Abstract: A vibration wave apparatus includes a plurality of vibration member groups. Each vibration member group includes a plurality of vibration members having respective driving portions in which driving vibration waves are generated, where the respective driving portions are arranged at axially opposite sides of the vibration member group and the said plurality of vibration members are disposed coaxially with one another, and a holding member disposed between the respective driving portions of the plurality of vibration members, and arranged to support the vibration member group at a peripheral portion of the holding member.

Abstract: A vibration actuator has a vibration member for generating a vibration, and a contact member which contacts the vibration member and moves relative thereto when the vibration member vibrates. A portion of the vibration member, which is in sliding-contact with the contact member, is formed as a separate first member which is coupled to rest of the vibration member.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator 52 is produced by providing a common electrode 22 on one planar surface of a thin vibrating plate 20 of non-piezoelectric material, providing a slurry 28 prepared by dispersing a calcined powder of piezoelectric material in a solvent containing dissolved coupling agent on the common electrode, drying the slurry to produce a flexible green sheet 30, pressure molding the green sheet to produce a plurality of precursor members 34 arranged at a predetermined space, sintering the precursor members and thereby growing piezoelectric particles to produce unpolarized piezoelectric members 24, forming individual electrodes on the piezoelectric members to oppose the common electrode, and polarizing the piezoelectric members.

Abstract: An article of clothing including a piezoelectric transducer and an electrical component restrains movement of a first body portion relative to a second body portion. The article of clothing can be a sports bra that controls the wearer's breast movement relative to the wearer's torso. As the breast moves, the piezoelectric transducer deforms and induces a voltage that is passed to the electrical component. The electrical component provides either a resistance or a control signal to the transducer. The transducer stiffens in response to the electrical component and reduces the movement of the breast by placing an external force on the breast.

Abstract: A piezoid power supply used to supply power to the electronics located in a fast moving projectile which contains a programmable projectile fuze contains multiple layers of piezoid bulk material. By using multiple layers of piezoid bulk material, instead of just one layer, the capacitance of the piezoid is increased. As a result, less energy is lost when the piezoid energy is transferred to the fuze electronics. In addition, by applying a setback force to the piezoid of such magnitude that the piezoid operates in the nonlinear region, the energy output from the piezoid is increased even more. By both incorporating a multitude of very thin layers in a piezoceramic and over-stressing the piezoid into the depolarization region, an improvement of almost three orders of magnitude in energy generation from set-back force is realized when compared to operation in the linear region.

Abstract: An electrically driven signal unit is adapted for one-step assembly or injection molding with a device housing to vibrate, flex, beep or emit audio signals, or to sense and provide tactile feedback or control. The signal unit is a package with one or more active areas each containing a layer of ferroelectric or piezoelectric material, connected by inactive areas which may position, align and conduct electricity to the active areas. The active areas may be coupled over a region to transmit compressional, shear or flxural wave energy into the housing, or may contact at discrete regions while bending or displacing elsewhere to create inertial disturbances or impulses which are coupled to create a tactile vibration of the housing. The unit may be assembled such that the housing, the sheet or discrete areas thereof form a bender to provide tactile or sub-auditory signals to the user, or may be dimensioned, attached and actuated to produce audio vibration in the combined structure and constitute a speaker.

Abstract: A method of manufacture and a piezoelectric transducer are provided having a housing whose interior contains a piezoelectric element having radially spaced surfaces which undergo relative shear and produce an electrical signal in response thereto, an outer radial surface of the piezoelectric element being soldered to the interior of the housing, and an inner radial surface of the piezoelectric element is soldered to the outer surface of a stress/strain transmitting element. The solder alloy used shrinks less than 2.5% at solidification. The subassembly made up of the piezoelectric element and the stress/strain transmitting element is provided with a passage to permit escape of gas from a chamber above the piezoelectric member which may be present from vapors attendant soldering.

Abstract: A thin film piezoelectric device has an epitaxial metal thin film (4) on a silicon substrate (2) and a PZT thin film (5) on the metal thin film, the PZT thin film (5) having a Ti/(Ti+Zr) atomic ratio between 0.65 and 0.90. A film bulk acoustic resonator having an extremely broad band is realized.

