With Charger Stand Or Base Adapted To Hold Battery Pack Patents (Class 320/113)
  • Patent number: 8419644
    Abstract: The present application discloses a cordless charger for a wearable patient monitor. When a patient (10) is diagnosed with a heart condition, or suspected heart condition, they are prescribed a patient monitoring system. The system includes monitors (12) that the patient (10) wears to collect the data of interest. Each day, the patient swaps the monitor (12) he or she is wearing with a fully charged monitor (12) from a cordless charger (14). In this manner, a fresh monitor (12) is always available for monitoring the patient (10). The cordless charger (14) includes a battery (50) that powers the processes of the charger and recharges batteries (34) of the monitors (12). Data from the monitors can be either offloaded to the charger memory (70), or transmitted to a remote database (32) via the patient's Bluetooth enabled cellular phone (30) or other like device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jacco C. Eerden
  • Patent number: 8410751
    Abstract: A device housing a battery (50) includes a receiving coil (51), and a charging pad (10) includes a transmitting coil (11) that magnetically couples with, and supplies charging power to the receiving coil. The device further includes a modulator circuit (61) that changes the impedance of the receiving coil according to internal battery data. The charging pad further includes a detection circuit (17) that detects receiving coil impedance changes to detect the battery data. The modulator circuit has a load circuit (62) connected in parallel with the receiving coil and has a series-connected switching device (64) and impedance modulating capacitor (63), and a control circuit (65) that switches the load circuit switching device ON and OFF according to the battery data. The modulator circuit switches the switching device 64 ON and OFF to transmit battery data to the charging pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyozo Terao, Shoichi Toya
  • Patent number: 8405360
    Abstract: The energy-efficient fast charging method is applicable to an energy-efficient fast charging device having a power conversion module and at least a fast chargeable energy storage device. The power conversion module obtains and converts an input power from an external power source, and produces an internal DC power. The method contains the following steps. First, whether an external energy storage device is connected is detected. Then, if the presence of the external energy storage device is not detected, the internal fast chargeable energy storage device is charged by the internal DC power output from the power conversion module. Otherwise, the external energy storage device is charged by the internal DC power output from the power conversion module and the stored power of the fast chargeable energy storage device simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: EVP Technology LLC USA
    Inventors: James Young, Yaw-Chung Cheng, Hao-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 8400108
    Abstract: A battery assembly with a housing that contains a removable battery pack. The housing, which is sterilzable, has a head designed to couple to a power consuming device. The battery pack, which is not sterlizable, contains at least one rechargeable cell. The battery pack has a head dimensioned to fit the same charger socket that can receive a sterlizable battery. The battery pack has contacts that abut charger contacts. The housing has internal contacts. Collectively, the housing and battery pack are shaped so that, when the battery pack seats in the housing, the battery pack contacts abut the housing internal contacts. The housing internal contacts are connected to the housing external contacts for supply power to the power consuming device. A cover selectively holds the battery pack in the housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Matt Powell, Vaughn R. Gerber, Ronald Duis
  • Patent number: 8400109
    Abstract: A flashlight charger includes a bottom plate provided with a pressing element and an electrically conducting part fixedly connected to a top plate that partially covers the pressing element and the electrically conducting part. A flashlight to be charged is aligned and connected with the flashlight charger and then pushed backward relative to the flashlight charger to allow the charging terminals at one end of the flashlight charger to make good electrical contact with the corresponding charging ends of the flashlight while the flashlight is securely fastened with the flashlight charger. When charging is completed, the flashlight can be removed from the flashlight charger rapidly and conveniently. The flashlight charger features good and stable electrical contact in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Day Sun Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8384350
