Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel. Each battery cell includes a positive and negative tab. The battery system also includes a plurality of thermal switch devices (e.g., temperature cut off (TCO) or positive temperature coefficient (PTC) devices). Each thermal switch device is electrically coupled to a respective cell. The battery system further includes a rigid-flex circuit board comprising a plurality of rigid regions. Each rigid region is physically and electrically connected to an adjacent rigid region by a respective flexible region. Each rigid region is electrically coupled to respective positive and negative tabs of a respective battery cell. Each thermal switch device prevents abnormal current flow (e.g., by limiting the flow of current at high temperatures) between a first battery cell that is coupled to the thermal switch device and a second battery cell that is adjacent to the first battery cell.

Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel. Each battery cell includes a positive and negative tab. The battery system also includes a plurality of thermal switch devices (e.g., temperature cut off (TCO) or positive temperature coefficient (PTC) devices). Each thermal switch device is electrically coupled to a respective cell. The battery system further includes a rigid-flex circuit board comprising a plurality of rigid regions. Each rigid region is physically and electrically connected to an adjacent rigid region by a respective flexible region. Each rigid region is electrically coupled to respective positive and negative tabs of a respective battery cell. Each thermal switch device prevents abnormal current flow (e.g., by limiting the flow of current at high temperatures) between a first battery cell that is coupled to the thermal switch device and a second battery cell that is adjacent to the first battery cell.

Abstract: An audio device includes a speaker array and a controller for beam-steering audio output by the speaker array to localize sound in different locations in a local area around the audio device. The audio device also includes a microphone array or a set of cameras configured to detect an object, such as a human, in the local area around the audio device. From data captured by the microphone array or the set of cameras, the audio device determines a location of the object in the local area and steers the audio output by the speaker array towards the determined location of the object. As the object moves within the local area, the audio device dynamically steers the audio output to move along with the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for head-mounted displays may include (i) a flexible planar support frame, (ii) a left eye cup coupled to a left side of the flexible planar support frame and a right eye cup coupled to a right side of the flexible planar support frame, (iii) left-eye and right-eye display screen areas mounted to the flexible planar support frame such that the left-eye display screen area projects toward a left eye aperture defined by the left eye cup and the right-eye display screen area projects toward a right eye aperture defined by the right eye cup. The flexible planar support frame may be bendable such that the distance between projections of the left-eye and right-eye display screen areas onto a viewing plane varies as the flexible planar support frame bends, thereby adjusting for varying interpupillary distances. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An audio device includes a speaker array and a controller for beam-steering audio output by the speaker array to localize sound in different locations in a local area around the audio device. The audio device also includes a microphone array or a set of cameras configured to detect an object, such as a human, in the local area around the audio device. From data captured by the microphone array or the set of cameras, the audio device determines a location of the object in the local area and steers the audio output by the speaker array towards the determined location of the object. As the object moves within the local area, the audio device dynamically steers the audio output to move along with the object.

Abstract: An audio device includes a speaker array and a controller for beam-steering audio output by the speaker array to localize sound in different locations in a local area around the audio device. The audio device also includes a microphone array or a set of cameras configured to detect an object, such as a human, in the local area around the audio device. Additionally, the audio device includes a subwoofer for outputting low frequencies. Different speakers are included in different chambers, with the subwoofer also included in a chamber. The audio device opens or closes valve doors separating adjacent chambers to alter audio output. Opening the valve doors allows the audio device to better output low frequencies, while closing the valve door allows the audio device to direct audio output by the speakers to locations in the local area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for adjusting the interpupillary distance (IPD) of an optical device. A system for IPD adjustment includes a first nonmoving component, a sliding assembly comprising a button, and a pair of magnets, wherein a first magnet of the pair of magnets is coupled to the sliding assembly. The pair of magnets is configured to exert a magnetic force on the sliding assembly in a first direction to press the sliding assembly against the first nonmoving component to lock the sliding assembly to the first nonmoving component. The sliding assembly is configured to, when the button of the sliding assembly is pushed by a force in a second direction opposite the first direction of the magnetic force, disengage with the first nonmoving component and become slidable with respect to the first nonmoving component.

