Abstract: A removeable off-ice training blade for use in a convertible ice skate on a non-ice training surface. The blade has an upper retention surface shaped to engage the interior of a blade-holding groove and retention mechanism of the skate and has a lower tread to engage the non-ice training surface. Two side surfaces extend substantially perpendicularly from the lower tread to meet the upper retention surface. The tread surface comprises reflective non-cutting axial edges, to negate any destruction of the non-ice training surface during use of the blade. Certain embodiments of the training blade will include a tread surface that is wider than the upper retention surface, achieved with multiple lower profiles and cross-sections of the blade. Insofar as the training blade will not permit on-ice skating use, it can be removed from the skate for replacement with an ice blade having cutting edges. A skate incorporating the blade, and a related exercise method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch-mode DC converter configured to generate a converted voltage from an input voltage is provided. The switch-mode DC converter includes an inductor configured to store energy, and a switch coupled with the inductor at a switching node, wherein the switch is configurable to be turned on or off to control the discharging of the energy stored at the inductor to an output node of the converter, wherein the output node is configured to provide the converted voltage. The switch-mode DC converter also includes a circuit configured to control a timing of turning-off of the switch based on a voltage difference between the switch, wherein a measurement of the voltage difference is adjusted based on a voltage at the switching node.

Abstract: A switch-mode DC converter configured to generate a converted voltage from an input voltage is provided. The switch-mode DC converter includes an inductor configured to store energy, and a switch coupled with the inductor at a switching node, wherein the switch is configurable to be turned on or off to control the discharging of the energy stored at the inductor to an output node of the converter, wherein the output node is configured to provide the converted voltage. The switch-mode DC converter also includes a circuit configured to control a timing of turning-off of the switch based on a voltage difference between the switch, wherein a measurement of the voltage difference is adjusted based on a voltage at the switching node.

Abstract: A digital control mechanism is provided to maintain current matching of a plurality of LED devices where the conventional supply voltage may be insufficient to achieve the threshold working current.

Abstract: A combustion engine is provided having a cylinder blanking system. The cylinders are deactived according to turbo-pressure and engine RPM. Specifically, when low load conditions exist for a predetermined period of time, fuel is cut off from some of the cylinders. The system may be manually overriden.

Abstract: A control system for a chiropractic adjustment instrument comprising a microprocessor programmable to control various parameters of an adjustor head to be driven against the spinal vertebrate of a patient. A solenoid is associated with the adjustor head which is energized by a capacitor. The capacitor is charged by a charging circuit to the programmed voltage level. The pressure of the adjustor head against the patient is sensed and when the pressure reaches a predetermined level, the capacitor is discharged to the solenoid to drive the adjustor head against the spinal vertebrate of the patient.

Abstract: A chiropractic adjustor for applying an adjustment energy to a patient through a plunger having a resilient or cushioned head with the energy applied to the plunger being supplied by a solenoid assembly capable of producing an adjustable and reproducible energy or force that is transferred from the solenoid to the cushioned plunger thereby providing a chiropractic adjustor that is solenoid operated and capable of providing precisely reproducible energy settings over a wide range and the capability of providing a reproducible energy level and a reproducible contact energy or force between the adjustor and patient.