Abstract: An improved battery charger of the type having a housing with a source of electrical energy therein suitable for recharging units capable of being electrically recharged. The housing includes a plurality of cavities each arranged to accommodate a unit to be recharged, and each cavity has electrical contacts which are positioned to contact the terminals of the unit inserted into each cavity for delivering electrical energy to that unit. The improvement comprises a switch in each cavity which is activatable by insertion of the unit therein, the switch being separate from and free from direct contact with the electrical contacts, but electrically connected to the energy source which, in turn, energizes the electrical contacts for recharging the unit upon activation of the switch.

Abstract: A canister for a removable battery comprises a receptacle for receiving the battery therein. The battery is insertable so that its electrical terminals are upwardly facing and exposed for contact. A cover is provided for enclosing the battery in the receptacle and electrical contacts are associated with the cover for contacting the battery terminals when the cover is positioned over the receptacle with the battery inside. An electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical contacts inside the cover and provides means on the outside of the cover for an electrical connection in order to derive voltage from the battery.A battery pack unit in combination with the canister comprises a plurality of batteries electrically connected to each other and has electrical terminals in contact with the electrical contacts in the cover. The terminals are electrically connected to the batteries in order to provide a source of electrical current from the pack unit.