text:
The Wall Street Journal reported today that the iBooks eReader app won't come preloaded on the iPad--it can be downloaded tomorrow. If you're buying an iPad mainly as an eReader, will this stop you from purchasing it? And if the Kindle app is better as an eReader and eBook buying tool, then what's the incentive for getting the iBook app?
What will you do?
Get top stories and blog posts emailed to me each day. Newsletters may offer personalized content or advertisements.Learn more

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A young pigeon, one of those rare sights, after a good preening session.
Feeding the little'uns
I was enjoying a well-deserved (my own interpretation) beer and a tapas when I glanced out of the bar window and saw a bit of Sparrow activity on the tall stump of a palm tree. I returned to the task in hand but kept glancing at the palm tree. I then noticed a small head pop out of one of the holes, so I decided to investigate.
And something different
A slow, leisurely amble in the hot sun and there were plenty of the usual suspects – Flycatchers, Serins, Spotless Starlings, Goldfinches, Swallows etc – as well as one less common sighting.
Bees, small and large
A group of smaller bees were using a flower as a sort of heliport while a huge Carpenter Bee was getting its belly covered in pollen as it flitted from one bloom to another.
Turtle Doves and others
Quite a few Swallows, Martins, Spotted Flycatchers and the odd Turtle Dove (nice to see them back) around at the moment. The Turtle Dove managed to find a few drops of water (?) in the riverbed to quench its thirst.
Blankets of colour
Although it is still quite colourful along the Rio No Water, the blooms are most definitely coming to the end of their time.
Left, right and centre
A short Sunday stroll down by the non-river was fairly uneventful – wrong time of day entirely – but I did manage to get a few reasonable shots of Goldfinch, gulls and…not much else.
Nectar time
They are the B52's of the bee world, big and noisy, but quite harmless…fortunately. This lone Carpenter Bee was going from flower to flower collecting nectar.
Could be Lenzites betulina
My only other nature snaps were of this bracket fungus, again within the confines of the back garden. I might even venture so far as to say that this could be Lenzites betulina.


text:
Takoma Park, MDUSA
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
January 12, 2014
referral from Chesapeake Kayak Adventures member.
Easy, moderate, strenuous hikes.
Hi, Looking for a fun group of people to hike with.
Meetup members, Log in
By clicking "Sign up" or "Sign up using Facebook", you confirm that you accept our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy


text:
Insanity Workout | Yahoo! Health
Drop serious pounds and sculpt sexy curves with Insanity, the DVD craze that lives up to the hype.
Keywords: Fitness, Extreme Sports, Health, Humor
Drop serious pounds and sculpt sexy curves with Insanity, the DVD craze that lives up to the hype.
The best workout songs for running for a 8:00 pace (170 BPM) (Page 1)
Fitness for every body; Fitness Blender has full length workout videos for every fitness level, completely free of charge.
This workout, designed by Urban Jungle, a bootcamp program based in New York City, can be done anywhere -- at home, at the park or in a hotel room. By using your own body
Extreme Sports Compilation.Author's blog : http://www.hopen-tv.com-------------------------Music Information 1. Artist: Dj Mystic 2. Genre: Techno, Trance 3. Song Name: Unchained Melody
Every normal person has to sleep 7-8 hous daily so that they can be halthy enough to perform every day tasks and its essential for every human being. Here we are giong to share some amazing and wonderful facts about sleep, things you really didn't k...
Start every day off right with these protein-packed breakfasts, fat-burning workouts, and morning tips from Men's Health.com
Enjoy compilation/mix about the greatest moments in various sports, best crashes, stunning tricks and stunts, unforgettable shots. 85 videos edited. Thanks f...
You've probably heard the terms "food for thought" and "exercising your brain," but have you ever really considered how your lifes...
This website is currently being migrated to a faster machine. Please check back in a few hours.
Warning: This video will leave you completely inspired, and make you want to scream at the same time!!!! "I Believe I Can Fly" is a trailer for a documentary by the French director Sébastien Montaz-Rosset.
When good carolers go bad.. follow me on twitter @ twitter.com/mikediva Directed and edited by: Mike Diva shot by: Christopher Julian and Robert Miller Starr...


text:
Murdoch in UK: All eyes on `fit and proper` test
London: The focus of the Murdoch phone hacking saga has shifted to Britain`s communications regulator Ofcom and the House of Commons after a key parliamentary committee concluded that media baron Rupert Murdoch "was not fit" to own a major international company.
Ofcom is in the process of deciding whether BSkyB - in which Murdoch`s News Corporation owns 39 per cent shares - is a `fit and proper` organisation to hold a broadcasting licence in the light of revelations related to phone-hacking in the other Murdoch-owned company, News International.
If BSkyB fails the `fit and proper` test, Ofcom could ask the company to relieve itself of the shares owned by the company and individuals against whom "relevant misconduct" has come to light.
BSkyB today insisted that it was a `fit and proper` company.
In an email to his 50,000 employees yesterday, Murdoch said the company can emerge "better and stronger" following the phone-hacking scandal, but added that some of the findings of the panel are "hard to read", and "unjustified and highly partisan".
After yesterday`s report of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that key individuals employed by Murdoch had misled the committee, a motion is likely to be put to vote in the House of Commons, and the individuals likely to be called to the bar of the House and reprimanded.
According to Ofcom, "In considering whether any licensee is fit and proper Ofcom will take into account any relevant misconduct of those who manage and control the licensee".
There is one recent precedent of a broadcasting licence being cancelled.
In November 2010, Ofcom determined that Bang Media (London) Ltd and Bang Channels Ltd were not fit and proper persons to hold a licence.
More from India
More from World
More from Sports
More from Entertaiment
- DNA: Analysis of problems of unemployement in India
- DNA: Analysis of how car makers are playing with people's life
- DNA: Analysis of increasing trade of terror, laudanum and fake currency in Malda
- DNA: Analysis of increasing trade of terror, laudanum and fake currency in Malda- Part II
- DNA: A plane landed at -100 degree celsius to rescue a worker
- Day after 30 cows found dead, police chalks out plan to prevent smuggling
- Mathura violence: Two security staff of Ram Vriksh Yadav arrested
- 'Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government wasting public money for image makeover'
- Kiran Bedi seeks banks' help for 'prosperous' Puducherry
- Now, helmet compulsory for pillion riders in Uttar Pradesh


text:
William S. Porter Elementary School
Paula Warren, Principal
The office is currently closed for summer break and will reopen on Monday, July 18. To enroll your child please review our enrollment information, complete the appropriate forms, and gather the needed documentation. We are happy to complete your enrollment when the office reopens. You may enroll before July 18 at our Curriculum Services Center, 549 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa, Monday through Thursday, 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
La oficina se encuentra cerrada por las vacaciones de verano y abrirá de nuevo el lunes, 18 de julio. Para inscribir a su hijo, por favor revise nuestra información de matriculación, llene los formularios correspondientes, y reúne la documentación necesaria. Estaremos contentos de completar la inscripción, cuando la oficina se vuelve a abrir. Usted puede inscribir antes del 18 de julio en Curriculum Services Center, 549 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa, de lunes a jueves, de 8 a 11:30 a.m. y de 1 a 4:30 p.m.
Porter is a School Where Kids Come First!
Our vision is that academic excellence is expected,
possible and attainable.
Thank you for visiting our website. William S. Porter Elementary School is one of 57 elementary schools in the Mesa Public School System. I am very proud and honored to be Principal of such an outstanding learning community. Porter has established itself as an education institution dedicated to providing approximately 500 remarkable students with a superior educational experience for grades Kinder through 6th.
AVID National Showcase 2016
A+ Celebration
Wednesday Early Release at 1:45 PM
miércoles día de salir temprano a las 1:45 PM
15-16 AVID Backpack Winners
AVID National Showcase 2015
Important Phone Numbers
Main Line - (480) 472-6700
Attendance - (480) 472-6681
Health Office - (480) 472-6678
Cafeteria - (480) 472-6680
Fax - (480) 472-6698
Congratulations Principal Warren
Ruler of the Month Award Sponsored by the Mesa Association of School Administrators in partnership with Horace Mann.
A+ School of Excellence is a trademark or service mark of the Arizona Educational Foundation and is used by permission.
Porter Pride Chant
Rosanne Carlson 2015 Rodel Exemplary Teacher
Third-grade Porter teacher Rosanne Carlson was selected as a 2015 Rodel Exemplary Teacher. Mrs. Carlson has taught for 28 years in Mesa Public Schools and will mentor high-potential student teachers. "The most enjoyable aspects of teaching are watching the students grow each year," Carlson says. "You experience the joy they feel when they accomplish a new task, large or small. It is amazing to see their personalities develop. I love getting to know the families, and many former families are now friends."
Congratulations Volunteer of the Month Feb. 2016
Deanna Milligan
2015-2016 Porter Patrol
Student Ambassadors


text:
Windbreakers - MensSave on Men's Windbreakers at Proboardshop.com! Great selection of street gear at unbelievably low prices. Proboardshop has been selling Windbreakers and outdoor gear for over 30 years and we're proud of it.
Please refine here More in the Outlet Shop.
- Color: Blue
- Price: 140.00 - 169.99
Windbreakers More in the Outlet Shop.
Adidas Civilian Jacket
Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-LargeReg: $225.00 On Sale: $157.95
Oakley Division 2 Biozone Insulated Snowboard JacketReg: $230.00 On Sale: $160.95 - $172.95
Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
Oakley Tally Ho Biozone Insulated Snowboard JacketReg: $240.00 On Sale: $167.95 - $179.95
Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
Swix Cyclon 2 In 1 Wind Jacket
Size: Medium, Large, X-Large
Our Price: $140.00
The North Face Thermoball Hybrid Hoodie JacketReg: $180.00 On Sale: $143.95
Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large


text:
|COOKIES: By using this website you agree that we can place Google Analytics Cookies on your device for performance monitoring.
Dept. of Chemistry, Pfizer Lecture Theater
Add to your list(s)
Send you e-mail reminders
Further detail
If you have a question about this list, please contact: . If you have a question about a specific talk, click on that talk to find its organiser.
0 upcoming talks and 2 talks in the archive.
Please see above for contact details for this list.
Other listsAMOP list Institute of Continuing Education POLIS events and lectures
Other talksContact networks and the spread of epidemic disease Marginals and Malice tba Cafe Synthetique: Are synthetic biologists engineers, tinkerers or hackers? Rare Metabolic Disorders: detection, research, management and treatment Centre for Industrial Sustainability 5th Annual Conference - Capturing Sustainable Value


