Abstract: A book is disclosed with light sources embedded in the pages, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination that eliminates any need for external lighting. Visual interest is increased by providing switchability between a plurality of illumination modes, such as Flicker, Flash, On, and Off, each mode causing all of the light sources in at least one page to behave in a substantially identical manner. The light sources can be LED lights embedded in a regular array within translucent sheets that improve the illumination uniformity. An illumination control, on/off switch, and/or power source such as exchangeable or rechargeable batteries can be included in the spine of the book, or in a separate housing in wired communication with the book. Illumination modes can be switched by moving a magnetic and/or conductive portion of a wand near sensors in the pages. Indicia can be printed directly on the translucent sheets, and/or on overlay sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals with a water mist while automatically preventing the undesirable accumulation of excess water. In some embodiments, a sensor detects accumulated water on or near an individual, while other embodiments use measured climate parameters to predict water accumulation. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus is controlled according to the passing of time and/or one or more measured physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some embodiments dry air is also applied either simultaneously or alternately with the mist to enhance cooling and further discourage water accumulation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that cools an individual while using a stationary exercise device by supplying cooling air that mostly surrounds the individual, herein called the SurroundCool™ effect. A plurality of air outlets provides a flow of cooling air from a plurality of locations and/or directions to generate the SurroundCool™ effect. Each air outlet is independently adjustable in direction over a range of directions for accommodating various exerciser shapes and sizes. Each air outlet is also independently adjustable in flow rate over a range of flow rates, including fully open and fully closed, so as to help provide a desired level of cooling. Some embodiments allow control of at least one characteristic of the cooling air, including temperature, flow rate, and humidity. In some embodiments, the range of directions is bounded so as to ensure that each cooling air outlet can only be directed at the individual, thereby saving energy.

Abstract: A cooling assembly is disclosed for cooling an exerciser while exercising. The cooling assembly includes a plurality of air outlets supported by at least one extended cooling structure, and includes at least one cooling air input. Each air outlet is in airflow communication with a cooling air input. The plurality of air outlets is arranged along the at least one extended cooling structure so as to at least partially surround the exerciser with cooling air. Each extended cooling structure is cooperative with at least one support mechanism for supporting the extended cooling structure. Each at least one cooling air input is connectable to a cooling air source for supplying a flow of cooling air. At least partially surrounding the exerciser with cooling air results in more comfortable exercise sessions, while also saving energy by more efficient cooling of each exerciser as compared with typical gym cooling systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for convenient centralized control of a personal cooling environment of an exerciser by the exerciser while exercising includes a plurality of air outlets and a control center. Each air outlet is capable of being in airflow communication with a cooling air source providing a flow of cooling air. The plurality of air outlets are arranged so as to direct cooling air toward the exerciser to create a personal cooling environment for the exerciser. At least one air outlet is adjustable in response to a control signal. The control center is easily accessible to the exerciser while exercising and generates control signals in response to input from the exerciser. The control signals cause at least one air outlet to change a characteristic of the cooling air flow therethrough. Together, the control signals control the personal cooling environment. The controllable air flow characteristics include one of flow direction and rate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that cools an exerciser using an exercise machine by blowing chilled air directly onto the exerciser from an airflow director that is independent of the exercise machine. The airflow director is either located within the living space of the exercise room, or able to project a directed stream of chilled air into the living space of the exercise room. The airflow director can include adjustments for chilled air direction, flow rate, and other qualities. The chilled air source can include adjustments for temperature, humidity, and other qualities. A plurality of airflow directors can be included, so as to provide uniform cooing and/or to deliver chilled air to a plurality of exercise machines. A barrier and/or chilled air return vent can be included, so as to save energy and enhance the localization of the chilled air. Some embodiments can also warm the exerciser using warmed air.

