Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A charging device has a charging unit and a control unit. The charging unit charges a battery pack the battery pack being either a first type or a second type of battery pack. The first type of battery pack includes a single battery cell or a first plurality of battery cells connected in series. The second type of battery pack includes a single battery unit or a second plurality of battery units connected in series. Each battery unit includes at least two battery cells connected in parallel. The control unit controls the charging unit to control at least one of a charging current flowing through the battery pack and a charging voltage applied across the battery pack, depending on the battery pack to be charged.

Abstract: A four-stage power distribution system (100) includes (i) a first stage (110) having an inverter (112) that provides power to a frequency drive (114) and an electric motor (116) controlled by the frequency drive; (ii) a second stage (120) having a flywheel (122) driven by the motor; (iii) a third stage (130) having an alternator (132) driven by the motor (116) and connected to the flywheel, and a rectifier (134) that receives current from the alternator and generates a direct current; and (iv) a fourth stage (140) having a charge control switch (142) that receives power from the rectifier, and a plurality of power storage devices such as batteries (144A-144C). A master control switch (150) controls the charge control switch to transition the plurality of batteries individually between a charging configuration and a load configuration. One or more of the battery(ies) in the load configuration provides power to the inverter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for indicating battery cell status on a battery pack assembly used during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein seek to provide methods for indicating battery cell status on the exposed exterior of a battery assembly pack both when the battery is in use and when the battery is not in use during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments utilize power from the ventilator as well as power from the battery pack itself to light the indicators during periods of battery use and non-use, respectively. Embodiments described herein further seek to provide an apparatus indicating battery cell status on the exposed exterior of the battery pack assembly during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein further seek to provide an apparatus for a battery pack assembly used during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein seek to provide a system for a ventilation system with an inserted battery pack assembly.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent charge of an incompatible secondary cell while suppressing the size of a mobile electronic device and a secondary cell without increasing power consumption so as to prevent damage of the secondary cell or the mobile electronic device by charge. A detachable secondary cell (30) supplies power to a mobile electronic device (2). The mobile electronic device (2) includes: a cell terminal (60) which outputs and inputs power to/from the mounted secondary cell (30); non-contact information extraction means (20) which performs a magnetic field communication; a loop antenna (26) which transmits/receives a signal using an electromagnetic wave by the non-contact information extraction means (20); and control means (22) which acquires particular information outputted from the non-contact information extraction means (20) and controls charge of the secondary cell (30) according to the acquired particular information. The loop antenna (26) is arranged in the cell terminal (60).

Abstract: A charge indicator circuit for indicating an electronic device charged by an inputted charge electric potential includes an interface unit, a switch unit connected to the interface unit; a processor unit connected to the switch unit, and an indicator unit connected to the switch unit. The charge electric potential is inputted into the charge indicator circuit from the interface unit and powers the indicator unit to emit light when the processor unit is switched off, and the processor unit detects the charge status of the electronic device and controls the switch unit according to the detect results when the processor unit is switched on.

Abstract: A multimeter includes a main body, two probes extending from the main body, a battery unit arranged in the main body, and a charging system arranged in the main body and configured for charging the battery. The charging system includes a microcontroller with an external input voltage sampling circuit, a battery voltage sampling circuit and a voltage regulator circuit each electrically connected the microcontroller. The microcontroller compares sampled signals from the external input voltage sampling circuit and the battery voltage sampling circuit, and controls the voltage regulator circuit to regulate the external input voltage to be applicable to the battery based on the comparison.

Abstract: Provided is a portable device. The portable device includes a near distance antenna, a long distance antenna, a first power generation circuit, a second power generation circuit, and a battery. The near distance antenna receives a first power source signal in an electromagnetic inductive coupling scheme. The long distance antenna receives a second power source signal in a magnetic resonance scheme. The first power generation circuit generates a power source from the first power source signal. The second power generation circuit generates a power source from the second power source signal. The battery is charged with the generated power source.

