Abstract: A method of redirecting light using an actuatable two-layer diffraction grating structure, the method having applications in wavelength-division multiplexed systems. An optical add/drop modulator (OADM) including an actuatable diffraction grating, for use with a wavelength-division multiplexed signal. An OADM having an optical source located off the main pathway to direct a optical carrier to be added onto the actuatable diffraction grating such that the carrier is diffracted into the main pathway. A detector to measure signal strength for use with an optical processor, the optical processor having an actuatable structure having gaps between the actuated portion of the structure. The detector detecting the portions of light diffracted by the gaps.

Abstract: A multi-load piezoelectric transformation circuit driver module consists of at least one pair of piezoelectric ceramic transformers and one load connecting to each piezoelectric ceramic transformer. Each pair of voltages of the same phase are input to a pair of input ends which have opposite polarization, or the two piezoelectric ceramic transformers group have input ends of opposite polarization or its group assembly output an even number of voltages with opposite phases to input ends of the loads which the feedback ends coupled together in series. When driven by piezoelectric transformation circuit, due to opposite polarization, output a pair of voltages of opposite phases can obtain improved characteristics such as even current, greater output power and better matching impedance. And a single driver circuit can actuate multiple sets of loads simultaneously in a stable fashion.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive device including a substrate and a connection plate having a first end joined to the substrate and an opposed second end extending along a first direction, and first and second opposed sides along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A fixing plate is joined to the second end of the connection plate. A first side of a first diaphragm is joined to the first side of the connection plate and an opposed second side of the first diaphragm is joined to the substrate. A first side of a second diaphragm is joined to the substrate and an opposed second side of the second diaphragm is joined to the second side of the connection plate. A piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is provided on at least a portion of at least one planar surface of at least one of the diaphragms.

Abstract: An ultrastiff precision sonic bearing assembly and method thereof for controlling an effective coefficient of friction between two elements in slidable contact configured along an interface under a force sufficient to maintain contact and having static friction therebetween, by inducing a repetitive motion in one of the elements parallel to the interface thereby altering the effective coefficient of friction therebetween. The bearing assembly also provides for additional and independent electronic control over the average thickness thereof and senses the force thereon to allow the bearing assembly stiffness to be altered.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric element includes a second connecting internal electrode electrically connected to a common external electrode that is located in a bottom portion, which lies below the bottoms of slits, of a monolithic piezoelectric body, and the second connecting internal electrode is spaced away from and substantially parallel to the first and second driving internal electrodes. In the laminated piezoelectric element, a notch is formed on a side surface of the monolithic piezoelectric body, having a driving external electrode and a connecting external electrode disposed thereon, and a conducting external electrode is disposed on the side surface of the notch, having an end of the second internal electrode exposed thereat.

Abstract: A membrane structure includes at least one electroactive bending actuator fixed to a supporting base. Each electroactive bending actuator is operatively connected to the membrane for controlling membrane position. Any displacement of each electroactive bending actuator effects displacement of the membrane. More specifically, the operative connection is provided by a guiding wheel assembly and a track, wherein displacement of the bending actuator effects translation of the wheel assembly along the track, thereby imparting movement to the membrane.

Abstract: A image intensifier tube (14) includes a housing (18) carrying a photocathode (22) and a microchannel plate (24). The housing also receives axially extending fine-dimension spacing structure (22a) interposed around an active area 22b of the photocathode and the microchannel plate to establish and maintain a selected fine-dimension, precise PC-to-MCP spacing between these structures. The housing includes yieldable deformable electrical contact structure (56′) for establishing and maintaining contact with the microchannel plate, and yieldable deformable sealing structure (58) allowing axial movement of the photocathode relative to the housing structure as the tube is assembled and the axial spacing structure controls PC-to-MCP spacing. The result is that the PC-to-MCP spacing dimension of the tube is largely isolated from dimensional variabilities of the housing and is established and maintained precisely during manufacturing of the tube despite stack up of tolerances for the housing and its components.

