Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation of lower-frequency tactile energy (e.g., vibration) of a vehicle system based on audio signals. In one example, a method may include acquiring an audio signal from an audio system, generating a motor input command, and applying the motor input command to at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor to create a resultant vibrational force.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which a user performs breathing exercises with breathing apparatuses. The breathing apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The valve mechanism of the breathing apparatus may be configured to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater than a threshold pressure. The breathing apparatus may be configured such that the threshold pressure of the valve mechanism is modifiable.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which a user performs breathing exercises with breathing exercise systems. The breathing exercise systems may include at least two different breathing apparatuses. Each breathing apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The valve mechanism of each breathing apparatus may be configured to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater than a threshold pressure. Each breathing apparatus may be configured such that the threshold pressure of the valve mechanism is modifiable. The at least two breathing apparatuses may define a combined housing.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which a user performs breathing exercises with breathing apparatuses. The apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with an airflow resistance mechanism. The breathing apparatus may further include a chromogenic material, membrane, visual signal, airflow meter, acoustic device, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the airflow or airflow rate is greater than a threshold airflow or threshold airflow rate, respectively. The breathing apparatus may be configured such that the airflow resistance mechanism is modifiable. The airflow resistance mechanism may provide a constant or variable airflow resistance during the performance of the exercise.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is disclosed that may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The breathing apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, with or without a valve mechanism, to respond when the pressure within the member is greater than the threshold pressure. The valve mechanism of the breathing apparatus may be configured to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater than a threshold pressure. The breathing apparatus may be configured such that the threshold pressure of the valve mechanism is adjustable or to permit substitution of the valve mechanism. A breathing exercise system may include at least two breathing exercise apparatuses.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed in which a user performs head and neck exercises with head and neck exercise apparatuses. The head and neck exercise apparatus may include a moveable element that is displaced by tongue movement to a predetermined distance or with a predetermined force. The moveable element or another component of the head and neck exercise apparatus may be configured to generate audible, visible, or vibratory feedback. The head and neck exercise apparatus may be configured such that the moveable element is modifiable.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generation of lower-frequency tactile energy (e.g., vibration) of a vehicle system based on audio signals. In one example, a method may include acquiring an audio signal from an audio system, generating a motor input command, and applying the motor input command to at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor to create a resultant vibrational force.

Abstract: Shelters for enhancing the growth of trees by protecting tree trunks from damaging sunlight. The shelters include a longitudinal tubular structure having a top edge and a bottom edge. The shelters includes a conduit extending from the top edge to the bottom edge of the shelter. The longitudinal tubular structure may be formed from a polymeric material including a pigment selected to block at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation. The polymeric material including the pigment blocks at least about 30% of electromagnetic radiation at any wavelength from about 200 nm to about 2500 nm.

Abstract: A method may be used to monitor the health of a belt in an elevator system. The belt may include first and second terminal ends, a plurality of conductive load carrier strands that extend between the first and second terminal ends, and a polymer material surrounding the strands. A measuring connection point may be located between a pair of adjacent carrier strands at each terminal end of the belt. The method may involve electrically connecting a measuring apparatus between the pair of strands at the measuring connection point at each terminal end and measuring an electrical characteristic at each connection point between at least one pair of strands. The electrical characteristic measured over the complete width of the belt gives a complete overview of the health of the belt, as a change in the measured electrical characteristic over time will be indicative of damage within one or more strands.

Abstract: Shelters for enhancing the growth of trees by protecting tree trunks from damaging sunlight. The shelters include a longitudinal tubular structure having a top edge and a bottom edge. The shelters includes a conduit extending from the top edge to the bottom edge of the shelter. The longitudinal tubular structure may be formed from a polymeric material including a pigment selected to block at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation. The polymeric material including the pigment blocks at least about 30% of electromagnetic radiation at any wavelength from about 200 nm to about 2500 nm.

Abstract: A scuff plate for a vehicle includes a sloped front side in physical contact with a cargo-area floor panel. The cargo-area floor panel can have a slope angle greater than zero in a downward direction and the sloped front side can have a ramp angle at least equal to the slope angle in an upward direction.

Abstract: A scuff plate for a vehicle includes a sloped front side in physical contact with a cargo-area floor panel. The cargo-area floor panel can have a slope angle greater than zero in a downward direction and the sloped front side can have a ramp angle at least equal to the slope angle in an upward direction.

Abstract: A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

Abstract: A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

Abstract: A shifter interface is provided that includes a user interface panel. The shifter interface also includes a plurality of proximity sensors arranged to provide proximity switches on the panel, wherein the proximity switches form fixed input keys that are selectable by a user to enter an operating mode of the vehicle. The shifter interface further includes a controller processing signals generated by the proximity sensors to detect activation of one or more of the proximity sensors.

Abstract: Shelters for protecting and enhancing the growth of plants reinforced by receiving a retaining structure are provided. The shelters include an outer longitudinal tubular structure having a first-outer-longitudinal-tubular-structure end and a second-outer-longitudinal-tubular-structure end diametrically opposed to the first-outer-longitudinal-tubular-structure end; an inner longitudinal tubular structure positioned within the outer longitudinal tubular structure and having an inner wall, a first-inner-longitudinal-tubular-structure end, and a second-inner-longitudinal-tubular-structure end diametrically opposed to the first-inner-longitudinal-tubular-structure end; and a segmented annular portion positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall. The segmented annular portion may comprise a plurality of segmented annular divider walls defining a plurality of through channels extending from the first-outer-longitudinal-tubular-structure end to the second-outer-longitudinal-tubular-structure end.

Abstract: A universal transmitter capable of transmitting a plurality of signals at a plurality of different modulations and frequencies which provides a simplified programming setup so that multiple signal configurations (including code format, modulation format and frequency) can be programed quickly and easily. The transmitter comprises a signal configuration input which an operator can use to select a desired signal configuration for transmission, a controller for interpreting the selected signal configuration, storing it to memory, retrieving it when the appropriate user input is depressed, and outputting it to a transmitter circuit capable of transmitting the selected signal configuration received from the controller at a predetermined modulation and frequency, and at least one user input for actuating the transmitter and identifying to the controller what signal configuration is to be transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: A universal transmitter capable of transmitting a plurality of signals at a plurality of different modulations and frequencies which provides a simplified programming setup so that multiple signal configurations (including code format, modulation format and frequency) can be programmed quickly and easily. The transmitter comprises a signal configuration input which an operator can use to select a desired signal configuration for transmission, a controller for interpreting the selected signal configuration, storing it to memory, retrieving it when the appropriate user input is depressed, and outputting it to a transmitter circuit capable of transmitting the selected signal configuration received from the controller at a predetermined modulation and frequency, and at least one user input for actuating the transmitter and identifying to the controller what signal configuration is to be transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for providing a thread messaging system for communications between users of thread client computing devices. The thread messaging system provides significant benefits over existing prior art messaging systems such as email, IM, chat and bulletin boards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for customizing the sound emitted from an automotive vehicle during operation. Specifically, the vehicle operator uses a controller to vary the sound emitted from the engine exhaust and intake or engine compartment sounds during vehicle operation. In addition, the operator can control the sound level, sound type and sound aspect in the vehicle interior or passenger compartment and the vehicle exterior. Further, the apparatus uses an active sound control system, such as those using microphones and speakers, to customize and/or tune the sound emanating from the vehicle.