Abstract: A charger (1) includes a box enclosure (2), terminals (11, 12, 13), and a protective terminal cover (14) which in turn includes a top plate (15) extending at right angles to a pair of guide rails (6). The terminal cover (14) is pivotally supported by a pair of pivot pins (17) inside the box enclosure (2) such that the terminal cover (14) is pivotal between a protruding position, in which the top plate (15) is located directly above and protects the terminals and a retracted position, in which the terminal cover (14) is completely retracted inside the box enclosure (2). The terminal cover (14) is biased to the protruding position by a torsion spring (18) when a battery pack (40) is not set on the charger (1) for a recharge, whereas the terminal cover is manually moved to the retracted position against the biasing force of the torsion spring when the battery pack is slid on the charger into a set position.

Abstract: There are provided plural kinds of battery packs having the optional number of battery cells, a battery charger capable of charging the battery packs and an electronic equipment capable of using the battery packs. In a battery pack having the optional number of cells built therein, a terminal is provided in the same position as a terminal position in one cell pack. A charger and an electronic equipment using a pack have a pack fixing plane capable of fixing a pack having at least two cells built in parallel, and comprise engaging means for engaging at least one cell pack with the battery pack fixing plane and connecting means connected to positive electrode and negative electrode terminals of the one cell pack and disposed at such a position that charging or discharging can be performed. Accordingly, packs having various shapes can be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging device (10) for the batteries of a cellular telephone, whereby the same device can be used to charge batteries (15) with different external dimensions. The charging device (10) comprises width controllers (19a, 19b), the position of which controls the location and position of the actual battery guides (18a, 18b), which enable batteries of different sizes to get a reliable contact with the electrical connectors (17) of the charging device. Short batteries are locked to the charging device by means of a separate stopper (14).

Abstract: An entertainment apparatus for reading a program stored in an optical disk or the like as a detachably storage medium and executing a game based on the read program, charges a secondary cell accommodated in a portable information terminal. When the portable information terminal is connected to the entertainment apparatus, a charging circuit in the portable information terminal introduces a DC power supply from a charging power supply output terminal of the entertainment apparatus via a charging input terminal, increase the voltage of the DC power supply, and then charges the secondary cell in the portable information terminal with the DC power supply.

Abstract: A mounting stand is provided for use with an AC adapter that includes a plug, a cord and a connector. The mounting stand includes a housing constructed to allow a device connected to the AC adaptor to be maintained in a desired position. The housing includes a solid inner portion, a first outer surface that is substantially planar and is constructed to allow the stand to be placed on a flat surface, a second outer surface having a recess constructed to receive the device, and a bore extending through the solid inner portion and terminating in a well in the recess, the well being constructed to receive the connector. The bore is constructed to receive a portion of the cord and the first opening being constructed to allow the connector to at least partially extend into the recess.

Abstract: The invention provides a single docking station structure which is usable for a set of different pieces of equipment having essentially similar interfaces, such as a manufacturer's line of portable (“notebook” or “laptop”) computer product models. A common first module supports interfaces with peripheral devices or the like. A model-specific second module, second from a set of second modules that correspond with various models from the line of portable computers, is coupled with the first module to support the portable computer. The second module supports the portable computer, so as to interface it directly with the interface on the first module. The second modules, preferably configured as trays for holding the portable computers, are very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The trays can be stored next to the docking station (like magazines on a bookshelf).

Abstract: A portable battery charger having at least one charging pocket for recharging a battery pack mounted on a mobile station or a separate battery pack, comprising a charger housing including a pair of inside walls facing each other, a ceiling connecting the inside walls, at least one opening side, a mounting space enclosed by the inside walls and the ceiling, and a printed circuit board providing at least one pair of electrical contacts; a charging unit having front and rear surfaces, a pair of side surfaces, and at least one top surface detachably mounted in the mounting housing for independently recharging the mobile station while traveling; a guide structure for horizontally or vertically mounting the charging unit in the charger housing; and an electrical connection device for electrically connecting the charging unit with the charger housing.

Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.

Abstract: A mobile battery charger for charging different size of detachable battery packs which includes an upper casing frame having a charging groove for charging a detached battery pack, and a lower casing frame coupled to the upper casing frame for holding a printed circuit board, wherein a moveable support plate is provided between the upper and lower casing frames to adjustably receive the battery packs of different sizes.

