Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for supplementing media assets in order to compensate for a particular disability of a user. Specifically, a media guidance application determines whether or not a user can comprehend a media asset based on the particular disability of the user. Upon determining that the user cannot comprehend the media asset, the media guidance application supplements the media asset with supplemental data, which compensates for the particular disability of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting a user in content selection are provided. A user request to access a content source may be received. Content from the content source may be received in response to the user request. A determination may be made as to whether the content received from the content source is an advertisement. An identifier of the content source may be retrieved from memory. The identifier of the content source may be cross-referenced with a database of audible messages to retrieve an audible message associated with the content source. The audible message may be played to identify the content source to the user in response to determining that the content received from the content source is an advertisement.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for adjusting audio output based on eye tracking input. In some embodiments, a memory stores data defining a boundary based on a coordinate system. The boundary corresponds to a display element of displayed content. An input receives data indicating coordinates of a gaze point location of a user viewing the displayed content. A processor compares the received coordinates of the gaze point location to the boundary corresponding to the display element to determine whether the gaze point location is inside the boundary corresponding to the display element. In response to determining that the gaze point location is inside the boundary corresponding to the display element, the processor adjusts an audio setting of the displayed content.

Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for adjusting audio output based on eye tracking input. In some embodiments, a memory stores data defining a boundary based on a coordinate system. The boundary corresponds to a display element of displayed content. An input receives data indicating coordinates of a gaze point location of a user viewing the displayed content. A processor compares the received coordinates of the gaze point location to the boundary corresponding to the display element to determine whether the gaze point location is inside the boundary corresponding to the display element. In response to determining that the gaze point location is inside the boundary corresponding to the display element, the processor adjusts an audio setting of the displayed content.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing customized user experiences with media assets created using plenoptic content capture technology. The ability to increase the focus on different objects while the media asset is progressing may allow a user to more easily track the object. Conversely, the ability to decrease the focus on different objects while the media asset is progressing may block, or cloud the display of, the object from being seen by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid lay-up tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus in the rigid tool configuration and then placed into a rigid external tool and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external tool. When the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be urged away from the cure composite material and removed from within the composite part.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread, two circumferentially extending annular bead regions, a carcass structure, and an overlay ply. The tread is rotatable about an axis and contacts a road surface. The tread further has an equatorial plane intersecting the axis at 90°. The carcass structure extends between the tread and the bead regions. The carcass structure supports the tread about the axis. The carcass structure includes two or more carcass plies having reinforcing cords oriented to cross at opposite angles of 20° to 65° with respect to the equatorial plane. The overlay ply extends circumferentially and extends radially between the carcass structure and the tread. The overlay ply includes cords oriented between ?5° and +5° relative to the equatorial plane.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for providing a media guidance application that identifies users accessing the same media asset, determines which users desire to communicate with each other, and provides an asset-integrated notification to each of the users desiring to communicate, facilitating communication between the users. For example, other users with a desire to communicate with an initial user that are accessing the same media asset as the initial user may be indicated by inserting a media element representative of the other users directly into the media asset watched by an initial user.

Abstract: Methods of forming a stitched multi-layer fabric are provided. An embodiment method includes stitching an interior layer to a barrier layer, the interior layer comprising a first non-waterproof fabric and the barrier layer configured to inhibit fluid flow, disposing a face layer over the barrier layer without contacting the interior layer, the face layer comprising a second non-waterproof fabric, and melting a portion of the barrier layer to bond the face layer to the barrier layer and to fill stitch holes formed in the barrier layer during the stitching.

Abstract: An LED ballast mount preferably includes a housing assembly having sidewalls including a housing LED side wall and a housing opposite side wall. A rechargeable battery is installed in a battery assembly and the battery assembly includes a battery housing mounted to the housing LED side wall. A first LED lamp is mounted on a lower face of the battery housing. A first fluorescent lamp socket mounted on a ballast socket face of the battery housing. A second fluorescent lamp socket mounted on the ballast socket face of the battery housing. A bridge housing including an electronic ballast mounted within the bridge housing. Fluorescent tubes may be mounted in the device.

Abstract: A stitched multi-layer fabric is provided. The fabric includes an interior layer, a barrier layer, a yarn, and a face layer. The barrier layer is disposed over the interior layer and is configured to inhibit fluid flow. The yarn is stitched through the interior layer and the barrier layer. The yarn secures the interior layer to the barrier layer and forms stitch holes in the barrier layer. The face layer is disposed over the barrier layer. A melted portion of the barrier layer bonds the face layer and the barrier layer together and fills a portion of the stitch holes in the barrier layer.

Abstract: A stitched multi-layer fabric is provided. The fabric includes an interior layer, a barrier layer, a yarn, and a face layer. The barrier layer is disposed over the interior layer and is configured to inhibit fluid flow. The yarn is stitched through the interior layer and the barrier layer. The yarn secures the interior layer to the barrier layer and forms stitch holes in the barrier layer. The face layer is disposed over the barrier layer. A melted portion of the barrier layer bonds the face layer and the barrier layer together and fills a portion of the stitch holes in the barrier layer.

Abstract: A stitched fabric including a barrier layer configured to inhibit fluid flow and a yarn stitched through and forming stitch holes in the barrier layer. The yarn and the barrier layer are free from contact by another layer on either side of the barrier layer. As such, the stitched fabric may be employed as a wearable fabric for a garment without the need for, for example, a separate face layer and a separate interior layer.

Abstract: A multi-direction stretch fabric includes a warp formed from first wrapped elastic fibers (e.g., nylon wrapped spandex) and a weft formed from a non-stretch fiber (e.g., wool) interlaced through the warp in a repeating half basket pattern alternating with a second wrapped elastic fiber (e.g., nylon wrapped spandex) interlaced through the warp in a repeating plain weave pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for the recovery of heat energy from wastewater. Wastewater, for example grey water from a domestic residence, is introduced to a detention chamber, which provides effective decoupling between the introduction of new wastewater and the demand for heat energy from its ultimate application. A heat exchange surface, in contact with the wastewater on one side and a working fluid on the other, extracts heat from the detention chamber through thermal conduction and the working fluid is transferred, via a heat pump, to a second heat exchange surface. The second heat exchange surface, in contact with the working fluid on one side and heat energy storage media on the other, transfers heat energy to the storage media through conduction. Heat energy can then be extracted from the storage media for applications including heating of potable water, or provision of building heating.

Abstract: A security device for supporting and immobilizing a garment is disclosed, where the device includes a flexible member that is capable of looping through a sleeve, trunk, or leg of the garment, and of looping through a stable object such as a fence. The flexible member, which can be a cable, includes a coupling member, and/or locking mechanism is made of plastic and used for wetsuits, inter alia.

Abstract: A folding ballast has a ballast housing having an elongated shape. A first socket arm is mounted to the ballast housing at a first socket arm joint, and the first socket arm has a first closed position parallel to the ballast. The first socket arm has a first open position perpendicular to the ballast. A second socket arm is mounted to the ballast housing at a second socket arm joint, and the second socket arm has a second closed position parallel to the ballast. The second socket arm has a second open position perpendicular to the ballast. A first socket is mounted to the first socket arm, and the first socket is electrically connected to the ballast housing. A second socket is mounted to the second socket arm, and the second socket is electrically connected to the ballast housing.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.