Abstract: A method for registering user interaction with a dynamic tactile interface, which includes a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a deformable region, and a peripheral region and coupled to a substrate opposite the tactile surface, the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to form a variable volume. The method includes detecting a first contact of an object at a first location on the tactile surface at a sensor; detecting a removal of the object from the first location; at a first time, detecting a first pressure of the variable volume at a pressure sensor; at the sensor, at a second time after the first time, detecting a second contact at a second location; at the second time, detecting a second pressure at the pressure sensor; interpreting the first and second contact, and the pressure difference as a gesture; and executing a command corresponding to the gesture.

Abstract: A method for registering user interaction with a dynamic tactile interface, which includes a tactile layer defining a tactile surface, a deformable region, and a peripheral region and coupled to a substrate opposite the tactile surface, the deformable region cooperating with the substrate to form a variable volume. The method includes detecting a first contact of an object at a first location on the tactile surface at a sensor; detecting a removal of the object from the first location; at a first time, detecting a first pressure of the variable volume at a pressure sensor; at the sensor, at a second time after the first time, detecting a second contact at a second location; at the second time, detecting a second pressure at the pressure sensor; interpreting the first and second contact, and the pressure difference as a gesture; and executing a command corresponding to the gesture.

Abstract: A seatback entertainment display system for a vehicle is provided having a support member extending from a seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, and a display device coupled to the adjustment mechanism. The support member may be a cantilever type beam or frame extending upwardly from the seatback at a position behind and adjacent to a headrest. The support member may also be a pair of rods arranged to fixedly receive the display device and movably receive the headrest. The adjustment device may include any one or more of a forward-rearward tilting mechanism, a side to side pivoting mechanism and an up-down translation mechanism. The seatback entertainment display system is adaptable to optimize a viewing angle for a rear seat occupant of the vehicle, throughout a normal adjustment range of the seat.

Abstract: A stitcher is provided that includes a needle to stitch a workpiece, a motor to operate the needle, and a stitch regulator in communication with and capable of controlling a speed of the motor. A controller is in communication with the stitch regulator. The stitcher also includes at least one accelerometer in communication with the controller to determine an acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece. A signal representing the acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece is utilized to adjust the operation of the needle as necessary.

Abstract: A computing device-controlled system is described for the generation of amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation (AMPWM) signals for use in treating neurological dysfunction via cranial neurostimulation, where the AMPWM signal is specifically designed to minimize the electrical impedance of the tissues of the head. A low-frequency carrier signal is determined for the AMPWM signal by measuring EEG activity at a reference site or sites, generally corresponding with the location of suspected brain dysfunction. Carrier signal frequency is variably related to critical frequency components of the EEG power spectral density, determined from statistical analysis of amplitudes and variability, and dynamically changed as a function of time to prevent entrainment. The AMPWM signal is presented to a subject via a plurality of neurostimulation delivery modes for therapeutic use.

Abstract: A stitcher is provided that includes a needle to stitch a workpiece, a motor to operate the needle, and a stitch regulator in communication with and capable of controlling a speed of the motor. A controller is in communication with the stitch regulator. The stitcher also includes at least one accelerometer in communication with the controller to determine an acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece. A signal representing the acceleration of the stitcher with respect to the workpiece is utilized to adjust the operation of the needle as necessary.

Abstract: A stitcher is provided that includes a needle configured to place stitches in a fabric that is moved therethrough. The stitcher includes a sensor positioned below the fabric to monitor stitches placed in the fabric. A microcontroller is provided configured to receive data from the sensor and, based on such data, to compare one or more attributes of the monitored stitches with one or more predetermined parameters relating at least one attribute of the fabric. The predetermined parameter may be either hardcoded inn the microcontroller or input by a user of the stitcher prior to beginning operation of the machine. When the attributes of the monitored stitches fall outside of the predetermined parameters, the microcontroller initiates notification of the user.

Abstract: A computing device-controlled system is described for the generation of amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation (AMPWM) signals for use in treating neurological dysfunction via cranial neurostimulation, where the AMPWM signal is specifically designed to minimize the electrical impedance of the tissues of the head. A low-frequency carrier signal is determined for the AMPWM signal by measuring EEG activity at a reference site or sites, generally corresponding with the location of suspected brain dysfunction. Carrier signal frequency is variably related to critical frequency components of the EEG power spectral density, determined from statistical analysis of amplitudes and variability, and dynamically changed as a function of time to prevent entrainment. The AMPWM signal is presented to a subject via a plurality of neurostimulation delivery modes for therapeutic use.

Abstract: A seatback entertainment display system for a vehicle is provided having a support member extending from a seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, and a display device coupled to the adjustment mechanism. The support member may be a cantilever type beam or frame extending upwardly from the seatback at a position behind and adjacent to a headrest. The support member may also be a pair of rods arranged to fixedly receive the display device and movably receive the headrest. The adjustment device may include any one or more of a forward-rearward tilting mechanism, a side to side pivoting mechanism and an up-down translation mechanism. The seatback entertainment display system is adaptable to optimize a viewing angle for a rear seat occupant of the vehicle, throughout a normal adjustment range of the seat.

Abstract: A computing device-controlled system is described for the generation of amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation (AMPWM) signals for use in treating neurological dysfunction via cranial neurostimulation, where the AMPWM signal is specifically designed to minimize the electrical impedance of the tissues of the head. A low-frequency carrier signal is determined for the AMPWM signal by measuring EEG activity at a reference site or sites, generally corresponding with the location of suspected brain dysfunction. Carrier signal frequency is variably related to critical frequency components of the EEG power spectral density, determined from statistical analysis of amplitudes and variability, and dynamically changed as a function of time to prevent entrainment. The AMPWM signal is presented to a subject via a plurality of neurostimulation delivery modes for therapeutic use.

Abstract: An apparatus for load and displacement sensing adapted for measuring normal and shear forces exerted on load bearing portions of a body. The apparatus includes a deformable pad and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor includes at least one magnet and at least one Hall-effect transducer affixed to opposite sides of the deformable pad. Normal forces are measured utilizing magnets having a planar North and South polarizations and the magnitude and direction of shear forces are measured utilizing magnets having alternating North and South pole segments disposed longitudinally therewithin. In another embodiment, normal and shear forces are measured utilizing a magnet having a point-magnetization. The force exerted on the body deforms the pad, bringing the magnet in close proximity to the transducer, which senses the change in the magnetic flux density.