Abstract:
The invention relates generally to a pacifier, and more particularly, but without limitation, to a pacifier that is configured to activate one or more output devices based on whether a nipple of the pacifier is located in a baby&#39;s mouth. An embodiment of the invention provides a pacifier that includes: a hollow nipple; a sensor located within an interior space of the nipple; and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) located within the interior space of the nipple, the sensor configured to detect whether the nipple is located in a user&#39;s mouth, the pacifier configured to illuminate the LED based on the detected location of the nipple with respect to the user&#39;s mouth. Embodiments of the invention provide pacifiers that are configured to reward use, entice the baby to reinsert the pacifier when it has been dislodged, and/or alert a caretaker when the pacifier has been dislodged.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to a pacifier, and more particularly, but without limitation, to a pacifier that is configured to activate one or more output devices based on whether a nipple of the pacifier is located in a baby&#39;s mouth. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The act of sucking on a nipple can be comforting to an infant or child. Pacifiers configured with artificial nipples are generally known and available for this purpose. Conventional pacifiers have many disadvantages, however. For example, when a conventional pacifier nipple becomes dislodged from a baby&#39;s mouth, the baby may experience emotional distress. Furthermore, after a conventional pacifier has been dislodged, a baby with developed motor skills may place a less suitable substitute into its mouth in an effort to sooth itself. Improved pacifiers are therefore needed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Embodiments of the invention provide pacifiers that are configured to reward use, entice the baby to reinsert the pacifier when it has been dislodged, and/or alert a caretaker when the pacifier has been dislodged. 
         [0006]    An embodiment of the invention provides a pacifier that includes: a hollow nipple; a sensor located within an interior space of the nipple; and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) located within the interior space of the nipple, the sensor configured to detect whether the nipple is located in a user&#39;s mouth, the pacifier configured to illuminate the LED based on the detected location of the nipple with respect to the user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment of the invention provides a pacifier system. The pacifier system includes: a pacifier, the pacifier including a rechargeable battery and a first inductor coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a docking station configured to couple to the pacifier, the docking station including a second inductor, the docking station and the pacifier configured so that when the pacifier is coupled to the docking station and the second inductor is electrically powered, a first current in the second inductor induces a second current in the in the first inductor and the second current provides charge to the rechargeable battery. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment of the invention provides a pacifier that includes: a nipple, the nipple being substantially hollow and translucent; and a flex circuit, a portion of the flex circuit being assembled within an interior space of the nipple, the portion of the flex circuit including a sensor assembled thereto, the sensor being one of a photo sensor and a temperature sensor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the pacifier assembly illustrated in  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a synchronized audio/light output device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a synchronized audio/light output device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a functional block diagram of a vibration device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional elevation view of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0025]      FIGS. 16A-16G  are mechanical views of a pacifier assembly, and portions thereof, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 16G , in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, reference designators may be duplicated for the same or similar features. 
         [0027]    As used herein, a pacifier or pacifier assembly refers to a collection of components included in a pacifier. A pacifier system includes a pacifier assembly and a docking station that is configured to interface with the pacifier assembly. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a sensor circuit  105  is coupled to one or more output devices  110  by a trigger signal  125 . A battery  115  supplies a voltage between a (VCC) bus  130  and a ground bus  135 . The voltage powers the sensor circuit  105  and the output device(s)  110 . An activation switch  120  activates or deactivates the voltage. 
         [0029]    The sensor circuit  105  may be or include, for example, a diaphragm switch that is responsive to sucking or a conductive switch that is responsive to contact with saliva or mucous membrane. The sensor circuit  105  may further be or include a photo sensor such as a photosensitive resistor, a phototransistor, or a photodiode that is responsive to light. In alternative embodiments, the sensor circuit  105  may be or include a thermistor that is configured to output the trigger signal at a predetermined threshold temperature. At least portions of the sensor circuit  105  may be located in an interior space of the pacifier nipple, on an external surface of the pacifier nipple, or in communication with same. 
