Abstract: A pedal-electric bicycle utilizes an e-clutch to prevent a motor of the pedal-electric bicycle that is fixedly engaged to a drivetrain of the pedal-electric bicycle from resisting movement of the drivetrain when the motor is not transferring power to the drivetrain. The e-clutch causes the motor to operate at a minimum torque level to overcome the internal resistance thereof. The use of an e-clutch beneficially permits the elimination of a mechanical motor clutch, thus reducing complexity, cost, and weight of the pedal-electric bicycle.

Abstract: A pedal-electric bicycle utilizes an e-clutch to prevent a motor of the pedal-electric bicycle that is fixedly engaged to a drivetrain of the pedal-electric bicycle from resisting movement of the drivetrain when the motor is not transferring power to the drivetrain. The e-clutch causes the motor to operate at a minimum torque level to overcome the internal resistance thereof. The use of an e-clutch beneficially permits the elimination of a mechanical motor clutch, thus reducing complexity, cost, and weight of the pedal-electric bicycle.

Abstract: Techniques for charging and communication with electronic devices, such as headphones, are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging of, and communication with, audio devices, such as by photovoltaic (PV) cells, infrared (IR) illumination, audio signals, and LEDs such as laser LEDs, are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for remote interactions with devices, such as charging, communications, and user interaction, are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging of devices, such as, remote charging by photovoltaic (PV) cells, infrared (IR) illumination, audio signals, and LEDs such as laser LEDs to charge devices such as watches, jewelry, car panels, headphones and phones, are presented.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a multi-layer force sensor can comprise two or more Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs), Force Sensitive Capacitors (FSCs), or other force sensitive devices. Each of these force sensitive devices can comprise a different layer of the multi-layer force sensor. Additionally, each of these different layers can be constructed of a different material providing different responses, i.e., different resistance, conductance, etc., over the same range of pressure or force. As a force is applied to the multi-layer sensor, this difference in response to the force between the layers can be used to determine a value for the force. The multi-layer force sensor can be implemented in a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit can be used to measure the differences in resistance, conductance, etc. between the different layers of the multi-layer sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an oil pan that includes an oil pan having a reservoir configured to hold oil and defined by one or more oil pan walls and an oil pan bottom. The oil pan includes one or more capacitance sensors coupled to a portion of the oil pan walls and configured to sense a capacitance. The oil pan includes a capacitance measuring unit electrically connected to the one or more sensors via one or more conductors and configured to receive each of the sensed capacitances via the one or more conductors and determine capacitance values for each of the sensed capacitances. The oil pan also includes a processor configured to receive the capacitance values and determine the oil level in the oil pan based on the capacitance values.

Abstract: Techniques for remote interactions with devices, such as charging, communications, and user interaction, are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging of devices, such as, remote charging by photovoltaic (PV) cells, infrared (IR) illumination, audio signals, and LEDs such as laser LEDs to charge devices such as watches, jewelry, car panels, headphones and phones, are presented.

Abstract: Techniques for charging and communication with electronic devices, such as headphones, are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging of, and communication with, audio devices, such as by photovoltaic (PV) cells, infrared (IR) illumination, audio signals, and LEDs such as laser LEDs, are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an oil pan that includes an oil pan having a reservoir configured to hold oil and defined by one or more oil pan walls and an oil pan bottom. The oil pan includes one or more capacitance sensors coupled to a portion of the oil pan walls and configured to sense a capacitance. The oil pan includes a capacitance measuring unit electrically connected to the one or more sensors via one or more conductors and configured to receive each of the sensed capacitances via the one or more conductors and determine capacitance values for each of the sensed capacitances. The oil pan also includes a processor configured to receive the capacitance values and determine the oil level in the oil pan based on the capacitance values.