Abstract:
Disclosed are methods, circuits, and systems for implementing an AC voltage adapter and battery charger system in a closed loop topology. Embodiments of the invention include methods for controlling an AC adapter charging a battery with steps for using a closed loop configuration to monitor one or more selected parameters in the charging loop. Feedback to the AC adapter is used for dynamically controlling the adapter output voltage. A preferred embodiment exemplifies a closed loop circuit for battery charging. The circuit includes an AC adapter and a monitoring circuit for monitoring the closed loop and for providing feedback to the AC adapter, controlling the adapter output voltage.
Abstract:
A method for designing an, at least partly wireless, local area communication network for industrial application. A 3D plant model of the area in which the communication network is to operate is accessed. Devices that are to communicate in the communication, identify and quantify potential sources of interference or attenuation of the communication signals are introduced into this model. Data regarding communication characteristics of the devices are included. Communication possibilities of the devices are tested and evaluated in the communication network taking into account the possible interference and attenuation sources. If communication possibilities of a particular device is inadequate, adjustments regarding that device are suggested.
Abstract:
Various systems, methods and apparatuses are provided herein for limiting power dissipation in a switch. As one example, a method for limiting power dissipation is disclosed. The method includes monitoring current through the switch, and based at least in part on detecting that the current is at least as great as a predetermined current limit, regulating the current to the predetermined current limit. The method also includes measuring an amount of power dissipated in the switch while the current is being regulated, and opening the switch when the amount of power has reached a predetermined power limit.
Abstract:
A paintball gun utilizing the Coanda effect in firing and/or loading paintballs. A Coanda chamber located in the bolt, feed tube, or barrel propels, loads, or spins a paintball. The Coanda chambers, which can be used in any combination include a port for receiving air, an inner cell, an outer cell and an annular ring defining a passageway between the cells. The chamber located in the bolt for propelling the ball includes walls in the outer cell. The air follows the sloped walls and hits the ball at its periphery, eliminating distortion and breakage of the ball. The chamber located in the feed tube forces the ball into the barrel and creates a vacuum to eliminate the ball blowing back up the feed tube. The annular ring in the chamber in the barrel is partially blocked, directing the air to put a spin on the ball.
Abstract:
A method and system for failsafe recovery and upgrade of an operating system embedded within a peripheral or consumer electronic device. The method and system involves replacing current implementations that use ROM memory to store a copy of the embedded operating system, or critical portions thereof, with a disk-based ROM and redundant backup copies of the initial operating system kernel and the primary image required for booting the final embedded operating system. By maintaining critical files in read-only partitions, the robustness and reliability achieved using ROM memory in currently available devices can be achieved without expensive ROM memory via the disk-based ROM.
Abstract:
A golf club caddy has a pair of standards, each of the standards having a ground supporting member projecting from a lower end. A plurality of U-shaped engagement members are fixed to opposite faces of each standard for receiving the shaft of a golf club. Spacing members are positioned between the pair of standards with a grip portion being centrally located between the ends of an uppermost spacing member for providing a comfortable grip for carrying the caddy. Releasable coupling members extend into the spacing members from each standard. Each of the coupling members includes a proximal and a distal wedge member received into the ends of the spacing members and having outer surfaces sized to engage an inner surface of the spacing members. A threaded member extends through the wedge members so that the proximal wedge is slidably arranged on the threaded member while the distal wedge member is engaged by the threaded member. A handle is connected to each threaded member so that rotation of the handle member causes displacement of the distal wedge member with respect to the spacing member for manual release of the coupling member whereby the standards and spacing members can be quickly and easily disassembled for storage as well as reassembled subsequent to storage.
Abstract:
Provided is a linear voltage regulator and method of use thereof which controls the voltage input to an integrated circuit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a processor. The method includes the sequential steps of generating a first ramping voltage to a load connection when the load is in a start-up phase, and generating a second operating voltage to the load connection when the load is in an operational phase. The linear voltage regulator includes a control circuit and a regulation circuit that implements the method.
Abstract:
A molded blister package for storing and dispensing a hydrophilic contact lens comprises a base portion which includes a cavity surrounded by a outstanding flange, and a cover sheet sealed to the flange to enclose the cavity. A portion of the side wall of the cavity is inclined to form a ramp to the flange. The cover sheet may be stripped from the flange to expose the cavity and inclined side wall whereupon the lens is readily removed by sliding up and out of the cavity along the inclined surface.
Abstract:
A system for evaluating members or a family of similar devices by comparing images of a model device to the image of the member to be evaluated is disclosed. An image of the model device is first produced and stored in a memory. An image of the member to be evaluated is produced as the stored image of the model device is simultaneously reproduced. The images of the model and the member being evaluated are compared to generate a comparison signal related to the differences therebetween. The comparison signal is sampled at a predetermined rate, to produce a digital signal indicating sample points where the comparison signal exceeds a predetermined value. Statistical techniques are used to analyze the digital signal to determine which portions of this signal correspond to significant differences between the images of the model device and the member being evaluated. The portions of the digital signals corresponding to significant differences between images of the model and device being evaluated are combined with the image of the device being evaluated to produce a multicolor composite image. In the composite image areas of the image of the device being evaluated which are significantly different from the image of the model device are displayed in red with the remainder of the composite image being green.