         [0030]    The output device(s)  110  may be or include, for example, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED), a blinking LED, a piezoelectric transducer or other audio output device, a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter, or a vibration device. Multiple output devices  110  may be used in combination. For instance, the output device(s)  110  may include an audio device and at least one LED that have synchronized outputs. In embodiments of the invention, at least one LED is located inside a translucent nipple. In this instance, the nipple may act as a light diffuser. 
         [0031]    In embodiments of the invention, the sensor circuit  105  is configured to output the trigger signal  125  and activate the output device(s)  110  when the nipple of a pacifier assembly is not in a baby&#39;s mouth. Such embodiments may be appropriate, for instance, when the objective is to entice the baby to reinsert the pacifier, and/or to alert a caretaker that the pacifier has become dislodged from the baby&#39;s mouth. 
         [0032]    In alternative embodiments of the invention, however, the sensor circuit  105  may be configured to output the trigger signal  125  and activate the output device(s)  110  when the nipple of the pacifier assembly is in the baby&#39;s mouth. Such an embodiment may be useful, for example, to reward pacifier use. An example of such an embodiment is when the sensor circuit  105  includes a photosensitive resistor or phototransistor that is configured to activate an audio output device  110  in the absence of light (i.e., consistent with the nipple of the pacifier being located in a baby&#39;s mouth). 
         [0033]    The battery  115  may be implemented as one or more electrochemical cells in the form of a single battery or multiple batteries, according to design choice. Moreover, the battery  115  may be disposable or rechargeable, according to application needs. For instance, the battery  115  may be or include disposable alkaline cells, or rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) cells. In embodiments of the invention described below, one or more rechargeable batteries  115  are used. In such embodiments, NiMH batteries may be a reasonable choice, since they typically have higher capacity than NiCd batteries and lower volatility than Li-Ion batteries. But the invention is not limited to the use of NiMH battery technology. 
         [0034]    The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 24  are exemplary embodiments of the pacifier assembly shown in  FIG. 1  and described above. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a sensor circuit  105  is coupled to an output device  110 . The sensor circuit  105  includes a photosensitive resistor  205 , resistors  210 ,  215 , and  220 , and a comparator  225 . The photosensitive resistor  205  may be, for example, a Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) photocell.  FIG. 2  further illustrates an output device  110  that includes a LED  230  coupled in series with a current-limiting resistor  235 . 
         [0036]    In operation, the photosensitive resistor  205  and the resistor  210  operate as a first voltage divider. The output of the first voltage divider is input to the inverting terminal of the comparator  225 . Likewise, the resistors  215  and  220  operate as a second voltage divider to provide a reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator  225 . When the output of the first voltage divider exceeds a threshold established by the reference voltage, the comparator  225  outputs a logical low, causing the LED  230  to illuminate. 
         [0037]    Variations to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2  are possible. For instance, in alternative embodiments, the photosensitive resistor  205  may be replaced by a phototransistor or a photodiode. Moreover, in alternative embodiments, the position of the photosensitive resistor  205  and resistor  210  may be switched, depending upon whether light or dark activation of the LED  230  is desired. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a sensor circuit  105  is coupled to an output device  110 . The output device  110  includes an oscillator  305  and light source  315  both coupled to a switch  310 . In operation, the sensor circuit  105  activates the switch  310 , causing a periodic signal (such as a square wave) from the oscillator  305  to be output to the light source  315 . Accordingly, the pacifier system illustrated in  FIG. 3  generates a blinking light source  315  upon activation of the sensor circuit  105 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the pacifier system illustrated in  FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment of the invention. The sensor circuit  105  is coupled to an output device  110 . As indicated in  FIG. 4 , the sensor circuit  105  includes a resistor  405 , a thermistor  410 , resistors  215  and  220 , and a comparator  225 . The thermistor  405  may be, for example, a negative temperature coefficient (ntc) thermistor, where the resistance of the thermistor  410  decreases as temperature rises. The resistor  405  and the thermistor  410  create a first voltage divider circuit, with an output of the first voltage divider circuit coupled to the inverting input terminal of the comparator  225 . The resistors  215  and  220  operate as a second voltage divider to provide a reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator  225 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  also illustrates that the output device  110  may be implemented using a  555  timer that is configured as an oscillator  305 , a transistor as the switch  310 , and an LED  415  and series resistor  420  as the light source  315 . The switch  310  may be, for example a P-channel Metal Oxide Silicon (PMOS) transistor that is activated by a logic low at the transistor gate. 