Abstract: A solar powered hybrid power system including a solar charge collector; a charge storage system comprising at least a first charge storage device adapted to receive and store charge from said solar charge collector; wherein said charge storage system further comprises a power electronic circuit selectively connectable to at least a second charge storage device, said power electronic circuit adapted to transfer said stored charge to said at least a second charge storage device at a selectable voltage level.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes a host, a power storage device and a dock. The power storage device is installed in the host, for sensing current from a first power socket to a first power terminal to generate a first sensing result, and charging a first rechargeable battery according to a first control signal. The dock is capable of connecting to the host by means of insertion, for sensing current from a second power socket to a second power terminal to generate a second sensing result, and charging a second rechargeable battery according to a second control signal. The dock includes a control device for outputting the first control signal and the second control signal according to the first sensing result and the second sensing result, to control charging operations on the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery. The method includes providing a desired target charge current and measuring the battery current, and determining if the target charge current is less than the measured battery current. The method also includes enabling a current integrator if the target charge current is less than the measured battery current, and integrating a charge current value over time if the current integrator is enabled to provide an integrated charge current value. The method also includes providing a target charge voltage and measuring the battery voltage, and determining if the target charge voltage is less than the measured battery voltage. The method also includes enabling a voltage integrator if the target charge voltage is less than the measured battery voltage, and integrating a charge voltage value over time if the voltage integrator is enabled to provide an integrated voltage value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose battery charging circuit configuration able to be selectively in a simple charge mode when intended for low-end solutions (option 3) or in a charge-and-play mode when intended for medium- and high-end solutions (options 1 and 2 respectively), while maintaining the supply voltage of any portable and mobile electronic devices with an acceptable noise level. The selection will be made possible by the use of multiplexers (MUX1, MUX2). If the option 1 is chosen, the bi-directional switching device (210) will be controlled by a driver circuit (340) for allowing the current which flows through it towards the battery (20) to strongly increase and thereby maintaining the voltage across the circuitry (10) at a value slightly greater than the voltage across the battery (20).

Abstract: The present invention aims to reliably prevent overcharge by carrying out charging in just proportion during charging periods. A charging apparatus 1 for charging a secondary cell 22 by supplying a charging current Ic thereto is provided with a discharge amount detector 62 for detecting an amount of power discharged from the secondary cell in a non-charging state, a charge amount detector 60 for detecting an amount of power charged into the secondary cell in a charging state, and a charger controller 10 for stopping charging when the amount of charged power (charge amount Wc) becomes equal to the amount of discharged power (discharge amount Wc) during a charging period.

Abstract: A cordless power tool battery pack including an onboard circuit configured to electronically communicate with an associated battery charging system. The onboard circuit communicates information relating to the batter pack to a microprocessor or the like within the battery charging system and charging of the battery pack is controlled based on such communication.

Abstract: For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances.

Abstract: A system for monitoring batteries comprises a current control element coupled in parallel to a diode and across a battery. The current control element measures current on the cathode end of the diode. Once the voltage potential reaches a threshold, the current control element routes the current from the cathode end of the diode to the anode end of the diode thereby reducing the voltage potential across the battery terminal. Accordingly, a battery sensing element is prevented from falsely sensing a presence of an operable battery due to leakage current of the diode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a charging system having multiple loads is disclosed. Power is supplied from an AC/DC adapter to a first charger, a second charger, and system loads. The first charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a first battery pack when output power of a power source reaches a first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in a standard charging mode. The first charger is operated at a setting value according to a specific charging mode even when the output power of the power source reaches the first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in the specific charging mode. A second charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a second battery pack when the output power of the power source reaches a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A power system for connecting a variable voltage power source, such as a power controller, with a plurality of energy storage devices, at least two of which have a different initial voltage than the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. The power system includes a controller that increases the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. When such output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a first one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the first one of the energy storage devices. The controller then causes the output voltage of the variable voltage power source to continue increasing. When the output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a second one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the second one of the energy storage devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling a power transfer rate in to and/or out of an energy storage device on-board a vehicle, such as a locomotive, during a power transfer opportunity. In one example, the method includes adjusting the power transfer rate based on a predetermination of a duration of the power transfer opportunity to match a duration of power transfer to the duration of the opportunity and achieve a specified state of charge.

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.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a battery, a main body, a charging section, an obtaining section, and a controlling section. The battery has first information with which charging of the battery is controlled. The main body operates with the battery as a power supply. The charging section charges the battery. The obtaining section obtains the first information from the battery. The controlling section controls the charging section based on the obtained first information and causes the charging section to perform a charging according to another battery.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided including a battery, an output unit, a memory, and a controller. The battery provides power. The output unit outputs a wireless recharge state. The memory stores recharge menus and recharge menu settings. The controller provides recharge menus for wireless recharging of the battery based on whether payment is required for the wireless recharging. The controller also performs a wireless recharging operation according to selection of the recharge menu settings.

Abstract: A power conversion circuit includes a solar panel and a power converter. The solar panel is operable for providing electric power having an output voltage. The power converter coupled to the solar panel is capable of selectively operating in a charging mode and a powering mode. The power converter transfers the electric power from the solar panel to a power source and maintains the output voltage at a threshold voltage in the charging mode. The power converter delivers power from the power source to a load in the powering mode.