Abstract: The invention is a reconditioner for batteries to remove the “memory effect” or “voltage depression”, which is caused by the failure to completely discharge a battery before recharging the battery. The invention places a closed circuit with a low resistance between the positive and negative terminals of a battery. A threshold device is used to stop the current flow after the battery is discharged to a certain level. Some embodiments of the invention provide an indicator to indicate when a battery is sufficiently discharged. Other embodiments also provide a recharger, which recharges the battery after the battery is sufficiently discharged.

Abstract: A plug-in charging battery module being arranged at the external portion of a portable electronic mainframe is disclosed. The plug-in charging battery module comprises a battery cover arranged on a battery seat and a plug-in power source seat arranged on the battery cover. By the aforesaid construction, the portable electronic mainframe can be charged and used at the same time. Moreover, as being charged, no battery is necessary to be detached; therefore, the use and carrying of the electronic mainframe are convenient.

Abstract: A modular battery charging system is provided in two main embodiments. In a first embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply, an elongated track, a connector, and at least one battery charging module. The power supply converts an outlet alternating current voltage supply to a stepped-down direct current voltage supply of an amount equal to or less than about 30 volts. The elongated track includes a number of conductive strips, interfitting with each other. The battery charging module includes a housing, a charging unit supported within the housing, a number of electrical connection components to contact the track strips and to extend to the charging unit, and a battery device receiving port to receive the particular battery device in need of charging. In a second embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply and one or more battery charging module modules.

Abstract: In a tool, the terminal contacts of a battery pack which can be removed from the tool can be connected to the terminal contacts of the drive motor via a bow plug, and for this purpose the terminal contacts of battery pack and motor are arranged parallel to one another in the installed state of the battery pack. The battery pack can only be separated from the tool after the bow plug has been pulled off. Instead of the bridging bow plug, it is possible to attach a charging plug, which connects the terminals of the battery pack to a charging appliance.

Abstract: A portable charger, and particularly a portable charger for a mobile phone, includes a charger base having a reduced housing, an attaching mount, and a concealed plug. The charger base is provided with a pair of slide hooks, power contacts, stops, and an indicating light on a front side thereof. The attaching mount and the concealed plug are both provided on a back side of the charger base. The attaching mount is provided at an upper end of the back side of the charger base and adapted to be attached to abelt of a user. The concealed plug is capable of being movably pulled out about an angle of 90 degrees to be inserted into an electrical socket for recharging purposes.

Abstract: An improved interface for releasably connecting a power control module or battery pack to an electrical appliance or tool. The power control module includes a power control trigger and provides electrical power to a motor of the appliance. The power control switch is located on the appliance, and is actuated by a portion of the trigger extending through the interface. The interface includes a pair of dovetail connections with interlocking flanges, requiring a two-motion procedure for assembly and disassembly. A latch release assembly interacts with the trigger to avoid powering the motor during assembly, and to prevent disassembly with the trigger pulled.

Abstract: A battery charger utilizes detachable mechanical adapters, so that the battery charger can operate as a single battery charger or a dual battery charger. The detachable mechanical adapters are battery holders to connect a battery to the battery charger for recharging. Preferably, the battery charger is designed to charge one or two depleted notebook batteries. In the preferred embodiment, the battery charger also operates as an AC/DC converter to provide operating DC from AC, which is derived from AC received from an external source, to a notebook computer that is coupled to the battery charger. The battery charger includes an AC/DC adapter and a charging unit. The charging unit of the battery charger includes a central module and two detachable mechanical adapters. The central module of the charging unit contains battery-charging circuitry that provides the charging current from the received DC to the detachable mechanical adapters.

Abstract: This invention is a battery charger having a pocket for charging a battery. The pocket is covered by a door which has a battery retention latch. When the door is open, and a battery is inserted into the pocket, the battery retention latch of the door exerts force upon the battery in a direction towards the charging contacts located in the base of the pocket. In so doing the door and battery retention latch hold the battery against the charging contacts, thereby enduring a good electrical connection. The battery retention latch also has a convex detente which keeps the door closed when no battery is present. Additionally, the charger may have a pocket for charging a phone and battery combination as well.