Abstract: A spark plug assembly for an internal combustion engine has a housing, an electrode, an axis and a conducting member radially oriented relative to the axis has a collar disposed about the axis and connected to an end of the housing. The spark plug is connected to the engine and exposed to a combustion chamber of the engine. The collar extends a predetermined distance from the end of the housing and shields a gap between the conducting member and electrode from air swirl introduced into a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A semiconductor cathode (11) in a semiconductor structure, in which the sturdiness of the cathode is increased by covering the emitting surface (4) with a layer of a semiconductor material (7) having a larger bandgap than the semiconductor material of the semiconductor cathode. Various measures for increasing the electron-mission efficiency are indicated.

Abstract: A resonant microcavity display (20) having microcavity with a substrate (25), a phosphor active region (50) and front and rear reflectors (30 and 60). The front and rear reflectors may be spaced to create either a standing or taveling electromagnetic wave to enhance the efficiency of the light transmission.

Abstract: A display system includes a cathode ray tube having a panel and a funnel which is coupled to the panel forming a seal and has an external graphite layer formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; a case in which a space is formed to provide room for the cathode ray tube to be installed therein; and material for anion generation disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the cathode ray tube or the case. The anions generated from the material for anion generation is beneficial to a user of a display system. Also, a transferring portion is provided to control the transfer distance of anions to the user.

Abstract: A glass envelope for a light-emitting device, a device embodying the envelope, and the method of making the glass envelope by laminating two sheets of glass, one sheet having a continuous channel formed therein, and the other sheet having one or more optical elements formed therein.

Abstract: In order to operate Field Emission Displays (“FEDs”) contain an evacuated space. Generally, two soda-lime glass substrates, separated by a vacuum gap, act as cathode and anode. The vacuum gap is essential for the electrons to be emitted from the sharp cathode tips and travel towards the anode to give up their energy to the phosphor anode plate to emit light. The two plates and the frit seal holding the vacuum gap are under strain due to the atmospheric pressure acting on them. For small size FEDs , this strain is not a problem. However, for large area FEDs, the strain is detrimental both to the glass plates (2 mm thick) and frit seal. Under the strain, both the cathode and anode plates will buckle-in towards vacuum and, in turn, stress the frit seal, causing cracks and vacuum failure. To minimize this effect and enable the FED to operate normally, a field emissive display with a support plate for the cathode plate is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to realize a structure which satisfies all requirements of: being free from a problem on waste water treatment in a producing process when a Cr oxide film and a Cr metal film are used, and free from a weakness in water resistance when a Mo oxide film and a Mo metal film are used; adaptability to environment; low production cost; and stability in a producing process. The structure is realized by laminating a molybdenum oxynitride film in which one substance of Si, W, Ta, and Ni is added, i.e., (Mo:X)ON(X=Si,W,Ta,Ti), and one or more metal films of Ni, Al, Mo films and the like.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp is presented, wherein at least one of the phosphor layer or the dielectric layer comprises a polyureasilazane polymer. The polyureasilazane may be added to the fluoropolymer resin of the phosphor layer or the dielectric layer, and/or may be used to coat the phosphor particles within the phosphor layer or the inorganic filler particles within the dielectric layer. Use of polyureasilazanes confers enhanced adhesion and environmental resistance.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device comprises an electroluminescent unit having an organic layer structure provided between a pair of electrodes and capable of emitting light on application of a voltage thereto. The electroluminescent unit is covered with a protective double layer made of an organic barrier layer and an inorganic barrier layer formed on the unit in this order.

Abstract: An organic LED is provided that can stably and efficiently emit light as a result of a heat resistant hole drift layer. The organic LED can include, in order, a substrate, a hole injection electrode layer, a hole drift layer, an organic light emitting layer, an electron drift layer and an electron injection electrode layer. The hole drift layer comprises a diamond film with a boron concentration of between about 1.0×1019 and about 1.0×1021/cm3. An optically transparent layer can be formed on the electron injection electrode layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic EL device comprising a substrate, a hole injecting electrode and a negative electrode formed on the substrate, an organic layer containing an organic material between the electrodes, the organic layer including a light emitting layer having at least a light emitting function, and an electron injecting and transporting layer containing an electron transporting organic material and an inorganic insulative electron injecting and transporting layer formed of an inorganic material between the negative electrode and the light emitting layer. The inorganic insulative electron injecting and transporting layer contains at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of lithium oxide, rubidium oxide, potassium oxide, sodium oxide, cesium oxide, strontium oxide, magnesium oxide, and calcium oxide as a main component, and silicon oxide, germanium oxide or a mixture of silicon oxide and germanium oxide as a stabilizer.

