Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body defining a central passage, where the tubular body is configured to be worn on a user's body such that a portion of the user's body is received in the central passage, and a housing formed of a polymer material and connected to the tubular body. The housing defines a cavity and an access opening providing access to the cavity, and the housing is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. The housing further includes a slot in communication with the cavity, with the slot configured to permit passage of moisture away from the housing. The sides of the tubular body may also define a slope that is from 0-0.75.

Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic activity of a user. In one example, the device has a sensor, and executes a calibration process using data received from the sensor to determine a correct positioning of the device on the user.

Abstract: A performance monitoring system includes an athletic band or other article of apparel worn by a user, with a pocket supported by the article and defining a cavity, where the pocket has a sensor opening extending through an inner wall of the pocket and an access opening providing access to the cavity. The system also includes an electronic module received in the cavity such that the module can be inserted and removed from the cavity through the access opening. The module has a projection on an underside of the electronic module and a sensor mounted on the projection, where the projection extends through the sensor opening when the electronic module is received in the cavity and is configured to place the sensor in close proximity to skin of the user, such that the sensor is configured to sense a physiological parameter of the user.

Abstract: A manufacturing method uses a main body piece formed of an elastic fabric material and having a first portion having a first end, a second portion having a second end opposite the first end, and two side ends extending between the first and second ends. A bonding material is placed in contact with the first and/or second portions, arranged in lines extending in a direction between the first and second ends. The lines are spaced from each other in a second direction extending between the side ends. The main body piece is folded so that the first portion confronts the second portion, defining a fold line, where the bonding material is positioned between the first and second portions. The folded main body piece is then heat pressed and bent so the side ends are connected together to form a band having a tubular body defining a central passage.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body configured to be worn on a user's body and a pocket supported by the tubular body, where the pocket defines a cavity and has an access opening providing access to the cavity, and where the pocket is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. An input device is connected to the tubular body and has a port exposed to the cavity of the band, where the port is configured for removable connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the cavity. The input device may include a button configured to receive user input and a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to an external device based on the user input. The input device may also include a haptic feedback mechanism for communicating haptic signals to the user.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and reducing error of athletic sensor readouts are disclosed. Methods relate to receiving properties, such as an athlete's body mass index and a physiological property, such as heart rate. Based on a body mass index or other parameter being outside a range, selecting a protocol, such as a heart rate measurement protocol. In further embodiments, a heart rate measurement protocol may be augmented.

Abstract: Keyboard keys are outfitted with alignment features whose configuration, placement and geometry on a key serve to allow the key to automatically self-locate when the key returns from a pressed down, accessed, position, to its home, resting, position. In this manner, keyboards can be designed with keys with minimal keycap gaps that reduce the perceptible variance in the keycap spacing to be ascetically pleasing with minimal manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Keyboard keys are outfitted with alignment features whose configuration, placement and geometry on a key serve to allow the key to automatically self-locate when the key returns from a pressed down, accessed, position, to its home, resting, position. In this manner, keyboards can be designed with keys with minimal keycap gaps that reduce the perceptible variance in the keycap spacing to be ascetically pleasing with minimal manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a quiet mode management system in which a control system of an imaging device selectively reduces print speed based on print job attributes such as job size, repetitions and media in use.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a quiet mode management system in which a control system of an imaging device selectively reduces print speed based on print job attributes such as job size, repetitions and media in use.

Abstract: A specimen stage for charged-particle scanning microscopy comprises a non-magnetic platform for supporting a specimen, at least one probe pin assembly including a probe pin for contacting a selected portion of the specimen, the probe pin being electrically insulated from the platform and being electrically coupled to an output, and an elevator mechanism operable to move the platform for bringing the specimen into and out of electrical contact with the probe pin(s), substantially without moving the probe pin(s).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a compact, portable, external optical disc drives. In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical disc drive is comprised of one or more substrates having a width smaller than the diameter of an optical disc and that covers and protects one or more data recording surfaces of the optical disc. The optical disc drive may also include an external connector that is capable of plugging into an outlet of an electrical device so that the optical disc drive extends beyond an external sidewall of the electrical device and is electronically interconnected to the electrical device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a compact, portable, external optical disc drives. In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical disc drive is comprised of one or more substrates having a width smaller than the diameter of an optical disc and that covers and protects one or more data recording surfaces of the optical disc. The optical disc drive may also include an external connector that is capable of plugging into an outlet of an electrical device so that the optical disc drive extends beyond an external sidewall of the electrical device and is electronically interconnected to the electrical device.

Abstract: A specimen stage for charged-particle scanning microscopy comprises a non-magnetic platform for supporting a specimen, at least one probe pin assembly including a probe pin for contacting a selected portion of the specimen, the probe pin being electrically insulated from the platform and being electrically coupled to an output, and an elevator mechanism operable to move the platform for bringing the specimen into and out of electrical contact with the probe pin(s), substantially without moving the probe pin(s).