Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system includes an interleaved DC-DC control system configured to facilitate providing electric charge to an electric vehicle battery and includes a controller communicatively coupled to the interleaved DC-DC control system. The interleaved DC-DC control system includes an inrush current limiting circuit, three parallel boost converters that are each configured to operate in a discrete phase, and unidirectional current circuitry. The controller includes electronic control circuitry configured to control the interleaved DC-DC control system and vehicle communication circuitry configured to establish charging protocols between the interleaved DC-DC control system and the electric vehicle battery.

Abstract: A battery module includes a set of power contacts, a set of signal contacts and a battery pack operable to deliver electrical power to the set of power contacts. An electronic isolation system is operable to electrically disconnect and connect the battery pack and the set of power contacts. An electronic control system is electrically connected to the electronic isolation system and to one of the set of signal contacts or the set of power contacts. The electronic control system is operable to measure a parameter associated with one of the battery module and an electrical device and to compare the parameter to a predefined value. The electronic isolation system connects the battery pack to the set of power contacts based on a positive result of the comparison, and disconnects the battery pack and the set of power contacts based on a negative result of the comparison.

Abstract: A battery module includes a first set of power contacts and a first set of signal contacts. A battery pack is operable to deliver electrical power to the set of power contacts. An electronic isolation system is operable to electrically disconnect and electrically connect the battery pack and the first set of power contacts. An electronic control system is operable to obtain a comparisons between a state of charge, state of health, temperature and power of the battery module and an electrical device. A closing parameter is calculated that is based on at least one of the comparisons. The closing parameter is compared to a predefined closing parameter value to result in a connect determination. The electronic isolation system connects or disconnects the battery pack to the first set of power contacts based on a positive or a negative result respectively of the connect determination.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system includes an interleaved DC-DC control system configured to facilitate providing electric charge to an electric vehicle battery and includes a controller communicatively coupled to the interleaved DC-DC control system. The interleaved DC-DC control system includes an inrush current limiting circuit, three parallel boost converters that are each configured to operate in a discrete phase, and unidirectional current circuitry. The controller includes electronic control circuitry configured to control the interleaved DC-DC control system and vehicle communication circuitry configured to establish charging protocols between the interleaved DC-DC control system and the electric vehicle battery.

Abstract: A projectile launcher includes a barrel mount, a tubular barrel, and a biasing member disposed in the barrel. The barrel mount can assume a barrel-securing configuration and a barrel-releasing configuration in which the barrel is longitudinally movable relative to the barrel mount from a forward position to a rearward position. The biasing member is compressible from an initial relaxed position to a first compressed position with the barrel in the rearward position, and to a second (further) compressed position the barrel in the forward position. The projectile can thus be launched at different speeds according to the barrel position. The launcher may also include a trigger release, a handgrip, and indicia markings on the barrel to denote approximate launch distance or other information. Optionally, the projectile is attached to a lead line that loops over a tree branch upon launching, such as for suspending a food container at a campsite.

Abstract: Embodiments of keyframe analysis and distribution from broadcast television are disclosed. For example, embodiments include methods and systems of sharing video frame data over a data network to provide features that may include improved program guides, parental or other monitoring of televisions or other video receivers, and sharing of user identified frames or scenes of video programs.

Abstract: Systems and method which allow for user interaction with and control of televisions and other media device are disclosed. A television set is provided with a face and/or palm detection device configured to identify faces and/or palms and map them into coordinates. The mapped coordinates may be translated into data inputs which may be used to interact with applications related to the television. In some embodiments, multiple faces and/or palms may be detected and inputs may be received from each of them. The inputs received by mapping the coordinates may include inputs for interactive television programs in which viewers are asked to vote or rank some aspect of the program.

Abstract: Embodiments of keyframe analysis and distribution from broadcast television are disclosed. For example, embodiments include methods and systems of sharing video frame data over a data network to provide features that may include improved program guides, parental or other monitoring of televisions or other video receivers, and sharing of user identified frames or scenes of video programs.

Abstract: Systems and method which allow for user interaction with and control of televisions and other media device are disclosed. A television set is provided with a face and/or palm detection device configured to identify faces and/or palms and map them into coordinates. The mapped coordinates may be translated into data inputs which may be used to interact with applications related to the television. In some embodiments, multiple faces and/or palms may be detected and inputs may be received from each of them. The inputs received by mapping the coordinates may include inputs for interactive television programs in which viewers are asked to vote or rank some aspect of the program.

Abstract: An ion detection arrangement 140 for a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer 10 includes a beam splitter formed as a mesh 150 at the end of the TOF acceleration and detection chamber 110. Ions enter the detection arrangement through a common entrance window and are then divided by the beam splitter. Those ions striking the mesh 150 generate secondary electrons 160 which are detected by a microchannel plate forming a first detector 170. Those ions passing through the ion beam splitter are detected directly by a second detector 190 also formed from a microchannel plate. The two detectors are each connected to a corresponding data acquisition system 180, 200 and the data obtained by each are combined to generate a mass spectrum. The problems of detector saturation are thus avoided.

Abstract: An ion detection arrangement 140 for a time-of-flight (TOF)mass spectrometer 10 includes a beam splitter formed as a mesh 150 at the end of the TOF acceleration and detection chamber 110. Ions enter the detection arrangement through a common entrance window and are then divided by the beam splitter. Those ions striking the mesh 150 generate secondary electrons 160 which are detected by a microchannel plate forming a first detector 170. Those ions passing through the ion beam splitter are detected directly by a second detector 190 also formed from a microchannel plate.