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cell voltage balancing device for connecting two or more battery cells to one another in parallel so as to minimize a voltage difference between the respective battery cells, the battery cell voltage balancing device including an insulative main body having partitions, between which the two or more battery cells are mounted, respectively, configured in a structure in which the partitions are open upward, terminal connection parts disposed at opposite ends of the insulative main body for connecting cathodes and anodes of the battery cells mounted at the insulative main body to cathodes and anodes of neighboring battery cells mounted at the insulative main body, and an interval adjustment unit for variably adjusting an interval between the partitions in a state in which the battery cells are mounted between the partitions to achieve secure mounting of the battery cells between the respective partitions and electrical connection of electrode terminals of the respective battery cells
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Inchul Shin, Jongmoon Yoon, Minchul Jang, Jaeseong Yeo, Eun Ji Yoo
  • Patent number: 8378625
    Abstract: A device for mounting a mobile electronic device to an alternating current charger is provided. The mount allows the user to charge a mobile electronic device with the alternating current charger provided by the original equipment manufacturer of the mobile electronic device. The mount also protects the mobile electronic device from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Robert Gourley
  • Patent number: 8378630
    Abstract: A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Navid
  • Publication number: 20130020996
    Abstract: A lockable charging station for charging rechargeable electric devices comprising a base to encapsulate the electrical charging station and a plurality of locking cover members, wherein each locking cover member is removably mechanically engageable with the base via tab and slot engagement and is individually lockable to the base using a lock. Each locking cover member secures an individual electric device to the base so that the electric device is held in electrical engagement with the charging station until the individual user removes the locking cover. The lockable charging station may include a multi-unit charger with an encapsulating base and plurality of locking cover members or a base with mounting points for individual chargers and a plurality of locking covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Owens Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Kirtley, Craig Randall
  • Patent number: 8356910
    Abstract: An adapter for replacing an original battery, light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a first type with a replacement battery light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a second and different type may comprise first terminals configured similarly to terminals of an original battery, light or battery powered device, second terminals for connecting to a replacement battery, light or battery powered device, and an electronic circuit for controlling charging of the battery of the replacement battery, light or battery powered device connected to the second terminals when a battery charging device for a battery of the first type is connected to the first terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman A. Messinger, Thomas D. Boris, Lawrence H. Bennett, III
  • Patent number: 8358102
    Abstract: A system for use in supplying current to a plurality of power storage devices includes a first charging device configured to supply current to a first power storage device. At least one other charging device is coupled to the first charging device to form a network and is configured to supply current to at least one other power storage device of the plurality of power storage devices. When the first charging device possesses a network token, it determines a second charging parameter associated with said second charging device, and a second amount of current to be at least one of received from the electrical supply or supplied to the first power storage device, based at least in part on said determined first and second charging parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cecil Rivers, Jr., Radoslaw Narel
  • Patent number: 8354823
    Abstract: A charger includes a base, a frame, a cover, and at least one spring. The base defines a groove. The frame defines at least one positioning member. The cover is capable of moving between a latched position and a unlatched position. The cover includes a latching tab and at least one limiting protrusion. The at least one spring provides a rebound force to the frame. When the cover is in the latched position, the latching tab is received in the groove, the at least one positioning member engages the at least one limiting protrusion, and the at least one spring is compressed by the frame. When the cover moves to the unlatched position, the latching tab disengages from the groove, the at least one positioning member disengages from the at least one limiting protrusion, causing the frame to be ejected upwardly by the at least one spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dai-Wei Shao
  • Patent number: 8344690
    Abstract: A method for simultaneously surgically sterilizing and charging a battery, which comprises providing an inductively powered battery charger inside a selectively sealable surgical sterilization enclosure of a surgical sterilization device. The surgical sterilization device is operable to surgically sterilize at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument placed therewithin. The charger has an inductive power receiver sub-assembly operable to receive power inductively and to supply charging power to the at least one rechargeable battery. The at least one rechargeable battery is electrically charged while being surgically sterilized by supplying power inductively from a power supply positioned outside the surgical sterilization enclosure to the inductive power receiver sub-assembly through the surgical sterilization enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Michael Sean McBrayer, Derek Dee Deville, Thomas O. Bales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8342278
