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 voltage monitor semiconductor device to monitor voltages of multiple rechargeable devices to output a detection result signal to indicate overcharge, over-discharge, or excess-current, the voltage monitor semiconductor device including multiple voltage input terminals, corresponding to the multiple rechargeable devices, to monitor the voltages of the corresponding rechargeable devices as monitor voltages; and a test signal generation circuit to generate a first test signal that inverts when at least one of the monitor voltages falls below a predetermined first threshold voltage that is not used normally as an abnormal state.

Abstract: Provision is made for an interchangeable accumulator unit comprising a housing (10, 20) and a lithium accumulator cell (40) arranged in the housing. Provision is further made in the housing of the accumulator unit for a charging circuit (50) for controlling the charging process of the lithium accumulator cell (40). Provision is made on the housing (10, 20) for at least one first charging contact unit (100, 200).

Abstract: A battery pack, a battery charger, a method for charging a battery pack are provided. The battery pack includes a secondary battery, a switch element for controlling charging and discharging the secondary battery, a controller for controlling the switch element, and a communication unit for performing with a battery charger. During charging, an initial charging is switched to a quick charging when a voltage of the secondary battery reaches a predetermined voltage, and the battery charger judges the battery pack as abnormal when the voltage does not reach the predetermined voltage within a timeout period after the initial charging is started. At least one of the timeout period and the predetermined is stored. At least one of the timeout period and the predetermined voltage to be read out is transmitted through the communication unit to the battery charger.

Abstract: A car battery array is provided with battery blocks (2) having a plurality of connected batteries (1), a first load-bearing plate (3) on top of which the battery blocks are mounted, a second load-bearing plate (4) attached on both sides to the first load-bearing plate and covering the tops of the battery blocks, and a reinforcing rod (5) that connects with the second load-bearing plate and the battery blocks to attach the second load-bearing plate to the battery blocks. The battery blocks are disposed in a battery compartment (6) established inside the first and second load-bearing plates, which are joined together on both sides. The battery blocks are mounted on top of the first load-bearing plate and connected to the second load-bearing plate via the reinforcing rod to support the battery block load with the first load-bearing plate and the second load-bearing plate.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method includes determining whether a universal serial bus (USB) peripheral device is connected to a USB monitoring device that is connected to a medical device and drawing power from the medical device. The medical device is configured for use in a medical procedure with a patient. The method also includes determining whether the USB peripheral device is drawing power from the medical device if the USB peripheral device is determined to be connected to the USB monitoring device.

Abstract: A mother board including a controller, a rapid charging initiation unit, a connection port, and a switching unit is provided. The rapid charging initiation unit provides a first voltage ranging from 3.2 V to 11 V and a second voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 0.6 V. A voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage ranges from 0.5 V to 0.8 V. The connection port is coupled to a smartphone. The switching unit is coupled to the controller, the rapid charging initiation unit, and the connection port for determining whether the connection port is coupled to the controller or the rapid charging initiation unit according to a switching signal. When the connection port is coupled to the rapid charging initiation unit, the first voltage and the second voltage are sent to the smartphone through the connection port for activating the rapid charging function of the smartphone.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a battery system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A battery pack and a charging system including the battery pack are disclosed. According to one aspect, when the battery pack is charged, magnets are used to fix the battery pack in a correct position within a charger, thereby improving charging efficiency. The battery pack includes at least one first magnet and a second magnet having an opposite magnetic pole from that of the first magnet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery. The battery includes a contactless communication control block configured to execute contactless communication as a transponder and a reader/writer which are based on electromagnetic induction. The battery further includes an antenna configured to execute the contactless communication as the transponder; and an antenna configured to execute the contactless communication as the reader/writer. The battery further includes a battery control block configured to control a charge operation of a cell block. The contactless communication control block communicates, in a contactless manner, a charge state of the cell block supplied from the battery control block.

Abstract: In a battery charger for charging a built-in secondary battery of a compact electric apparatus such as an electric shaver, an erroneous detection due to incomplete mounting of the compact electric apparatus on a mounting base is prevented with a simple and inexpensive configuration. A detection structure for detecting mounting of the compact electric apparatus on the mounting base comprises a charge contact member, a common contact member and a signal contact member which are electrically connected to a positive power source line, a negative power source line and a control signal line of the compact electric apparatus, respectively. A detection contact which electrically connects the signal contact member to the common contact member when the compact electric apparatus is not mounted on the mounting base is integrally formed on the signal contact member.

