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.

Abstract: A handheld computer system is disclosed. The handheld computer system includes a housing, a display supported by the housing, and a processor coupled to the display. The handheld computer system also includes a rechargeable battery configured to power the processor and the display. Further, the handheld computer system includes a recharging connector coupled to the rechargeable battery. Further still, the handheld computer system includes a recharger coupled to the recharging connector. Yet further still, the handheld computer system includes a radio frequency transceiver coupled to the processor and powerable by the battery when the battery has a charge above a predetermined low level, the transceiver configured to send and receive data while the battery charge is below the low level and the charger provides charge to the rechargeable battery and to the transceiver.

Abstract: A charge circuit having multi charge stages for charging at least one battery includes: a first current generating circuit for generating a first charge power having a first charge current in pulse form with a first frequency and a first charge voltage to charge the at least one battery; a voltage generating circuit connected to the first current generating circuit for controlling the first charge power having a first charge current in pulse form with a first frequency and a first charge voltage; a voltage control circuit connected to the voltage generating circuit for generating a first constant voltage and/or a second constant voltage; and a second current generating circuit connected to the voltage generating circuit for generating a variant power comprising a variant current in pulse form with a second frequency wherein a charge voltage included in the variant power varies with the second frequency.

Abstract: A flashlight with a rotatable lamp head is provided. The lamp head pivots about two cylindrical coaxial electrical connectors. The lamp head also includes reflector having a major parabolic reflective surface and a minor reflective parabolic surface. The reflector is configured so that the minor reflective surface is nested within the major reflective surface. The flashlight also includes a series of fluid-tight seals to insure that the flashlight is waterproof. In addition, a flapper valve is provided to function as a one-way valve allowing the release of gases produced by the use of the batters, and preventing fluid from entering the flashlight. A battery charger is also provided to recharge a battery pack for the flashlight.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for removing a power supply from a host unit running a computer program, without losing data or causing a cold boot. The present invention employs a retaining assembly for the power supply that delays removal of the power supply until shutting down of the computer program of the host unit. The system may further comprise a logic unit that estimates the period from initiating a power off for the unit, up to an actual shut down of the computer program.

Abstract: A detecting switch which is turned on/off in accordance with whether or not primary batteries have been attached to a primary battery holder is provided. In a normal state where no primary battery is attached, terminals (a, c) of a charge change-over switch are connected by a detection signal of the detecting switch, so that a voltage supplied from an external charger is inputted to a DC/DC converter. A secondary battery is charged by a predetermined value output of the DC/DC converter. When the primary batteries are attached, the detecting switch is turned on and terminals (b, c) of the charge change-over switch are connected, so that an output voltage of the primary batteries is inputted to the DC/DC converter. The secondary battery is charged by the predetermined value output of the DC/DC converter. Even when there is no charger, the secondary battery can be charged by the primary batteries and charging power sources are automatically switched.

Abstract: A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery, an electronic circuit monitoring battery charge status, and a mechanical movement signal activated upon charge status attainment. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.

Abstract: A battery container of an electric vehicle is installed on the battery container supporting stand of the electric vehicle body. The container is a composite type and formed through alignment and combination of first and second cases. There are connecting ports, mutually embedded and mounted, on the assembled sides of these cases. The connecting ports have positive and negative electric connectors that can be oppositely inserted and jointed. The electrodes of the batteries inside the two cases can be connected. The battery container supporting stand forms a shape of a supporting surface. To ensure that the cases are placed together on the battery container supporting stand after alignment and combination, the assemblies of the positioning structure are used to control the positioning of and detachment between the battery container supporting stand and the cases. The battery container of an electric vehicle can be easily detached for independent charge.

Abstract: A small electronic device has a battery level detection unit for real-time detection of the current battery level and a communication unit for transmitting report data on a detected battery level to another small electronic device, such as a pocket PC device. The receiving small electronic device compares the data with data on its own battery level detected therein and displays the lower battery level data.

Abstract: A handheld computer system is disclosed. The handheld computer system includes a housing, a display supported by the housing, and a processor coupled to the display. The handheld computer system also includes a rechargeable battery configured to power the processor and the display. Further, the handheld computer system includes a recharging connector coupled to the rechargeable battery. Further still, the handheld computer system includes a recharger coupled to the recharging connector. Yet further still, the handheld computer system includes a radio frequency transceiver coupled to the processor and powerable by the battery when the battery has a charge above a predetermined low level, the transceiver configured to send and receive data while the battery charge is below the low level and the charger provides charge to the rechargeable battery and to the transceiver.

