Abstract: An exemplary charger control circuit includes an input port having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, an electrode control circuit, and an output port having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The input port is connected to a source of power. The output port is connected to a load. The electrode switching circuit detects the electrode polarity of the input port and the output port for selectively coupling the positive terminals and the negative terminals of the two ports, and protecting the electrical equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for detecting a situation in which an electrical device is connected to another electrical device. The electrical device comprises a first, second, and third electrical contact terminal (101, 102, 103). Non-zero voltage is arranged between the second and third electrical contact terminal. The other electrical device comprises counterparts (104, 105, 106) for the first, second, and third electrical contact terminal. There is a galvanic coupling (107) between the counterparts for the first and second electrical contact terminal. The arrangement comprises a resistor (108) between the first and second electrical contact terminal and a detector (112) for detecting the situation in which the electrical device is connected to the other electrical device on the basis of a change of an electrical quantity associated with the resistor. The first electrical contact terminal can be e.g. a metal shield on a USB-connector.

Abstract: A resistor is connected to first and second terminals included in a vehicle inlet. To the first terminal, a control pilot line used for transmitting a pilot signal is connected. In the case where the vehicle inlet is not connected to a connector, a switch is turned off. A voltage generation circuit sets the potential of the second terminal to a potential higher than a vehicle earth potential. In the case where the vehicle inlet is not connected to the connector and the control pilot line is broken, the potential generated on the control pilot line is substantially equal to the earth potential level. Based on the potential of the control pilot line, a control unit detects a break.

Abstract: In an on-vehicle radio communication apparatus, when the battery is in a voltage discharging state, every time a predetermined period pases, a current consumption value is updated for the radio circuit by integrating the current consumption for steady operation of the radio circuit. In addition, every time an event occurs in the radio circuit, the current consumption value is updated for the radio circuit by integrating the current consumption for the event operation. If the current consumption value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the operation is stopped.

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

Abstract: A method for detecting the state of electrical connection of an energy store, e.g., a battery, to a vehicle's electrical system includes ascertaining operating variables, e.g., battery current IB and generator current IG, essentially in time synchronous fashion. When there is a change in the generator current IG of the generator during a transitional time, the energy store is checked for the value of the battery current IB for the detection of a compensating effect in the form of a current delivery or a current consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for automatic detection of battery polarity, wherein a detector circuit is structured from detector terminals, detector units, positive voltage electrical connecting units and negative voltage electrical connecting units. Operational procedure involves first connecting battery electrical conducting units with the detector terminals of the detector circuit, when the detector terminals are connected to positive poles of the battery, then one set or more than one set of the detector units of the detector circuit detect positive voltage, which actuate an electrical connection with the positive voltage electrical connecting units, thus connecting positive poles of the detector device to the detector terminals and connecting to positive poles of the battery, at the same one set or more than one set of the detector units determine negative voltage and actuate a connection with the negative voltage electrical connecting units, thereby forming a complete circuit.

Abstract: A battery connection detection circuit is disclosed that is able to correctly determine an operation condition of a secondary battery and a connection condition between the secondary battery and a charging device. A determination circuit monitors both the voltage Vt1 on the battery connection terminal T1 and the current supplied to the secondary battery BAT, and therefore, the determination circuit can correctly determine the operation condition of the secondary battery and the connection condition between the secondary battery and the charging device even when high frequency noise is superposed on the power supply voltage Vdd, and when the power supply voltage decreases.

Abstract: A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit is comprised of solid-state devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as solenoids are included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to be charged and to the boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is achieved.

Abstract: An energy storing exterior cover for a user electronic device including an integrated energy store and an energy transfer interface for transferring energy electrically to a user electronic device when covered by the cover.

Abstract: A current measuring apparatus for measuring a power supply current received by an electronic device includes: a first current supplying unit for outputting a first current which is a part of the power supply current; a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the first current output by the first current supplying unit connected with one end thereof; a capacitor of device side for smoothing the power supply current, electrostatic capacity of the capacitor of device side being smaller than that of the smoothing capacitor and one end of the capacitor of device side being connected with the electronic device; a switch for making the first current flow from the smoothing capacitor to the capacitor of device side in case of being ON; a second current supplying unit for outputting a second current smaller than the first current to the capacitor of device side via a path parallel to the switch; and a power supply current acquiring unit for acquiring the power supply current on the basis of the second current output by the

Abstract: An appliance charger comprises an electrical cord (6) for connection to an electrical source, a transformer (2), a control circuit board (4) or chip, contact terminals (7) for contacting an appliance (8), and a switch (5) for selectively closing a circuit when an appliance is connected to the charger and for opening the circuit by default when the appliance is removed, thereby cutting off power to the transformer.