    Abstract: Structures of a supporting mechanism for a power source in a vehicle can include a seat portion and a fixing portion. The seat portion can be attached to a body of the vehicle. The fixing portion can extend from the seat portion. One or more stackable power sources can be accommodated within and secured by the fixing portion. The power source supporting mechanism can be easily mounted in available space in or on or otherwise associated with the vehicle, enabling the power source supporting mechanism to be readily adaptable to various different kinds of vehicles. The vehicles may be motorcycles, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Oohashi
  • Patent number: 8344691
    Abstract: A retrofitting, inductive-battery-charging device for use with a surgical sterilization device, comprising an inductive charging assembly and an inductively powered battery-charging platform that is sterilizable inside a surgical sterilization device and is operable to charge at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument when the rechargeable battery is placed at the platform. The inductive charging assembly comprises an inductive-power-supply sub-assembly electrically connected to a power supply and is operable to supply power inductively over a distance at least equal to a width of a wall of the surgical sterilization device, and an inductive-power-receiver sub-assembly that is sterilizable inside the surgical sterilization device and electrically coupled to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Michael Sean McBrayer, Derek Dee Deville, Thomas O. Bales, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120326669
    Abstract: A power tool storage case includes a main case that has a tool storage portion, a battery storage portion and a charger storage portion, and a lid that can open and close the main case. The charger storage portion is a dual-purpose storage portion that can hold one of a charger and a battery pack in accordance with selection of one of the charger and the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru HORIYAMA, Atsushi KANOU, Shusaku WAKATSUKI, Shinya BITO
  • Patent number: 8330426
    Abstract: Each of a battery charger and a battery pack has a microcomputer. The respective microcomputers mutually perform data communication while the battery pack is being charged by the battery charger, and confirm an operational state of the microcomputer of the communication counterpart (mutual operation confirmation) based on a result of the data communication. When an abnormality of one of the microcomputers is detected, the other microcomputer executes a predetermined process for stopping charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Tadahiko Kobayakawa, Tomoo Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 8330416
    Abstract: A thin and compact battery module capable of suppressing an increase in temperature of the battery in the battery module when the battery is charged. The battery module 20 includes a power circuit 21 having a heat-generating multilayer inductor 21A, a resin layer 22 in which the power circuit 21 is embedded, and a secondary cell arranged on the top face of the resin layer 22. The resin layer 22 has multiple recesses 22A in a portion that is in contact with the secondary cell 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shinji Goma
  • Patent number: 8288987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for recharging a battery of a portable ionizing-radiation sensor resting on a recharging base. The sensor includes, on one or more accessible faces, a plurality of electrical-contact areas connected to the battery that powers the sensor. The recharging base comprises a device for mobilizing one or more mobile contacts. The mobile contacts are connected to a power source. The mobile contacts mechanically enter the body (i.e., housing) of the recharging base and mechanically protrude from the body of the recharging base through one or more openings made in the body of the recharging base. The mobile contacts are electrically in contact with the plurality of electrical-contact areas of the sensor if one or more of the plurality of electrical-contact areas are positioned facing the openings when the mobile contacts protrude from the recharging base. An embodiment of the invention may be used for X-ray or Gamma-ray medical imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Trixell S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thibaut Wirth, Nicolas Demartinecourt, Robert Neyret
  • Patent number: 8283889
    Abstract: A charging device (10, 100) includes a charging unit (12) and at least one interchangeable, rechargeable energy storage unit (14), in particular an interchangeable battery (18), of a power tool (16). Each energy storage unit (14) has first contact means (24) for contacting the corresponding power tool (16) and additional contact elements (38) for contacting the charging unit (12) in such a way that the charging unit (12) is able to charge the energy storage unit (14) via the additional contact elements (38), both when the unit is connected to the power tool (16) and when it is disconnected from the power tool (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Osswald, Ursula Schmid, Klaus Dengler
