Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided that include mechanical and electronic components. Connectors may be used to interconnect printed circuits and devices mounted to printed circuits. Printed circuits may include rigid printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuit boards. Heat sinks and other thermally conductive structures may be used to remove excess component heat. Structures may also be provided in an electronic device to detect moisture. Integrated circuits and other circuitry may be mounted on a printed circuit board under a radio-frequency shielding can.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and diagnosing the status of a battery in an electrical system, more particularly, a method for determining a battery's reserve time based on comparison of measurements made during a battery discharge to a universal normalized discharge curve. Specifically, a battery discharge is initiated and the battery's voltage and discharge time is continuously measured. The measured battery voltage is normalized by dividing it by either the peak voltage or foothill voltage, as monitored during the discharge. By comparing this normalized voltage measurement to a universal normalized discharge curve, the percent discharge level of the battery is determined. Using the percent discharge level and the discharge time, the reserve time and total capacity of the battery can be determined.

Abstract: A battery diagnostic method for monitoring the status of a battery in an electrical system and continuously providing a relatively accurate prediction of battery condition and performance, more particularly, a self-adjusting method for providing the best possible prediction of a battery's reserve time before, during, and after a battery discharge. The method of the present invention utilizes different prediction methods depending on what state the electrical system is in; that is, before, during or after a battery discharge. By determining what state the system is in, the most effective prediction method can be utilized to provide an accurate battery reserve time. By providing a relatively accurate continuous reserve time prediction, the method helps prevent a complete loss of power in an electrical system relying on a battery to supply the system's electrical power.

Abstract: A battery grid has a thickness which is greater at the top than at the bottom to achieve a uniform compressive force on a grid stack exerted by the side walls of a battery container.A plastic wedge is disposed between the side walls of the battery container and the stack of grids to improve the distribution of compressive forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for initiating an intelligent battery discharge in an electrical system thereby allowing battery diagnostic testing to be performed more efficiently and more accurately. Specifically, the discharge is initiated by reducing the voltage being supplied to the electrical system by a main power supply such that the battery power supply begins supplying the system voltage. The output of the main power supply is only reduced to a predetermined non-zero level, such that the battery power supply will begin discharging while the main power supply continues to maintain a floor voltage. This floor voltage ensures that the system voltage will not fall below the floor voltage even if the battery power supply fails completely. Once the battery power supply begins discharging, the system voltage is monitored to determine whether the battery power supply is capable of supplying sufficient electrical power to maintain the system voltage above the floor voltage.

Abstract: A self-correcting and adjustable apparatus and method of predicting remaining capacity (Q) and reserve time (t) of a discharging battery to a selected end voltage determined by an arrangement considering the open circuit voltage (E.sub.oc), battery voltage (V) battery temperature (T) and battery internal resistance (R.sub.int). The apparatus and method of the present invention utilize a calculation process which first compares calculated and measured capacity discharged between two times (Q.sub.dis.calc. -Q.sub.dis.act.). If this difference exceeds a certain predetermined tolerance or limit of error, the calculation process is adjusted or tuned and the comparison is repeated until the difference between the actual capacity and the calculated capacity are within a predetermined tolerance. The calculation process is tuned by adjusting the value attributed to the battery's internal resistance (R.sub.int).