text:
The Lodge at Bretton Woods, White Mountains (area)
- Free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking
Main amenities
- 50 guestrooms
- Golf course
- Restaurant and 6 restaurants
- Full-service spa
- Outdoor pool and 3 indoor pools
- Nightclub
- Free area shuttle
- Ski rentals and lessons
- Health club
- In-room childcare
- 24-hour front desk
- Coffee/tea in common area
What's around
- Bretton Woods Ski Area (1.1 mi / 1.8 km)
- Mount Washington Cog Railway (5.6 mi / 9.1 km)
- Crawford Notch State Park (7.1 mi / 11.3 km)
- White Mountain National Forest (12.1 mi / 19.5 km)
- Bethlehem Heritage Society Museum (13.5 mi / 21.8 km)
For families
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Babysitting or childcare
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Children's club
- Playground on site
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
The Lodge at Bretton Woods, White Mountains (area)
Hotel Info: 866-539-8117from $107
- Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible
- Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds
- Standard Room, 1 King Bed
Also popular with travelers from the USA
At a glance
Key facts
Hotel size
- This hotel has 50 rooms
- This hotel is arranged over 2 floors
- Check-in time 4 PM-Midnight
- Check-out time is 11 AM
Required at check in
- Credit card or cash deposit required
- Government-issued photo ID required
Travelling with others
- Children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
- Babysitting/childcare *
- Children's club *
- Pets not allowed
Extra people
- Roll-away beds available, charges may apply*
- Free WiFi and wired Internet access in public areas
- Free WiFi in rooms
- Free self parking
- RV/bus/truck parking
- Free area shuttle within 3 mi
- Free ski shuttle
Nearby Three Star White Mountains (area) hotels
In the hotel
- Children's club (surcharge)
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Supervised childcare/activities (surcharge)
- Free breakfast
- 6 restaurants
- Restaurant
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee shop/café
- Poolside bar
- Coffee/tea in common area
- Number of indoor pools - 3
- Outdoor pool
- Free ski shuttle
- Ski storage
- Health club
- Golf course on site
- Tennis on site
- Full-service spa
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Nightclub
- Free use of nearby fitness center
- Spa tub
- Steam room
- Sauna
- Arcade/game room
- Billiards or pool table
- Conference space
- Meeting rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Laundry facilities
- Hair salon
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Wedding services
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- ATM/banking
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Designated smoking areas
- Picnic area
- Fireplace in lobby
- Television in common areas
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
In the room
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Air conditioning
- Iron/ironing board
- Washer/dryer
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Premium bedding
- Pillowtop mattress
- Balcony
- Private bathroom
- Shower/tub combination
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Cable TV channels
- Desk
- Free newspaper
- Free WiFi
- Free local calls
- Daily housekeeping
- Access via exterior corridors
Top White Mountains (area) hotels
Recently reviewed hotels in White Mountains (area)
- Inn at JacksonFrom
"The staff were very friendly and the breakfast was great!!"Jun 14, 2016
- Express Inn & SuitesFrom
"We loved the location and our room was comfortable and clean. They were in the middle of renovation so that was the only downside. Great breakfast and the staff were friendly and…"Jun 13, 2016
- Mt Madison Inn & SuitesFrom
"First of all, the clerk who checked us in was very helpful, accommodating, and friendly. She went above and beyond to assist us during our stay. I'm sorry that I can't remember…"Jun 13, 2016
- Inn at Sunset HillFrom
"I sent my mom and her fiance for vacation and they loved it. The inn owners are so welcoming and sweet, and they have an adorable Sheepdog who greets and entertains the guests.…"Jun 13, 2016
Nearby hotels
Special features
The onsite spa has massage/treatment rooms and couples treatment room(s). Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and massages. The spa is equipped with a mud bath. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.
On Site
- Golf course on site
- Health club
- Sauna
- Spa tub
- Steam room
- Tennis on site
- Basketball on site
- Bicycle rentals on site
- Fishing on site
- Golf lessons on site
- Golf driving range on site
- Golfing on site
- Hiking/biking trails on site
- Horse riding/rental on site
- Ice skating on site
- Mountain biking on site
- Playground on site
- Racquetball/squash on site
- Ski lessons on site
- Ski equipment rentals on site
- Cross-country skiing on site
- Downhill skiing on site
- Sledding on site
- Snow tubing on site
- Snowboarding on site
- Snowmobiling on site
- Snowshoeing on site
- Tennis lessons on site
- Ecotours nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Rafting nearby
- Skydiving nearby
The Lodge at Bretton Woods, White Mountains (area)'s small print
Also known as
- Bretton Woods Lodge
- Lodge Bretton Woods
- Lodge At Bretton Woods Hotel Bretton Woods
This property does not have elevators.
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation.
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at check in or check out:
- Resort fee: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night
Optional extras
Children's club access is available for an extra charge
Babysitting/childcare is available for an extra charge
We have included all charges provided to us by this hotel. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.
Recent reviews
Good 3.5 /5 from 296 reviews
An excellent room, with plenty of space, comfortable bed and incredible view of the mountains. We did not have time to take advantage of the resort amenities, but overall it was an excellent stay. Only drawback was having to climb stairs to second floor, but the view from the balcony was worth the climb.
We stayed at the Lodge because the main My Washington hotel didn't have availability. When we arrived at 4pm, our room on the requested second floor wasn't ready, so we took a room on the first floor. Big mistake. Although the room was clean and adequate size for our family of four, the family above us awoke at 5am on Sunday morning and it sounded like a herd of elephants from that point on. We had a late night and were looking forward to sleeping in til 8am, but it was not a possibility. Should have gone with my gut, listened to all the other travelers and stayed on the second floor. All in all, hotel was nice and we enjoyed our stay. Morning breakfast was an impressive spread and great way to start our day.
New workout room. Convenient market. Indoor pool is well ventilated. Full use of Mt Washington Resort with free 24 hour shuttle. Great value!
Conveniently located near Bretton Woods ski resort! Nice hotel and clean. It is located across the street from Mt Washington hotel which offers great amenities including dining and an indoor pool which we used. Only downside was the breakfast in the morning. They only had one person working and it was a total mess, plus they ran out of dishes and food! Other than the breakfast fiasco, the hotel was great!
two days to ride the Cog Railway and explore the locale.
Is the description of this hotel not correct? Tell us


text:
Hotels in Cloverdale, California
Search & Compare Cloverdale Hotels
Trending now in Cloverdale
Hotels in Cloverdale
- Most bookedCloverdale Wine Country Inn & Suites
33 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"It was a good place to stay where choices were limited while touring vineyards in the wine producing area of the state."
H, Jun 2016, US
27 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"We were in the area for a wedding, which was in nearby Geyserville. The owner greeted us warmly, and we felt welcome immediately. We stayed in the Lorraine room, which was very nice, the only issue was our bathroom. We understood it was not connected to the room, but the door needed to be locked ..."
A Traveller, Jun 2016, US
20 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"The owner/manager was very accommodating when I had a booking error and much more welcoming than the Mystic Hotel in San Francisco (a much more expensive hotel). Only suggestions I have are that the towels are very thin and the pillows are tiny. Great experience overall!"
A Traveller, May 2016, US
15 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"Very convenient and unpretentious. Can walk to Plank and have excellent coffee in the morning. There is a nice park nearby to walk or ride a bike along the Russian River. Cloverdale is a gem in the rough."
D, May 2016, US
10 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"We like attending the Cloverdale Friday Night Live events but its a 1 &1/2 hour drive home so we like staying at Cloverdale Oaks Inn, just a block away to the event. We stay in the 'back' where it is always quiet, and walk to our favorite french/american cafe for breakfast in the morning."
A Traveller, Jun 2015, US
9 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"We stayed at the Old Crocker Inn for 3 weeknights, and could not have been more pleased. Upon arrival, they upgraded us to "their" favorite room. They asked us what time we wanted breakfast and recommended 8:30, since we had an hour drive the next day for wine tasting in Sonoma. The room was g..."
A Traveller, May 2016, US
9 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"Wonderful breakfasts, friendly and informative family owners! Excellent location."
A Traveller, May 2016, US
- The Highlands Estate B&B & Wedding Venue
No Guest Reviews yet
8 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Hotels within 10 miles of Cloverdale
21 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Most recent review
"Simple reasonable hotel. Convienient with everything you need. It was perfect. Restaurant serving breakfast lunch and dinner right on site. Staff was very friendly and helpful."
A Traveller, Mar 2016, US
Hotels within 15 miles of Cloverdale
- Makiivka Estate
No Guest Reviews yet
7 people looked at this hotel in the last hour
Map of Cloverdale hotels
Hotel types
Best hotels in Cloverdale
If you are looking for Cloverdale hotels in a particular area, you can use the search feature at the top of the page to search by neighborhood, landmark, address or zip code, or you can search by using the built-in map feature. You can also browse hotels in Cloverdale by type, amenities, and star-rating so that you can find the best hotel. Currently, top rated hotels in Cloverdale are:
- Old Crocker Inn
- Kelley & Young Wine Garden Inn
- Auberge on the Vineyard
- Super 8 Cloverdale
- Cloverdale Wine Country Inn & Suites
The location of your Cloverdale hotel is important. If you are traveling to Cloverdale, &StateorCountry for business, you may want to consider getting a hotel close to the airport or near your meeting venue. By doing so, you can really cut down on transportation costs and time. You may also want to book a hotel that offers free wifi just in case you need to get some work done.
If you are traveling for vacation, figure out which attractions or landmarks you want to see and book a hotel that is within close proximity. Although hotels near attractions might cost a little more, you may find that spending those extra few dollars is worth the convenience. You can even find hotels that align with your interests. For example, if you are looking for a relaxing vacation, a spa hotel may be the perfect choice for you.
You'll also want to determine which type of accommodations will suit your needs before booking a hotel in Cloverdale. If you're traveling with the kiddos, a family friendly hotel will offer larger rooms and more sleeping arrangements. For those traveling for an extended period of time, booking a hotel suite with a kitchenette is a smart move and will feel a little more like home. If you are budget conscience and just need a place to rest your head, a hostel or motel may be all you need.
If you are looking to score the best discounts and deals, use the filter to sort by price from low to high. You can book a hotel in Cloverdale for as low as $101 per night. If you are looking to cut down on expenses, look for hotels that include free breakfast and parking. Some hotels even offer free shuttle service to and from nearby places. You can also sort by star rating, proximity, and guest rating.
Before you book, check out user reviews. Hotels.com has 284 reviews in Cloverdale. We show reviews from Expedia and TripAdvisor so you know that you are reading genuine, reliable reviews. Be sure to download the Hotels.com app so you can book your reservations on the go, view amenities, and save the hotels you want to view and compare later.