Abstract: A sealing structure for an organic light emitting device display. The sealing structure comprises a metal film overlying a dielectric film. The sealing structure has low moisture and oxygen permeability. At least one of the metal layers may react with moisture or oxygen to seal off pin holes. A net low stress sealing structure may be formed by combining tensile and compressive films. The sealing structure may be etched to create openings for connection to outside circuitry. The innovative sealing structure minimizes moisture leakage and vertical shorts between diode cathode and anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electron tube comprising, at least, a cathode electrode, a face plate having a photocathode, and an electron entrance surface provided at a position where the electron emitted from the photocathode reaches. The object of the present invention is to provide an electron tube which can reduce its size and has a structure for improving the workability in its assembling process. In particular, the electron tube according to the present invention has a bonding ring, provided between the face plate and the cathode electrode, for bonding the face plate and the cathode electrode together. The bonding ring is made of a metal material selected from the group consisting of In, Au, Pb, alloys containing In, and alloys containing Pb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma display device. The plasma display device comprises a rectangular plasma display panel for displaying images, a rectangular side frame installed along four sides of the plasma display device, a rectangular rear plate vertically installed on a rear aspect of the four sides of the side frame for protecting the plasma display device, and a supporting rack installed inside the side frame between the plasma display panel and the rear plate comprising a top beam, a bottom beam, and a plurality of vertical columns vertically installed between the top beam and bottom beam. The vertical spaces between neighboring vertical columns and the vertical spaces between the vertical columns and the left and right bars of the side frame are heat dissipation channels for directing the heat generated from the rear side of the plasma display panel upward and away from the plasma display device.

Abstract: An arc tube for a discharge lamp comprises an hermetically sealed hollow body containing an arc generating and sustaining medium therein and having first and second ends. An electrode receiving capillary extends from each end and an electrode structure is positioned in each of the capillaries. Each of the electrode structures comprises a proximal, electrode end projecting into the interior of the hollow body, a distal end projecting exteriorly of the capillary, and an intermediate section therebetween, a first area of the intermediate section being sealed to the capillary in an hermetic manner and a second area of the intermediate section being exposed to the medium. A starting aid comprises an electrically conducting member surrounding the capillary extending from the first end at the second area of the intermediate section and is electrically connected to the distal end of the electrode structure positioned in the second end.

Abstract: A device for the production of microwave plasmas with a microwave generator 1 and its coupling system to a waveguide resonator 5 which encloses a plasma chamber 7 is proposed, the short side of the cross-section of the resonator 5 lying parallel, facing the z axis, in the common wall with the chamber 7, and the microwave power being coupled from the resonator 5 into the chamber 7 via coupling points 6 in this short cross-sectional side. The coupling points are preferably formed as azimuthal slot couplers in the common wall of 5 and 7. The reference numbers relate to FIG. 1.

Abstract: A thin film of ferroelectric layered superlattice material in a flat panel display device is energized to selectively influence the display image. In one embodiment, a voltage pulse causes the layered superlattice material to emit electrons that impinge upon a phosphor, causing the phosphor to emit light. In another embodiment, an electric potential creates a remanent polarization in the layered superlattice material, which exerts an electric field in liquid crystal layer, thereby influencing the transmissivity of light through the liquid crystal. The layered superlattice material is a metal oxide formed using an inventive liquid precursor containing an alkoxycarboxylate. The thin film thickness is preferably in the range 50-140 nm, so that polarizabilty and transparency of the thin film is enhanced. A display element may comprise a varistor device to prevent cross-talk between pixels and to enable sudden polarization switching. A functional gradient in the ferroelectric thin film enhances electron emission.

