Abstract: A magnetic component, like an amorphous metal ribbon component, is disposed within an aperture of a layer of circuit board substrate, like FR4 or a flexible substrate. That layer is then laminated between a top and bottom layer to form a circuit substrate with a magnetic component integrally formed therein. Conductive traces are disposed on the top layer and bottom layer. These conductive traces are coupled together about the magnetic component with conductive vias. The top traces, bottom traces and conductive vias form a “winding” about the magnetic component. The resultant assembly is a single, multi-layered circuit substrate with a magnetic circuit element integrally formed therein. The magnetic circuit component is suitable for use as, amongst other things, an inductor, a transformer, or a contactless charging primary or secondary coil.

Abstract: A contactless, inductive charger having a generally planar surface is provided. An image, text or other visual indicator is disposed upon the substantially planar surface such that the visual indicator represents a preferred placement orientation for an electronic device for optimal inductive charging. The charger includes a primary coil positioned within the boundaries of the image, such that a user has a visual guide for placing the device on the charging surface for maximum efficiency in charging. The visual indicator, which may be a picture, outline, text or other directional indicator, may be geometrically similar to a shape of the electronic device or may be in the shape of a generic device. It may be disposed upon the charger by a method selected from the group consisting of painting, molding, silk screening, plating, vapor deposition and adhesive retention.

Abstract: A hand tool, like a handgun, is provided having a wireless, push to talk switch embedded therein. When the push to talk switch is actuated, a signal is sent to an external, nearby two-way communication device. The signal is capable of actuating the microphone of the two-way communication device and causing transmission. In so doing, a user may use the communication device while keeping two hands on the tool. For example, when a police officer has two hands on a firearm, the police officer may press the push to talk button on the firearm, thereby allowing him to call for assistance with a radio or mobile telephone without having to take his hands off the firearm.

Abstract: A cell balancing circuit monitors the voltage between serially connected cells and compares it to a reference voltage. From that comparison, the cell balancing circuit sources or sinks current into a midpoint node between rechargeable cells to keep the cells balanced during the charging process. In one preferred embodiment, the cell balancing circuit includes an op-amp, connected in a unity gain configuration. A voltage divider establishes a reference voltage equal to the average of the two cell voltages. The op-amp compares this average to the measured voltage at the midpoint node. When the average voltage exceeds the voltage at the midpoint node, the op-amp sources current into the midpoint node. When the average voltage falls below the voltage at the midpoint node, the op-amp sinks current from the midpoint node. By sourcing or sinking current, the cell balancing circuit allows the lesser charged cell to catch up with the more fully charged cell.