Abstract: A method of equalizing charge states of individual cells in a battery includes measuring a previous cell voltage for each cell, measuring a previous shunt current for each cell, calculating, based on the previous cell voltage and the previous shunt current, an adjusted cell voltage for each cell, determining a lowest adjusted cell voltage from among the calculated adjusted cell voltages, and calculating a new shunt current for each cell.

Abstract: A method of equalizing charge states of individual cells in a battery includes measuring a previous cell voltage for each cell, measuring a previous shunt current for each cell, calculating, based on the previous cell voltage and the previous shunt current, an adjusted cell voltage for each cell, determining a lowest adjusted cell voltage from among the calculated adjusted cell voltages, and calculating a new shunt current for each cell.

Abstract: An explosive detector that utilizes an array of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated, bifurcated fiber optic cables to form an image of a target molecule source. Individual sensor fiber assemblies, each with a calibrated airflow, are used to expose the fibers to the target molecule. The detector energizes a dedicated excitation light source for each fiber, while simultaneously reading and processing the intensity of the resulting fluorescence that is indicative of the concentration of the target molecule. Processing electronics precisely controls the excitation current, and measures the detected signal from each narrow band pass filter and photodiode. A computer with display processes the data to form an image of the target molecule source that can be used to identify the source even when low level contamination of the same molecule is present. The detector can be used to detect multiple and/or non-explosive targets by varying the MIP coating.

Abstract: A semiconductor die adapter assembly includes a semiconductor die cut from a wafer, the die having an active surface including bond pads. A die adapter, also having bond pads, is bonded to the semiconductor die. Die-to-adapter connectors electrically connect the die bond pads to the adapter bond pads. Finally, adapter-to-substrate connectors electrically connect the adapter bond pads to a device substrate. Having bond pads on the die adapter eliminates the need to break and remake the electrical connections to the original bond pads on the die during burn-in testing of the die.

Abstract: An ambulatory skin temperature monitoring system. A flexible band is attachable to a patient. The flexible band also secures an electronics assembly that comprises the various electrical components that monitor and operate the ambulatory skin temperature monitoring system. At least one skin temperature sensor is positioned so that it is in contact with the patients skin when the system is attached to the patient. There is also an ambient temperature sensor positioned on the top surface of the electronics assembly housing for measuring and contrasting the ambient temperature to the skin temperature. The electronics assembly positioned within generally comprises a power source and a micro-controller. The micro-controller is coupled with the skin temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor. The micro-controller also includes a memory unit for storing temperature data obtained from the skin temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor.

Abstract: A user interface for a device such as a presentation player includes a sensor capable of sensing printed material. Commands for the device can thus be printed and sensed using the sensor, and the device does not require user interface hardware that is difficult to miniaturize. For a presentation player, the printed material can be a companion book or other printed material containing images or other printed sections that correspond to specific recorded audio or video sections. Sensing a symbol in or the content of a printed section indicates a data section that the player can select and play while the user views the corresponding printed section. The printed material can further include control signals to which the user applies the sensor to show authorization to use the system or to change the volume, tone, balance, time scale, brightness, contrast, color, or other operating parameter of the player.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus, computer program, and method for multiple operating system support and a fast startup capability in a computer or information appliance. It permits execution of one of a plurality of available operating systems at the time of powering on the device and where data generated within one of the plurality of operating systems is available to a different application program executing within a different operating system on the same device. Provides for unattended file transfers and appliance mode operation for playing back digital audio without the overhead associated with conventional systems. Permit various microprocessor based systems to operate efficiently and with lower overhead.

Abstract: An explosive detector that utilizes an array of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated, bifurcated fiber optic cables to form an image of a target molecule source. Individual sensor fiber assemblies, each with a calibrated airflow, are used to expose the fibers to the target molecule. The detector energizes a dedicated excitation light source for each fiber, while simultaneously reading and processing the intensity of the resulting fluorescence that is indicative of the concentration of the target molecule. Processing electronics precisely controls the excitation current, and measures the detected signal from each narrow band pass filter and photodiode. A computer with display processes the data to form an image of the target molecule source that can be used to identify the source even when low level contamination of the same molecule is present. The detector can be used to detect multiple and/or non-explosive targets by varying the MIP coating.

Abstract: An ambulatory skin temperature monitoring system. A flexible band is attachable to a patient. The flexible band also secures an electronics assembly that comprises the various electrical components that monitor and operate the ambulatory skin temperature monitoring system. At least one skin temperature sensor is positioned so that it is in contact with the patients skin when the system is attached to the patient. There is also an ambient temperature sensor positioned on the top surface of the electronics assembly housing for measuring and contrasting the ambient temperature to the skin temperature. The electronics assembly positioned within generally comprises a power source and a micro-controller. The micro-controller is coupled with the skin temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor. The micro-controller also includes a memory unit for storing temperature data obtained from the skin temperature sensor and the ambient temperature sensor.

Abstract: A semiconductor die adapter assembly includes a semiconductor die cut from a wafer, the die having an active surface including bond pads. A die adapter, also having bond pads, is bonded to the semiconductor die. Die-to-adapter connectors electrically connect the die bond pads to the adapter bond pads. Finally, adapter-to-substrate connectors electrically connect the adapter bond pads to a device substrate. Having bond pads on the die adapter eliminates the need to break and remake the electrical connections to the original bond pads on the die during burn-in testing of the die.

Abstract: The invention comprises a means for generating energy while walking or running for storage in a rechargeable battery. One embodiment uses lever arm movement in the heel of a shoe resulting from normal walking or running to generate energy from a built-in generator. The linear or rotational motion of the lever arm engages the circular gear assembly and turns the generator/motor/turbine, thus generating power. The second embodiment uses fluid reservoirs embedded in the shoes. Pressure changes resulting from normal walking or running moves the fluid through a narrow channel connecting two reservoirs, thus generating power by rotating a flywheel and an attached motor/generator/turbine in the middle of the channel. Secondary (rechargeable) batteries are incorporated into the invention either in an integrated form or as an add-on design.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based charge control architecture which provides individual battery cell charge control in order to insure an equality of charge among all cells in a rechargeable battery cell array during a single charge cycle. The array is arranged in parallel strings with an identical number of cells in series in each string. The microprocessor controls the amount of charge current in each battery cell via a shunt element for each battery cell, and adjusts the shunt element to bypass a portion of the string current for each battery cell. The invention also permits charge control algorithms to be conveniently updated, provides individual cell coulometry, and autonomously monitors and corrects conditions which can result in battery failure. Any type of rechargeable battery cell and array size can be accommodated. The array size can be set to accommodate the specific voltage and load current requirements of each application.

Abstract: A delay compensating circuit for equalizing the propagation and processing delays from data sources which are read sequentially by a central data processing unit. Data from individual data sources is multiplexed into a real-time composite data stream which contains data from each data source and in which the final data bit from one source is followed, during the next clock cycle, by the first data bit from the next data source. To achieve this order, the total (propagation and processing) delay from each data source is controlled to a fixed amount by adding a compensating delay to each data source and adjusting delay automatically following each data transfer based on the occurrence of a known data transition in each data frame.

Abstract: A drum striking instrument capable of being used to produce single stroke, multiple drum beat rolls and, alternatively, capable of being used in a manner similar to any standard drumstick. The striking instrument has an elongated main body with a first head on one end. Pivotally attached, and biased at a particular angle relative to the main body is an elongated side body having a second head on its free end.