Abstract: A storage battery which can be replaced by simple operations within a very short time. The storage battery includes: a plate-shaped plug-in terminal provided to protrude at one side surface of a storage battery having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a clamping terminal made of a plurality of parallel plate-shaped members that can clamp the plate-shaped plug-in terminal, and that is provided to protrude at the other side surface of the storage battery, thereby facilitating the storage battery replacement operation. The plug-in terminals or clamping terminals are preferably provided side-by-side in pairs on the respective side. The storage battery preferably has a display device 7 to display data of a charged power amount, a consumed power amount, a remaining power amount, or a storage battery temperature; and a data output unit for outputting the data to a control device of the automobile.

Abstract: A recharging system for a rechargeable battery in an electronic device includes a receiver and a power supply. The receiver is fixed to a surface of a casing of the electronic device. The receiver includes a receiving coil connected to the rechargeable battery. The receiving coil is a planar spiral coil substantially parallel to the surface of the casing of the electronic device. The power supply includes a base and a source coil attached to a surface of the base corresponding to the receiving coil, and the source coil is a planar spiral coil and capable of magnetically coupling to the receiving coil of the receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods to detect a failure of a subset of component power packs within a multiple component rechargeable power pack. At least one parameter of a charging current that is provided for a time duration to a rechargeable power pack is determined. A measured capacity change quantity for the rechargeable power pack during the time duration is estimated. The measured capacity change quantity is compared, after the time duration, to an expected capacity change quantity that is based upon the at least one parameter. A determination is made that at least one component power pack within the rechargeable power pack has failed based on a difference between the measured capacity change quantity and the expected capacity change quantity. A charging current parameter is modified in response to the determining that the at least one component power pack has failed.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a battery pack, having a control circuit for a switched-mode power supply transformer assigned to the charging device, the transformer having at least one primary winding switchable using a power switch and at least one first secondary winding for generating an electrical output voltage for charging the battery pack, the output voltage having a first amplitude which is predefinable by a control unit and adjustable using a first voltage limiting control loop. The transformer has at least one second secondary winding for generating at least one electrical auxiliary voltage having a second amplitude which is predefinable by the control unit and adjustable using a second voltage limiting control loop in order to at least reduce an energy feed assigned to an operation of the control circuit from the primary winding to the secondary windings in a standby mode of the control circuit.

Abstract: A goggle includes a lens assembly which comprises a front lens, a rear lens spaced apart from the front lens, and a liquid crystal device disposed on one of the lenses. The goggle includes a frame, which defines an aperture and a peripheral channel. The peripheral channel receives the front lens and the rear lens is positioned rearward of the channel so that the aperture receives the lens assembly. A power unit includes a battery and a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit is connected to a pair of prongs that are electrically connectable to the liquid crystal device for operation thereof. The power unit provides a master switch connected to the battery to control application of power to the drive circuit, and a state change switch to control application of power from the drive circuit, through the prongs, to the liquid crystal device.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked to the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors. When a cooling water temperature Tw of the engine is lower than a threshold Twref, the intermittent operation of the engine is prohibited, and a controller performs a warm-up control on a condition that a battery temperature Tb is a preset reference temperature T?, while performing a low state of charge control on condition that a battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to a preset reference temperature T? and lower than a preset reference temperature T?.

Abstract: An electrical combination includes a power tool having a body, a motor supported by the body, a support portion, and a drive mechanism driven by the motor such that the drive mechanism is operable to drive a tool element. The electrical combination also includes a battery operable for coupling to the power tool via the support portion. The battery is electrically connectable with the motor to selectively supply power to the motor. A single latch is positioned on the support portion of the power tool. The single latch is moveable between a locked position to secure the battery to the power tool and an unlocked position to allow removal of the battery from the support portion of the power tool.

Abstract: A battery charging method, and a battery pack using the same. In the battery charging method, constant-current charging is performed in a plurality of phases, and a magnitude of charge current with which a battery is charged is determined according to a charge amount of the battery. The charge amount may be determined by measuring the voltage of the battery or by integrating the charging current over time. When the battery charging method is used, a battery charging time is reduced and the battery is less apt to be overcharged.