Abstract: In a battery charger device 1 for a portable telephone, a front pocket 11 suitable for a portable telephone 4 having a large battery pack 3, and a rear pocket 12 suitable for a large battery pack 3 are disposed. Rotatable levers 5 which are urged by spiral springs 6 are disposed in pocket back faces 11a. A small battery pack 2 and a portable telephone 4 having a small battery pack 2 are held by the levers 5. Since the levers 5 are rotated so as to be housed in the battery charger, the large battery pack 3 and the portable telephone 4 having the large battery pack 3 are held by the pocket back faces 11a. The rotatable levers allow a small battery pack and a portable telephone having a small battery pack, and a large battery pack and a portable telephone having a large battery pack to be selectively held in a fixed state. Therefore, either of a small battery pack and a large battery pack can be stably held.

Abstract: A battery pack contains rechargeable batteries, and is provided with a recessed area to insert a battery charger for charging. The recessed area has battery contacts to make electrical connection with a battery charger inserted within it. In this invention, the battery pack is not inserted into a recessed region of a battery charger, but rather the battery charger is inserted into the recessed area provided on the battery pack to charge the rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A power pack charging system includes a one-way compatible charger arrangement for use with multiple power pack types. In another aspect of the present invention, both of the power pack types can be used in a first charger but only one of the power pack types can be charged in a second charger.

Abstract: The device (1) for supplying electric power by battery (5) is formed by a housing (2) having electronic circuits (3), a separable battery compartment (4) and connection means (8) between circuits and battery enabling to simultaneously put two batteries in place. According to the invention, the connection means (8) form a separate interface between housing and compartment; plug-in means (11) may simultaneously firmly attach at least two compartments to the connection means and pivoting means (8) are provided on the housing (2) to enable an at least sectorial rotation of the connection means (8) and of the compartment(s) which is (are) plugged into the connection means to the housing (2). Application to a mobile telephone handset.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a main housing (103). A well (108) in the main housing is for receipt of an electronic device (102) including a battery. A door housing (104) is movably carried on the main housing. At least one contact (422) is carried on the main housing for connection to a battery (200, 300) inserted between the door housing and the main housing, wherein the door housing is movable between an open position for receipt of a battery and a compact closed position. A circuit is positioned in the main housing for electrical connection to the electronic device and the contacts for charging a battery.

Abstract: A portable computer docking unit comprises a computer docking bay for receiving a portable computer on the docking unit. The docking unit also has a charging cradle that charges a battery of the portable computer. As a result, even if the battery installed in the portable computer can be charged while the computer is connected to the docking unit, an additional battery can be simultaneously brought to a full state of charge in the charging cradle, thereby providing the user with a backup battery to effectively double the time over which the portable computer can be operated without access to an alternating current power source. Preferably, the charging cradle is located under the computer docking bay. Installation of the portable computer, thus, prevents physical access to the battery in the charging cradle. A latching system is provided for securing the portable computer to the docking bay. This combination of features has the effect of providing security for any battery in the charging cradle.

Abstract: A portable electronic device holder having a housing defining a cradle for holding an electronic device, a battery integrally connected with the housing for powering the electronic device in response to placement of the electronic device within the cradle of the housing, and a connection for interconnecting power circuitry of the electronic device with the battery. The housing further includes a charger for charging the battery incorporated therewithin. The holder may also include an attachment for attaching the housing to a user, such as, for example, a belt clip.

Abstract: A docking station is provided for coupling one of a set of differently configured portable computers to stationary peripheral devices, and for charging a respective battery pack for the portable computer. A battery receptacle is provided so that, while the user docks and uses the computer, he/she can insert the battery into the battery receptacle and charge the battery. This conveniently allows the user to charge up an extra battery pack while using the docked computer, even while a battery pack inside the computer is charging from AC power provided through the docking station to the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the docking station includes a standard module having all standard peripheral interfaces, AC power couplings, etc., and also includes a set of computer-specific second modules which accommodates the physical size and electrical characteristics of the different portable computers used.

Abstract: A rechargeable apparatus for mounting onto a battery-powered device and providing power. The apparatus includes a housing for slideably receiving the battery-powered device, a jack that is insertable into a power outlet on the battery-powered device, a rotatable AC plug mounted to the housing, and a night light coupled to the AC plug and positioned on the housing to supply illuminating light. Also, the apparatus includes at least one rechargeable battery and a charging circuit mounted inside the housing. The jack and night light may be mounted on a support arm that extends away from the housing.