Abstract: System and method for estimating a time to recharge a rechargeable power source of an implantable medical device. A plurality of measured parameters relating to the implantable medical device and an external charging device are applied to a model of recharging performance and an estimate is provided to a patient, perhaps in advance of charging. Once charging has begun, updated estimates can be provided until charging is complete. Once charging is complete, the model may be updated to reflect any differences in the estimated time to complete charging and the actual time required to complete charging. The model may be based on limitations to the rate at which charge may be transferred to the rechargeable power source over a plurality of intervals.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one maximum speed limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.

Abstract: There is a need for improving switching regulator characteristics and providing a stable power supply controller. The power supply controller uses a battery and either or both functions of stepping up and stepping down a battery voltage. The power supply controller includes a means that prevents a ripple voltage from occurring by stopping the up conversion function for a switching operation in connection with a battery during a predetermined period without changing conditions for a conventional switching device or smoothing circuit and fast stabilizes a primary voltage using only the down conversion function.

Abstract: There is provided a digital cassette charging apparatus including: a charging unit loadable with plural types of digital cassette each comprising a rechargeable battery, the charging unit capable of charging the rechargeable batteries of the plural types of digital cassette at the same time; an identification unit for identifying each of the respective types of the plural digital cassettes that have been loaded in the charging unit; a storage unit stored with a charging profile for each of the digital cassettes, the charging profile representing the charging characteristics of the rechargeable battery; and a control unit for reading out from the storage unit the respective charging profile corresponding to the type of digital cassette identified by the identification unit from the plural types of digital cassette, and for controlling the charging unit based on the respective read-out charging profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a charging device for an electric automobile that can reduce the number of connection terminals provided in a vehicle and respond to a plurality of charging methods including normal charging and fast charging. Fast charging lines, an in-vehicle charger, and a feeder unit are connected to a power supply circuit for supplying power from a high voltage battery to a motor/generator. The fast charging lines, normal charging lines connected to the in-vehicle charger, and feeder lines connected to the feeder unit are respectively connected to common connection terminals of a connector. Relays provided on the respective lines are activated in accordance with the type of a connection plug attached to the connector, and as a result, charging is performed in accordance with the type of the connection plug.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one acceleration limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.

Abstract: For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances.

Abstract: A method for cooling a battery after a charging phase including the steps of providing a user display, identifying a starting point at which the charging phase of the battery transitions to a cooling phase, when the starting point is identified, instructing the user display to provide a first indication for a first predetermined amount of time, and after the first predetermined amount of time has elapsed, instructing the user display to provide a second indication.

