Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating drive sequences for pulse width modulated displays are described. A pulse width modulated signal that includes a drive sequence of temporal segments that are activated and deactivated to produce a desired gray scale. The temporal segments can be non-binary, non-equally weighted. The drive sequence can also include at least two of the temporal segments are least significant bit segments and the other segments are higher order segments.

Abstract: Polarity independent jumper cables are provided for connecting vehicle batteries in parallel, for example when trying to start a vehicle that has a flat battery. The apparatus disclosed has terminal connectors to connect to the terminal posts of each battery. The terminal connectors lead to a switching and control circuit that automatically determines the batteries polarities and makes connections to connect the batteries in parallel, so that users do not need to have any knowledge of the battery polarities. In particular, an indication of the relative state of charge of the batteries is provided prior to the circuit establishing the connections so that when the connection is made, it is made for a predetermined period of time in order to control the current flow through the apparatus. Furthermore, the connection between the batteries is made only when the change in load is sensed on one of the batteries, for example when a vehicle starter motor is connected to one of the batteries.

Abstract: A child safe lighter is disclosed having an actuator that is designed to be operated by the thumb of a user and must be moved in an upward direction to operate the lighter. The actuator is biased in a downward direction using a force sufficient to make the necessary operational movement difficult for a child but relatively easy for an adult.