Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for brokering a charging process of an electric vehicle. In one embodiment, a process extracts event data associated with the charging process from a charge notification in response to receiving the charge notification indicating that the charging process of the electric vehicle is complete. The event data may include, but is not limited to, duration of the charging process, quantity of electricity transferred, or rate at which electricity was transferred during the charging process. The process then identifies, from an energy transaction plan, a set of payees participating in the charging process. Thereafter, the process disburses a payment owed to the set of payees. An amount of the payment is calculated using payment terms in profiles of the set of payees. The payment includes funds from at least one of a payer fund and an incentive fund.

Abstract: A device for quick closing of an electric circuit having a main spark gap with main electrodes and a triggering device. The triggering device has an auxiliary spark gap with auxiliary electrodes for igniting an arc in the main spark gap. The auxiliary electrodes are shielded from the main spark gap by a shielding unit having channel means extending therethrough from an auxiliary spark gap facing side to a main spark gap facing side of the shielding unit. The device further includes a nozzle with a first end being most close to the auxiliary spark gap and a second end most close to the main spark gap. The first end has an inlet opening that is in connection with the channel means and the second end has an outlet opening. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to a use of the device.

Abstract: A printed circuit board reinforcement structure for a printed circuit board receiving a plurality of surface mounting devices, and an integrated circuit package using the same. The structure includes a hard layer having one or more openings formed at areas corresponding to one or more surface mounting devices with a thickness exceeding a predetermined thickness; and a soft layer bonded to a side of the hard layer so that the soft layer can accommodate the protrusion of the surface mounting devices. The structure prevents defects of a printed circuit board, such as deformation, fracture or the like, while substantially reducing the size of a package by applying a reinforcement structure to a thin printed circuit board, thereby reinforcing the rigidity (mechanical strength) of the thin printed circuit board.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a device to be activated by electrical energy and a micro-switch that includes conductors and an element between the first and second conductors selected from the group consisting of: a dielectric element capable of being modulated to provide a conductive path in response to receipt of electrical energy; and an element moveable in response to application of an electrical energy. The micro-switch may be formed of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology or microelectronics technology.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic-charge-transferring device includes providing a charged species source and a charge species drain and providing a movable component for transferring charge to the charged species drain. A first protrusion proximate to the moveable component and a second protrusion proximate to the moveable component are also provided. The moveable component is positioned in close proximity to the charged species source, and at least one of the moveable component, the first protrusion and the second protrusion is of a micrometer scale or smaller.

Abstract: A spark discharging device that sparks on the closing of contacts carrying high current. In one embodiment, a capacitor is discharged to provide a short pulse of high current upon making contact between one movable electrode to the capacitor and a ground electrode. A solenoid coil energized from the engine's electrical system is operated in synchronism with the movement of the engine's piston. A solenoid drives a plunger and movable electrode tipped with a contact portion so the contact portion moves into engagement with a ground electrode connected to the return circuit. The movable electrode is coupled to the charged capacitor located within or external to the spark discharger housing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims (37 C.F.R. 1.72(b)).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a rotatable photosensitive member a charging device for charging a surface of the photosensitive member prior to forming an electrophotographic latent image and a power source for applying a charge voltage which includes at least AC component to the charging device. The charging device includes a rotatable brush member which is formed by implanting piles formed by brush fibers on a base member and provided in contact with the photosensitive member. The photosensitive member and charging device and power source are provided to satisfy the following condition:V.sub.D =K.vertline.f.sub.AC -f.sub.p .vertline.(0<K.ltoreq.3),wherein V.sub.D is a moving speed of the surface of said photosensitive member, K is a constant, f.sub.AC is frequency of the AC component and fp is a pile frequency which is represented by V.sub.B /d (V.sub.B is the moving speed of the base material and d is a pile pitch).

Abstract: A corona-charging apparatus for charging successive image area segments of a charge-receiving element, which corona-charging apparatus is capable of adjusting the charging rate from one segment to the next while minimizing the transition region between successive image area segments, includes electrode means for creating a corona discharge and a composite grid between the electrode means and a moving charge-receiving element. The composite grid includes a plurality of conductive controlled grid sets with at least one grid wire per set. The grid sets are spaced in the direction of movement of the charge-receiving element, and the voltage on each grid set is adjustable independently of the voltages on the other grid sets. Regulator means are provided for synchronizing the voltage of each grid set with the movement of the charge-receiving element.

Abstract: A porous ceramic heating reactor is positioned within a tubular casing to contain the flame and the end products of combustion. A flattened portion of the casing extends substantially past the reactor to provide for further transfer of heat through the casing wall from the hot exhaust gases and to carry those exhaust gases to a safe point of exhaustion. The unit is essentially modular so that any number can be selected for an installation. The casing configuration enhances turbulent flow of the hot gaseous products of combustion. Turbulent flow increases heat transfer to and through the walls of the casing to the boiler or other area to be heated. The size and shape of the tubular casing provides an explosion proof, leak proof, efficient heat transfer device. Each reactor has a spark plug one of whose elements is a bi-metallic strip. In a multi-unit installation the spark plugs are connected in parallel across a spark generator.