of a bimorph. The structure, also referred to as a “phase change composite bimorph” or “PCBM”, curls abruptly, and reversibly, at a phase transition temperature. Large curling and effective expansion coefficients are demonstrated. The PCBMs may be employed in various self-assembly mechanisms and actuators.

Abstract: A method bilayer composite thin-film beam structure is described. The structure incorporates a bulk phase change material as small inclusions in one layer of a bimorph. The structure, also referred to as a “phase change composite bimorph” or “PCBM”, curls abruptly, and reversibly, at a phase transition temperature. Large curling and effective expansion coefficients are demonstrated. The PCBMs may be employed in various self-assembly mechanisms and actuators.

Abstract: A bilayer composite thin-film beam structure is described. The structure incorporates a bulk phase change material as small inclusions in one layer of a bimorph. The structure, also referred to as a “phase change composite bimorph” or “PCBM”, curls abruptly, and reversibly, at a phase transition temperature. Large curling and effective expansion coefficients are demonstrated. The PCBMs may be employed in various self-assembly mechanisms and actuators.

Abstract: A bilayer composite thin-film beam structure is described. The structure incorporates a bulk phase change material as small inclusions in one layer of a bimorph. The structure, also referred to as a “phase change composite bimorph” or “PCBM”, curls abruptly, and reversibly, at a phase transition temperature. Large curling and effective expansion coefficients are demonstrated. The PCBMs may be employed in various self-assembly mechanisms and actuators.

Abstract: A music playing and listening apparatus comprising a headband having opposing ends, and having at least one hinge; at least two connectors, each of the connectors having at least two arms, a first arm being shorter than a second arm, the first and second arm forms an axis; and at least two speakers, each of the speakers having opposing sides and comprising an audio output element on a first side and a compartment on a second side, the first and second arms of each of the connectors being pivotally attached to a portion of each of the speakers to thereby allow rotation of the speakers about the axis, each of the audio output elements of each of the speakers generally face one another during a first music listening mode, each of the speakers being rotatable about the first and second arms of each of the connectors to thereby allow each of the audio output elements of each of the speakers to turn away from one another during a second music playing mode; the rotation of the speakers allowing for changes in modes;

Abstract: A headphone comprising: at least one speaker housing comprising at least a first surface with a first opening and a second surface with second opening; at least one resonator designed to cover at least a portion of the second opening of the second surface; at least one speaker, at least a portion of the speaker disposed within the speaker housing proximate to the first opening of the first surface of the speaker housing.

Abstract: An acoustic device configured for use with an audio source. The acoustic device includes a stem portion and multiple branches forming a cavity for passage of an audio signal when connected to an audio source. An array of multiple acoustic devices or nodes may be physically connected to form a tree-like structure for providing amplified sound in an aesthetically and tonally pleasing manner which fills its surrounding with sound. In view of the physical connectability of the individual nodes, an audio outputting device may be form which is easily modified, scaled, and/or re-configured to adjust its tonal properties and directionality.

Abstract: A headset apparatus including a headband having two end portions, each of the end portions comprising an angled hinge having two opposing ends. The apparatus further includes at least two speakers, each of the speakers rotatably attached to the two ends of the angled hinged to form two rotary joints, wherein rotation of the speaker about an axis of rotation between the two rotary joints transitions the apparatus between a first listening mode to a second listening mode.

Abstract: A headset including a headband having two end portions each coupled to a respective speaker housing. One or both of the end portions includes a cord connector or jack wherein an audio cord may be coupled. The cord connector is arranged on the headband in a manner such that movement a speaker housing coupled to the headband does not result in tangling of the audio cord.

Abstract: A headset apparatus including a speaker housing having an acoustic impedance and configured for conversion between a first listening mode and a second listening mode by rotation of the at least one speaker housing about an axle. The headset apparatus includes at least one vent configured to alter the acoustic impedance of the at least one speaker housing. The headset apparatus also includes a valve configured to open the at least one vent in the first listening mode and configured to close at least some portion of the at least one vent in the second listening mode.

Abstract: An acoustic device configured for use with an audio source. The acoustic device includes a stem portion and multiple branches forming a cavity for passage of an audio signal when connected to an audio source. An array of multiple acoustic devices or nodes may be physically connected to form a tree-like structure for providing amplified sound in an aesthetically and tonally pleasing manner which fills its surrounding with sound. In view of the physical connectability of the individual nodes, an audio outputting device may be form which is easily modified, scaled, and/or re-configured to adjust its tonal properties and directionality.

Abstract: An artificial flower and the associated method of its manufacture. To produce the artificial flower, two films of material are laminated. The films of material have markedly different coefficients of thermal expansion. The laminate is formed into a curve shape. Petals and leafs are cut from the laminate. The petals and leafs are cut at different orientations across the curved shape. Accordingly, various petals and leaves change shape in different manners in response to changes in temperature. The various petals and leafs are then formed into an artificial flower.

Abstract: A headphone comprising: at least one speaker housing comprising at least a first surface with a first opening and a second surface with second opening; at least one resonator designed to cover at least a portion of the second opening of the second surface; at least one speaker, at least a portion of the speaker disposed within the speaker housing proximate to the first opening of the first surface of the speaker housing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a music playing and listening apparatus comprising at least one speaker, at least one audio input receiver, at least one audio output interface at least one amplifier, and at least one power source.

Abstract: A music playing and listening apparatus including at least one speaker, the speaker having at least two listening modes, at least one mode switch, at least one amplifier, at least one power source, and at least one power diversion switch.

Abstract: A headset apparatus including a headband having two end portions, each of the end portions comprising an angled hinge having two opposing ends. The apparatus further includes at least two speakers, each of the speakers rotatably attached to the two ends of the angled hinged to form two rotary joints, wherein rotation of the speaker about an axis of rotation between the two rotary joints transitions the apparatus between a first listening mode to a second listening mode.

Abstract: A spinning horizontal axis wind turbine is disclosed. The blades of the wind turbine are configured to allow the blades to simultaneously rotate in a vertical axis and a horizontal axis when acted upon by an external force such as a wind current. The tip of each blade travels along a helical “figure 8” pattern as the blade rotates through a complete cycle, moving from nearly vertical to nearly horizontal in a complete cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite structure that changes shape as temperatures change. The composite structure utilizes a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is static and does not change shape by itself in response to changes in temperature. A supports structure is affixed to the flexible substrate. The support structure is made from bi-layer films that change shape in response to changes in temperature. The support structures are formed into complex shapes that are smaller than the flexible substrates they support. As a result, when the support structure are affixed to the flexible substrates, the support structures cause the flexible substrates to buckle, bend and twist as the support structures change shape with temperature. The support structures can be designed so as to cause the specific changes in the flexible substrate to as to mimic the natural blooming movements of a flower petal or leaf.

Abstract: A case for storing a storage medium device, such as a compact disc or digital video disc, wherein the storage medium itself is used to transition the case from an unlocked position to a locked position, and vice versa. The case includes a front cover having a pocket, wherein when the storage medium is loaded in the pocket, the storage medium may be accessed via a latch window provided in the front cover, and moved to transition the case between the locked and unlocked positions. The latch window also provides the user with visual access to the interior of the pocket to determine whether a storage medium is loaded therein.