Abstract: Battery powered equipment is provide with a controller which monitors the voltage supplied by the battery. Should the battery voltage drop below a preset level when the equipment is inactive, the controller disconnects non-essential loads of the equipment from the battery to conserve what charge remains in the battery. When used with a motor vehicle the controller may be tied into the security system and disable the ignition during inactive periods unless the proper reactivation signal is received.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a cover for venting gases from thin metal film battery cells having vents disposed at the center of one end of the cells. The vents comprise cylindrical wells that recess into, and substantially fill, the top portions of battery cell cavities within a battery housing. The cavities are sized to hold the battery cells securely and are configured to provide an electrical serial connection. The wells include pipes which extend outward from the bottom of the wells and lead from openings in the bases of the wells. The openings in the pipes are covered with flexible valve caps and well lids cover the wells. The center point arrangement of the recessed wells permit gases from the battery cells to escape through the openings, yet restrict the electrolyte from exiting the housing.

Abstract: The present invention improves the human/computer interface by providing printable interfaces that enable a user to invoke and control computer processes. The present invention teaches an encoded physical medium suitable for use in interfacing a computer user and a computer system such that the user can control and/or access a plurality of computer implemented processes such computer applications and web pages. The encoded physical medium has a Linkmark and an instruction mark. Encoded within the Linkmark is machine readable linking information directing to a computer implemented process. Encoded within the instruction mark is a machine readable operating instruction that, when decoded, may be executed by the computer implemented process. The present invention also teaches that the marks can present human readable information related to the nature of the machine readable information stored therein.

Abstract: An electrical system of a vehicle has a starting battery and a reserve battery. The charge of the starting battery is maintained by a charge maintenance device under control of a controller which couples energy from the reserve battery to the starting battery during periods when the vehicle is not being used or during periods of operation where the starting battery voltage requires additional charge.

Abstract: A thin metal film battery cell is formed by one or more plates wound in a spiral thereby forming a roll with two ends at which spiralled edges of the plates are exposed. Each end of the roll is covered by an end strap which includes a body of electrically conductive material from which a tab extends. The body contacts each convolution of the roll while leaving a portion of each convolution exposed so that an electrolyte is able to flow into the roll. The tab attached to and projecting outward from the body for making electical connection to the thin metal film battery cell.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the state of charge of a battery include use of multiple battery tests to provide complementary insight into battery condition before, during, and after battery charging. Battery testing is performed using a light resistive load, a heavy resistive load, a conductance tester, and a battery charger. During a preliminary charging stage, average battery current and a predicted battery temperature are used to determine whether or not the battery is capable of being substantially fully charged, thereby permitting avoidance of unneeded charging. In the later charging stage, the rate of change of battery cold cranking amps is monitored to detect an end of charge condition.

Abstract: An improved vent cap system for use in an electrochemical battery is provided which includes a ring flange for forming a ring seal between the vent cap assembly and the fill tube. When the vent cap assembly is positioned in the battery housing, the ring flange and the fill tube deform to create a seal therebetween to provide a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A carotene conjugate of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sup.2 is: ##STR2## R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are independently, hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are independently --R.sup.13, --OR , --C(R.sup.6)(O), --C(R.sup.16).sub.2 OR.sup.13, --CH.dbd.CHR.sup.13, or --(CH.sub.2)R.sup.14 ; R.sup.8 is --R.sup.13, --OR.sup.13, --C(R.sup.16)(O), --C(R.sup.16).sub.2 OR.sup.13, --CH.dbd.CHR.sup.13, or --(CH.sub.2)R.sup.14 or taken with R.sup.10 is .dbd.O; R.sup.9 is --R.sup.13, --OR.sup.13, --C(R.sup.16)(O), --C(R.sup.16).sub.2 OR.sup.13, --CH.dbd.CHR.sup.13, or --(CH.sub.2)R.sup.14 or taken with R.sup.10 is a chemical bond; R.sup.10 is --R.sup.13, --OR.sup.13, --C(R.sup.16)(O) , --C(R.sup.16).sub.2 OR.sup.13, --CH.dbd.CHR.sup.13, or --(CH.sub.2)R.sup.14 or taken together with R.sup.9 is a chemical bond or taken with R.sup.8 is .dbd.O; R.sup.11 is R.sup.13, or --OR.sup.13 ; R.sup.12 is --C(R.sup.13).sub.2 C(Y)--, --C(O)O(O)C--, --C(NR.sup.13)O(O)C--, or --C(O)N(R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a new device comprising a PTC, and a transistor in direct physical contact with the PTC. The PTC has a first surface and a second surface wherein at least one of the surfaces is substantially flat. Preferably, the transistor comprises a MOSFET coupled to and located on a flat surface of one of the first and second surfaces of the PTC. The device further includes insulating material coupled to the PTC, a conductive pad coupled to the insulating material, and a conductor coupled between the conductive pad and a gate junction of the transistor. A similar conductive pad and conductor arrangement is provided for a source junction of the transistor. The MOSFET is coupled at a drain junction thereof to one of the first and second surfaces of the PTC, and the device includes a non-conductive encapsulating material around at least a portion of the transistor and the PTC. The combined PTC/MOSFET device provides switching and overload protection features.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the recharging of two batteries in a dual battery vehicle electrical system includes a charging circuit (20) for stepping up the voltage of a reserve battery (RES.), so that it can be applied to a starting battery (HPB), an alternative circuit path (18, 19) to allow charging of both batteries by the alternator (A) when the vehicle engine is running, and a controller (30) for switching the connection of the batteries through the charging circuit (20) and the alternative circuit path (18, 19) under various combinations of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery case and battery wherein the battery case includes a housing having a top and a bottom and wherein the housing defines a plurality of cavities that are generally octagonal in cross-section. The battery includes a housing defining octagonal shaped cavities, a terminal coupled to the housing, a top and bottom sealingly coupled to the housing, and a plurality of battery cells disposed win the cavities and electrically interconnected in series with the terminal.

