Abstract: The disclosed invention provides electrochemical dispensing apparatus. According to the principles of the invention, a microelectronic electrochemical dispenser is used to cause the release of one or more selected chemical substance from a stored chemical compound. The release is controlled using a timer or sensor apparatus in a controlling device, preferably an ASIC.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous ground fault self-test are disclosed. An example ground fault detection device includes a sense coil to detect current in a line conductor and a neutral conductor, the sense coil comprising a winding influenced by a current difference between the line conductor and the neutral conductor. The example ground fault detection device also includes a current bypass to facilitate a continuous current imbalance detected by the sense coil, and a ground fault detector circuit to detect at least one of the continuous current imbalance in the sense coil or a ground fault current imbalance.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidated data services comprising a plurality of devices, a plurality of data services and a content application programming interface (API). A user API provides user identification for each of the plurality of devices. A feedback API configured to receive data from each of the plurality of devices. A device API configured to provide a client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one or more of a plurality of device API methods. An update API configured to provide an updated client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one more of a plurality of update API methods. A web service consolidator configured to control interactions between the content API, the user API, the feedback API, the device API, the update API, a plurality of data services and the plurality of devices.

Abstract: An AC to DC converter system is disclosed in which a conversion circuit for converting an AC input signal to a DC output signal is operably coupled with a communication circuit designed for sensing output indicative of the presence or absence of a load at the DC output. The system is designed so that the conversion circuit operates in an inactive standby state when there is no load, and in an active state for supplying DC power when a load is present. The system is configured to operate using ultra-low power.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy storage system having storage elements linked for collective charging and discharging. Monitoring circuitry is provided for monitoring each of the storage elements independently. Preferably, the system includes control circuitry configured for controlling the linking of individual storage elements in order to enhance system performance. In preferred embodiments, the system also includes storage elements in an arrangement whereby they may be selectably linked and delinked, in series, parallel, or in one or more series/parallel combination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to minimize saturation in a ground fault detection device are disclosed. An example method includes connecting a capacitor simulator to a node of the ground fault detector device to prevent saturation, and monitoring power-line conductors for ground fault conditions with the ground fault detector device. An example apparatus to simulate a saturation capacitance in a ground fault device includes a sense coil induced by power-line conductors, and at least one of an amplifier or a current detector including an input connected to the sense coil and an output connected to a ground fault detector. The example apparatus also includes a saturation capacitor simulator connected to a node of at least one of the amplifier or the current detector to prevent saturation.

Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel methods and systems for providing illumination in association with image capture. Disclosed preferred embodiments of the invention include illumination apparatus adjustable in angle with respect to the image capturing apparatus and target locus. Preferred embodiments also include variability of the illumination intensity by means of controlling the power to the illuminations apparatus. Additional preferred embodiments also include techniques for selecting from or combining a plurality of images based on their illumination characteristics for providing and improved image output.

Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.

Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel methods for assembling multi-layer semiconductor structures having one or more internal conductive layers. The disclosed structures provide advantages in terms of resistance to Single Event Effects (SEE) particularly useful in electronics designed for radiation hardness. Disclosed methods include steps for providing two semiconductor layers, each having a conductive surface, and bonding them together with their conductive surfaces adjoining in order to form an internal conductive layer within a completed multi-layer structure. The conductive surfaces may include metals selected for their superior conductivity, refractory metals, selected primarily for their heat-resistance, or conductive dopants. In alternative embodiments, vertical interconnects are also included.

Abstract: Multiple coil systems and methods are disclosed in which transmitter and receiver inductors, or coils, are coupled in a configuration for wirelessly transferring data and/or power among them. In preferred implementations, the systems and methods are used for transmitting data using pairs of coupled coils. One preferred aspect of the invention is that the coils are not permanently affixed in physical proximity to one another, but can be moved and/or interchanged.

Abstract: Coupled inductor systems are disclosed in which transmitter and receiver inductors, or coils, are coupled in a configuration for wirelessly transferring power and/or data among them. In preferred implementations, the systems are used for transmitting both power and data in pairs of coupled coils. Primary side circuits in preferred embodiments of the systems of the invention employ Class D or Class G amplifiers.

Abstract: Multiple coil systems and methods are disclosed in which transmitter and receiver inductors, or coils, are coupled in a configuration for wirelessly transferring data and/or power among them. In preferred implementations, the systems and methods are used for transmitting both power and data using pairs of coupled coils. One preferred aspect of the invention is that the coils are not permanently affixed in physical proximity to one another, but can be moved and/or interchanged.

Abstract: The invention provides integrated power supplies, circuit drivers, and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with common battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance super-capacitors electrically connected with a power. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the super-capacitors to the load.

Abstract: A marking system and related methods are disclosed in which a micromark having optically readable characteristics and electronically readable characteristics is made on a selected object. The optically and electronically readable characteristics of the micromark contain corresponding data. Preferred embodiments of the invention include non-volatile memory for storing duplicate data.

Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel integrated packaging having inductor elements and adjacent magnetic material enhancing the inductance characteristics of the packaged inductor. Preferably the integrated packages also contain one or more ICs operable coupled to the inductor(s).

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are disclosed for detecting biological agents in fluids. Biosensor apparatus utilizes a sample chamber configured for receiving a fluid sample. Wells accessible from the sample chamber include electrodes deployed for receiving one or more electromagnetic signal from each of the wells. The electrodes are pre-provided with biomaterial deposits selected to attract particular biological agents of interest. An integrated circuit connected with electrodes facilitates electromagnetic signal acquisition and processing of parameters measurable at the well electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel battery charger circuits and methods providing improved energy conservation, harvesting, and utilization efficiencies.

Abstract: A transceiver interface is disclosed in which a true positive node and a true ground node are maintained with three adaptive terminals. The adaptive terminals each have pairs of isolation elements linking them to the true positive node and true ground node, whereby, each of the adaptive terminals can function as a positive terminal, ground terminal, and transceiver terminal, in response to how the interface is connected to external equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, circuits and systems for charging batteries and other storage media including methods steps and apparatus for monitoring one or more parameters such that a charger may be operated in a first mode to deliver charge to the storage medium and/or load, and when at least one of the monitored parameters reaches a selected threshold level, the operation of the charger in the first mode is terminated in favor of operation in a second mode, delivering a different level of charge from the charger.

Abstract: Data transmission systems and methods are disclosed in which a transmitter and a receiver, each having an inductor, are configured for wirelessly transferring data and power between them. Error detection is implemented for implementing error correction techniques by making corrections at the receiver, at the transmitter, or both. In preferred embodiments of the invention, error correction approaches include oversampling, power adjustments, and frequency adjustments. In preferred implementations, the systems and methods are used for transmitting both power and data using a single pair of inductors.