Abstract: An apparatus includes a distance sensor, a plurality of light sources, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The apparatus determines, via the distance sensor, the distance between an object and the apparatus. When the distance between the object and the apparatus is within a first distance range of a plurality of predefined distance ranges, the apparatus activates a first sequence of lighting patterns, corresponding to the first distance range, to illuminate the object via the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distance sensor, a plurality of light sources, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The apparatus determines, via the distance sensor, the distance between an object and the apparatus. When the distance between the object and the apparatus is within a first distance range of a plurality of predefined distance ranges, the apparatus activates a first sequence of lighting patterns, corresponding to the first distance range, to illuminate the object via the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distance sensor, a plurality of light sources, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The apparatus determines, via the distance sensor, the distance between an object and the apparatus. When the distance between the object and the apparatus is within a first distance range of a plurality of predefined distance ranges, the apparatus activates a first sequence of lighting patterns, corresponding to the first distance range, to illuminate the object via the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A method for determining a sidewall toughness index for a tire includes providing a first tire that includes a pair of sidewalls. A first physical test is conducted on a selected one of the sidewalls of the first tire, and a result of the first test is recorded. A second tire of the same type as the first tire is provided, and includes a pair of sidewalls. A second physical test is conducted on a selected one of the sidewalls of the second tire, and a result of the second test is recorded. The result of each of the first physical test and the second physical test is normalized. A sidewall toughness index is generated by combining the normalized result of the first physical test and the normalized result of the second physical test.

Abstract: A method for determining a sidewall toughness index for a tire includes providing a first tire that includes a pair of sidewalls. A first physical test is conducted on a selected one of the sidewalls of the first tire, and a result of the first test is recorded. A second tire of the same type as the first tire is provided, and includes a pair of sidewalls. A second physical test is conducted on a selected one of the sidewalls of the second tire, and a result of the second test is recorded. The result of each of the first physical test and the second physical test is normalized. A sidewall toughness index is generated by combining the normalized result of the first physical test and the normalized result of the second physical test.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided an air caster comprising a platform to support a load above a surface, a skirt, wherein said skirt cooperates with said platform to define an interior volume, at least one air inlet to allow air to enter said interior volume, at least one air exit to allow air to exit said interior volume, and a skirt stabilizer operable to create a substantially airtight seal between the skirt and the surface, said airtight seal being formed circumferentially around said at least one air exit when the air caster is in a resting state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a nonpneumatic tire is described. The method includes the steps of: mounting a rim on a spindle; providing a spoke structure having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, expanding the inner diameter and mounting the spoke structure over the rim; compressing the outer diameter of the spoke structure and then mounting a tread and shearband assembly over the outer diameter to form a nonpneumatic tire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a nonpneumatic tire is described. The method includes the steps of: mounting a rim on a spindle; providing a spoke structure having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, expanding the inner diameter and mounting the spoke structure over the rim; compressing the outer diameter of the spoke structure and then mounting a tread and shearband assembly over the outer diameter to form a nonpneumatic tire.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a disc, such as a CD or DVD. A disc storage case includes a housing having a top wall coupled to a bottom wall with a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, and the four side walls define an enclosure. The case also includes an opening in the fourth side wall for access to the enclosure and is adapted to receive a disc. The case also includes a first member adjacent the first side wall and a second member adjacent the third side wall. The first member and the second member are adapted to cooperate to receive and secure the disc within the enclosure.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: A carcass for a pneumatic tire includes a first annular bead, a second annular bead, a first continuous radial ply, a second continuous radial ply, and a third non-continuous radial ply. The first radial ply has two shoulder portions and two lateral edge portions. One lateral edge portion of the first ply extends from one shoulder portion of the first ply radially inward to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The other lateral edge portion of the first ply extends from the other shoulder portion of the first ply radially inward to a location proximal to the second annular bead. The second continuous radial ply has two shoulder portions and two lateral edge portions. One lateral edge portion of the second ply extends from one shoulder portion of the second ply radially inward to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The other lateral edge portion of the second ply extends from the other shoulder portion of the second ply radially inward to a location proximal to the second annular bead.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.