         [0041]    In operation, the resistance of the thermistor  410  changes with a change in sensed temperature. When the output of the first voltage divider exceeds a threshold voltage determined by second voltage divider, the comparator  225  outputs a logical low to the switch  310 . When the switch  310  is closed, a periodic signal (such as a square wave) from the oscillator  305  is passed through the switch  310 , causing the LED  415  to illuminate. Accordingly, the pacifier system illustrated in  FIG. 4  generates a blinking LED  415  upon activation of the sensor circuit  105 . 
         [0042]    Variations to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 4  are possible. For instance, instead of a circuit that includes the thermistor  410 , the sensor circuit  105  could be or include a diaphragm switch, a conductive switch, or a photo-sensor. In addition, the oscillator  305  could be implemented with crystal oscillator or other oscillator circuit. Furthermore, the switch  310  could be implemented with a voltage-controlled switch other than a PMOS transistor. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a sensor circuit  105  is coupled to an input of a micro-controller  505 . Additionally, one or more output devices  110  are coupled to one or more outputs of the micro-controller  505 . 
         [0044]    The sensor circuit  105  may be or include, for instance, a diaphragm switch, a conductive switch, a photosensitive resistor, a phototransistor, a photodiode, or a thermistor. The sensor circuit  105  may also be or include any of the sensor circuit  105  embodiments described with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . The one or more output devices  110  may be or include, for instance, an LED, one or more blinking LEDs, a piezoelectric transducer or other audio device, an RF transmitter, and/or a vibration device. In operation, the sensor circuit  105  outputs a trigger signal to the micro-controller  505 . The micro-controller  505  may activate one or more output devices  110  based on the trigger signal. In addition, the micro-controller  505  may perform other functions, as described below. 
         [0045]    The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  are exemplary embodiments of the pacifier assembly described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated therein, a pacifier assembly includes a micro-controller  505  coupled to a sensor circuit  105 . The pacifier assembly further includes a solid state memory  605  and an audio decoder  610  coupled to outputs of the micro-controller  505 . In addition, a Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converter  615  is coupled to an output of the audio decoder  610 , and a synchronized audio/light output  620  is coupled to an output of the D/A converter  615 . 
         [0047]    In operation, the solid state memory  605  stores one or more audio files. Audio files are typically stored in a coded (or compressed) format. Under the control of the micro-controller  505 , one or more of the coded audio files stored in the solid state memory  605  can be read and decoded by the decoder  610 . In turn, the D/A converter  615  can convert the decoded files from digital to analog format, and output an analog audio stream to the synchronized audio/light output device  620 . The synchronized audio/light output device  620  produces audio and light output that are synchronized and both based on the analog audio stream that is output from the D/A converter  615 . 
         [0048]    Variations to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6  are possible. For instance, in an alternative embodiment, the solid state memory  605  could be packaged together with the micro-controller  505  (e.g., as so-called on-chip memory). Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, un-encoded audio files could be stored in the solid state memory  605 , eliminating the need for the audio decoder  610 . In alternative embodiments, the synchronized audio/light output device  620  could be replaced by a standalone audio output device or a standalone light output device (such as one or more LEDs) in accordance with design objectives. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the pacifier assembly includes a sensor circuit  105  coupled to an input of a micro-controller  505 . The micro-controller  505  is further coupled to a solid state memory  605  and a synchronized audio/light output device  620 . The micro-controller  505  may optionally be coupled to an RF transmitter  705  and/or a vibration device  710  (the optional features are indicated by dashed lines in  FIG. 7 ). The RF transmitter  705  may be, for example, a single chip transmitter operating at a low power and a frequency of approximately 27 MHz. The vibration device  710  may be or include, for example, a miniature Direct Current (DC) motor with an unbalanced drive shaft. 
