1. A switching control system for a power converter comprising:
an input interface to a primary power source;
an output interface to a load;
a primary inductor assembly operatively connected between the input interface to the primary power source and the output interface to the load;
a primary FET switching assembly operatively connected to the primary inductor assembly and configured to regulate the power delivered to the load;
a shunt control assembly operable to control the primary FET switching assembly, wherein the shunt control assembly comprises:
a slow shunt assembly comprising:
a slow shunt switch; and
a slow shunt resistor, wherein the slow shunt switch is configured to selectively electrically connect the slow shunt resistor between a gate of the primary FET switching assembly and ground; and
a fast shunt assembly comprising:
a fast shunt switch; and
a fast shunt resistor, wherein the fast shunt switch is configured to selectively electrically connect the fast shunt resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and ground; wherein
the fast shunt resistor has a resistance value that is smaller than that of the slow shunt resistor; and
a control circuit configured to regulate a rate at which the primary FET switching assembly conducting current from the primary inductor assembly turns off by selectively operating the slow shunt assembly and the fast shunt assembly.
2. The switching control system of claim 1, wherein:
the fast shunt resistor has a value of approximately 0.1 miliohms; and
the slow shunt resistor has a value of approximately 1 ohm.
3. The switching control system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is operable to:
close the fast shunt switch during a first time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an off state at a fast rate;
open the fast shunt switch and close the slow shunt switch during a second time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an off state at a slower rate; and
close the fast shunt switch during a third time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly to an off state at a fast rate.
4. The switching control system of claim 1, further comprising a second fast shunt switch connected in parallel with the fast shunt switch and configured to selectively electrically connect the fast shunt resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and ground; wherein the control circuit is operable to:
close the fast shunt switch during a first time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an off state at a fast rate;
open the fast shunt switch and close the slow shunt switch during a second time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an off state at a slower rate; and
close the second fast shunt switch during a third time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly to an off state at a fast rate.
5. The switching control system of claim 3, further including a timing circuit, wherein:
a duration of the first time interval, a duration of the second time interval, and a duration of a third time interval are determined by the timing circuit.
6. The switching control system of claim 5, wherein the duration of the first time interval is set to be approximately 8 nanoseconds.
7. The switching control system of claim 3, further including a current monitoring system, wherein:
the current monitoring system is configured to measure a current flowing through the primary FET switching assembly; and
the control circuit is further configured to set a duration of the first time interval, a duration of the second time interval, and a duration of a third time interval based on measurements of the current monitoring system.
8. The switching control system of claim 1, further configured to include:
an auxiliary switching power supply;
a slow turn-on assembly comprising:
a slow turn-on switch; and
a slow turn-on resistor, wherein the slow turn-on switch is configured to selectively connect the slow turn-on resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and the auxiliary switching power supply; and
a fast turn-on assembly comprising:
a fast turn-on switch; and
a fast turn-on resistor, wherein the fast turn-on switch is configured to selectively connect the fast turn-on resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and the auxiliary switching power supply; wherein
the fast turn-on resistor has a resistance value that is smaller than that of the slow turn-on resistor; and wherein
the control circuit is further configured to regulate a rate at which the primary FET switching assembly conducting current from the primary inductor assembly turns on by selectively operating the slow turn-on assembly and the fast turn-on assembly.
9. The switching control system of claim 8, wherein the control circuit is further operable to:
close the fast turn-on switch during a first turn-on time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an on state at a fast rate;
open the fast turn-on switch and close the slow turn-on switch during a second turn-on time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an on state at a slower rate; and
close the fast turn-on switch during a third turn-on time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly to an on state at a fast rate.
10. The switching control system of claim 8, wherein:
the fast turn-on resistor has a value of approximately 0.1 miliohms; and
the slow turn-on resistor has a value of approximately 1 ohm.
