Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a housing containing circuit charging components from a housing containing battery charging contacts and a rechargeable battery for the purpose of minimizing heat transfer from the components of the battery charging circuit to the rechargeable battery. This is accomplished by utilizing a thermally resistant bridge between the charging circuit components generating heat and the battery(s) under charge.

Abstract: A modular battery charging system is provided in two main embodiments. In a first embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply, an elongated track, a connector, and at least one battery charging module. The power supply converts an outlet alternating current voltage supply to a stepped-down direct current voltage supply of an amount equal to or less than about 30 volts. The elongated track includes a number of conductive strips, interfitting with each other. The battery charging module includes a housing, a charging unit supported within the housing, a number of electrical connection components to contact the track strips and to extend to the charging unit, and a battery device receiving port to receive the particular battery device in need of charging. In a second embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply and one or more battery charging module modules.

Abstract: A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only ⅓ of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density.

Abstract: An adapter plug system connectable to AC and DC sources for powering an electrically powered device. The system includes an adapter power cord for translating AC or DC voltages into a predefined DC voltage and a DC adapter. The adapter power cord also includes an adapter circuit in a case that translates a received voltage into a voltage acceptable for an attached electrically powered device. The adapter power cord includes a switch for automatically or manually setting the adapter circuit to translate AC or DC voltages. The system also includes a DC adapter that inserts into a vehicle lighter outlet for supplying a DC voltage to plug prong receiving ports.

Abstract: A rechargeable apparatus for mounting onto a battery-powered device and providing power. The apparatus includes a housing for slideably receiving the battery-powered device, a jack that is insertable into a power outlet on the battery-powered device, a rotatable AC plug mounted to the housing, and a night light coupled to the AC plug and positioned on the housing to supply illuminating light. Also, the apparatus includes at least one rechargeable battery and a charging circuit mounted inside the housing. The jack and night light may be mounted on a support arm that extends away from the housing.

Abstract: A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only 1/3 of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack (10) for holding one or more batteries (19) and for connecting to an battery powered device (11). The battery pack batteries supplies electrical power to the peripheral device. The battery pack includes a case for holding at least one battery, a recharging circuit (57) connected to the at least one battery and disposed in the case and a plug (50) with prongs for electrically connecting the recharging circuit to an external source of electrical power. The plug rotates about a connection to the case from a first operational position having the plug mounted flush with the case and the prongs recessed in the case, to a second operational position with the prongs projecting from the case. The second and third operational positions of the plug are approximately orthogonal to the first operational position. The prongs are electrically connected to the recharging circuit in all operational positions.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack (10) for holding one or more batteries (19) and for connecting to an battery powered device (11). The battery pack batteries supplies electrical power to the peripheral device. The battery pack includes a case for holding at least one battery, a recharging circuit (57) connected to the at least one battery and disposed in the case and a plug (50) with prongs for electrically connecting the recharging circuit to an external source of electrical power. The plug rotates about a connection to the case from a first operational position having the plug mounted flush with the case and the prongs recessed in the case, to a second operational position with the prongs projecting from the case. The second and third operational positions of the plug are approximately orthogonal to the first operational position. The prongs are electrically connected to the recharging circuit in all operational positions.

Abstract: A battery pack for an electrical device contains rechargeable batteries for supplying power to the electrical device and a transformerless pulse charging circuit. The pulse charging circuit generates a pulse charging current from received AC current, and charges the rechargeable batteries with the generated pulse charging current. A semiconductor switch (12) generates the pulse charging current from the received AC current and supplies the pulse charging current to the batteries. A ramp generator circuit (14) generates a linearly rising waveform beginning at each zero crossing of the rectified AC current. A current sense amplifier circuit (15) measures the average value of current pulses through the battery and generates a signal proportional to an average charging current. A triggering circuit (18) generates the gate firing pulses for the semiconductor switch (12) according to the linearly rising waveform and the average charging current amplifier waveform.

Abstract: A printhead having multiple print lines of conventional design and a printhead control system for using the multiple print lines in a variety of operations. In one embodiment, the printhead control system prints an image by superimposing the printing from multiple print lines. In another embodiment, the image is printed by alternating the energization of one print line so that each print line is used to print only 1/3 of the image lines. As a result, the print lines are allowed a relatively long time to cool, thus allowing the printhead to be operated at a faster speed. In another embodiment, the printing elements of each print line print with a different image density, and images printed by superimposing the printing elements in the print lines with a variety of combinations depending upon the desired magnitude of the image density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a printhead. The position of a thermal printhead for printing on a print medium that passes between the printhead and a print medium support member can be adjusted relative to the print medium support member. The adjustment is accomplished by adjusting the position of a shaft, attached to a printhead heat sink and passing through a printhead support member, relative to the printhead support member. The adjustment mechanism, placed at the end of the shaft passing through the printhead support member, includes a lever that can be adjusted rotationally with respect to the axis of the shaft. In one embodiment, the lever has a series of wedging surfaces of differing longitudinal thickness which engage a fastener near the end of the shaft.

Abstract: Modular socket technology is disclosed, which includes a contact board mounted to an electronic device for receiving voltage and current signals to be transmitted from the electronic device to a semiconductor circuit. A compression coupler is provided for receiving the semiconductor circuit. The compression coupler includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of conductors mounted to a first side thereof, and extending to a second side thereof for providing electrical contact between the leads of the semiconductor circuit and the contact board. The contact board further includes a resilient conductor adapted to mechanically and electrically engage the plurality of conductors of the compression coupler, thereby to couple voltage and current signals from the electronic device to the semiconductor circuit. The modular socket apparatus may further include a semiconductor carrier for receiving the semiconductor circuit.