Abstract: A power tool including a battery pack interface configured to receive a battery pack. The battery pack interface includes one or more power terminals and one or more communication terminals. The power tool further includes a controller having an electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive, via the one or more communication terminals, a plurality of signals indicating a plurality of temperatures of the battery pack. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the signals, a battery pack type. The controller is further configured to control discharge of the battery pack based on the battery pack type.

Abstract: A power tool including a battery pack interface configured to receive a battery pack. The battery pack interface includes one or more power terminals and one or more communication terminals. The power tool further includes a controller having an electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive, via the one or more communication terminals, a plurality of signals indicating a plurality of temperatures of the battery pack. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the signals, a battery pack type. The controller is further configured to control discharge of the battery pack based on the battery pack type.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a housing and a plurality of charging ports coupled to the housing. Each charging port is configured to connect a battery pack to the battery charger. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of charging ports. The charging circuit is operable to charge the battery packs connected to the plurality of charging ports in series. The battery charger further includes a skip switch coupled to the charging circuit. The skip switch is operable to skip a battery pack currently being charged and advance to another battery pack connected to the battery charger.

Abstract: A power tool including a battery pack interface configured to receive a battery pack. The battery pack interface includes one or more power terminals and one or more communication terminals. The power tool further includes a controller having an electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive, via the one or more communication terminals, a plurality of signals indicating a plurality of temperatures of the battery pack. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the signals, a battery pack type. The controller is further configured to control discharge of the battery pack based on the battery pack type.

Abstract: An electrical assembly selectively receives power from an external power supply. The electrical assembly includes a base that at least partially defines a tool port and a battery port and an electrical tool selectively coupled to the tool port. A rechargeable battery pack is selectively coupled to the battery port and a circuit is supported by the base and is operable to direct power to the tool port and the battery port such that the external power provides power to the electrical tool to operate the electrical tool and to recharge the rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is angled relative to the second surface. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing, a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, and a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The first charging port configured to support the first battery pack, and the second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack. The battery charger further includes an indicator light associated with the first charging port. The indicator light includes a lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack includes a housing, a charging circuit positioned within the housing, and a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The first charging port is configured to support the first battery pack and defines a first connection axis along which the first battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit. The battery charger also includes a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack. The second charging port defines a second connection axis along which the second battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit. The first connection axis is angled relative to the second connection axis.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a housing and a plurality of charging ports coupled to the housing. Each charging port is configured to connect a battery pack to the battery charger. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of charging ports. The charging circuit is operable to charge the battery packs connected to the plurality of charging ports in series. The battery charger further includes a skip switch coupled to the charging circuit. The skip switch is operable to skip a battery pack currently being charged and advance to another battery pack connected to the battery charger.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack includes a housing, a charging circuit positioned within the housing, and a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The first charging port is configured to support the first battery pack and defines a first connection axis along which the first battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit. The battery charger also includes a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack. The second charging port defines a second connection axis along which the second battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit. The first connection axis is angled relative to the second connection axis.

Abstract: An electrical assembly selectively receives power from an external power supply. The electrical assembly includes a base that at least partially defines a tool port and a battery port and an electrical tool selectively coupled to the tool port. A rechargeable battery pack is selectively coupled to the battery port and a circuit is supported by the base and is operable to direct power to the tool port and the battery port such that the external power provides power to the electrical tool to operate the electrical tool and to recharge the rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, a positive terminal, a charging switch, and a negative terminal. The plurality of battery cells are connected in series and include a first battery cell and a last battery cell. The charging switch is electrically coupled between the positive terminal and a positive node of the first battery cell and is configured to open when the battery cells are substantially charged. The negative terminal is electrically coupled to a negative node of the last battery cell.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A battery pack that is configured to be coupled to an electrical device comprises a housing, at least one battery cell positioned in the housing, and a terminal assembly configured to electrically connect the battery cell to the electrical device. The battery pack also includes a locking assembly that is configured to engage the electrical device. The locking assembly includes a locking member, an actuator coupled to the locking member, and a biasing member. The locking member is movable about a pivot point between a first position to engage the electrical device and a second position. The actuator is actuatable to move the locking member from the first position to the second position. The biasing member biases the locking member to the first position.

Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack includes a housing, a cell supported by the housing, a circuit supported by the housing and operable to control a function of the battery pack, and a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the circuit and operable to dissipate heat from the circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for battery charging. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a controller and a charging circuit that is operable to charge Lithium-based batteries of varying nominal voltages and/or number of battery cells.

Abstract: A method and system for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a power tool includes a housing, a cell, a controller, and a circuit. The circuit is operable to enable the controller to operate when the voltage supplied by the cell to the controller is below an operating voltage threshold off the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to a power tool includes a controller. The controller is operable to sample a battery pack condition in at least a first sampling mode and a second sampling mode to produce a plurality of measurements. The controller is further operable to average the plurality of measurements to produce an averaged measurement, and operable to modify operation of the battery pack when the averaged measurement is outside a specified range.

Abstract: An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.

Abstract: A battery pack for powering a cordless power tool. The battery pack includes at least one battery cell operable to supply a discharge current, a switch operable to control the discharge current and a protection device to protect the switch. The protection device is positioned such that the device absorbs a current traveling in a direction opposite to that of the discharge current supplied from the battery cell.