11. The switching control system of claim 8, wherein the auxiliary switching power supply is the primary power source.
12. A switching control system for a power converter comprising:
an input interface to a primary power source;
an output interface to a load;
an auxiliary switching power supply;
a primary inductor assembly operatively connected between the input interface to the primary power source and the output interface to the load;
a primary FET switching assembly operatively connected to the primary inductor assembly and configured to regulate the power delivered to the load;
a shunt control assembly operable to control the primary FET switching assembly, wherein the switching control assembly comprises:
a slow shunt assembly comprising:
a slow shunt switch; and
a slow shunt resistor, wherein the slow shunt switch is configured to selectively electrically connect the slow shunt resistor between a gate of the primary FET switching assembly and ground; and
a fast shunt assembly comprising:
a fast shunt switch; and
a fast shunt resistor, wherein the fast shunt switch is configured to selectively electrically connect the fast shunt resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and ground; wherein
the fast shunt resistor has a resistance value that is smaller than that of the slow shunt resistor;
a slow turn-on assembly comprising:
a slow turn-on switch; and
a slow turn-on resistor, wherein the slow turn-on switch is configured to selectively connect the slow turn-on resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and the auxiliary switching power supply;
a fast turn-on assembly comprising:
a fast turn-on switch; and
a fast turn-on resistor, wherein the fast turn-on switch is configured to selectively connect the fast turn-on resistor between the gate of the primary FET switching assembly and the auxiliary switching power supply; wherein the fast turn-on resistor has a resistance value that is smaller than that of the slow turn-on resistor;
a control circuit configured to:
regulate a rate at which the primary FET switching assembly conducting current from the primary inductor assembly turns off by selectively operating the slow shunt assembly and the fast shunt assembly; and
to regulate a rate at which the primary FET switching assembly conducting current from the primary inductor assembly turns on by selectively operating the slow turn-on assembly and the fast turn-on assembly.
13. The switching control system of claim 12, wherein:
the fast shunt resistor and the fast turn-on resistor each has a value of approximately 0.1 miliohms; and
the slow shunt resistor and the slow turn-on resistor each has a value of approximately 1 ohm.
14. The switching control system of claim 12, wherein the control circuit is operable to:
close the fast shunt switch during a first time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an off state at a fast rate;
open the fast shunt switch and close the slow shunt switch during a second time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an off state at a slower rate; and
close the fast shunt switch during a third time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly to an off state at a fast rate.
15. The switching control system of claim 14, further including a timing circuit, wherein:
a duration of the first time interval, a duration of the second time interval, and a duration of a third time interval are determined by the timing circuit.
16. The switching control system of claim 15, wherein the duration of the first time interval is set to be approximately 8 nanoseconds.
17. The switching control system of claim 14, further including a current monitoring system, wherein:
the current monitoring system is configured to measure a current flowing through the primary FET switching assembly; and
the control circuit is further configured to set a duration of the first time interval, a duration of the second time interval, and a duration of a third time interval based on measurements of the current monitoring system.
18. The switching control system of claim 12, wherein the control circuit is further operable to:
close the fast turn-on switch during a first turn-on time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an on state at a fast rate;
open the fast turn-on switch and close the slow turn-on switch during a second turn-on time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly toward an on state at a slower rate; and
close the fast turn-on switch during a third turn-on time interval to drive the primary FET switching assembly to an on state at a fast rate.
19. In a power conversion system comprising an input interface to a primary power source, an output interface to a load, a primary inductor assembly operatively connected between the input interface to the primary power source and the output interface to the load, a primary FET switching assembly operatively connected to the primary inductor assembly and configured to regulate the power delivered to the load; and a shunt control assembly operable to control the primary FET switching assembly, wherein the shunt control assembly includes a fast shunt switch and a slow shunt switch, a method of controlling a rate at which the primary FET switching assembly turns off comprises the steps of:
closing the fast shunt switch during a first time interval to cause the primary FET switching assembly to move toward an off state at a fast rate;
closing the slow shunt switch and opening the fast shunt switch during a second time interval to cause the primary FET switching assembly to move toward an off state at a slower rate; and
closing the fast shunt switch during a third time interval to cause the primary FET switching assembly to move toward the off state at a fast rate.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:
setting a pre-defined time duration of the first time interval;
setting a pre-defined time duration of the second time interval; and
setting a pre-defined time duration of the third time interval.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
measuring a current flowing through the primary FET switching assembly;
defining a duration of the first time interval based on a measurement of the current flowing through the primary FET switching assembly;
defining a duration of the second time interval based on a measurement of the current flowing through the primary FET switching assembly; and
defining a duration of the third time interval based on a measurement of the current flowing through the primary FET switching assembly;
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1) A system related to assisting at least one user during outdoor camping activities, said system comprising:
a) at least one soil-shoveling tool structured and arranged to assist the at least one user to perform at least one shoveling activity;
b) at least one handle-bar structured and arranged to assist the at least one user in manipulating said at least one soil-shoveling tool; and
c) at least one non-shovel tool structured and arranged to provide at least one tool not related to such at least one shoveling activity;
d) wherein said at least one shovel tool is supported by said at least one handle-bar;
e) wherein said at least one non-shovel tool is supported by said at least one handle-bar;
f) wherein said at least one handle-bar comprises at least one internal compartment structured and arranged to internally compartmentalize said at least one non-shovel tool therewithin; and
g) wherein, when internally compartmentalized within said at least one handle-bar, said at least one non-shovel tool does not interfere with hand-manipulation of said at least one handle-bar.
2) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one handle-bar comprises:
a) at least one first handle portion structured and arranged to assist the at least one user in manipulating said at least one soil-shoveling tool;
b) at least one second handle portion structured and arranged to supportively engage said at least one shovel tool; and
c) at least one pivot joint structured and arranged to pivotally couple said at least one first handle portion and said at least one second handle portion;
d) wherein an unfolded length of said at least one handle-bar is reduced by pivoting said at least one first handle to at least one folded position adjacent said at least one second handle portion.
3) The system according to claim 2 wherein:
a) said at least one pivot joint comprises at least one positional lock structured and arranged to positionally lock said at least one first handle portion and said at least one second handle portion in at least one substantially coaxial configuration; and
b) said at least one positional lock is engagable and disengagable by the at least one user.
4) The system according to claim 1 wherein:
a) said at least one non-shovel tool comprises at least one support arm structured and arranged to support at least one camping item from said at least one handle-bar;
b) said at least one support arm comprises
i) at least one deployed position extending generally outwardly of said at least one handle-bar, and
ii) at least one stowed position located substantially within said at least one internal compartment of said at least one handle-bar.
5) The system according to claim 4 wherein:
a) said at least one support arm comprises at least one support-arm pivot structured and arranged to pivotally couple said at least one support arm with said at least one handle-bar; and
b) said at least one support-arm pivot assists pivotal movement of said at least one support arm between such at least one deployed position and such at least one stowed position.
6) The system according to claim 5 wherein said at least one support arm comprises:
a) at least one first positional maintainer structured and arranged to positionally maintain said at least one support arm in such at least one stowed position;
b) at least one second positional maintainer structured and arranged to positionally maintain said at least one support arm in such at least one deployed position; and
c) at least one deployment assister structured and arranged to assist an initial deployment of said at least one support arm from such at least one stowed position;
d) wherein operational enablement and disablement of said at least one first positional maintainer is user controllable.
7) The system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one deployment assister comprises at least one spring member.
8) The system according to claim 7 wherein:
a) said at least one handle-bar comprises at least one first longitudinal axis extending substantially along its length;
b) said at least one support arm comprises an elongated member having at least one second longitudinal axis extending along its length; and
c) when in such at least one deployed position, said at least one second positional maintainer maintains said at least one first longitudinal axis in a generally perpendicular relationship relative to said at least one second longitudinal axis.
9) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one soil-shoveling tool comprises:
a) at least one shovel blade structured and arranged to assist manipulation of the soil;
b) wherein said at least one shovel blade comprises at least one first end and at least one second end;
c) wherein said at least one first end comprises at least one soil-penetrating shape structured and arranged to assist penetration of the soil;
d) wherein said at least one second end comprises at least one handle-receiving socket structured and arranged to receive said at least one handle-bar.
10) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one non-shovel tool comprises at least one storage container comprising at least one interior portion structured and arranged to contain storable camping items.
11) The system according to claim 10 wherein said at least one storage container comprises:
a) at least one deployed position extending generally outwardly of said at least one handle-bar, and
b) at least one stowed position located substantially within said at least one internal compartment of said at least one handle-bar;
c) wherein, when in said at least one deployed position, said at least one storage container comprises at least one storage opening structured and arranged to provide access to said at least one interior portion; and
d) wherein, when in said at least one stowed position, said at least one interior portion is substantially enclosed within said at least one handle-bar.
