Apple Inc.

Steven J Young

Philippe A Le Bars

Robert E Cox

Robert Andrew Howard

Thomas S Gilley

Robert Angelo Riccomini

David W Shen

Markus C Wallgren

Mike Cheponis

Keiichi Tsukinari

Mark C Gurries

Rodger J Mohme

Kihachiro Tonomura

Eric Gradeler

Barry Hochfield

Vijay Char

Vigay Char

Andrew Hargadon

A battery cell having a positive terminal, a negative terminal and a power producing core section (e.g., electrolyte) for systems, such as computer systems, cellular phones, etc. The battery cell also includes an internal circuit to monitor the state of the battery cell. The state that is monitored may include the temperature, charge level of the battery core section, the discharge/charge rate. The circuit may control the battery cell (e.g., cause charging of the battery cell). This internal circuit may be an integrated circuit, such as a microprocessor.

Battery cell having an internal circuit for controlling its operation

Circuitry is described for providing a telephone line interface circuit of a MODEM for a computer with an AC impedance and DC voltage/current characteristics required by a given type telephone network such that the telephone line interface circuit can be matchingly connected with the given type telephone network. The given type telephone network provides an identification code representative of the required AC impedance and DC voltage/current characteristics. The circuitry comprises a plurality of impedance components that, when connected to the telephone line interface circuit, determine the AC impedance and DC voltage/current characteristics of the telephone line interface circuit. A plurality of terminals are coupled to receive a plurality of control signals associated with the identification code. A switching logic is coupled (1) between the plurality of impedance components and the telephone line interfacing circuit and (2) to the plurality of terminals for selectively connecting the plurality of impedance components to the telephone line interface circuit under the control of the plurality of control signals so as to cause the telephone line interface circuit to have the required AC impedance and DC voltage/current characteristics. An identifying circuit is coupled to the given type telephone network for identifying the required AC impedance and DC voltage/current characteristics by receiving the identification code and converting the identification code into the plurality of control signals.

Modem having an improved line interface circuit, in particular for a

A computer that can be electrically coupled to an adapter with wireless inductive connectors. The adapter has a first primary inductive connector that provides power and a second secondary inductive connector that receives digital signals. The computer has a first secondary inductive connector that can receive power and a second primary inductive connector that provides digital signals. The connectors are located within the adapter and computer, so that when the computer is placed adjacent to the adapter, the inductive connectors became electrically coupled.

Power connection scheme

An integrated AC adapter and battery charger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an AC adapter unit for converting AC power to a DC power and a battery charging apparatus coupled to the AC adapter unit for charging a battery pack. The battery charging apparatus further comprises a microcontroller for sensing the condition of the battery pack or tacks being charged, a memory for storing the proper charging profile for a number of different types of battery packs, and a charging current generator capable of generating a varying charging current based on the microcontroller's determination of the battery's condition and the charging profile stored in the memory.

Power supply and battery charger

A special purpose modular receptacle comprises a generally rectangular housing having an opening which exposes a cavity within the housing. A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within the cavity of the housing. Terminal ends of the contacts electrically connect to corresponding contacts on a standard modular connector or a modified modular connector inserted into the cavity. The contacts are exposed at a lower rear portion of the housing allowing connection between the contacts and a printed circuit board. Attachment means allow physical and electrical connection of the housing to a printed circuit board. A guiding means may be present as a modular connector insertion aid.

Special purpose modular receptacle jack

A special purpose modular connector comprising a generally rectangular housing having a central body portion and two extending side arm portions. A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within the body and arm portions. Slots at a front end of each portion of the housing expose a terminal end of each electrical contact. Openings in the rear portions of the housing allow connection of cables or other types of component wiring to the contacts. A locking tab is formed at the underside of the housing and functions to align and securely connect the special purpose modular connector with a correspondingly modified receptacle.

Special purpose modular connector plug

A system that allows inductive connectors to be electrically coupled without having to mechanical align the same. The connectors have a primary coil coupled to a secondary coil. The primary coil transmits either power or digital signals to the secondary coil. The power induced onto the secondary coil is a function of the distance between coils. The farther apart the coils are, the less power is transmitted to the secondary coil. To insure that the proper level of power is received by the secondary coil, a feedback circuit is incorporated to vary the output of power on the primary coil as a function of the voltage induced onto the secondary connectors. If connectors are spaced apart beyond a predetermined distance, the feedback system increases the power on the primary coil.

Inductive wireless data connection

A power management system for a portable computer is disclosed. The system can determine which one of a plurality of battery packs has been coupled to the system. After determining the type of battery pack, the system recalls from storage the recommended charging pattern for the particular battery pack and begins to charge the battery at the recommended rate. The system's information is used during charging to determine if the battery pack is defective. When the computer is running off the battery pack, the charge counter measures the total amount of charge supplied to the computer and provides this information to the system. When the difference betweem the total amount of charge supplied to the computer and the total charge available from the battery reaches a predefined limit, the system indicates to the computer that a low-power situation exists and that the computer should prepare for a possible loss-of-power event.

Power management system for battery powered computers

An electrical conductor that electrically couples a circuit board to another electrical device. The connector has a flexible circuit board with at least one electrical conductor that is attached to a flexible dielectric sheet. Attached to the electrical conductor is an electrically conductive elastomer adapted to engage conductive pads on the surface of the circuit board. The connector has a plate or other member that presses the conductive elastomer onto the conductive surface pads, creating an electrical path between the conductor and the circuit board. The conductor is attached to the electrical device, wherein the electrical device is electrically coupled to the circuit board.

Integrated connector module with conductive elastomeric contacts

An electrical connector that electrically couples a circuit board to another electrical device. The connector has a flexible circuit board with at least one electrical conductor that is attached to a flexible dielectric sheet. Attached to the electrical conductor is an electrically conductive elastomer adapted to engage conductive pads on the surface of the circuit board. The connector has a plate or other member that presses the conductive elastomer onto the conductive surface pads, creating an electrical path between the conductor and the circuit board. The conductor is attached to the electrical device, wherein the electrical device is electrically coupled to the circuit board.

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Milpitas, CA, United States of America

Steven J Young