         [0050]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the audio decoding and/or D/A converting functions described with reference to  FIG. 6  may be performed by the micro-controller  505 . Accordingly, the micro-controller  505  is configured to read an audio file from the solid state memory  605  and output an analog signal to the synchronized audio/light output device  620 . The RF transmitter  705  may be used to output an alarm signal to a remotely-located receiver (not shown). Separately or together, the RF transmitter  705  and the vibration device  710  may be used to alert a caretaker when the pacifier nipple has become dislodged from a baby&#39;s mouth. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are exemplary embodiments of the synchronized audio/light output device illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Such an output device may optionally be included in any embodiment of the pacifier assembly disclosed herein. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a synchronized audio/light output device, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a synchronized audio/light output device  620  may include an input terminal  805 , a speaker  810 , a resistor  815 , an LED  825 , a transistor  830 , and a resistor  835 . The resistor  815  and the speaker  810  are coupled to the input terminal  805 . The resistor  815  is coupled to a base of the transistor  830 . The LED  825  is coupled between a collector of the transistor  830  and a VCC terminal  820 . The resistor  835  is coupled between an emitter of the transistor  830  and a ground terminal  840 . One terminal of the speaker  810  is also coupled to the ground terminal  840 . 
         [0053]    In operation, an audio signal, for example from the micro-controller  505 , is received at the input terminal  805 . The audio signal generates an audio output from the speaker  810  and further modulates current flowing from the collector to the emitter of the transistor  830 . Current flow in the transistor  830  causes a modulation of light from the LED  825  that is synchronous with the audio output from the speaker  810 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a synchronized audio/light output device  620 , according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the circuit configuration and operation is substantially similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 8 , except that a piezoelectric transducer  905  replaces the speaker  810 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  illustrates a circuit diagram of a vibration device  710 , according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the vibration device  710  includes a motor driver  1005  coupled to a vibrating motor  1010 . The vibrating motor  1010  may be a DC motor with an unbalanced drive shaft. In operation, an activation signal, for example from the micro-controller  505 , is received at the input terminal  805 . In response to the activation signal, the motor driver  1005  activates the motor  1010 , causing vibration of the pacifier assembly. Such an output device may optionally be included in any embodiment of the pacifier assembly disclosed herein. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13  illustrate embodiments of a pacifier system. In each case, the pacifier system includes a pacifier assembly coupled to a docking station. 
         [0057]      FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, the pacifier system includes a pacifier assembly  1105  inductively coupled to a docking station  1110 . The pacifier assembly  1105  includes a battery  1120  and an inductor  1115  coupled to a voltage limiter  1125 . The docking station  1110  includes an inductor  1130  and a rectifier  1135  coupled to a charge controller  1140 . The rectifier  1135  is coupled to an Alternating Current (AC) voltage source  1145 . 
         [0058]    In operation, the rectifier  1135  converts an AC voltage from the AC voltage source  1145  into a DC voltage. The charge controller  1140  receives the DC voltage and outputs a controlled voltage to the inductor  1130 . The current in the inductor  1130  induces a current in the Inductor  1115  of the pacifier assembly  1105 . The induced current in the inductor  1115  may be limited by the voltage limiter  1125  and may further charge the battery  1120 . The charge controller  1140  is configured to prevent over-charging of the battery  1120 . The voltage limiter  1125  is configured to prevent a voltage spike from damaging the battery  1120 . 
