Abstract: A compact, economical and fast battery charger for Ni-CAD and Ni-MH batteries turns a current source into a controlled voltage source which keys off a signal representative of the voltage level of the battery during the charging process and turns the current source ON and OFF to assure that the battery during the charging process does not exceed a given voltage level. The apparatus includes in par a ballasting resistor in series with the battery to compensate for the low resistance of the battery and an open collector voltage comparator which establishes high and low voltage set points for turning the current source ON and OFF at the appropriate times. The method and apparatus includes a visual display responsive to a signal which produces on the visual display an indication of the state of charge of the battery during a charging cycle. A circuit board has a long U-shaped trace extending around a notch in the board, on each side of each is mounted on battery.

Abstract: The present system provides a compact light diffusing and mixing structure for uniformly dispersing light at an exit surface, the apparatus having a light entrance surface which faces a light exit surface located on the opposite side of the light diffusing and mixing structure; a beam splitter light guide assembly located between the entrance and exit surface; a reflective surface located adjacent to the beam splitter light guide assembly. The light diffusing structure works such that light entering the entrance surface on striking the beam splitter light guide assembly is directed in part directly towards the exit surface and in part towards the reflective surface which in turn directs the light towards the exit surface and thereby evenly diffusing or dispersing the light across the exit surface. The system also provides a compact fast battery charger for Ni-MH and NiCAD batteries. The charger can indicate the degree of charge of the battery during a charging state and a discharging state.

Abstract: A compact, economical and fast battery charger for Ni-CAD and Ni-MH batteries turns a current source into a controlled voltage source which keys off a signal representative of the voltage level of the battery during the charging process and turns the current source ON and OFF to assure that the battery during the charging process does not exceed a given voltage level. The apparatus includes in par a ballasting resistor in series with the battery to compensate for the low resistance of the battery and an open collector voltage comparator which establishes high and low voltage set points for turning the current source ON and OFF at the appropriate times. The method and apparatus includes a visual display responsive to a signal which produces on the visual display an indication of the state of charge of the battery during a charging cycle. A circuit board has a long U-shaped trace extending around a notch in the board, on each side of each is mounted on battery.