Abstract: A diffuser element for use over a vent opening of a breathing assistance apparatus. In some configurations, the diffuser element is formed by knitting or weaving one or more threads together into an interlocking pattern. In some configurations, the diffuser pad has a first surface and an opposing second surface and at least the first surface includes a surface texture. Arrangements for coupling the diffuser element to a structure that defines or carries the vent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system may be configured to host a virtual space for access by users. The virtual space may be a game space in which users control one or more characters (or sets of characters) to achieve game objectives. The system may be configured such that the travel paths within the virtual world are determined dynamically. This may provide for travel which may have dynamic aspects at a lower cost than providing full interactivity between destinations.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring electrical devices such as luminaires, including ballast and/or battery powered lighting components, for variety of fault conditions from central location utilize monitoring unit that interfaces with host lighting fixture or luminaire to allow status of host to be remotely monitored. Monitoring unit can interface with host in fully galvanically isolated manner using current transformers allowing host lighting fixture to be monitored in the least intrusive manner. Monitoring unit can be seamlessly fitted to new luminaires or existing luminaires. Current transformer interface has minimal effect on host ballast functionality and operation. Monitoring system may include a plurality of monitoring units multi-dropped on a single field bus network or in a power line communication. Power for monitoring unit can be derived from field bus network or power line. Operating parameters and addressing information of monitoring unit may be configured via interface using laptop or PC.

Abstract: An asynchronous virtual environment may be provided to users in which synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between the users is enabled in spite of the asynchronous nature of the virtual environment. Synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between users may have an impact on gaining and/or retaining users in a virtual environment, such as a videogame or virtual space. For example, such cooperation between users may strengthen a sense of group, community, and/or camaraderie between cooperating users.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player-controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player-controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player-controlled characters other than the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory interface comprising multiple separate sections of material joined to form the headgear and different levels of resilient extensibility or stretchability in at least four different parts or straps of the headgear.

Abstract: An asynchronous virtual environment may be provided to users in which synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between the users is enabled in spite of the asynchronous nature of the virtual environment. Synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between users may have an impact on gaining and/or retaining users in a virtual environment, such as a videogame or virtual space. For example, such cooperation between users may strengthen a sense of group, community, and/or camaraderie between cooperating users.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player-controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player-controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player-controlled characters other than the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: Optional commitments may be provided to players within a videogame. The optional commitments commit players to perform and/or abstain from certain actions within the videogame. The players may be rewarded for accepting commitments. The players may be penalized for failing to fulfill commitments. This model for rewarding optional behaviors may provide an alternative for incenting actions within a videogame to conventional models in which players are rewarded and/or penalized only after attempting an activity or activities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for associating an entity with at least one search query. Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for identifying multiple queries associated with an entity and identifying one or more of the queries as an entity search query that provides desired search results for the entity. Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for identifying a particular entity and, in response to identifying the particular entity, identifying an entity search query corresponding to the particular entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for associating an entity with at least one search query. Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for identifying multiple queries associated with an entity and identifying one or more of the queries as an entity search query that provides desired search results for the entity. Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for identifying a particular entity and, in response to identifying the particular entity, identifying an entity search query corresponding to the particular entity.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a system controller having a location determination module configured to cause determination and/or reporting of the location of the HVAC system in response to a first run and/or initialization of the HVAC system. The location determination module may determine and/or report location information via global positioning system (GPS) capability, a service provider (SP), customized data provider (CDP), Internet sites, LAN, WAN, 3G, 4G, and/or any other type of network infrastructure to effect reporting of the location of the HVAC system. The system controller may select a climate-based operation parameter value for the HVAC system as a function of a geographic location of the HVAC system.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring electrical devices such as luminaires, including ballast and/or battery powered lighting components, for variety of fault conditions from central location utilize monitoring unit that interfaces with host lighting fixture or luminaire to allow status of host to be remotely monitored. Monitoring unit can interface with host in fully galvanically isolated manner using current transformers allowing host lighting fixture to be monitored in the least intrusive manner. Monitoring unit can be seamlessly fitted to new luminaires or existing luminaires. Current transformer interface has minimal effect on host ballast functionality and operation. Monitoring system may include a plurality of monitoring units multi-dropped on a single field bus network or in a power line communication. Power for monitoring unit can be derived from field bus network or power line. Operating parameters and addressing information of monitoring unit may be configured via interface using laptop or PC.

Abstract: A managed message, having a structured messaging element, may be sent to a plurality of devices. Detection that a recipient device has a wireless device capability with audible message presentation may be performed. The message data of the managed message may be transformed to be sent to the recipient device according to a wireless device capability specific file set into a format for audible presentation of the message data. A response aggregation message having a plurality of message statuses of the managed message may also be received.

Abstract: A pitch control system for a wind turbine is disclosed. The pitch control system may generally include a motor having an armature and a winding and a grid power source configured to supply electrical power to the motor. The pitch control system may also include a plurality of switching components configured to control a first current through the armature independent of a second current through the winding. In addition, the pitch control system may include an auxiliary switching component electrically coupled between the grid power source and at least a portion of the switching components. The auxiliary switching component may be configured to be opened when a grid voltage of the grid power source exceeds a first voltage threshold.

Abstract: Electronic devices involving contact structures, and related components, systems and methods associated therewith are described. The contact structures are particularly suitable for use in a variety of light-emitting devices, including LEDs.

Abstract: A virtual space is provided to users. In views of the virtual space, avatars represent users, including a first avatar representing a first user, engaging in the virtual space. Individual avatars are visually associated with an emblem in views of the virtual space. Systems and methods to enable the use of emblems present an emblem visually associated with a second avatar in a view of the first avatar to indicate a relationship between the first user and the second user.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player-controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player-controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player-controlled characters other than the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player.