Abstract: This invention relates to flexible structures (401) that respond to the application of an agent. Upon application of the agent, the flexible structure bends (402) in a predetermined fashion. The flexible structure is formed from a polymer liquid crystal that is orientated to define an upper surface layer and a lower surface layer having an essentially different molecule orientation, and the polymer liquid crystal is such that a length/width ration is changed upon application of the agent. Thereby, the upper and lower surface layers respond differently to the application of the agent, resulting in bending or un-bending of the flexible structure (401).

Abstract: A speaker having a transparent sound panel and an exciter connected to the transparent sound panel for converting electrical energy received by the exciter, into vibrations that are transmitted to the transparent sound panel, resulting in the transparent sound panel transmitting sound. The speaker also contains a stiff panel located between the exciter and the transparent sound panel, where the stiff panel minimizes dampening qualities associated with material utilized to fabricate the transparent sound panel and minimizes bending of the portion of the transparent sound panel that is in contact with the stiff panel. In addition, a dampening pad is located within the exciter for absorbing a portion of excessive mid-high frequency vibrations emanating from the exciter prior to transmission to the transparent sound panel.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position is disclosed. The foldable massaging bed cushion has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one or more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A massage base having a top surface contains at least one massage node base wherein the massage node base is motile in relation to the massage base. At least one massage node is mounted on each of the massage node bases and at least partially protrudes from the top surface. The massage node is mounted for rote movement in relation to the massage base. A motor, connected to the massage node base, engages the massage node in rote movement in relation to the massage base.

Abstract: A thin film is formed by depositing a wide bandgap semiconductor material on a substrate by oblique physical vapor deposition to form a thin film structure. The thin film structure is transparent, electrically conductive, and birefringent.

Abstract: A passive noise reduction apparatus has a headset with at least one ear cup attached to the headset, the ear cup having an ear side and a shell side. An inner shell, having a cup side and an outer side, is mounted to and substantially covers the shell side of the ear cup wherein the cup side of the inner shell faces the shell side of the ear cup. An outer shell, having an inner side and a distal side, is mounted to and substantially covers the inner shell, wherein the inner side of the outer shell is in substantially contiguous contact with the outer side of the inner shell.

Abstract: An audio system includes a housing which has at least one port, at least one speaker driver with a diaphragm located in the housing, a tube made of one or more thermally conductive materials and having at least two openings, and at least one electronic component which is thermally coupled to the tube. The tube is at least partially located in the housing with one of the openings of the tube at least adjacent to the port of the housing. Movement of the diaphragm helps move air into and out of the tube to dissipate heat.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: The massage device has a housing, which includes a massage head integral with the housing. The massage head has a first massaging surface. A heating element, integral with the housing, is positioned sufficiently proximate to the first massaging surface to raise a temperature of the first massaging surface above ambient temperature. The massage device also includes a massage head cover formed to engage the massage head, said massage head cover comprising a second massaging surface and a freezable material.

Abstract: A device and system for monitoring food is described. The food monitoring device has a temperature sensor and a temperature sensor base. The temperature sensor base has a transmitter and a microphone. The temperature sensor base is electrically coupled to the temperature sensor. A monitor having a speaker and a receiver communicates with the transmitter of the temperature sensor base. The transmitter of the temperature sensor base transmits a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and an audio signal produced by the microphone.