Abstract: In a side ground electrode type of spark plug, sizes of discharge members are optimized to reduce a useless portion in discharging to improve discharge wear resistance. A first discharge member mainly comprising Ir alloy is welded to the central electrode. A second discharge member comprising Ir metal circle plate is welded to the ground electrode, wherein a side surface of the first discharge member confronts a surface of the second discharge member to form a spark discharge gap G≧0.2 mm, D(a width of the first discharge member)≧1.6 mm. |A−D|≦(G+0.5 mm). A is a width of the second discharge member. Moreover, D≦5.0 mm. A maximum cross-sectional area of weld portion between the first discharge member and the central electrode ≦8 mm2. This weld portion has distance L to the second discharge member. L≧G.

Abstract: A spark plug having a center electrode 2 formed from an electrode base material 2n, which is made of an Ni alloy containing an alloy component (e.g., Cr) capable of forming an oxide semiconductor having a resistivity of negative temperature coefficient. Thus, a corrosion suppression layer originating from the components of the electrode base material is formed on the surface of a tip end portion of the insulator 3, so that corrosion (channeling) of the surface of the tip end portion of the insulator 3 due to creeping spark discharge can be effectively suppressed. In addition, when the constituent metal of the electrode base material 2n has a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 17 to 30 W/m·K, the heat transfer performance of the electrode is enhanced, so that durability against electrode consumption can be greatly improved.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp includes a dielectric substrate, a first electrode near the dielectric substrate, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and near the dielectric substrate, with a discharge gas contained and enclosed by a shaped reflector and window. The reflector shapes are adapted to the particular process. The lamp to be used in volumetric chambers with high reflectivity walls and in arrangements of multiple lamps for high processing rates and long penetration lengths. Erosion of the dielectric is controlled by the use of high-pressure gases, and filtration and the use of electric fields reduce lamp contamination. The dielectric and electrodes are gas cooled on the outside and through the use of perforated electrodes. A small diameter tubular dielectric is used to increase light emission, improve re-imaging capability and increase the electrical impedance.

Abstract: A reflector lamp having a reflector which has a reflector neck and defines a reflector axis, and an electric lamp fixed in the reflector neck by a metallic holder, in which a section of the metallic holder is arranged, secured against rotations about the axis, in a cutout in the reflector neck and projects from the neck through this cutout, a shoulder in the region of the reflector neck a is designed as a depth stop for the metallic holder in the direction of the reflector axis, the lamp has a metallic base shell is provided with a thread and for which the outer wall of the reflector neck forms a stop surface, and there is a screwed connection between the base shell and the part, projecting from the reflector neck, of the section, arranged in the cutout of the reflector neck, of the metallic holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shadow mask comprising an effective surface including electron beam passage holes all over, an ineffective surface having a certain width surrounding the circumference of the effective surface, a skirt portion curved formed on the circumference of the ineffective surface, and concave-compressed beads formed on the ineffective surface along the skirt portion in order to improve the stiffness of the effective surface. The present invention can prevent distortions of a screen by forming the beads on the ineffective surface which is capable of improving stiffness of the shadow mask by increasing a lot value of the section modulus performing a function resisting the relative vibration occurred between the effective surface and skirt portion.

