Abstract: A power supply saving system includes a power input interface, a power output interface, an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter, a relay, a relay driving circuit, a trigger, and a timing sequence circuit. The AC/DC converter is capable of transforming the AC power signal to direct current (DC) power to supply to the relay, the relay driving circuit, the trigger, and the timing sequence circuit. The timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to turn on the relay to connect the power input interface to the power output interface when the timing sequence circuit receives a power-on signal. The timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to turn off the relay to cut off connection between the power input interface and the power output interface when the timing sequence circuit receives a power-off signal.

Abstract: A network device is configured to receive a registration message from a private user device including a private internet protocol (IP) address associated with the private user device. A public IP address and discrete port number are assigned to the private user device and private IP address and stored in an incoming call table. The registration message is translated to include the public IP address and discrete port number. The registration message is forwarded to a proxy server for registration. An incoming call invitation message is received from a public user device, where the call invitation message is directed to the public IP address and discrete port number associated with the private user device. The call invitation message is translated to include the private IP address associated with the private user device based on the received public IP address and discrete port number and the incoming call table. The call invitation message is forwarded to the private user device.

Abstract: A power adapter for an electronic device selectively works in different modes according to a working state signal of the electronic device. When the electronic device is powered off or on with a battery in a determined charge state, the power adapter controls a relay to turn off the relay to disconnect power to the electronic device.

Abstract: A network device is configured to receive a registration message from a private user device including a private internet protocol (IP) address associated with the private user device. A public IP address and discrete port number are assigned to the private user device and private IP address and stored in an incoming call table. The registration message is translated to include the public IP address and discrete port number. The registration message is forwarded to a proxy server for registration. An incoming call invitation message is received from a public user device, where the call invitation message is directed to the public IP address and discrete port number associated with the private user device. The call invitation message is translated to include the private IP address associated with the private user device based on the received public IP address and discrete port number and the incoming call table. The call invitation message is forwarded to the private user device.

Abstract: A control circuit for a switching power supply (SPS) includes power input and output interfaces, a relay, a relay driving circuit, a microprocessor, and an alternating current/directing current (AC/DC) converter. The power input interface receives an external alternating current (AC) power signal, and transmits the AC power signal to the SPS via the power output interface. The AC/DC converter transforms the AC power signal into a direct current (DC) power signal to supply for the relay, the relay driving circuit, and the microprocessor. When a computer is turned on, the microprocessor sends a first control signal to control the relay driving circuit to drive the relay to connect the power input and output interfaces. When the computer is turned off, the microprocessor sends a second control signal to control the relay driving circuit to drive the relay to cut off connection between the power input and output interfaces.

Abstract: A multi-phase driving circuit includes a single-phase pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller, a number of drivers, and a number of switch circuits connected to the number of drivers correspondingly. The single-phase PWM controller is configured for providing a single-phase PWM signal. Each of the number of drivers receives the single-phase PWM signal and adjusts a phase of the single-phase PWM signal to output an adjusted PWM signal. Each of the number of drivers also outputs a driving signal. Each of the number of switch circuits receives the adjusted PWM signal and the driving signal from a driver. Each of the number of switch circuits generates a driving voltage controlled by the driving signal and adjusts a phase of the driving voltage controlled by the adjusted PWM signal and then outputs the adjusted driving voltage, so as to make the number of switch circuits output a multi-phase driving voltage to a load.

Abstract: A power supply saving system includes a power input interface, a power output interface, an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter, a relay, a relay driving circuit, a trigger, and a timing sequence circuit. The AC/DC converter is capable of transforming the AC power signal to direct current (DC) power to supply to the relay, the relay driving circuit, the trigger, and the timing sequence circuit. The timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to turn on the relay to connect the power input interface to the power output interface when the timing sequence circuit receives a power-on signal. The timing sequence circuit is capable of controlling the relay driving circuit via the trigger to turn off the relay to cut off connection between the power input interface and the power output interface when the timing sequence circuit receives a power-off signal.

Abstract: A method for improving the environmental stability of cathode materials used in lithium-based batteries. Most currently used cathode active materials are acutely sensitive to environmental conditions, e.g. leading to moisture and CO2 pickup, that cause problems for material handling especially during electrode preparation and to gassing during charge and discharge cycles. Binder materials used for making cathodes, such as PVDF and PTFE, are mixed with and/or coated on the cathode materials to improve the environmental sensitivity of the cathode materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a water faucet including a novel joystick mixing cartridge with internal structures that provide a direct path for water to be discharged from the faucet. The faucet includes a main body portion, a discharge segment and a handle that an operator actuates to deliver water at a desired temperature through the discharge segment. The cartridge includes a housing defining an internal chamber and a lower disk positioned within the chamber. The lower disk has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a mixed water outlet. An intermediate disk is positioned adjacent the lower disk and includes a recessed mixing cavity extending inward from a lowermost wall. The intermediate disk includes a dual lobe sealing element that extends radially inward from the lowermost wall to provide the mixing cavity with an arcuate configuration. An upper disk is positioned adjacent the intermediate disk and a seat is positioned adjacent the upper disk within the chamber.

