Abstract: This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual use apparatus including a base device having a port for delivering charging current to an battery to be charged, and a charging circuit, disposed in the base device and in communication with the port to determine a charge capacity of the battery using battery identifying information received from the battery, and applying the charging current to the battery based on the determined charge capacity.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery housing containing a rechargeable cell for providing an output voltage and a charging circuit. The charging circuit is coupled to the rechargeable cell and includes a voltage converter to convert an input voltage to the charging circuit to a charging voltage to charge the rechargeable cell.

Abstract: A method for using predictive modeling of a physical process in order to determine and implement a solution to the physical process. The method includes analyzing the physical process to determine the relevant physical relationships, observations, data, and outcome probabilities associated with the physical relationships of the physical process, and storing representations of the relevant physical relationships, observations, data and outcome probabilities in a memory of a computer. The method also includes recursively analyzing the stored representations by the computer, and generating at least one tree structure that models the physical process, the tree structure including at least one root node, a plurality of decision nodes, and a plurality of end nodes.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from a fuel cell and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell, set to provide a fixed output voltage that is less than the full charge voltage of the rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply includes a circuit including a fuel cell current control that senses fuel cell current, and controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel cell side of the hybrid power supply.

Abstract: A light-emitting product (for example, a flashlight) includes a first housing includes a light source for emitting light and a lens system that is adjustable in position relative to the light source. The second housing can be attached to the first housing and includes a power source for the light source. When the first housing and the second housing are attached, the first housing and the second housing can be moved relative to each other to adjust the position of the lens system relative to the position of the light source to focus the light from the light source.

Abstract: A light-emitting product (for example, a flashlight) includes a first housing includes a light source for emitting light and a lens system that is adjustable in position relative to the light source. The second housing can be attached to the first housing and includes a power source for the light source. When the first housing and the second housing are attached, the first housing and the second housing can be moved relative to each other to adjust the position of the lens system relative to the position of the light source to focus the light from the light source.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a fuel cell and an interface between the fuel cell and a fuel cartridge or external battery and a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from the fuel cell or external battery and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply also includes a fuel cell current sensor/comparator, included in a feedback control loop disposed about the DC/DC converter, which controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel battery side of the hybrid power supply. An adapter that couples a source of AC power such as a charger to the interconnect is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a charger and a plurality of connectors such that a connector includes a switch and a connection between the charger and the connector. The charger is configured to direct a switch associated with one of the plurality of connectors to connect the connector with which it is associated to the charger. The charger is also configured to charge a device connected to the connector according to a type of battery detected in the device. A plurality of devices is charged using a prioritized charging scheme.

Abstract: A modularized underground liquid run-off filtration system, where a plurality of matingly engaged panels define a storage chamber, a filter chamber and a clear well chamber. The filter chamber includes a first filter chamber section and a second filter chamber section, the first filter chamber section being in fluid communication with the storage chamber. A filter mechanism is positioned within the second filter chamber section for filtering liquid passing from the storage chamber thereto. The clear well chamber is in fluid communication with the second filter chamber section for receiving filtered liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for providing for a wireless calling party to configure his or her wireless service on a call-by-call or on a permanent basis so that only those calls where the caller wants his or her location to be available carry location information. To enable the capability of blocking and/or altering location, the caller can pre-configure his or her service so that the location information of the wireless calling party is either altered or blocked to the called party on a permanent basis. The wireless caller can also select on a call-by-call basis to either alter or block the location information to the called party by entering a particular code prior to making a call. Furthermore, a wireless caller may also select to block the storage of location information in the network by entering a pre-defined number prior to making a call, which in turn can then be used to place the outgoing call.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and implementing a sampling plan on populations of collectives involve implementing a 2-stage sampling process. Based on an analysis of at least one of historical data and user-defined data, the system generates a sampling plan by determining the number n of collectives to sample from a population of collectives and an optimal number m of members to sample from each collective of the n sampled collectives. The system then in two stages randomly samples n collectives and then randomly samples m members from each randomly sampled collectives.

Abstract: A electronic device includes an electrical component powered by a battery and a compartment to receive the battery. A low voltage cutoff circuit is configured to couple to the battery. The low voltage cutoff circuit includes a switching device having a control terminal, a current sourcing terminal and current sinking terminal and a resistor coupled between the control terminal and a first terminal of a battery. The circuit has first and second output terminals. The first output terminal is coupled to the first terminal of the battery and the second output terminal is coupled to the current sourcing terminal of the transistor. The first and second output terminals are configured to accept connections to positive and negative terminals of the electrical component.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a fuel cell and an interface between the fuel cell and a fuel cartridge or external battery and a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from the fuel cell or external battery and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply also includes a fuel cell current sensor/comparator, included in a feedback control loop disposed about the DC/DC converter, which controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel battery side of the hybrid power supply. An adapter that couples a source of AC power such as a charger to the interconnect is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light-emitting product (for example, a flashlight) includes a first housing includes a light source for emitting light and a lens system that is adjustable in position relative to the light source. The second housing can be attached to the first housing and includes a power source for the light source. When the first housing and the second housing are attached, the first housing and the second housing can be moved relative to each other to adjust the position of the lens system relative to the position of the light source to focus the light from the light source.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a fuel cell and an interface between the fuel cell and a fuel cartridge or external battery and a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from the fuel cell or external battery and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply also includes a fuel cell current sensor/comparator, included in a feedback control loop disposed about the DC/DC converter, which controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel battery side of the hybrid power supply. An adapter that couples a source of AC power such as a charger to the interconnect is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for charging a rechargeable battery having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell. The method includes determining a corresponding battery capacity based on identification information received from the rechargeable battery, determining a charging current level to apply to the rechargeable battery based on the determined corresponding battery capacity such that the battery achieves a pre-determined charge that is reached within a charging period of time of 15 minutes or less, and applying a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to the battery.

Abstract: Chargers for charging a rechargeable battery determine a current level to apply to the rechargeable battery such that the battery has a pre-determined charge that is reached within a charging period of time of between 4-6 minutes and apply a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to battery and terminating the charging current after a period of charging time substantially equal to the particular period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing for a wireless calling party to configure his or her wireless service on a call-by-call or on a permanent basis so that only those calls where the caller wants his or her location to be available carry location information. To enable the capability of blocking and/or altering location, the caller can pre-configure his or her service so that the location information of the wireless calling party is either altered or blocked to the called party on a permanent basis. The wireless caller can also select on a call-by-call basis to either alter or block the location information to the called party by entering a particular code prior to making a call. Furthermore, a wireless caller may also select to block the storage of location information in the network by entering a pre-defined number prior to making a call, which in turn can then be used to place the outgoing call.

Abstract: A electronic device includes an electrical component powered by a battery and a compartment to receive the battery. A low voltage cutoff circuit is configured to couple to the battery. The low voltage cutoff circuit includes a switching device having a control terminal, a current sourcing terminal and current sinking terminal and a resistor coupled between the control terminal and a first terminal of a battery. The circuit has first and second output terminals. The first output terminal is coupled to the first terminal of the battery and the second output terminal is coupled to the current sourcing terminal of the transistor. The first and second output terminals are configured to accept connections to positive and negative terminals of the electrical component.