Abstract: A book is disclosed with light sources embedded in the pages, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination that eliminates any need for external lighting. Visual interest is increased by providing switchability between a plurality of illumination modes, such as Flicker, Flash, On, and Off, each mode causing all of the light sources in at least one page to behave in a substantially identical manner. The light sources can be LED lights embedded in a regular array within translucent sheets that improve the illumination uniformity. An illumination control, on/off switch, and/or power source such as exchangeable or rechargeable batteries can be included in the spine of the book, or in a separate housing in wired communication with the book. Illumination modes can be switched by moving a magnetic and/or conductive portion of a wand near sensors in the pages. Indicia can be printed directly on the translucent sheets, and/or on overlay sheets.

Abstract: A swimming environment is disclosed that enables a swimmer to select water of a desired temperature by moving between swimming regions that are separate swimming pools and/or sub-regions of a swimming pool. Pools can be divided into sub-regions by thermally isolating barriers that are sheets or strips hanging from floats, sheets attached to pool boundaries, or solid barriers. Strips can be flexible or rigid, and can be linked by magnets. Barriers can be designed to avoid swimmer injury and absorb wave energy. Swimmers can move past barriers without fully leaving the water by submerging floats, separating strips, moving through a barrier gap, traversing a slide, and/or moving through a door. Doors can be single or double, swinging, sliding, revolving, or pocket. A water temperature control system ensures that none of the regions exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and can include a heater, cooler, and/or heat pump.

Abstract: A water-cooling apparatus is disclosed that significantly improves the comfort of an individual by reducing overheating, perspiration, dehydration, odors, and electrolyte loss. A vascular distribution system attachable either directly to the individual or to a shirt or other garment worn by the individual delivers water that cools the individual by evaporation. A source of water can be included, and water can be pumped and/or squeezed from the source, pushed by air pressure, or drawn through the vascular system by gravity or capillary action. A chiller can cool the water before it is delivered, and the vascular system and/or water source can be in thermal contact with the individual. A connecting port can be included to allow the water source to be temporarily connected, and a drinking port can be included to allow the individual to drink the water and/or force water into the vascular system by blowing into the port.

Abstract: A garment, such as a shirt, shorts, socks, or a hat, is disclosed for efficiently cooling an individual by water evaporation, thereby reducing perspiration, dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and discomfort. The garment includes at least one property that is intentionally non-uniform, so as to concentrate and retain applied water in areas where enhanced cooling is desired. Variable properties include structure, density, composition, texture, type and/or quantity of additive substances, included fabric layers, and degree of contact with a user's body. A source of water can be included, for example in an attachable container. The container can be compressed, water can be pumped, or compressed air can push water from the container. A pump can be actuated by hand or by natural movements of a user. A drinking port can be included, and a pouch can hold a removable, water-absorbing and water-releasing insert that can be pre-wetted and/or pre-cooled.

Abstract: A cooling garment is disclosed that enhances the comfort of an exercising, working, or resting individual by reducing overheating, perspiration, dehydration, and electrolyte loss. A vascular distribution system delivers water to the garment, and evaporation cools the individual. Wetness can be concentrated where needed and moderated by water absorbent materials such as gel polymers. Water flows under gravity, by capillary action, pumping, or air pressurization. The garment can include inner layers that improve comfort, absorb perspiration, keep the individual at least partly dry, and/or include metallic and/or polymeric and/or other materials that conduct heat. Cooling can be enhanced by garment texture that increases evaporative surface area. Water can be chilled before it is delivered to the fabric, and ports can be included to allow a water bottle or other water source to be temporarily connected, and/or allow the individual to drink the water and/or pressurize a water container.