         [0059]    Variations to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11  are possible. For instance, in alternative embodiments, the voltage limiter  1125  and/or the charge controller  1140  may not be necessary. In addition, the battery  1120  may be or include multiple batteries, according to design choice. 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention. The pacifier system includes a pacifier assembly  1200  coupled to a docking station  1201 . Components of the docking station  1201  are substantially similar to the docking station  1110 , except that the docking station  1201  further includes a programming circuit  1205  coupled to a signal coupling circuit  1210 . The signal coupling circuit  1210  may be coupled, for instance, between the charge control circuit  1140  and the inductor  1130 . The signal coupling circuit  1210  may operate, for instance, by rapidly switching the controlled DC voltage output from the charge controller  1140  on and off. 
         [0061]    The pacifier assembly  1200  illustrated in  FIG. 12  is substantially similar to the pacifier assembly  1105 , except that the pacifier assembly  1200  further includes a solid state memory  605  and a signal decoupling circuit  1215  both coupled to a micro-controller  505 . The signal decoupling circuit  1215  may be coupled between the inductor  1115  and the voltage limiter  1125 . 
         [0062]    In operation, the docking station  1201  charges the battery  1120  in the pacifier assembly  1200  as described above with reference to similar components illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Additionally, the signal coupling circuit  1210  is configured to receive audio data from the programming circuit  1205  and couple the audio data to the controlled voltage received from the charge controller  1140 . Accordingly, the current that is output to the inductor  1130 , and the corresponding current induced in the inductor  1115 , may include a DC voltage component and an audio data component. The signal decoupling circuit  1215  is configured to separate the DC voltage component and the audio data component. The signal decoupling circuit  1215  is further configured to output the DC voltage component to the battery  1120  via the voltage limiter  1125 , and output the audio data component to the micro-controller  505 . The micro-controller  505  may be configured to store the audio data in the solid state memory  605 . 
         [0063]    Variations to the system illustrated in  FIG. 12  are possible. For instance, in an alternative embodiment, the signal de-coupling circuit  1215  may be omitted. 
         [0064]      FIG. 13  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated therein, a pacifier assembly  1300  is configured to communicate with a docking station  1301 . The pacifier assembly  1300  may include the features included in the pacifier assembly  1105 . In addition, in the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the pacifier assembly  1300  further includes a solid state memory  605  and an optical transceiver  1310  both coupled to a micro-controller  505 . The docking station  1301  may include the features included in the docking station  1110 . In addition, in the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the docking station  1301  further includes a programming circuit  1205  coupled to an optical transceiver  1305 . 
         [0065]    The programming circuit  1205  is configured to output audio data to the optical transceiver  1305 . The optical transceiver  1305  is configured to transmit the audio data to the optical transceiver  1310 . The optical transceiver  1310  is configured to output the audio data to the micro-controller  505 , and the micro-controller  505  is configured to store the audio data in the solid state memory  605 . Each of the optical transceivers  1305  and  1310  may include an LED (not shown) that is used as a light emitter when transmitting the audio data and a photodiode when receiving the audio data. 
         [0066]    Accordingly, a caretaker or other user can use the pacifier system features illustrated in  FIGS. 12  or  13  to store new audio data to pacifier memory for later output. The audio data may be or include, for instance, music, voice, or a combination of music and voice. The pacifier assembly may be configured to output such audio data to an audio output device included in the pacifier assembly (such as a speaker or piezoelectric device) in response to an output from the sensor circuit  105 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 14  is a functional block diagram of a pacifier assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown therein, a pacifier assembly includes a sensor circuit  105  coupled to an input of a micro-controller  505 . The micro-controller  505  is in communication with a solid state memory  605 , an optical transceiver  1310 , and a synchronized audio/light output device  620 . Accordingly, in an embodiment of the invention, a pacifier assembly is configured to receive audio data via the optical transceiver  1310 , store the audio data in the solid state memory  605 , and output signals corresponding to the audio data to a synchronized audio/light output device  620 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional elevation view of a pacifier system, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a pacifier system includes a pacifier assembly  1500  that is configured to interface with a docking station  1501 . The pacifier assembly  1500  includes a translucent nipple  1505 , a shield  1510 , and a circuit card  1525 . A photo sensor (such as a photosensitive resistor or a phototransistor)  1515  and an LED  1520  are positioned on a top side of the circuit card  1525  and in an interior space of the nipple  1505 . A coil  1530  and batteries  1535  are coupled to a bottom side of the circuit card  1525 . Other electrical components (not shown), such as a voltage limiter, signal de-coupling circuit, one or more resistors, a micro-controller, and/or solid state memory may also be mounted to the circuit card  1525 . 