Abstract: A tension mask frame assembly for a color cathode ray tube, includes: a tension mask having a plurality of strips on which slots are formed, the slots being separated by a predetermined distance from each other on a thin plate; real bridges for partitioning slots at a predetermined pitch interval by connecting adjacent ones of a plurality of strips to each other; and a frame which supports the corresponding edges of the tension mask; whereby the vertical pitch of the real bridges becomes smaller, such as in a stepwise relation, in a direction from the center portion of the tension mask to the peripheral portion of the tension mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color cathode ray including a pair of long frames, a pair of opposing short frames that are fixed to the pair of long frames and support the long frames, and a shadow mask fixed to the pair of long frames in a state applied with a tensile force. The short frames have substantially-triangular bent parts formed to protrude toward the shadow mask. Since such a cathode ray tube can decrease an internal moment of the shadow mask structure, the displacement of the shadow mask in a direction to recede from the phosphor screen surface of the color cathode ray tube can be suppressed and the q-value deviation also can be suppressed even if the shadow mask is expanded by heat generated by an impact of electron beams.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube has a cathode and plural grid electrodes fixed by insulating support rods. The cathode is supported within an eyelet disposed within and bonded to a cup-shaped support by a crystallized glass. The cup-shaped support is fixed by the insulating support rods. The crystallized glass is formed by firing a glass composition composed chiefly of zinc oxide, boron oxide, silicon oxide, and magnesium oxide. The crystallized glass exhibits a ratio in intensity of a diffraction peak A to a diffraction peak B in a range from 0.25 to 0.80 in an X-ray diffraction analysis using X-rays of 0.154 nm in wavelength, where the diffraction peak A is in the vicinity of 2&thgr;=25.5°, the diffraction peak B is in the vicinity of 2&thgr;=26.5°, 2&thgr;is an angle which a diffracted X-ray beam from a specimen surface makes with an incident X-ray beam.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting device comprising: a back electrode; an organic light-emitting layer; a transparent electrode; a first reflective mirror; a substrate; and a second reflective mirror in this order, the second reflective mirror having R1(&thgr;=0°) of 80 to 100% and R2(&thgr;=0°) of 0 to 40%, wherein R1(&thgr;) is an average reflectance at a wavelength &lgr; being 400 nm to (&lgr;0−&Dgr;&lgr;) (where &lgr;0 is a resonance wavelength; and &Dgr;&lgr;=&lgr;max−&lgr;0, &lgr;max is a maximum wavelength that is obtained by measuring reflectance having the same value equal to R&agr; in a wavelength range about 400-700 nm, and R&agr; is an average reflectance at a wavelength range from 400 nm to (&lgr;0−100) nm) at an incidence angle &thgr;, and R2(&thgr;) is an average reflectance at a wavelength &lgr; is &lgr;0 to 700 nm at an incidence angle &thgr;.

Abstract: A Thin Layer Inorganic Light Emitting device is disclosed comprising a substrate, a first electrode, a coated layer comprising substantially undoped zinc sulfide nanoparticles, and a second electrode. On applying a voltage between the two electrodes the device emits light with an emission maximum of electroluminescence at a wavelength above 450 nm.

Abstract: Fluorescent material from the class of the silicide nitrides, Sr being used as cation, and the suicide nitrides being doped with trivalent Ce.

Abstract: A packaging structure for an OLED/PLED device. The packaging structure has a glass substrate on which a luminescent element is completed, and a sealing cap bonded to the rim of the glass substrate so as to seal the luminescent element within an airtight space. Also, a sealing agent is disposed between the rims of the sealing cap and the glass substrate, wherein the sealing agent is an alloy with a low eutectic point about 100˜300° C.

Abstract: An arc tube 6 of discharge lamp comprises a main tube body 11 of translucent ceramic sealed with a terminal plate 13 at both ends thereof. The main tube body 11 comprises integrally a large diameter portion 11A, a tapered portion 11B which is disposed at both sides of the large diameter portion 11A and has a smaller diameter toward the forward end thereof, and a small diameter portion 11C connected to the forward end of the tapered portion 11B. The curvature radius R of the border of the tapered portion 11B with the small diameter portion 11C is not smaller than 2 mm.

