Abstract: A removable battery pack for powering a pen-based or portable computer system in which the battery pack blocks its terminals when inserted into an unknown system. The known system includes a power supply microcontroller which passes battery charge data back and forth between a memory located in the battery pack and the power supply microcontroller. A battery microcontroller, located in the battery pack, eavesdrops drops on the communication between the power supply microcontroller and the memory, and when it validates a known signature of this communication, the battery microcontroller then enables the terminals of the battery pack. A trickle discharge current flows from the battery pack whenever the battery pack is out of the known system to allow the power supply microcontroller to power up in the case of a dead auxiliary battery.

Abstract: A device and method for securing terminal equipment connected to a communications line is disclosed. The device, when inserted into the communications line between the caller and terminal equipment, places an air gap in the communications line physically preventing unauthorized callers from accessing the equipment. The device employs an authentication line separate from the communications path that is used to authenticate the caller wishing to use the terminal equipment. The caller must first call the authentication line where the information regarding the source of the caller is retrieved and stored. Once the caller's source is identified, the device answers the line and requires that the caller enter an authentication code. If a proper authentication code is entered, the device disconnects the authentication line and waits a predetermined amount of time for a call on the communications line.

Abstract: A computer system is powered by a battery pack, the battery pack including either nickel-based batteries or lithium-ion based batteries. Either of the two battery packs can be interchanged without modification to the system.

Abstract: A battery pack for use in a portable computing system includes a transistor that is used both for inhibiting charging of the batteries within the system and for limiting the voltage across the batteries in the battery pack. Rather than having two separate devices to inhibit and regulate, this single transistor performs the functions of both, thus reducing component count in a battery pack.

Abstract: A battery pack of a computer system includes a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery. The battery pack includes a controller for routing power from an external power source to the battery to recharge the battery. The controller is configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery. The profile includes time portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage. The controller is also configured to control the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery.

Abstract: A removable battery pack for powering a pen-based or portable computer system in which the battery pack blocks its terminals when inserted into an unknown system. The known system includes a power supply microcontroller which passes battery charge data back and forth between a memory located in the battery pack and the power supply microcontroller. A battery microcontroller, located in the battery pack, eavesdrops drops on the communication between the power supply microcontroller and the memory, and when it validates a known signature of this communication, the battery microcontroller then enables the terminals of the battery pack. A trickle discharge current flows from the battery pack whenever the battery pack is out of the known system to allow the power supply microcontroller to power up in the case of a dead auxiliary battery.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a head with tuft holes for the reception and retention of bristles therein. The tuft holes contain self-contained structures therein for the slow release of disinfectant or medication over repeated brushings. The release structure can be a capsule, a tablet, or a plurality of different timed-release microcapsules in the bottom of the tuft holes, or a coating of the agent formed on the anchor used to hold the bristles in the tuft holes.

Abstract: Dental floss and toothpicks (picks) incorporate one or more coagulants to retard and stop bleeding during flossing. In addition, or alternatively, the floss and picks incorporate tartar control, antiplaque and/or anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract: A toothbrush handle with a hollow area through which a rotatable shaft passes has a soft rubber member surrounding the shaft. A thumb-operated gear ring is secured to the rubber and the assembly is disposed in a chamber of the handle so that the ring is accessible through an opening in the outer shell of the handle. The inner chamber surface has teeth which engage the teeth on the ring and maintain it in place when the ring is pressed to displace the rubber and attached ring against the chamber teeth which prevents the shaft from being rotated when a desired angular positon of the handle and brush is achieved.