Abstract: A charging and discharging strategy for a rechargeable battery pack is disclosed. The strategy involves monitoring and learning the battery pack's condition (a cycle life parameter) in terms of its progression through its life cycle. The life cycle parameter may be determined as a function of both time (i.e., the battery pack's age) as well as the number of discharge/recharge cycles. The strategy intentionally under-utilizes the battery during the initial stages of its life, based on the cycle life parameter, by charging it to a first level less then the maximum state of charge. This approach reduces charge voltages, reducing stress on the battery's active materials, thereby increasing its life.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low insertion force connector assembly capable of providing an electrical interface to a circuit board. The connector assembly includes a housing and electrically conductive terminals mounted in the housing. The connector assembly further includes slide and wedge members which are inserted into the housing along with a connective end portion of a flexible flat cable pressing exposed conductors on the flexible flat cable against terminal contact arms.

Abstract: A charging and discharging strategy for a rechargeable battery pack is disclosed. The strategy involves monitoring and learning the battery pack's condition (a cycle life parameter) in terms of its progression through its life cycle. The life cycle parameter may be determined as a function of both time (i.e., the battery pack's age) as well as the number of discharge/recharge cycles. The strategy intentionally under-utilizes the battery during the initial stages of its life, based on the cycle life parameter, by charging it to a first level less then the maximum state of charge. This approach reduces charge voltages, reducing stress on the battery's active materials, thereby increasing its life.

Abstract: A pack for batteries or other electrical storage devices, such as capacitors, is designed for ease of manufacture and installation of components in the case with vertical motions to provide an efficient and cost effective assembly. An exemplary embodiment has a molded case and cover in which all of the internal components are installed in the case through the open top without requiring fasteners, tools or additional supporting parts. The components include a flexible circuit on a flexible plastic sheet carrying control and sensor circuitry and temperature sensors together with internal and external connectors. Buss bars and connecting terminals mount in vertical slots and include prongs that extend through flexible flap connectors into guide recesses to provide connections to the flexible circuit. Batteries with vertical blade terminals are received in slots of the buss bars. An electronic control module and current sensor are also provided.

Abstract: Described is a battery package (10) comprising: A housing (12) in which a plurality of batteries (18) are assembled, wherein each battery has a front side and a back side (22); aligned to fit into receptacles (16, 30) therefor, a blade (20), located on the front and back sides (22) of the batteries; and a printed circuit board (14, 24) at the front and back side of the batteries, each board having receptacles (16,30) for receiving the edge of the blades (20) of the batteries and for electrically connecting the batteries within the housing and providing mechanical support for the batteries.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided having at least first and second battery modules, and which in one embodiment has ten modules. Each battery module includes a respective first terminal extending from one end of the module and a respective second terminal extending from the other end of the module. The battery pack further includes a conductive interface having a first opening configured to receive the first terminal of the first battery module and a second opening configured to receive the second terminal of the second battery module to thereby provide an electrical series connection. The interface electrically couples the terminals of the two battery modules. The battery pack may further include an electrically non-conductive buss terminal holder configured to receive and position the first and second battery modules and the conductive interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intercell buss system 10 comprising:at least a pair of electrical cells 12, 14, each having an electrical terminal 12A, 14B thereon;a lid 18 having an up and a down position, such that in the down position, the lid covers at least a portion of the terminals of the cells; further, the lid has a projection 20 thereon; anda current carrying member 16 located on the projection 20 of the lid 18 such that when the lid is in the down position electrical current can pass from one cell to the other through the current carrying member which acts as an intercell buss and when the lid is in the up position, no current can pass through the current carrying member.