Abstract: This invention includes a pocket for a charger that is capable of accommodating a number of different batteries, each battery having a different mechanical and electrical form factor. The pocket includes a pocket divider that may be inserted into multiple pairs of notches. The pocket divider thereby allows the pocket to be reconfigured. The pocket further comprises at least two sets of electrical contacts, and at least two springs for ensuring the proper contact force between a battery and the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An improved lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery that is capacity-fade resistant. The battery includes an anode comprised of graphite where density of the graphite is in a range from 1.2 to 1.5 g/c3; and the battery further has a cathode that is comprised of LiNiO2 present at a density in a range from 3.0 to 3.3 g/c3. The battery also includes an electrolyte and a separator between the anode and cathode, and the separator is coated with PVDF such that the anode, cathode, and separator are held together to form the electricity-producing battery. The ratio by weight of LiNiO2 to graphite present in the battery is preferably no greater than 2.0 to 1.

Abstract: A protection circuit (100) and protection device (300) for protecting a rechargeable (lithium-based) battery cell or cells from overcharging. A voltage regulator element (110, 310) is connected in parallel with the battery cell or cells (5) and is thermally coupled to a thermal element (120, 322, 326) connected in series with the charging current supply. The voltage regulator element (110, 310) prevents overcharging of the battery (5) by shunting current away from the battery when a predetermined voltage across the battery is exceeded. Moreover, the thermal element (120, 322, 326) prevents failure of the voltage regulator element (110, 310) by open circuiting the current path when the heat dissipated by the voltage regulator element (110, 310), thermally coupled to the thermal element (120, 322, 326) causes the thermal element to enter a high resistance state.

Abstract: This invention includes a charging circuit employing an off-the-shelf battery protection circuit. The invention offers an improvement to the battery protection circuit by providing means to accommodate trickle charging during undervoltage conditions. A pass transistor is provided with a trickle resistor coupled in parallel. The pass transistor is driven by a drooping voltage circuit that causes the pass transistor to open in undervoltage conditions, thus forcing charging current through the trickle resistor. Indicating means are also included to tell the user whether the circuit is in trickle mode or normal charging mode.

Abstract: This invention includes a circuit that approximates the thermal behavior of a fuse or other electronic device that is coupled in series with the circuit. In one preferred embodiment, the circuit protects a fuse coupled in series with a rechargeable battery from clearing during soft short conditions. Thus, when the instantaneous current is temporarily above the current rating of the fuse, yet the root mean squared current is below the current rating of the fuse, the circuit works to estimate the heating of the fuse element and limit the current to a root mean squared value that is less than the current rating of the fuse. One embodiment includes a programmable comparator that actuates a counter which, in turn, increments to estimate heating of the element when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: This invention includes an electronic accessory having a single button that actuates all of its control features. In one embodiment, the accessory is a MP3 player wherein songs are stored on a multimedia card. Once the card has been loaded an inserted, the MP3 player is coupled to an energy source. In a preferred embodiment, the energy source is preferably a cellular telephone. After coupling, all of the functions of the MP3 player are controlled with a single button. In a preferred embodiment, power is actuated by pushing the button for one second. Volume is adjusted by toggling the button laterally. Tracks are selected by pushing the button quickly while power is applied. Power is turned off by depressing the button for two seconds or more.

Abstract: This invention includes a current limiting circuit comprised of an array of switch-fuse pairs. Switches are coupled in series with fuses to form fuse-switch pairs. The fuse switch pairs are coupled in parallel forming an equivalent fuse. A current censing circuit senses the current flowing in the equivalent fuse. When the current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the current sense circuit actuates a control circuit that clears the fuses by opening all the transistors save one. This forces the entire current through a single fuse, causing it to clear. Each fuse is cleared in similar fashion in much the same way that a zipper is opened one tooth at a time. In other words, under normal conditions, all switches are on and each fuse carries Ta/n amps, where Ta is the current rating of the fuse and n is the number of fuses. If all but one transistor is turned off, then Ta amps would flow through a single fuse. If the fuse were rated for 2Ta/n, the fuse would clear.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming a battery for a personal electronic device includes a heating element and a holder. The holder holds the heating element adjacent to the battery for the personal electronic device so as to apply heat thereto. Exemplary heating means include supersaturated solutions and ferrous materials. The invention allows the user to operate a portable electronic device in environments that would otherwise be prohibitory due to the temperature operating limitations of the battery.