Abstract: A NiH/NiCd (nickel hydrogen/nickel cadmium) battery charger with the function of emergency power supply unit having a main body with a charging chamber and a charging circuit positioned within the main body to allow an electric connection to the charging chamber and the power input interface. This charging control circuit is controlled by an electrical switch which divides the charging chamber into two or more parts. When the power input interface is connected, the electrical switch shuts off automatically to make the batteries in the charging chamber to be charged in groups. This is the function of charger. When the power input interface is switched off, the batteries in different circuit are joined in series to supply power as an emergency power supply unit. Therefore, with the design principle of “separate charging and common sharing”, it can protect the rechargeable batteries and provide power in lacking of power supply unit outdoors.

Abstract: A current is provided from a power source to a load through a pass circuit that is series coupled to a sense resistor. A current trip-point detection circuit is arranged to detect a change in the current that is provided to a load. The current trip-point detection circuit includes at least two resistors that are series coupled from the sense resistor to a current source. A comparator compares a sense voltage to a tap-point between the two resistors such that the comparator asserts a trip-point detection signal when the current to the load reaches a predetermined threshold. The sense voltage can correspond to the voltage across the load or some other voltage that is proportional to the voltage across the load. The circuit arrangement has a simplified design that sets the trip-point as a percentage of the maximum output current. The current level trip-point can be temperature compensated.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus and a power supply method are described, wherein the non-polar characteristics of the electrodes of a capacitor is utilized to improve the energy utilization efficiency of a battery through reciprocating switches of polarity connection between the battery and the capacitor. The voltages of the capacitors can also stay at a near constant level using the polarity reversal mechanism.

Abstract: A polarity-reversal protector for power sources, in particular for automobile batteries, which is connected between a power source and at least one consumer and/or at least one generator, is described. The polarity-reversal protector is to prevent the reverse polarity current from flowing through the connected systems, so that the systems may not be damaged in case of polarity reversal. For this purpose, the polarity-reversal protector includes means for recognizing whether the two poles of the power source are connected to the appropriate terminals of the consumer and/or generator, and means for decoupling the power source from the consumer and/or from the generator if the two poles of the power source have been transposed during connection to the consumer and/or generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic circuit for a power supply device (1), in particular for a charger (2) for accumulators (3), in which the power supply device (1) is connected via input terminals (4, 5) to a power source (6), the power supply device (1) converting the supplied power from any voltage, in particular an AC voltage, into a DC voltage and this transformed power is forwarded via output terminals (7, 8) to a consumer (9), in particular the accumulator (3), in which, a switching element (10) is provided as a means of operating polarity reversal protection. The switching element (10) is disposed between at least one output terminal (7, 8) and a potential, in particular a negative potential, of the power supply device (1) and if a specific polarity appears at this output terminal (7, 8) the switching element (10) is connected through and if an opposite (incorrect) polarity appears it is switched off.

Abstract: The subject invention is about a portable battery jump starting device for stranded vehicle due to weaken starting battery. It is equipped with a pair of power cable connected to crocodile clips. The internal circuit of the subject invention is capable of detecting polarity at the point of connection to the external battery and is capable of compensating a wrong polarity connection. The subject invention offers automatic power on/off and a will guarantee a correction connection at any circumstance. Therefore it eliminates the risk of battery explosion due to human error.

Abstract: A reverse battery protection circuit comprising a first controlled semiconductor switch for providing current to a load and coupled in series with load terminals across which load terminals the load is adapted to be connected and a second controlled semiconductor switch disposed in a series circuit with a free wheeling diode, the series circuit being coupled across the load terminals.

Abstract: A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit is comprised of solid-state devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as solenoids are included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to be charged and to the boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is achieved.

Abstract: A charger is provided for charging a battery from a source and capable of detecting and switching polarity. The charger includes a first detection block for connection with the source, a second detection block for connection with the source, a first switch connected with the first detection block, a second switch connected with the second detection block and a switch actuation block connected with the switches and for connection with the battery. The switch actuation block includes a first relay and a second relay. The first relay is turned on for sending power from the source to the battery when circuit flows through the first detection block and the first switch. The second relay is turned on for sending power from the source to the battery when circuit flows through the second detection block and the second switch.

Abstract: An active switch for electrically connecting and disconnecting a power source such as a solar array to a charge storage device is disclosed. The active switch allows a minimal amount of reverse back current flow from the charge storage device to the power source having a low on-resistance.

