Abstract: A new type of passive battery pack short circuit protection is provided in a battery pack consisting of one or more battery cells, with on load charge and on load conditioning-discharge capability, having a minimum of only 2 terminals. At least one voltage clamping device is included in the charge path of the battery to provide both charge and conditioning-discharge capability. A charging system provides both charging and discharging controls so that current can be either charged to or discharged from the battery through the voltage clamping device. The breakdown voltage of the voltage clamping device is selected to be equal to or greater than the maximum battery voltage, thus providing short circuit protection of the battery pack while still allowing a discharge function with a minimum of 2 terminals.

Abstract: This pulse-charge battery charger charges Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-metal hydride batteries having one or more cells and used with cellular telephones and camcorders. A battery is lowered into a finger accessible receiving volume and held by a magnetic force. Charging automatically commences and automatically stops, as controlled by utilizing a U1 controller and other combined circuits. Charging status is indicated by colored lights: yellow--charging; green--battery is charged; orange--battery is overheated and cooling; and red--battery is defective. Other combined circuits are: power supply circuit to receive either 12.

Abstract: An oven for cooking a food product that is exactly controlled for various cooking parameters, including cooking time, temperature, cooking elements used and cooking element duty cycle. Top and bottom cooking elements are provided in the oven. Temperature sensors are placed between each cooking element and the food product. The oven temperature is sensed when the food product is placed in the oven. The type of food product placed in the oven is indicated by the baker a control panel. Previously stored data indicates the cooking parameters to provide the best possible food product. The microprocessor controls the cooking elements to cook the food product according to the cooking parameters. As the correct cooking temperature is approached, the duty cycle of the cooking elements is lowered to ensure that the proper temperature is not exceeded. Once the correct cooking temperature is reached, the cooking elements operate at a predetermined duty cycle for the remaining cooking time.

Abstract: An alignment system with a variable reactance element is provided for detection of the angular alignment of two variably positionable members. The variable reactance elements form two oppositely varying impedances. A preferred embodiment of the variable reactance element consists of a pair of inductive coils mounted on a core element which forms a flux path for each coil. The core has an integral, deflectable central member which forms a common flux path for both coils. Air gaps within the flux path of each coil are located on either side of a central member of the core. Another variable reactance consists of a first inductive coil having a fixed core element forming a partial flux path for the inductive coil and a movable core element positionable relative to the fixed core element with air gaps between the core elements. A second inductive coil having a similar associated core element from the first coil element.

Abstract: An alignment system with a variable reactance element is provided for detection of the angular alignment of two variably positionable members. The variable reactance elements form two oppositely varying impedances. A preferred embodiment of the variable reactance element consists of a pair of inductive coils mounted on a core element which forms a flux path for each coil. The core has an integral, deflectable central member which forms a common flux path for both coils. Air gaps within the flux path of each coil are located on either side of the central member of the core. Another variable reactance consists of a first inductive coil having a fixed core element forming a partial flux path for the inductive coil and a movable core element positionable relative to the fixed core element with air gaps between the core elements. A second inductive coil having a similar associated core element is placed opposite the movable core element from the first coil element.

Abstract: An electrical strain gauge is mounted to respond to movements between two sections of a structure. The gauge is mounted on a surface that deforms in response to mis-alignment of the sections in a selected plane. The mis-alignment or the deflection is detected electronically utilizing the strain gauge and the degree of deformation, mis-alignment, or flexure is monitored. Upon reaching selected magnitudes in either direction, signals are generated which may be used to control the amount of deflection. When utilized to control the alignment of sections of a traveling irrigation system, the strain gauge is attached to a bar between adjacent sections which bar flexes upon mis-alignment of sections in the horizontal plane. A pair of electrical sensors monitor the deflection but only one is permitted to generate a signal. A switching circuit selects the appropriate signal generator depending on the direction of travel of the equipment.