Abstract: A charger for batteries includes a a charging station, which includes a housing. A casing end having an open portion through which batteries to be charged are to be inserted is provided. A constant tension spring within the casing urges the batteries outwardly of the casing. A lid is provided adjacent to the open end of the casing, the lid being movably, pivotably supported on the casing. A stop member is provided on the housing, the stop preventing the lid from being moved to its completely open position when the casing is supported on the housing. A latch arrangement retains the lid in a closed orientation. The batteries in the casing are retained therein by a portion of the lid whenever the lid is pivoted away from its completely open position. Contact means are provided between the housing and casing to provide a path for charging current. A multiple of charging stations can be provided, the multiple stations being electrically and mechanically connected.

Abstract: A direct current pulse producing circuit, which can be connected in series with a battery or battery pack to be charged or recharged, or in series with a smoothing circuit of a D.C. power supply, includes Darlington configured transistors forming part of a current amplifier. The pulse producing circuit can be directly connected in series with the battery or battery pack, or the smoothing circuit across a conventional A.C. 117 volt, 60 Hz. voltage source. The direct current pulse producing circuit may be realized as monolithic integrated circuit, and includes a rectifying diode, one electrode of the rectifying diode being formed by at least part of a substrate upon which the circuit is formed. Circuit components are formed in the monolithic circuit which effect the cancelling of undesired current caused by parasitic transistor action resulting from use of the substrate or a portion thereof as an electrode of a rectifying diode.

Abstract: A multi-station charging system is provided for charging batteries within a plurality of cordless tools, appliances or the like, each of which has at least one rechargeable battery therein. A plurality of modules, which act as charging stations, are arranged substantially adjacent to one another. Normally closed pairs of conductive contacts are provided in each of the modules. The electrical pairs of contacts in the modules are connected in a series circuit arrangement with each other. On one of the modules, electrical connection is provided to a single current regulated solid-state charging device which produces charging current pulses. The device may alternatively be in the one module. Each of the modules removably supports a respective tool or appliance and each tool or appliance has means for electrically connecting the respective battery therein within the series circuit arrangement and in series therewith only one wall outlet or a.c. power connection is required.

Abstract: A charger for batteries includes a housing having an open portion through which batteries to be charged are to be inserted. A constant tension spring within the housing urges the batteries outwardly of the housing. A cover is provided adjacent to the open portion of the housing, the cover being movably, pivotably supported on the housing. A pair of spaced-apart contact prongs are provided, at least one of which is carried by the movable cover, thereby preventing electrical connection to the prongs wherever the cover is moved away from the open portion of the housing. A latch arrangement retains the cover in a closed orientation. The batteries in the housing are retained therein by a portion of the latch whenever the cover is pivoted away from the open portion of the housing. One of the contact prongs is carried by the cover and moves therewith. A solid-state charging circuit within the housing is connected to the other one of the contact prongs.