Abstract:
A textile fabric has at least one raised surface incorporating multicomponent fibers formed of at least a first material and a second material disposed in side-by-side relationship. The first material and the second material exhibit differential thermal elongation, which causes the multicomponent fibers to bend or curl and reversibly recover in response to changes in temperature, thereby adjusting insulation performance of the textile fabric in response to ambient conditions.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus and a bouncer control device configured to control the oscillation of a children's bouncer based on feedback from the piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus. In various embodiments, the piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus is configured to sense the motion of a body to which it is attached, such as a children's bouncer, and provide a feedback signal indicative of the motion. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an infant support control device configured to impart soothing sensation to a child positioned in the infant support. In particular, the infant support control device is configured to impart gentle, repetitive pulses to an infant support that mimic the heartbeat of a parent or caregiver.
Abstract:
A freestanding remote functionality module 100 for a computer is provided, the module comprising a hardware control switch 110 for receiving user input 120 regarding a desired hardware state of the computer, and a communicating device 150 coupled to the switch 110 to a receive hardware control signal 114 from the switch 110 and transmit said hardware control signal 114a to an interface mounted on the computer to control the hardware of the computer.
Abstract:
A security device is described with a housing having a top wall and an intermediate wall that define a first bore. A bottom wall and the intermediate wall define a central cavity, a second bore, and an end cap receiving opening. The intermediate wall includes a recessed portion that defines a cusp at an end of the second bore interior to the housing. An end cap is disposed within the end cap receiving opening and has a hole therethrough. A resilient member is disposed within the central cavity adjacent to the end cap. A first securing member is disposed within the cavity adjacent to the resilient member. A second securing member is disposed adjacent to the first securing member. A cable has a first end fixedly secured within the first bore and a second end that is insertable through the second bore and a hole in the end cap.
Abstract:
A worktop comprises a first surface and second surface spaced apart by a face to define the thickness of the worktop. The worktop is provided with a compartment towards the rear which can receive a standard computer base unit. A source of mains power is provided to this compartment by means of cad e, and further connections to the base unit within the compartment allow for the standard peripherals, namely a display, a keyboard and a mouse to be attached. The worktop and associated compartment are supported on legs or other suitable supports which may be movable so that the worktop can be raised or lowered. The worktop has at least one peripheral component (20), e.g. a DVD, embedded in its thickness which is accessible at the front of the worktop. In order that the base unit of the computer can communicate with the component, a conversion module (31) is provided which converts the USB signals at the base unit to IDE/EIDE signals received by or transmitted from the component.
Abstract:
A planetary gear arrangement having at least three rotatable members with intermeshing gears and a primary torque path defined therein. At least one active friction damper is disposed between two of the planetary gear members, for example, a sun gear and a ring gear. The active damper is selectively operable to apply frictional engagement between the two members with which it is interconnected to establish a controlled secondary torque path therebetween. The active damper is effective to reduce gear lash changes between the gear members of a planetary assembly.
Abstract:
A flying insect trap has a trap housing with an enclosure for a source of insect attracting light and an adhesive surface for immobilizing flying insects which are attracted by the light. The source of insect attracting light and the adhesive surface are disposed in an enclosure within the trap housing, which is completely closed at the top and sides, so that no light is directed or reflected onto the vertical surface to which the trap is mounted. The trap housing has a front panel with an opening therein substantially in registration with the enclosure, the opening allowing light from the source of insect attracting light to exit the enclosure exclusively toward the front of the trap. The opening in the front panel also allows the source of insect attracting light to be substantially completely directly viewed through the opening.
Abstract:
A flying insect trap has a frame-like enclosure in which an insect-attracting light source and an adhesive surface are disposed. The front of the enclosure is covered by a front panel having a design formed therein which includes openings to provide access to the interior of the enclosure, so that insects attracted by the light source, which emits light through the openings in the front panel, will alight on the adhesive surface and become adhered thereto. A design panel is also disposed in the enclosure, which is closed at its rear by a rear panel. The design panel is visible through the openings in the front panel, and the design panel can have a design or an advertisement coordinated with the design or advertisement in the front panel. The enclosure can be angled so that the front thereof has a smaller area than the rear thereof, so that the light source can be disposed behind one of the sides of the enclosure, such as a bottom side, so as to be hidden from view by humans when the flying insect trap is mounted on a wall. The overall external appearance of the flying insect trap is aesthetically pleasing so that it can be employed in establishments wherein it is desired that the trap be unobtrusive to customers.
Abstract:
Particular infant support or nursing pillows are disclosed, for supporting an infant in a variety of settings by providing a stable surface upon which to rest. Various embodiments include a generally crescent shaped device, including a resilient fill material surrounded by a fabric shell and having a top and a bottom surface connected by a band of uniform width extending vertically and wholly about the perimeter of the pillow. The support pillow may be combined with an accessory device to form a support pillow assembly. An attachment mechanism may be configured to attach the accessory device to the support pillow such that the accessory device is arranged to direct a perceptible effect to at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and the medial region of the support pillow.
Abstract:
A lounger seat, as for infants or children, having a body with a seating area, sidewalls for retaining the child in the seating area, and a non-flat lower surface for supporting the lounger on a support surface. In example embodiments, the non-flat lower surface allows rocking of the lounger. A kickstand or brace is optionally extendable to block the lounger from rocking, or retractable to permit rocking.