Abstract: A battery module includes a first load terminal, a second load terminal, a load enable terminal, and a battery having a first battery terminal coupled to the first load terminal. A first protection circuit includes a first isolation device coupled between a second battery terminal of the battery and the second load terminal of the battery module. The first protection circuit further includes a first sensing circuit configured to measure a battery parameter and control the first isolation device based on the battery parameter. A driver circuit is coupled between the first battery terminal and the first protection circuit. The driver circuit is configured to control power to the first protection circuit based on a load enable signal asserted at the load enable terminal. A bypass circuit is coupled between the second battery terminal and the second load terminal.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery includes detecting, with an electronic processor, a presence of the battery coupled to a charging interface. The method includes receiving, with the electronic processor, a command, the command including a charge mode. The method includes, in response to receiving the command, controlling a charging circuit coupled to the charging interface to charge the battery to a predetermined level based on the charge mode. The method includes, when the battery reaches the predetermined charge level, sending a battery control command, based on the charge mode, to control an active limiting circuit of the battery via a single wire data line coupled to the charging interface.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a battery includes a cell and a thermistor coupled to a monitor line and a switch. The monitor line is operable to send signals to the communications device or battery corresponding to a temperature of at least a portion of the battery. A data line is coupled to a decoder. The decoder is coupled to the switch, wherein the decoder is operable to activate the switch, thereby interrupting the thermistor. In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes receiving a fault signal at a data line of the battery, the fault signal indicating that at least a first cell of the communications device battery has been compromised. The method includes interrupting a thermistor by activating a switch coupled to a decoder coupled to the data line, thereby simulating that the temperature of at least a portion of the battery has reached an outer limit.

Abstract: A multiunit charger including a base, a plurality of charging pockets coupled to the base, an accessory organization bar coupled to the base, and a charging circuit coupled to the base. Each one of the plurality of charging pockets is for charging a respective battery powered portable communication device. The accessory organization bar provides retention for a battery powered accessory device. The charging circuit charges the respective battery powered portable communication device. Also disclosed is a battery charging system having the multiunit charger and the accessory device. The accessory device may include a clip coupling the accessory device to the accessory organization bar. The charging circuit may include a transmitter antenna, and the accessory device-may include a receiver antenna in wireless charging communication with the transmitter antenna.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery includes detecting, with an electronic processor, a presence of the battery coupled to a charging interface. The method includes receiving, with the electronic processor, a command, the command including a charge mode. The method includes, in response to receiving the command, controlling a charging circuit coupled to the charging interface to charge the battery to a predetermined level based on the charge mode. The method includes, when the battery reaches the predetermined charge level, sending a battery control command, based on the charge mode, to control an active limiting circuit of the battery via a single wire data line coupled to the charging interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a battery protection circuit. One embodiment provides a method for protecting a battery including receiving, with a comparator, a first voltage, the first voltage including a switch voltage across a current limiting switch provided on a current path of a battery and coupled to a current limiting control circuit to limit current output by the battery. The method also includes receiving, with the comparator, a reference voltage and comparing, with the comparator, the first voltage and the reference voltage. The method further includes controlling, with the comparator, a control switch to open when the first voltage exceeds the reference voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and responding to cell swell in one or more cells of a battery includes receiving one or more indications of cell swell from switching circuitry associated with a cell, determining if the battery is fit for purpose based on the one or more indications, and performing an action responsive to the one or more indications and whether the battery is fit for purpose.

Abstract: A charging accessory (104) is provided. The charging accessory (104) comprises a mechanical attachment device, such as a clip (110), and a receive coil (112) integrated within the clip, the receive coil for receiving a wireless charging signal (118). A wearable lanyard (126) is coupled to the clip (110) for transferring power and charging signals. The charging accessory (104) can be worn and operated within a charging system (100) to power and charge a wearable electronic device (102).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for contactless battery discharging. One embodiment takes the form of a contactless power-transfer system that includes a wireless-communication interface, a controller connected to the wireless-communication interface, a magnetic-resonance circuit, a power-conditioning circuit connected to the magnetic-resonance circuit, and a load element connected to the power-conditioning circuit. The controller is configured to determine that a smart-battery system is in a discharge-needed state and responsively transmit, via the wireless-communication interface, a battery-discharge command instructing the smart-battery system to generate an oscillating magnetic field. The magnetic-resonance circuit is configured to couple with the generated oscillating magnetic field and responsively output a corresponding power signal.

Abstract: An internal charging system controls charging of a battery used to power an electronic device when an external power source is connected to the device. The internal charging system can charge a battery that has a higher operating voltage than the voltage provided by the external power source. While charging the battery from the external power source, an internal charge controller can operate and inhibit functions of the device to indicate to user that a charging operation is commencing, and to prevent operation of the device when the battery voltage is too low to support such operation.

Abstract: A charging apparatus (102), system (100) and method (500) are provided for charging and/or powering a wearable electronic device, such as electronic eyeglasses. The charging apparatus comprises an acoustic horn, a piezoelectric transducer, and charger circuitry for converting ultrasonic waves received at the horn into a charging signal. The charging signal is used for charging and/or powering the wearable electronic device while the device is being worn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a battery protection circuit. One embodiment provides a method for protecting a battery including receiving, with a comparator, a first voltage, the first voltage including a switch voltage across a current limiting switch provided on a current path of a battery and coupled to a current limiting control circuit to limit current output by the battery. The method also includes receiving, with the comparator, a reference voltage and comparing, with the comparator, the first voltage and the reference voltage. The method further includes controlling, with the comparator, a control switch to open when the first voltage exceeds the reference voltage.

Abstract: Body-worn wireless electronic devices may be powered by one or more wireless power sources. These wireless power sources may comprise body-worn wireless power sources and non body-worn wireless power sources. The sources are detected by the electronic device and are either prioritized based on being body-worn or non body-worn. The selection of sources for powering the electronic device(s) may alternatively be made based on predetermined parameters associated with the power sources. Optimal power transfer is thus obtained for the electronic devices while being worn.

Abstract: A multiunit charger including a base, a plurality of charging pockets coupled to the base, an accessory organization bar coupled to the base, and a charging circuit coupled to the base. Each one of the plurality of charging pockets is for charging a respective battery powered portable communication device. The accessory organization bar provides retention for a battery powered accessory device. The charging circuit charges the respective battery powered portable communication device. Also disclosed is a battery charging system having the multiunit charger and the accessory device. The accessory device may include a clip coupling the accessory device to the accessory organization bar. The charging circuit may include a transmitter antenna, and the accessory device-may include a receiver antenna in wireless charging communication with the transmitter antenna.

Abstract: Methods for immunizing a subject to an antigen of an infectious agent, a tumor, or an allergen are provided, using vegetative cytoplasmic expression of the antigen or spore surface display of the antigen, and contacting the subject with a composition including a spore or a vegetative cell or both with or without an adjuvant. Also included are thermally-stable vaccine compositions using the method described above and kits including the compositions.

Abstract: A charging apparatus (102), system (100) and method (500) are provided for charging and/or powering a wearable electronic device, such as electronic eyeglasses. The charging apparatus comprises an acoustic horn, a piezoelectric transducer, and charger circuitry for converting ultrasonic waves received at the horn into a charging signal. The charging signal is used for charging and/or powering the wearable electronic device while the device is being worn.

Abstract: Body-worn wireless electronic devices may be powered by one or more wireless power sources. These wireless power sources may comprise body-worn wireless power sources and non body-worn wireless power sources. The sources are detected by the electronic device and are either prioritized based on being body-worn or non body-worn. The selection of sources for powering the electronic device(s) may alternatively be made based on predetermined parameters associated with the power sources. Optimal power transfer is thus obtained for the electronic devices while being worn.

Abstract: Embodiments include a modular battery charger having a main charging source and is configured to include at least one additional charging source that can be an auxiliary charging source or an external charging source. The additional charging sources can be added as modules to augment the total charging current that can be provided to a rechargeable battery. The modular battery charger can selectively enable or disable the additional charging sources while controlling the output current of the main charging source to adjust the charging current provided to a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A charging accessory (104) is provided. The charging accessory (104) comprises a mechanical attachment device, such as a clip (110), and a receive coil (112) integrated within the clip, the receive coil for receiving a wireless charging signal (118). A wearable lanyard (126) is coupled to the clip (110) for transferring power and charging signals. The charging accessory (104) can be worn and operated within a charging system (100) to power and charge a wearable electronic device (102).

Abstract: A battery pack includes one or more battery cells disposed in a barrier structure that forms a flow channel to direct venting material from a battery cell experiencing a fault condition out of the battery pack in a way that allows expansion of the vented gas before it exits the battery pack. Where two or more battery cells are included in the battery pack, the barrier structure electrically and thermally insulates them from each other so that in the event of a battery cell venting, it will not affect other battery cells and cause a thermal runaway condition.