12) The system according to claim 11 wherein:
a) said at least one storage container comprises at least one storage-container pivot structured and arranged to pivotally couple said at least one storage container with said at least one handle-bar; and
b) said at least one storage-container pivot assists pivotal movement of said at least one storage container between such at least one deployed position and such at least one stowed position.
13) The system according to claim 12 wherein said at least one storage container comprises at least one moisture-restrictive seal structured and arranged to limit the introduction of moisture to within said at least one interior portion.
14) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one non-shovel tool comprises:
a) at least one cutting blade structured and arranged to assist the at least one user to perform cutting actions;
b) wherein said at least one cutting blade is locatable within said at least one handle-bar.
15) The system according to claim 14 wherein said at least one cutting blade comprises:
a) at least one deployed position extending generally outwardly of said at least one handle-bar, and
b) at least one stowed position located substantially within said at least one internal compartment of said at least one handle-bar.
16) The system according to claim 15 wherein:
a) said at least one cutting blade comprises at least one cutting-blade pivot structured and arranged to pivotally couple said at least one cutting blade with said at least one handle-bar; and
b) said at least one cutting-blade pivot assists pivotal movement of said at least one cutting blade between such at least one deployed position and such at least one stowed position.
17) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one non-shovel tool comprises at least one bottle opener structured and arranged to assist the user in removing bottle caps from beverage bottles.
18) The system according to claim 8 wherein:
a) said at least one non-shovel tool comprises at least four support arms each one structured and arranged to support at least one camping item from said at least one handle-bar;
b) wherein at least one of said at least four support arms comprises a length of about thirteen inches; and
c) wherein at least one of said at least four support arms comprises a length of about seven inches.
19) The system according to claim 8 wherein:
a) said at least one soil-shoveling tool comprises
i) at least one shovel blade structured and arranged to assist manipulation of the soil,
ii) wherein said at least one shovel blade comprises at least one first end and at least one second end,
iii) wherein said at least one first end comprises at least one soil-penetrating shape structured and arranged to assist penetration of the soil, and
iv) wherein said at least one second end comprises at least one handle-receiving socket structured and arranged to receive said at least one handle-bar;
b) said at least one non-shovel tool comprises
i) at least one storage container comprising at least one interior portion structured and arranged to contain storable camping items,
ii) at least one cutting blade structured and arranged to assist the at least one user to perform cutting actions, and
iii) at least one bottle opener structured and arranged to assist the user in removing bottle caps from beverage bottles.
20) A method of developing at least one multi-functional shovel to assist at least one user during outdoor camping activities, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing at least one shovel handle structured and arranged to assist the at least one user in manipulating at least one shovel blade during at least one shoveling activity;
b) providing at least one camp tool, not related to such at least one shoveling activity, usable by the at least one user during such outdoor camping activities; and
c) incorporating such at least one camp tool within such at least one shovel handle so that such at least one camp tool is permanently mounted to such at least one shovel handle;
d) wherein such at least one shovel handle comprises at least one internal compartment structured and arranged to internally compartmentalize such at least one camp tool when not in use; and
e) wherein, when internally compartmentalized within such at least one shovel handle, such at least one camp tool does not interfere with hand-manipulation of such at least one shovel handle.
21) The method according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of:
a) providing at least one shovel blade structured and arranged to assist the at least one user to perform such at least one shoveling activity; and
b) mounting such at least one shovel blade to such at least one shovel handle.
22) A system related to assisting at least one user during outdoor camping activities comprising:
a) shovel tool means for assisting the at least one user to accomplish at least one shoveling activity;
b) handle-bar means for assisting the at least one user manipulate said shovel tool means during the; and
c) non-shovel tool means for providing at least one tool not relating to such at least one shoveling activity;
d) wherein said shovel tool means is supported by said handle-bar means;
e) wherein said non-shovel tool means is supported by said handle-bar means;
f) wherein said handle-bar means comprises compartment means for substantially fully compartmentalizing said non-shovel tool means therewithin.