Abstract: A headset is adapted to be positioned on a head and includes a headband assembly for spanning across the head of a user, an earcup assembly coupled proximate one end of the headband assembly, and a power source assembly coupled proximate the other end of the headband assembly. A flexible stabilizing strap has a first end coupled to the headset proximate the earcup assembly and a second end coupled to the headset terminal proximate the power source assembly. The stabilizing strap is adapted to engage the head of a user to further stabilize the headset on the head.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) remote hub or function device is provided that includes a large energy well (e.g. rechargeable device such as a battery or large capacitor) for providing the required power to peripherals when the peripheral device requires more power than the USB allows. The large energy well or rechargeable device shall charge using current drawn from the USB bus and terminate charge by the controller or discrete circuitry provided on the remote hub or function. The rechargeable device shall draw current from the USB at a maximum of 100 ma during power up and may enter a high power bus powered mode, so that it can draw the maximum 500 ma of current provided by the USB. The rechargeable device will turn off or draw a sleep current of less than 500 pa when the USB is placed in a suspend state. The device may optionally be configured to provide remote wake up functionality to provided support to the USB power management to allow recharging to resume.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for distributing power in a portable device being coupable to a charging system and including a main battery power and a bridge battery power. The charging system is coupled to a power bus through a diode. The main battery power system and the bridge battery system are also both coupled to the power bus through diodes. The predetermined voltage level is set with respect to the charging system, the main battery and the bridge battery, such that if all three are coupled to the bus, the recharging system both powers the unit and recharges the main battery. If the recharging system is removed, the main battery power system powers the portable device, and if the main battery power system is removed the bridge battery will provide power to the portable device.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for distributing power in a portable device being coupable to a charging system and including a main battery power and a bridge battery power. The charging system is coupled to a power bus through a diode. The main battery power system and the bridge battery system are also both coupled to the power bus through diodes. The predetermined voltage level is set with respect to the charging system, the main battery and the bridge battery, such that if all three are coupled to the bus, the recharging system both powers the unit and recharges the main battery. If the recharging system is removed, the main battery power system powers the portable device, and if the main battery power system is removed the bridge battery will provide power to the portable device.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided for distributing power in a portable device being coupable to a charging system and including a main battery power and a bridge battery power. The charging system is coupled to a power bus through a diode. The main battery power system and the bridge battery system are also both coupled to the power bus through diodes. The predetermined voltage level is set with respect to the charging system, the main battery and the bridge battery, such that if all three are coupled to the bus, the recharging system both powers the unit and recharges the main battery. If the recharging system is removed, the main battery power system powers the portable device, and if the main battery power system is removed the bridge battery will provide power to the portable device.

Abstract: A reading device is described herein that may be employed for the teaching of reading or as an independent reading system. The device is novel in being able to reduce the thousands of possible variations of pronunciation in the alphabet of the English language to a logical, easily learned core. This is achieved via the addition of non-pictorial short-stroke practical symbols.These non-pictorial short-stroke symbols are unique in having an appearance that is suggestive of, or rapidly identifiable with the sound they represent. In addition, these non-pictorial short stroke symbols are unique in having a consistent sound in and of themselves, independent and independently of any letter or letters.This device is further remarkable in that letters, that do not have a logical pronunciation within the context of the affected word, are superseded by suprascript letters that accurately reflect the appropriate pronunciation.