text:
List all words starting with vqf
No words starting with vqf found in this word list.
Some random words: augend nyala email tics jell war maftir
This is not a dictionary, it's a word game wordfinder.
- Help and FAQ - Examples - Home
Privacy and Cookies Policy - Share - © Copyright 2004-2016 Morewords.com - 6.255mS


text:
Chicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers (+112, 9)
The Chicago Cubs don't score runs on the road.
The Cubbies are a wretched 13-20 away from Wrigley Field this season, with the majority of their problems attributed to leaving their bats back in the Windy City.
Chicago is hitting a meager .235 BA in opponents' ballparks and has topped four runs just three times in their past 15 road games. The Cubs also have gone under the total in 14 of their past 20 games and have an O/U road record of 13-18-2.
The Tigers do have the ninth-best home offense in baseball, scoring 181 runs at Comerica Park and hitting .274 as a team, but overall are 14-16-2 against the number at home.
Neither pitchers – Chicago's Ted Lilly or Detroit's Armando Galarraga - will be unhittable, but look for both to keep runs off the board.
Pick: Under 9
Cleveland Indians at Pittsburgh Pirates (+143, 8.5)
The Indians have rocked opposing pitchers on the road this season. And the Pirates have been on a roll at home.
Cleveland has the fourth-best road offense in baseball, scoring a major-league best 211 roads away from home. The Tribe are batting .277 BA and have mashed 45 home runs. They are one of the few consistent over plays this season, topping the number in 24 of 37 road games.
The Pirates, however, are killing it at home and post a 17-13 record and hit .291 BA as a team at PNC Park - the second-best home average in the majors.
Pittsburgh has been struggling to score runs, but the majority of its struggles have come on the road as it figures to take a scalp off the Indians.
Pick: Pirates +143
If you have any feedback or suggestions for our Editorial Team, please contact us at Editorial
Posted by derekgiffen 7 years ago
Posted by kram2292 7 years ago
Posted by LeeK3 7 years ago
Posted by DrKizzle 7 years ago
Posted by isles19404ever 7 years ago
Posted by timmytguns 7 years ago
Top Response
Posted by timmytguns
7 years ago
"Tonight's plays are as follows -- under 9/ Wash./Bos
over 10 Rays/Phils
Rangers -120
Marlins -120
Today so far 2-1-1
Good Luck to all!!!"
UN~BE~LIEVABLE! AAA Sports is coming off ANOTHER winning day, now 7-1 (88%) all plays L3 days and a STAGGERING +$12,056 w/ ALL picks L9 days! MLB continues to be a Summer Time CASH COW! After ANOTHER winner on the ChiSox on on Thursday afternoon, AAA enters the final weekday on a MONUMENTAL 102-74 +$14,537 Y-T-D run! YOU IN ON THIS?!
1* Free Play OVER Pirates/A's.
The visitors hand the ball to Jeff Locke (7-5, 5.12 ERA) who comes in off a decent outing vs. the Dodgers on Saturday, giving up one run off five hits while stirking out four over seven innings to earn the win. We'll caution reading too much into the performance though, as Locke is a poor 2-4 with a ballooned 7.36 ERA on the road this year. The home side counters with Sonny Gray, who gave up two runs off six hits with a walk while stirking out three over six innings in a no-decision vs. the Angels on Sunday. Home field has been anything but an advantage for Gray this year, he's 2-3 with a poor 4.75 ERA in Oakland thus far. With these two inconsistent starters going head-to-head on Friday night, the OVER does indeed become worthy of a second look in this particular matchup.
AAA Sports
Copyright © 1995-


text:
Town Square
Sort by: Most recent topic/comment Most viewed Most comments
Navigation tip: Clicking on any category label will display all recent posts in that category
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL'Tea' Party. Oops, make that 'Effigy Burning' Party
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/13/tea-party-leader-vows-to-burn-pelosi-and-perriello-in-effigy/ WASHINGTON...Original post made by My Goodness on Nov. 13, 2009
Last comment by SteveP, on Nov 16, 2009 at 10:50 am | 3 comments | 1084 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALAnother example of our irresponsible CA Legislature
The $11 billion water bond that California voters will be asked to approve next year contains nearly $2 billion in earmarks...Original post made by jimf01 on Nov. 16, 2009
Last comment by jimf01, on Nov 16, 2009 at 10:20 am | 1 comment | 1127 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALWhat are your thoughts of Obama's/Holder's decision to move 911 mastermind to civilian court in NYC?
I'd like your opinion on this. If you are a Democrat, I'd especially be interested to know how you can defend this decision...Original post made by Pat on Nov. 13, 2009
Last comment by jimf01, on Nov 16, 2009 at 9:59 am | 38 comments | 11408 Views
AROUND TOWNSolo Art Exhibits @the Berry Patch
Tricia Leonard FLYING SOLO One Week Only November 16th, 2009 - Pleasanton, Ca. Elegant and Inspiring Tricia works in Mixed...Original post made by Claudette McDermott on Nov. 16, 2009
There are no comments yet. 1008 Views
AROUND TOWNEx-NFL player and Pleasanton coach accused of slugging County Supervisor Haggerty
The Alameda County's District Attorney's office is looking into charges that a coach for the Pleasanton Junior Football League...Original post made on Nov. 5, 2009
Last comment by Joe, on Nov 15, 2009 at 8:03 pm | 39 comments | 3102 Views
SCHOOLS & KIDSA tough act to follow
In their search for a successor to school Superintendent John Casey, who will retire next June, members of the Pleasanton...Original post made on Oct. 30, 2009
Last comment by Puhleese, on Nov 15, 2009 at 7:16 pm | 146 comments | 4628 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALGlowing example of Obama Admin policies destroying jobs in America...
Emerson Electric laying off 20,000 since 2008 but expanding overseas. The CEO states that the Obama Admin is destroying manufacturing...Original post made by Jim on Nov. 11, 2009
Last comment by Sally, on Nov 15, 2009 at 6:58 pm | 17 comments | 1734 Views
AROUND TOWNNervous about Stoneridge Mall?
Well, I have a new job at Stoneridge Mall... which is excellent pay, and seems like a fun job. I'm a college student, so...Original post made by Jenny on Nov. 5, 2009
Last comment by Jenny, on Nov 15, 2009 at 6:34 pm | 15 comments | 1621 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALRepublicans were covering abortions to RNC employees
They got busted and now are crying they are going to put an end to it. Hypocrites....Original post made by OJ on Nov. 13, 2009
Last comment by Cholo, on Nov 15, 2009 at 2:01 pm | 3 comments | 987 Views
BOOKS & MOVIESAmerican Drug Wars
On Saturday, November 14th, at 7:00 PM, the IBEW Hall will host a film event featuring the documentary, "American Drug Wars."...Original post made by Paulette on Nov. 14, 2009
Last comment by Paulette, on Nov 15, 2009 at 8:32 am | 2 comments | 3481 Views
SPORTSThe greatness that is NCS sports
It is playoff time for many high school sports, and NCS, the overseeing body of high school sports playoffs is again at its...Original post made by Get the facts on Nov. 11, 2009
Last comment by T.H., on Nov 15, 2009 at 8:05 am | 15 comments | 3516 Views
SCHOOLS & KIDSYouTube video on Pleasanton running for Grand Prize!
I have some exciting news to share, and I need your help! I recently created a short video about Pleasanton. I enjoy...Original post made by Nicole D. on Nov. 6, 2009
Last comment by Tina G, on Nov 14, 2009 at 5:07 pm | 17 comments | 4070 Views
AROUND TOWNBay Bridge lane closures during off-peak hours to continue indefinitely
The California Department of Transportation announced Thursday it is closing one to two lanes of traffic on both decks of...Original post made on Nov. 14, 2009
Last comment by Qwerty, on Nov 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm | 1 comment | 1387 Views
AROUND TOWNHow Pleasanton Traffic Signals Make the City Green
Here's a bit of fancy... Jerry Brown says Pleasanton contributes to global warming because we have too many jobs compared...Original post made by Stacey on Nov. 13, 2009
Last comment by T.H., on Nov 14, 2009 at 9:48 am | 1 comment | 1158 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALObama's Domestic Spending Freeze
Original post made by Obama Democrat on Nov. 13, 2009
Last comment by Ron, on Nov 13, 2009 at 6:32 pm | 2 comments | 1205 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALGood old "Christian Family" once again....
Original post made by Annon on Nov. 12, 2009
Last comment by Cholo, on Nov 13, 2009 at 4:39 pm | 6 comments | 1605 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALMcNerney voted against amendment prohibiting federally funded abortion...
Just tho't you'd like to know. McNerney voted against the amendment prohibiting federally funded abortion services (the Stupak...Original post made by Paul on Nov. 11, 2009
Last comment by Patricia, on Nov 13, 2009 at 4:02 pm | 12 comments | 1378 Views
SCHOOLS & KIDSA tough summer for freshmen training to play high school football
Summertime hasn't been leisurely as it used to be for the more than 100 eighth-grade graduates who have been sweating out...Original post made on Nov. 12, 2009
Last comment by Cholo, on Nov 13, 2009 at 2:23 pm | 5 comments | 1598 Views
STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALObamaLogic
President Obama has said he is close to a decision on Afghanistan and that he is not rushing into anything until he has all...Original post made by Joe on Nov. 13, 2009
Last comment by Cholo, on Nov 13, 2009 at 1:32 pm | 1 comment | 1093 Views
COMMENTS ON STORIESMcNerney plans 3rd annual 'Holiday cards for our troops' program
Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) has announced his third-annual "Holiday Cards for Our Troops" program in honor...Original post made on Nov. 12, 2009
Last comment by Arroyo, on Nov 13, 2009 at 12:40 pm | 19 comments | 1544 Views
Pleasanton Costco appears headed to crowded November ballot
By Tim Hunt | 11 comments | 1,089 views


