Abstract: A method and apparatus for operation of an electrical power conversion system having first and second partial systems connected in parallel. Each partial system includes an inductor and an electronic switch for controlling electrical power transferred through the partial systems. A control circuit controls operation of the electronic switches. The control circuit includes devices for generating a first control signal error and a second control signal error as a function of a reference and current flowing in the inductors. Hysteresis devices receive the first and second control signal errors and provide first and second outputs, respectively, upon intersection of the first and second control signal errors with selected threshold values. Delay devices coupled to the electronic switches receive and delay transmission of the first and second outputs to the electronic switches.

Abstract: A capacitor (14) is disposed in, for example, a ferrite shell (12). A winding (20) is formed around the shell, thereby providing an inductive component. Additional windings may be provided to form a transformer. In combining the two components into a unitary package, a space savings is realized, and assembly efficiency is increased.

Abstract: A power source (10) , preferably in the form of a battery pack, comprises a battery (14), an electrochemical capacitor (16), and a switch bridge (18). The capacitor increases the power delivery capability of the battery for periodic power bursts, increases it's life, and is electrically connected in parallel with the battery through a number of switches. The switch bridge is used to periodically reverse the orientation of the capacitor with respect to the battery to alleviate electrical stress on the capacitor.

Abstract: An electrochemical capacitor chip device (10) includes a plurality of capacitor subassemblies (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22) arranged in stacked configuration. Each stacked capacitor assembly shares a single common electrode (48) from which extends a contact tab. Attached to contact tabs are lead pins (26, 28, 30 and 32) for effecting electrical and mechanical communication with, for example, a printed circuit board. The capacitor subassemblies may be preferably fabricated of electrochemical capacitor subassemblies employing gelled polymeric electrolyte structures.

Abstract: A programmable battery capable of providing a variable voltage and/or current depending upon the needs of a particular host device. The battery is formed on a separator substrate (10) and includes a plurality of discrete battery cells (102-124) which may be resettably interconnected in various configurations in order to provide varying voltage and/or current. The discrete cells (102-124) are electrically interconnected via a resettable micropositioner switch (500) The micropositioner switch determines the voltage and/or current needs of a particular device and electrically interconnects a sufficient number of discrete cells in series and/or parallel, in order to satisfy the requirements of the device.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for improving the quality of pumice stones that are used to finish fabrics or garments with a distressed look. In this invention, the pumice stones are first injected with steam at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to remove dust and other particles, and to drive the air out of the pumice stone pores. The steam cleaned stones are impregnated with an oxidizing agent. The high pressure steam pretreatment enables the pumice stones to absorb the oxidizing agent solutions quickly and throughout the entire stone, resulting in an even and thorough penetration of the oxidizing agent solution in the pumice stones, which can then be used to distress fabrics and garments.