Abstract: Compounds having the generic formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently alkyl of 3 through about 10 carbon atoms; provided that, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together contain at least six carbon atoms. The compounds have utility in photodynamic therapy in treatment of tumors and other diseases. The invention includes a method of treatment by contacting a tumor with the compound and then exposing the tumor to light.

Abstract: Compounds having utility as light absorbing compounds, especially in the area of photodynamic therapy. Such compounds have the formula: ##STR1## where z is .dbd.O or NR.sub.14 ; R.sub.14 is alkyl or substituted alkyl; R.sub.1 is an amino acid group, a polyamine group, a polyether group or OR.sub.13 where R.sub.13 is alkyl; R.sub.4 through R.sub.11 are --H, --OH alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkylene, aryl, or aryloxy, or a carbonyl containing group, wherein carbon containing groups may be substituted with carbonyl, hydroxy, phosphoro, carboxy, halo, sulfo, amino and ether substituents, provided that; R.sub.4 may be taken together with R.sub.7 to form .dbd.O; R.sub.8 may be taken together with R.sub.9 to form .dbd.O; R.sub.10 may be taken together with R.sub.11 to form .dbd.O; and R.sub.4 and R.sub.7 may together form a chemical bond and R.sub.8 and R.sub.11 may together form a chemical bond; and R.sub.12 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; provided that if one z is O, the other z is --NR.sub.14.

Abstract: A battery tester and associated method for determining if one or more cells in a storage battery are capable of storing sufficient charge prior to charging the battery. A predetermined load is applied to the battery for a predetermined period of time, and then the bounce back voltage of the battery is measured immediately after the load is removed. If the bounce back voltage of the battery is within a predetermined range after a predetermined time after the load is removed, then one or more cell in the battery is bad and the battery can be rejected prior to being charged.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an imide derivative of purpurin by reacting hexylamine with a chlorin or bacteriochlorin having a macrocycle with a six-membered anhydride ring fused thereto, said macrocycle containing a and b rings which may be saturated or unsaturated at R.sub.4 to R.sub.11 positions of the rings and which R.sub.4 and R.sub.11, positions may contain at least one group selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, formyl, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, aryl and aryloxy wherein carbon containing groups may be substituted with a substituent selected from, hydroxy, phosphoro, carboxy, halo, sulfo, amino and ether, to obtain a purpurin derivative; and reacting the purpurin derivative with a carbodiimide to obtain the imide derivative of purpurin. The invention further includes novel imides made by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique battery arrangement including battery plates having a pair of spaced apart battery lugs for both the positive and negative plates. While being spaced apart, the lugs are located generally adjacent one top edge of the plates; on opposite sides for the positive and negative plate constructions. The straps used to electrically connect the lugs are lower in height than those used on current battery designs, providing excellent current collection, efficient fusion with smaller lugs and resistance to vibration caused by separation of the lugs from the straps. The present invention also features plates having greater plate surface area, improved current carrying capability and reduced voltage drop. A weld element couples straps of like polarity, and in the preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the weld element is located intermediate the ends of the straps.