Abstract: A circuit driving an electroluminescent lamp at a frequency at or in the vicinity of the lower threshold of human hearing, thus reducing objectionable noise otherwise generated by such lamps when operated at high frequencies. In an electroluminescent lamp assembly including such driving circuit is described, the electroluminescent lamp is driven at low frequency, but nonetheless provides a high level of illumination output.

Abstract: A method for the control of a color alternating display panel having a written state and an extinguished state arranged in rows and columns, the rows forming at least two sets. A sustaining signal is applied to the rows. This sustaining signal generates discharges in the cells that are written in. The sets are addressed. An addressing operation consisting of a semi-selective operation followed by a selective operation. After a semi-selective operation pertaining to the first set, a preconditioning write operation is performed on the cells of one row of the second set, aimed at ionizing the panel. Application in particular to plasma panels.

Abstract: A frequency-converting power supply is mounted on a power plug operable to be plugged into and held by an ordinary household electric power receptacle. Through an inductive internal impedance, the power supply provides a 20-40 kHz output voltage to a pair of output terminals that connect, by way of a female plug at the end of a light-weight power cord, with the input terminals of a fluorescent lamp assembly; across which input terminals is connected a capacitor of such capacitance value as to resonate with the power supply's inductive internal impedance, thereby providing the required lamp starting voltage and operating current. Also across the input terminals is connected a series-combination of a first instant-start fluorescent lamp and a special (normally shorted) female receptacle adapted to receive and disconnectably hold a special male plug; which, in turn, is connected with the terminals of a second instant-start fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus (11) for controlling luminescence produced by a light source (12) which includes a sensor (17) for sensing motion of air and a circuit (3) for varying the luminescence provided by the light source when motion of air is sensed. The sensor (17) is an air pressure sensor and all changes in the luminescence provided by the light source (12) are occasioned by sensed changes in air pressure. The present invention also provides lighting apparatus (10, 11, 12) which includes the control apparatus (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for operating at least one discharge lamp (LP) on a half-bridge inverter (Q1, Q2), having at least one coupling capacitor (C3) and having a switch-off device (T1, A) which permanently switches off the half-bridge inverter (Q1, Q2) when the lamp (LP) refuses to start. According to the invention, the circuit arrangement has first and second devices (V1, V2) for monitoring the voltage drop across the at least one coupling capacitor (C3) and for activating the switch-off device (T1, A) as a function of the voltage drop detected across the at least one coupling capacitor (C3). If the voltage across the coupling capacitor (C3) deviates substantially from its normal value, for example owing to the occurrence or the rectifying effect at the end of the service life of the discharge lamp (LP), the half-bridge inverter (Q1, Q2) is shut down by the switch-off device (T1, A).

Abstract: A ballast circuit for a compact fluorescent lamp includes a down-converter for operating the lamp with a DC current during stationary operation. The ballast circuit is equipped with an additional inductor. The choke of the down-converter and the additional inductor jointly ignite the lamp. During stationary operation, the additional inductor conveys no current.

Abstract: A neon sign includes a transformer module and a receptacle attached to the neon sign for receiving the transformer module. The transformer module is configured to mate with the receptacle as the transformer module is plugged into the receptacle in order to connect the transformer module to the neon sign. The transformer module includes a high voltage transformer for transforming a primary input voltage into a secondary high voltage output. The transformer module also includes secondary contacts for connecting the secondary high voltage output of the transformer module to the neon sign when the transformer module is plugged into the receptacle. The receptacle also includes secondary contacts configured to mate with the secondary contacts of the transformer module as the transformer module is plugged into the receptacle thereby electrically connecting the secondary high voltage output of the high voltage transformer to the neon sign.

