Abstract: A foldable computing device comprises a first frame rotatably coupled to a second frame. The second frame comprises a push-to-open mechanism comprising an actuator and a power switch located for actuation by the actuator. A detection mechanism detects a displaced position of the actuator that corresponds to releasing the foldable computing device from a closed configuration. Actuation of the power switch is detected and used with detection of the displaced position of the actuator to control an operating state of the computing device.

Abstract: A foldable computing device comprises a first frame rotatably coupled to a second frame. The second frame comprises a push-to-open mechanism comprising an actuator and a power switch located for actuation by the actuator. A detection mechanism detects a displaced position of the actuator that corresponds to releasing the foldable computing device from a closed configuration. Actuation of the power switch is detected and used with detection of the displaced position of the actuator to control an operating state of the computing device.

Abstract: An electronic stylus device includes a stylus tip element having a stylus tip end and an opposing end. The stylus tip element is positioned at an end of the electronic stylus device and aligned along the long center axis of the electronic stylus device. A nutation collar is positioned about the stylus tip element and the long center axis. The nutation collar provides one or more bearing surfaces around the stylus tip element between the stylus tip end and the opposing end of the stylus tip element. The one or more bearing surfaces permit the stylus tip element to nutate within the nutation collar. A deflection sensor is positioned proximate to the opposing end of the stylus tip element on the long center axis and detects lateral deflection of the opposing end of the stylus tip element relative to the long center axis of the electronic stylus device.

Abstract: Examples of the disclosure enable a stylus to include a plurality of portions configured to transmit synchronized signals. In some examples, the stylus includes a first portion configured to transmit a first signal in a first pattern, and a second portion configured to transmit a second signal in a second pattern different from the first pattern such that the second signal is distinguishable from the first signal. On receiving the first signal, a user device is configured to provide a first functionality and, on receiving the second signal, the user device is configured to provide a second functionality. Examples of the disclosure enable the stylus to include a plurality of portions configured to interact with a user device in an efficient and/or cost-effective manner.

Abstract: An electronic stylus device includes a stylus tip element having a stylus tip end and an opposing end. The stylus tip element is positioned at an end of the electronic stylus device and aligned along the long center axis of the electronic stylus device. A nutation collar is positioned about the stylus tip element and the long center axis. The nutation collar provides one or more bearing surfaces around the stylus tip element between the stylus tip end and the opposing end of the stylus tip element. The one or more bearing surfaces permit the stylus tip element to nutate within the nutation collar. A deflection sensor is positioned proximate to the opposing end of the stylus tip element on the long center axis and detects lateral deflection of the opposing end of the stylus tip element relative to the long center axis of the electronic stylus device.

Abstract: Techniques for a handheld input apparatus are described. Generally, a handheld input apparatus can be used to provide input to various types of devices. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes a strain sensor for determining different load forces on a tip of the apparatus. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes components for determining an angular and/or rotational orientation of the apparatus relative to an input surface. Based on the different determined forces and/or orientation information, input characteristics of a handheld input apparatus can be controlled.

Abstract: Techniques for a handheld input apparatus are described. Generally, a handheld input apparatus can be used to provide input to various types of devices. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes a strain sensor for determining different load forces on a tip of the apparatus. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes components for determining an angular and/or rotational orientation of the apparatus relative to an input surface. Based on the different determined forces and/or orientation information, input characteristics of a handheld input apparatus can be controlled.

Abstract: Techniques for a handheld input apparatus are described. Generally, a handheld input apparatus can be used to provide input to various types of devices. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes a strain sensor for determining different load forces on a tip of the apparatus. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes components for determining an angular and/or rotational orientation of the apparatus relative to an input surface. Based on the different determined forces and/or orientation information, input characteristics of a handheld input apparatus can be controlled.

Abstract: The described technology includes a fluid force sensor interface between a pressure sensor, such as a barometric pressure sensor disposed inside a sensor housing with an aperture, and a container with an interior cavity exposed to the ambient environmental fluid pressure. The interior cavity of the container may equalize with the pressure of the ambient fluid environment, and may cooperate with the aperture on the sensor housing to create at least a partial fluid seal. A force member may transmit an applied outside force to deform the container, and the interior cavity therein, to reduce the volume of the interior cavity and thus increase pressure inside the interior cavity. The fluid force sensor may measure the applied force by sensing an increase in pressure inside the interior cavity. After the outside applied force has been removed, the pressure inside the interior cavity may equalize with the ambient fluid pressure.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.

Abstract: Techniques for a handheld input apparatus are described. Generally, a handheld input apparatus can be used to provide input to various types of devices. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes a strain sensor for determining different load forces on a tip of the apparatus. According to various embodiments, a described handheld input apparatus includes components for determining an angular and/or rotational orientation of the apparatus relative to an input surface. Based on the different determined forces and/or orientation information, input characteristics of a handheld input apparatus can be controlled.

Abstract: Examples of the disclosure enable a stylus to include a plurality of portions configured to transmit synchronized signals. In some examples, the stylus includes a first portion configured to transmit a first signal in a first pattern, and a second portion configured to transmit a second signal in a second pattern different from the first pattern such that the second signal is distinguishable from the first signal. On receiving the first signal, a user device is configured to provide a first functionality and, on receiving the second signal, the user device is configured to provide a second functionality. Examples of the disclosure enable the stylus to include a plurality of portions configured to interact with a user device in an efficient and/or cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A shredder has a jam proof system with a thickness detector having a contact member which displaces as an article is inserted into the shredder and a resistance generating mechanism which provides a resistance force to the contact member, in response to its displacement. The greater the thickness of the article, the greater the resistance force realized. When a predetermined thickness is reached, there is a significant change in the resistance force. The resistance generating mechanism may include at least two spring mechanisms and provide feedback to the user that the inserted article may be too thick. In addition, the thickness detector may include a thickness sensor. The sensor may communicate with a controller to alert the user, and/or alter the operation of the shredder, in response to the thickness of the inserted article. For example, the controller may visually and/or audibly alert the user, or control shredder motor response.

Abstract: A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed).

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.

Abstract: A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed).

Abstract: A shredder includes a shredding mechanism and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations generated by the shredding mechanism. The shredder includes a controller configured to regulate operation of the shredder's motor in response to the detected vibrations. The controller may regulate operation of the shredder so as to keep the detected vibrations below a predetermined vibration level during operation of the shredder. The controller may modify operation of the shredder (e.g., turn the shredder off, conduct an autocorrect sequence, increase or decrease the shredder's speed, display an error message) in response to the detected vibrations having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency and/or amplitude within a predetermined range, a characteristic that indicates a material/paper jam or misfeed).

Abstract: A shredder having a feed passage configured to receive material to be shredded by the shredder. The shredder also has a thickness detector configured to measure the thickness of the material being fed through the feed passage. The thickness detector includes a contact member movable from a limiting position engaging one wall of the feed passage, away from the wall, against a biasing force acting on the contact member. A sensor is configured to measure varying displacement of the contact member from the limiting position. A controller is configured to zero the thickness detector at times during operation of the shredder when no material is being fed through the feed passage so that the thickness of the material being fed through the feed passage is measured with respect to a zero position of the thickness detector.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold.