Abstract: In a method of charging a battery pack, the pack is inserted in a charger and an initial set of checks of cell voltage and pack temperature is performed. Once the initial set of checks is satisfied, the cells may be charged at a first constant current level. The first constant current level is adjusted to one or more lower levels of constant current until cell voltages of all the cells are within a full charge voltage window. The voltage window is defined between a minimum full charge cell voltage level and a maximum full charge cell voltage level. The charge may be terminated once all of the cells are within the full charge voltage window.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.

Abstract: A thermal electrochemical cell having a LiAl anode with a salt additive in the range of 10% to 40%, a transition metal fluoride cathode and an alkali metal fluoride salt mixture electrolyte. Preferably, the cathode is CuF2 and the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of LiF—KF, LiF—KF—NaF, LiF—RbF, LiF—KF—RbF, LiF—NaF—RbF, and LiF—KF—RbF.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.