text:
Easy Star All-Stars + support by New Kingston LONDON - Tickets
184 Camden High Street, NW1 8QP LONDON
More information ...
When & where?
For me and others!
EVENTIM Community
Price overview
Doors 7pm
18+ Only
Best Seat Booking
You select the price – we select the best available seats
- Information for ticket selection.
- * The price to attend the event, where displayed, includes the ticket price plus, where applicable, booking fee and Venue Restoration Levy. Additional per transaction charges, ranging from £2.50 for standard mail to £12.50 for Secure International Delivery apply.
Electric Ballroom
seating chart booking
About this Artist
Artist Biography
Easy Star All-Stars tickets at Eventim.co.uk - your link to everything Easy Star All-Stars - concerts, tours, tickets, news and reviews.Easy Star All-Stars are a reggae band specialising in cover versions of popular songs and have been successfully selling Easy Star All-Stars tickets for several years. The band was formed in 1996 in New York City b...
Read more


text:
The Surprising Reason Tamron Hall Was Told She Would Never Be an Anchor
Originally posted 06/21/2016 02:35PM
These days, Tamron Hall is slowly conquering the news world, as a co-anchor on the Today Show, a correspondent for NBC News and host of Deadline Crime. But a sexist comment almost deterred her from trying to break into news at all.
Charlie Sheen Admits He Didn't Tell Partners About His HIV Status Because He Had Been Blackmailed in the Past
Originally posted 06/21/2016 09:30AM
Charlie Sheen is facing several lawsuits following his admission that he was HIV-positive, but he claims he did not put any partners at risk.
Cheaper by the Dozen: Blake Lively Jokes She and Ryan Reynolds Are 'Breeders'
Originally posted 06/20/2016 06:10PM
Blake Lively told Today on Monday that she and Ryan Reynolds plan on growing their family far beyond baby number two
Meghan Trainor, Kenny Chesney and 5 Seconds of Summer Will Perform at Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Originally posted 06/16/2016 03:00PM
Pop singer Meghan Trainor, country star Kenny Chesney and Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer will headline Macy's 40th annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal.
They'll help help celebrate the nation's 240th birthday this year, during the two-hour NBC live telecast.
Today's Dylan Dreyer Expecting First Child – a Boy!
Originally posted 06/10/2016 10:05AM
The meteorologist announced the happy news on Friday
Puff Daddy to Kick Off Today Show Summer Concert Series with Bad Boy Family Reunion
Originally posted 05/18/2016 08:25PM
A star-studded line-up indeed!
Billy Bush Officially Joins Today to Make Third-Hour Lifestyle and Entertainment Coverage More 'Competitive and Compelling'
Originally posted 05/17/2016 12:55PM
Billy Bush had better reset his alarm clock.
PEOPLE has learned that the Access Hollywood alum was officially welcomed to the Today show on Tuesday. Bush, 44, is set to join the 9 a.m. programming hour and, according to a memo sent to Today staffers, has been brought in to "continue to build a compelling and competitive hour focused on lifestyle and entertainment."
Melissa Rivers Settles Lawsuit with Clinic Where Joan Rivers Stopped Breathing Before Her Death
Originally posted 05/12/2016 09:00PM
Melissa Rivers has settled a lawsuit with the clinic where her mother Joan Rivers stopped breathing during surgery before her death in 2014.
Charla Nash Reacts to Facial Transplant Rejection: 'I Never Thought I'd Be Like This'
Originally posted 05/11/2016 08:30PM
Charla Nash, the Connecticut woman who suffered traumatic facial injuries in a 2009 attack by a 200-pound chimpanzee, sat down with Meredith Vieira on Today Wednesday morning to talk about recent reports that her body is rejecting her ground-breaking 2011 facial transplant.
Jenna Bush Hager Tries to Set Prince Harry Up with 'Single Sister' Barbara: 'I'll Give You Her Number'
Originally posted 05/09/2016 11:45AM
The most buzzed about stars this minute!
Treat Yourself! 4 Preview Issues
More On PEOPLE.com
Got a News Tip?
Send it to our People.com editors!
News Archive


