Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of motion/movement sensors, detectors, and/or monitors, as well as other types of sensors. In particular, the present invention may provide, for example, a large pulsed output voltage in response to very low (or slow) sensed movement or environment changes, such as, temperature, pressure, and energy. The present invention relates, for example, to other available sensors and may provide an output high enough to turn on related processing circuitry from an “OFF” state. The present invention relates, among other things, to sensing various events via, for example, axially poled homopolymer polyvinyladine fluoride (PVDF) or other piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of battery and capacitor charging. In particular, the present invention provides pulsed current charging using changes, regardless of polarity, in the local energy environment to obtain power. The present invention relates, for example, to ambient energy charging thin film batteries, other batteries, or capacitors, via, for example, polyvinyladine fluoride homopolymer (PVDF), PVDF bi-axially poled, or other piezoelectric materials. Ambient energy may be defined as any change in energy within the local environment. Charging can be accomplished with, and is not limited to, positive or negative changes of the following energy types: thermal; visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet; mechanical motion or impact; triboelectric, including airflow or physical contact; movement in relation to a gravitational plane (increase or decrease in gravitational potential energy); and radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy, regardless of specific frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of motion/movement sensors, detectors, and/or monitors, as well as other types of sensors. In particular, the present invention may provide, for example, a large pulsed output voltage in response to very low (or slow) sensed movement or environment changes, such as, temperature, pressure, and energy. The present invention relates, for example, to other available sensors and may provide an output high enough to turn on related processing circuitry from an “OFF” state. The present invention relates, among other things, to sensing various events via, for example, axially poled homopolymer polyvinyladine fluoride (PVDF) or other piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: An upgradable SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) battery pack capable of upgrading a SMART function thereof is provided, including a battery array, a host interface for supplying power to a host and performing a SMART communication therewith, a protection circuit for protecting battery cells in the battery array from overcurrent or overvoltage, a microprocessor for monitoring a current state of the battery array, calculating a battery capacity thereof and controlling the SMART communication with the host via the host interface, a nonvolatile memory for storing an operational program of the microprocessor and battery information, a signal processor for converting a level of a signal to be sent to the host via the host interface into a predetermined level that is desired by the host and processing the level-converted signal, and an input/output port for performing an interfacing operation between the host and the microprocessor to download a control program and data from the host.

Abstract: The invention discloses a deformation resistant power pedestal assembly comprising a hollow post formed of a fiberglass reinforced resin, having spaced apart load bearing walls defining an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first open end and a second open end. As illustrated herein the post may be either a square or a rectangle. The structure reinforcing cap, which may be formed from a polypropylene, polyethylene, fiberglass reinforced nylon, or the like is inserted within a first open end of said post. The structure reinforcing cap thus frictionally engages the interior surface of the post and substantially prevents movement of the exterior surface thereof when various types of appurtenant structures such as power supply cabinets, power panels, meter cans, junction boxes and the like are mounted thereon, utilizing through-bolts or the like, which would otherwise cause deformation and possible structural failure of the post walls.

Abstract: This invention relates to a horizontal omni-directional windmill comprising a rotor including an upper platform and a lower platform, a plurality of identically configured blades, wherein each of the blades is of a substantially aerodynamic configuration, each of the blades being oriented at a broad angle relative to the radius of the rotor, the blades being oriented in a generally vertical orientation relative to the upper and lower platforms.

Abstract: A novel method for production of and an apparatus for an encapsulated solid-state electrochemical device is disclosed. The present invention provides for electrical devices, such as, for example, thin-film batteries with sensitive chemistries that can survive environmental exposure while providing external electrical contact to the internal cell chemistry. The method of packaging of the present invention may include bonding one or more protective multi-layer laminates to the environmentally sensitive surfaces of an electronic device. The present invention may provide the advantage of avoiding entrapped air beneath the laminates.

Abstract: An external battery pack apparatus is provided for supplying to a power-supply voltage to a portable appliance, including an adapter having a power-supply terminal and output voltage setting terminals for programming an output voltage; a cable connected to the adapter; and a main body including a battery, a charging controller for charging the battery, and an output controller for performing a DC-to-DC conversion on a voltage charged in the battery, outputting the DC-to-DC converted voltage to the adapter via the cable, detecting a programming status of the adapter, and changing an output voltage in response to the detected programming status.