Abstract: An electronic unit in a motor vehicle has a connection for the negative onboard power supply voltage and a connection for the positive onboard power supply voltage, as well as an internal electric supply unit that can be used independently of the polarity of the onboard power supply voltage and independently of the onboard power supply voltage. The unit includes a function block which compares the actual voltage at the connection for the negative onboard power supply voltage with the actual voltage at the connection for the positive onboard power supply voltage. A polarity inversion of the onboard power supply voltage is detected (and a storage of the polarity inversion detection data is caused) if the actual voltage at the connection for the negative onboard power supply voltage is higher than the actual voltage at the connection for the positive power supply voltage, or if the respective actual voltages exceed preset reference values.

Abstract: An adaptive booster cable is connected with two pairs of clips, wherein the two pairs of clips are respectively attached to two batteries to transmit power from one battery to the other battery. The adaptive booster cable includes a polarity detecting unit connected to each clip, a switching unit and a current detecting unit both provided between the two pairs of clips. After the polarity of each clip is sensed by the polarity detecting unit, the switching unit generates a proper connection between the two batteries. Therefore, the positive and negative terminals of the two batteries are correctly connected based on the detected result of the polarity detecting unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic circuit for a power supply device (1), in particular for a charger (2) for accumulators (3), in which the power supply device (1) is connected via input terminals (4, 5) to a power source (6), the power supply device (1) converting the supplied power from any voltage, in particular an AC voltage, into a DC voltage and this transformed power is forwarded via output terminals (7, 8) to a consumer (9), in particular the accumulator (3), in which, a switching element (10) is provided as a means of operating polarity reversal protection. The switching element (10) is disposed between at least one output terminal (7, 8) and a potential, in particular a negative potential, of the power supply device (1) and if a specific polarity appears at this output terminal (7, 8) the switching element (10) is connected through and if an opposite (incorrect) polarity appears it is switched off.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to couple to a battery contact is provided. The apparatus includes an electrical connector for connection to a battery contact and a current sensor coupled to the electrical connector, the current sensor is used for measuring current through an electrical conductor. In addition, a method of coupling an electrical circuit to a battery contact is provided.

Abstract: A battery charger protection circuit (10) interposable between a charger system or charger battery (22) and a lead acid or gel cell charging battery (26) to allow 1-to-1 charging thereof while protecting against short circuit and reverse current conditions. The circuit (10) broadly comprises a printed circuit board (12); a self-resettable fuse (14); a Schottky barrier diode 16; and connection wires (18). The self-resettable fuse (14) includes a temperature-sensitive polymer fuse material operable at a predetermined maximum current, defined by the polymer fuse material's composition, to increase in electrical resistance and thereby reduce current flow.

Abstract: In a method for detecting a disconnection in the charge line between a generator and an electric battery in a motor vehicle, the generator output voltage is measured and is evaluated at least with respect to the ripple voltage. A disconnection in the charge line is detected when the ripple voltage has reached or exceeded a predetermined ripple threshold value, preferably after the generator output voltage has reached or exceeded a predetermined load shedding threshold value.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery. At the end of the constant current discharge, the current is again to determine a loaded cranking value which simulates the battery power after multiple cranking attempts. If the loaded cranking value is below a desired percentage of the cranking rating, then the battery is put into charge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a battery in a battery charging circuit is provided. An inductor is placed in series with a charging circuit and the battery connection leads. A switching device and a capacitive device are connected in parallel to one another and in series with a gated device to form an indicator circuit. The indicator circuit is connected in parallel with the battery connection terminals. A series of pulses is applied to the gated device, allowing current to flow into the capacitive device during each pulse and energize the switching device when a battery is present. When no battery is present, the inductor prevents sufficient current from the charging circuit from energizing the capacitive device and the switching device.

Abstract: A stand-alone battery charger warning system for use with portable electronic devices is disclosed whereby a warning is generated in response to a determination that a) a battery is not presently connected to the charger and b) at least one predetermined time criterion has been met. This warning system advantageously may be used universally with any number of different battery chargers and is not limited to just one make or model. A particular embodiment of the present invention consists of a housing within which is contained the electronic circuitry and controls necessary to implement the warning system functionality. This housing is connected to an electrical source, such as a typical home electrical outlet. The battery charger for the portable electronic device is then connected electrically to the warning system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting battery removal or absent battery condition in a charger without use of external stimulus such as a thermistor, EEPROM, or additional pin. The system and method use information solely available from the charger positive and negative terminals to correctly annunciate the current state of the charger to a host or end-user.

