Abstract: A modular VR system is provided with features that are specifically beneficial to public venues. The system includes a mask unit that is preferably custom fit to the user, and a modular, selectively -connectable viewing unit. The viewing unit houses all the required virtual reality optics and may be selectively secured to the mask unit. The mask unit includes an electrical memory which is electrically connected to the viewing unit when the two are connected. The viewing unit includes activatable covers to automatically protect the lenses whenever the viewing unit is disconnected from the mask unit. The viewing unit further includes a system to automatically adjust the distance between the lenses to match the interpupillary distance of the user. The viewing unit also includes an integral payment device and a handle.

Abstract: A monitoring clip to be secured to the edge of a filter cartridge includes a channel connecting both sides of the filter through which air will flow in response to the filter becoming clogged. Air flow within the channel will eventually be strong enough to pivotally move a flow vane. Controlling circuitry is used to detect the angular movement of the flow vane. When the flow vane moves to a “triggering” position, it is determined that the filter is clogged and requires replacement. Controlling circuitry will sound and illuminate a local alarm, and send a signal by Bluetooth or WiFi, to a smartphone. Although a clip format is preferred, the measuring and controlling circuitry of the monitoring clip can be also built into new filters.

Abstract: Raw fruits or vegetables are pre-treated prior to atmospheric frying. Pre-treatment includes application of a pulsed electric field to the raw products followed by slicing and immediate blanching in a water solution of above 145° F. in a turbulent environment. The pulsed electric field utilizes vertically oriented electrodes to treat the products. The treated food products can then be atmospherically fried at a low oil temperature to a shelf stable moisture content to produce fried crisps having an appealing light color and crunchy texture despite a high amount of reducing sugars, sucrose, starch, and/or solids present in the raw material.

Abstract: An automatic strap-tensioning system is provided for head-worn electronic gear including a microprocessor, a powered drive mechanism and sensors. In use, microprocessor reads the outputs of the sensors and, if prescribed conditions are met, instructs the drive mechanism to tension the straps of the headset. The sensors are used as feedback to control the level of tension in the straps.

Abstract: A system for supporting a user in a plurality of ergonomic positions that includes a first assembly and a second, separate assembly. The first assembly includes first and second components that are adjustable to support the user in first and second different postures. The second assembly includes separate first and second components that are adjustable to support the user in the first and second postures. Upon the relative position of the second assembly first and second components being changed from the first to the second position, a second assembly processor transmits a wireless signal to a receiver of the first assembly. Upon receiving the wireless signal, a first assembly processor controls an actuator to adjust the position of the first assembly first and second components from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a height adjustable workstation that includes a worktop supported by a frame and a vertical displacement drive mechanism controllable to change the elevation of the worktop to different worktop elevation positions, the method comprising, using a processor linked to the drive mechanism to perform the steps of tracking periods during which the worktop is in various worktop elevation positions, using the tracked periods to identify times at which to present reminders to a workstation user to change a current worktop elevation position to a standing elevation position and at the identified times, controlling the drive mechanism to automatically change the worktop height from the current worktop elevation position to another elevation position that is distinct from any standing elevation position to encourage a workstation user to raise the worktop to a standing elevation position.

Abstract: A workstation system for tracking workstation activity, the system comprising a database storing user specific information including at least one user goal associated with user activity at the workstation, the workstation including at least a first sensor, the at least a first sensor automatically collecting data useable to determine identity of a user within a space associated with the workstation and collecting user biometrics, a first reminder device and the system further including at least a first processor linked to the at least a first sensor and the reminder device, the processor receiving data from the at least a first sensor device and using the received data to attempting to determine the identity of the user that occupies the space, upon identifying the first system user, the processor tracking user biometrics, programmed to access at least a subset of the information associated with the first user and use the accessed information for the user as well as the user biometrics to automatically genera

Abstract: A sit-stand desk includes a frame located on a floor surface; a panel having an upper work surface and being selectively vertically displaceable in respect to the frame; and a vertical-displacement drive mechanism mechanically connected between the frame and the panel. Activation of the drive mechanism vertically displaces the panel with respect to the frame. The sit-stand desk also includes a control circuit selectively activating the drive mechanism to vertically displace the panel according to prescribed displacement instructions in response to receipt of a trigger signal and a pressure mat located on the floor surface adjacent to the frame on which a user stands. The pressure mat includes a pressure sensor in communication with the control circuit and configured to measure a presence of the user adjacent to the desk.

Abstract: A virtual reality system is provided which allows a computer to take control of a user's avatar within a virtual environment whenever the avatar's user leaves the game. The computer follows prescribed instructions to control the avatar. A photosensor is provided within the user's VR headset to detect any ambient light reaching inside the headset, which indicates that the headset is not being worn by the user. In such instance, the computer converts the user's avatar to a substitute avatar within the virtual environment and begins to control the avatar until a prescribed time period has passed, or until the user returns to the game.