Abstract: A dimmable, backlight system provides increased light output at low temperatures and provides a full range of dimming. Both current amplitude control and current duty cycle control are used to more precisely adjust the lamp light output. During low temperatures, the lamp is overdriven using a high amplitude current source. The increased current provides increased light output at low temperatures. When the lamp temperature increases, the amount of current flowing to the lamp is reduced to prevent damage from occurring to the lamp. The lamp may be dimmed throughout the entire temperature range by adjusting the duty cycle of the current source. By dimming using the duty cycle, the light output of the lamp may be more precisely controlled. The amplitude and duty cycle may be controlled using either an analog or digital control signal.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods for causing a fluorescent lamp drive circuit to provide a continuous drive signal over a first (high) range of lamp intensity, and a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal over a second (low) range of lamp intensity, with a smooth transition between continuous and PWM drive that is unnoticeable to the user. This invention also provides fluorescent lamp circuits that include lamp intensity control circuitry, fluorescent lamp drive circuitry and a fluorescent lamp, the lamp intensity control circuitry providing control signals that cause the fluorescent lamp drive circuit to provide a continuous drive signal over a first (high) range of lamp intensity, and a PWM drive signal over a second (low) range of lamp intensity, with a smooth transition between continuous and PWM drive that is unnoticeable to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus using a double focusing type fly-back transformer is disclosed. A top bleeder type is adopted in drawing the focus voltage of the fly-back transformer instead of the conventional neutral point type, and the double patterns of the focus resistors are separated from each other instead of the conventional common connections to the ground on the substrate FUB of the focus unit part. Further, one or more of the separately installed focus resistor patterns is used as a feedback line together with the bleeder resistor, thereby drastically reducing the size of the bleeder resistor. The anode voltage output terminal is connected to the initial voltage setting part 12 and the high voltage stabilizing circuit part 11, so that one or more of the patterned resistors of the focus unit part together with the bleeder resistor BR2 can share in serving as feedback lines.

Abstract: An electrical generator, consisting of a high phase order generator and a high phase order cycloconverter. Output from said cycloconverter may be high phase order, three phase, single phase, or direct current. Output from said cycloconverter may be of arbitrary frequency, voltage, and phase. Power electronic components are smaller and more efficiently used. Slower and therefor less expensive devices may be beneficially used. Variable speed resources may be used without the use of a DC to DC converter, enhancing power production efficiency. In a beneficial embodiment of the present invention, said cycloconverter is used to provide power directly to a high phase order motor, whereby diesel electric drive means may be constructed to higher specific power and higher efficiency.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a current level in a switched reluctance motor phase coil are provided. The circuit includes a current sensor for generating a current indicative signal indicative of a level of current in the phase coil and first and second comparators for comparing the current indicative signal to upper and lower hysteresis band limit signals. The circuit further includes a drive circuit, such as a flip-flop, for generating a drive signal responsive to the first and second comparators and first and second switches disposed on either side of the phase coil for providing current to the phase coil. The first switch is responsive to the drive signal and a phase control signal to maintain the current in the coil within the hysteresis band defined by the upper and lower hysteresis band limit signals.

Abstract: A motor controller is made up of a power supply circuit rectifying an AC power supply for outputting desired DC voltages while, at the same time, improving the power factor of the AC power supply, and a motor drive circuit for driving a motor.

Abstract: A motor protection circuit for an electric motor driven by a pulse width modulated amplifier. It has a capacitor and a first conduction path connected to a first terminal of the capacitor and connectable to a first conductor. It also has a second conduction path connected to the second capacitor terminal and connectable to a second conductor. There is a DC voltage difference between the first conductor and the second conductor. There is a third conduction path between the first terminal and the second terminal. The third conduction path having a resistance which is lower than the resistance of the first conduction path plus the resistance of the second conduction path. The third conduction path passes through a switch which has an input connection to be opened and closed thereby.

Abstract: The present powered sliding device comprises a wire drum, a motor for rotating the drum, and a clutch means provided between the drum and the motor. The clutch means has a coupled state for rotating the drum, an uncoupled state, and a brake state. The clutch means is displaced from the coupled state to the brake state when the wire drum is rotated at an over speed. The clutch means in the brake state transmits the over speed rotation of the wire drum to the motor.