Abstract: A circuit having an anti-interference filter constituted by an inductor in series with one of the supply terminals of the car radio and by a capacitor in parallel with the supply terminals, and a diode connected in series with the inductor for protection against reversal of the polarity of the battery. The connection circuit may include an electronic switch between the node of the connection of the inductor to the diode and the other supply terminal, and a circuit for controlling the switching of the electronic switch. A voltage raiser that utilizes the components of the filter for its operation is thus produced.

Abstract: A device providing reverse polarization protection for a battery having both positive and negative terminals disposed at one end of the battery (e.g., a 9 volt “transistor radio” battery). The device is adapted for insertion between the battery terminals and the spring contacts in a battery housing. The device is made from an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic), and has at least two openings of unequal size defined through it. The first opening has a diameter larger than that of a negative terminal of the battery, while the second opening has a diameter larger than that of a positive terminal of the battery. The second opening is sized such that the negative terminal of the battery cannot pass through it, thus providing the required mechanical interference for reverse polarity protection. The thickness of the device is less than the height of the battery terminals.

Abstract: A battery discriminating method discriminates between smart battery packs and dry cell battery packs with a simple structure. A dry cell battery pack is composed of a case for storing a plurality of dry batteries connected in series, positive and negative electrodes which are provided in the case and connected to the series-connected dry batteries, and a resistance element of which one end is connected to the series-connected dry batteries and the other end is connected to a terminal provided in the case. A predetermined voltage is supplied to a terminal for discriminating the battery of a battery pack via a resistor, and the voltage value of this terminal is detected to discriminate the type of the battery pack according to the detected voltage value.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and an apparatus for monitoring the electrical condition of an automotive battery [2] in use. The main purpose of this invention is to monitor and indicate automotive battery conditions, namely liquid electrolyte level and level of battery plate deterioration using the concept of ripple voltage. The present invention utilises ripple voltage present in battery supply line [4] as reference to deduce the condition of the said battery [2]. The method comprises the steps of first measuring the ripple voltage present in battery supply line [4] when engine is running, comparing the ripple voltage to a range of acceptable values determined by how bad the deterioration of battery is before issuing a signal or by nominal setting that best fit automotive vehicles and lastly providing indication when the ripple voltage exceeds the range of pre-set values.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a detector (60) for detecting a change of accumulator (21). Thus a counter (DECH) measuring the charge state of this accumulator may be re-initialized if the accumulator is charged even during a period of inactivity of the apparatus.

Abstract: A car battery jumper cable for coupling an effective or charged power source to a battery (failed or not charged) accurately, which includes a relay switching circuit connected to the power source and the battery by two current conductor pairs, first and second voltage polarity recognition circuit respectively connected to the power source and the battery by a respective voltage conductor pair to recognize the polarity of the power source and the battery, a logic recognition circuit, which produces a control signal subject to the polarity of the power source and the battery, and a driving circuit controlled by the control signal from the logic recognition circuit to drive the relay switching circuit, enabling the two poles of the power source to be accurately coupled to the two poles of the battery.

Abstract: A compact polarity-insensitive integrated circuit amplifier is described designed to be powered by a miniature low voltage battery of variable polarity. Low current, polarity corrected voltage sources are integrated into functional blocks to supply low current non-bidirectional elements and to provide a constant polarity bias to a substrate of CMOS circuits. Polarity corrected voltage sources are used to provide a polarity sensing function. The invention is embodied in a Class D amplifier which may comprise four n-channel MOSFET transistors arranged in an H-bridge configuration. Additional driver circuitry is described which increases the voltage of the pulse-width modulated input signal to the MOSFET transistors and also performs a pulse trimming function, which reduces parasitic crowbar currents in the amplifier output stage.

Abstract: A power management system for a PC card is disclosed. The power management system allows for a detachable battery pack to be used on a PC card. The PC card can select power from the personal computer or from the detachable battery pack. In one embodiment, power can also be selected from a DC wall adaptor, which can be connected to the PC card or battery pack. In another embodiment, the power controller on the PC card is always powered by the personal computer, so that the power management system can work even when a detachable battery pack is low in power or not connected to the PC card. The battery pack can be recharged from the DC wall adaptor or from the personal computer.

Abstract: An external universal battery charging apparatus which can include external universal battery charger circuitry having at least one universal battery charger circuitry input and at least one universal battery charger circuitry output. The universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one battery charger output, which itself can include at least one universal battery connector and at least one universal battery charger cable. The at least one universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one adapter pass through output, which itself can include at least one connector adapted to operably connect to an electronic device. The external universal battery charger circuitry can include at least one battery recognition and parameter adjustment circuit, battery current parameter adjustment circuit, charged voltage parameter adjustment circuit, and maximum power draw parameter adjustment circuit.