Abstract: In a charging device having a power element for producing a charge voltage for charging a battery pack from an input voltage provided by an input voltage source, the power element and the input voltage source being capable of being connected to one another in electrically conductive fashion via a separator that can be controlled by a control unit, and the separator being fashioned for the purpose of producing, in an allocated switching mode, an electrically conductive connection between the power element and the input voltage source and, in an allocated separating mode, separating this electrically conductive connection, the control unit is connected, at least for standby power supply, to an allocated energy storage device, and is fashioned for the purpose of controlling the separator during the transition from a charge operating mode to a standby operating mode of the charging device, in order to change the separator over from switching mode to separating mode.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a mobile device is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a mobile charging system comprises a mobile device having a battery, a robotic device removably connected to the mobile device, and a charging station removably connected to the robotic device. The robotic device is adapted to detect docking of the mobile device. If the docking of the mobile device is detected, the robotic device autonomously returns to the charging station for charging the battery of the mobile device. The robotic device receives an instruction from the mobile device or a user and performs tasks associated with the instruction.

Abstract: A battery assembly having batteries connected in series to form rows and columns of battery cells into packs that combine the energy of multiple batteries. The battery cells are joined together to form columns of cells connected mechanically together by an exterior connection sleeve, and mechanically and electrically connected together by a conductive epoxy joining the end of one cell to the end of an adjacent cell in series. The columns of cells are mounted and held in place by racks, with bolts passing through the racks to form a sandwich structure that secures the position and orientation of the cells and columns, and that maintains the electrical connection between joined cells. Perpendicularly disposed to the direction of the columns are a series of conductive bands that join adjacent cells together along rows of cells.

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: An attachable battery pack having a battery body with a pivoted clamp for detachably fastening to one end of an intelligent cell phone (iPhone or Google phone) as a spare battery. The battery body is configured to overlay the display screen of the intelligent cell phone to provide protection for the display screen and includes a charging circuit and connector for charging the built-in battery of the intelligent cell phone.

Abstract: A battery pack includes one or more cell blocks in which one or more secondary battery cells are connected in series and/or in parallel, and a control section for measuring a voltage of the one or more cell blocks to detect an abnormality of a cell block on the basis of a measurement result. The control section calculates a time differential of the voltage for the one or more cell blocks on the basis of the measured voltage, extracts a first time differential which is maximum and a second time differential which is minimum from the time differentials of the voltage for the one or more cell blocks, and determines that a cell block corresponding to the second time differential is abnormal in a case where a difference between the first time differential and the second time differential is less than a prescribed value.

Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one secondary battery, a fuse, and a control section. The fuse is configured to cut off charge or discharge current of the secondary battery upon detection of an abnormality of the secondary battery. The control section is configured to detect the abnormality of the secondary battery, and to perform a fusion-cutting process of fusion-cutting the fuse in accordance with the result of the detection. Upon detection of the abnormality, the control section measures a first potential being the potential of a subsequent stage of the fuse and a second potential being the potential of the secondary battery. If it is found from the result of the measurement that the first potential and the second potential are equal, the control section determines that the fuse has not been fusion-cut by the fusion-cutting process, and stops the fusion-cutting process.

Abstract: A power tool, having attached thereto a battery device including one or a plurality of cell assemblies, includes a motor which is supplied with a DC current from the battery device, a switching element which controls a drive and a stop of the motor, means which detects a number of cell assemblies, and control means which controls the switching element in such a way as to stop the drive of the motor when the number of cell assemblies is smaller than a prescribed value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power saving method and apparatus for powering a lower voltage device from a higher voltage power source. The apparatus includes a switch having an input coupled to an output of the higher voltage power source. The apparatus further includes a high-to-low voltage converter having an input coupled to an output of the switch. The apparatus also includes a power plug having an input coupled to an output of the high-to-low voltage power converter, and an output configured to receive a power socket of the low voltage device. Finally, the apparatus includes a switch actuator coupled to the power plug and the switch. When the power plug is operatively engaged within the power socket of the lower voltage device, the switch actuator closes the switch. When the power plug is operatively disengaged from the power plug, the switch actuator opens the switch.

Abstract: An inductively enabled audio speaker is disclosed configured to receive power inductively from an inductive power outlet. The audio speaker device has a voice coil which, as well as being able to produce an audible output, is further configured to function as a secondary inductor to inductively couple with a primary inductor. The inductively enabled audio speaker may be used to power an electrical device such as a Bluetooth earpiece, a telephone or the like.