Abstract: A multifunctional complex power supply device has an anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit with a rechargeable battery connected in conjunction with a solar battery, a generator and a microphone. A first switch is mounted between the solar battery and the anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit, a second switch is between the generator and the anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit, and a third switch is between the microphone and the anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit. When using the power supply device, one of the switches is selected and the solar battery, generator or sound sounds input into the microphone can charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A charger (1) includes a connecting portion (5) provided in an upper case (3) of the charger. The connection portion (5) includes a pair of guide rails (6) to which a battery pack (40) is slidably attached. The charger further includes between the guide rails (6) a terminal block having various terminals (12–14) as well as a slide cover (21) linearly slidable in parallel with the direction in which the battery pack slides on the charger. Under normal operating conditions, the slide cover (21) is biased to a rear position in which the cover (21) is located over and protects a terminal block (11). When the battery pack (40) is set on the charger, the battery pack abuts and slides the slide cover to a forward position in which the terminal block (11) is exposed.

Abstract: An improved port replicator for portable electronic devices includes an angle adjustment dock which has two separated sides extended to form respectively a flange with a first bore and a connector dock located on a surface to receive transmission signals, an anchor dock having a second bore corresponding to the first bore to couple with the angle adjustment dock, and an axle running through the first bore and the second bore. The port replicator thus constructed is simple to fabricate and assemble, and is adaptable to notebook computers of varying thickness to provide a steady and secure coupling.

Abstract: A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery and an electronic circuit communicating information stored within the device that is independent of charge status. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process or includes a synthesizer so as to utter spoken utterances that are independent of charge status during the process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.

Abstract: A battery monitoring apparatus that senses battery conditions such as low battery charge, end of battery capacity, and end of battery life, and responds by taking actions such as sending messages to a remote site and/or powering down. A rechargeable battery is coupled to one or more power-consuming electrical components, including battery monitoring equipment. The battery monitoring equipment senses battery charge. In response to a low-battery-charge condition, the battery monitoring equipment transmits a battery status message to a remote site and powers-down some of the electrical components. Whenever the battery nears the end of its capacity, the monitoring equipment powers down all electronic components and awaits the application of external power. The invention also tracks the time required for the battery charge to deplete. Charge duration decreases over time, and whenever it reaches a predetermined minimum, the battery monitoring equipment transmits a representative status message to the remote site.

Abstract: A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery, an electronic circuit monitoring battery charge status, and a mechanical movement signal activated upon charge status attainment. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved audio equipment is employed. The audio equipment includes a housing, audio circuitry installed within the housing, and a first protective bar flexibly connected to the housing. The audio equipment may also include a handle attached to the first protective bar, a second protective bar flexibly connected to the housing, and/or a connector assembly flexibly connecting the first protective bar to the housing. The connector assembly may include a flexible gasket preferably disposed between the first protective bar and the housing. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an audio equipment.

Abstract: An AC adapter has a deformable cover located on an outer surface of the housing and defines an interior cavity between the inner surface of the cover and the housing surface for manual retraction and housing of the electrical cable when the electrical apparatus is not in use. The electrical cable may be manually retracted and wound around an internal tower for storage or may be manually withdrawn for connection to the electrical device with which the adapter is used. Alternately, the cover is flipped up to manually retract the electrical cable after which the cover is flipped down to house the retracted electrical cable when the apparatus is not in use. The cover may be flipped up to manually pay off a desired length of the electrical cable as desired.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a surgical powered instrument. The battery pack is an assembly of individual cylindrical battery cells and has its electrical terminals in the form of sockets recessed within the body of the pack in the interstices between the cells. The terminal sockets are adapted to receive elongated plugs and enable the pack to be handled while minimizing the risk of shorting.

Abstract: A system for detecting information about rechargeable batteries having standard form factors, e.g. AA, C, D, etc., is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes a battery having a layer of insulating material with selective apertures. A charger is provided that senses the number and placement of the apertures to determine the particular battery configuration. Once the battery configuration is determined, the charger then charges the battery to apply a charging algorithm in accordance with the particular configuration. If a recognized battery configuration is not detectable, the charger does not charge, so as not to compromise the reliability of the battery.

Abstract: A power supply unit for electronic devices has an insulating battery pack holder with a hollow portion to accommodate a battery pack detachably; a plurality of connector contacts and a switch contact formed of conductive metal and disposed inside the battery pack holder, part of each connector contact protruding toward the hollow portion, the switch contact capable of detaching from or attaching to a predetermined one of the connector contacts with a moving contact portion. When the battery pack is accommodated in the hollow portion, its electrode terminals elastically touch corresponding connector contacts to be conductively connected to a driver circuit. In removal of the battery pack from the hollow portion, when the predetermined connector contact protrudes into the hollow portion by a predetermined distance according to a reduction in urging force of the electrode terminal, the predetermined connector contact touches the switch contact to output a detection signal.