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jul 29, 2008
|Filing date
|Apr 13, 2004
|Priority date
|Apr 13, 2004
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|James K. Jacobs, Sankar Dasgupta, David Vandermeer
|Original Assignee
|Electrovaya Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (34), Non-Patent Citations (14), Referenced by (14), Classifications (13), Legal Events (4)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates to power supply systems for supplying a plurality of electrical power signals, each power signal having individual characteristics (e.g., voltage, current). This invention more particularly relates to power supplies, power supply systems, chipset design and power management methods for portable computers.
First, some preliminary notes on terminology will be provided. "Power signals" generically refers to any electric power communicated over an electrical conduction path—the power signals do not generally carry any substantial informational component and are needed primarily for the power and energy they provide to drive loads. As used herein, "power source" refer to sources of electrical power that do not have the appropriate electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, voltage regulation, current) to be used to directly drive loads of interest. Examples of power sources include alternating current ("ac") power from a conventional wall outlet and battery power.
As used herein, "power supply" refers to any device that changes the characteristics of a power signal so that the changed, or converted, power signal can be used to directly (or at least more directly) drive loads of interest. A "power supply system" is any system including one or more power supplies. Herein, the focus will largely on be on power supply systems with multiple power supplies and embodying some degree of integration of power supply hardware.
Conventional power supply systems are often required to output more than one regulated voltage. For example, a power supply system for a conventional computer is typically required to output several voltages for the various components of the computer system that require power. For example, the power supply system for a computer may be required to output voltages of 5 V, 3.3 V and 1.5 V because of the different power requirements of the various computer components or because different voltages are required by the same component at different times.
Although the requirement of two or more regulated dc voltage power signals is not unique to computers, computer design presents a power supply challenge because of the relatively large number of required regulated power signals, the required precision and accuracy of the voltage regulation and because of space constraints. With regard to spatial layout, the various packages and other components of a conventional power supply system for a computer are generally distributed in space over a mainboard, or motherboard, as will be further explained hereinbelow.
The power supply system is a significant cause of unwanted heat and wasted energy in personal computers (PCs). This heat and energy waste is an issue of heightened concern in compact computers, such as tablet PCs and other laptop systems because: (1) these compact computers only have a small volume in which the unwanted heat tends to collect; and (2) there tends to be less space and/or power available for cooling systems (e.g., cooling fans). Another reason that the wasted energy is such a concern in compact computers is that these computers more often operate on battery power, and wasted energy decreases the amount of time the computer can operate before external power (e.g., a battery recharge) is required. Another reason that the wasted energy is such a concern is that the wasted energy is dissipated as heat and contributes to the above-noted thermal concerns.
In PCs, the power supply system is generally a group of some seven to twelve separate power supplies. The entire power flow for the PC usually runs through the power supply system, sometimes through multiple stages. Because unit efficiencies are generally on the order of 80 to 90%, and also because of cascading (battery charger/system 5V/core power; battery charger/inverter), the overall efficiency of the power supplies is commonly 80% or even lower. Therefore, 20% or more of the total system power is usually wasted in the power supply system, power that must be dissipated as unwanted heat.
At least partially because of the above-noted efficiency, energy and thermal concerns, there are ongoing efforts to design higher efficiency power supply. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,559,492 to Hazucha et al. discloses a high efficiency dc-dc converter fabricated on a semiconductor die. As a further example, U.S. published patent application No. 2002/0017897 to Wilcox et al. discloses a high efficiency switching voltage regulator. Conventional high efficiency dc-dc converters generally have efficiencies above 80% and may even be able to actually achieve efficiencies of over 90%.
There are many dc-dc converter topologies, with buck and boost being the two most popular. Most power supply systems operate in buck-only mode because boost efficiencies are usually even lower, and their costs greater, than for buck systems. Unfortunately, the buck-only power supply systems require the use of battery series strings of three or four cells (about 8 to 16 volts) with concomitant balance and distribution restrictions. These multi-cell series strings greatly limit the battery designer's ability to pack odd-shaped spaces with battery capacity.
Conventional power supply systems for personal computers generally include at least some of the following components: power input circuitry, power conversion switches, passive power conversion components, power output circuitry, and control circuitry. Each of these components will now be explained.
The power input circuitry communicates power signals from power sources (eg, batteries, wall outlet transformer) to the power conversion switches and passive power conversion components. The power input circuitry conventionally includes switches for selectively routing signals from the power source. These power input circuitry switches are conventionally distributed, spatially remote from each other, on the board.
In a power supply circuit, the circuit portion including the power conversion switches and/or passive power conversion components is commonly known as a dc-dc converter or (more generally) a power converter. In the power converter portion, the power signal input, input from the power source, is converted into the output power signal, output to the rest of the computer, by in some way changing the electrical characteristics (eg, voltage, compensation, current, degree of regulation) by the action of the power conversion switches and/or the passive power conversion components. In dc-dc converters, the input power signal and the output power signals are both dc, but in many dc-dc converters, the magnitude of the dc voltage may vary over time (eg, vary depending on power requirements of the CPU being supplied with power output by the dc-dc converter).
Power supplies including power conversion switches, a primary focus of this document, are called switching power supplies. The relatively fast on/off operation of the power conversion switches gives switching power supplies something of a discrete or digital character to the power supply. Power supplies that do not include power conversions switches, a secondary focus of this document, are called linear power supplies.
The passive power conversion components (sometimes herein generically called "passive components") generally take the form of inductors, capacitors and/or transformers. In switching power supplies, the flow of electrical power into and/or out of these passive power conversion components is controlled by the power conversion switches, thereby converting the input power signal into an output power signal. Both the power input switches and the power conversion switches in some sense determine the flow of electrical power through the power supply. The power output switches do, too. However, the power input and output switches are generally switched at long intervals relative to the transient performance of the passive components. Therefore, the power input and output switches effectively serve as on/off switches or routing controls for the power signals. On the other hand, the power conversion switches are generally switched at relatively shorter intervals. That is how the power conversion switches help convert the power signal, rather than serving to turn the converted signal off. The power conversion switches are generally located on the board at spatially remote locations: from each other, from the power input switches and from the power output switches.
The power output circuitry communicates power signals from the power conversion switches and passive power conversion components to the computer components that require power. These powered computer components conventionally include the core (or CPU), the memories, the card bus, the clocks, the display backlight, disk drive motors, input devices (eg, keyboard, mouse), cooling fans and so on. The power output circuitry selectively routes the various power output signals of the various power supplies to the various destinations. These power input circuitry switches are conventionally distributed, spatially remote from each other, on the board, although some CPU's have specifically-tailored, integrated power output switching blocks.
The control circuitry controls the operation of the power conversion switches and may additionally control operation of the power input and output switches to some degree. In a switching power supply, the control circuitry for switching power supplies generally includes driver circuits and logic for controlling the operation of the power conversion switches. Control circuitry for switching power supplies often includes current and/or voltage sensing circuitry and logic so that the input power signal and/or output power signal can be used as input(s) to the driver logic in determining exactly how to control the power conversion switches through the driver circuitry. The control circuitry for multiple power supplies has conventionally sometimes been integrated into a single housing in the form of an integrated circuit (IC). As will also be explained below, control circuit for the switches of a single power supply has sometimes been integrated with the power conversion switches for that single power supply.
As the power supply complexity of low power processors and peripherals has increased, the amount and/or proportion of board space dedicated to the power supply system has also increased. This increased complexity has also caused the relative cost of power supply systems to increase. This is because the complex power requirements require more hardware components, electronic design effort, physical layout design effort and/or thermal design effort be dedicated to the power supply system.
There are reasons that other components of power supply systems have not generally been integrated. When power levels are substantial and efficiencies are low, integration of high-power switches with control circuitry of dc-dc converters would not generally be advisable. This is because of the heat dissipated by the high-power switches. Because switching power supplies can't readily be integrated, board layout of switching power supplies remains a challenging, and potentially costly, design effort. Presently, most chipset suppliers provide power reference designs (including component selection and layout) to support computer designers. Even with this support, the design of the power supply system is a major part of the difficulty of the design of the main boards of portable computers. Poor design of the power supply systems generally results in computers having excessive power consumption, excessive heating, poor performance and/or unstable performance.
Despite the above-noted difficulties, there have been some limited efforts at power supply system integration. Some of these efforts will now be discussed.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0188875 to Hwang et al. discloses a power supply control including an integrated circuit. Voltage converter controllers for three voltage converters are located in the integrated circuit. However, the three voltage converters themselves are not disclosed as being located in the integrated circuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,520 to Shi et al. discloses power supply system including a hybrid 4-in-1 power controller chip that integrates a synchronous buck switching regulator, a standard buck switching regulator, a linear controller and a linear regulator. As shown by the dashed outline in
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0102489 to Nam et al. discloses a power device having a package structure where the package includes a switching device (that is, a transistor) and a driving device (that is, a control integrated circuit chip). However, the Nam et al. package is a single power supply, rather than a multiple output power supply system.
Description Of The Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the extent that specific publications are discussed above in this Background section, these discussions should not be taken as an admission that the discussed publications (e.g., patents) are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed publications may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and/or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes.
At least some embodiments of the present invention relate to the degree and/or type of integration of power supply systems, especially switching power supply systems. This greater power supply integration can lead to many advantages. At least some embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for at least some of the following reasons:
Generally speaking, many embodiments of the present invention relate to the integration of power conversion switches, some of the control logic (eg, switch driver controllers) and ports for receiving addition control (eg, mode control) within a single package housing (see DEFINITIONS). Preferably this housing contains one (or more) integrated circuit chips that implement the power conversion switches and the control logic. Preferably, the package is formed as flip chip by conventional flip chip construction methods. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the mounting of external components (eg, passive power conversion components, such as capacitors) to a package containing power conversion switches.
Before discussing the embodiments shown in the drawings, a very general, exemplary embodiment of a power supply system for a portable computer will now be discussed. In this embodiment, a small integrated module forms a Power Bridge between the CPU, memory, and other power-consuming loads on one side and the power resources (batteries, ac adapter input) on the other. The highly integrated power management module (Power Bridge) includes multiple power supplies, a logic control module to facilitate coordinated control of the power supplies and Input/Output (I/O) ports. The I/O ports facilitate communications between the logic control module and other computer components.
The power supplies are dc-dc converters. Each dc-dc converter comprises an active control function, high-speed switches and switch drivers, capacitors and one or more magnetic components. The magnetic component(s) are large and are therefore located outside the Power Bridge. Some high-frequency capacitance may be integrated into the Power Bridge to form a hybrid module, but most of the capacitors will be located outside the Power Bridge along with the magnetic components.
To conserve power in the portable computer it is normal to adjust the voltage of the power supply for the microprocessor core and turn off certain other power supplies when full function of the computer is not required. In this embodiment, these power management functions are coordinated and facilitated by the inclusion within the Power Bridge of a logic control block. The logic control block also serves to manage the battery charging function, screen brightness function, cooling fan speed, and other functions.
In order that the other chipset components and controllers in the portable computer can coordinate their power requirements with the actions and settings of the Power Bridge, the Power Bridge is equipped with appropriate communications ports such as Universal Serial Buss (USB), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) and dedicated (fixed) I/O lines.
As a normal result of high levels of integration, it would be expected that this embodiment of the Power Bridge would be chipset-specific. The logic control block is preferably programmable, allowing many of the dc-dc converters and the algorithms for their use to be reconfigured at any time. However, in some applications, the Power Bridge manufacturer may choose to limit the programmability of the logic control block, for functional, economic or other reasons.
As shown in
As shown in the schematic diagram of Power Bridge 100 in
As further shown in
Output power switching module 138 includes output connections 138 a to 138 u. These output connections are named as follows:
cooling fan; and
backlight AC LV.
To begin discussion of the operation of the Power Bridge, it is first noted that the Power Bridge requires one or more power sources for providing electrical power. In most or all cases, the power source(s) will be located external to the Power Bridge. The Power Bridges converts the supplied power to form several regulated dc power outputs for the various power needs of the computer. As shown in
More particularly, batteries 150 are preferably parallel combinations of lithium-ion cells with a minimum voltage of 3 V and a maximum voltage of 4.2 V. This voltage is not generally tightly regulated, but voltage regulation is one of the functions of the power supply system. Each battery preferably includes monitoring and safety switching circuitry. Communications are normal in this interface. The batteries can request charge voltage and current. AC adapter 160 preferably supplies power at a nominal 5 or 6 to 24 V. It is noted that additional and/or alternative power sources may be used in other embodiments of the present invention. These power sources include other types of batteries now known or to be developed in the future, fuel cells and solar power sources.
As shown in
Logic I/O block 180 represents the digital communication with the computer, especially with the chipset and/or embedded controller. This is how the Power Bridge determines power output requirements and other tasks it is supposed to perform over time. Preferably logic I/O block 180 is an embedded microcontroller in the Power Bridge which receives, decodes and dispenses these digital command signals.
Now the internal portions of the Power Bridge will be discussed. The Power Bridge is preferably formed as a semiconductor die integrated circuit chip, encased in package housing 101. Package housing 101 is a conventional package that protects the semiconductor die integrated circuit chip (not separately shown) and includes signal paths for routing power signals and other signals between the integrated circuit chip and board 90. As will be discussed below with reference to
Power input block 110, shown in
Power input block 110 preferably interfaces with batteries 150 using standard System Management Bus ports and communication protocols (as is the current industry standard). When ac adapter power is present, the switching block of power input block 110 preferably detects this and connects the power input from the ac adapter to the other Power Bridge functions. If charging of either battery is needed, the power input block preferably connects the battery charge supply to the battery to be charged. When AC adapter power is not present or is removed, the the batteries are used as the power source. In this case, the power input block connects a batteryas the power source for the Power Bridge, in a manner so as to maintain power continuity.
Power output block 138, shown in
Power output block 138 preferably provides power management, power distribution and protective current limiting (in ways now known or to developed in the future). Preferably, current sensing (current sensing means not separately shown) on individual outputs 138 a to 138 u allows the Power Bridge to protect itself from overload and to simultaneously protect against malfunctioning loads, connecting traces and other short circuits. This current sensing and protection feature can eliminate the need for thermal fuses in many cases.
Much of the power output block algorithms are concerned with turning off outputs that aren't needed or wanted. In some cases two different dc-dc converters can be set as alternative sources to drive the same output (e.g., 5 V), but at different current levels. This can help improve efficiency because a dc-dc converter optimized for high-current performance will generally be inefficient when supplying low-current loads.
The power conversion performed by the Power Bridge will now be discussed. The power conversion is performed by power conversion switches and passive power conversion components included in the Power Bridge and in external components 170. As shown in
The power conversion modules are integrated into the integrated circuit chip along with the other blocks shown in
The main reason for locating the passive components external to the package housing is their relatively large size, heat and three-dimensional profiles. Generally speaking, any capacitors should be placed as close as possible to the package housing containing the power conversion switches. This is because longer current paths between capacitors and the other power conversion circuitry adds unwanted inductance. Besides placing external capacitors on the exterior surface of the package housing, the capacitors may also be placed on the underside of the board opposite the package housing. The inductors can generally be placed further away from the package housing because added inductance is generally less of a concern in a circuitry portion whose purpose is the addition of inductance.
The node and bypass capacitors preferably are of two types: (1) very high frequency capacitors; and (2) lower frequency capacitors. The very high frequency capacitors are of small size and are preferably located on top of the Power Bridge and directly under circuit board 90. The lower frequency capacitors are electrically connected in parallel with the high frequency capacitors and are located on the circuit board in close spatial proximity to the Power Bridge.
Four, exemplary, alternative power conversion schematics (including power conversion switches and external components) are respectively shown in
Power conversion circuit 300, shown in
Now the purpose of the various power conversion modules 102, 104, 140-149 will be discussed. Although high efficiency (see DEFINITIONS section) switching dc-dc converter modules are generally highly desirable (except for module 102, discussed below), and will even be necessary in some applications, the present invention may be applicable to other power converters and to power converter modules that are not high efficiency. The present invention is now and/or may be applicable in the future to both high power (see DEFINITIONS section) and low power (see DEFINITIONS section) power supplies. Lower power power supplies are characterized by less generation of unwanted heat and may be easier to design and implement for this reason. However, the integration of the present invention may be advantageous for higher power power supplies due to thermal performance advantages (discussed in detail below) that may be achieved with the present invention.
Module A (core) 140 supplies an accurately adjustable voltage to the microprocessor core in response to commands from other computer components. Module A (core) preferably has a buck topology with synchronous rectification to maintain high efficiency over its range of voltage and current. Ultra high efficiency (see DEFINITIONS section) is usually important here, as module A (core) could otherwise be an unacceptably large source of heat in the Power Bridge.
Module B (+5V) 141 supplies fixed 5.0 volts and is preferably of the buck/boost/pass type. Similarly, module C (+3.3V) 142 supplies fixed 3.3 volts and is preferably of the buck/boost/pass type. Several other buck-type dc-dc converters 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 supply lower fixed or adjustable voltages.
