Abstract: An electronic device may include a connector port that accommodates reversible connector plugs. The connector port may include protection circuitry that protects other components in the electronic device from undesired power supply voltages. The protection circuitry may form a first branch and a second branch opposite to the first branch. The protection circuitry may receive control signals from power polarity detection circuitry. The power polarity detection circuitry may detect the presence of power supply voltages at the first branch and the second branch. In response to detecting the presence of a power supply voltage at a given branch, the power polarity detection circuitry may disable a power supply signal path through the opposite branch and enable a power supply signal path through the given branch.

Abstract: A gas gauge circuit has a power supply pin, a power return pin, power-on reset capability, and a communications signal pin. A reset control circuit is coupled between the power supply pin and the communications signal pin, or between the power return pin and the communications signal pin. The reset control circuit removes power to the gas gauge circuit in accordance with a control signal asserted on the communications signal pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A portable device includes: an enclosure, one or more processors for executing one or more programs; one or more actuators in or on the enclosure for generating mechanical vibrations; one or more sensors in or on the enclosure for detecting mechanical vibrations; and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The device analyzes one or more signals produced by the one or more sensors with respect to mechanical vibrations to determine a holding state of the portable device, and conditionally modifies operation of at least one application executed by the one or more processors in accordance with the determined holding state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatus, systems and means for distinguishing between microphone line signals resulting from: actuation of a microphone button of a headset plugged into a telephone device jack, and removal of the headset plug form the jack. During a telephone call, a first signal can be detected on a microphone line of a headset jack to indicate whether a microphone button of the headset is actuated. Also, while the headset plug is being disconnected from the jack, a transition on the microphone line can be detected, from a second signal indicating that the microphone is being disconnected, to a third signal indicating that the microphone button is actuated. Consequently, to avoid erroneously hanging up a call, transitions to the third signal when removing the plug form the jack can be ignored and the call can be maintained. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A gas gauge circuit has a power supply pin, a power return pin, power-on reset capability, and a communications signal pin. A reset control circuit is coupled between the power supply pin and the communications signal pin, or between the power return pin and the communications signal pin. The reset control circuit removes power to the gas gauge circuit in accordance with a control signal asserted on the communications signal pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Electronic devices such as computers and handheld devices are provided. The electronic devices may have electrical components such as displays that are driven by driver circuitry. During operation, the driver circuitry may generate radio-frequency noise. Communications circuitry in the electronic devices may be shielded from the radio-frequency noise by radio-frequency shielding structures. The shielding structures may be mounted on portions of the display module, on a cover glass layer, or on other structures such as housing structures. The radio-frequency shielding structures may be formed from one or more metal segments. The metal segments may run along edges of the display. A device housing may have a ground formed from a conductive peripheral member that runs around peripheral edges of the housing and a conductive plate that is connected to the conductive peripheral member. The radio-frequency shielding structure may be connected to the ground using conductive structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatus, systems and means for distinguishing between microphone line signals resulting from: actuation of a microphone button of a headset plugged into a telephone device jack, and removal of the headset plug form the jack. During a telephone call, a first signal can be detected on a microphone line of a headset jack to indicate whether a microphone button of the headset is actuated. Also, while the headset plug is being disconnected from the jack, a transition on the microphone line can be detected, from a second signal indicating that the microphone is being disconnected, to a third signal indicating that the microphone button is actuated. Consequently, to avoid erroneously hanging up a call, transitions to the third signal when removing the plug form the jack can be ignored and the call can be maintained. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A gas gauge circuit has a power supply pin, a power return pin, power-on reset capability, and a communications signal pin. A reset control circuit is coupled between the power supply pin and the communications signal pin, or between the power return pin and the communications signal pin. The reset control circuit removes power to the gas gauge circuit in accordance with a control signal asserted on the communications signal pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an article in the cargo area of a vehicle and for adding weight to the vehicle when driving on snow covered roads. The apparatus comprising an elongated flexible tubular member having each of a first predetermined shape and a predetermined length. A filler type material is disposed inside the elongated tubular member for adding a predetermined weight to such apparatus. The apparatus further includes a mechanism disposed at each end of the elongated tubular member for both acting as a handle and for securing such apparatus to a predetermined portion of a cargo area in such vehicle.

Abstract: A roof anchor including a pair of blocks positioned side-by-side. The blocks have adjacent, inner surfaces with notches cut therefrom for receiving a standing seam of a metal roof. The blocks also have outer surfaces remote from the inner surfaces. A bracket is positioned over the pair of blocks. The bracket includes a base portion having a pair of legs, each being positioned adjacent a respective one of the outer surfaces of the blocks, and a crosspiece, positioned adjacent the tops of the blocks, joining the legs together. A loop portion is affixed to the base portion for securement of a workman's safety lanyard. A threaded fastener penetrates the pair of blocks and the pair of legs for: fastening the pair of blocks together, securing the bracket to the pair of blocks, and clamping the pair of blocks upon a standing seam of a metal roof.

Abstract: A dual-stream book pivot machine is provided which turns books moved therealong 90.degree. to present a labeling area thereon in proper orientation and includes belts for moving the books downstream and a stop positioned in the path of the books moving therealong. Two parallel streams are preferably provided so that books, which have their greatest surface resting in engagement with the belts, can move in side-by-side relationship, each being turned to avoid interference with the books in the adjacent stream. The stops are positioned at one side of the belts for moving the books, the stop thus creating a point about which the books pivot and move laterally at least the width of the stop. The stop is elongated to present a guide preventing spinning of the pivoted books and thereby retaining the books in the proper orientation for handling by machines located downstream therefrom.