Abstract: A power supply for both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) which has an AC/DC converter and DC/DC converter detachably coupled with each other. The AC/DC converter is adapted to convert an AC input voltage into a DC signal, and the DC/DC converter is adapted to convert a DC input voltage into a DC signal. An output voltage selector is provided to obtain a DC output voltage appropriate to an associated device. The present power supply can be conveniently carried, supply power to an associated device regardless of AC and DC input voltages and select a level of an output DC voltage. Therefore, the present power supply can be used universally irrespective of the types of associated devices and manufacturers.

Abstract: A test pulse having an amplitude (IP) and a duration (T) is applied to the battery. The battery voltages at the beginning (V1) and at the end (V2) of the test pulse are measured, and a difference voltage (&Dgr;V) is determined. This difference voltage is used, either alone or along with the difference voltage for a new battery and a compensation factor, to determine the state of deterioration of the battery, the charge capacity of the battery, and/or the charging rate of the battery. The state of deterioration of a battery affects its charge capacity and its ability to accept a charge. A battery is best charged when its state of deterioration is considered. The charge capacity of the battery and the charging rate for charging the battery are therefore adjusted with respect to those parameters for a new battery based upon the state of deterioration of the battery.

Abstract: A combined battery and wireless-communications apparatus and method. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a support, a first conductive layer deposited on a first surface area of the support, a thin-film battery including a cathode layer, a solid-state electrolyte layer, and an anode layer deposited such that either the anode layer or the cathode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, an antenna mounted to the support structure, and an electronic communications circuit mounted to the support and electrically coupled to the battery and the antenna to transceive radio communications. Other embodiments include an energy-receiving device mounted to the support structure, and an electronic communications circuit mounted to the support structure and including a recharging circuit, the recharging circuit electrically coupled to the battery and the energy-receiving device to recharge the battery using energy received by the energy-receiving device.

Abstract: An electrically powered device includes a shell, and a battery integrated with the shell. The electrically powered device also includes a trace, and a site adapted to receive an electrically powered component, wherein the battery, the trace and the electrically powered component form a portion of a circuit. The electrically shell may be a portion of an enclosure. The battery is formed within the shell and may be comprised of one or a plurality of deposited layers.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage devices including fabrication films for devices without an anneal step, especially a cathode anneal of thin-film batteries. A film of an energy-storage device is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location on a substrate. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists the growth of the crystalline structure of film. For lithium-ion energy-storage devices, the first material is an intercalation material, which releasably stores lithium ions therein. Supercapacitors and energy-conversion devices are also fabricated according the methods.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage devices including fabrication films for devices without an anneal step. A film of an energy-storage device is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location on a substrate. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists in controlling the growth and stoichiometry of the film. The method allows for the fabrication of ultrathin films such as electrolyte films and dielectric films.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage and energy-conversion devices including fabrication of films for devices without an anneal step, especially for the fabrication of supercapacitors and photovoltaic cells. A film is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists the growth of the crystalline structure of the film and controls stoichiometry.

Abstract: A combined battery and device apparatus and associated method. This apparatus includes a first conductive layer, a battery comprising a cathode layer; an anode layer, and an electrolyte layer located between and electrically isolating the anode layer from the cathode layer, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material, the battery disposed such that either the cathode layer or the anode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and an electrical circuit adjacent face-to-face to and electrically connected to the battery. Some embodiments further include a photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a polymer having a melting point substantially below 700 degrees centigrade. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a glass. For example, some embodiments include a battery deposited directly on the back of a liquid-crystal display (LCD) device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker monitoring system for monitoring three-phase circuit breakers includes three channels that convert a respective phase current through a respective set of circuit breaker contacts into a sequence of digital signals each representative of an instantaneous value of current through the contacts. Each channel includes a transformer having a primary winding that receives current corresponding to that through the breaker contacts. A resistor across the secondary winding develops a voltage proportional to the current. An input buffer voltage follower couples this voltage to the input of a high-speed 12-bit bipolar analog-to-digital converter that provides the digital signals. A microprocessor coupled to a 12K RAM working memory, a 4K EPROM that may store breaker monitor software and a 2K E.sup.