Abstract: Provided is a battery cover fixing means in a battery cover of a portable terminal which includes at least one pogo pin provided on the portable terminal, at least one combining rib formed on the battery cover and supported on the portable terminal, and at least one fixing groove formed spaced apart from the combining rib on the battery cover. When the battery cover is attached to the portable terminal, the combining rib engages the support groove and thereafter, the pogo pin is fit into and releasably engages the support groove, thereby releasably fixing the battery cover on the portable terminal. Thus, it is easy to open and close a battery mounting groove using a battery cover through a battery cover fixing means using a pogo pin. In addition, the appearance of the portable terminal is improved by obviating the need for a conventional release tab to effect the release of the battery.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a large number of Handheld Electronic Devices is implemented as a carrying case having circuitry configured to connect to the Handheld Electronic Devices to enable the HEDs to be charged and synchronized. The carrying case has a central area configured to hold the circuitry for charging and synchronizing the HEDs, and a pair of divider structures on either side of the central area to hold the HEDs in a protective manner while stored in the carrying case. A grounded protective coating is applied to the interior of the carrying case to dissipate electromagnetic radiation generated by the circuitry and/or HEDs within the carrying case.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. According to some aspects, the battery pack includes at least one chargeable battery cell, and a charge control circuit that receives a control signal from an external source. The charge control circuit is configured to control charging of the battery cell according to the control signal. As a result, a charging operation may be stably performed.

Abstract: The embodiments relate generally to a docking charger for charging a hand held electronic device. The docking charger has a docking base formed with a reception area. The reception area has a shape and size to support and hold the hand held electronic device in a charging position when the protective cover case is fitted on the hand held electronic device. The docking charger also has a charger adapter formed to be removably fitted in the reception area of the docking base. The charger adapter has an interior chamber shaped and sized to directly support and hold the hand held electronic device in the charging position when the protective cover case is removed from the hand held electronic device. The docking charger has two working positions. In the first working position where the charger adapter is removed from the reception area of the docking base, the reception area is exposed to receive the hand held electronic device fitted with its protective cover case.

Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one battery cell and a base and a cover, together adapted to house the at least one battery cell. A plurality of linking holes are located on at least one first side surface of one of the base or the cover, each linking hole defined by a periphery, wherein at least a portion of the periphery includes a reinforcement that is thicker than the thickness of the first side surface. A plurality of linking protrusions are located on at least one second side surface of the other of the base or the cover, each of the plurality of linking protrusions adapted to mate with a corresponding linking hole, thereby holding the base and cover in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A battery pack including a protection circuit configured to detect over-charge, over-discharge and over-current of a rechargeable battery to turn off a switch element, the switch element provided at a wire provided between the rechargeable battery and a load circuit or a charging device; a series circuit of a thermistor and a resistor, the series circuit provided in parallel to the rechargeable battery, the thermistor thermally connected to the rechargeable battery; and an abnormal temperature detection unit provided in the protection circuit, wherein the abnormal temperature detection unit operates the switch to be in an off state when the temperature of the rechargeable battery is higher than a predetermined temperature, and when a voltage of the wire is higher than a threshold voltage of a forward drop voltage of a body diode in the switch, the abnormal temperature detection unit operates the switch to be in an on state.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes a portable electronic device and a charger for capacitively charging the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is temporarily placed adjacent the charger. The portable electronic device includes a device data communication unit and an associated battery, and a pair of device capacitive electrodes, defining a device conductive footprint, to receive a charging signal to charge the battery. The charger includes a base having an area larger than the device conductive footprint and able to receive the portable electronic device thereon in a plurality of different positions, and an array of charger capacitive electrodes carried by the base. A charger controller selectively drives only the charger capacitive electrodes within the device conductive footprint with a charging signal to capacitively charge the battery.

Abstract: A rechargeable aircraft battery assembly includes at least one lithium-ion cell having a positive cell terminal and a negative cell terminal and a battery management circuit operable to control charging and/or discharging of the lithium-ion cell. The battery management circuit is constantly off when the aircraft circuit is not engaged with the battery connector and is constantly on when the aircraft circuit is engaged with the battery connector.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device, system and method for multiple mobile communication devices that may be charged according to their relative priority and/or for multiple mobile communication devices that may be charged to a minimum level. The devices may be connected in any order physically, but based upon their relative charging priority the device with the highest priority may receive a charge first. The device with second highest priority may receive a charge second. Their relative priority may be communicated between the devices by wireless communication. In one embodiment, one or more devices may receive a minimum charge to allow operation, before the devices with the highest priorities are fully charged. In regions where electrical utility infrastructures are minimally developed users may share electrical facilities to recharge a plurality of mobile communication devices so that the devices with the highest priority of the grouped devices are fully charged first.