Abstract: A sensing terminal and a receptacle are installed in a charge battery and a charger, respectively. During charging, a charging circuit within the charger will detect whether the battery is pulled out from the charger. If the battery is pulled out, the power source will be turned off in a very short time so that no voltage will be sent from the terminal of the charger in order to protect the charger. As the charge battery is pulled out from the charger, no spark is generated and the battery is prevented from being burned out.

Abstract: A battery discriminating method discriminates between smart battery packs and dry cell battery packs with a simple structure. A dry cell battery pack is composed of a case for storing a plurality of dry batteries connected in series, positive and negative electrodes which are provided in the case and connected to the series-connected dry batteries, and a resistance element of which one end is connected to the series-connected dry batteries and the other end is connected to a terminal provided in the case. A predetermined voltage is supplied to a terminal for discriminating the battery of a battery pack via a resistor, and the voltage value of this terminal detected to discriminate the type of the battery pack according to the detected voltage value.

Abstract: An automatic polarity exchange circuit with current detection feedback capabilities includes a forward polarity detector connected in parallel with a reverse polarity detector to respectively drive a positive switch or reverse polarity switch in the automatic polarity exchanger pursuant to the outcome of the polarity detection, as performed on the switches.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply unit for coupling between an adapter with an adapter connector and an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a self-contained housing, a backup power supply, and an output switch system. The self-contained housing has an input port for coupling with the adapter connector from the adapter and an output connector extending from the housing for coupling with the electronic device. The backup power supply is located in the housing and provides the backup power. The output switch system is also located in the housing. The output switch system is coupled between the output connector and the input port and the backup power supply and couples the backup power from the backup power supply to the electronic device when incoming power from the adapter fails.

Abstract: A battery charging system detects if multiple battery cells to be recharged include rechargeable, secondary batteries or non-rechargeable, primary batteries. If the system detects that any one of the cells is a primary battery, then the charging system halts the charging operation. If all of the cells are secondary batteries, but the polarity of any battery cell is incorrect, then the charging system halts the charging process.

Abstract: A DC to DC converter particularly suited for use to boost or reduce the voltage with single battery systems allows insertion of the battery in either polarity through use of a symmetrical arrangement of solid-state switches which alternate charging an inductor for the DC to DC converter operation and establishing a ground depending on the polarity of the battery. The use of a solid-state switch to establish a ground avoids the severe voltage drop required of rectifier systems.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes a programable CPU for supplying a constant voltage and a constant current respectively to a voltage control circuit and a current control circuit so as to obtain function of automatically adjust the charging voltage and fix the current. A voltage checking circuit is provided to coordinate with the CPU for keeping watch of charging operation and checking if a battery being charged is normal or not. If the stored electric volume is less than a quarter (indicating the battery is damaged), if the positive and the negative of the charging circuit are connected reversely with those of the battery, if pinchers of the charging circuit contact each other in a short-circuited condition, or if the pinchers fall off the poles of the battery, the CPU stops at once charging operation so as to protect the charging circuit and batteries.

Abstract: A charge/discharge control circuit is provided for an electric power source apparatus in which a service life is prolonged. A voltage dividing circuit, an overcharge voltage detection circuit, an overdischarge voltage detection circuit and a control circuit are connected in parallel to a secondary cell which is an electric power source, wherein the control circuit detects a condition of the secondary cell from the overcharge/overdischarge voltage detection circuits and outputs a signal Vs for controlling a power supply to an external equipment and a charge by an external power source and controls a switching element provided in series with the voltage dividing circuit and reduces a current which flows through the voltage dividing circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery charging device adapted to be connected to a battery having a positive and a negative terminal for supplying a direct current to the positive terminal of the battery. This device comprises an alternating current supply means, such as a transformer, connected to a power supply for providing alternating current, such as a wall socket. A charge current supply controller means is connected to the secondary winding of the transformer. The charge current supply controller means comprises two pairs of silicon controlled rectifiers ("SCR") and a SCR interface circuit. The secondary of the transformer is also connected to the SCRs. A processor which is connected to the SCR interface circuit determines which pair of SCRs will supply direct current to the battery. The processor, which is connected to the output of the polarity sensing detector, decides which pair of SCRs will be the conduit for the current to the battery based on the output of the polarity sensing detector.