Abstract: A novel herbal vaporization device (HVD) and method is disclosed. The HVD includes a recharging unit for storing therein of a vaporization unit having a heating chamber disposed at a first end thereof for receiving of loose leaf herbal material and for providing of heat thereto, the vaporization unit comprising a second end disposed opposite the first end with a fluid pathway between the two ends. In a first mode of operation the vaporization unit is for being recharged from the recharging unit and in a second mode of operation the vaporization unit is for use in vaporizing of loose leaf herbal material inserted into the heating chamber for having at least partially vaporized loose leaf herbal material and ambient air to flow through the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A toy remote controller and recharger (TRCR) for remote controlling and for use in recharging a toy item is disclosed. The TRCR is operable in two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the TRCR is used for controlling a playflow of the toy item through transmitting a playflow control wireless signal from a wireless transmitter in response to input from a user. In a second mode of operation, the TRCR is used for recharging the toy item by electrical power provided from a USB port when a toy charging connector is coupled with the toy item. Optionally, embodiments of the invention also allow for the TRCR to control the playflow of the toy item when the TRCR is coupled with the USB port for receiving a playflow control data from the USB port, and the toy item is uncoupled from the toy charging connector.

Abstract: A novel sensual consumer product is disclosed, this sensual consumer product utilizes a play flow control apparatus for receiving a user input for varying the play flow control signal for at least one of varying a mode of operation of a control circuit and the rotational speed of an electric motor. Rotating of the electric motor spins a weight and causes the sensual consumer product to vibrate. These vibrations are related to how the user mechanically interacts with play flow control apparatus, through touching or deforming of the sensual consumer product.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide for a toy vehicle having a smoking tire function where during play of the toy vehicle the simulated smoke gives the toy vehicle an appearance of the toy vehicle performing a burnout, such as that which is seen as being performed by high horse powered drift cars, where the simulated smoke is generated by heating of a smoke fluid or through a water fogger. In either case the simulated smoke is released proximate the at least a wheel thereof to give the toy vehicle an appearance of having smoking tires.

Abstract: A novel aesthetic device is disclosed for providing of electrical power to external electronic devices. The aesthetic device is formed from an elongated band having a first end and a second end at opposites ends thereof and an engagement mechanism disposed proximate the second end of the elongated band for engaging of the elongated band proximate the first end. A plurality of rechargeable battery cells embedded within the elongated band for at least one of providing of electrical energy therefrom and for storing of electrical energy therein. A control circuit coupled with the plurality of rechargeable battery cells and a device connector coupled with the control circuit and the plurality of rechargeable battery cells for at least one of providing of electrical energy to an external electronic device for powering thereof and for receiving of electrical from an external electronic device for recharging of the plurality of rechargeable battery cells.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide for novel toy remote controller and recharger (TRCR) (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for remote controlling and for use in recharging of a toy item (2010, 2009, 1974). The TRCR (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) operates in two modes of operation, where in a first mode of operation the TRCR (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) it is used for controlling a play flow of the toy item (2010, 2009, 1974) through transmitting a playflow control wireless signal (102b) from a wireless transmitter (102a) in response to input from a user and in a second mode of operation the TRCR (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is for recharging of the toy item (2010, 2009, 1974) through electrical power provided from the USB port (110) when a toy charging connector (101) is coupled with the toy item (2010, 2009, 1974).

Abstract: The user puts on a wearable electronic device at a gym and the wearable electronic device updates itself wirelessly through a server with a fitness session for the user that is stored within a plurality of user workout routines in a database as part of the server. The fitness session is a sequence of exercises the user should perform at the gym where the wearable electronic device provides an indication to the user of the various exercises. The user determines which exercises to complete and thereafter at the end of the fitness session the user's progress is stored back to the database. On a subsequent visit to the gym a second fitness session is derived based upon the first fitness session where preferably this second fitness session is derived with the assistance of a trained professional. Optionally if an article of fitness equipment is busy, the user is advised of another article of fitness equipment to utilize.

Abstract: A novel aesthetic device is disclosed for providing of electrical power to external electronic devices. The aesthetic device is formed from an elongated band having a first end and a second end at opposites ends thereof and an engagement mechanism disposed proximate the second end of the elongated band for engaging of the elongated band proximate the first end. A plurality of rechargeable battery cells embedded within the elongated band for at least one of providing of electrical energy therefrom and for storing of electrical energy therein. A control circuit coupled with the plurality of rechargeable battery cells and a device connector coupled with the control circuit and the plurality of rechargeable battery cells for at least one of providing of electrical energy to an external electronic device for powering thereof and for receiving of electrical from an external electronic device for recharging of the plurality of rechargeable battery cells.

