Abstract: An improved power manager includes a power bus (410) and multiple device ports (1-5), with at least one device port configured as a universal port (3 and 4) to be selectively connected to the power bus over an input power channel that includes an input power converter (510) or over a output or universal power channel (412, 416) that includes an output power converter (440, 442). The universal power channel (412) allows the input port (4) to be selected as an output power channel instead of an input power channel (i.e. operated as a universal port) for outputting power to device port (4) over power converter (440). The improved power manager (500) includes operating modes for altering an operating voltage of the power bus (505), to minimize overall power conversion losses due to DC to DC power conversions used to connect non-bus voltage compatible power devices to the power bus.

Abstract: A cable gland assembly for attaching a shielded cable to an electronic enclosure includes a cable gland housing enclosing and in electrical contact with exposed cable shielding of the shielded cable and providing an electrically conductive pathway between the cable shielding and the electronic enclosure. The cable gland housing further encloses a shield pressure ring disposed to hold the exposed cable shielding in contact with the cable gland housing, a weather gasket, and an exposed portion of a cable strength member. The cable gland assembly includes environmental molding disposed within the cable gland housing to bond to and fix in place the exposed cable shielding, shield pressure ring, weather gasket, and exposed cable strength member. An outer molding is disposed around the cable gland housing.

Abstract: An improved power manager includes a power bus (410) and multiple device ports (1-5), with at least one device port configured as a universal port (3 and 4) to be selectively connected to the power bus over an input power channel that includes an input power converter (510) or over a output or universal power channel (412, 416) that includes an output power converter (440, 442). The universal power channel (412) allows the input port (4) to be selected as an output power channel instead of an input power channel (i.e. operated as a universal port) for outputting power to device port (4) over power converter (440). The improved power manager (500) includes operating modes for altering an operating voltage of the power bus (505), to minimize overall power conversion losses due to DC to DC power conversions used to connect non-bus voltage compatible power devices to the power bus.

Abstract: An electronics device carrier for porting a battery powered electronic device is formed by outer walls surrounding a hollow volume. The electronic device is held within the hollow volume and can be operated without removing the electronic device from the carrier. An input interface comprising interface elements external to the outer walls provides an element suitable for interfacing with external power devices such as a power source or another power load. A device interface includes interface elements at least partially disposed internal to the outer walls for interfacing with the electronic device battery. A charge controller is disposed between the input interface and the device interface and is operable to connect elements connected to the input interface to the device battery to either recharge the device battery or use the device battery as a power source.

Abstract: An improved power manager includes a power bus (410) and multiple device ports (1-5), with at least one device port configured as a universal port (3 and 4) to be selectively connected to the power bus over an input power channel that includes an input power converter (510) or over a output or universal power channel (412, 416) that includes an output power converter (440, 442). The universal power channel (412) allows the input port (4) to be selected as an output power channel instead of an input power channel (i.e. operated as a universal port) for outputting power to device port (4) over power converter (440). The improved power manager (500) includes operating modes for altering an operating voltage of the power bus (505), to minimize overall power conversion losses due to DC to DC power conversions used to connect non-bus voltage compatible power devices to the power bus.

Abstract: An improved power manager includes a power bus (410) and multiple device ports (1-5), with at least one device port configured as a universal port (3 and 4) to be selectively connected to the power bus over an input power channel that includes an input power converter (510) or over a output or universal power channel (412, 416) that includes an output power converter (440, 442). The universal power channel (412) allows the input port (4) to be selected as an output power channel instead of an input power channel (i.e. operated as a universal port) for outputting power to device port (4) over power converter (440). The improved power manager (500) includes operating modes for altering an operating voltage of the power bus (505), to minimize overall power conversion losses due to DC to DC power conversions used to connect non-bus voltage compatible power devices to the power bus.

Abstract: An electronics device carrier for porting a battery powered electronic device is formed by outer walls surrounding a hollow volume. The electronic device is held within the hollow volume and can be operated without removing the electronic device from the carrier. An input interface comprising interface elements external to the outer walls provides an element suitable for interfacing with external power devices such as a power source or another power load. A device interface includes interface elements at least partially disposed internal to the outer walls for interfacing with the electronic device battery. A charge controller is disposed between the input interface and the device interface and is operable to connect elements connected to the input interface to the device battery to either recharge the device battery or use the device battery as a power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an image in a mail handling machine includes a printing device and a non-volatile memory having fixed and variable image data elements stored therein, a first portion of the fixed image data elements being stored in a compressed manner and a second portion of the fixed image data elements being stored in a bit map form.

Abstract: A universal controller interface for use in a number of different barcode printers is disposed between the printer's microprocessor and a number of the printer's input and output devices including the printhead. The controller includes a microprocessor interface that allows the controller to be used with various types of printer microprocessors. The controller also includes a printhead control circuit that allows the controller to be used with various types of printheads such as an intelligent thermal printhead or a non-intelligent thermal printhead. The controller also includes a programmable serial input/output port and a programmable baud rate generator so as to further increase its flexibility and use with various types of barcode printer input and output devices. A memory protection circuit of the controller allows various portions of the printer's random access memory to be protected if desired.