Abstract: A power adapter assembly for use between a portable electrical device and a power source is disclosed. The power adapter assembly includes a power connecting device having a first joint at one end thereof for electrically connecting to the portable electrical device and a second joint at the other end thereof, a data storage unit electrically connected with the second joint of the power connecting device and storing the power supply data corresponding to the portable electrical device, and a power adapter having a socket for electrically connecting to the second joint of the power connecting device. The power adapter reads the power supply data stored in the data storage unit, converts the power from the power source into a required power form according to the power supply data, and transfers the required power to the portable electrical device through the power connecting device.

Abstract: A recharge apparatus for holding the rechargeable device and battery includes the cradle top and the cradle base. The cradle top includes the elastic gate, the battery-fixing clip, and the charge area. The elastic gate is an opening for inserting the rechargeable battery, and capable of rebounding against pressure so that the elastic gate does not clip the user's finger during operation, and also enhances the appearance as well as being dust-proof. The battery-fixing clip is used for clipping the rechargeable battery tightly. The charge area is an inserting area for charging the rechargeable devices, and has a stand pin to hold the rechargeable devices steadily by inserting the stand pin into the bottom of the rechargeable device. The cradle base assembled with the cradle top includes the elastic joint and recharge PCB (printed circuit board). One end of the elastic joint is designed as the upward curve to touch the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A battery pack detachably connected to an information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a body part and a display part supported by the body part and thereby the display part can be opened and closed against the body part, includes a housing part having a hollow part in which a battery can be housed, wherein the hollow part is situated at a position which faces an end part of the display part when the display part is closed.

Abstract: Battery holder 10 includes a housing 12 with a recess 14 for receiving a battery 16. The housing 12 supports a first electrical contact 18, a second electrical contact 20 and a third electrical contact 22. First contact 18 makes electrical contact with a first terminal 24 of the battery 16. The second electrical contact 20 is at an opposite end of the housing 12 and makes electrical contact with second terminal 26 of battery 16. The third electrical contact 22 does not make direct contact with the battery 16. Rather, contact 22 is in electrical contact with one end of a switch 28 supported by the housing 12. Switch 12 is in the form of an elongated strip 30 of electrically conductive material seated in and along a groove 31 formed on an outer surface of the body 12, and is provided with an upstanding finger or tang 32.

Abstract: A recharger device for the battery includes a device with a first slot for a first device, such as a flashlight for recharging. A second slot in relationship to the first slot is provided for receiving a second device for recharging. Locking means with each slot such is moveable to permit release one or other device after moving the locking member between a closed position to an open position. The flashlight includes a battery pack to act as a closure of an opening to a battery housing. The closure is in the tailpiece and is mounted in the battery housing. The closure is connected integral with a rechargeable battery such that when the batteries are located in position in the battery housing the battery housing is closed.

Abstract: A system and method for relinquishing a network master device status in accordance with a device power reserve level includes a system having a network master device for monitoring its own power reserve level and relinquishing its network master status for that of network slave status when such level is below a threshold value, and one or more network slave devices where each such device is in signal communication with the network master device for monitoring its own power reserve level and relinquishing its network slave status for that of network master status when such level is above at least one of the threshold value and the power reserve level of the master; and further includes a corresponding method for a wireless master device to relinquish its network master status based on its power reserve level, where the method includes monitoring the power reserve level of the wireless master device, determining whether the monitored power reserve level falls below a threshold, and relinquishing the network mas

Abstract: A flashlight with a rotatable lamp head is provided. The lamp head pivots about two cylindrical coaxial electrical connectors. The lamp head also includes reflector having a major parabolic reflective surface and a minor reflective parabolic surface. The reflector is configured so that the minor reflective surface is nested within the major reflective surface. The flashlight also includes a series of fluid-tight seals to insure that the flashlight is waterproof. In addition, a flapper valve is provided to function as a one-way valve allowing the release of gases produced by the use of the batters, and preventing fluid from entering the flashlight. A battery charger is also provided to recharge a battery pack for the flashlight.

