Abstract: A substrate and method for providing a thermoplastic composite having a fiberglass mat embedded within a thermoplastic polymer. The characteristics of the fiberglass mat combined with a thermal compression bonding method allow for a substantially improved and desirable thermal expansion coefficient over conventionally filled thermoplastic substrates or other fiberglass reinforced thermoplastics.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow a user to interact with an augmented reality device. In one implementation, a wearable device for providing a virtual menu to a user includes a display; at least one sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a viewing direction the user; and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device is configured to cause a virtual menu to be shown on the display; monitor a viewing direction of the user based on the output of the at least one sensor; determine, based on the monitored viewing direction, whether the user is looking in a direction of a selectable element of the virtual menu; determine an amount of time that the user looks in the direction of the selectable element; and cause at least one action associated with the selectable element if the amount of time exceeds a predetermined dwell time threshold.

Abstract: Automated air freshener dispensers and cartridges therefor are provided herein. Air freshener dispensers include a housing having a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing an air freshening substance for release, a fan that induces an airflow through the housing and directs the airflow to an area outside of the air freshener dispenser, such that released air freshening substance is entrained in the airflow, a motor for driving the fan, at least one sensor, and a controller that receives a signal from the at least one sensor and directs operation of the fan in response thereto.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a computer-implemented method of controlling a wearable audio device configured to provide an audio output. The method includes receiving data indicating the wearable audio device is proximate a geographic location associated with a plurality of localized audio messages, and presenting, using one or more user-interfaces, a representation of the plurality of localized audio messages. The method also includes receiving information indicative of a selection of a portion of the one or more user interfaces, and initiating playback of one or more of the plurality of localized audio messages that correspond to the selection, on the wearable audio device.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a computer-implemented method of controlling a wearable audio device configured to provide an audio output. The method includes receiving data indicating the wearable audio device is proximate a geographic location associated with a localized audio message, and determining that the localized audio message has a higher priority compared to at least one other localized audio message associated with another geographical location proximate to the wearable audio device. The method also includes, responsive to determining that the localized audio message has the higher priority, providing a prompt to initiate playback of the localized audio message with the higher priority to a user of the wearable audio device, and initiating playback of the localized audio message with the higher priority at the wearable audio device in response to actuation of the prompt by the user.

Abstract: Various implementations include wearable audio devices and related methods for controlling such devices. In some particular implementations, a computer-implemented method of controlling a wearable audio device includes: receiving inertial information indicating a current physical position of the wearable audio device; predicting a future physical position of the wearable audio device from the inertial information; and rendering at least one audio sample associated with the predicted future physical position at the wearable audio device prior to or during movement of the wearable audio device from the current physical position to the predicted future physical position.

Abstract: Automated air freshener dispensers and cartridges therefor are provided herein. Air freshener dispensers include a housing having a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing an air freshening substance for release, a fan that induces an airflow through the housing and directs the airflow to an area outside of the air freshener dispenser, such that released air freshening substance is entrained in the airflow, a motor for driving the fan, at least one sensor, and a controller that receives a signal from the at least one sensor and directs operation of the fan in response thereto.

Abstract: An auxiliary thermosiphon has an auxiliary refrigerant conduit with an auxiliary evaporation segment in thermally conductive connection to an interior wall of the freezer. The auxiliary refrigerant conduit contains an auxiliary refrigerant that is isolated from the primary refrigerant of the primary cooling apparatus. The auxiliary refrigerant conduit also extends upward to an auxiliary condensation segment of the auxiliary refrigerant conduit at an elevation above the auxiliary evaporation segment. A thermal bridge is in physical thermal contact with the auxiliary condensation segment and in physical thermal contact with a portion of a primary evaporation segment of the primary refrigeration apparatus. Heat is transported through the thermal bridge from the auxiliary thermosiphon to the primary refrigerant conduit and consequently to the primary refrigeration apparatus for removal from the freezer.