Abstract: A battery pack comprises at least one rechargeable battery, a secondary coil which is magnetically coupled to a primary coil housed in a charging stand, and a control circuit which controls power induced in the secondary coil and charges the rechargeable battery. Alternating current (AC) generated in the secondary coil housed in the battery pack is controlled by the control circuit to charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A portable computer and docking station combination, comprising first and second batteries and first and second battery charging circuit portions, with automatic sequencing of charging between the batteries. The system includes means for charging a first battery based on an amount of current flowing into the computer circuitry, and means for charging a second battery based on an amount of current flowing into the first battery and into the computer circuitry.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus system in which an electronic apparatus such as a personal computer and an expansion device are combined so as to be freely joined and separated. A charging circuit, a control circuit, and a chargeable battery are provided for each of the electronic apparatus and the expansion device. In a state in which the electronic apparatus and the expansion device are separated, the control circuit of the electronic apparatus controls the charging circuit of the electronic apparatus, thereby charging the battery of the electronic apparatus. The control circuit of the expansion device controls the charging circuit of the expansion device, thereby charging the battery of the expansion device.

Abstract: A plurality of chargers can be serially connected for charging a plurality of rechargeable batteries synchronously.

Abstract: A battery charger having multiple charging stations that automatically supplies charging current to one of the stations depending on which battery is inserted. The charger has electrical contacts that mate with the charging contacts of the primary battery and are movable between a first position and a second position. When in the second position, the charging circuitry delivers current to the primary battery and when in the first position, delivers current to an auxiliary battery.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and method permits the recharging of the batteries of a seismic streamer depth control device or bird without access to the interior of the bird. In a preferred embodiment, a battery pack includes a coil within the bird that is capable of receiving a charging field from a charging unit by inductive coupling. The coil provides power to a regulated power supply comprising a voltage regulator and rectifier, and direct current is provided to charge battery cells. Thus, the batteries within the bird a charged by induction from outside the casing of the bird. Alternatively, the battery pack may be detached from the rest of the bird, but the battery pack remains scaled against the elements. The battery pack may include an electrical connector which attaches to the main body of the bird, and the electrical connector includes one or more pins for charging purposes.

Abstract: An inventive device (1) for cordless telephones (4), with which a base station (2) and at least one charging station (3) are associated in order to charge a battery of a cordless telephone (4) via the charging station (3) when the cordless telephone (4) is located in the charging station (3), is characterized by a mechanical connecting device (10, 11, 14, 17) for detachably connecting the charging station (3) and base station (2) to one another. As a result, more flexible possibilities of use for the charging station (3) are obtained.

Abstract: A battery management system preferably has a base station utilized in connection with a portable electronic device for providing electrical therapy to the body of a patient in response to the occurrence of a treatable condition. The portable device can have a rechargeable battery, memory, data processor for determining available operating time for the portable device prior to recharging, and a display panel, or alarm, to inform the patient of such available operating time. The portable device data processor contains an analog to digital converter which is used to obtain and record data regarding the patient, the battery, and the portable device operational status.

Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed including a main housing which receives an adapter therein. The adapter receives batteries or other devices to be charged therein. The adapter has alignment projections and multiple levels therein for accommodating many different sizes of devices or batteries to be charged. In addition, the adapter is modular in that it can be modified yet still be received by the main housing for receiving additional devices of different sizes. The adapter seats with the main housing, and has integral attachment members for engaging a base plate thereto. Ventilation apertures are also provided within the main housing, the adapter, and the base plate for allowing sufficient heat dissipation during the charging process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery charging unit comprising a housing having a current supply means provided therein for supplying current to an electrical or electronic apparatus located remote from the battery charging unit, coupling means provided on the housing for coupling the current supply means to a mains power supply, means for coupling the remote apparatus to the current supply means, comprising a cable, and a reel provided in the housing for storing the cable in the housing when the battery charging unit is not in use, and allowing the cable to be dispensed when required. This has the advantage that by having a device around which the cable remains wound during storage and from which the cable is simply unwound from the charging unit when it is required eliminates the unsightly and messy bunching of the cable which is a feature of known charging units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery charging unit comprising a housing having a current supply means provided therein for supplying current to an electrical or electronic apparatus located remote from the battery charging unit, coupling means provided on the housing for coupling the current supply means to a mains power supply, means for coupling the remote apparatus to the current supply means, comprising a cable, and a reel provided in the housing for storing the cable in the housing when the battery charging unit is not in use, and allowing the cable to be dispensed when required. This has the advantage that by having a device around which the cable remains wound during storage and from which the cable is simply unwound from the charging unit when it is required eliminates the unsightly and messy bunching of the cable which is a feature of known charging units.

