Abstract: A system for a shoe sole with at least one module is provided, the module including at least one piezoelectric element adapted to produce an electrical signal upon mechanical deformation of the at least one piezo element. The electrical signal is adapted to be used as signal for deriving at least one motion parameter of the shoe sole. The system further includes at least a first energy storage and a second energy storage, the at least first energy storage and second energy storages being adapted to store electrical energy obtained from the electrical signal, and the second energy storage is loaded only after the first energy storage reaches a first energy threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling bacteria, especially lactic and acetic acid bacteria in the production of ethanol using an organic oxidizing compound in combination with an inorganic oxidizer is provided. Particularly, a mixture of one or more peroxy acids and one or more peroxide compounds is introduced into a fermentation mash so as to inhibit or reduce levels of bacteria that compete with yeast for the fermentation sugars. The peroxy acid and peroxide compounds largely are consumed during the fermentation process and are generally not present in the fermentation by-products, especially recovered distiller's grains.

Abstract: A base station for an activity monitoring system that facilitates live monitoring of a plurality of individuals. The base station may include a ventilation channel and a heat sink for cooling a control module disposed within the base station. The base station may be water resistant so as to protect the control module from water damage. The base station may also have an egg-shape for facilitating the drainage of water off the base station and to reduce the force of an impact on the base station.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a portion of a portable electronic device includes forming a glass fiber laminate sheet to provide a formed glass fiber laminate body, and overmolding a rim on the body. The rim includes a connector for coupling with a complementary part of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling bacteria, especially lactic and acetic acid bacteria in the production of ethanol using an organic oxidizing compound in combination with an inorganic oxidizer is provided. Particularly, a mixture of one or more peroxy acids and one or more peroxide compounds is introduced into a fermentation mash so as to inhibit or reduce levels of bacteria that compete with yeast for the fermentation sugars. The peroxy acid and peroxide compounds largely are consumed during the fermentation process and are generally not present in the fermentation by-products, especially recovered distiller's grains.

Abstract: A key assembly for an electronic device comprises at least one key including a body having a first external contact portion and a second external contact portion. The first external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a first switch of a pair of switches. The second external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a second switch of the pair of switches. The body of the at least one key pivots about the first external contact portion when the second external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the second switch. The body of the at least one key also pivots about the second external contact portion when the first external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the first switch.

Abstract: An enclosure for a magnetic speaker of a wireless device is provided. The wireless device has a display mounted in a case and a transparent cover mounted over at least the display. The enclosure comprises: an upper surface of the display at least partially spaced from a lower surface of the transparent cover to form at least a portion of an enclosed back-volume formed within the case for the magnetic speaker, the magnetic speaker being mounted proximate to the enclosed back-volume, and at least one of the transparent cover and the case having an opening formed therein for emitting sound from the magnetic speaker.

Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches, a plurality of single-piece keycaps and plurality of actuators which activate the dome switches. Each single-piece keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions identifying a number of keyboard characters which are separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character-representing portions of the single-piece keycap and a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion.

Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches, a plurality of single-piece keycaps and plurality of actuators which activate the dome switches. Each single-piece keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions identifying a number of keyboard characters which are separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. Each actuator has g a first side which is engaged by one of the character-representing portions of the single-piece keycap and a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion.

Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of single-piece keycaps. Each keycap identifies a row of keyboard characters. Each keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character representing portions of the keycap. Each actuator has a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. In a rest state in which the keycap is not depressed, at least some of the actuators preload at least some of the dome switches by exerting a force upon the dome switches.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a portion of a portable electronic device includes forming a glass fiber laminate sheet to provide a formed glass fiber laminate body, and overmolding a rim on the body. The rim includes a connector for coupling with a complementary part of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A socket is configured to receive a trackball device in a receiving space formed therein. The socket has an exterior configured to fit within an installation recess in a printed circuit board. A biased electrical interconnector extends from an interior surface of the receiving space into the receiving space, the electrical interconnector oriented within the receiving space at a position that establishes biased electrical contact with a target electrical contact of the trackball device and biased electrical contact with a corresponding electrical contact on the printed circuit board when the socket is installed in an installation recess.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device. The actuator assembly includes a support tray, an actuator supported on the support tray, a force sensor spaced laterally from the actuator, and a cover covering the actuator and coupled to the support tray. A portion of the cover is movable relative to the support tray when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A key assembly for an electronic device comprises at least one key including a body having a first external contact portion and a second external contact portion. The first external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a first switch of a pair of switches. The second external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a second switch of the pair of switches. The body of the at least one key pivots about the first external contact portion when the second external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the second switch. The body of the at least one key also pivots about the second external contact portion when the first external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the first switch.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed towards a keypad stiffener and a method for manufacturing. The method may include forming a metal plate form. The metal plate form may include a metal grounding plate, at least one detachable island and at least one bridge. A bridge may mechanically connect the metal grounding plate to the detachable island. The method may also include forming a non-conductive molding mechanically coupling the metal grounding plate and the at least one detachable island and electrically disconnecting the detachable island from the metal grounding plate. Furthermore, subsequent to the electrically disconnecting, the at least one detachable island may be electrically floating with respect to the metal grounding plate.

Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of single-piece keycaps. Each keycap identifies a row of keyboard characters. Each keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character representing portions of the keycap. Each actuator has a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. In a rest state in which the keycap is not depressed, at least some of the actuators preload at least some of the dome switches by exerting a force upon the dome switches.

Abstract: An enclosure for a magnetic speaker of a wireless device is provided. The wireless device has a display mounted in a case and a transparent cover mounted over at least the display. The enclosure comprises: an upper surface of the display at least partially spaced from a lower surface of the transparent cover to form at least a portion of an enclosed back-volume formed within the case for the magnetic speaker, the magnetic speaker being mounted proximate to the enclosed back-volume, and at least one of the transparent cover and the case having an opening formed therein for emitting sound from the magnetic speaker.

Abstract: A socket is configured to receive a trackball device in a receiving space formed therein. The socket has an exterior configured to fit within an installation recess in a printed circuit board. A biased electrical interconnector extends from an interior surface of the receiving space into the receiving space, the electrical interconnector oriented within the receiving space at a position that establishes biased electrical contact with a target electrical contact of the trackball device and biased electrical contact with a corresponding electrical contact on the printed circuit board when the socket is installed in an installation recess.