Abstract: A system and method for ensuring the readiness of a mission critical battery in a device, the system includes a rechargeable battery as the mission critical battery disposed within the device slaved to a primary charging battery through a charge controller both of which are disposed outside of the device. The charge controller is programmed to ensure that the primary charging battery delivers a charge to the mission critical battery to maintain the mission critical battery at a charge level for maximized long term storage. The storage charge level may be 50% of the full charge level of the mission critical battery. The charge controller will receive a mission signal when the device is to be mission ready. The charge controller will then transfer the appropriate amount of stored energy from the primary charging battery to the mission critical battery to achieve full charge.

Abstract: A system for power balance monitoring in an energy storage battery comprising a plurality of energy modules connected in a series-parallel configuration. The energy storage module comprises a plurality of cells. Each module is a three-terminal module. The three terminals comprise a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal for connecting the modules in a series string to a load and an energy sharing terminal for sharing energy between modules is other battery strings. A module power management sub-system comprising a current monitoring circuit is connected to each of the energy sharing terminals. Each module power management sub-system is in communication with a battery power management sub-system so that a weak module can be detected based on module current output. Advantageously, the module power management sub-system is not connected across the main power pathway of the module and so does not appreciably increase module impedance.

Abstract: A modular battery system includes at least one lithium polymer battery for both mobile and stationary applications. The mobile applications include an electric car and the stationary applications include a house. The battery is exchangeable between the house and the electric car. Both the house and the electric car have a charging apparatus. The battery can be charged when docked with the house by renewable sources and the transported to a second location for docking with another stationary load.

Abstract: A system and method for stopping a wind turbine in a battery charging circuit includes a step to terminate battery charging by opening a first switch between an electrical generator coupled to the wind turbine and the battery. A second switch between the electrical generator output terminals is then closed in order to short the generator, create a drag on the wind turbine and ultimately stop its rotation. The signal to open the first switch is generated by a battery charge monitor which when sensing a full charge on the battery will open the first switch and close the second switch. In another embodiment, there is a wind turbine auto stop signal generator connected to the battery monitor to close the second switch upon receipt of a signal indicating full battery charge from the battery monitor. In yet another embodiment there is a remotely located control computer networked to the battery monitor and the wind turbine auto stop signal generator.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer thermal barrier system is described for preventing thermal runaway propagation from a faulted cell to an un-faulted cell in a battery pack. The thermal barrier system comprises a thermal barrier disposed between each of the battery cells and optionally between the battery cells and the battery pack housing. The thermal barrier cross-sectional area is at least equal to an adjacent battery cell. The thermal barrier contains a thermal absorbing material in a sufficient quantity to absorb heat released from a faulted battery.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a resource consumption meter emitting and detecting a signal having a first frequency relative to the rate of metered resource consumption. The apparatus comprises at least one signal detection means adapted to detect said signal from said resource consumption meter; and, a circuit operatively connected to the signal detection means and adapted for interpreting the signal for a human. A method for multi-mode operation of the apparatus is disclosed so that it is possible for the apparatus to automatically detect the type of resource consumption meter it is attached to and operate accordingly.

Abstract: Described is an energy share pack comprising a housing, at least one energy storage component within the housing, at least one energy conversion component within the housing, and a connection point for connecting to more than one of energy users, energy sources and other energy share packs simultaneously for sharing energy. The energy share pack may have an energy generation component for generating harvestable energy, and two or more ports of any combination of the following types: bidirectional power port, bidirectional USB port, unidirectional output power port, and unidirectional input power port. The share pack ports may operate simultaneously at different voltage levels, and at least one port may be bi-directional. Furthermore, the share packs may have an integrated display for providing information on the energy share pack in which the display is integrated and information about other energy share packs connected thereto.

Abstract: An airway intubation device having a one-piece molded body of biocompatible material with an ergonomically designed hand piece for left hand manipulation. The body includes a cap piece and linear-curved-linear insertion piece having a channel in one side thereof for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The channel has a wide entry portal disposed ahead of the hand piece so that a clinician may load the channel with a tube while the insertion piece is in the mouth of the patient without having to view the entry portal. The device includes illumination means and viewing means comprising an eye piece or a video display unit mounted to the cap piece so that a clinician can view the insertion of the tube between the vocal cords of a patient without contact.

Abstract: A stress relief body is described for maintaining a safe bend radius on the seal of a pouch cell to prevent crimping of the cell covers and other damage. When the seal area of the cell pouch is folded to reduce the overall size of the resulting battery pack the stress relief body is integrated with the pouch cell to maintain the safe bend radius.

