Abstract: A system for recharging storage batteries in an electric motor vehicle includes a stationary unit and a vehicle mounted unit. The stationary unit is provided with a first dielectric case and a high-frequency generator connected to the electric supply mains and to at least one inductor positioned proximate a front wall of the first dielectric case. The vehicle mounted unit includes a second dielectric case positionable adjacent the front wall of the first dielectric case. The second dielectric case is provided with at least one sensor connected to a rectifier which is connected, in turn, to the storage batteries of the vehicle. The at least one sensor is positioned proximate an exterior wall of the second case while both the at least one inductor and sensor are formed from respective flat coils capable of being magnetically coupled through air when positioned adjacent each other.

Abstract: A battery charging system (200) provides an expanded range of battery recognition. Battery (204) includes two zener diodes (224, 226) coupled in a cathode-to-cathode configuration between the battery's capacity resistor 220 and the battery's thermistor 222. The charger 202 biases the first zener diode (224) while latching the second zener diode (226) such that the value of the latched zener diode can be determined by the A/D ports (234, 236) of the charger (202). The charger (202) then biases the second zener diode (226) and latches the first zener diode (224) so that the value of the first latched zener diode (224) can be determined through A/D ports (234, 236) of the charger. The thermistor (222) and capacity resistor (220) are read by the A/D ports (234, 236) when neither of the diodes (224, 226) is biased. Hence, the charging system (200) provides four battery ID parameters with which to identify the battery.

Abstract: A thin charging device having excellent portability is provided for charging a battery pack while the battery pack remains housed within a communication device. The charging device (10) is constructed from a flat rectangular shaped main body (12) and a cover (13) which is fixed to a rotation shaft (23) so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body to allow the cover to be positioned in either an open or closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it covers charging terminals (20) provided on the top of the main body and makes the overall dimensions of the charging device roughly equal to the dimensions of the main body. On the other hand, when the cover is placed in the open position, the cover is maintained at such open position by the provision of support means (34), (35), (37).

Abstract: A system for charging batteries of boats while being towed comprising a vehicle primary battery with an anode and a cathode for electrically powering a vehicle during use, front electrical lines extending rearwardly with a receptacle fixed to the vehicle, the vehicle adapted to have a hitch at the rearward end thereof for towing a trailer. A secondary battery for powering a boat when in use in the water, the secondary battery having an anode and a cathode and rear electrical lines extending forwardly therefrom to a forward position for coupling with the front lines.

Abstract: An improved battery discharge device is provided having a non-conducting base member including a first solid conducting plate also having a second conducting plate having holes therein with a first insulating member or air space between the first and second conducting plates. Holes are provided in the first insulating plate and the second conducting plate so that pegs can be pushed through the holes to allow contact between the battery terminals and the first solid conducting plate so as to allow a current to flow between the terminals of the battery and thereby discharge the batteries. Also, an illuminator is provided so as to indicate the flow of current from the first solid conducting plate to the second conducting plate. Other embodiments showing various connectors for specialized batteries are also provided.

Abstract: An improved battery charger apparatus and method with multiple range current control includes a programmable current source (101) for providing a charge current (105) to charge a battery (107). An amplitude of the charge current (105) is dependent on a charge demand signal (117) supplied to the programmable current source (101). A scaler (109) provides a scaled charge current signal (111), dependent on the charge current (105) and a current range signal (113). A charge current control unit (115) regulates the charge current (105) by providing the charge demand signal (117) to the programmable current source (101) dependent on the scaled charge current signal (111). More than one amplitude of the charge current (105) is provided to the battery (107), dependent on more than one current range signal (113) provided by the charge current control unit (115) to the scaler (109).

Abstract: In summary, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining an external power supply type and modifying the charging of the internal battery (14) based upon the external power supply type and battery information. The device has an external power adapter (12) used to provide power to the device (10), as well as charging current for the battery which is regulated by the internal battery charger. A microcontroller (20) in the device (10) regulates the charging current to the battery (14). The microcontroller (20) preferably contains an A/D converter (21) which is connected to a pull-up resistor (32) internal to the device, and to a pull-down resistor (34) in the external power adapter (12). The voltage generated by the resistor divider network including the pull-up resistor (32) and the pull-down resistor (34) in the external power adapter is used to identify the external power adapter type.

Abstract: A battery booster for a wheelchair electrical system powered by two twelve volt batteries that includes a twelve volt power socket of conventional standardized configuration for receiving battery-boosting power from a twelve volt power source such as a vehicle cigarette lighter. Power received at the socket charges the wheelchair batteries either through a switch for selectively connecting the batteries in series for operation or parallel for charging, or through a timer and relay arrangement for automatically charging the batteries in alternating sequence.

Abstract: An improved battery charging circuit provides a single circuit for charging both Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries. Separate circuits are provided for sensing an end of charge sequence for both battery types. Both circuits operate simultaneously, and one circuit will generate and end of charge signal when a battery corresponding to its type is fully charged. When either circuit signals that a sequence is complete, charging ends. This provides for charging either type of battery without the necessity for determining the type of battery being charged.