Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting gaming chips includes an ingress, a germicidal radiation source, an egress, an interior, a security system, and a controller. The apparatus is configured to control the passing of untreated gaming chips from the ingress to the interior of the apparatus, then to the egress. The interior of the apparatus has at least one germicidal radiation source. The germicidal radiation source treats the gaming chips such that the gaming chips at the egress are disinfected. The security system is configured to restrict user access to the interior, ingress, and/or egress of the apparatus. The controller is operably coupled with the security system, ingress, egress, and the interior of the apparatus. A method for disinfecting gaming chips includes passing of contaminated gaming chips from an ingress through a plurality of passages in direct line of sight to a radiation sources, irradiating the chips, then to an egress.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wireless power transfer, where a wireless power signal is provided from a charger to a device. A moving mechanism coupled to one of the charger and the device, may move one of the charger and the device along a predetermined pattern along at least one of three axes while wireless power is provided. Wireless power characteristic data may be received from a plurality of locations. The wireless power characteristic data from at least some of the plurality of points are processed to determine at least one of a threshold and optimum wireless power characteristic data value. The moving mechanism may move the one of the device and the charger to a location within the predetermined pattern based on the processed wireless power characteristic data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wireless power transfer, where a wireless power signal is provided from a charger to a device. A moving mechanism coupled to one of the charger and the device, may move one of the charger and the device along a predetermined pattern along at least one of three axes while wireless power is provided. Wireless power characteristic data may be received from a plurality of locations. The wireless power characteristic data from at least some of the plurality of points are processed to determine at least one of a threshold and optimum wireless power characteristic data value. The moving mechanism may move the one of the device and the charger to a location within the predetermined pattern based on the processed wireless power characteristic data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wireless power transfer, where a wireless power signal is provided from a charger to a device. A moving mechanism coupled to one of the charger and the device, may move one of the charger and the device along a predetermined pattern along at least one of three axes while wireless power is provided. Wireless power characteristic data may be received from a plurality of locations. The wireless power characteristic data from at least some of the plurality of points are processed to determine at least one of a threshold and optimum wireless power characteristic data value. The moving mechanism may move the one of the device and the charger to a location within the predetermined pattern based on the processed wireless power characteristic data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for wireless power transfer, where a wireless power signal is provided from a charger to a device. A moving mechanism coupled to one of the charger and the device, may move one of the charger and the device along a predetermined pattern along at least one of three axes while wireless power is provided. Wireless power characteristic data may be received from a plurality of locations. The wireless power characteristic data from at least some of the plurality of points are processed to determine at least one of a threshold and optimum wireless power characteristic data value. The moving mechanism may move the one of the device and the charger to a location within the predetermined pattern based on the processed wireless power characteristic data.

Abstract: Improved electronic device protection enclosures are generally described. In an example, an illustrative apparatus for protecting an electronic device is provided. The apparatus includes a drive enclosure structure, a gripping pad, and a deformation mechanism. The drive enclosure structure includes a sidewall. The gripping pad is located on the sidewall and includes a plurality of angled slots. The deformation mechanism is connected to the sidewall and configured to facilitate selective deformation of the gripping pad.

Abstract: A tool-less printed circuit board (PCB) bracket system for attaching an input/output (I/O) interface PCB to a bulkhead includes a main PCB and card assembly having a bracket mounted to the main PCB. One or more keyhole fasteners are attached to the main PCB for holding the bracket into a fixed position. The card bracket includes a release mechanism for releasably detaching the card bracket assembly from the keyhole fasteners without the use of tools for easily separation and servicing.

Abstract: A tool-less printed circuit board (PCB) bracket system for attaching an input/output (I/O) interface PCB to a bulkhead includes a main PCB and card assembly having a bracket mounted to the main PCB. One or more keyhole fasteners are attached to the main PCB for holding the bracket into a fixed position. The card bracket includes a release mechanism for releasably detaching the card bracket assembly from the keyhole fasteners without the use of tools for easily separation and servicing.

Abstract: Improved electronic device protection enclosures are generally described. In an example, an illustrative apparatus for protecting an electronic device is provided. The apparatus includes a drive enclosure structure, a gripping pad, and a deformation mechanism. The drive enclosure structure includes a sidewall. The gripping pad is located on the sidewall and includes a plurality of angled slots. The deformation mechanism is connected to the sidewall and configured to facilitate selective deformation of the gripping pad.

