Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing an electrical contact interface between two electrical devices uses a time differentiated enablement of two or more different circuit elements in a first electrical device that are accessed via the multiplexed contact by a second electrical device. A timing control circuit in the first electrical device enables and disables circuit elements in the first electrical device coupled to a shared information contact over time. The second electrical device interacts with a first circuit element during an initial period upon connection to the first electrical device, and then interacts with a second circuit element after the initial period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing an electrical contact interface between two electrical devices uses a time differentiated enablement of two or more different circuit elements in a first electrical device that are accessed via the multiplexed contact by a second electrical device. A timing control circuit in the first electrical device enables and disables circuit elements in the first electrical device coupled to a shared information contact over time. The second electrical device interacts with a first circuit element during an initial period upon connection to the first electrical device, and then interacts with a second circuit element after the initial period.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the charging of a battery in a communication device. The method includes sensing temperature of the battery while charging the battery, and determining that the temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold value. The method then includes monitoring a charging status of the battery when the determined temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold value. The charging status indicates an amount of charge in the battery. The method further includes determining that the amount of charge in the battery is less than a predetermined charge threshold value. The method then includes suspending charging of the battery, until the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature threshold value, when the determined amount of charge in the battery is less than the predetermined charge threshold value.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the charging of a battery in a communication device. The method includes sensing temperature of the battery while charging the battery, and determining that the temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold value. The method then includes monitoring a charging status of the battery when the determined temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold value. The charging status indicates an amount of charge in the battery. The method further includes determining that the amount of charge in the battery is less than a predetermined charge threshold value. The method then includes suspending charging of the battery, until the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature threshold value, when the determined amount of charge in the battery is less than the predetermined charge threshold value.

Abstract: A method for determining time to completion is provided for a battery charging system. The system preferably includes a charger having a microprocessor and a battery with a memory. The memory includes information about the battery, including battery identifiers, charging states, charging procedures and charging termination information. The charger reads this battery and then determines the charging states associated with the battery. The charger then determines the present state of charge, and calculates a time to completion for that state. The charger then determines times to completion for the remaining charge states, optionally compensating for self discharge within the battery. A total time to completion is determined by summing the times to completion for the respective charging states.

Abstract: This invention includes an adaptor that facilitates reconditioning and charging of non-smart batteries in smart chargers. The adaptor includes a mechanical and electrical interface to the host-side of a non-smart battery, thereby bypassing any protection diode. The adaptor further includes at least one memory device that identifies the adaptor to a smart charger as an adaptor. Upon insertion, the smart charger reads the memory device in the adaptor begins the reconditioning process. The reconditioning process includes discharging the non-smart battery to a predetermined voltage stored memory device. The smart charger then waits a predefined period and begins charging the non-smart battery, preferably at a constant current. Charging is terminated at a V-peak inflection. Upon completion of charging, the smart charger may trickle charge for a time, and then indicates charge is completed.

Abstract: This invention includes an adaptor that facilitates reconditioning and charging of non-smart batteries in smart chargers. The adaptor includes a mechanical and electrical interface to the host-side of a non-smart battery, thereby bypassing any protection diode. The adaptor further includes at least one memory device that identifies the adaptor to a smart charger as an adaptor. Upon insertion, the smart charger reads the memory device in the adaptor begins the reconditioning process. The reconditioning process includes discharging the non-smart battery to a predetermined voltage stored memory device. The smart charger then waits a predefined period and begins charging the non-smart battery, preferably at a constant current. Charging is terminated at a V-peak inflection. Upon completion of charging, the smart charger may trickle charge for a time, and then indicates charge is completed.

Abstract: This invention includes a method that allows a charger to quickly identify a battery pack. Once the battery pack has been identified, the invention allows the charger to determine whether prior charging processes should be resumed, or whether the charging cycle should be started anew. In one preferred embodiment, the battery includes a memory device having a unique identifier like a serial number, for instance. When the battery is coupled to the charger, the charger identifies the battery and queries the charger memory. If the battery has been disconnected from the charger for more than a predetermined amount of time, the charger presumes the battery has been depleted and starts the charging cycle from the beginning. If the battery has been disconnected for a short period of time, the charger presumes that the battery has not been greatly depleted and begins the previous charging process that was running when the battery was disconnected from the charger.