Abstract: A flashlight battery charger has upper and lower receptacles for holding respective ends of a battery assembly therein securing against lateral forces. The battery charger structure is configured to be combined with a flashlight charger assembly and to form a common back plate therewith for securing mounting the combined assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a universal serial bus “USB” in a computer as a power source for a portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer (26) having an external USB connector (38) is coupled to the external power input connector on a portable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone (14). The computer (26) is coupled to the cellular telephone (14) via a cable having one end connected to a first connector and another end connected to a second connector, the first connector being connected to the USB connector (38) on said computer (26), and the second connector being connected to external power input connector on the portable electronic device. The cable includes electronic circuitry (42, 62) for converting the voltage level supplied by the USB to a voltage level usable by the portable electronic device.

Abstract: This invention includes a pocket for a charger that is capable of accommodating a number of different batteries, each battery having a different mechanical and electrical form factor. The pocket includes a pocket divider that may be inserted into multiple pairs of notches. The pocket divider thereby allows the pocket to be reconfigured. The pocket further comprises at least two sets of electrical contacts, and at least two springs for ensuring the proper contact force between a battery and the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A charger for charging a battery power source removably disposed on and connectable to the charger, the charger including a controller electrically connectable to a battery power source, at least one terminal connected to at least one of the controller and the battery power source, a power supply connectable to an outside power source, the power supply providing power to at least one of the controller and the battery power source, and a switch connected between the outside power supply and the power supply, the switch being activated when a battery pack is connected to the at least one terminal.

Abstract: A function expansion device is attached to a portable electronic device such as a notebook-type personal computer so as to provide a function to use various kinds of information storage media. A bay housing is detachably attached to a bottom surface of the notebook-type personal computer. The bay housing has a bay into which a drive unit is inserted. The drive unit can be selected from among a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, a high-capacity floppy disk drive, a digital video disk and a hard disk drive. Each of the drive units has an identical outer configuration so that each of the drive units can be alternatively attached to the bay housing. Various types of drive units can be connected to the notebook-type personal computer by merely changing the drive unit accommodated in the bay housing.

Abstract: A splitting adapter for a battery charger having a power cord for connection to an electrical source, the charger having a single charging receptacle for receiving a connector extension of a battery pack of the type used with cordless power tools, said adapter including a housing having a housing connector extension with a sufficiently similar structural and electrical configuration as the connector extension of the battery pack so that the housing can be electrically connected to the battery charger when said housing connector extension is inserted into the charging receptacle. The splitting adapter also includes at least two charging receptacles, each of which is configured to receive a battery pack connector extension, where the charging receptacles are spaced from one another a sufficient distance that the battery packs will not interfere with one another when inserted into the adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing uninterrupted electrical power includes a pair of guide tracks mounted to adjacent studs within a wall structure. A rechargeable battery may be mounted for slidable movement along the guide tracks such that additional batteries may be added successively or removed. The apparatus includes a logic circuit electrically connected to a power source and to the battery. A control panel provides access to the circuit and battery. A plurality of electrical outlets are positioned on the control panel. A master selector switch on the control panel is connected to the logic circuit and controls whether the outlets receive power from the conventional power source, from the battery when conventional power is unavailable, or not at all. Individual selector switches regulate whether particular receptacles may receive battery power. A plurality of dials are positioned on the control panel for user regulation of current voltage delivered to particular outlets.

Abstract: A swivel-jointed voltage-stepping charger comprising a flexible hose, a transformer, a power socket/signal input-output port, an engaging bracket, a supporting frame and two charging stands. The flexible hose is a cylindrical tube that can be bent into a variety of final configurations. The transformer is connected to one end of the flexible hose. The power socket/signal input-output port has a plurality of connection terminals therein and is connected to the other end of the flexible hose away from the transformer. The engaging bracket joins up with the power socket/signal input-output port and the flexible hose. The supporting frame is firmly attached to the engaging bracket. Each charging stand has a signaling port and a ball-in-socket joint installed on the front and back surface of each charging stand. The two ball-in-socket joints are each fastened to a linkage sheath and a linking rod.

Abstract: A mobile telephone battery charger is constructed to include a LCD, a selector switch, and a microprocessor controlled by the selector switch to drive the LCD to indicate the voltage value or current value of output charging electricity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved audio equipment is employed. The audio equipment includes a housing, audio circuitry installed within the housing, and a first protective bar flexibly connected to the housing. The audio equipment may also include a handle attached to the first protective bar, a second protective bar flexibly connected to the housing, and/or a connector assembly flexibly connecting the first protective bar to the housing. The connector assembly may include a flexible gasket preferably disposed between the first protective bar and the housing. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an audio equipment.

