Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter to convert power from a power source to a DC power for powering an electronic device. The adapter includes circuitry for producing an analog data signal for use by the electronic device to control an amount of power drawn by the device. A cable has an output connector with a plurality of conductors to transfer the DC power and the analog data signal to the electronic device. The connector further includes circuitry to receive a data request from the electronic device and in response transmit a data output which identifies the power supply equipment to the electronic device.

Abstract: An autonomous wireless system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of devices includes a wireless interface. At least two devices directly communicate with each other through a direct link between the wireless interfaces of the at least two devices. Methods and apparatus for two or more devices equipped with wireless local area network (WLAN) interface to communicate and exchange selected information are disclosed. Accordingly, a system and method in accordance with the present invention enables a handheld, laptop, smart phone or the like, which is equipped with a WLAN interface, to communicate and exchange business contact, sales brochures, event announcements, presentation materials, alert messages, etc., to other devices that include a WLAN interface.

Abstract: Power supply equipment is provided for supplying an appropriate power adapter identification signal, as well as DC power, to various types, brand and models of electronic devices. The equipment includes a power adapter having conversion circuitry for converting power from an external power source to the DC power utilized by a particular electronic device. The power adapter also includes circuitry to generate a plurality of power adapter identification signals. Selection circuitry, responsive to user selection or to the configuration of a cable, connector or connector adapter included with the power supply equipment, selects a particular one of power adapter identification signals appropriate for the particular electronic device. The selected power adapter identification signal and the DC power are transferred to the power input port of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for forming a protocol structure for use in an ad hoc, distributed, scaleable wireless sensor node network which enables nodes to join the network autonomously without there being a designated, permanent central time reference and for enabling such nodes to synchronize timing with each other and with other nodes in the network. The method involves discovering the active channel changing sequence used by the network, synchronizing communications of a new node with the remainder of the nodes in the network and scanning communications channels to detect merging clusters of nodes.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes low power assemblies and high power assemblies, each of which is detachably mateable to either one of two power ports. To simultaneously power two low power devices, low power assemblies are respectively mated to each of the power ports. To simultaneously power one low power and one high power device, a low power assembly is mated to one of the power ports and a high power assembly is mated to the other power port. The low power assemblies transfer a low DC voltage, but not a high DC voltage, to low power devices. The high power assemblies transfer a high DC voltage, but not a low DC voltage, to high power devices. If a high power assembly is mated to each of the power ports, power flow is interrupted without putting the power supply in an overvoltage or overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A flyback converter utilizes a boost inductor coupled between a source of AC power and a synchronous rectifier to provide power factor correction. The synchronous rectifier includes four field-effect transistors configured in a bridge arrangement. Control circuitry controls the on/off states of opposite pairs of the FETs to provide synchronous rectification of the AC power. A primary winding of the flyback transformer is coupled in series with a storage capacitor across the output of the synchronous rectifier. A circuit, which includes a switching transistor, is also coupled across the output of the synchronous rectifier to provide a low resistance path when the switch is closed. The cores of the boost inductor and the transformer are loaded with energy when the switch is closed. When the switch opens, the energy stored in the magnetic cores is transferred to the output via the transformer secondary winding and rectification circuitry.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The adapter further includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power flow within the electronic device. A cable, which is electrically coupled to the adapter, has a connector at its distal end. The power supply equipment further includes a plurality of tips, each of which has an input connector, an output connector and at least three conductors. The input connector of each tip is detachable mateable to the connector on the distal end of the cable. The output connector of each tip is detachably mateable to a corresponding electronic device. The conductors transfer the DC power and the data signal from the input connector to the output connector. A tip output connector has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device to which the tip corresponds.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a power indication signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable, which is electrically coupled to the adapter, has a connector at its distal end. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input connector and an output connector. The input connector of the tip is detachable mateable to the connector on the distal end of the cable. The output connector of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output connector has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the power indication signal, as well as the DC power, to the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for global wireless sensor network architecture and protocol for remote supervision, asset control and operational management based on localized clusters of autonomous sensor/supervision/operational sensor nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes with increased network functionality. These localized cluster nodes send data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions. The gateway nodes are, in turn, connected to other gateway nodes and operations control centers either through wireless or wired data communications links. Utilizing the Internet for long range interconnectivity, the network is scaleable to a global level. The resulting network is based on an ad hoc mesh topology to allow flexibility in network modification and expansion and is comprised of a tiered structure defined by increasing functionality.

Abstract: A modular power adapter and method for using the same which increases the ease of a user's travel with portable electronic devices. The modular power adapter includes an output module which may be interchangeably and detachably coupled to DC input module or an AC input module. The output module and the input module are provided in separate housing structures thereby effectively spreading the heat dissipated from the modular power adapter.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a HESA (“High Efficiency Sensitivity Accuracy”) direction-finding (“DF”) antenna system that operates over a range from 2 MHz to 18 GHz. The system may include components such as a dipole array, a monopole array, and an edge-radiating antenna, each component being responsive to a specific frequency range. The system may further include biconical flares that optimally terminate a freespace wave in a small aperture.

Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The adapter further includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power flow within the electronic device. A cable, which is electrically coupled to the adapter, has a connector at its distal end. The power supply equipment further includes a plurality of tips, each of which has an input connector, an output connector and at least three conductors. The input connector of each tip is detachable mateable to the connector on the distal end of the cable. The output connector of each tip is detachably mateable to a corresponding electronic device. The conductors transfer the DC power and the data signal from the input connector to the output connector. A tip output connector has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device to which the tip corresponds.

Abstract: A power supply provides a low touch-temperature surface by utilizing a plurality of spaced apart pegs which extend from a surface of a case away from heat generating components enclosed within the case. The top and side surfaces of the pegs and the surface of the case not occupied by the pegs are entirely directly exposed to ambient air. The tops of the pegs provide a touch surface having a temperature which is cooler than that at the base of the pegs. The pegs are preferably arranged to minimize heat transfer between adjacent pegs.

Abstract: A detachable tip is used in conjunction with a power adapter to provide DC power to an electronic device. The tip includes an input connector which detachably mates with a connector which is electrically coupled to the power adapter. An output connector of the tip detachably mates with the electronic device. Conductors within the tip transfer the DC power from the input connector to the output connector to provide the DC power to the electronic device. Circuitry within the tip transmits to the electronic device, via the output connector, a power output indication signal representative of an amount of power available to be supplied to the electronic device by the adapter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for global wireless sensor network architecture and protocol for remote supervision, asset control and operational management based on localized clusters of autonomous sensor/supervision/operational sensor nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes with increased network functionality. These localized cluster nodes send data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions. The gateway nodes are, in turn, connected to other gateway nodes and operations control centers either through wireless or wired data communications links. Utilizing the Internet for long range interconnectivity, the network is scaleable to a global level. The resulting network is based on an ad hoc mesh topology to allow flexibility in network modification and expansion and is comprised of a tiered structure defined by increasing functionality.

Abstract: A flyback converter utilizes a boost inductor coupled between a source of AC power and a bridge rectifier to provide power factor correction. A primary winding of the flyback transformer is coupled in series with a storage capacitor across the output of the bridge rectifier. A circuit, which includes a switching transistor, is also coupled across the output of the bridge rectifier to provide a low resistance path when the switch is closed. The cores of the boost inductor and the transformer are loaded with energy when the switch is closed. When the switch opens, the energy stored in the magnetic cores is transferred to the output via the transformer secondary winding and rectification circuitry.

Abstract: An autonomous wireless system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of devices includes a wireless interface. At least two devices directly communicate with each other through a direct link between the wireless interfaces of the at least two devices. Methods and apparatus for two or more devices equipped with wireless local area network (WLAN) interface to communicate and exchange selected information are disclosed. Accordingly, a system and method in accordance with the present invention enables a handheld, laptop, smart phone or the like, which is equipped with a WLAN interface, to communicate and exchange business contact, sales brochures, event announcements, presentation materials, alert messages, etc., to other devices that include a WLAN interface.

Abstract: An autonomous wireless system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of devices includes a wireless interface. At least two devices directly communicate with each other through a direct link between the wireless interfaces of the at least two devices. Methods and apparatus for two or more devices equipped with wireless local area network (WLAN) interface to communicate and exchange selected information are disclosed. Accordingly, a system and method in accordance with the present invention enables a handheld, laptop, smart phone or the like, which is equipped with a WLAN interface, to communicate and exchange business contact, sales brochures, event announcements, presentation materials, alert messages, etc., to other devices that include a WLAN interface.

Abstract: Power supply equipment is provided with two power ports for simultaneously powering two electronic devices. The equipment includes low power assemblies and high power assemblies, each of which is detachably mateable to either one of the power ports. To simultaneously power two low power devices, low power assemblies are respectively mated to each of the power ports. To simultaneously power one low power and one high power device, a low power assembly is mated to one of the power ports and a high power assembly is mated to the other power port. The low power assemblies transfer a low DC voltage, but not a high DC voltage, to low power devices. The high power assemblies transfer a high DC voltage, but not a low DC voltage, to high power devices. If a high power assembly is mated to each of the power ports, power flow is interrupted without putting supply in an overvoltage or overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A power supply provides a DC voltage to power an electronic device which includes battery charging circuitry. The power supply can be selectably coupled to alternative types of power sources and converts the power received from a power source to the DC voltage. The power supply includes source determination circuitry which generates a signal indicative of the type of power source to which the power supply is coupled. The DC voltage and the power source indication signal are provided to the electronic device. In response to the power source indication signal, a controller within the electronic device controls the amount of power drawn by the device by disabling the battery charging circuitry.