Abstract: A method and system for using a secondary energy source with an electric or hybrid vehicle in a way that requires no interaction with the vehicle's on-board communications system or the vehicle's processors. The secondary energy source, which can be a battery pack or any energy storage device, can generally be charged at home or business using the 110 volt line. The energy from the secondary source can be metered into the system in a way that allows the primary battery state-of-charge to fluctuate normally. Most of the electrical energy propelling the vehicle can come from the secondary source. All of the regenerative energy from braking can go into the primary battery. A controller can control a regulator to regulate the amount of current flowing from the secondary source.

Abstract: A method and system for using a secondary energy source with an electric or hybrid vehicle in a way that requires no interaction with the vehicle's on-board communications system or the vehicle's processors. The secondary energy source, which can be a battery pack or any energy storage device, can generally be charged at home or business using the 110 volt line. The energy from the secondary source can be metered into the system in a way that allows the primary battery state-of-charge to fluctuate normally. Most of the electrical energy propelling the vehicle can come from the secondary source. All of the regenerative energy from braking can go into the primary battery. A controller can control a regulator to regulate the amount of current flowing from the secondary source.

Abstract: A composite authentication mark includes a bar code portion that is visible when illuminated with visible light and an invisible code portion that is not visible when illuminated with visible light, wherein the bar code portion includes a plurality of bars and spaces and the invisible code portion is arranged in at least one of the spaces of the bar code portion without overlapping any of the bars of the bar code portion. Because the invisible code portion does not overlap with any of the bars of the bar code portion, a single-step printing and reading processes may be used. More information can be coded by the composite authentication mark by using the relative location of the invisible code portion within the spaces of the bar code portion.

Abstract: A spectrum analyzer determines the light emission characteristics of an authentication mark that is invisible when illuminated with visible light but is visible when illuminated with IR light.