Abstract: Multipurpose systems can include networked devices configured to include microphones, motion sensors, video cameras, touchscreens, optical sensors, speakers, or other suitable devices. The networked devices can include networking capabilities that enable the networked device to communicate with target devices and other networked devices. A system of networked devices can identify a target location or a target device by analyzing audio signals received at microphones of the networked devices. For example, a plurality of networked devices can identify a particular networked device that is in closest proximity to a user by analyzing an audio intensity of an audio signal received at the plurality of networked devices. The identified networked device can serve as a master device that can control a state of target devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a network video camera device. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for embodiments of a network video camera with a blocking mechanism for privacy and control of the blocking mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention include a network video capture device. The network video capture device comprises a lens connected to a housing; a blocking mechanism, wherein the a blocking mechanism is configured to selectively block the lens from capturing video images, and wherein the blocking mechanism includes a physical body; an indication device, wherein the indication device is configured to provide visible feedback that the lens is blocked; and a circuit board having a data processor, a wireless transceiver, and a memory configured to store a customizable setting associated with the blocking mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure is focused upon electrostatic discharge (ESD) control programs and more particularly an ESD testing device that performs electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification in real time as it is being used. The results in some embodiments can be recorded for an ESD auditing program. The real time verification of the calibration of the unit includes circuitry for verification of the accuracy of the ESD device. The unit also includes a conically shaped guide to assist a user in plugging their wrist strap band connector into the device and also prevents a user from bypassing the testing unit by inserting digits into the ESD testing device rather than the wrist strap band connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a network video camera device. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for embodiments of a network video camera with a blocking mechanism for privacy and control of the blocking mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention include a network video capture device. The network video capture device comprises a lens connected to a housing; a blocking mechanism, wherein the a blocking mechanism is configured to selectively block the lens from capturing video images, and wherein the blocking mechanism includes a physical body; an indication device, wherein the indication device is configured to provide visible feedback that the lens is blocked; and a circuit board having a data processor, a wireless transceiver, and a memory configured to store a customizable setting associated with the blocking mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a network video camera device. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for embodiments of a network video camera with a blocking mechanism for privacy and control of the blocking mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention include a network video capture device. The network video capture device comprises a lens connected to a housing; a blocking mechanism, wherein the a blocking mechanism is configured to selectively block the lens from capturing video images, and wherein the blocking mechanism includes a physical body; an indication device, wherein the indication device is configured to provide visible feedback that the lens is blocked; and a circuit board having a data processor, a wireless transceiver, and a memory configured to store a customizable setting associated with the blocking mechanism.

Abstract: This disclosure is focused upon electrostatic discharge (ESD) control programs and more particularly an ESD testing device that performs electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification in real time as it is being used. The results in some embodiments can be recorded for an ESD auditing program. The real time verification of the calibration of the unit includes circuitry for verification of the accuracy of the ESD device. The unit also includes a conically shaped guide to assist a user in plugging their wrist strap band connector into the device and also prevents a user from bypassing the testing unit by inserting digits into the ESD testing device rather than the wrist strap band connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a network video camera device. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for embodiments of a network video camera with a blocking mechanism for privacy and control of the blocking mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention include a network video capture device. The network video capture device comprises a lens connected to a housing; a blocking mechanism, wherein the a blocking mechanism is configured to selectively block the lens from capturing video images, and wherein the blocking mechanism includes a physical body; an indication device, wherein the indication device is configured to provide visible feedback that the lens is blocked; and a circuit board having a data processor, a wireless transceiver, and a memory configured to store a customizable setting associated with the blocking mechanism.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for controlling a network video camera with physical privacy feedback are provided. For example, computing device, a method, and a computer-program product may be provided. The computing device may include one or more lenses and one or more blocking mechanisms, wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms are configured to selectively block the one or more lenses from capturing video images, and wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms include a physical body that provides visible feedback that the one or more lenses are blocked. The computing device, method, and computer-program product may include detecting an occurrence of an event, and activating the one or more blocking mechanisms to block the one or more lenses from capturing video images, wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms are activated to block the one or more lenses when the occurrence of the event is detected.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are provided for controlling a network video camera with physical privacy feedback to capture one or more images of a scene. For example, computing device, a method, and a computer-program product may be provided. The computing device may include one or more lenses and one or more blocking mechanisms, wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms are configured to selectively block the one or more lenses from capturing video images, and wherein the one or more blocking mechanisms include a physical body that provides visible feedback that the one or more lenses are blocked. The computing device, method, and computer-program product may include detecting movement of a blocking mechanism from a first position in which a lens is exposed to a second position in which the lens is blocked, and capturing one or more images of a scene, wherein the one or more images of the scene are captured when the movement of the blocking mechanism is detected.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose an electrical accessory configured to transmit one or more first data signals from a first electrical device to a receiving device. The electrical accessory is also configured to transmit second data signals to the first electrical device. The first electrical device can include a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose an electrical accessory configured to transmit one or more first data signals from a first electrical device to a receiving device. The electrical accessory is also configured to transmit second data signals to the first electrical device. The first electrical device can include a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector.

Abstract: An audio mixer for a portable media device includes: (a) an audio receiving mechanism capable of receiving audio signals from a plurality of components of a user's media system, modifying the characteristics of the received audio signals, summing the modified audio signals into a master audio signal, and outputting the master audio signal to a portable media device to be saved to the portable media device as a recording; (b) a docking station to receive a portable media device; and (c) a portable media device operating system.

Abstract: A laser cavity comprising a gain medium and first and second end mirrors, wherein the laser cavity further comprises a birefringent material and a mirror arranged to fold light propagating within the laser cavity through a predetermined angle, wherein the predetermined angle is selected such that the reflectivity of the fold mirror is polarisation dependent, and the birefringence of the birefringent material co-operates with the polarisation dependent reflectivity of the fold mirror to form a Lyott filter which suppresses oscillation of unwanted laser modes. The invention allows the construction of a low loss, high finesse laser cavity with longitudinal mode control. The need for introduction of an extra polarisation selection element to form a Lyott filter is removed.

Abstract: A laser cavity comprising a gain medium and first and second end mirrors, wherein the laser cavity further comprises a birefringent material and a mirror arranged to fold light propagating within the laser cavity through a predetermined angle, wherein the predetermined angle is selected such that the reflectivity of the fold mirror is polarisation dependent, and the birefringence of the birefringent material co-operates with the polarisation dependent reflectivity of the fold mirror to form a Lyott filter which suppresses oscillation of unwanted laser modes. The invention allows the construction of a low loss, high finesse laser cavity with longitudinal mode control. The need for introduction of an extra polarisation selection element to form a Lyott filter is removed.