Abstract: An apparatus for head-mounted displays may include (i) a flexible planar support frame, (ii) a left eye cup coupled to a left side of the flexible planar support frame and a right eye cup coupled to a right side of the flexible planar support frame, (iii) left-eye and right-eye display screen areas mounted to the flexible planar support frame such that the left-eye display screen area projects toward a left eye aperture defined by the left eye cup and the right-eye display screen area projects toward a right eye aperture defined by the right eye cup. The flexible planar support frame may be bendable such that the distance between projections of the left-eye and right-eye display screen areas onto a viewing plane varies as the flexible planar support frame bends, thereby adjusting for varying interpupillary distances. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A housing for an electronic device includes a single rear housing assembly coupled to the cover glass of a display assembly. The rear housing assembly includes a metal rear chassis with two layers of injection molded material formed on at least the chassis side regions. The first injection molded layer includes a high reinforcing agent content percentage to provide increased stiffness, and the second injection molded layer includes a low reinforcing agent content percentage, which provides less structural support than the first injection molded layer, but an improved aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A computing device is assembled to withstand drops, to be re-workable, and to reduce unaesthetic variances between the components. A computing device has a display module that is removably hinged on the bottom, held in place by snap fits on the top before being screwed in place, and held in place by replaceable snap fits on the sides. A battery module and a battery connector can be secured in place with stretch removable tape. A peripheral port component may be biased towards an interior of the housing opening when installed. A laser direct structuring antenna module located in a recess of a plastic molding can be grounded to a metal alloy housing. A plastic molding can be mechanically interlocked to a housing.

Abstract: A holder for a handheld electronic device, the holder including a container defining a space for receiving the handheld electronic device and an inner surface facing inwardly towards the space. At least a portion of the inner surface includes an infrared-neutral material or coating operative for interacting with infrared light emitted from the handheld electronic device and received by the infrared-neutral material. The interaction is such that, while the handheld electronic device is being received by the container, any reflected infrared signal effected by the interaction is inoperative for effecting activation of a functionality of the handheld electronic device when the reflected infrared signal is sensed by the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A holder for a handheld electronic device, the holder including a container defining a space for receiving the handheld electronic device and an inner surface facing inwardly towards the space. At least a portion of the inner surface includes an infrared-neutral material or coating operative for interacting with infrared light emitted from the handheld electronic device and received by the infrared-neutral material. The interaction is such that, while the handheld electronic device is being received by the container, any reflected infrared signal effected by the interaction is inoperative for effecting activation of a functionality of the handheld electronic device when the reflected infrared signal is sensed by the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A holder for a handheld electronic device, the holder including a container defining a space for receiving the handheld electronic device and an inner surface facing inwardly towards the space. At least a portion of the inner surface includes an infrared-neutral material or coating operative for interacting with infrared light emitted from the handheld electronic device and received by the infrared-neutral material. The interaction is such that, while the handheld electronic device is being received by the container, any reflected infrared signal effected by the interaction is inoperative for effecting activation of a functionality of the handheld electronic device when the reflected infrared signal is sensed by the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for supporting a handheld electronic device including a holster and a clip. The holster defines a pocket for receiving a handheld electronic device and supporting the received handheld electronic device. The clip is coupled to the holster and is configured for movement between an open position and a gripping position and is biased towards the gripping position. In the open position, spacing is provided between the clip and the holster so as to receive an article. In the gripping position, the clip is disposed such that, when an article is disposed between the clip and the holster, the article is gripped by the clip against at least one gripping surface portion of the holster under the force effecting biasing of the clip towards the gripping position. When the clip is disposed in the gripping position, and a handheld electronic device is received and supported by the pocket, coupling of the handheld electronic device to the article is thereby effected.

Abstract: A charger unit includes: a housing, prongs for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by a cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended position in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward the extended position, a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position, the first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and the locking arm being biased toward the passage.

Abstract: A charger unit includes: a housing, prongs for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by a cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended position in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward the extended position, a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position, the first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and the locking arm being biased toward the passage and electrical components for electrically communicating with a portable electronic device to enable charging of a power pack of the portable ele

Abstract: A holder for a handheld electronic device, the holder including a container defining a space for receiving the handheld electronic device and an inner surface facing inwardly towards the space. At least a portion of the inner surface includes an infrared-neutral material or coating operative for interacting with infrared light emitted from the handheld electronic device and received by the infrared-neutral material. The interaction is such that, while the handheld electronic device is being received by the container, any reflected infrared signal effected by the interaction is inoperative for effecting activation of a functionality of the handheld electronic device when the reflected infrared signal is sensed by the handheld electronic device.