Abstract: This invention includes a universal base unit having a plurality of cables, each corresponding to a unique electronic host device. The cable includes a capacitor having a value corresponding to a particular electronic host device. The capacitor is coupled in series with a resistor to ground in the universal base unit. The cable further includes a unique mating connector for coupling to the electronic host device. The universal base unit identifies the cable by actuating a step function across the capacitor-resistor network, causing an exponentially decaying waveform. A microprocessor in the host device then measures the width of the waveform to determine the identity of the cable or host device. The system allows a user to carry a single power supply or universal base unit with multiple cables as opposed to having to transport a different accessory for each electronic device.

Abstract: A method for determining time to completion is provided for a battery charging system. The system preferably includes a charger having a microprocessor and a battery with a memory. The memory includes information about the battery, including battery identifiers, charging states, charging procedures and charging termination information. The charger reads this battery and then determines the charging states associated with the battery. The charger then determines the present state of charge, and calculates a time to completion for that state. The charger then determines times to completion for the remaining charge states, optionally compensating for self discharge within the battery. A total time to completion is determined by summing the times to completion for the respective charging states.

Abstract: This invention includes an adaptor that facilitates reconditioning and charging of non-smart batteries in smart chargers. The adaptor includes a mechanical and electrical interface to the host-side of a non-smart battery, thereby bypassing any protection diode. The adaptor further includes at least one memory device that identifies the adaptor to a smart charger as an adaptor. Upon insertion, the smart charger reads the memory device in the adaptor begins the reconditioning process. The reconditioning process includes discharging the non-smart battery to a predetermined voltage stored memory device. The smart charger then waits a predefined period and begins charging the non-smart battery, preferably at a constant current. Charging is terminated at a V-peak inflection. Upon completion of charging, the smart charger may trickle charge for a time, and then indicates charge is completed.

Abstract: A battery protection circuit is provided that includes a safety circuit and an overpower circuit. The safety circuit monitors the voltage and current of at least one rechargeable cell within the battery pack, and disconnects the cell(s) from the external terminals of the battery pack when either the voltage becomes too high or low, or when excessive current is being drawn from the battery pack. The overpower circuit monitors the power being delivered to or sourced from the battery pack to the load. The overpower circuit actuates when the power exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby simulating an overcurrent condition in the safety circuit. The overcurrent condition causes a disconnect means, like a transistor, to open, thereby disconnecting the cell(s) from the external terminals. The battery protection circuit then latches in this disconnected state until a load is removed from the terminals of the battery pack.

Abstract: A current interrupt device for rechargeable, electrochemical cells having a safety valve, insulating spacer and a thin metal plate for coupling to an electrode assembly is provided. The thin metal plate electrically couples to the safety valve by way of a conductive polymer, preferably having a positive temperature coefficient characteristic. The positive temperature coefficient characteristic is such that the impedance of the polymer increases with increasing temperature. In normal operation, the polymer conducts current. In high current situations, where internal components heat due to parasitic resistances, the polymer becomes an insulator and disconnects the cell from the exterior can. When gasses build within the cell, the safety valve deforms, thereby causing the safety valve to separate from the thin metal plate. Once the safety valve and thin metal plate have separated, the electrode assembly is electrically isolated from the exterior can.

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

Abstract: A method of charging a battery is provided that alters the amount of energy stored within the battery based upon a temperature profile across time. Battery materials and components, like liquid electrolyte or electrodes for instance, can be damaged when a rechargeable cell is exposed to elevated temperatures for extended amounts of time, thereby reducing the overall amount of energy that may be stored within the cell. This method monitors stored energy capacity and temperature. When a fully-charged cell is held at a temperature that exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold for an extended amount of time, the method discharges the cell, thereby reducing the amount of energy stored within the cell. For example, when a single, lithium-ion cell is maintained at 4.2 V for over 10 hours, the method will discharge the cell by roughly 1% or 50 mV. The discharge may be either automatic, or at the prompt of a user.

Abstract: This invention includes a memory device having exactly three external terminals: a power external terminal; a ground or return external terminal; and a one-wire data communication external terminal. The memory is preferably employed in a rechargeable battery pack having exactly four terminals. The power external terminal is coupled to a battery terminal traditionally used for a thermistor. When a host device desires to read data from the memory, the host device closes a switch coupled between a power source and the thermistor battery terminal, thereby actuating the memory. The host then reads data by way of a communication channel established between a microprocessor in the host device and the data communication external terminal of the memory.

Abstract: A battery protection circuit is provided that includes a safety circuit and a charge monitoring circuit. The safety circuit monitors the voltage and current of at least one rechargeable cell within the battery pack, and disconnects the cell(s) from the external terminals of the battery pack when either the voltage becomes too high or low, or when excessive current is being drawn from the battery pack. The charge monitoring circuit can include any of a number of detectors or monitoring circuits, including those that monitor temperature, pressure, voltage, energy, current or power. In one embodiment, the charge monitoring circuit includes a power meter and a pulsed current detector. The charge monitoring circuit actuates when either the power or pulsed current exceeds a predetermined power or current threshold, respectively. When the charge monitoring circuit actuates, an overcurrent condition is simulated in the safety circuit.

