A drinking apparatus comprising a receptacle (2) and a sensor module (4); wherein the sensor module can also be decoupled from the receptacle to allow the receptacle to be cleaned separately from the sensor module; the sensor module comprising an alert system which is able, when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle, to detect a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into a second, cleaning, orientation in which the mouth of the receptacle is angled downwards; the alert system being configured to generate a warning signal on detection of a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation to warn a user against cleaning the drinking apparatus while the sensor module remains coupled to the receptacle.

A method for blocking noise in a noise canceling pillow, and a noise canceling pillow. The method for blocking noise in a noise canceling pillow can include the following steps in which a forward microphone receives a noise signal; a noise canceling speaker generates a noise canceling signal determined on the basis of the noise signal; a feedback microphone receives a noise canceled signal generated by the destructive interference between the noise signal and the noise canceling signal; and a processor determines whether to change the noise canceling signal on the basis of the noise canceled signal.

A blanket having a vibrating element, heating element, sound generator, sound speaker and programmable wake-up alarm. A circuit electrically connects the programmable wake-up element with one or more of the vibrating element, heating element, sound generating element and sound speaker element to wake a sleeping person at a pre-set time by vibrations. A remote control can be used control the circuitry and the one or more elements of the blanket.

A sensory stress relief aid designed to produce stress relief in a user. The sensory stress relief aid includes a pillow having a length and a width that define an outer layer. The outer layer of the pillow has a plurality of different surfaces disposed thereon, wherein each surface corresponds to a different tactile feel, such as velvet or fur. Additionally, the outer layer encloses a plurality of inner layers disposed within the pillow, wherein each inner layer comprises a different degree of firmness. A motor attached to an inflatable bladder disposed within the plurality of inner layers is configured to alternately inflate and deflate to simulate breathing. At least one speaking is included and adapted to emit soothing sounds such as nature noises and guided meditation instructions. A remote control in wireless communication with the motor and speakers allows a user to selectively operate each.

A pillow remote controller using acoustic commands includes a pillow defining an open interior compartment configured for housing one or more pressure sensors electrically and operably coupled with an electronics enclosure. The electronics enclosure contains various electronic components including a power control and alarm circuit, an audio receive, de-code and function command circuit, a transmitter selector and interface circuit, and various transmitters for transmitting an operating function to an electronic product. The electronics are operable for receiving an acoustic command, de-coding the acoustic command, and providing a function command to the transmitter selector and interface circuit. The function command is interfaced with a particular type of transmitter and transmitted optically or wirelessly to the electronic product. One or more human presence sensors may be operably coupled with the power control and alarm circuit to provide an assurance of human presence before enabling operation.

A double walled illuminated vessel for displaying indicia comprising an outer sleeve, an inner liner, a lens, a transparent or translucent connection ring, a base and an illumination module adapted to be inserted into the base whereby the base and connection ring are connected to each other creating a base illumination unit. Light from the illumination module passes through the hollow space between the outer sleeve and the inner liner such that the lens bearing indicia is illuminated thus prominently displaying any desired graphic, logo, design, trademark, symbol, letter, number or any other indicia. The connection ring transmits and diffuses light through the inner liner and upper rim as well as the sidewall of the connection ring. The base illumination unit is removable from the outer sleeve and can be used as an independent light source by a user. Additionally, the illumination module is rechargeable in one embodiment and can provide an adequate charge to a mobile device.

A pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip that is associated with a pillow or pillow case, comprising a Peltier cooling module is disclosed. The pillow, pillow case, or cooling strip is configured such that the Peltier cooling module is capable of transporting at least 0.5 joules of heat per second across a temperature difference of at least 10 C. between opposite sides of the pillow, pillow case or cooling strip.

A drinking container that can be used for various applications such as toasting for producing a sound for enjoyment at table, dinning or banquet, a bell, or further, determination of a beverage poured into the drinking container is used for producing a sound for enjoyment and comprises: a container-type resonator; and a handle connected to the resonator at a position of a node of vibration during resonance of the resonator.

A smart cup including a main body having an opening; a cover configured to cover at least one portion of the opening; a driving unit configured to move the cover to open and close the at least one portion of the opening; a motion sensor configured to sense a motion of the main body; a proximity sensor configured to sense an object contacted with or adjacent to the opening; and a controller configured to control the driving unit to move the cover to open the at least one portion of the opening in response to the motion sensor sensing the motion of the main body and the proximity sensor sensing the object contacted with or adjacent to the opening, and control the driving unit to move the cover to close the at least one portion of the opening in response to the motion sensor sensing the motion of the main body and the proximity sensor not sensing the object contacted with or adjacent to the opening.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention provide a versatile travel pillow that provides support to the user's head, neck, and shoulders, prevents the user from sliding sideways with respect to the seat, can be quickly and easily secured to the headrest or armrest of a seat or chair, and can be quickly and easily moved from one vehicle seat to another.