Abstract: A system includes at least one processor and at least one storage device in communication with the at least one processor. The at least one storage device includes instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the performance of a method including the steps of generating to a display device a graphical user interface comprising elements enabling at least one user to enter alphanumeric data and responses to questions presented within the user interface; presenting within the user interface an interview comprising a set of questions that are based on a set of requirements of at least one government regulation; generating, based on responses to the set of questions received from the at least one user, a decision on whether to grant a government-provided benefit to a potential recipient of said benefit; and updating a database with the responses provided by the user.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger includes a main body and a terminal gripper at an end of the main body for enabling fine-motor grasping skills. The terminal gripper has at least two tongs movable relative to one another. The prosthetic finger includes a gripping mode and a flexion mode. In the gripping mode, the tongs of the terminal gripper are able to move relative to one another while the main body is not able to flex, and in the flexion mode, the main body is able to flex while the at two tongs is not able to move relative to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow a user to interact with an augmented reality device. In one implementation, a wearable device for providing a virtual menu to a user includes a display; at least one sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a viewing direction of the user; and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device is configured to monitor a viewing direction of the user based on the output of the at least one sensor; provide a menu on the display; determine, based on the monitored viewing direction, whether the user is looking in a direction of the location of the menu on the display; and expand the menu if the user is determined to be looking in the direction of the location of the menu on the display.

Abstract: A battery cell assembly includes a pouch-type battery cell having a battery member, an external housing, and first and second electrical terminals. The external housing has a central housing portion and a peripheral lip member extending around a periphery of the central housing portion. The central housing portion encloses the battery member therein. The first and second electrical terminals are electrically coupled to the battery member and extend outwardly from the peripheral lip member. The assembly further includes a first tube disposed against the peripheral lip member of the external housing. The peripheral lip member extends around the first tube such that the first tube is at least partially disposed within a first interior region defined by the peripheral lip member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle defining a nozzle inlet, a manual nozzle height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the nozzle inlet relative to a surface to be cleaned, and a bleed valve fluidly connected to a working air path of the vacuum cleaner to selectively open to reduce suction at the nozzle inlet. The bleed valve is incorporated with the nozzle height adjustment assembly such that movement of the nozzle height adjustment assembly between different height settings will automatically open or close the bleed valve.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an upright body mounted to a base that moves over a surface to be cleaned. A rotational coupling can be provided between the upright body and the base for coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least one rotational axis. The rotational coupling can include at least a swivel joint. A cord rewinder can be provided above the swivel joint for storing and dispensing a power cord.

Abstract: Various implementations include headphone systems configured to adapt to changes in user environment. In some particular cases, a headphone system includes at least one headphone including an acoustic transducer having a sound-radiating surface for providing an audio output; a sensor system configured to detect an environmental condition proximate the at least one headphone; and a control system coupled with the at least one headphone and the sensor system, the control system configured to: receive data about the environmental condition from the sensor system; and modify the audio output at the at least one headphone in response to a change in the environmental condition, wherein the audio output includes a continuous audio output provided across a transition between environmental conditions and is configured to vary with the change in the environmental condition.

Abstract: Various implementations include audio systems for controlling audio feedback to user requests. In some particular cases, a headphone system includes at least one headphone including an acoustic transducer having a sound-radiating surface for providing an audio output; at least one microphone for receiving an audio input from a user; and a control system including a recommendation engine, the control system coupled with the at least one headphone and the at least one microphone, the recommendation engine configured to: analyze the audio input for a non-specific request from the user; and provide an audio sample to the user along with a prompt for feedback about the audio sample in response to the non-specific request.

Abstract: Various implementations include wearable audio devices and related methods for controlling such devices. In some particular implementations, a computer-implemented method of controlling a wearable audio device includes: receiving an initiation command to initiate a spatial audio mode; providing a plurality of audio samples corresponding with spatially delineated zones in an array defined relative to a physical position of the wearable audio device, in response to the initiation command, where each audio sample is associated with a source of audio content; receiving a selection command selecting one of the plurality of audio samples; and initiating playback of the source of audio content associated with the selected audio sample.

Abstract: Certain configurations are described herein of a multi-layer assembly comprising a core layer and one or more reinforced thermoplastic layers. In some configurations, the core layer may comprise a directionally compressive material. In other configurations, the reinforced thermoplastic layer may comprise a thermoplastic material and reinforcing fibers. Vehicle load floors, wall panels, flooring panels and the like including the multi-layer assembly are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow a user to interact with an augmented reality device. In one implementation, a wearable device establishes a communication path with a user of the wearable device and at least one individual. The wearable device includes a display; at least one sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a viewing direction of the user; and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device is configured to monitor the viewing direction of the user based on the output of the at least one sensor; determine, based on the monitored viewing direction, whether the user is looking in the direction of the at least one individual; and establish the communication path between the user and the at least one individual if the user is determined to be looking in the direction of the at least one individual.