Abstract: Rechargeable cells in cylindrical form are arranged within frames in a honeycomb structure and coupled by connecting straps outside the frames to form cell pack. Several cell packs, an electronic switch and control circuit are integrated into the battery housing. A bus bar extends around the perimeter of the housing. A high density MOSFET switch is coupled between the bur bar and the battery contact. A high power electronic clamp disposed across the battery terminals absorbs or redirects transients. An active, high-efficiency, low-noise cell balance converter or a LC based resonant converter may also be provided. For advanced battery applications a +5V CAN bus interface is provided via two circular connectors. Thermistors are provided for use in a thermal protection scheme.

Abstract: A hybrid coupling for a smart battery system having two internal batteries. The hybrid power coupling includes a power coupling for connecting to the batteries and a data coupling for connecting with two bus devices that are also within the battery housing. The contacts of the digital data coupling are disposed in a circular configuration within the mating jack of the hybrid coupling. The data contacts are concentric with the D.C. battery contacts. The data contacts are retractable to automatically and selectively connect to a variety of battery-mounted jacks.

Abstract: Rechargeable cells in cylindrical form are arranged within frames in a honeycomb structure and coupled by connecting straps outside the frames to form cell pack. Several cell packs, an electronic switch and control circuit are integrated into the battery housing. A bus bar extends around the perimeter of the housing. A high density MOSFET switch is coupled between the bur bar and the battery contact. A high power electronic clamp disposed across the battery terminals absorbs or redirects transients. An active, high-efficiency, low-noise cell balance converter or a LC based resonant converter may also be provided. For advanced battery applications a +5V CAN bus interface is provided via two circular connectors. Thermistors are provided for use in a thermal protection scheme.

Abstract: A plug having a screw-down feature to securely connect to a socket of fixed, existing design. The plug includes flanges with screw receiving bores. Plug screws inserted through the bores deliver a coupling force for a variable compression seal that makes the connection waterproof. The screw-down connection includes upgrading the existing socket machine screws to a socket retaining member. The screw-down feature prevents the plug from accidentally disconnecting from the socket.

Abstract: A portable battery charging apparatus having two or more battery charging interfaces on separate panels. Wires electrically couple the battery charging apparatuses to a charger unit. The wires are routed for flexibility to fold and unfold the panels. The battery charging apparatuses and the charging unit may be connected to a flexible material. Each battery charging apparatus may include two or more charging jacks for the same or different batteries. The charger unit has an input to receive a power source, and an output to power a further device, for example a further battery charging apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible, water tight seal for a movable component. The seal has a border plate sandwiched between two sealing gaskets. The seal is compressed between two components that remain out of contact with each other. The seal is installed axially between the components. For components having circular contact areas, the seal can be constructed from a washer sandwiched between two O-rings. The components float on the compressed seal to allow some flexibility between the components while maintaining a water tight seal.

Abstract: A hybrid coupling for a smart battery system having two internal batteries. The hybrid power coupling includes a power coupling for connecting to the batteries and a data coupling for connecting with two bus devices that are also within the battery housing. The contacts of the digital data coupling are disposed in a circular configuration within the mating jack of the hybrid coupling. The data contacts are concentric with the D.C. battery contacts. The data contacts are retractable to automatically and selectively connect to a variety of battery-mounted jacks.

Abstract: A flexible, water tight seal for a movable component. The seal has a border plate sandwiched between two sealing gaskets. The seal is compressed between two components that remain out of contact with each other. The seal is installed axially between the components. For components having circular contact areas, the seal can be constructed from a washer sandwiched between two O-rings. The components float on the compressed seal to allow some flexibility between the components while maintaining a water tight seal.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant electrical receptacle includes a cover defining a set of cover apertures; and a slider defining an aperture therein and being movable between a first position blocking the set of cover apertures and a second position not blocking the set of cover apertures, wherein when an object probes at least one and fewer than all of the set of cover apertures, the slider is constrained in the first position. When a set of prongs is inserted simultaneously through the set of cover apertures, the prongs contact a slider surface that is oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the set of prongs such that the slider is urged from the first to the second position. When in the second position the slider aperture aligns with at least one of the set of cover apertures to enable the set of prongs to contact the receptacle contacts.

Abstract: A switching device includes a paddle actuator biased to a rest position and configured to pivot relative to a housing to a depressed position to engage an air-gap switch disposed within the housing. The air-gap switch is configured to change a first state of a load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the paddle actuator. The paddle actuator is defined by a pair of opposing long sides and a pair of opposing short sides and has at least one slot defined therein parallel to the pair of opposing short sides thereof and centrally disposed between the pair of opposing long sides thereof. A rocker actuator is disposed in the at least one slot defined in the paddle actuator and is configured to pivot relative thereto to engage at least one switch. The at least one switch is configured to change a second state of the load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the rocker actuator.

Abstract: An electrical termination and method comprising an element and a conductive member is disclosed. A wire is manually or tool-lessly securable in electrical communication with the conductive member.

Abstract: An electrical termination and method comprising an element and a conductive member is disclosed. A wire is manually or tool-lessly securable in electrical communication with the conductive member.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant electrical receptacle includes a cover defining a set of cover apertures; and a slider defining an aperture therein and being movable between a first position blocking the set of cover apertures and a second position not blocking the set of cover apertures, wherein when an object probes at least one and fewer than all of the set of cover apertures, the slider is constrained in the first position. When a set of prongs is inserted simultaneously through the set of cover apertures, the prongs contact a slider surface that is oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the set of prongs such that the slider is urged from the first to the second position. When in the second position the slider aperture aligns with at least one of the set of cover apertures to enable the set of prongs to contact the receptacle contacts.

Abstract: An electrical termination and method comprising an element and a conductive member is disclosed. A wire is manually or tool-lessly securable in electrical communication with the conductive member.

Abstract: An electrical termination and method comprising an element and a conductive member is disclosed. A wire is manually or tool-lessly securable in electrical communication with the conductive member.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant electrical receptacle includes a cover defining a set of cover apertures; and a slider defining an aperture therein and being movable between a first position blocking the set of cover apertures and a second position not blocking the set of cover apertures, wherein when an object probes at least one and fewer than all of the set of cover apertures, the slider is constrained in the first position. When a set of prongs is inserted simultaneously through the set of cover apertures, the prongs contact a slider surface that is oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the set of prongs such that the slider is urged from the first to the second position. When in the second position the slider aperture aligns with at least one of the set of cover apertures to enable the set of prongs to contact the receptacle contacts.