Abstract: A laminate material having a decorative appearance has a plurality of layers that are bonded together with at least one of the layers having a first orientation. A portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material is deviated into a second orientation differing from the first orientation. The exterior surface of the material is substantially flat, thereby revealing multiple layers at the exterior surface. Each layer may comprise a sheet that is pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A form having a surface feature may be pressed into the exterior surface of the material while the layers are bonded together to deviate a portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material into the second orientation. The invention also includes a method of generating a laminate material having a decorative appearance.

Abstract: A laminate material having a decorative appearance has a plurality of layers that are bonded together with at least one of the layers having a first orientation. A portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material is deviated into a second orientation differing from the first orientation. The exterior surface of the material is substantially flat, thereby revealing multiple layers at the exterior surface. Each layer may comprise a sheet that is pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A form having a surface feature may be pressed into the exterior surface of the material while the layers are bonded together to deviate a portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material into the second orientation. The invention also includes a method of generating a laminate material having a decorative appearance.

Abstract: A laminate material having a decorative appearance has a plurality of layers that are bonded together with at least one of the layers having a first orientation. A portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material is deviated into a second orientation differing from the first orientation. The exterior surface of the material is substantially flat, thereby revealing multiple layers at the exterior surface. Each layer may comprise a sheet that is pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A form having a surface feature may be pressed into the exterior surface of the material while the layers are bonded together to deviate a portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material into the second orientation. The invention also includes a method of generating a laminate material having a decorative appearance.

Abstract: A laminate material having a decorative appearance has a plurality of layers that are bonded together with at least one of the layers having a first orientation. A portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material is deviated into a second orientation differing from the first orientation. The exterior surface of the material is substantially flat, thereby revealing multiple layers at the exterior surface. Each layer may comprise a sheet that is pre-impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A form having a surface feature may be pressed into the exterior surface of the material while the layers are bonded together to deviate a portion of at least one of the layers adjacent to an exterior surface of the material into the second orientation. The invention also includes a method of generating a laminate material having a decorative appearance.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention is disclosed a portable speaker of exceptionally low bulk yet very good performance which incorporates a non-homogeneous enclosure shape consisting of two main parts, one shallow box-shaped housing section and one cylindrical housing section, and incorporating retractable legs for support of the housing on the ground or table on which it is placed during its operation. A much larger loudspeaker than would be otherwise possible can then be used in an enclosure of very small bulk. The box-shaped housing section is dedicated to housing only the frame/basket and concentric diaphragm of the speaker, which, together generally comprises only half the speakers total length where the other half of the speakers length, the magnet assembly, is enclosed by the cylindrical section.

Abstract: Parking reservation systems and methods for a parking lot having a plurality of individual parking spaces include an electronic database of an inventory of available parking spaces; and at least one processor in communication with the electronic database. The processor can be configured to: (a) accept user input regarding a request for a reserved parking space; (b) automatically reserve a parking space for a patron upon receipt of a payment therefor; (c) generate a confirmation of the reservation for the patron; and (d) automatically adjust the database of the inventory of available spaces based on the reservation. Other systems and methods are configured to identify parking lots with vacancies in a geographical region of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods of directing parking in a parking lot include: (a) detecting the presence and/or absence of a vehicle in respective parking spaces in a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces to monitor the availability of parking spaces; (b) identifying the space location of parking spaces that are available for use based on the detecting and monitoring steps; (c) automatically providing the location of the identified available spaces to prospective users in substantially real-time; and (d) electronically correlating a parking space to a user to allow a parking space to be identified if a patron forgets where he/she parked.

Abstract: Systems and methods of directing parking in a parking lot include: (a) detecting the presence and/or absence of a vehicle in respective parking spaces in a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces to monitor the availability of parking spaces; (b) identifying the space location of parking spaces that are available for use based on the detecting and monitoring steps; and (c) automatically providing the location of the identified available spaces to prospective users in substantially real-time.

Abstract: A multi-paned fenestration unit in which the glass panes are manufactured directly into the support structure without first manufacturing an insulated glass unit. The support structure is designed to provide the structural support for the glass panes without a separate spacer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of directing parking in a parking lot include: (a) detecting the presence and/or absence of a vehicle in respective parking spaces in a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces to monitor the availability of parking spaces; (b) identifying the space location of parking spaces that are available for use based on the detecting and monitoring steps; and (c) automatically providing the location of the identified available spaces to prospective users in substantially real-time

Abstract: Parking reservation systems and methods for a parking lot having a plurality of individual parking spaces include an electronic database of an inventory of available parking spaces; and at least one processor in communication with the electronic database. The processor can be configured to: (a) accept user input regarding a request for a reserved parking space; (b) automatically reserve a parking space for a patron upon receipt of a payment therefor; (c) generate a confirmation of the reservation for the patron; and (d) automatically adjust the database of the inventory of available spaces based on the reservation. Other systems and methods are configured to identify parking lots with vacancies in a geographical region of interest.