Abstract: The present storage management system, described in detail in the following specification and accompanying drawings, includes an active (self-powered) Bluetooth® BLE transceiver beacon (hereinafter referred to as “beacon”), which, according to a preferred embodiment has a thin flat form factor with a self-adhesive-backing. A beacon is secured to each storage box and continuously transmits an “advertisement packet” to the surrounding area. A user's smart device (e.g., a smart phone) picks up the different signals sent by each beacon and is able to communicate with select ones. A software application allows a user to catalog items to be stored so that each is effectively “linked” to a particular storage box. At a later time, any of the catalogued items may be selected and the corresponding storage container in which the item resides is instructed to notify its location within the storage area using light and sound.

Abstract: A sound management system for use by a user located within an environment includes a memory device for storing a selection of sounds. The sounds can be music and/or various “colors” of noise (e.g., white, pink, and brown). A controller is used to select one particular stored sound based on a measured biological condition of the user, such as stress or fatigue, or an environmental condition of the environment, such as ambient noise. According to one embodiment, the system is used in conjunction with a sit/stand desk and the sound selection is made in response to changes in the desk height. The selected sound is selected to help abate or mitigate distracting sounds in the environment, such as people talking. The selected sounds are played to the user through headphones worn by the user, or through nearby speakers.

Abstract: A system for guiding a user while changing the juxtaposition of one furniture component with respect to another furniture component on a furniture assembly, the system comprising a sensor for sensing the position of the first component with respect to the second component, an indicator for indicating when the position of the first component with respect to the second component should be changed by the user from a current position to another position, a control mechanism activatable by the user for changing the position of the first component with respect to the second component and a processor programmed to use sensor signals to track the position of the first component and to provide periodic first reminders to change the position of the first component from the current position to another position, the processor continuing to track the first component position as a user moves the first component toward the another position and, when the repositioning stops short of the another position, controlling the indi

Abstract: A system for protecting electronic headset components from sunlight is provided. The headset is secured to a user's head for use and includes an electronic display, a lens, and a battery all secured to a frame structure. The frame structure includes a mask portion which is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the user's face, and a strap for holding the mask to the face. According to the invention, a moveable shield is mounted to a portion of the frame structure, either directly or indirectly, and is designed to move between a stowed position, wherein light from the display may pass freely through the lens to the user's eyes, during use, and a blocking position, wherein sunlight is prevented from passing through the lens and reaching, and damaging, the delicate electronic display. The shield may be sized and shaped to fit both lenses, or each lens, and may pivot or slide between positions, either automatically, or manually.

Abstract: A sound management system for use by a user located within an environment includes a memory device for storing a selection of sounds. The sounds can be music and/or various “colors” of noise (e.g., white, pink, and brown). A controller is used to select one particular stored sound based on a measured biological condition of the user, such as stress or fatigue, or an environmental condition of the environment, such as ambient noise. According to one embodiment, the system is used in conjunction with a sit/stand desk and the sound selection is made in response to changes in the desk height. The selected sound is selected to help abate or mitigate distracting sounds in the environment, such as people talking. The selected sounds are played to the user through headphones worn by the user, or through nearby speakers.

Abstract: A way to exchange contact information between two people in a quick, easy and fun way is provided. Each user wears a bracelet that includes an embedded communication circuit and a bracelet-to-bracelet proximity sensor. When two bracelets are positioned within an inch or so, the proximity sensor of each bracelet will detect the presence of the other bracelet and will then activate the communication circuit to both transmit and receive an ID code to each respective bracelet. Each received code will be stored in onboard memory and can later be retrieved and used to initiate a more formal connection where more personal contact information (e.g., email addresses, cell phone numbers, etc.) may be selectively and safely exchanged, as desired. In one embodiment, each bracelet includes a magnet and a magnetic field detector.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the height of a workstation for use by a user, the system comprising a frame, a worktop vertically slidably attached to said frame and selectably adjustable in elevation to different positions, at least one drive mechanism mechanically connected between said frame and said worktop and arranged to selectively vertically displace the worktop with respect to said frame when activated, a processor controlling the drive mechanism to move the worktop to different positions, the processor monitoring at least one condition with respect to the worktop and, when the at least one condition is met, generating at least one reminder for a workstation user, the processor providing the reminder to a workstation user by driving the worktop through at least one small vertical displacement.

Abstract: An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a chamber for receiving a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to restrain the spring latch. A pivotable spring latch lifter is positively driven by the keeper, and a pivotable dead latch release platform is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is locked within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and then may be rotated which causes rotation of the dead latch release platform, allowing the dead latch to enter the chamber. The keeper positively drives the spring latch lifter to lift the spring latch onto the external ramp of the strike. In an alternate embodiment, an internal ramp feature may be used instead of the spring latch lifter to positively lift the spring latch out of the chamber.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the height of a workstation for use by a user, the system comprising a frame, a worktop having an upper work surface, the worktop being vertically slidably attached to said frame and selectably adjustable in elevation to different positions including at least a first standing position and at least a first sitting position, at least one variable speed electrically-powered vertical-displacement drive mechanism connected between said frame and said worktop, said drive mechanism being arranged to selectively vertically displace the worktop with respect to said frame when said drive mechanism is activated and a processor controlling the drive mechanism to move the worktop to different positions, the processor controlling the drive mechanism to control the rate of worktop height displacement at various speeds including at least a first speed and a second speed that is different than the first speed, the processor controlling the rate of worktop height displacement at the first speed sometimes