Abstract: A charger for an item to be charged is described which comprises a base fitting into an automobile beverage holder; a means for securing the base of the beverage holder, a first electrical contact on the base to supply power to the charger; a second electrical contact on the base to supply power to the item to be charged, and a receptacle in the base for holding the item to be charged. In one embodiment of the invention, the top portion of the charger has the receptacle and the first and second electrical contacts, and may be detached from the base for use as a desk charger.

Abstract: A battery pack charger has an external frame provided with an insertion slot for inserting a battery pack. A charging terminal and a charging control circuit are housed in the external frame. A heat-sensitive switch is provided between the charging terminal and the charging control circuit. A lead wire is provided between the charging terminal and the heat-sensitive switch. The lead wire has a length appropriate for not losing the effect of heat transferred along the lead wire. The battery pack charger is capable of reliably charging a battery pack without the occurrence of overcharge, even if the battery pack is not provided with a heat-sensitive switch.

Abstract: In a case where an AC power is supplied from an AC power source to an AC circuit unit, the AC circuit unit and an DC circuit are connected to each other, a DC power is supplied from the AC circuit unit to the DC circuit unit, the DC power is converted to a required working voltage, and on the other hand, in a case where a DC power is supplied from a DC power source to the DC circuit unit, the DC power is converted to a required working voltage, and the DC power obtained as described above is used as a charging power for charging the secondary battery.

Abstract: An integrated power supply and battery charger with interchangeable and collapsible plug capacity capable of simultaneously powering an electrical device while charging a rechargeable battery. Preferably, the power supply further comprises apparatus for facilitating use of the electrical device. In embodiments configured for use with a portable telephone, speaker phone apparatus or a separate headset may be provided to allow convenient use of the telephone while it is being powered by the invention.

Abstract: A charging device includes a charging circuit having a power inlet and a power outlet which is preferably connected to the charging circuit by means of a cable. An adaptor which is adapted to electrically connect to a given external power source, such as a wall outlet or a cigarette lighter holder provided on the control panel of an automobile, has a connection portion for releasable connection with the power inlet of the charging circuit for supplying electricity from the power source to the charging circuit. The adaptor may be provided with a voltage transformer to allow the charging circuit to be used with external power source of different voltage outputs. A battery holder has a connection portion for releasable connection with the power outlet of the charging circuit to supply the output of the charging device to the battery holder.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for an electronic system (106), which includes a portable unit (102) and a base unit (104), supplies backup power to the base unit (104) and is capable of recharging at least one battery (121) that operates the portable unit (102). The apparatus (100) is connected in series between the base unit (104) and a main power supply (148) and includes at least one slot (131) configured to receive the at least one battery (121). When power from the main power supply (148) is available, the apparatus (100) supplies power to the base unit (104) from the main power supply (148) and is capable of recharging the at least one battery (121). When power is not available from the main power supply (148) and the at least one battery (121) is received within the at least one slot (131), the apparatus (100) supplies power to the base unit (104) from the at least one battery (121).

Abstract: A charging system (100) includes a charger unit (102) having a charge pocket (110) within which a plurality of replaceable pockets (104, 106, 108) can be inserted to charge various battery types and various battery configurations. The replaceable pockets (104, 106, 108) each contain a memory chip (112) for storing battery parameter information. The charger unit (102) charges the battery (302) based on the battery parameter information stored in the memory chip (112) of the replaceable pockets (104, 106, 108).

Abstract: A battery recharge interconnection system is provided for use on an electric toy vehicle or other load device powered by a rechargeable battery. The interconnection system includes a charger receptacle, operatively connected to a rechargeable battery, covered by a rotatable disc. An opening in the disc permits a plug from an external charger to be inserted through the opening and into the charger receptacle whenever the disc is rotated to a predetermined position in which the opening overlies the receptacle. The rotatable disc is also mechanically coupled to an actuator which engages and operates a cut-out switch or other device. During normal operation of the battery-operated device, the disc is rotated to a first position in which the charger receptacle is obstructed by the disc and the cut-out switch is disengaged.