Abstract: A computer that can be electrically coupled to an adapter with wireless inductive connectors. The adapter has a first primary inductive connector that provides power and a second secondary inductive connector that receives digital signals. The computer has a first secondary inductive connector that can receive power and a second primary inductive connector that provides digital signals. The connectors are located within the adapter and computer, so that when the computer is placed adjacent to the adapter, the inductive connectors became electrically coupled.

Abstract: An integrated AC adapter and battery charger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an AC adapter unit for converting AC power to a DC power and a battery charging apparatus coupled to the AC adapter unit for charging a battery pack. The battery charging apparatus further comprises a microcontroller for sensing the condition of the battery pack or tacks being charged, a memory for storing the proper charging profile for a number of different types of battery packs, and a charging current generator capable of generating a varying charging current based on the microcontroller's determination of the battery's condition and the charging profile stored in the memory.

Abstract: A special purpose modular receptacle comprises a generally rectangular housing having an opening which exposes a cavity within the housing. A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within the cavity of the housing. Terminal ends of the contacts electrically connect to corresponding contacts on a standard modular connector or a modified modular connector inserted into the cavity. The contacts are exposed at a lower rear portion of the housing allowing connection between the contacts and a printed circuit board. Attachment means allow physical and electrical connection of the housing to a printed circuit board. A guiding means may be present as a modular connector insertion aid.

Abstract: A special purpose modular connector comprising a generally rectangular housing having a central body portion and two extending side arm portions. A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within the body and arm portions. Slots at a front end of each portion of the housing expose a terminal end of each electrical contact. Openings in the rear portions of the housing allow connection of cables or other types of component wiring to the contacts. A locking tab is formed at the underside of the housing and functions to align and securely connect the special purpose modular connector with a correspondingly modified receptacle.

Abstract: A system that allows inductive connectors to be electrically coupled without having to mechanical align the same. The connectors have a primary coil coupled to a secondary coil. The primary coil transmits either power or digital signals to the secondary coil. The power induced onto the secondary coil is a function of the distance between coils. The farther apart the coils are, the less power is transmitted to the secondary coil. To insure that the proper level of power is received by the secondary coil, a feedback circuit is incorporated to vary the output of power on the primary coil as a function of the voltage induced onto the secondary connectors. If connectors are spaced apart beyond a predetermined distance, the feedback system increases the power on the primary coil.

Abstract: A power management system for a portable computer is disclosed. The system can determine which one of a plurality of battery packs has been coupled to the system. After determining the type of battery pack, the system recalls from storage the recommended charging pattern for the particular battery pack and begins to charge the battery at the recommended rate. The system's information is used during charging to determine if the battery pack is defective. When the computer is running off the battery pack, the charge counter measures the total amount of charge supplied to the computer and provides this information to the system. When the difference betweem the total amount of charge supplied to the computer and the total charge available from the battery reaches a predefined limit, the system indicates to the computer that a low-power situation exists and that the computer should prepare for a possible loss-of-power event.

Abstract: Circuit apparatus comprises an integral structure of first and second multilayer wiring board portions and a flexible circuit portion. The wiring board portions each have at least circuit trace planes, ground planes and insulator planes. The flexible circuit portion includes at least one signal trace plane and at least one ground plane separated by at least one insulator plane; the singal trace plane of the flexible circuit portion being integral with a signal trace plane of each of the wiring board portions, the ground plane of the flexible circuit portion being integral with a ground plane of each of the wiring board portions, and the insulator plane of the flexible circuit portion being integral with an insulator plane of each of the wiring board portions. Selected ones of a plurality of electric contacts are connected to selected ones of the circuit traces of the circuit trace plane of the flexible circuit portions; others of the contacts being connected to the ground plane.

Abstract: A flexible head connector with a ground plane for connecting a daughter board to a mother board.

Abstract: The invention is a system for the assembly of wire harnesses. More particularly the invention provides an assembly tool and a wire feed system for delivering a completed wire from a wire fabrication cell to the final wire harness assembly point. The assembly tool consists of two symmetrical parts which function together in jaw-like fashion to receive and then guide a wire to an assembly point. Each half of the assembly tool is double-ended, so that the wire may be inserted from either the left or right half of the assembly tool. The wire feed system includes a wire tensioning and centering tool mounted on the end effector and a pneumatically driven wire feed system. Back pressure is used to effectively blow the wire from a first point remote from the assembly point to the gripper for acquisition by the gripper.

Abstract: An end effector for an industrial manipulator acquires, loads and inserts a dual in-line package device into a printed circuit board, DIP socket or the like. The end effector includes a gripper body which defines a chamber portion therein and a pair of multi-fingered gripper means operably associated with the body portion for reciprocal movement between a first, fully extended device acquisition position and a second, fully retracted position within the body portion chamber. The body portion also includes retaining means for removably retaining a DIP device in said chamber after the disengagement of the gripper means.Pneumatic cylinders are provided to effect the aforementioned reciprocal movement and to urge the DIP device from the retaining means and insert the device into a circuit board or the like. The retaining means both hold the DIP device during the loaded state and align the DIP connector pins for insertion into the circuit board or the like.

Abstract: A sealed lay-in wireway comprised of channel members secured together in end-to-end relation with sealing flange gaskets thereinbetween and having longitudinally spaced covers having resilient gaskets extending continuously along their periphery and having a pivotally mounted bridging member extending along their open sides between the adjacent ends of their covers which shiftably mounts a sealing plate thereunder, the sealing plate having gasket material at each of its ends which bears against inwardly extending flanges of the channel members when drawn upwardly by a camming mechanism carried by the bridging member, the upper surface of the sealing plate at the same time bearing against gasket material carried by the ends of the covers to cooperatively perfect a seal at all of the joints.