Abstract: This invention includes a cover for a rechargeable battery to facilitate charging. The invention provides a means for coupling a charging plug and battery having different mechanical form factors. Hence, when a battery is inserted into the cover, the charging plug may mechanically couple to the cover, allowing power terminals on the charging plug to engage charging contacts on the battery.

Abstract: An electrolyte for an electrochemical cell is described comprising two or more polyanion-based compounds of the general formula:M.sub.m [X.sub.x Y.sub.y O.sub.z ].nH.sub.2 OwhereM is selected from the group consisting of ammonia and the elements of Groups IA and IIA of the Periodic Table;X and Y are different and are selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups IIIB, IVB, VB, and VIB of the Periodic Table, and boron, aluminum, gallium, silicon, germanium, tin, phosphorous, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, polonium, indium, and astatine;O is oxygen; andm is an integer from 1 to 10, inclusive;x is an integer from 0 to 1, inclusive;y is an integer from 2 to 13, inclusive;z is an integer from 7 to 80, inclusive; andn is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

Abstract: A battery charger system (10) consisting of a power supply unit (20) and a battery charger unit (70). The power supply unit (20) features a current profile generator (26) that defines a current profile of the output current of the power supply unit (20). The battery charger system (10) provides a unique way of communicating charging current demand between the battery charger unit (70) and the power supply unit (20). The power supply unit (20) is capable of determining the charging current demand by detecting specific logical operating states of the battery charger unit (70), and comparing the current to a set threshold. The battery charger unit (70) communicates charging current demand to the power supply unit (20), and the power supply unit (20) responds by adjusting its output current to meet the required demand.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system (10) including a first energy storage device (12), such as a secondary or rechargeable battery, and a second energy storage device (14), such as an electrochemical capacitor, fuel cell, or flywheel. The second energy storage device provides intermittent energy bursts to satisfy the power requires of, for example, pulsed power communication devices. The first and second energy storage devices are coupled to a current controller to assure that pulse transients are not applied to the first energy storage device as a result of charging the second energy storage device.

Abstract: A series-resonant power converter (10) comprising a transformer (100), a resonant tank circuit (120) having a piezo-electric crystal (122) as the resonant element and a series-connected resonant capacitor (124). First and second switches (132 and 134) are connected to the transformer (100) and are driven by voltages at windings of the transformer so as to alternately turn on. The piezo-electric crystal (122) self-oscillates to store and release energy and thereby charge and discharge the capacitor (124). Moreover, as a result of the self-oscillation of the resonant circuit (120), the switches (132 and 134) are alternately driven in synchronism with the charging and discharging cycle of the capacitor (122) through windings of the transformer (100). No additional switching circuitry is needed to achieve proper oscillation of the resonant tank circuit (120).

Abstract: Described is a battery cell housing comprising a battery cell compartment and a latching compartment separated by an inner wall, where the battery housing is made of metal formed by combination extrusion or dual impact extrusion. This permits battery compartment wall to be thin, so that the maximum size battery cell may be inserted into it, and the latching compartment wall to be thic,k so it can be securely fastened to an electronic device. The inner wall provides an impenetrable barrier to moisture migrating from the latching compartment to the battery compartment.

Abstract: A battery pack (100) includes a battery cell (102), a power switch (104), a regulator circuit (106), control circuit (108), electronic drive switch (112), and a mechanical driver switch (116). The battery pack is placed in the hibernate mode by sending a hibernate message to the control circuit from an external device (134). The control circuit removes a control signal from the electronic driver switch, causing the power switch to open, removing power from the regulator circuit and all attached circuitry, including the control circuit. No current flows from the battery cell past the opened power switch, and the battery pack is then in the hibernate mode. To wake up the battery pack, the mechanical driver switch is actuated by a user, causing the power switch to close, allowing current and voltage from the battery cell to power up the regulator circuit, which in turn powers up the control circuit. The control circuit applies a control signal to the electronic driver switch to hold the power switch closed.

Abstract: A battery housing is described comprising a frame, a top cover, and a bottom cover, wherein the frame has a ledge at its bottom, and an arch formed on one or more walls of the frame. The top cover has one or more rod-shaped projections protruding downward from the bottom side of the top cover, each projection having a ridge at the distal end of the projection. The bottom cover of the housing is wedged between the ledge and the arch, and the top cover of the housing fits onto the frame. Each rod is slid through a corresponding opening in the arch, and the ridge at the distal end of each rod slides through and past the opening of each arch, locking the rod in place vis-a-vis the arch.

Abstract: A battery charging system 100 is provided which comprises a charger 101 and a battery pack 102. The battery pack 102 comprises a battery cell or cells 150, memory means 140, temperature sensing means 147, and a high accuracy, high impedance voltage sensing means 112 that senses voltage directly at the battery cell terminals 151, 149. By sensing directly at the cell terminals 151, 149, charging error due to parasitic conductor impedances 132, 138 can be eliminated. The voltage sensing means 112 allows memory 140 and thermistor 147 data to be multiplexed, allowing the system to operate with four or fewer battery terminals.

Abstract: An adapter system comprising an adapter with plug prongs on its front face and apertures on its back face, and adapter contacts within it, and a power supply with power supply prongs disposed outwardly, which prongs have undercuts at their distal ends; where the power supply contacts can be inserted into the apertures of the adapter, and the adapter is then rotated around the axis of insertion, mechanically securing the adapter to the power supply and simultaneously making electrical contact between the adapter and the power supply.