A depository operates to accept and make available deposit items to authorized users responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The depository (10) includes a body (12) that bounds and interior area (14). The depository includes a door (18) that is controlled by a lock (24) so that only authorized users can access the interior area. The depository includes at least one input device (20) operative to receive data usable to identify users authorized to access the depository. At least one reading device (26) is operative to read indicia included on depository items so that depository items placed in or removed from the interior area can be tracked. The depository is in operative connection with a network (50) that enables the transport and tracking of deposit items.

An example method includes detecting an event in an electronic system. The electronic system includes an electronic component and a switched mode power supply. The electronic component draws an amount of power from the switched mode power supply during operation. In response to detecting the event, the electronic component is operated to cause the electronic component to change the amount of power that the electronic component draws from the switched mode power supply. The change in the amount of power that the electronic component draws causes the switched mode power supply to output a signal that is evidence of the event.

According to one embodiment, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) module for an electronic rack includes a container and four pairs of relays that are disposed within the container, each pair having a first relay connected in series with a second relay. A first two pairs of relays are arranged to connect to a first power source and are arranged to connect to a power supply unit, and a second two pairs of relays are arranged to connect to a second power source and are arranged to connect to the power supply unit. The four pairs of relays are arranged in one of several open-closed configurations, such that in a first open-closed configuration the first source connects to the power supply unit through a first two pairs of relays and in a second open-closed configuration the second source connects to the power supply unit through a second two pairs of relays.

An intelligent energy system includes an energy-consuming appliance, a battery module coupled to the appliance, and a bidirectional converter coupled to the appliance and the battery module by a power bus. The battery module is configured to provide power to the appliance. The bidirectional converter converts between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and interfaces with a power infrastructure external to the appliance. The system further includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the battery module, the bidirectional converter, and the appliance. The control unit is configured to determine a charge and discharge schedule for the battery module. The battery module coupled with the bidirectional converter provides uninterrupted power to the appliance, abstracts the power demands of the appliance from local power infrastructure, and allows for greater appliance peak power draw than would otherwise be practical or possible.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a battery switch on circuit and a lithium battery. The circuit includes a communication control module, a relay, a communication control circuit, a switch, and a communication connection terminal. A communication signal terminal of the communication control module is connected to a first contact of the relay, a common contact of the relay is connected to the communication connection terminal. A coil of the relay is powered on to control the common contact and the first contact to be gated and is powered down to control the common contact and a second contact of the relay to be gated. The communication connection terminal is configured to connect to an upper computer. The switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. A signal from the control terminal of the switch is capable of controlling conduction or disconnection between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal of the switch is connected to a power supply, the second terminal of the switch is connected to a power input terminal, and after the power input terminal is powered on, the coil of the relay is powered on. A signal input terminal is connected to the second contact of the relay, and a control signal output terminal is connected to the control terminal of the switch. Whereby, an effect of normal power-on and communication after the entire circuit is powered off is realized.

A virtual image display system, including a handheld electronic device having a first battery and a virtual image display having a second battery, is provided. The handheld electronic device and the virtual image display are coupled to each other. The handheld electronic device is used to calculate a power supply time of the first battery; calculate an expected discharge time of the second battery under a discharge condition; compare the power supply time and the expected discharge time to generate a comparison result; and adjust a supply current provided by the first battery to the virtual image display according to the comparison result.

A dual-input power conversion system includes a first primary side power network comprising a first hold-up capacitor, wherein the first primary side power network has inputs configured to be coupled to a first power source, and outputs coupled to a transformer, a second primary side power network comprising a second hold-up capacitor, wherein the second primary side power network has inputs configured to be coupled to a second power source, and outputs coupled to the transformer, and a secondary side power network having inputs coupled to a secondary side of the transformer, and outputs coupled to a load, wherein the first primary side power network and the second primary side power network are configured such that a voltage across one of the first hold-up capacitor and the second hold-up capacitor is maintained by a voltage reflected from the secondary side to a corresponding primary side.

Disclosed herein are a vehicle or other system battery with a self-contained backup capability and a method for providing power to a vehicle using the vehicle or other system battery with a self-contained backup capability. In one aspect, the vehicle battery comprises, a main battery portion, a backup battery portion, and a control device for selectively communicating a transfer of energy from the backup battery portion to the main battery portion when a voltage level or other health indicator of the main battery portion is determined to be below a reference voltage threshold, wherein the main battery portion and backup battery portion are each re-chargeable via an alternator of the vehicle when the control device communicates the transfer of energy between the main battery portion and the backup battery portion.

A combined data/power coupling device includes a chassis having first and second powering device connectors and a powered device connector each coupled to a data/power coupling subsystem. The data/power coupling subsystem configures each of the first and second powering device connectors to receive power from at least one powering device, configures the first powering device connector to receive data from the at least one powering device, and provides data and power received via the first powering device connector to a powered device via the powered device connector. When the data/power coupling subsystem determines that data and power are not available via the first powering device connector, it configures the second powering device connector to receive data from the at least one powering device, and provides data and power received via the second powering device connector to the powered device via the powered device connector.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for powering an electronic device with a battery or other backup power supply when an external power source is removed from the electronic device. The method determines if the ambient temperature of an electronic device is below a threshold and if the ambient temperature is below the threshold adjusting a minimum state of charge of the battery to prolong the life of the battery.