Power conversion module (inverter backlight) 102 is unlike the other modules 104, 140-149 in that its power conversion switches are for inverter-type power conversion, rather than for dc-dc power conversion. More particularly, the screens of portable computers are illuminated by fluorescent backlights that require a voltage of about 1500 volts ac for starting the light and about 500 volts ac for operation. This is preferably supplied by a transformer (not shown) of a magnetic or piezoelectric type. This transformer is not included with the Power Bridge, but rather, is located in close proximity to the fluorescent light. The Power Bridge supplies an ac signal of about 12 volts to this high voltage transformer. Specifically, power conversion module (inverter backlight) 102 includes the power conversion switches for converting a dc input power signal into a 12 V ac power output signal suitable as an input power signal for the transformer. The integration of module 102 with the other dc-dc converter modules 104, 140-149 demonstrates that the integration of the present invention may extend beyond integration of dc-dc converter circuitry.
The current or duty cycle supplied is adjustable in response to the screen brightness desired. These lights represent a significant portion of the power consumption of a portable computer and effective control of the current to the lights is important for effective power management. This duty cycle and power management is built and/or programmed into logic block 120.
Some of the output connections 138 a-u of power output block 138 will now be discussed. Low-power outputs are provided for the convenience of computer designers and to reduce the cost and component count of the computer mainboard. This is one way that the level of power supply integration of the present invention can save board space and/or board layout design effort. These low power outputs preferably include a 2.5 volt reference voltage output connection 138 s and a low-power 3.3 volt output connection 138 i. These low power outputs 138 i, 138 s are provided their power output signals by linear reference module (+3.3 vEC, 2.5 vref, etc.) 104.
The low power 3.3 low power volt output signal, supplied by module 104 through connection 138 i is used to power the Embedded Controller ("EC") when other modules 102, 140-149 are turned off to conserve power during standby or power-off modes.
As shown in
Control logic block 120 is equipped with three I/O ports: USB port 122, I2C port 124 and fixed port 126. The USB port is primarily for communication with the Chipset. The I2C port is primarily for low-overhead communications with the EC. The fixed port is a group of fixed-purpose lines, primarily for interrupt, power-fail and high speed communications use. Internal communications buss 134 transmits internal signals from and to the control logic block. A/D buss 136 allows the control logic block to monitor input and output voltages and temperature. The control logic block and the A/D buss work together to provide accurate voltage outputs and to control battery charging more safely. More specifically, charge voltage is restricted to redundantly prevent overcharging.
The functions of each power supply, including output voltage are preferably programmably controlled through the operation of the control logic block. Similarly, the use and function of the fixed-purpose port is preferably programmable and reprogrammable. However, for economic and other reasons it may be desirable, in some applications, to restrict or limit access to this programmability and render the Power Bridge chipset-specific. Configuration to support certain specific features of memories or other peripherals can also be implemented. Additional hardware and/or software can be incorporated in the Power Bridge for support of alternate batteries, alternate AC adapter voltages, additional batteries or other future power sources (such as fuel cells and solar panels).
If desired, the Power Bridge can monitor activity on its serial and fixed-purpose ports 122, 124, 126 to determine whether the chipset components and the EC are operating or, alternatively are "hung." This watchdog function allows selective or universal cold-start resets to be effected on a reliable automatic basis. This is particularly useful for computers that are expected to operate over long periods without operator intervention.
On/off control block 130 initiates the power-up process. It is preferably an ultra-low power function, connected to the on/off switch of the computer. Conventionally, the computer's EC initiates the power up process. By instead using this special-function block of the present invention, all other parts of the computer, including the EC, can be in fully power-off states when the computer power is turned off. This conserves battery power during long idle periods.
To further explain on/off control block 130, it is noted that microcontrollers are frequently observed to malfunction whereby they no longer respond to inputs or control outputs correctly. The EC of a portable computer can be particularly troublesome in this regard, especially if it is given responsibility for the on/off switch interface. In this situation, a user's only recourse is to remove all power, including battery power, from the computer in order to effect a cold-start reset. If one or more of the power sources are located internal to the computer and are not readily removable, a cold-start reset can require the help of a qualified repair technician. Moving the on/off switch interface to a highly reliable dedicated control block within the Power Bridge allows the user to reliably effect a cold-start reset. For example, the on/off control block may be structured and programmed to effect a cold-start reset by pressing the computer's on/off switch for a specified duration.
The Power Bridge requires controlled power supplies for its own operation. Each dc-dc converter needs a power supply function to power its own operation. Its logic flow is typically low-voltage (e.g., 3V, 5V), high-speed gate circuitry. Also, the switches need special power supplies to operate them (on and off). These power needs are preferably arranged as a mixture of "bootstrapped" power supplies (from dc-dc converter outputs) and smaller dedicated supplies (not separately shown). The "bootstrapped" supplies and the dedicated supplies use the AC adapter and/or the batteries as their power source.
Among others, one or more boosted supplies of about +12 volts and one or more negative supplies of about −5 volts are preferred for powering the high-speed switches of dc-dc converters 102, 104, 140-149. For highest efficiency, a plurality of supplies can be used, each supplying a voltage which is optimal for a particular switch or set of switches. However, a smaller number of supplies may be used, chosen as compromises, with slightly reduced efficiency, but reduced complexity.
Referring now to the embodiment of
The external components 170 that tend to occupy the largest volume and/or board area are the lower-frequency capacitors and the inductors. Preferably, these are to be specified and supplied with the Power Bridge as a complete kit. Correct and efficient operation of the Power Bridge depends on selection of these passive components, and it is generally important that the capacitor and inductor combinations for which the Power Bridge circuitry was designed are in fact used. Optimized placement of these passive components is generally important as well. A multi-layer circuit specification should preferably be provided for the guidance of the designer of the mainboard. An exceptionally high component placement density is preferred for highest efficiency of operation. This also facilitates the deployment of electrical and magnetic shielding.
Of course, the supply of power supplies as separate piece-parts, with instructions, in kit form is conventional. However, the integration of present invention can substantially reduce the number of piece parts, the complexity of the instructions and the number of steps required in the power supply assembly process. This means that some embodiments of the present invention represent an improvement in kit form power supplies.
Whether operating from batteries, AC power, or other power sources, the microprocessor, video and other processors, chipset components, etc., are all generators of significant heat which must be removed from the portable computer and transmitted to the ambient air. For most effective, convenient, safe and comfortable operation it is important to limit the generation of any unnecessary heat. The Power Bridge can potentially provide thermal performance advantages as will now be explained.
Because the heat buildup is concentrated in space at the Power Bridge, any preferred cooling means (eg, a fan) can focus its cooling action more closely on the source of unwanted heat more effectively than in a conventional, spatially-distributed power supply. Also, enhanced communication between the CPU and power supply that may be facilitated by the present invention may help improve control of the operation of the cooling means. This is because better diagnostic and/or predictive information about changing CPU power requirements over time can help the cooling means controller know when to turn the cooling means on or off and/or at what intensity level the cooling means should operate at any given time for optimally efficient cooling action.
For example, in this embodiment of a portable computer, a small fan (not shown) cools a heat sink (not shown) connected to the microprocessor and other major heat sources. The speed of this fan is controlled so that the fan operates more quietly and efficiently. Output connection cooling fan 138 t is provided to facilitate this speed control for a fan having a DC or brushless DC motor.
By facilitating the reduction of power levels when full power is not needed, and by standardizing the power-reduction protocols for peripherals as well as for the chipset, unnecessary power use can be reduced in comparison with the distributed power approach which is the current state-of-art.
By employing ultra high efficiency power supplies (see DEFINITIONS) the loss of energy in the power conversion and control function can itself be reduced. It is noted that high or ultra high efficiency power supplies can be used in conventional, spatially-distributed power supply systems. However, the layout efficiency and reduction in component count allowed by the power supply system integration of the present invention makes easier the implementation of these high or ultra high efficiency power supplies.
The heat generated by the operation of the Power Bridge is concentrated in the central active region, the substrate proximate to the Power Bridge, and (to a lesser extent) in the nearby inductors and capacitors. This presents a more concentrated heat source to the thermal designer, facilitating conduction to a heat sink and dispersal to the ambient air by natural or forced convection. Because the Power Bridge is supplying all, or nearly all power to the computer, it is ideally configured to calculate the amount of cooling required and operate the fan or other cooling means, even in anticipation of the arrival of the resulting thermal pulses.
In some embodiments of the invention, the integrated power supplies may not encompass all power supplies needed for the computer, but rather may include of the dc-dc converter implemented power supplies needed to supply the major power requirements. In the portable computer embodiment of
A second embodiment of a power supply according to the present invention will now be discussed with reference to
The CPU is preferably an Intel unit identified the numbers 830, FW82830MG, F2071B04, SL5P9. (It is noted that the Intel Corporation may have trademark rights in the name "Intel.") Power Bridge 700 forms a bridge between the CPU and the external power sources (not shown). The external power sources provide input power signals to the Power Bridge and the Power Bridge (with the help of external components 770 and Power Bridge surface mounted components 772) converts these input power signals into output power signals. The output power signals power the CPU, other miscellaneous mounted components that require power and off-board components (not shown) that require power. The Power Bridge is located and electrically connected in the form of a bridge between the CPU and the external power supplies.
The Power Bridge package 701 contains integrated circuit chip 700 a and a printed circuit board substrate 700 b with leads for routing signals into and out of IC 700 a. External components 770, 772 are capacitors and inductors that perform power conversion functions similar to external components 170 explained above. It is noted that external components 770 are located on the underside of the board, opposite Power Bridge 700. This means that external components 770 have relatively close spatial proximity to the rest of the power conversion circuitry.
Power Bridge surface-mounted components 772 are high frequency capacitors mounted on the exterior surface of package housing 701. Because these components are capacitors, it is highly preferable that they be mounted as closely as possible to the power conversions switches integrated into IC 700 a. Because these capacitors are high frequency, they are small in size and can fit on the exterior surface of package housing 701.
Many variations on the above-described embodiments of this invention are possible. The fact that a product or process exhibits differences from one or more of the above-described exemplary embodiments does not necessarily mean that the product or process is outside the scope (literal scope and/or other legally-recognized scope) of the following claims.
The following definitions are provided to facilitate claim interpretation and claim construction:
Conversion of a power input signal into a power output signal: embraces any and all conversions of the electrical characteristics of power signals, including, but not limited to: voltage conversions, voltage regulation, current conversion, ac-to-dc conversion, dc-to-ac conversion, buck mode conversion, boost mode conversion and any combinations of the foregoing types of power conversions.
Package housing: any housing, now known or to be developed in the future, of approximately the same size, or less, as a conventional board-mountable computer component package. Although package housings are preferably mountable to a board (eg, mother board, main board), this board mountability is not an absolute requirement. However, the outer casing of a conventional desktop or laptop computer is far too large to be considered as a "package housing," as that term is used in the following claims. Package housing include, but are not limited to: conventional single die semiconductor packages, conventional, multiple die semiconductor packages and flip chip style packages.
Ultra high efficiency power conversion: Power conversions of greater than 92 percent.
High efficiency power conversion: Power conversions of greater than 86 percent.
Low efficiency power conversion: Any power conversion that is not high efficiency.
High Power power supply system: a power supply system that is designed to output power of 5 watts or greater.
Low Power power supply system: Any power supply system that is not high power.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Sep 19, 1995
|Sep 2, 1997
|Micro Linear Corporation
|Multiple output flyback DC-to-DC converter with synchronous rectification and constant on-time current mode control
|Nov 7, 1995
|Nov 25, 1997
|Compaq Computer Corporation
|Circuit for monitoring and disabling power supply signals to a microprocessor in a computer system utilizing secondary voltage regulators
|Jan 21, 1997
|Mar 24, 1998
|Linear Technology Corporation
|High efficiency switching regulator with adaptive drive output circuit
|Aug 4, 1997
|Feb 9, 1999
|Astec International Limited
|Integrated power supply frame including integrated circuit (IC) mounting and cooling
|Apr 7, 1997
|May 11, 1999
|Dallas Semiconductor Corporation
|Integrated circuit for providing supervisory functions to a microprocessor
|Sep 8, 1997
|Sep 21, 1999
|Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
|Portable computer being powered by either a battery pack or an AC adapter
|May 18, 1998
|Sep 28, 1999
|The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois
|Monolithic DC to DC converter
|Feb 3, 1998
|Oct 12, 1999
|Fujitsu Limited
|DC-DC converter control circuit
|Oct 27, 1998
|Mar 7, 2000
|Linear Technology Corporation
|High efficiency step-down switching regulators
|Apr 14, 1997
|Jun 13, 2000
|Micro Linear Corporation
|Single inductor multiple output boost regulator
|Nov 22, 1999
|Jul 17, 2001
|General Electric Company
|Secondary-side controlled resonant AC voltage regulator module
|Mar 15, 2001
|May 28, 2002
|Kevin Mark Klughart
|Integrated voltage/current/power regulator/switch system and method
|Feb 29, 2000
|Sep 10, 2002
|3Com Corporation
|Intelligent power supply control for electronic systems requiring multiple voltages
|Jul 31, 2000
|Oct 15, 2002
|Linear Technology Corporation
|Circuits and methods for controlling load sharing by multiple power supplies
|Apr 6, 2001
|Nov 5, 2002
|Linear Technology Corporation
|Circuits and methods for synchronizing non-constant frequency switching regulators with a phase locked loop
|Jan 9, 2001
|Nov 12, 2002
|Winbond Electronics Corp.
|Dual-switching and dual-linear power controller chip
|Jan 9, 2001
|Nov 19, 2002
|Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
|Power supply system with information exchange between plural loads and plural power sources
|Mar 23, 2001
|Apr 1, 2003
|Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
|USB hub power management
|Nov 7, 2001
|May 6, 2003
|Intel Corporation
|On-die switching power converter with stepped switch drivers and method
|Oct 15, 2001
|Jun 17, 2003
|Linear Technology Corporation
|Control circuit and method for maintaining high efficiency over broad current ranges in a switching regulator circuit
|Sep 26, 2002
|Jun 24, 2003
|Winbond Electronics Corp.
|Dual-switching and dual-linear power controller chip
|Jun 24, 2002
|Aug 19, 2003
|Linear Technology Corporation
|Circuits and methods for controlling load sharing by multiple power supplies
|Dec 14, 2001
|Mar 9, 2004
|Avista Laboratories, Inc.
|Reconfigurable plural DC power source power system responsive to changes in the load or the plural DC power sources
|Jan 8, 2003
|Jun 29, 2004
|Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd.
|Power device having multi-chip package structure
|Jul 15, 2002
|Aug 10, 2004
|Linear Technology Corporation
|Circuits and methods for synchronizing non-constant frequency switching regulators with a phase locked loop
|May 22, 2003
|Dec 13, 2005
|Vlt, Inc.
|Factorized power architecture with point of load sine amplitude converters
|Aug 19, 2003
|Oct 10, 2006
|Mti Microfuel Cells, Inc.
|A/C—D/C power system with internal fuel cell
|Jan 4, 2001
|Jul 5, 2001
|Shigefumi Odaohhara
|Power supply unit and computer
|Feb 15, 2001
|Aug 15, 2002
|Pelissier Gerald R.
|Intelligent power module for highly available compact PCI board
|Apr 24, 2002
|Dec 12, 2002
|Hwang Andrew S.
|Power management system and method
|Jul 3, 2002
|Jan 9, 2003
|Park Sung Jin
|Power supply for central processing unit
|Aug 8, 2002
|Feb 13, 2003
|Rodriguez Edward T.
|Programmable power supply
|Mar 25, 2003
|Oct 2, 2003
|Tdk Corporation
|Control circuit for switching power supply device and switching power supply device used therewith
|Apr 7, 2003
|Nov 27, 2003
|Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
|Switching power supply unit
|Chee et al., "Highly Integrated Highly Efficiency DC/DC Conversion," Web: http://www.linear.com/pub/document.html?pub <SUB>-</SUB>type=desn&document=118, Mar. 1995, Internet Publication.
|No Author, "Adjustable Output TFT-LCD Triple switching Regulator" Web: http://www.linear.com/cn/prod/datasheet.html?datasheet=764, undated, Internet publication.
|No Author, "Cascaded dc-dc controller-driver chipset," Web: http://www.ferret.com.au/articles//ff/0c0142ff.asp, Feb. 13, 2003, Internet publication.
|No Author, "Chipset Raises High-to-Low Voltage DC/DC Conversion . . . ," Web: http://powerelectronics.com/ar/power<SUB>-</SUB>chipset<SUB>-</SUB>raises<SUB>-</SUB>hightolow/, Feb. 5, 2003, Internet publication.
|No Author, "Dual 550kHz Synchronous Switching Regulator . . . ," Web: http://www.linear.com/prod/datasheet.html?datasheet=799, undated, Internet Publication.
|No Author, "LT1943L: High Current Quad Output Regulator . . . " Web: http://www.linear.com/pub/document.html?pub<SUB>-</SUB>type=pr&document=512, Dec. 23, 2003, Internet Publication.
|No Author, "LT1976: 60Vin, 1.5A Step-Down Switching Regulator Has . . . ," Web: http://www.linear.com/pub/document?htmlpub<SUB>-</SUB>type=pr&document=486, Sep. 2, 2003, Internet publication.
|No Author, "LTC1439G: Full Featured Multiple-Output DC/DC Converter . . . ," Web: http://www.linear.com/pub/document.html?pub <SUB>-</SUB>type=pr&document=98, Sep. 26, 1997, Internet publication.
|No Author, "National Semiconductor Unveils Innovative, 100 V Cascaded DC-DC . . . ," Web: http://www.national.com/news/item/0,1735,835,00.html, Feb. 3, 2003, Internet publication.
|No Author, "Power Management and Wireless Solutions for Handheld Applications," Linear Technology Chronicle, 2003, pp. 1-5, 8, vol. 12, No. 6, Internet Publication.
|No Author, "power management solutions for Programmable Logic ICs," Linear Technology Chronicle, Oct. 2002, pp. 1-8, vol. 11, No. 10, Internet Publication.
|No Author, "The LT1533 Heralds a New Class of Low Noise Switching Regulators," Linear Technology Magazine, Aug. 1997, pp. 1-5, vol. VII, No. 3, Internet Publication.
|No Author, multiple articles, Linear Technology Chronicle, Jun. 1998, pp. 1, 2, 4, vol. 7, No. 6, Internet Publication.
|Wu, "SOT-23 Switching Regulator with Integrated 1A . . . ," Internet pub'l, Web: http://www.linear.com/pub/document.html?pub<SUB>-</SUB>type=desn&document=258, Jun. 2000.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 27, 2010
|Physical Sciences, Inc.
|Intelligent, universal, reconfigurable electromechanical interface for modular systems assembly
|Sep 14, 2006
|Oct 12, 2010
|Qualcomm Incorporated
|System and method of power distribution control of an integrated circuit
|Jan 19, 2009
|Jan 4, 2011
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Direct contact between high-κ/metal gate and wiring process flow
|May 10, 2006
|Mar 8, 2011
|Qualcomm Incorporated
|System and method of silicon switched power delivery using a package
|Dec 27, 2011
|Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
|Inverter and liquid crystal display device including the same
|Jan 14, 2011
|Jun 5, 2012
|Qualcomm Incorporated
|System and method of silicon switched power delivery using a package
|Dec 1, 2011
|Nov 11, 2014
|Jerry Fan
|System and method for supplementing a generated DC power supply
|May 10, 2006
|Nov 15, 2007
|Choa-Eoan Lew G
|System and method of silicon switched power delivery using a package
|Mar 21, 2008
|Sep 25, 2008
|Joshi Prakash B
|Intelligent, universal, reconfigurable electromechanical interface for modular systems assembly
|Aug 22, 2008
|Apr 16, 2009
|Hyun-Il Park
|Inverter and Liquid Crystal Display Device Including the Same
|Apr 8, 2010
|Lockheed Martin Corporation
|Hybrid electrical power system
|Jan 19, 2009
|Jul 22, 2010
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Direct contact between high-k/metal gate and wiring process flow
|May 12, 2011
|Qualcomm Incorporated
|System and Method of Silicon Switched Power Delivery Using a Package
|Oct 6, 2009
|Apr 15, 2010
|Lockheed Martin Corporation
|Hybrid electrical power system
|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Nov 19, 2004
Owner name: ELECTROVAYA INC., CANADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DASGUPTA, SANKAR;REEL/FRAME:015995/0366
Effective date: 20041110
|Mar 29, 2007
Owner name: ELECTROVAYA INC., CANADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JACOBS, JAMES K., DR.;REEL/FRAME:019087/0376
Effective date: 20041111
Owner name: ELECTROVAYA INC., CANADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VANDERMEER, DAVID, MR.;REEL/FRAME:019087/0511
Effective date: 20041015
|Jan 20, 2012
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jan 18, 2016
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8