Abstract: A battery pack securing mechanism for securing battery packs of varaying numbers of battery cells, a battery charger capable of charging the battery packs or an electronic equipment capable of using the battery packs. In a battery pack having the optional number of cells built therein, this terminal is provided in the same position as a terminal position wherein only one cell is accommodated within the battery pack. A charger and an electronic equipment using a pack have a pack securing section capable of securing battery a pack having at least two cells accommodating therein in parallel, and includes an engaging member for engaging at least one cell pack with the battery pack securing section and a connecting member connected to the positive and negative electrode terminals of the one cell pack and disposed at such a position that charging or discharging can be performed. Accordingly battery, packs accommodating different number of cells and of various arrangements and configurations can be used.

Abstract: A cradle with a movable back supporting element. The back supporting element extends in one position to support the back of a portable device when the device is received by the cradle. The cradle also includes a supporting region which supports the end of the portable device. When the portable device is not in the cradle, the supporting element can be moved to a position in which it covers the end supporting region.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved audio equipment is employed. The audio equipment includes a housing, audio circuitry installed within the housing, and a first protective bar flexibly connected to the housing. The audio equipment may also include a handle attached to the first protective bar, a second protective bar flexibly connected to the housing, and/or a connector assembly flexibly connecting the first protective bar to the housing. The connector assembly may include a flexible gasket preferably disposed between the first protective bar and the housing. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an audio equipment.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: An L-shaped bracket is affixed to one side of a portable battery (40). One leg of the bracket extends outwardly from the side of the battery and carries a pair of receptacles (46 and 48), one for transmitting operating and/or recharging power to the external, DC powered device and the other for transmitting recharging power to the portable battery. A carrying case (10) of heavy fabric has a plurality of compartments for diverse articles. The battery, with bracket and receptacles is mounted, preferably permanently, in an internal compartment which must be opened in order to gain access to the receptacles for insertion and removal of plugs (64). The battery is positioned in a pocket having an upper edge flush with the leg of the bracket carrying the receptacles and an upper portion of the battery extends above the pocket.

Abstract: The invention describes a communication appliance (2) having an emergency battery (10) which can be inserted and which is provided with an electronically readable nominal coding; a read device (11) for identifying the nominal coding or a different coding; a signal generating device (11) for producing a new battery identification signal when the nominal coding is identified; and a write device (11, T) which, after the nominal coding has been identified, converts this coding into a different coding.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved audio equipment is employed. The audio equipment includes a housing, audio circuitry installed within the housing, and a first protective bar flexibly connected to the housing. The audio equipment may also include a handle attached to the first protective bar, a second protective bar flexibly connected to the housing, and/or a connector assembly flexibly connecting the first protective bar to the housing. The connector assembly may include a flexible gasket preferably disposed between the first protective bar and the housing. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an audio equipment.

Abstract: A recharger device for the battery includes a device with a first slot for a first device, such as a flashlight for recharging. A second slot in relationship to the first slot is provided for receiving a second device for recharging. Locking means with each slot such is moveable to permit release one or other device after moving the locking member between a closed position to an open position. The flashlight includes a battery pack to act as a closure of an opening to a battery housing. The closure is in the tailpiece and is mounted in the battery housing. The closure is connected integral with a rechargeable battery such that when the batteries are located in position in the battery housing the battery housing is closed.

Abstract: A battery charging and discharging system is provided. The system has a tray including a battery insertion unit having a plurality of battery insertion portions, into which battery pouches can be inserted, and holes, through which the electrodes of the battery pouches can pass, on its bottom; and a frame surrounding the edge of the battery insertion unit. The system may also have an electrode contact clip including plate springs facing each other so that they can hold an electrode protruding through a hole on the bottom of the battery insertion unit, and a base for supporting the plate springs.

Abstract: A combination holder and battery charger for holding a battery operated electric appliance and also for recharging the battery in the electric appliance includes a housing having top and bottom surfaces opposite to each other. An auxiliary base stand is operatively disposed on the bottom surface of the housing and capable of assuming one of first and second states. This auxiliary base stand when in the first position has at least a portion thereof protruding laterally outwardly from a contour of the bottom surface of the housing, but that portion of the auxiliary base stand to enable the combination holder and battery charger to be supported stably on a support surface. The combination holder and battery charger may include a wall attachment for securement of the combination charger and holder to a wall surface.

Abstract: A recharger device for the battery includes a device with a first slot for a first device, such as a flashlight for recharging. A second slot in relationship to the first slot is provided for receiving a second device for recharging. Locking means with each slot such is moveable to permit release one or other device after moving the locking member between a closed position to an open position. The flashlight includes a battery pack to act as a closure of an opening to a battery housing. The closure is in the tailpiece and is mounted in the battery housing. The closure is connected integral with a rechargeable battery such that when the batteries are located in position in the battery housing the battery housing is closed.