Abstract: The invention provides an arc tube with improved chromaticity and start-up characteristics that does not contain mercury, and provides a vehicle headlamp equipped with a metal halide lamp that contains no mercury in the arc tube. Among other improvements, the evaporation of low melting point metal halides is promoted and the start-up characteristics of the arc tube are improved.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation source is provided which includes an anode and a cathode separated by an anode-cathode space. The source further includes electrical contacts for applying a dc voltage between the anode and the cathode and establishing an electric field across the anode-cathode space. At least one magnet is arranged to provide a dc magnetic field within the anode-cathode space generally normal to the electric field. A plurality of openings are formed along a surface of the anode which defines the anode-cathode space, whereby electrons emitted from the cathode are influenced by the electric and magnetic fields to follow a path through the anode-cathode space and pass in close proximity to the openings.

Abstract: A high-pressure gas discharge lamp with a cooling arrangement is described, which is characterized in particular in that the lamp can be operated at an increased power, an increase in the temperature of the coldest spot in the lamp interior generating a higher gas pressure, while the cooling arrangement (7, 71, 83, 82) is constructed and dimensioned such that a devitrification of the lamp bulb and a condensation of the filling gas are substantially prevented at said increased power. A lighting unit with such a high-pressure gas discharge lamp is further described, as is a power supply unit for operating the lamp. This not only considerably improves the spectral properties of the light, but the lamp also operates at a higher operating voltage because of the higher gas pressure, so that a correspondingly higher lamp power is achieved for a given lamp current. On the other hand, given the same lamp power, a weaker current is required, so that the electrodes will have a substantially longer useful life.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a metal vacuum chamber with two or more dielectric breaks. It also includes a number of excitation transformers located so as to distribute the total induced voltage in the chamber among the dielectric breaks. Distributing the total induced voltage among the breaks results in lower wall damage and, consequently, longer lifetimes for the plasma chambers.

Abstract: Power source lines (183) for supplying drive current from power source input terminals (180) to organic EL elements (160) formed in a display pixel region having display pixels are connected by a bypass line (181) along the row direction within the display pixel region. This arrangement minimizes decrease in power source current caused by resistance of the power source lines (183) according to the line length. Accordingly, the organic EL elements (160) can adequately receive the actual desired current, thereby achieving an organic EL device capable of bright displays and having uniform display luminance within the display region.

Abstract: In a display device using an organic light emitting diode (OLED), the occurrence of a dark spot and peeling of a cathode due to moisture are suppressed. An outer edge portion of a sealing substrate (second substrate) (102) is made to have a convex shape and a gap between the sealing substrate and an element substrate are controlled by means of this convex region. Thus, since it is not required that a layer (106) having adhesion for bonding together the sealing substrate and the element substrate has a function for controlling the gap, the thickness of the layer can be minimized. Therefore, the amount of moisture which is transmitted through the layer (having adhesion) made of an organic material and penetrated in a sealed region can be reduced.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for an electro luminescence panel that is capable of preventing deterioration of a picture quality according to the present invention includes a power supply VDD for supplying power source to the electro luminescence cell OLED, a first TFT connected between the power supply and the data line, a second TFT connected between the power supply and the electro luminescence cell OLED, a third TFT connected between the power supply and the first TFT for switching according to a signal on the gate line, a fourth TFT connected between gate electrodes of the first and second PMOS TFTs and the data line for switching according to a signal on the gate line and a path of a data signal from the data line, and a capacitor connected between the gate electrodes of the first and second PMOS TFTs and the power supply.

Abstract: A lighting control system provides variable arc current to one or more fluorescent gas discharge lamps and provides a heating voltage to the lamp electrodes. The system includes a start-up circuit which includes circuitry for providing a starting voltage to an output power conditioning circuit. The latter drives a switching unit to control the application of DC power to the fluorescent gas discharge lamps and to provide an operating voltage to an input power factor correction circuit. The input power factor correction circuit boosts the converted DC power and the operating voltage. The start-up circuit includes a plurality of voltage doubling rectifier circuits and a plurality of zener diodes which receive the operating voltage and are electrically connected to the input power factor correction circuit and the output power conditioning unit so as to provide a regulated bias voltage supply to the output power conditioning unit and to the input power factor correction circuit.