  • Patent number: 8278873
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing and charging a battery of a surgical instrument, comprising a surgical sterilization device that has a sealable sterilization enclosure and is operable to surgically sterilize a rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument when the battery is sealed in the sterilization enclosure. An inductively powered battery-charging platform is also disposed inside the sterilization enclosure and has a charger that conductively charges the battery when the battery is placed at the charger. A power receiver sub-assembly that is electrically coupled to the charger receives electrical power inductively from a power supply that is disposed outside the sterilization enclosure. Thus, the battery is charged without breaching the sealed sterilization enclosure and simultaneously while the battery is being sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Michael Sean McBrayer, Derek Dee Deville, Thomas O. Bales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8274256
    Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Brandon, II, Jason M Barr, Peter F Hoffman, David A Furth, Rachel P Devereaux, Mandy Iswarienko
  • Patent number: 8274257
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable charging equipment in which a socket is provided on side edge of a backup battery and a plug is correspondingly provided on a charger device. A recessed arc portion formed on the bottom surface of the charger device is to abut closely against the peripheral outer edge of the backup battery. A boost unit provided in the charger device is electrically connected to the plug, and a lead wire connected to the boost unit has an output terminal provided on the other end. A tightening strap body having hook and loop structure is attached to the charger device. The backup battery and the charger device can be inseparably affixed together by the fastening action of the tightening strap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Yun-Zhao Liu
  • Patent number: 8258745
    Abstract: A device for charging at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument that comprises a sealed container operable to enclose and create a microbial seal around the battery. The sealed container permits surgical sterilization and inductive charging of the battery while the battery is enclosed therein. The device further comprises an inductive charging assembly having a power receiver sub-assembly inside the sealed container and electrically coupled to the battery whereby the power receiver sub-assembly is operable to receive electrical power inductively from outside the sealed container and to charge the battery electrically coupled to the power receiver sub-assembly. A power supply is disposed outside the sealed container and supplies power inductively to the power receiver sub-assembly through the sealed container such that the sealed container is not structurally breached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Sean McBrayer, Derek Dee Deville, Thomas O. Bales, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120217929
    Abstract: A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Amir Navid
  • Patent number: 8253373
    Abstract: A charger for recharging the batteries of a portable electronic device even when no external power source is available. A battery or cell is installed within the charger, and when no access is available to a fixed power source into which the charger can be plugged, the internal battery or cell can be used to recharge the electronic device. The internal battery can be a primary battery or a secondary battery. In the latter case, the internal battery can be maintained in a charged state by means of circuitry which, when the charger is plugged into the external power source, charges the internal battery as well as the battery of the electronic device. The external power source can be either an AC power wall socket, in which case the charger includes AC/DC voltage conversion circuits, or a car lighter socket, or the DC output of a conventional wall charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Techtium Ltd
    Inventors: Dror Manor, Amnon Saar, Guy Weinstein, Daniel Breiting, Hans Vercoulen
  • Patent number: 8253375
    Abstract: A battery charger includes a bottom case comprising a bottom surface. A cover is attached on the case defining a curved groove and two openings. A seat is fixed on the bottom surface and comprises a first inclined surface inclined relative to the bottom surface. A slider is slidably arranged in the case and comprises two spring contacts aligned with the two openings, respectively. The slider is slidable to a position where the spring contacts protrude out of the two openings. The driving member is arranged in the bottom case and includes a post protruding out of the curved groove. A mating member comprises a second inclined surface inclined relative to the bottom surface engaging the first inclined surface. A first means is for allowing the mating member to slidably connect the mating member to the driving member and allowing the mating member to rotate together with the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuai Zhang, Yan-Yan Cao
