Abstract: Embodiments provide for the manipulation of fabric items using a roller. A fabric item is engaged by a roller. Rotation of the roller while traversing the roller across the fabric item progressively lifts the fabric item onto the roller. In an example, the fabric item is held on the roller by applying a vacuum via the roller. In an example the roller is used to deposit one portion of the fabric item onto another portion of the fabric item in a joining process. In an example, the roller is used to deposit the fabric item onto another fabric item in a joining process.

Abstract: A device for providing a connection to electrical energy, the device includes an electrical outlet with at least one receptacle, a control circuit and functionality to generate one or more electrical pulses to indicate whether there is an insertion, or a lack of an insertion, into the at least one electrical receptacle. The device can be an in-wall electrical outlet and/or a power-cord based electrical outlet. The device includes a capacitive touch array comprising a plurality of capacitive touch buttons. The capacitive touch buttons control a plurality of function of the at least one receptacle, based on at least a user interaction with the plurality of capacitive touch buttons. The device may also monitor, display and/or transmit a plurality of electrical usage data related to a device powered by the electrical outlet. The functionality of the outlet may also be provided as part of a power cord coupled to a device and inserted into an electrical outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of a force sensing resistor (FSR) are disclosed. The FSR has one or more external conductive layers, applied to at least part of the contact surface of the FSR, so that when a conductive probe presses the FSR, initial zero-force contact with the FSR can be detected immediately. The external conductive layer or layers may be rigid sheet metal, flexible sheet metal, metallic-coated polymer, conductive polymer, conductive elastomer, or other conductive material. A lead or trace may be electrically coupled to the external conductive layer or layers to allow for ease of coupling to a circuit or circuit board.

Abstract: Embodiments of a force sensing resistor (FSR) are disclosed. The FSR has one or more external conductive layers, applied to at least part of the contact surface of the FSR, so that when a conductive probe presses the FSR, initial zero-force contact with the FSR can be detected immediately. The external conductive layer or layers may be rigid sheet metal, flexible sheet metal, metallic-coated polymer, conductive polymer, conductive elastomer, or other conductive material. A lead or trace may be electrically coupled to the external conductive layer or layers to allow for ease of coupling to a circuit or circuit board.

Abstract: The blue smoke control collector system is used for the collection of the blue haze which is actually comprised of tiny oil droplets that hover over hot asphaltic concrete mix. The system is designed to collect and filter the air generated at hot mix asphalt transfer points, asphaltic concrete silo loading areas and truck loading areas and to remove the oil therefrom. Oil captured in the system settles into a plenum and is then drained therefrom for suitable disposal. The filtered air can be released in to the atmosphere. An optional activated charcoal filter stage can be included to reduce odor in the released air.