Abstract: A memory system is disclosed. The memory system comprises a circuit board and at least two memory devices mounted on the circuit board. Each of the at least two memory devices includes a plurality of pins for receiving and providing signals. At least a first portion of the pins of one of the at least two memory devices are coupled to at least a second portion of the pins of the other at least two memory devices such that a pair of the first portion coupled to a pin of the second portion forms a coupled load. The coupled load then appears as one load. Accordingly, in a system in accordance with the present invention, at least two memory devices are provided on a circuit board. Each of the at least two memory devices includes a plurality of pins.

Abstract: A method for deriving a hierarchical functional description of a circuit by creating a hierarchical model of the circuit from the initial hardware description (100), the hierarchical model having at least one boundary connection coupling hierarchical levels of the model. Signal flow conflicts at each boundary connection are then analysed (101) which includes flattening (205) instances of the hierarchical model where signal flow conflicts are identified thereby transforming the hierarchical model into a signal flow conflict free hierarchical model. A hierarchical functional description of the circuit is then derived (102) from the signal flow conflict free hierarchical model.

Abstract: A memory system is disclosed. The memory system comprises a circuit board and at least two memory devices mounted on the circuit board. Each of the at least two memory devices includes a plurality of pins for receiving and providing signals. At least a first portion of the pins of one of the at least two memory devices are coupled to at least a second portion of the pins of the other at least two memory devices such that a pair of the first portion coupled to a pin of the second portion forms a coupled load. The coupled load then appears as one load. Accordingly, in a system in accordance with the present invention, at least two memory devices are provided on a circuit board. Each of the at least two memory devices includes a plurality of pins.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (10) includes first and second electrodes (12) and (14) with an electrolyte system (26) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system is fabricated of a blend of differing grades of a single polymer. One grade may be provided to, for example, absorb an electrolyte active species, while the second grade may be provided to enhance mechanical integrity of the system.

Abstract: In a circuit having an electromechanical transducer, such as a motor (22), a control switch (24) is controlled by a control circuit (26) to connect the motor to, and disconnect from, a battery (12). When control switch opens, thereby disconnecting the motor from the battery, the momentum achieved by the motor tends keep the motor turning, causing the motor to behave like a generator. A switch network (28) connects a first capacitor (30), which is initially discharged, across the motor at the same time the control switch disconnects it from the battery. The momentum of the motor, and any attached mechanical system (32), generates a transient charge which is collected by the first capacitor. When the voltage produced by the collected charge reaches a peak, the switch network disconnects the first capacitor from the motor, reorients the first capacitor, and waits to apply the voltage to the motor.

Abstract: A flexible, conformal energy storage device (10) has a plurality of photovoltaic devices (40, 42, 44) formed integrally therewith. The energy source includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte encapsulated between layers of oxygen and water impermeable sealing materials. The sealing materials also serve as the base upon which the photovoltaic devices are deposited. The anode and cathode of the photovoltaic devices are electrically coupled to the anode and the cathode of the energy storage device to provide a recharging current thereto.

Abstract: A modular battery pack (10) is described having several embodiments. In general, the modular battery pack has a battery cell cartridge (12), a circuit cartridge (14), and a housing (16). In conventional battery packs these three elements are combined into one single unit. The invention modularizes these components such that portions may be re-used and shared. This results in a more cost effective power system for a portable electrical or electronic device (40) since, once the battery cell or cells (48) have expired, they can be replaced without having to replace the other components, in particular the circuitry.

Abstract: A modular battery pack (10) is described having several embodiments. In general, the modular battery pack has a battery cell cartridge (12), a circuit cartridge (14), and a housing (16). In conventional battery packs these three elements are combined into one single unit. The invention modularizes these components such that portions may be reused and shared. This results in a more cost effective power system for a portable electrical or electronic device (40) since, once the battery cell or cells (48) have expired, they can be replaced without having to replace the other components, in particular the circuitry.

Abstract: A sensor appliance removably attachable to a living body for non-invasively producing signals indicative of a condition of the body and applying them to a monitoring or measuring device and method of making the appliance characterized by a small, highly flexible light weight substrate with surface mounted light emitting and photodetector components hermetically sealed in a flexible moisture resistant envelope. Provision is made for inclusion of a form sustaining spine to enhance positional stability.

Abstract: A deposit of a reinforcing material is formed on an aluminium alloy piston by spraying one or more regions of the piston with a copper-based material from an electric-arc spray gun which produces molten particles of a heat content sufficient to produce an effective metallurgical interaction with the piston alloy so that the copper-based material is bonded to the region or regions of the piston.