  • Patent number: 8242740
    Abstract: The battery charger has a case 1 that has a battery compartment 2 to load a plurality of rechargeable circular cylindrical batteries 3 arranged in parallel orientation in a detachable manner, a charging circuit 10 housed in the case 1 to charge the batteries loaded in the battery compartment 2, and a charging status indicator 4 that detects the charging status of batteries loaded in the battery compartment 2 and indicates the battery charging status by light illumination conditions. The indicator 4 is provided with light sources 6 disposed at the end of the battery compartment 2 that shine light from between adjacent parallel circular cylindrical batteries 3 in the lengthwise direction onto the battery surfaces. These battery charger light sources 6 shine light on the surfaces of adjacent circular cylindrical batteries 3 to indicate the charging status of the circular cylindrical batteries 3 loaded in the battery compartment 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Eiji Satsuma, Masahiro Sugita
  • Publication number: 20120194132
    Abstract: A charger includes a loading chamber into which a battery pack is insertably/removably loaded. An insertion opening into which the battery pack is inserted is formed on an upper surface of the main body. The loading chamber is forwardly inclined to a front surface of the main body, and a bottom surface of the insertion opening is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction so that one end of the front surface side is located at a lower end and the other end of the back surface side is located at an upper end. A connecter for supplying power is disposed at the upper end side of the bottom surface. Even when the dust, rubbish or fluid entered from the insertion opening drops to the bottom surface, it flows down to the lower end side, so that less dirt adheres to the connecter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haruka IKEGAME
  • Patent number: 8217622
    Abstract: A specimen supporting and labeling system including the provision of at least one electronic device. A volume defining bin holds a plurality of specimens and supports the electronic device. A pedestal charging base seats within a recessed underside associated with the bin, with a first plurality of contact locations communicated along an upper face of the charging base. A second plurality of contact locations communicates along a bottom face of the bin associated with the recessed underside. The bin further incorporates an interior architecture extending from the second contact locations and communicates a charge originating from the base to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Stocking
  • Publication number: 20120169286
    Abstract: A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Amir Navid
  • Patent number: 8203305
    Abstract: Enhanced voltage-based fuel gauges and methods that increase the accuracy of voltage-based fuel gauges and allow the use of voltage-based fuel gauges to detect current, and particularly excessive current from a battery without the use of a sense resistor. When used with a coulomb counter, the outputs of a voltage-based fuel gauge and a coulomb counter may be combined in a manner that allows the combination to provide better performance that either alone may provide. Various embodiments and methods of operation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Allen Wortham, Parviz Ghaseminejad
  • Patent number: 8204551
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Chih Hsing Lee
  • Patent number: 8198860
    Abstract: A charger includes a charger base, a charging circuitry, and an analyzer arrangement. The charger base includes at least one charging platform defining a receiving cavity. The analyzer arrangement includes an analyzing circuitry and an analyzer connector. The analyzer connector is provided on the charger base for electrically connecting the battery discharging terminals with the analyzing circuitry, wherein the charger is arranged to operate in at least one of a charger mode and an analyzer mode. In the charger mode, the rechargeable battery is arranged to insert in the receiving cavity in for charging the rechargeable by the charging circuitry. In the analyzer mode, the rechargeable battery is arranged to insert into the receiving cavity while the analyzer connector is extended from the charger base to electrically contact with the battery discharging terminals for allowing the rechargeable battery to be discharged and tested by the analyzing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: DACA Electronics Company Limited
    Inventor: King Yiu Law
  • Patent number: 8188707
    Abstract: Methods and Systems for charging portable equipment having divergent power requirements and exhibiting different structural features are provided by devices having adapters to accommodate the portable equipment in the form of a wall mounted universal power supply. Adapters are configured in plate formats that fit into cradles capable of charging cell phones, video cameras, and wireless routers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: A. Scott McBurney
  • Patent number: 8188711