Abstract: The user puts on a wearable electronic device at a gym and the wearable electronic device updates itself wirelessly through a server with a fitness session for the user that is stored within a plurality of user workout routines in a database as part of the server. The fitness session is a sequence of exercises the user should perform at the gym where the wearable electronic device provides an indication to the user of the various exercises. The user determines which exercises to complete and thereafter at the end of the fitness session the user's progress is stored back to the database. On a subsequent visit to the gym a second fitness session is derived based upon the first fitness session where preferably this second fitness session is derived with the assistance of a trained professional. Optionally if an article of fitness equipment is busy, the user is advised of another article of fitness equipment to utilize.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide for a toy vehicle having a smoking tire function where during play of the toy vehicle the simulated smoke gives the toy vehicle an appearance of the toy vehicle performing a burnout, such as that which is seen as being performed by high horse powered drift cars, where the simulated smoke is generated by heating of a smoke fluid or through a water fogger. In either case the simulated smoke is released proximate the at least a wheel thereof to give the toy vehicle an appearance of having smoking tires.

Abstract: A novel sensual consumer product is disclosed, this sensual consumer product utilizes a play flow control apparatus for receiving a user input for varying the play flow control signal for at least one of varying a mode of operation of a control circuit and the rotational speed of an electric motor. Rotating of the electric motor spins a weight and causes the sensual consumer product to vibrate. These vibrations are related to how the user mechanically interacts with play flow control apparatus, through touching or deforming of the sensual consumer product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of using an optical mouse scanning assembly for mobile robot platforms is disclosed. The optical mouse scanning assembly is disposed on a portion of the body of the robot platform that faces a propagation surface. In relation to this propagation surface various parameters, such as propagation velocity, slippage of limbs and relative displacement are determinable for the mobile robot in relation to a propagation surfaces.

Abstract: Motion capture is a field where sensors are disposed about an animate object and the motions of the object are recorded such that they can be represented as 3D graphics on a computer. Unfortunately, motion capture devices, such as motion capture suits that are currently available on the marker are very expensive. A novel motion capture device is disclosed for capturing motion of a human or animal limb in relation to the Earth's ground and magnetic field.

Abstract: Motion capture is a field where sensors are disposed about an animate object and the motions of the object are recorded such that they can be represented as 3D graphics on a computer. Unfortunately, motion capture devices, such as motion capture suits that are currently available on the marker are very expensive. Optical mouse technology has been well established over the past few years. As such, a method and apparatus of using an optical mouse scanning assembly with an external lens is disclosed for facilitating motion capture.

Abstract: A novel transforming limb is disclosed for transforming from a first position to a second position for facilitating legged or wheeled operation. Transformation between the first and second positions is preferably facilitated using powered actuators.

Abstract: A novel human operator safety device is disclosed for use with motorized machines that have a danger zone that includes sharp cutting implements that can potentially cause operator harm. The operator safety device includes an optical or thermal sensor for either processing optically derived information to determine whether an extremity of an operator is within a predetermined proximity of the danger zone of the machine and processing thermal information to determine whether an extremity of an operator is within a predetermined proximity of the danger zone of the machine. If a presence is detected, at least a portion of the machine what may cause operator harm is stopped. For example, a thermal camera, an optical camera, laser or thermal sensor is used for determining whether an extremity of an operator is within a predetermined proximity of the danger zone.

Abstract: A novel releasable clamp is disclosed. The releasable clamp has a common member at a first end thereof. A first jaw is coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member. A second jaw is coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member. A mouth is formed between the first and second jaws at the second end. Pluralities of protrusions are formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw and an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw. These jaws are either flexibly coupled with the common member or a track is formed within the common member for permitting of sliding one of the jaws with respect to the other.

Abstract: Broad wavelength tuning range are achieved in an effectively reset-free, optical, automatic polarization controller by providing a device and method for varying the polarization of an input beam of light. A block of electro-optic material has two pairs of electrodes for applying a voltage across the block. Light is launched into an input end of the block for receiving the input beam of light. A controller controls a quadrature voltage applied to the first and a second pair of electrodes; the quadrature voltage has the form of a magnitude and an angle. The quadrature voltage can be varied in such a manner as to orient a given electric field within the electro-optic material through a plurality of angles, for example between 0 and 2&pgr; radians; the magnitude of the quadrature voltage can be set to create an arbitrary retardance from 0 to 2&pgr;. Any output polarization state can be realized by appropriately varying the magnitude and angle of the voltage applied to the Vx and Vy electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described, for extruding a thermoplastic protective jacket onto a steel pipe. The pipe is first coated with a layer of epoxy which is partly cured, and then is conveyed through a cross-head extruder where a layer of copolymer or other suitable adhesive is applied. The outermost thermoplastic jacket may be co-extruded with the adhesive layer or laid down onto the pipe as it passes through a second cross-head extruder. Radial pressure is applied to a band of surface about the jacketed pipe which has been cooled to a stage such that the outer surface of the thermoplastic is hardened while the inner portion thereof remains above the softening temperature, thereby achieving good adhesion of the jacket to the pipe, without dislocating or blemishing the thermoplastic protective jacket.