Abstract: Control and filter circuits for linear power supplies, employing resistance to limit the release of stored energy and simultaneously removing the input mains AC, so as to protect a load device from damage when a high voltage fault occurs. The circuits may be used particularly in output filters for high voltage power supplies for high power transmitting tubes, such as Inductive Output Tubes used in UHF television transmitters, which must be protected from internal arcing by a controlled release of stored energy and a rapid disconnection of input power. The use of the filter circuit combined with rapid solid state switching ensures that the load is not subject to an excessive surge when a high voltage fault occurs.

Abstract: A cold cathode gas discharge lamp unit and control circuit for controlling the light emission of the cold cathode gas discharge lamp. A lamp unit includes a dc power source and a control circuit for converting into a high frequency drive signal across the lamp wherein each cycle of the drive signal includes an ignition period with a signal level sufficient to initiate gas conduction, a sustaining period with a signal level sufficient to sustain gas conduction, and an off period with a signal level below the sustaining level.

Abstract: A lamp ignition circuit is provided which can initiate operation of a gas discharge lamp using a driving voltage which is similar in magnitude to the lamp operating voltage. The lamp ignition circuit is useful with a semi-resonant ballast and lamp circuit in which switching operations intrinsic to the lamp shock-excite a series-connected inductor and capacitor into semi-resonant operation corresponding to an energy exchange and transfer during each half-cycle of the alternating current source to drive the lamp to start and maintain operation of the lamp using line voltage. The ignitor circuit has a disabling function following ignition of the lamp which is operable when the operating voltage of the lamp is approximately the line voltage of the power source. The disabling function triggered by an increase in voltage across the ignition circuit following operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A circuit efficiently drives light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit uses a switching regulator device instead of a standard resistor to limit current to the LEDs. The switching regulator device is in a closed loop with a current sensing device near the LED lamps. Feedback from this current sensing device switches the control method according to the current load regulating the voltage applied to the LEDs. An inductive storage device in the circuit allows the LEDs to be driven with minimal voltage input. Methods for intensifying and focusing the light produced by the LEDs driven by the circuit are also described.

Abstract: An energy savings device for an inductive or resistive load, such as a fluorescent light fixture having a magnetic ballast, which is powered by an AC voltage waveform. The energy savings devices includes a setting unit for setting a desired power operating level for the load. The energy savings device also includes a microprocessor configured to receive a signal from the setting unit indicative of the desired power operating level for the load, to determine a phase delay to be provided to an output AC voltage waveform that is to be provided to the load, and to output a control signal as a result thereof. The energy savings device further includes an active element provided between a line that provides the input AC voltage waveform and the load, the active element receiving the control signal and turning off and on at predetermined times in accordance with the control signal, so as to create the output AC voltage waveform from the AC voltage waveform.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing a linear power to a load uses pulse modulation technique where the frequency and pulse width of the pulse width modulated waveform driving the load are varied simultaneously. In one aspect of the disclosure, a pulse width modulator circuit is responsive to a command drive signal for producing the pulse width waveform the width of the pulses varying accordingly. In addition, a frequency control circuit that is also responsive to the command drive signal provides a control current to the pulse width modulator circuit wherein the frequency of the waveform is varied as the pulse widths are varied.

