Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.

Abstract: A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: Fastening mechanisms are disclosed for engaging and disengaging device components while maintaining electrical connections among engaged components. A male fastening mechanism may include a front male head portion with a larger circumference than a relatively narrower lower male body portion. A female fastening mechanism may include an opening in a housing structure for receiving the front male head portion. A clip or spring may be arranged in the female housing surrounding portions of the opening. Moreover, the spring's terminating portions may be unconnected and protrude into the opening. The spring may be displaced to accommodate the front male head portion as it enters the female housing opening between the spring's terminating portions. The spring may retract or snap back inwards towards the relatively narrower lower male body portion as it passes through the opening and past the spring's terminating portions to engage the mechanisms and secure device components together.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus is mounted to an object, and a signal from the apparatus is used to monitor the acceleration of the object. The apparatus includes a structure that flexes in response to acceleration of the object, and a transducer supported by the structure so as to generate a signal responsive to flexing of the structure. The structure and the transducer may be constructed and arranged such that a neutral axis passes through the structure when the structure flexes, and such that the neutral axis would still pass through the structure when the structure flexes if the first transducer was removed from the structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a multi-layer, piezoceramic capacitor disposed on a circuit board. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a disk-shaped, piezoceramic element of the type typically used in microphones or speakers.

Abstract: A drive circuit having a converter that provides current pulses that charge a capacitive electroluminescent (EL) lamp to produce light, a switching circuit that switches successive current pulses for progressively charging the EL lamp and an adjustable circuit that permits external control of the switching circuit to provide a plurality of different predetermined numbers of the current pulses to the EL lamp is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a data processing system (10) from entering a non-recoverable state. In one form, the present invention uses a pin (40) to indicate whether or not the execution of a non-recoverable instruction is legal. If the pin indicates that the execution of the instruction is legal, then the instruction is executed and the data processing system (10) is placed into a state that requires an external stimulus in order to recover. If the pin indicates that the execution of the instruction is illegal, then the instruction is not permitted to place the data processing system (10) into a state that requires an external stimulus in order to recover. Instead, an internal recovery mechanism is provided which returns the data processing system (10) to normal processing.