Abstract: A charger (100) provides a self aligning, compliant connector with multiples degrees of freedom. The charger (100) comprises a housing having an aperture (132) through which a charger connector (110) is mounted via an interior interface formed of convex protrusions (115) and concave recesses (135) that provide a predetermined range of rotational motion and self-alignment for the charger connector (110) within the aperture (132) thereby facilitating mating with a corresponding connector of a radio. Compliant pads (120) apply a compressible force to further control the rotational motion of the charger connector (110).

Abstract: A charger (100) provides a self aligning, compliant connector with multiples degrees of freedom. The charger (100) comprises a housing having an aperture (132) through which a charger connector (110) is mounted via an interior interface formed of convex protrusions (115) and concave recesses (135) that provide a predetermined range of rotational motion and self-alignment for the charger connector (110) within the aperture (132) thereby facilitating mating with a corresponding connector of a radio. Compliant pads (120) apply a compressible force to further control the rotational motion of the charger connector (110).

Abstract: A charger with a mechanical support is provided for supporting an electronic device having batteries with different form factors. The mechanical support can be rotated to further support larger form factor electronic devices. Additionally, a mechanical support for insertion into a charger is provided for supporting electronic devices with varying form factors.

Abstract: A charger with a mechanical support is provided for supporting an electronic device having batteries with different form factors. The mechanical support can be rotated to further support larger form factor electronic devices.

Abstract: An adapter system comprising an adapter with plug prongs on its front face and apertures on its back face, and adapter contacts within it, and a power supply with power supply prongs disposed outwardly, which prongs have undercuts at their distal ends; where the power supply contacts can be inserted into the apertures of the adapter, and the adapter is then rotated around the axis of insertion, mechanically securing the adapter to the power supply and simultaneously making electrical contact between the adapter and the power supply.

Abstract: A charger for an item to be charged is described which comprises a base fitting into an automobile beverage holder; a means for securing the base of the beverage holder, a first electrical contact on the base to supply power to the charger; a second electrical contact on the base to supply power to the item to be charged, and a receptacle in the base for holding the item to be charged. In one embodiment of the invention, the top portion of the charger has the receptacle and the first and second electrical contacts, and may be detached from the base for use as a desk charger.

Abstract: A light pipe assembly (10) for an electrical device comprises a holder (12) made of a compliant material, and light pipes (14) which transmit light. The light pipes are seated in channels (16) formed in the holder. The holder has compressible ridges (22) formed on the portion of the holder where light enters (18). The light pipe assembly is seated in the device such that the light receiving face (34) of each light pipe is in proximity to a surface mounted LED (50). The compressible ridges keep light from bleeding from the LED to adjacent light pipes and compensates for the slight variations in dimensions between the housing (42) and the circuit board (44) of the device. The top portion (30) of each light pipe protrudes above the holder and through openings in the housing so that the signal of the LED can be seen.

Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a charging pocket (112) capable of receiving either a first battery (102) in a first orientation or a second battery (104) in a second orientation. The charging pocket (112) includes a first set of contacts (170) and a second set of contacts (152). The contacts (172-175) of the first set of contacts (170) have a first spacing so as to mate with contacts (187) disposed on the first battery (102) when the first battery (102) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). The contacts (154-157) of the second set of contacts (152) have a second spacing so as to mate with contacts (199) disposed on the second battery (104) when the second battery (104) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). By providing two sets of contacts (170, 152) in a single charging pocket (112), the battery charger (100) can charge batteries (102, 104) having dissimilarly positioned contacts.

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 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 configurable flexible circuit substrate (100) is disclosed. The substrate (100) has an electrical circuit pattern (120) and an integral separable segment (130) containing a portion (132) of the circuit pattern (120). The substrate (100) also includes an integral extraction initiator portion (132), which is pivotable between a first position substantially planar with the surface of the substrate (100), and a second position away from the surface of the substrate (100). The extraction initiator portion (132) develops stress raisers (137) when pivoted toward the second position, and the extraction initiator portion (132) also effects a removal of the separable segment (130) from the substrate (100) when the extraction initiator portion (132) is pulled across the separable segment (130).

Abstract: A method is provided for positioning an object (133) relative to a structural member (103). The method includes providing a first and second member (103, 113), a positioning member (123) with a first end (126) and a second end (124), and the object (133). The first end (126) is positioned proximal to the object (133), and a first energy director (107) is positioned between, and is in contact with, the first end (126) and the first member (103). A second energy director (125), having a slower characteristic melting rate than that of the first energy director (107), is positioned between, and is in contact with, the second end (124) and the second member (123). Energy is first imparted to cause at least one of the first and second energy directors (107, 125) to begin melting. Imparting the energy is discontinued after the first energy director (107) is substantially melted and the object (133) is properly positioned, while the second energy director (125) is not substantially melted.