Abstract: An actuator is operated to move a mechanical device between two extreme positions of travel. While that motion is occurring, the system quantifies the amount of movement that occurs between those positions. The quantification may involve counting the number of steps of a stepper motor. The number of steps may be used directly as a quantification. Alternatively, the number of steps can be multiplied by the time period of each step to derive the time of the movement between the extreme positions. In addition to being used to setup the actuator upon installation, this automatic ranging method can be performed periodically to compensate for effects of wear on the mechanical device.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed including a seat cushion and a seat back. The vehicle seat includes a plurality of electronic devices secured to both the seat cushion and the seat back. These electronic devices allow the occupant of the vehicle seat to control the features of the vehicle seat that are electronically modified, i.e., position, orientation, temperature, and the activation of lumbar support and/or massage devices, if any. The vehicle seat also includes a plurality of sensors associated with each of the electronic devices. Each of the sensors determines the condition or status of the electronic device to which the sensor is associated. At least one serial bus connects all of the electronic devices and sensors to a single control unit that receives all of the data from the sensors and, depending on the instructions input by the occupant of the vehicle seat, controls the electronic devices. The control unit can be integrated into the occupant position switch assembly.

Abstract: Thermal management within an electrically powered systems requires monitoring, from time-to-time, both electrical power consumption and temperature within the system. The power consumption and temperature data thus obtained permits developing over time a thermal model for the system. After a thermal model for the system has been thus developed, the model together with the presently sensed electrical power consumption, and the system temperature are used to predict a thermal trend for the system. The predicted thermal trend thus obtained for the system is then used in effecting a temperature control strategy within the electrically powered system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tuning control loop parameters in a motion control system, is provided. In one embodiment, tuning of the proportional and integral gains of a servocontroller's velocity loop compensator is provided, as well as tuning of the cutoff frequencies of the servocontroller's low pass filters. In this embodiment, random noise excitation is added to the velocity command during a plurality of movement types for a machine tool axis. During each movement type, frequency response measurements are taken. Then, a composite frequency response can be selected by concatenating portions of the various frequency response measurements, so as to simulate a worst case scenario for the machine tool axis. From this composite response, an open loop response can be calculated and displayed, as well as bandwidth, phase margin, and gain margin values. The user can then enter the compensator parameters which were used when this data was taken, as well as proposed parameters.

Abstract: A doubly articulated module for attaching a first portion of a robotic assembly to a second portion of said assembly, said first portion being rotatable with respect to said second portion about a first axis substantially perpendicular to a first axis of the first portion and about a second axis substantially coaxial with said first axis. Preferably, the articulated module comprises servos. Several of the modules can be incorporated into arms, legs, torso, neck and head of a mannequin in order to animate as much of the mannequin as is required. Although the servos can be activated by directly wired controls or by remote radio-controlled devices, a preferred programmed system is provided for the computerized control of the modules so that the mannequin can be used for display or demonstration purposes.

Abstract: A method of controlling the torque of a rotary machine powered by means of an inverter and servo-controlled by a system having sensors, an observer, and a computer which delivers controls to the switches of the inverter on the basis of values supplied to the observer by the sensors, in the form of sequences of three vectors to bring the torque &Ggr; and the stator flux &PHgr;S of the machine towards reference values for &Ggr;ref and &PHgr;Sref. The measurement sampling period is selected to be equal to the sequence period DTML which corresponds to half the switching period of the inverter.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic self-consuming battery for emergency booster battery applications. Such a system can only be used once as the battery self-destructs but could be very useful for emergency starting of cars, trucks or airplanes. This invention allows for a system weighing approximately {fraction (1/50)}th that of existing systems with comparable significant reductions in volume. An essentially infinite shelf life also obtains with the invention.

Abstract: A battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the run time of the battery. The controller may extend the run time of the battery, for example, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is greater than a cut-off voltage of an electronic device, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is less than the nominal voltage of the electrochemical cell of the battery, or by protecting the electrochemical cell from current peaks. The controller may also include a ground bias circuit that provides a virtual ground so that a converter may operate at lower cell voltages. The battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery.

Abstract: A plurality of batteries located in battery-operated devices by a charger through a distributor where there is no communication between the distributor and the batteries in the battery operated devices are charged in automated sequence in situ by a charger through a distributor where there is no communication between the distributor and the batteries, preferably using pulsed charge technology. In preferred embodiments the pulsed charge technology includes both forward and reverse pulses.