Abstract: This invention includes an improvement to a power regulation and thermal management circuit. The power regulation and thermal management circuit includes a pass element coupled serially between a power source and a load. A voltage sensing circuit senses the voltage across the serial element and selects a corresponding current path based upon the sense voltage from a plurality of current paths. The invention includes a timing circuit that periodically, temporarily overrides the selection of current paths. The timing circuit generates a test pulse that temporarily turns all of the current paths on, thereby preventing a discharge lockout condition. The power regulation and thermal management circuit also includes a linear regulator to terminate charging at the appropriate voltage.

Abstract: This invention includes a method for charging lithium-based batteries. Battery type is identified by a charger by way of a third terminal. For nickel-based cells, the third terminal is coupled to a thermistor for sensing temperature. For lithium-based cells, the third terminal is coupled to the rechargeable cell disposed within the battery pack. If a nickel cell is identified, the cell is charged by conventional means. If a lithium cell is identified, the charger applies a full current until any serial elements disposed between the battery pack terminals and the cell reach a high impedance state. The charger then reduces the charging current to a low level for a predetermined time. After this time has elapsed, the charger then reapplies a high current. If the voltage across the serial elements remains low, charging continues. However, if the voltage across the serial elements exceeds a predetermined threshold, the charger then decrements the current by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention includes a speakerphone accessory suitable for connection to either a battery charger having a phone in its pocket or to a cellular telephone. The speakerphone module includes a hemispherical upper housing. The upper housing includes a circular dimple aperture and a wave directing cap. The hemispherical shape, aperture and cap all contribute to directing acoustic waved generated by a speaker disposed within the housing radially from the module in all directions. One embodiment of the module includes a second terminal for passing data and power through the module, allowing the module to be coupled serially between devices. The module also includes a bottom housing having a generally hemispherical shape. The bottom housing provides stability to the connection between the module and a peripheral device in that it reduces the mechanical advantage given to forces incident upon the upper housing acting upon the main terminal.

Abstract: A charging circuit for regulating current to a plurality of batteries is provided. The regulation is performed by a single control signal that is optionally scaled by resistor dividers. Switches coupled to the resistor dividers allow a microprocessor to actuate a particular resistor divider, thereby scaling the current flowing through a corresponding battery. As such, a single control signal, like a pulse width modulated signal, may be used to cause different currents to flow to different batteries, thereby leaving other output pins of the microprocessor open for other functions.

Abstract: This invention includes a hybrid housing for rechargeable battery packs. The housing utilizes thin metal sidewalls with overlaid plastic end walls by way of an insert molding process. In a single cell, lithium-ion application, the resultant battery pack is 4.9% smaller by volume. Each sidewall up to 75% thinner than prior art sidewalls made by way of an injection molding process. The resultant battery housing is thinner and stronger than prior art housings.

Abstract: This invention includes a hybrid housing for rechargeable battery packs. The housing utilizes a thin, plastic film bottom with insert-molded plastic walls. The bottom member is up to 50% thinner than prior art bottom members made by way of an injection molding process. The resultant battery housing is thinner and stronger than prior art housings.

Abstract: This method of charging includes a method of terminating charge when three events have occurred: a voltage across at least one of the cells reaches a predetermined maximum voltage, the average charging current falls below a predetermined minimum current, and the presence of a power source has been detected. The method also includes a safety termination that prohibits charge upon the expiration of a timer when the cells have stored little or no energy.

Abstract: A battery pack for an electronic communications device having electronic circuitry, at least one rechargeable cell, a housing and a circuit substrate is provided. Included within the pack is a copper strip that is electrically isolated from the battery circuitry. The copper strip is tuned by adjusting the length and width of the strip, as well as the placement of the strip within the battery pack, so as to reduce the overall Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of the communications device-battery combination. In one preferred embodiment, the copper strip is 70 mm by 3 mm, made from 1 oz. copper, and formed into a “L” shape. The copper strip is placed along the side of the cell and about the end having the positive terminal. Overall SAR is reduced 13% by using the battery with the copper strip.

Abstract: A battery for use in various temperature environments includes a plurality of cells arranged in a close packing arrangement and a sleeve that is disposed around the cells. The sleeve is constructed from a material that acts as an insulator at relatively low temperatures and that acts as a conductor at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: This invention includes a system for teaching and learning a preferred ergonomic motion. The system includes a video camera for capturing successive images of a person executing an ergonomic motion. The system includes a threshold definition system that allows a user to define a spatial region of the video image through which motion should or should not interfere. If the spatial region is interfered, the system actuates an alarm, thereby providing feedback so the user may alter the technique of the next attempted motion. In one preferred embodiment, the system is used in teaching a golfer to execute a preferred golf swing. The golfer adjusts the spatial region to define a space through which neither the golfer's body nor club should pass. If the spatial region is intruded upon, an alarm is actuated. For example, the golfer may define the region such that if the club moves off plane during a swing, a tee removal system causes the ball to disappear.

Abstract: A speaker-phone base for supporting a portable telephone electrical interface, in which the interface having an interface electrical power connector and an interface audio connector, includes a base member. The base member defines a portable telephone electrical interface receptacle that is shaped so as to be capable of receiving therein a portable telephone electrical interface. A base electrical power connector is disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface power connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base electrical power connector is complementary to the interface electrical power connector and electrically coupled to an electrical power source. A base audio connector is also disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface audio connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base audio connector is complementary to the interface audio connector. A speaker and a microphone are each integral with the base member.