Abstract: A power supply with interchangeable plug capacity and interchangeable power input modules includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing, allowing the user to accommodate various power source configurations and voltage supply levels without manually setting the unit for the available power source, resulting in increased user safety and convenience. Releasable locking mechanisms are included to engage the interchangeable electrical plug. The locking mechanisms can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged conductor configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock. A variety of interchangeable electrical plugs can be fitted to the same casing for interface with a transformer in the power supply casing.

Abstract: A method of designing a CPU for implementation in a configurable hardware device by identifying a series of operations in a logic scheme which are suitable for implementation in the device, identifying an executable function and any needed parameters in the logic scheme, identifying the logic flow in the scheme, providing for at least two connected system resources to implement the logic scheme, selecting an op code, and providing a way to implement the various components needed to call and execute the function according to the logic scheme. A useful op code may invoke a system resource, implement the logic scheme, pass a parameter to the function, or invoke the function. The configurable hardware system can function as a CPU, using logic resources including a next address RAM, one or more registers, a function execution controller, and one or more busses for passing signals and data between the components and functions.

Abstract: An interchangeable plug device includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and movable between a detached and an operative position, and a releasable locking mechanism designed to engage the electrical plug to maintain the plug in an operative position. The locking mechanism can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of locking mechanism is a depressible lock bar connected to or integral with an electrical plug body, which is designed to engage a detent in a casing. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock. A preferred form of conducting prong is collapsible within the carrier and is securable in an extended position to avoid inadvertent collapse. A variety of interchangeable electrical plugs can be fitted to the same casing.

Abstract: A collapsible plug device includes a casing, an electrical plug rotatably mounted in the casing and movable between a collapsed and an extended position, and a releasable locking mechanism connected to the casing and designed to engage the electrical plug to maintain the plug in an extended position. The locking mechanism can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the collapsed position. A preferred form of locking mechanism is a slidable lock bar which is designed to engage a detent in a rotatable shaft which is connected to or integral with an electrical plug body.A cradle or attachment can be integrated into the casing, with an electrical connection and a mechanical connection so that a rechargeable battery or a device containing such a battery can be electrically and mechanically attached to the cradle. Alternatively, a cable can be fitted with a power adapter plug and electrically connected to the basic device.

Abstract: A collapsible prong plug device includes a casing, an electrical plug with one or more prongs rotatably mounted in the casing and movable between a collapsed and an extended position, a securing means designed to engage the electrical plug to maintain the plug in an extended position, and a releasable securing means. The securing means can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the collapsed position. A preferred form of securing mechanism is a spring and a preferred form of release means is a slidable collapse bar, designed to engage and rotate the prongs.A cradle or attachment means can be integrated into the casing, with an electrical connection and a mechanical connection so that a rechargeable battery or a device containing such a battery can be electrically and mechanically attached to the cradle. Alternatively, a cable can be fined with a power adapter plug and electrically connected to the basic device.

Abstract: A configurable hardware system for implementing an algorithmic language program, including at least two programmable logic devices (PLD), a private hardware resource connectible to one PLD, and a programmable connection between PLDs, all of which may be configured as a module or distributed processing units (DPU). The private hardware resource may include a serial processing device such as a DSP, a PLD, a memory device, or a CPU. An extensible processing unit (EPU) can be built out of multiple DPUs, each connected to other modules by one or more of several buses. An N-bus (neighbor bus) connects a module to its nearest neighbor, an M-bus (module bus) connects a group of modules, and an H-bus (host bus) connects a module to a host CPU. The invention also includes a method of translating source code in an algorithmic language into a configuration file for implementation on one or more DPUs.

Abstract: A compact power supply features a package with an included volume of less than about 250 cubic centimeters, a switching power supply contained in the package, the power supply capable of providing more than about 10 watts of power, and connections from input power to and for output from the power supply. The power supply can be configured on three circuit boards, in a U-shaped configuration. The boards may be partially or fully potted to provide improved thermal performance and safety. The electronic components are carefully selected and matched for maximum output performance.

Abstract: A system and method provides a tandem switch and call control/management platform to establish a telephone connection (bridge) between two parties, the telephone connection being initiated by one of the parties. The tandem switch connects a telecommunications system (Centrex or PBX) with cellular or wireless telephones. If either party is disconnected from the tandem switch, the telephone connection between the tandem switch and the remaining party is maintained. The telephone connection is re-established by instructing the tandem switch to reconnect the disconnected party to the maintained party.