text:
JP council answers call
Relevant offers
More overseas students and a need for easier access to justices of the peace has led to a new JP service at the Southern Institute of Technology.
Southland Justices of the Peace Association council registrar Gavin Evans said that until last year there had been three JPs on campus but two had since retired, leaving too much demand for just one.
Monday had been the first day of the service, which had generated an influx of interest, he said.
Although there was a JP service centre at the Citizens Advice Bureau in the city, the council recognised a need to expand to the campus.
The growing number of overseas students, who needed help with various types of documentation, reinforced the need for a service at SIT, Mr Evans said.
It was open to all students and members of the public would not be turned away.
Sometimes people found it difficult to find a JP and the new service was a better way to provide JP access to students, he said.
"It's easily accessible with regular hours and sometimes people prefer that type of environment instead of turning up to a stranger's (JP's) home," he said.
The Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices of the Peace had also set up a new website to "find a JP", which contained a free text search engine with postcode and name options for all of Southland.
"It's our duty to provide a service to the community and it's important to get it right and be accessible to everyone," he said.
The Southland Justices of the Peace Association service centre will operate in the SIT administration block every Monday and Wednesday in February from noon until 1.30pm. From March until November it will be available on Wednesdays from noon until 1.30pm.
A Southland recruitment drive for more justices of the peace had recently been successful.
JPs in Southland were part of an ageing population and there had been a need for mature people in their 40s to fill the gaps left by older people who had stepped down.
The council had wanted a better gender balance and more rural and Maori representation.
- The Southland Times
Sponsored links
Two teams left in Southland Donald Gray Cup premier football competition title race
Southland club rugby results - Saturday, July 2
Freezing temperatures, but no fresh snow for New Zealand's busiest ski fields
Rental car drivers to receive audio safety warnings
Paraglider crash lands onto street light pole in Queenstown
Two dogs killed after being attacked by other dogs in Invercargill
Winton centre plots dangerous court told
Former All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan to return to the Stags
Water tanks low in Otatara as a dry winter looms
Man dressed as woman allegedly assaults another man in Dunedin
Southland rower Jade Uru heading to Rio Olympics afterall
Queenstown Lakes council drowning in sea of building consent applications
Man dressed as woman allegedly assaults another man in Dunedin
Deportation order cancelled for Invercargill mum Clarissa Garces
Southland businesses join forces to empower women
Reports of 15 crashes after frosty morning
Girls' High, St Mary's Men and Ex-High remain unbeaten in Southland-wide netball league
Homeless shelter to open in Invercargill
Invercargill teen on star-studded flag panel
Meat company mergers could mean more dollars
Cue TV turns off transmissions
Southland Sharks coach Paul Henare wants to go out with a bang
Exciting Formula One into gear for raceday debut
Last remaining coastwatcher base to be restored
Online early childhood survey released
Rental car drivers to receive audio safety warnings
Saved from a skip - the lost Burt Munro interviews
Freezing temperatures, but no fresh snow for New Zealand's busiest ski fields
Former All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan to return to the Stags
Highlanders nearly men to dig deep as depth tested
Man dressed as woman allegedly assaults another man in Dunedin
The tiny South Otago town with the big heart
Featured Promotions
Sponsored Content
Digital edition
Subscribe to a digital replica of The Southland Times.
Community newspapers
Click here to read our free community newspapers from around the region online.
Subscriber services
Southland Times subscriber news and information.
Click here for information about advertising with The Southland Times.