Abstract: A low temperature contaminant limiting process for lithiating hydroxides and forming lithiated metal oxides of suitable crystalinity in-situ. M(OH)2 is added to an aqueous solution of LiOH. An oxidant is introduced into the solution which is heated below about 150° C. and, if necessary, agitated. M may be selected from cobalt, nickel and manganese. The resultant LiMO2 becomes crystallized in-situ and is subsequently removed.

Abstract: A direct low temperature process for lithiating hydroxides and forming lithiated transition metal oxides of suitable crystallinity. Elemental transition metal powders are combined with an aqueous solution of lithium hydroxide. The aqueous slurry solution is subject to oxidation. The resultant lithium transition metal oxide is crystallized in-situ and subsequently removed from the reactor.

Abstract: A low temperature process for lithiating hydroxides and forming lithiated metal oxides of suitable crystalinity in-situ. M(OH)2 is added to an aqueous solution of LiOH. An oxidant is introduced into the solution which is heated below 150° C. and, if necessary, agitated. The resultant LiMO2 becomes crystallized in-situ and is subsequently removed.

Abstract: A method of routing a received message to a proper software controller in a home audio/video network of connected network devices. A message is received from a network bus by an intelligent device coupled to the network bus, wherein the intelligent device includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of software controllers for communicating with a plurality of network devices. The intelligent device examines the received message to determine a memory space indication and a source device identification stored therein. The intelligent device then determines whether any software controllers associated with the device match the memory space indication. Provided that only one software controller matches the memory space indication, the received message is dispatched to the one software controller.

Abstract: In a home audio video network of connected network devices, a method of routing a received message to a software controller. An incoming message is received from a network bus by an intelligent device having a plurality of software controllers for communicating with a plurality of network devices. The incoming message are examined in a first message handling unit to determine a corresponding one of the plurality of software controllers within the intelligent device. The incoming message are dispatched to the corresponding one software controller using the first message handling unit. An outgoing message is received from one of the plurality of software controllers in a second message handling unit. The outgoing message is examined to determine a corresponding one of the plurality of network devices. The outgoing message is dispatched to the corresponding one network device with the first and second message handling units functioning independently.

Abstract: A method for removing sodium sulfate from nickel and ammonia containing aqueous effluents. The effluents, typically from a nickel hydroxide production process, are cooled to or below 30° C. to crystallize and precipitate the sodium sulfate and dewater the effluent. The sodium sulfate is retrieved and the remaining solution is recycled back to the nickel hydroxide production process.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the crystallinity of nickel hydroxide by generating and supplying large numbers of heteronuclei into the nickel hydroxide producing reaction system. Nickel sulfate and sodium hydroxide are initially forcefully and intimately combined to form a supersaturated solution of heteronuclei. These heteronuclei are introduced into a nickel powder containing slurry wherein nickel hydroxide having a crystallinity FWHM value of greater than about 0.5° is generated.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the crystallinity of nickel hydroxide by generating and supplying large numbers of heteronuclei into the nickel hydroxide producing reaction system. Nickel sulfate and sodium hydroxide are initially forcefully and intimately combined to form a supersaturated solution of heteronuclei. These heteronuclei are introduced into a nickel powder containing slurry wherein nickel hydroxide having a crystallinity FWHM value of greater than about 0.5° is generated.

Abstract: A method for removing sodium sulfate from nickel and ammonia containing aqueous effluents. The effluents, typically from a nickel hydroxide production process, are cooled to or below 30° C. to crystallize and precipitate the sodium sulfate and dewater the effluent. The sodium sulfate is retrieved and the remaining solution is recycled back to the nickel hydroxide production process.

Abstract: A method of routing a received message to a proper software controller in a home audio/video network of connected network devices. A message is received from a network bus by an intelligent device coupled to the network bus, wherein the intelligent device includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of software controllers for communicating with a plurality of network devices. The intelligent device examines the received message to determine a memory space indication and a source device identification stored therein. The intelligent device then determines whether any software controllers associated with the device match the memory space indication. Provided that only one software controller matches the memory space indication, the received message is dispatched to the one software controller.

Abstract: A method of providing self-sustained even arbitration within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network of devices controls the arbitration and assignment of newly-connected simpler devices to more complex devices within a network of devices. A priority arbitration formula is preferably used to determine the more complex device within a network of devices which will take assignment of a newly-connected simpler device. Alternatively, a delay time arbitration formula is used to determine the more complex device within the network of devices which will take assignment of a newly-connected simpler device. Using either the priority arbitration formula or the delay time arbitration formula, a more complex device with the lowest number of currently assigned simpler devices is assigned a newly-connected simpler device.