    Abstract: A charger is adopted to charge a first-type battery pack and a second-type battery pack, each type of battery packs having an insertion portion whose shapes are different. The charger is provided with a housing having a battery pack socket for inserting the battery packs. The battery pack socket has a shape that allows the insertion portion of the first-type battery pack and the insertion portion of the second-type battery pack to be inserted thereto selectively in a prescribed attitude. A pair of output terminals that output charging power is disposed within the battery pack socket. The pair of output terminals is electrically connected to the first-type battery pack when the insertion portion of the first-type battery pack is inserted into the battery pack socket in the prescribed attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Kondo
  • Patent number: 8183830
    Abstract: An adjustable charger for compatibly charging at least one rechargeable alkaline battery and at least one first rechargeable battery includes a charger housing and an adjustable charging arrangement. The adjustable charging arrangement includes an upper charging platform, a lower charging platform, and a charging circuitry. The upper charging platform is formed on the top charging side of the charger housing for fittedly and adjustably receiving one of the alkaline battery and the first rechargeable battery in the first charging slot. The lower charging platform is also formed on the top charging side of the charger housing at a position underneath the upper charging platform for fittedly and adjustably receiving another of the alkaline battery and the first rechargeable battery in the second charging slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Keep Smart Trading Limited
    Inventor: Hung Hi Law
  • Patent number: 8174236
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Yong Park, Yong-Beom Kim
  • Publication number: 20120098478
    Abstract: Some embodiments herein relate to a charger for an electronic device. The charger comprises a power output port, a charging dock and a power module. The power output port is adapted to be electrically connected to and provide power to the electronic device. The charging dock is adapted for receiving and charging at least one battery. The charging dock comprises at least one removable cradle to accommodate receipt and charging of batteries of various shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: David Gerard Rich, Lyall Kenneth Winger, Robert Michael Gondsosch, James Bastow
  • Patent number: 8164303
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu-Keng Lin
  • Patent number: 8159184
    Abstract: An automotive power supply system comprises a battery module that includes serially connected battery groups each constituted with serially connected battery cells, integrated circuits each disposed in correspondence to one of the battery groups, a control circuit, a transmission path through which the integrated circuits are connected to the control circuit and a relay circuit via which an electrical current is supplied from the battery module. In response to a start signal instructing an operation start and received via the transmission path, each integrated circuit measures terminal voltages at the individual battery cells in the corresponding battery group and executes an abnormality diagnosis. If abnormality diagnosis results provided by the integrated circuits indicate no abnormality, the control circuit closes the relay, enabling supply of electrical current from the battery module and subsequently, the control circuit receives measurement results from the integrated circuits via the transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Emori, Youhei Kawahara, Kei Sakabe, Mutsumi Kikuchi, Tatsumi Yamauchi, Akihiko Kudo
  • Patent number: 8160727
    Abstract: A mobile workstation includes a control system having computer readable memory storing a power sourcing algorithm and a data processing algorithm, a power interface having a first input interface and a second input interface, and an output interface configured to supply power from either of the input interfaces to a plurality of computerized devices resident on the mobile workstation. A microprocessor is configured to execute the power sourcing algorithm to switch the power interface from a first power sourcing mode to a second power sourcing mode and further configured to execute the data processing algorithm to control a peripheral device of the mobile workstation in response to inputs received via a data interface. The control system is part of a power system resident on the mobile workstation and operable independently of a plurality of computerized devices also resident on the mobile workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Gary Coonan, Dean A. Werthman, Ary Inthaluxay
  • Patent number: 8154248
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a power tool can have a data terminal that provides a signal that is indicative of whether the voltage is below a threshold and can serve as both a pre-charge signal for a charger and as a stop-discharge signal for a power tool. A charger can include a power supply circuit and a voltage detection circuit. A charger control module can receive a signal indicative of the voltage of the battery pack and determine a pre-charge time based on the voltage and can monitor a change in the voltage of the battery pack during the pre-charge operation and stop the pre-charge operation based on the change in voltage and the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Keith D. Flaharty, Fugen Qin, Steven J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8143848
