Comdisco, Inc.

Other

John F Ahern

William R Kallman

Leonard M Dorfman

David F Baretich

Mark B Roberts

A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles. The invented lead acid-type battery preferably is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 20 mA-hours' capacity and the invented lithium-type battery preferably also is elongate, of uniform, right-rectanglular cross section and provides over 180 mA-hours' capacity, all in a tiny volume compatible with one or more volume-restricted spaces. Preferably, the lithium-type and lead acid-type batteries are of approximately equal form factor and volume, for symmetric placement thereof in a void within either temple. The temples are hingedly connected with the eyewear's front piece via a unique leaf spring that biases the former into one of two orientations relative to the latter. Dual like-cell battery configurations also are disclosed, along with a flexible circuit defining one or more frame-mounted transmissivity switches. A microcontroller is described that fits within a tiny void formed in the eyewear's bridge. Finally an external, battery-powered battery charger case and circuit are described for use with EC eyewear powered by dual lead acid batteries.

Spring-hinged frame for eyeware

A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles. The invented lead acid-type battery preferably is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 20 mA-hours' capacity and the invented lithium-type battery preferably also is elongate, of uniform, right-rectangular cross section and provides over 180 mA-hours' capacity, all in a tiny volume compatible with one or more volume-restricted spaces. Preferably, the lithium-type and lead acid-type batteries are of approximately equal form factor and volume, for symmetric placement thereof in a void within either temple. The temples are hingedly connected with the eyewear's front piece via a unique leaf spring that biases the former into one of two orientations relative to the latter. Dual like-cell battery configurations also are disclosed, along with a flexible circuit defining one or more frame-mounted transmissivity switches. A microcontroller is described that fits within a tiny void formed in the eyewear's bridge. Finally an external, battery-powered battery charger case and circuit are described for use with EC eyewear powered by dual lead acid batteries.

Electrochromic eyewear

Electrochromic eyewear system, rechargeable eyewear and external charger

Growing community of inventors

Beaverton, OR, United States of America

John F Ahern