Abstract: A lighting controller is disclosed that automatically adjusts a lighting device based on user activity. The disclosed lighting controller processes at least one of audio and video information to identify predefined user events that suggest that a lighting device should be activated or adjusted. In one implementation, a number of behavior rules define various user activities or events that suggest that the user would like to activate or adjust a lighting device. Each rule contains one or more conditions, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied to activate or adjust the lighting device. Upon detection of a predefined event, the corresponding action, if any, is performed by the lighting controller.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ion-beam apparatus takes the form of a gridless ion source with a hot-filament cathode-neutralizer, in which the hot filament is heated with a current from the cathode-neutralizer heater. The cathode-neutralizer is connected to the negative terminal of the discharge supply for the gridless ion source. This connection is substantially isolated from ground (the potential of the surrounding vacuum chamber, which is usually at earth ground) and its potential is measured relative to ground. The heater current to the cathode-neutralizer is controlled by adjusting it so as to maintain this potential in a narrow operating range. This control can be manual or automatic.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improvement of a drive system of a color image forming apparatus. The color image-forming apparatus includes a plurality of image-forming elements; a plurality of first driving motors, each of which corresponds to each of the image-forming elements, to drive the plurality of image-forming elements; an intermediate transfer element that is disposed opposite the plurality of image-forming elements; a second driving motor to drive the intermediate transfer element; and a controlling section to control the plurality of first driving motors and the second driving motor. In the color image-forming apparatus, the controlling section controls the plurality of first driving motors and the second driving motor independently of each other, so that a first peripheral speed of each of the image-forming elements coincides with a second peripheral speed of the intermediate transfer element.

Abstract: A device for controlling a motor intended to set an arm provided with a head for reading/writing information in motion with respect to a surface carrying information. The device having a controller for enabling the power supply of the winding of the motor to be managed and a measurer for measuring the value of a counter-electromotive force induced in the winding by the movement of the rotor when the power supply of the winding is interrupted. This device enables the angular speed of the arm to be measured and controlled during an emergency return phase of the arm towards a rest position.

Abstract: A DC motor drive circuit, includes a switching circuit that drives the coils of a small permanent magnetic DC motor. The drive circuit is preferably implemented in an integrated circuit device, such as a silicon CMOS device. Integrated into the same integrated circuit device is a magnetic sensor arranged to detect the position of the permanent magnet as it passes a defined point, or points, in its revolution, and control circuitry to derive the timing waveforms for driving the coils. The integrated power devices for driving the coils are also arranged to limit the rise and fall times of the applied voltages and currents so as to reduce or eliminate the generation of unwanted RFI. Additional circuitry is also integrated into the same integrated circuit device to derive the necessary power to operate the magnetic sensor, the control circuitry and the switching circuitry from the connections between the switching circuitry and the coils so as to remove the need for a separate power supply connection.

Abstract: A power-window control device is provided which is capable of inexpensively avoiding the occurrence of a failure, not to overlook in safety, due to a short-circuit (including current leak) at between adjacent ones of switch terminals. The switch terminals are arranged in a combination that the terminals having a possibility to cause a failure due to short-circuit are not in an adjacent relationship. Specifically, in the case of a configuration of FIG. 1, arrangement is made such that there is no adjacent relationship between the MU and the COMA, the MD and the COMA, the NC and the COMA, the NC and the NO, the NC and the COMS, the NO and the COMA, the NO and the COMS, and the COMA and the COMS, e.g. in an order of the COMS, MD, NO, AD, COMA, AU, NC and MU.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system for an electric vehicle having front and rear wheels, and includes a drive wheel, an actuating device, a regenerative braking control circuit, and a power electronics circuit. The regenerative braking control circuit includes a potentiometer ir transducer, a process sensor, and a microprocessor. The system applies a regenerative braking torque to the drive wheel when the rider commands regenerative braking, and the process sensors signal a drive wheel velocity greater than zero. The present invention also relates to a throttle for actuating regenerative braking and reversing feature.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for reducing motor driving noise, comprising: a selecting circuit for selecting and outputting a current increasing or reducing signal based on a commutation control signal; and a signal synthesizing circuit for synthesizing the current increasing or reducing signal selected by the selecting circuit with a current application control signal supplied to the power supply side switching element of at least a pair of switching elements.