text:
Upcoming Events
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
GE is hiring a Senior Contracts Manager
Senior Contracts Manager
Role Summary/Purpose
Read More
GE is hiring a Contracts Analyst
Contracts Analyst
Role Summary/Purpose
The Con...
Read More
2016–2017 Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMDLP) Applications
The National Contract Management Association (N...
Read More
Member Area Login
Please click below to be taken to the Member Login screen.
Not a member yet? Click here to join


text:
Below is the list of nationwide regular holidays and special non-working days for the year 2012.
All items refer to Proclamation No. 295, s. 2011, unless so specified. This list will be updated upon the signing of relevant proclamations.
(Click here for a guide to the different pay rules for regular holidays and special non-working days.)
(Click here for the 2013 holidays.)
January 1, Sunday – New Year's Day (regular holiday) January 23, Monday – Chinese New Year February 25, Saturday – EDSA Revolution Anniversary (special holiday) April 5 – Maundy Thursday (regular holiday) April 6 – Good Friday (regular holiday) April 7 – Black Saturday (special non-working day, as per Proclamation No. 360, s. 2012) April 9, Monday – Araw ng Kagitingan (regular holiday) May 1, Tuesday – Labor Day (regular holiday) June 12, Tuesday – Independence Day (regular holiday) August 20, Monday – Eid'l Fitr (regular holiday as per Proclamation No. 455, s. 2012) August 21, Tuesday – Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working day) August 27, Monday – National Heroes Day (regular holiday) October 26, Friday – Eidul Adha (regular holiday by virtue of Proclamation No. 488, s. 2012) November 1, Thursday – All Saints Day (special non-working day) November 2, Friday – (Additional special non-working day) November 30, Friday – Bonifacio Day (regular holiday) December 24, Monday – (special non-working day by virtue of Proclamation 361, s. 2012) December 25, Tuesday – Christmas Day (regular holiday) December 30, Sunday – Rizal Day (regular holiday)
December 31, Monday – Last Day of the Year (special non-working day)
Stay up to date with your government.Subscribe Now
Stay up to date with your government.
Subscribe to Daylight, a weekly newsletter that features good news about the Philippines and Filipinos.
After signing up, you will receive a confirmation email that you will need to click through to confirm your subscription.×
Share on social media
More from the Briefing Room
- Foreign Service Officer exam application extended
- LGUs get P864-M from national wealth
- Results for April 17 Career Service Exams are out
- Independence Day job fairs to be held in Central Luzon
- Revised guidelines on employment conditions of private security personnel in effect
- PH energy policy review sets green economy shift


text:
December 9, 2013
To save the West's forests, scientists must first learn how trees die.
Some environmentalists are getting behind enhanced oil recovery.
In the Rocky Mountain West, more than 4 million acres of federal public land are rendered off-limits because there's no way for the public to access them.
Why guns, politics and saguaros don't mix.
Fishing reform drives inequality in coastal communities.
Energy Department ordered to stop collecting fees for construction.
Parts of the Gateway West project are still open to veto from the BLM.
Editor's Note
A writer's love of reading while walking in Nevada's Great Basin desert.
Dear Friends
Daughter Abby Quillen has assembled two anthologies of her father's columns; a steady stream of visitors have come by our Colorado office.
Book Reviews
Photographs by David Freese, Foreword by Naomi Rosenblum
A review of Survival Skills by Jean Ryan.
A review of Wild Ones: A Sometimes Dismaying, Weirdly Reassuring Story About Looking at People Looking at Animals in America by Jon Mooallem
Heard Around the West
- Charles Roberts on Go ahead, control my guns
- Jim Bolen on How do Trump and Clinton differ on conservation?
- Laura Pandapas on The Park Service doesn't need corporate sponsorship. It needs proper funding.
- David W Hamilton on How do Trump and Clinton differ on conservation?
- David W Hamilton on How do Trump and Clinton differ on conservation?


text:
Benjamin Potts Celebrity Watchlist
Benjamin Potts
Video ClipsSee all »
Whale Wars Season 5Whale Wars is back for a new adrenaline-fueled season, and after last year's victorious campaign the Seas Shepherds thought they had ended whaling in (more…)
Season 5: Whale Wars: Fridays At 9Pm Trailer00:31 — Whale Wars: It's not about whales. It's about 42 crazy die-hards with a mission
Whale Wars Season 6The Sea Shepherds embark on their 10th Antarctic campaign, but for the first time, they are without Captain Paul Watson. A confident Peter Hammarstedt (more…)
Trending TonightSee all »
Ray Donovan9:00 pm | SHOI'll Watch470 Watching
Game of Thrones9:00 pm | HBOI'll Watch350 Watching
The Last Ship9:00 pm | TNTI'll Watch297 Watching
Popular Shows
- 1. Game of Thrones
- 2. Castle
- 3. Jane the Virgin
- 4. Dancing with the Stars
- 5. Empire
- 6. The Flash
- 7. The Blacklist
Popular Movies
Popular Celebrities
- 1. Kit Harington
- 2. Gina Rodriguez
- 3. Emilia Clarke
- 4. Tom Hiddleston
- 5. Hayley Atwell
- 6. Michael Weatherly
- 7. Melissa Benoist