Abstract: This invention is a “power” toolbox for vehicles that charges power tools and batteries while the vehicle is driven. A preferred embodiment is intended to be placed in a pick-up truck bed. The toolbox is coupled to the vehicular automotive system, and electrical power is delivered through electrical contacts in the toolbox to modular compartments that hold power tools or batteries in a nested fashion. When the vehicle is running, any battery or tool coupled to a compartment is charged. The compartments may be of different shapes and sizes and may include electrical circuitry to modulate the voltage and current from the vehicular electrical system. An optional manual switch is provided to disengage the toolbox from the vehicular electrical system.

Abstract: This invention includes a spacer, preferably having a cross section resembling the letter “T”, that is positioned between the electrode assembly and the metal can in electrochemical battery cells. The spacer allows a void to exist between the corner of the metal can and the electrode assembly. This “crumple zone” prevents any external damage to the can from damaging the internal electrode assembly. The invention facilitates passage of common OEM drop testing without compromising cell performance. The invention increases the reliability of the cell by allowing the cell to resist external impacts.

Abstract: A charger with a mechanical support is provided for supporting an electronic device having batteries with different form factors. The mechanical support can be rotated to further support larger form factor electronic devices. Additionally, a mechanical support for insertion into a charger is provided for supporting electronic devices with varying form factors.

Abstract: An integrated electronic apparatus includes a personal electronic device other than a personal alarm. A personal alarm is integrated with the personal electronic device. A battery is electrically coupled to the personal electronic device and the personal alarm so as to provide electric power to both the personal electronic device and the personal alarm.

Abstract: This invention includes a universal base unit having a plurality of cables, each corresponding to a unique electronic host device. The cable is manufactured such that the ground connection of the electronic host device is routed to one of a plurality of identification pins. In one embodiment, the identification pins are coupled to a plurality of current sense resistors. When the cable is coupled serially between the electronic device and the universal base unit, the universal base unit identifies the unique electronic device by sensing which resistor is connected to the ground of the electronic host. In another embodiment, pull-up resistors are used instead of current sense resistors. 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: This invention includes a trickle charging circuit that works with a series charging element to charge battery cells with a low, constant current when the voltage of the cell is below a predetermined operational range. The trickle charging circuit includes a control transistor that is actuated by a current source when both the power supply and undervoltage battery cell are coupled. The trickle charging continues until a minimum operational voltage of the cell is reached. The invention includes a means for rapid charging the cell once the cell voltage is within a preferred operational range. The circuit includes means for charging at other currents, like mid-rate currents, as well.

Abstract: This invention includes a method for sensing the parasitic impedance in a battery charging system and compensating for these parasitic impedances. In one embodiment, the voltage of the system is measured with no charging current applied. Next, a charging current is applied and a second voltage is measured. The parasitic impedance is then extrapolated and multiplied by a predetermined rapid charging current. The product is added to a predetermined cell termination voltage. The charging means remains in a rapid charge current mode until a voltage equal to the sum of the impedance-current product and the predetermined voltage is reached, wherein the current is reduced to a maintenance charging level.

Abstract: An apparatus for spacing a battery cell includes a cradle member having a top surface, that defines a first indentation, and an opposite bottom surface. The cradle member also has a first ledge portion and an opposite second ledge portion. At least one first cantilever beam extends from the top surface. The first cantilever beam has a first base portion having a first top end and a spaced-apart first bottom end. The first bottom end is connected to the cradle member adjacent the first ledge portion. The first cantilever beam also has a first flexible elongated arm portion extending from the first top end. The first flexible elongated arm portion is directed toward the indentation and has a length sufficient to exert inwardly-directed radial force in a first direction on the battery cell when the battery cell is placed into the indentation. At least one second cantilever beam extends from the top surface.

Abstract: This invention includes a method that allows a charger to quickly identify a battery pack. Once the battery pack has been identified, the invention allows the charger to determine whether prior charging processes should be resumed, or whether the charging cycle should be started anew. In one preferred embodiment, the battery includes a memory device having a unique identifier like a serial number, for instance. When the battery is coupled to the charger, the charger identifies the battery and queries the charger memory. If the battery has been disconnected from the charger for more than a predetermined amount of time, the charger presumes the battery has been depleted and starts the charging cycle from the beginning. If the battery has been disconnected for a short period of time, the charger presumes that the battery has not been greatly depleted and begins the previous charging process that was running when the battery was disconnected from the charger.

Abstract: A smart battery that has a network communication interface such that the battery can send and receive battery-related data. The battery is in conductive and communicative interface with a device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or laptop computer, which has a network communication pathway that the battery uses for data exchange. The smart battery can alternately be in conductive and communicative interface with a charger that is interfaced with a computer, and the charger selectively establishes a network communication pathway through the charger-computer interface for the smart battery to exchange data across the network. The smart battery preferably exchanges data with a manufacturer web site across the Internet.