Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is described that includes a curved diaphragm positioned between two electrically conductive plates. According to aspects, the curved diaphragm has an “S-shape” and is configured to electrostatically move between the conductive plates. In particular, the curved diaphragm may generally roll between the two conductive plates so as to move from left to right with respect to ends of the conductive plates and push air in a direction toward ends of the conductive plates, thus generating acoustic output. In some implementations, the configuration of the electrostatic speaker reduces a biasing voltage required for the conductive plates.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for mutually authenticating a pair of electronic devices. According to certain aspects, the electronic devices may connect to each other via an out-of-band communication channel. The electronic devices may each output audio signals and detect audio signals output by the other electronic devices. Based on timestamps associated with audio output and detection events, each of the electronic devices may calculate relevant time and distance parameters, and transmit the calculated parameters to the other electronic device via the out-of-band communication channel. The electronic devices may compare the calculated parameters to determine mutual authentication.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for devices for audio playback and configuring devices for audio playback. According to certain aspects, an electronic device is configured with an exterior casing that has a cutout area formed thereon. A vibrating panel is disposed within the cutout area and secured to the exterior casing such that the vibrating panel is substantially co-planar with the exterior casing. A transducer is disposed in proximity to the vibrating panel. When the transducer receives an audio signal, the transducer mechanically vibrates which causes the vibrating panel to actuate and produce audio output. The embodiments enable effective and efficient design and improve the user experience.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an improved peripheral speaker. The peripheral speaker includes an exterior casing enclosing one or more drivers. The exterior casing further has a channel formed therein such that the channel is sized to removably secure an electronic device. The exterior casing is equipped with a connector lead which partially defines the cavity and that connects the one or more drivers to a port of the electronic device. The one or more drivers output audio according to an audio signal transmitted from the electronic device via the connector lead.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for components configured for audio playback. According to certain aspects, a transducer includes dual voice coils disposed in a magnet section, whereby the magnet section generates an electromagnetic field that causes the dual voice coils to actuate in response to an applied audio signal. The transducer further includes a diaphragm coupled to the dual voice coils that actuates according to the dual voice coils and produces audio output. In some implementations, the transducer may be disposed within a cutout area of an electronic device, whereby the transducer is secured to the electronic device via a roll-surround suspension.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for devices for audio playback and configuring devices for audio playback. According to certain aspects, an electronic device is configured with an exterior casing that has a cutout area formed thereon. A vibrating panel is disposed within the cutout area and secured to the exterior casing such that the vibrating panel is substantially co-planar with the exterior casing. A transducer is disposed in proximity to the vibrating panel. When the transducer receives an audio signal, the transducer mechanically vibrates which causes the vibrating panel to actuate and produce audio output. The embodiments enable effective and efficient design and improve the user experience.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an improved peripheral speaker. The peripheral speaker includes an exterior casing enclosing one or more drivers. The exterior casing further has a channel formed therein such that the channel is sized to removably secure an electronic device. The exterior casing is equipped with a connector lead which partially defines the cavity and that connects the one or more drivers to a port of the electronic device. The one or more drivers output audio according to an audio signal transmitted from the electronic device via the connector lead.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for mutually authenticating a pair of electronic devices. According to certain aspects, the electronic devices may connect to each other via an out-of-band communication channel. The electronic devices may each output audio signals and detect audio signals output by the other electronic devices. Based on timestamps associated with audio output and detection events, each of the electronic devices may calculate relevant time and distance parameters, and transmit the calculated parameters to the other electronic device via the out-of-band communication channel. The electronic devices may compare the calculated parameters to determine mutual authentication.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) for implementing a flexible transducer for soft-tissue audio production. These techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) enable an audio-production device (102) having a flexible transducer (116, 402) conformed to a person's pinna to create audio within the person's external ear canal.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) for implementing a flexible transducer for soft-tissue audio production. These techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) enable an audio-production device (102) having a flexible transducer (116, 402) conformed to a person's pinna to create audio within the person's external ear canal.

Abstract: There is provided a method for promoting hygiene and reducing illness in a resident care location. The method collects data from a resident care location by testing common areas and personal areas within the resident care location, uses data specific to each resident, uses this data to develop tasks for the caregiver(s), measures and scores compliance with the tasks, and provides feedback for improved compliance with the tasks.

Abstract: A trusted third party payment system includes one or more network interfaces that communicate with a device to receive bill information about bills of a bill owner and to communicate with devices to receive bill helper payment instrument information and to communicate with systems operated by billers of the bill owner, and a central processing unit that uses the payment instrument information to pay the bills to the billers systems with funds of the bill helpers. The bill owner, the bill helpers, the billers and the trusted third party are all distinct entities. The system also receives bill helper contact information and electronically communicates to the bill helpers (e.g., email, text message, Facebook or Twitter message) that the bill owner has requested help paying the bills. For at least one of the bills, the CPU pays partial amounts of the bill with funds of each of multiple bill helpers.

Abstract: A computer system includes one or more network interfaces configured to, for each of a plurality of benefactors, send to an electronic device of the benefactor information specifying an item desired by a beneficiary, wherein the item is offered for sale by a merchant at a price. The interfaces are also configured to, for each of the plurality of benefactors, receive from the benefactor electronic device information specifying a portion of the item price the benefactor agrees to pay. The computer system also includes a central processing unit (CPU) configured to determine that a sum of the portions of the item price the plurality of benefactors agreed to pay has reached the item price and in response pay the merchant for the item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing and distributing a memorabilia object. A music recording object may be prepared that may have at least one printed indicia selected from the group consisting of a photograph, an autograph and a label color. The music recording object may be packaged in a container having at least one memorabilia object from a recording artist of the music recording object. A limited edition identification number may be placed on the music recording object. The container may be enclosed in a sealed package having the appearance of a standard music recording object. Multiple music recording objects and standard music recording objects may be simultaneously distributed for sale.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles are heat delivery vehicles capable of generating heat upon activation. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may be introduced into wet wipes such that, upon activation, the wet wipe solution is warmed resulting in a warm sensation on a user's skin. Any number of other active ingredients, such as cooling agents and biocides, can also be incorporated into a microencapsulated delivery vehicle.