Abstract: The invention enables coordinated, flexible, agile, and energy efficient temperature variation among a plurality of rooms, as found in a hotel, an apartment building, or a group of exercise rooms, by transferring heat between the rooms. Air can be moved by fans and/or heat can be transferred by a heat pump. Heat transfer between exercise rooms can be powered partly by exertion of individuals in the rooms. Rapid air exchange can quickly equalize temperatures in adjacent rooms. Embodiments exchange heat between rooms and interior and/or exterior reservoirs of warmer and cooler air and/or water, and some embodiments move air from the reservoirs into and out of the rooms. Heat can be pumped into or out of the system, and air and/or water can be added or extracted from the reservoirs. In some embodiments heat is moved sequentially through a variable series of rooms, creating a monotonic variation of temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that cools an individual on an exercise device by supplying a cooling fluid such as cool air or cool water to an applicator at least attached to the exercise device, and by bringing the cooling fluid into cooling contact with the individual. The fluid source can include a cooler, and/or a drier, can supply fluid from a colder and/or drier region, can be attached to the exercise device, and/or can supply multiple exercise devices. Some cooling air embodiments supply dry air or air with mist, provide a flow directed onto the individual, and/or control and/or allow the individual to control the direction, speed, flow rate, divergence, volume, and/or temperature of the air. Other embodiments cool by direct conductive cooling through a seat, backrest, handgrip, etc or indirectly by conductive cooling of air. Some embodiments can also warm the individual in a similar manner using warming fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals with a water mist while automatically preventing the undesirable accumulation of excess water. In some embodiments, a sensor detects accumulated water on or near an individual, while other embodiments use measured climate parameters to predict water accumulation. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus is controlled according to the passing of time and/or one or more measured physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. In some embodiments dry air is also applied either simultaneously or alternately with the mist to enhance cooling and further discourage water accumulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals by applying a water mist and dry air. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. The mist and dry air can be applied together or separately, simultaneously or alternately, with varying timing and intensity. In some embodiments, the mist and dry air are manually controlled or operate according to the passage of time. In other embodiments the need for cooling is determined by one or more physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. Still other embodiments estimate the heating of the individual by measuring the amount of work performed or the rate of energy expenditure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for programmatically controlling the climate of a localized exercise environment so as to accommodate the evolving needs of exercisers during a workout. In preferred embodiments, the localized environment is an enclosed exercise room or the area surrounding one or more stationary exercise machines. Heat is applied by convective, conductive, and/or radiant means, and/or removed by convective, conductive, and/or evaporative means. In various preferred embodiments the humidity, direction, and speed of the air flow are controlled, and/or a cooling mist is applied. In preferred embodiments, the climate control program is executed according to the passage of time, according to the rate of work and the amount of work performed, according to acoustic features of music, and according to physiological parameters of the exerciser such as heart rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a user interface for a spreadsheet-based software application. The method includes providing a spreadsheet having a plurality of standard cells displayable as standard spreadsheet cells, and a plurality of user interface cells displayable only as a window superimposed upon the standard spreadsheet cells; and providing at least one control function adapted to create the window superimposed upon the standard spreadsheet cells. Also disclosed is a user interface for a spreadsheet-based software application that includes a spreadsheet having a plurality of standard cells displayable as standard spreadsheet cells; and at least one custom view control function adapted to create a window superimposed upon the standard spreadsheet cells, the window displaying a subset of the standard cells. This invention substantially simplifies the task of programming a user interface using a spreadsheet environment.

Abstract: A system and method for servoing robot marks using fiducial marks and machine vision provides a machine vision system having a machine vision search tool that is adapted to register a pattern, namely a trained fiducial mark, that is transformed by at least two translational degrees and at least one mon-translational degree of freedom. The fiducial is provided to workpiece carried by an end effector of a robot operating within a work area. When the workpiece enters an area of interest within a field of view of a camera of the machine vision system, the fiducial is recognized by the tool based upon a previously trained and calibrated stored image within the tool. The location of the work-piece is derived by the machine vision system based upon the viewed location of the fiducial. The location of the found fiducial is compared with that of a desired location for the fiducial. The desired location can be based upon a standard or desired position of the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for edge-based image histogram analysis permits identification of predominant characteristics of edges in an image. The system includes an edge detector that generates an edge magnitude image having a plurality of edge magnitude values based on pixels in the input image. The edge detector can be a Sobel operator that generates the magnitude values by taking the derivative of the input image values, i.e., the rate of change of intensity over a plurality of image pixels. A mask generator creates a mask based upon the values output by the edge detector. The mask can be used for masking input image values that are not in a region for which there is a sufficiently high edge magnitude. A mask applicator applies the pixel mask array to a selected image, e.g., the input image or an image generated therefrom (such as an edge direction image of the type resulting from application of a Sobel operator to the input image). A histogram generator generates a histogram of the pixel values in the masked image, i.e.