Abstract: An airway intubation device having a one-piece molded body of biocompatible material with an ergonomically designed hand piece for left hand manipulation. The body includes a cap piece and linear-curved-linear insertion piece having a channel in one side thereof for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The channel has a wide entry portal disposed ahead of the hand piece so that a clinician may load the channel with a tube while the insertion piece is in the mouth of the patient without having to view the entry portal. The device includes illumination means and viewing means comprising an eye piece or a video display unit mounted to the cap piece so that a clinician can view the insertion of the tube between the vocal cords of a patient without contact.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting battery connection failures relies upon measuring battery cell body temperature and battery connector temperature at a measured current. The difference between these two temperatures is calculated using a software driven comparator. The comparator compares the difference as measured against a predetermined safe difference for the measured current. If the measured value exceeds the predetermined safe value an alarm is given. In one embodiment of the invention the difference between the two temperatures is compared to a predetermined safe difference independent of current measurements.

Abstract: A blood transfer assembly comprises of a standard Luer lock style syringe that has a needle and a protective cap in place. The assembly further comprises a blood transfer guide housing that contains a first optional set of barbs that holds the cylindrical end of the syringe. A second set of barbs rigidly hold the needle and prevent the needle being withdrawn from the guide. As the syringe is inserted into the guide the protective cap will pass through the first and second set of barbs until the syringe and the guide come in mechanical contact with each other forming a single assembly.

Abstract: An flight-safe indicator for a battery displays the flight-safety state of a battery to be transported by an aircraft. The indicator can be easily recognized by ground personnel anywhere regardless of the language they speak or read. The indicator comprises an icon indicating that the battery is safe for flight and would be easily recognized by personnel at an airport. The icon would be placed on the battery or on the battery packaging prior to loading on the aircraft. When the magnitude of power stored on the battery exceeds a safety threshold, the icon changes to an indication that the battery is not safe for transporting by aircraft and the operator may discharge the battery using a load until it reaches a safe level.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and method adapted to reduce battery capacity as a function of increased temperature thereby permitting partial charges at temperatures in excess of manufacturer's recommendations. The method includes steps of reducing charging current and charging voltage as a function of battery temperature thereby averting chemical instability within the battery. The apparatus detects battery temperature and includes a controller that will control charger voltage and current as a function of temperature and determine a suitable charging capacity.

Abstract: A battery self heating system for batteries that experience battery impedance or internal battery resistance when temperature drops. The system comprises an energy storage element applied to the battery terminals to draw energy from the battery. The energy is stored in a magnetic or capacitive storage device. The system is self-resonant so that energy transfer from the storage device to the battery will occur at a frequency and load level that is compatible with the current state of the battery. Internal heating of the battery is accomplished by a cycle comprising the out flux and influx of energy through the impedance of the battery. Energy losses due to battery impedance are converted to heat thereby heating the battery internally.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a resource consumption meter emitting and detecting a signal having a first frequency relative to the rate of metered resource consumption. The apparatus comprises at least one signal detection means adapted to detect said signal from said resource consumption meter; and, a circuit operatively connected to the signal detection means and adapted for interpreting the signal for a human. A method for multi-mode operation of the apparatus is disclosed so that it is possible for the apparatus to automatically detect the type of resource consumption meter it is attached to and operate accordingly.

Abstract: In a remote battery charging system comprising a charging circuit there is always a voltage loss due to inherent resistances in the system from such things as connectors and conductors. These resistances create voltages losses in the system such that charging time are increased substantially. The present invention compensates for voltage losses on the system by generating a dynamic adjustment voltage over the charging period. A voltage translator circuit is used to measure charging circuit output voltage and current over a plurality of incremental time periods during the charging period an calculate a signal proportional to changes in output voltage and current over the incremental time period. The signal is then applied to the charging circuit to offset any voltage losses.

Abstract: A graphic state of battery charge indicator is used to provide the user with a visual indication of state of battery charge, magnitude of current flow and direction of current flow by using displays such as multi-segment LCD or LED displays in the shape of a battery. The indicator is able to provide these parameters by sequencing the on/off operation of the segmented displays. A microcontroller is provided battery state data from a battery monitor and converts this information to on/off commands for the segmented displays. There may be up to 10 segmented displays in the indicator with each segment proportionally representing a percentage of the state of battery charge. State of charge is indicated by a single on display at the appropriate location in the display. Current flowing into the battery is represented by a ripple effect in the displays in the positive direction. Current flowing out of the battery is represented by a ripple effect in the display in the negative direction.