Abstract: Carriers for a data storage device. The carriers comprise a support member sized and shaped to receive and retain the data storage device. The carriers also comprise one or more projecting members configured to retain the data storage device in the support member. The projecting member extends from a portion of the carrier towards the data storage device. The projecting member is retained in position by a structure selected from the group consisting of a rail and a sidewall of the support member. The projecting member can comprises a pin.

Abstract: Carriers for a data storage device. The carriers comprise a support member sized and shaped to receive and retain the data storage device. The carriers also comprise one or more projecting members configured to retain the data storage device in the support member. The projecting member extends from a portion of the carrier towards the data storage device. The projecting member is retained in position by a structure selected from the group consisting of a rail and a sidewall of the support member. The projecting member can comprises a pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus dissipates heat generated by an electronic device. The apparatus includes a channel structure that is in thermal communication with heat generated by the electronic device. The apparatus further includes a pump array operative to advance fluid within the channel structure. In addition, the apparatus includes a baffle array positionable in relation to the channel structure in a first group position and a second group position, wherein fluid advancing within the channel structure is diverted to flow (i) in a first flow path defined in the channel structure when the baffle array is positioned in the first group position, and (ii) in a second flow path defined in the channel structure when the baffle array is positioned in the second group position.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit for portable electronic devices including a photovoltaic cell for generating electrical current for charging of batteries. The charging circuit includes a state machine charge control circuit to selectively apply the electrical current generated by the photovoltaic cell to the batteries for charging and/or to the operational circuits of the portable electronic device for operation of the device. The photovoltaic cell, charge control circuit and operational circuits may be packaged in a number of alternative embodiments. In a first embodiment the photovoltaic cell and charge control circuit are integrated in a single circuit package. In a second, the various components are in separate circuit packages to enhance flexibility in design options. In a third embodiment, the charge control circuit is integrated with the operational circuits of the device.

Abstract: A method of preserving signal integrity of buses is disclosed. One step of the method includes the step of forming between a first bus and a first bus port of a bus controller, a first stub that is no greater than a first maximum stub length allowed for the first bus by terminating the first bus with a first terminating circuit if (i) the first bus port does not have at least one device coupled thereto, and (ii) a second bus port of the bus controller does have at least one device coupled thereto. The method also includes the step of forming between the first bus and a second bus port of the bus controller, a second stub that is no greater than the first maximum stub length allowed by terminating the first bus with a second terminating circuit if (i) the first bus port does have at least one device coupled thereto, and (ii) the second bus port does not have at least one device coupled thereto. Apparatus for implementing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for automatically terminating a bus that is dependent upon whether devices are coupled to ports of a device interface is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) generating a first sensing voltage having a voltage level equal to one of at least three levels; (b) generating a first control voltage having a fourth level when the voltage level of the first sensing voltage has a first predetermined logical relationship to a first reference voltage; and (c) terminating a first plurality of lines of the bus at the device interface when the first control voltage is equal to the fourth level. An apparatus suitable for implementing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining automatic termination of a bus in the event of failure of a host computer are disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) powering a first termination control circuit and a first terminating circuit of the first bus controller with the bus; (b) generating a first control signal (1) that is of an enable state if the first bus controller is located at an end of the bus, and (2) that is of a disable state if the first bus controller is located in a middle portion of the bus; (c) coupling the first terminating circuit to the bus if the first control signal is of the enable state; and (d) decoupling the first terminating circuit from the bus if the first control signal is of the disable state.

Abstract: In a computer system having a peripheral bus and a peripheral device coupled together, a method for testing data transfer integrity of the peripheral bus includes the step of transferring first data to the peripheral device via the peripheral bus. Another step of the method includes generating a first error signal if the first data was corrupted during the first data transferring step. The method also includes updating a counter in response to generation of the first error signal. The method further includes generating a second error signal if the counter exceeds a predetermined threshold. Moreover, the method includes the steps of transferring the first data in a first manner, and in response to generation of the second error signal, transferring second data to the peripheral device in a second manner that is different than the first manner. The difference between the first manner and the second manner may include a difference in transfer rate and/or a difference in bus width.

Abstract: A pad is adjacent a hole that will be located on the trailing edge of the board when the board is processed through wave soldering. The pad includes a curved side that faces the hole. In addition, corners are absent from the pad. The intersections of sides of the pad occurs as a curve or radiused corner, rather than a verticed corner. Wave soldering the printed circuit board with the pad greatly reduces bridging of a lead inserted into the hole adjacent the pad.