Abstract: An illumination assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a lamp having a first light source; a first collimator adapted to receive light from the first light source; and an optical wedge, wherein the first collimator is positioned between the first light source and the optical wedge.

Abstract: A waveguide for controlled light distribution is described. The waveguide may include a body that longitudinally extends from a proximate end to a distal end. And the body may include a plurality of scattering flanges axially extending toward the proximate end on a first longitudinal side and a plurality of notches interposed between each of the plurality of scattering flanges.

Abstract: A clip unit and an edge mount light emitting diode (LED) assembly comprising a clip unit. The clip unit provides a mounting structure for mounting a light source, such as an LED, to an edge of a printed circuit board (PCB). A surface mount LED, for example, can thus be easily mounted to the edge of the PCB so as to project light in a direction normal to the edge surface of the PCB, instead of the typical mounting orientation that allows for the projection of light normal to the primary surface of the PCB. The clip unit includes an anode retention clip and a cathode retention clip which are electrically isolated from one another within an insulative housing portion.

Abstract: A clip unit and an edge mount light emitting diode (LED) assembly comprising a clip unit. The clip unit provides a mounting structure for mounting a light source, such as an LED, to an edge of a printed circuit board (PCB). A surface mount LED, for example, can thus be easily mounted to the edge of the PCB so as to project light in a direction normal to the edge surface of the PCB, instead of the typical mounting orientation that allows for the projection of light normal to the primary surface of the PCB. The clip unit includes an anode retention clip and a cathode retention clip which are electrically isolated from one another within an insulative housing portion.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a lamp having a first light source; a first collimator adapted to receive light from the first light source; and an optical wedge, wherein the first collimator is positioned between the first light source and the optical wedge.

Abstract: A waveguide for controlled light distribution is described. The waveguide may include a body that longitudinally extends from a proximate end to a distal end. And the body may include a plurality of scattering flanges axially extending toward the proximate end on a first longitudinal side and a plurality of notches interposed between each of the plurality of scattering flanges.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system includes a headlamp assembly having a light source and a beam pattern panel. The beam pattern panel includes one or more regions capable of changing between opaque and transparent light-transmission states to selectively allow light from the light source to pass through the panel. The panel may be an LCD panel with a plurality of liquid crystal elements arranged in an array with the ability to provide a plurality of different beam patterns. The beam pattern may be determined and changed in real time based on information received at a system processor about one or more vehicle and/or road conditions. The headlamp system can direct a projected light beam into a curve in the road ahead and/or automatically change the direction of the projected beam to avoid shining light directly at oncoming drivers.

Abstract: The invention features a two-piece holder which features an expandable opening sized to receive and support numerous size cigars. The opening features ridge cuts that aid in holding a cigar in its desired position. The handle of the holder affords the user the opportunity to smoke the body of the cigar to the fullest possible extent without burning the smoker's fingers.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing having an inner reflective surface with predetermined optics and an outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces extend between proximal and distal ends. A lens is attached to the distal end of the housing. The lens and the inner reflective surface bound an enclosed chamber of the assembly. The assembly further includes a heat sink subassembly. The subassembly includes a heat sink and an electronic module. The electronic module has PCB electronics and at least one LED coupled in electrical communication with one another. The subassembly is mounted to the proximal end of the housing externally from the enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system includes a headlamp assembly having a light source and a beam pattern panel. The beam pattern panel includes one or more regions capable of changing between opaque and transparent light-transmission states to selectively allow light from the light source to pass through the panel. The panel may be an LCD panel with a plurality of liquid crystal elements arranged in an array with the ability to provide a plurality of different beam patterns. The beam pattern may be determined and changed in real time based on information received at a system processor about one or more vehicle and/or road conditions. The headlamp system can direct a projected light beam into a curve in the road ahead and/or automatically change the direction of the projected beam to avoid shining light directly at oncoming drivers.

Abstract: The invention features a two-piece holder which features an expandable opening sized to receive and support numerous size cigars. The opening features ridge cuts that aid in holding a cigar in its desired position. The handle of the holder affords the user the opportunity to smoke the body of the cigar to the fullest possible extent without burning the smoker's fingers.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing having an inner reflective surface with predetermined optics and an outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces extend between proximal and distal ends. A lens is attached to the distal end of the housing. The lens and the inner reflective surface bound an enclosed chamber of the assembly. The assembly further includes a heat sink subassembly. The subassembly includes a heat sink and an electronic module. The electronic module has PCB electronics and at least one LED coupled in electrical communication with one another. The subassembly is mounted to the proximal end of the housing externally from the enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers.

Abstract: This variation of 5-card poker is played with a standard poker deck (52 cards), and uses the standard valuation of hands. During play, the players are playing both their own hand and a “party hand”. Improving one's hand, and, if applicable, wagering, requires exchanging cards from the hand one is playing with the party hand, with the restriction that the party hand must be improved using a standard poker ranking system. Both hands the public and the private will then split the pot.