Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing materials according to various aspects of the present invention comprises an oven and a control system. The oven is configured to receive a test material for testing and expose the test material to heat to promote drying and/or ashing. The control system receives data, such as temperature data from the oven, and controls the temperature in the oven accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device recharger that has utility in converting a portable electronic device from disposable battery power to rechargeable battery power without resort to modification of the device circuitry. The recharger includes a power adapter, a recharger terminal, a battery pack and a replacement battery cover. To utilize the recharger as according to the invention, the device battery cover and the disposable batteries are removed from the device and replaced with the battery pack and the replacement battery cover. The power adapter is plugged into the wall and the connector terminus is plugged into the battery pack through apertures formed in the replacement battery cover. The power adapter and connector terminus are in electrical communication such that the power adapter provides conditioned power to the connector terminus which in turn provides power to the battery pack and the device.

Abstract: An improved recharger for a portable electronic device includes a light emitting device affixed to the device connector terminus. A translucent or transparent portion is optionally provided through which the light emitting device shines. The light emitting device activation is indicative of the completion of an electrical circuit with a device to be recharged or is indicative of battery charge status.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device recharger that has utility in converting a portable electronic device from disposable battery power to rechargeable battery power without resort to modification of the device circuitry. The recharger includes a power adapter, a recharger terminal, a battery pack and a replacement battery cover. To utilize the recharger as according to the invention, the device battery cover and the disposable batteries are removed from the device and replaced with the battery pack and the replacement battery cover. The power adapter is plugged into the wall and the connector terminus is plugged into the battery pack through apertures formed in the replacement battery cover. The power adapter and connector terminus are in electrical communication such that the power adapter provides conditioned power to the connector terminus which in turn provides power to the battery pack and the device.

Abstract: A combination toothbrush/dentifrice dispenser including a handle, the handle including an internal cavity forming a dentifrice reservoir for containing a dentifrice. The handle includes an elongated slot formed through a sidewall of the handle. A neck attaches to and extends from the handle and a brush head including bristles is formed at the distal end of the neck. The neck segment is contiguous to the handle and a conduit extends through the brush head and the neck segment. One end of the conduit forms an output orifice. A plunger is slideably disposed within the reservoir and a slide actuator is connected to the plunger and extends through the slot formed through the sidewall of the handle. When pressure is applied to the slide actuator, dentifrice is advanced through the conduit to dispense at the brush head.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a distributed electronic system includes a plurality of electronic modules. Each of the electronic modules is coupled to one battery in a series connection of batteries. The electronic modules are coupled to a central controller via a data bus. Addresses are assigned to the electronic modules based on the potentials of corresponding nodes within the modules.

Abstract: In the embodiment of the present invention, a method for balancing charges of a plurality of batteries coupled in series includes determining actual or estimated rates of self-discharge of the batteries and individually shunting across one or more of the batteries to cause shunt currents which at least partially compensate for differences in the rates of self-discharge between batteries. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method for balancing charges of a plurality of batteries coupled in series comprises measuring temperatures of the batteries and individually shunting across one or more of the batteries to cause shunt currents from those batteries which are functions of the temperatures of those batteries. A third embodiment of the present invention provides a method for balancing charges of a plurality of batteries coupled in series, the batteries furnished to store and provide energy for use in propelling an electrically-propelled vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting an electrical conductivity leakage path in a vehicle having a plurality of batteries coupled in series and having a chassis ground. The method comprises the step of (a) providing a voltage divider for each of the batteries, each voltage divider having an output having a voltage at a potential between the potentials of the positive and negative terminals of the voltage divider's respective battery. The method also includes the step of (b) providing a plurality of electrical connections, each switchable between open and closed, each between a voltage divider output and chassis ground. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of (c) closing the switchable electrical connection between the first voltage divider output and chassis ground.