Abstract: A system and method for determining and balancing state of charge among plural series connected electrical energy storage units is provided. State of change of a selected storage unit in a string of storage units is determined by (i) applying a non-dissipative load to the selected storage unit, resulting in an energy transfer between the selected storage unit and the string of electrical energy storage units through the non-dissipative load and (ii) determining the state of charge of the selected unit from voltage and current data of the selected storage unit resulting from the energy transfer. When the state of charge of the selected unit is different than a target state of charge, energy can be transferred between the selected unit and the string of storage units, such that the state of charge of the selected unit converges toward the target state of charge.

Abstract: To provide a method of controlling charge and discharge of a secondary battery for automatic guided vehicle that can decide the timing of refresh charge and discharge accurately and minimize the frequency of refresh charge and discharge.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an arrangement charges equipment batteries, for example, while the equipment is being towed by a towing vehicle. In this example application, the towing vehicle has a primary battery and a rearward-located hitch for towing a trailer that carries the equipment batteries. The arrangement includes a charging circuit that automatically alternates a power connection from the primary battery to each of the equipment batteries, one battery at a time.

Abstract: A rechargeable multiple cell battery pack has an application associated therewith that draws power from the battery pack. While the battery pack is in operation, voltage, current, state-of-charge (SOC), and impedance data are collected on a per-cell basis and an algorithm is performed to determine a state-of-charge for each individual cell of the battery pack consistent with predetermined criteria. The individual cells are charged to the respective, determined state-of-charge (SOC) levels.

Abstract: A battery having a complete discharge mechanism includes a spring-biased switch with an element spring-biased from the switch and acts to close the switch when in a fully extended position. A block is position above the element with a passageway aligned with the element. A flexible positioned between the element and the passage prevents the element from extending into the passage. The tab extends through the battery casing. When pulled the tab allows the element to extend into the passage thereby closing the spring-biased switch and completing the discharge circuit.

Abstract: A recharging system for portable electronic devices that have specialized recharging ports and accept only specifically shaped connectors. The recharging system includes a plug connector for engaging an external power source. A generic terminal connector is also provided. A wire cord is used to connect the plug connector and the terminal connector. At least one adaptor is provided. Each adaptor has a receptacle and a specialized connector. The receptacle selectively receives and electrically interconnects with the generic terminal connector. The specialized connector on the adaptor selectively engages the portable electronic device, therein electrically interconnecting the portable electronic device to the generic terminal connector. The portable electronic device is then recharged by the flow of electricity through the generic terminal connector.

Abstract: Battery charging circuitry and systems are provided. One embodiment may include at least one switch having a full conduction state and a controllable conduction state and switch control circuitry capable of sensing a condition. The switch control circuitry may further be capable of generating at least one control signal capable of controlling the conduction state of the switch based on, at least in part, the sensed condition.

Abstract: A charging device including a battery; a first induction coil coupled to the battery; and an induction core extending through the first induction coil. The induction core has a portion which extends in an outward direction from the charging device and is adapted to removably couple with a second induction coil of a portable electronic device by extending into the second induction coil.

Abstract: A micro-generator for providing electrical power to a battery charger capable of charging lithium ion, lithium polymer and other rechargeable batteries of the type which power portable electronic devices and MEMS. The micro-generator includes a micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric power produced by the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: When a primary winding current increases to an upper limit determined by a reference voltage having a soft-start characteristic, a power switch is turned OFF. When a secondary winding current decreases to a lower limit determined by another predetermined reference voltage, the power switch is turned ON. A minimum ON-time limiting unit prevents the power switch from being turned OFF before a minimum ON-time expires. The minimum ON-time may be provided with a soft-start modulation. A minimum OFF-time limiting unit prevents the power switch from being turned ON before a minimum OFF-time expires. A maximum ON-time limiting unit prevents the power switch from still remaining ON after a maximum ON-time expires.

Abstract: A method and system for battery charging. In some aspects, an electrical combination comprises a first battery having a Lithium-based chemistry, the first battery having a first nominal voltage in a nominal voltage range, a second battery having a Lithium-based chemistry, the second battery having a second nominal voltage, the second nominal voltage being different than the first nominal voltage and being outside of the nominal voltage range, and a battery charger operable to charge the first battery and the second battery.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced battery control improves the performance of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The HEV includes an internal combustion engine, at least one motor operable as a generator and a battery. A hybrid control module determines various discharge and recharge allowances limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. It also determines various periods of time limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. The allowances and periods of time may be used as limits that are imposed on commands for the motor.

Abstract: A battery monitoring apparatus that obtains a current measurement for a current in a conductive element. The battery monitoring apparatus includes conductive lines configured to couple to a conductive element having an electrical current, a filter coupled to the conductive lines and configured to filter noise from a signal derived from a voltage difference between the conductive lines, an analog-to-digital converter that converts the signal filtered by the filter and outputs a digital signal, and a controller that receives the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A rapid charging circuit for charging a power module is disclosed. The power module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The power module is charged using an energy source connected to the power module. The charging circuit includes a control circuit adapted to maintain a constant power level at the power module during charging as the voltage level across the power module increases. The control circuit includes a pulse-width modulator and an inductor connected in series with the power module. The pulse-width modulator can control a charge level of the inductor. The charge level may correspond to a current level which is in accordance with a desired power level at the power module and an instantaneous voltage level across the power module. The inductor may be adapted to limit a current level through the power module to a predetermined peak level.

Abstract: An AC plug of a battery charger is arranged so as to be enclosed into a casing of the battery charger or projected therefrom when it is laterally rotated. The AC plug has two conductive blades and an edge surface for projecting them at an almost right angle. A first surface and a first rotary shaft are provided for a first side surface. A second surface and a second rotary shaft are provided for a second side surface opposite to the first side surface. A first contact portion electrically connected to one conductive blade is projected from the first rotary shaft. A second contact portion electrically connected to the other conductive blade is projected from the second rotary shaft. Conductive spring terminals which are elastically come into contact with the front edges of the first and second contact portions are provided for a board in the casing. By reducing a rotational radius of each contact portion, a small battery charger is provided.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes first and second modules, and a control unit. The first module includes a first charging circuit to be coupled to a first power source, and a first battery unit coupled to the first charging circuit. The second module is connected removably to the first module, and includes a second charging circuit to be coupled to a second power source, and a second battery unit coupled to the second charging circuit. The control unit enables the first and second battery units to be charged independently and respectively through the first and second charging circuits using the first and second power sources when the second module is disconnected from the first module, and enables the first and second battery units to be charged through the first charging circuit using the first power source when the second module is connected to the first module.

Abstract: A fuel cell power module is provided. The module comprises (a) power production unit, (b) a power conditioning and protection unit, and (c) a control unit, each unit being modules and integrated into a module for independent removal. Multiple modules are networked so that each module is connected to a master controller so that if one module is removed from operation, the other is able to continue operation.

Abstract: A circuit includes a battery connection portion and a motor control portion. The circuit further includes a driven component capable of receiving electric power from a battery connected to the circuit at the battery connection portion only when the motor control portion is activated.

Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack including a housing, a cell supported by the housing and power being transferable between the cell and an electrical device, a circuit supported by the housing and operable to control a function of the battery pack, and a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the circuit and operable to dissipate heat from the circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a planar inductive battery charging system designed to enable electronic devices to be recharged. The system includes a planar charging module having a charging surface on which a device to be recharged is placed. Within the charging module and parallel to the charging surface is at least one and preferably an array of primary windings that couple energy inductively to a secondary winding formed in the device to be recharged. The invention also provides secondary modules that allow the system to be used with conventional electronic devices not formed with secondary windings.