Abstract: A battery charging system for discriminating between different battery packs and charging the battery packs according to battery type and charging parameters of the battery pack. The battery charging system has a battery having a label and a charging dock for receiving the battery. Charging dock has a label reader for reading the label when the battery pack is operationally coupled to the charging dock. A discriminator, which is coupled to the label reader, generates at least one charge control signal based on information received from the label reader. A charger that is coupled to the discriminator receives the charge control signal and charges the battery pack based on the charge control signal.

Abstract: A battery pack (20) holds one or more batteries (118) and connects to a mobile telephone (115). The battery pack includes a case (22) for holding the batteries, a recharging circuit (122) disposed in the case, a plug (86) rotatably connected to the case and electrically connected to the recharging circuit, and electrical terminals 46 mounted to the case. The plug includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced prongs (88). The plug rotates from a first position, having the prongs projecting from the case, to a second position having the prongs retracted into the case. Electrical leads (47) extend from each of the electrical terminals to battery terminals. A pair of contacts (110) and (112) spaced from another, interrupts each of the electrical leads. When the prongs retract, each electrical contact of a contact pair electrically connects to one another through a prong. When the prongs extend, the electrical contacts are disconnected from one another.

Abstract: A zero insertion force socket for integrated circuits having a contact pattern formed on the upper surface of a resilient circuit on which an integrated circuit is adapted to be placed with its leads in contact with the contact pattern. A plurality of frames having different sized cutouts conforming to the shape of integrated circuit cases of different sizes are used to position integrated circuits having cases of different sizes at predetermined locations on the contact pattern. The positioning frames are pivotally mounted on a common pin, and they nest together so that at least some of the positioning frames fit within the rectangular cutout of the next larger positioning frame. In order to bias the integrated circuit into the resilient circuit, a lid having a plunger is positioned over the integrated circuit. The plunder contacts the upper surface of the integrated circuit case to force it against the resilient circuit either with a constant force or a constant displacement.