Abstract: A maximum power point tracking charge controller for photovoltaic systems tracks the maximum power point voltage of a PV array, and employs a coupled inductor multi-phase buck converter for converting the maximum power voltage to the voltage required to charge one or more batteries. The phase configurations are phase shifted from one another. One of the phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the output power is low. A first switch or a second switch of the phase configuration that is shut down is turned on to conduct electrical current when predetermined conditions are satisfied. A method of controlling battery charging in a photovoltaic system involves operating a coupled inductor multi-phase buck converter so that one of the phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the power output is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an information processing unit, an interface supplying electrical power to and communicating a signal with an external electronic device through a single connector, a unit supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface and including a rechargeable battery. Detection units detect a connection of the electronic device to the apparatus, an external power supply. The power supply control, when the connections are detected, keeps supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface even after deactivation of the apparatus, in the event an instruction to turn off a power supply of the apparatus or deactivate the apparatus is issued. When the connection of the external power supply for charging the rechargeable battery to the apparatus is not detected, the power supply does not supply electrical power to the electronic device even during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of adjusting a battery pack capable of reducing a difference in charge level between a plurality of secondary batteries constituting the battery pack and capable of restraining an increase in battery voltage difference between the secondary batteries of the battery pack in association with the adjustment of the charge level. A method of adjusting a battery pack includes a first adjusting process for discharging all secondary batteries of a first battery group so that charge levels of the secondary batteries of the first battery group fall within a charge level range determined based on a charge level of a secondary battery of a second battery group and further a second adjusting process for discharging all the secondary batteries of the first and second battery groups by the same electric quantity respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing system energy flow. The apparatus includes an energy storage unit to store energy to be used by a system and a power conversion unit configured to be coupled between the energy storage unit and a utility grid. The apparatus also includes a controller to selectively control the power conversion unit to transfer energy between the utility grid and the energy storage unit based at least in part on an anticipated use of the system.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: A system may include a switchover element configurable to source or sink power from or to an electronic device electrically coupled to the switchover element and a controller in communication with the switchover element. The controller may be configured to determine if the electronic device is healthy. When the electronic device is healthy, the controller may configure the switchover element to deliver power from the electronic device to the system and configure the switchover element to provide the power to any unhealthy electronic device electrically coupled to the system.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a power source for supplying a primary charge current to a first battery, and a charge manager for charging a second battery. The charge manager is coupled to the power source and is configured to charge the second battery with a secondary charge current in accordance with a continuous comparison between a predefined maximum current limit and a total current drawn from the power source.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to deploy electrical charge spots in stages according to demand. During a first stage a plurality of infrastructure adapters are installed. This may involve demolishing and rebuilding portions of the infrastructure and laying down power cables from the electrical power supply to the charge spot locations. The infrastructure adapters are then coupled to an electrical power supply. Many if not all of the infrastructure adapters are covered with a temporary housing protecting them from vandalism and weather. During a second stage, in response to a demand for charge stations, the charge stations are completed. During the second stage, at least one external unit is attached to an infrastructure adapter by making an infrastructure adapter quick connect interface with an external unit quick connect interface. As such, a charge spot is completed quickly in response to demand.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus powered by a battery and an external power supply, comprises a power supply circuit which comprises a temperature sensor and converts power obtained from the external power supply and supplies a first charge current to the battery, and a controller which supplies a current to the battery with a second charge current smaller than the first charge current if a temperature received from the temperature sensor has exceeded a threshold, and supplies the current to the battery with the first charge current if both the temperature received from the temperature sensor and a battery level have exceeded corresponding thresholds.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery module including a plurality of parallelly-connected battery cell sets in multiple stages is provided. In the present invention, a constant current charging is applied for charging the battery module in an initial stage of charging through the method of voltage control or current control. Then, the charging current is lowered substantially to reduce the charging speed when the voltage of one of the battery cell sets exceeds a safety value or a total voltage of the battery module itself reaches a rated voltage. Accordingly, a safety problem of the battery can be avoided and battery life can be prolonged.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A charging circuit charges a secondary battery by using a first direct current power supply that generates and outputs a first voltage. A highest voltage among the first voltage of the first direct current power supply, a second voltage generated from power supplied from outside, and a secondary battery voltage of the secondary battery is supplied as a power supply to the charging circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus balances a charging voltage of each battery cell of a battery pack. The apparatus includes a discharge resistor installed on a conductive line connected to both ends of a battery cell in parallel; a balance signal relay unit for relaying a charging voltage of the battery cell according to a balance control signal; and a discharge switching unit for receiving the relayed charging voltage of the battery cell as a driving voltage and connecting the battery cell to the discharge resistor to discharge the battery cell if the driving voltage is over an effective voltage level. This apparatus prevents overcharging of a battery cell, caused by a failure of a control processor, while balancing a charging voltage of battery cells. Also, the control processor may be protected against an electric impact by electrical insulation from a discharge circuit. Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack is improved.

Abstract: Voltage translator circuitry may include a path including a first resistor, a current controlling device, and a second resistor coupled in series. The voltage translator circuitry may further include an operational amplifier having a positive supply terminal to accept a positive supply voltage and a negative supply terminal to accept a negative supply voltage, neither the positive or negative supply voltage at ground voltage. The first resistor may further be coupled to a positive terminal of the battery cell to be monitored. The operational amplifier may have an input coupled to a negative terminal of the battery cell to be monitored. The voltage translator circuitry may further include an output terminal coupled to a node of the path between the current controlling device and the second resistor. The output terminal may be configured to provide the ground referenced cell voltage for the battery cell.

Abstract: A universal battery charger including: a housing with a first locating surface; and a slide cover formed corresponding to the housing and having a second locating surface corresponding to and leaning against the first locating surface. The housing is provided with terminal pieces for adjusting the position. The terminal pieces may be moved by fingers from the bottom of the housing. The second locating surface of the slide cover is in tight contact with the first locating surface when the charger is not used, thereby creating a complete contour of the charger without any gaps. In charging, the slide cover is pushed outwards over a certain distance according to the dimensions of batteries such that a charging space is created between the second locating surface and the first locating surface of the housing.

Abstract: A battery charger includes an attachment portion capable of being connected to a plurality of battery packs; a connection unit for connecting one of the battery packs connected to the attachment portion to a charging path; a state detection unit for detecting a state of each of the battery packs; a remaining capacity detection unit; and a charging control unit. The remaining capacity detection unit detects a remaining capacity based on the state of the battery pack detected by the state detection unit after each of the battery pack is charged for a specified period of time. Further, the charging control unit assigns priorities to the battery packs such that one whose remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity detection unit is closer to a fully charged state thereof has a higher priority, and controls the connection unit to charge the battery packs according to the assigned priorities.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage device is monitored by cyclically applying an electrical load thereto and monitoring voltage and current at transient portions of the cyclically applied electrical load.