Abstract: Embodiments of methods for charging/discharging a battery and DC/DC converter devices for charging/discharging a battery are described. In one embodiment, a method for charging/discharging a battery involves conveying energy from a direct current (DC) power source to the battery through a DC/DC converter device and conveying energy from the battery to the DC power source through the DC/DC converter device. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A portable target stand for supporting at least one shooting target includes: (a) a lower stand assembly including a substantially hollow primary tube, and a slide hammer that is slidable up and down an outside portion of the primary tube; (b) an upper stand assembly including a substantially hollow secondary tube that telescopes into and out of the primary tube; (c) at least one removable target support arm extendable at about a right angle from the primary tube or the secondary tube; (d) at least one target support arm coupling mechanism for coupling the target support arms to the primary tube or secondary tube; and (e) a number of target attachment devices for detachably attaching the target to the target support arms; wherein the upper stand assembly is collapsible into the primary tube to form a compact, self-contained carrying case when the target stand device is not in use.

Abstract: A Flash memory unit has two portions, a first portion having normal Flash memory cells and a second portion having Flash memory cells that are not available to the user. The second Flash memory portion includes data that is used to control the operating parameters, such as voltage levels, of the first Flash memory portion. With these parameters available, the operation of the first Flash memory portion can accommodate changed in the fabrication of the Flash memory unit, whether intentional of unintentional.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for holding a fastener for fastening or unfastening of said fastener. It includes an elongated member having a central portion, the central portion being a handle, and having a first and second end. The elongated member has a central axis. The first end of the elongated member has a first pair of gripping fingers substantially parallel with the central axis, and the second end has a second pair of gripping fingers substantially non-parallel with the central axis. The first pair of gripping fingers and the second pair of gripping fingers each have opposing fingers with non-straight inside opposing surfaces, and include a biasing spring that biases each gripping finger of each pair of gripping fingers toward one another. The first pair of gripping fingers and the second pair of gripping fingers are adapted to removably retain a fastener.