         [0069]    The docking station  1501  includes a circuit card  1540 . Electrical components  1550  (such as a charge controller, signal coupling circuit, and/or programmer circuit) may be mounted on a top surface of the circuit card  1540 . In addition, a coil  1545  is mounted on the top surface of the circuit card  1540 . The pacifier system illustrated in  FIG. 15  further includes a lid  1555 . The lid  1555  may include a handle  1560  on an outer surface and Ultra-Violet (UV) LEDs  1565  on an interior surface. 
         [0070]    The docking station  1501  is configured to charge the pacifier assembly  1500  by inductive coupling between the coil  1545  and the coil  1530 . That same inductive link may be used to transfer audio data from the docking station  1501  to the pacifier assembly  1500  as described with reference to  FIG. 12 . The Lid  1555  is configured to be placed over the pacifier assembly  1500  when the pacifier assembly  1500  is placed in the docking station  1501 . In this position, power may be supplied to the LEDs  1565  from the docking station  1501 , and UV light emitted from the UV LEDs  1565  can sterilize an outer surface of the Pacifier  1500 . 
         [0071]    Variations to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 15  are possible. For instance, the lid  1555  and/or its handle  1560  are optional, according to design choice. In addition, the pacifier assembly  1500  and the docking station  1501  may further include the features included in the pacifier assembly  1300  and the docking station  1301 , respectively. Moreover, the pacifier assembly  1500  could include, for instance, a thermistor, a diaphragm switch, a conductive switch, or other sensor circuit instead of the photo sensor  1515  described above. Furthermore, the pacifier assembly  1500  could include, for example, a speaker, a piezoelectric transducer, a RF transmitter, a vibration device, and/or a synchronized audio/light output device instead of, or in addition to, the LED  1520 . In other words, the mechanical packaging embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15  can be tailored to accommodate any combination of pacifier assembly and/or pacifier system features disclosed herein. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 16A-16G  are mechanical views of a pacifier assembly, and portions thereof, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0073]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of a pacifier assembly in its final configuration.  FIG. 16B  is a bottom view of the pacifier assembly, illustrating a lower shield  1602  with multiple ventilation holes  1604 . The button  1606  of an activation/deactivation switch is located in the center of the lower shield  1602 . The purpose of the activation/deactivation switch is to couple or decouple power to the sensor circuit, micro-controller (if any) and output device(s) that are included in the pacifier assembly. 
         [0074]      FIG. 16C  is an exploded view of the pacifier assembly. As illustrated, the pacifier assembly includes the button  1606 , lower shield  1602 , flexible (flex) circuit  1610 , a translucent nipple  1612 , and an upper shield  1614 . The button  1606  is configured to mate with the lower shield  1602 , as shown in  FIG. 16B . A portion of the nipple  1612  is configured to fit through a center hole in the upper shield  1614 . A portion of the flex circuit  1610  is assembled into an interior space of the nipple  1612 . During assembly, the lower shield  1602  is affixed to the upper shield  1614 , for example by thermal welding, chemical welding, ultrasonic welding, over molding, or the use of an adhesive. Likewise, the button  1606  may be assembled to the lower shield  1602  by thermal welding, chemical welding, ultrasonic welding, over molding, the use of an adhesive, or any other suitable process, according to design choice. 