    Abstract: A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Navid
  • Patent number: 8134332
    Abstract: A solar cell charging device includes a base shown as a shell shape, a light-converging lens arranged at a top face of the base, a solar collector correspondingly located under the light-converging lens and a photoelectric converting unit. A plurality of charging troughs arranged on the base are recessed inwardly from circumferential faces thereof. The photoelectric converting unit is connected between each charging trough and the solar collector, converting the light energy absorbed by the solar collector into electric energy provided to be input into each charging trough, after the light-converging lens focuses the solar energy onto the solar collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: CPUMate Inc., Golden Sun News Techniques Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Len Lin, Chen-Hsiang Lin, Hwai-Ming Wang, Ken Hsu, Chih-Hung Cheng
  • Patent number: 8125344
    Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K Andre, Duncan R. Kerr, Christopher Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Chris Ligtenberg, John Brock, Tom Wilson, Dinesh Mathew, Brett W. Degner, Tomas E. Ponce
  • Patent number: 8120318
    Abstract: The battery charger is provided with a holding cavity 2 that allows a first rectangular battery pack 30 and a second rectangular battery pack 40 to be loaded in a detachable fashion. The holding cavity has a rectangular opening and has first charging terminals 5A to contact first rectangular battery pack electrode terminals 32, and second charging terminals 5B to contact second rectangular battery pack 40 electrode terminals 42 established on a first perimeter wall 4A and second perimeter wall 4B, which are perpendicular. The battery charger charges the first rectangular battery pack through the first charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals 32 in contact with the first charging terminals. The battery charger charges the second rectangular battery pack through the second charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals in contact with the second charging terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Nakasho, Koichi Inoue, Hideyo Morita
  • Patent number: 8106626
    Abstract: A battery charging station, for a robot, includes a base, two side-walls barriers, a stop, a supporting arm, a charging connector, and a transmitter. The side-walls barriers are separately mounted on the base. The stop is mounted on the back of the base to form a docking space together with the barriers and the base. The supporting arm is cantilever mounted on the stop by one free end thereof with the other end extending into the space over the docking space. The charging connector is mounted on the free end of the supporting arm and is configured for providing an electrical connection between the robot and a power source. The transmitter is positioned on the upper surface of the supporting arm and is configured for emitting signals for the robot to locate the re battery charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiong Li, Kim-Yeung Sip
  • Patent number: 8098042
    Abstract: A charging system for a walking robot which charges a battery mounted on the walking robot by connecting a power supplying connector provided in a charging station to a power receiving connector in the walking robot, wherein the walking robot is capable of moving without significant restrictions during charging. The charging system includes a lock mechanism for locking the power supplying connector to the power receiving connector. A connector holder holds the power supplying connector detachably, an advancing/retracting mechanism advances and retracts the connector holder in the anteroposterior direction, and a lock operation mechanism performs a lock operation and an unlock operation of the lock mechanism via the connector holder. After an advance of the connector holder, the lock mechanism performs the lock operation to lock the power supplying connector to the power receiving connector. Thereafter, the connector holder is retracted out of the power supplying connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakayama, Koji Okazaki, Masaaki Muromachi
  • Patent number: 8089246
    Abstract: A computer system includes a wireless device to generate wireless signals, a computer comprising a chassis and a motherboard, and a wireless device holder positioned on the chassis to accommodate and recharge the wireless device. The wireless device includes a rechargeable battery cell and two charging terminals connected to the rechargeable battery cell. The wireless device holder includes a main body including a holder connector connected to the motherboard, to enable the wireless device holder to communicate with and to be powered by the motherboard, a recharging unit to recharge the rechargeable battery cell, and two charging contact members corresponding to the charging terminals and connected to the recharging unit. When the wireless device is placed in the wireless device holder, the charging contact members contact the charging terminals, and the recharging unit recharges the rechargeable battery cell with power supplied by the motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhen-Xing Ye