Abstract: A method for charging at least two batteries each having at least one cell is disclosed. During a first charging phase, batteries are charged sequentially to a first charge status and afterwards batteries are charged during a second charging phase sequentially to a second, higher charge status. The first charging phase is begun with the battery having the lowest charge status. In addition, a charging device for carrying out the method according to the invention and a mobile electric appliance including such a charging device are disclosed.

Abstract: A battery charging device includes a power terminal unit to be connected to a power source and provided with power therefrom, a charging terminal unit to be connected to a power terminal of a battery, and a holding device to be fixed to side faces of the battery when the charging terminal unit contacts the power terminal of the battery.

Abstract: An electric power tool system comprises a tool main body, a battery pack detachably attached to the tool main body and a first charger that charges the battery pack. The first charger is detachably attached to the tool main body and/or the battery pack. The first charger is capable of charging the battery pack while the battery pack is attached to the tool main body. The first charger is preferably cordless and contains at least rechargeable battery for storing energy to charge the battery pack.

Abstract: A method performed by a charging device may include detecting a presence of an external device connected to a secondary side of the charging device and setting a switch on a primary side of the charging device to an off state when a presence of an external device is not detected.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a communication port integral with a battery pack assembly is disclosed. The system provides a pathway between an external unit and a host unit via a printed circuit board of the battery pack. The battery pack can include communication ports mounted on the printed circuit board for interfacing with external units. The printed circuit board further includes a substrate(s) formed with a predetermined wiring pattern electrically and/or mechanically joined to the CPU of the host unit, as well as the battery cell(s).

Abstract: In order to shorten a period of time necessary for charging a battery, and further, to prevent a temperature of a mobile terminal from raising, the mobile terminal 100 is comprised of a case 102 in which electronic parts are arranged, a battery 104 mounted in the case 102, a battery-charging circuit 106 supplying a current to the battery 104, a charge controller 108 allowing the battery-charging circuit 106 to charge the battery 104 or stopping the battery-charging circuit 106 from charging the battery 104, and a temperature sensor 112 detecting a temperature in the case 102, wherein the charge controller 108 controls the current to be supplied to the battery 104, in accordance with a temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112.

Abstract: Female guide portions for slidingly attaching a battery pack are formed by integral molding of a case main body. Exposed step portions are formed on the female guide portions, which includes protruding portions as thin-walled portions by application from the outer side (the upper side) of a mold so as to reduce the thickness of a thick-walled resin portion. An opening communicating with the inner and outer side of the case is not provided, while the protruding portions are formed as thin-walled portions. Bottom surfaces of the exposed step portions are formed so as to be sloped with respect to the horizontal direction when the battery charger is placed on a horizontal base, and water dropped on the bottom surfaces can flow outside of the case due to the slope without remaining thereon.

Abstract: A charging socket has a base and a holding body covering the base. The holding body has an opening receiving recess, and a first holding plate. A gear element has a ring-like body mounted in the base. The ring-like body has gear teeth at an outer periphery thereof, and a connecting portion connected with the base by a connecting spring for forcing the ring-like body to rotate. A swingable arm pivoted to the base has a ratchet tooth engaged with the gear teeth for stopping the ring-like body from being pulled by the connecting spring to rotate. A movable element has a basic plate slidably received in the receiving recess, and a second holding plate. A side of the basic plate is connected with a rack parallel to a sliding direction of the movable element and is lower than a bottom of the basic plate, engaging with the gear teeth.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a battery management system that has a plurality of loads connected in electrical series with one another, and a controller operatively connected to the plurality of loads. A first battery pack has battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another to establish a system voltage. The first battery pack is connected in electrical parallel to the plurality of loads. The controller is operable to balance charges of the battery cells by activating selected ones of the loads. The battery management system and the first battery pack are configured such that an additional battery pack with additional battery cells connected in electrical series with respect to one another or an additional load pack with additional loads connected in electrical series with respect to one another is connectable to the battery management system. A method of managing battery capacity is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact-less power supply magnetically coupled to a battery device having a receiving coil therein, for contact-less charging the battery device, the contact-less power supply having a sending coil array including a plurality of sending coils for inducing a charging power to the receiving coil; and a driving means for detecting a sending coil magnetically coupled to the receiving coil and selectively driving only the detected sending coil.

Abstract: A portable telecommunications device comprises a charging interface for connection to an external power supply, a voltage and current ratio converter configured to convert an input voltage at the charging interface into an output voltage for charging a battery; and a controller configured to control the converter.