Abstract: In a numerical control system of the invention, a motor drive power converter 1a comprises input current determination means 12 for comparing an input current found by input current detection means 11 with an allowable current value with respect to less-than, equal-to, or greater-than relation, and acceleration/deceleration command change signal output means 13 for outputting a control signal to a drive unit 2a, 3a based on the determination result of the input current determination means 12. If the input current determination means 12 determines that input current Ii> allowable current value I0, acceleration/deceleration command generation means 15a, 15b of the drive unit 2a, 3a changes an acceleration/deceleration command (lessens the inclination of a speed command), thereby lowering the input current Ii.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling rotation speed of a synchronous reluctance motor, including a position estimation unit for controlling rotation speed of the synchronous reluctance motor by estimating the position angle of the rotor and rotation speed of the rotor according to the low speed or high speed region. The apparatus can control the motor in the high speed area or low speed area, stabilize the transient state generated in the process that the motor is converted from the low speed area to the high speed area and show stable speed control performance, thus performing more precise speed control.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a power device in response to an input signal includes a first signal generator for generating a first signal in response to the input signal; a level shifter for changing an output level of the first signal to a value which is a function of a first main power supply potential in order to produce a second signal; and a first control signal generator for generating the control signal for a first semiconductor device in response to the second signal. The level shifter includes at least one level shifting semiconductor element wherein the semiconductor element is controlled by the first signal and the at least one level shifting semiconductor element exhibiting breakdown voltage characteristics whereby a breakdown voltage has a value not less than a voltage in the range between a value of the first and a value of a second main power supply potential.

Abstract: This invention includes an improved interconnect assembly for use in rechargeable battery packs for laptop computers. The invention eliminates manufacturing defects resulting from the hand soldering processes of the prior art. The assembly provides interconnection for rechargeable cells oriented end to end, in parallel rows. Insulated runners provide interconnection to a bus located along the center of the end to end cells. The bus is a flexible circuit that couples to a printed circuit board. In one preferred embodiment, the bus is less than two inches in diameter and less than the diameters of the parallel rows of end to end cells in length. The assembly eliminates the need for hand soldering, eliminates cumbersome wire routing, and offers multiple insulation features that prevent electrical shorts.

Abstract: A movable plug-head for a travel-type battery charger. A metallic n-shaped stationing clamp replaces the conventional plastic clamp and conductive metallic spring plates so that the number of components and thickness of the n-shaped stationing clamp are reduced. Ultimately, material and assembling cost as well as overall thickness of the charger are all reduced.

Abstract: A method for determining a maximum charge current of a battery is provided which comprises: determining a steady-state charge resistance based on a current state of charge of the battery; determining a no-load charge voltage based on the current state of charge of the battery; calculating a maximum temporary charge current; and calculating a maximum charge current based on the maximum temporary charge current.

Abstract: Circuits, apparatuses, electrochemical device charging methods, and lithium-mixed metal electrode cell charging methods are provided. According to one aspect, a circuit includes charging circuitry adapted to apply electrical energy to an electrochemical device to charge the electrochemical device, and the electrochemical device being configured to assume an open-circuit condition in a substantially charged state; shunting circuitry electrically coupled with the charging circuitry and configured to shunt the electrical energy around the electrochemical device responsive to the electrochemical device reaching the substantially charged state; and indication circuitry configured to output a signal responsive to the shunting of the electrical energy to indicate a charge status of the electrochemical device.

Abstract: Switching regulator circuits and methods are provided for regulating output voltage that include an adjustable minimum peak inductor current level for Burst Mode in current-mode DC-DC regulators. Minimum peak inductor current level control is achieved during Burst Mode by allowing external control for adjusting the burst threshold level. A single pin can be used to distinguish between forced continuous and Burst Mode as well as set the burst threshold level during Burst Mode, or an alternate method of setting a variable burst threshold level can be implemented in which two pins are used, one for selecting the mode of operation and the other for setting the burst threshold level during Burst Mode. The above principles can be applied to both step-up and step-down regulator circuit configurations, as well as both synchronous switching regulators and non-synchronous switching regulators.