         [0075]    Variations to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 16C  are possible. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the nipple  1612  and the upper shield  1614  may be molded or otherwise fabricated as a single piece prior to assembly of the pacifier. Similarly, the button  1606  and the lower shield  1602  may be molded or otherwise fabricated as a single piece prior to final assembly of the pacifier. 
         [0076]      FIG. 16D  is a perspective view of the flex circuit  1610  without the two disc batteries  1630  and  FIG. 16E  is a perspective view of the flex circuit  1610  with the batteries  1630 . The substrate of the flex circuit  1610  may use, for instance, polyimide as the dielectric material and copper as the signal trace material. The substrate may be fabricated planarly. The flex circuit  1610  substrate includes an outer ring  1616  and inner fingers  1618  and  1622 . Atop portion of a pad  1620  at one end of the finger  1618  is configured to make electrical contact with a bottom portion of a battery  1630 . A bottom portion of the finger  1622  is configured to make electrical contact with a top portion of a battery  1630 . The finger  1622  includes a vertical portion  1626  that is configured to fit into an interior space of the nipple  1612 . 
         [0077]    Various components may be assembled onto, and electrically coupled to, the substrate of the flex circuit  1610 . Components  1624  on a horizontal portion of the inner finger  1622  of the flex circuit  1610  may be or include, for example, a micro-controller, a solid state memory, a voltage limiter, and/or an RF transmitter. Components  1628  mounted to the vertical portion  1626  of the flex circuit  1610  may include, for instance, an LED that is used for light output, an LED that forms a portion of an optical transceiver, a photo sensor (such as a photosensitive resistor or a phototransistor), and/or a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor). 
         [0078]    In embodiments of the invention, an inductor (not shown) used for charging the batteries  1630  may be embedded in the outer ring  1616  of the flex circuit  1610 . Likewise, in embodiments of the invention that include a RF transmitter, an RF antenna (not shown) can be embedded in the outer ring  1616  of the flex circuit  1610 . Moreover, in an embodiment of the invention, copper traces that are embedded in the outer ring  1616  of the flex circuit  1612  may be dual purposed as both a charging inductor and an RF antenna. 
         [0079]    Where the pacifier assembly includes a thermistor or other temperature sensor mounted to the vertical portion  1626  located in an interior space of the nipple  1612 , the nipple  1612  may be filled with a thermally-conductive liquid, such as mineral oil, to promote heat transfer between an outer surface of the nipple  1612  and the thermistor or other temperature sensor. Additionally, the mineral oil or other thermally-conductive liquid may contain Bitrex™ (denatonium benzoate) or other bitter ingredient so that any leaking of the thermally-conductive liquid from the nipple  1612  would be rapidly detected and unpalatable to a baby or other user of the pacifier assembly. 
         [0080]      FIG. 16F  is a perspective view of the flex circuit  1610 , with batteries  1630 , as seen from a bottom side. In particular, battery contacts  1632  on a bottom portion of the pad  1620  are visible. The battery contacts  1632  form a portion of the pacifier activation/deactivation switch.  FIG. 16G  is a perspective view of the button  1606 , as seen from a top side. From this view, button contact  1634  is visible. The pacifier assembly is configured such that when a user depresses the button  1606 , the button contact  1634  is electrically coupled to the battery contacts  1632 . 
         [0081]    The mechanical packaging embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 16A through 16G  can be tailored to accommodate any combination of pacifier assembly features disclosed herein. Moreover, a docking station that includes, for instance, a charging inductor, a sterilization lid, and/or an optical transceiver can be configured to interface with a pacifier assembly that includes features described above with reference to  FIGS. 16A through 16G . 
         [0082]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, alternative features described herein could be combined in ways not explicitly illustrated or disclosed. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover any such modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.