Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for loading/unloading one or more rechargeable batteries. The mechanism includes one or more charging compartments configured to receive one or more rechargeable batteries and a first actuator configured to cause the one or more rechargeable batteries to be displaced from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for charging a rechargeable battery that includes at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell is disclosed. The method includes measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the battery, and determining a charging current to be applied to the battery based on the at least one measured electrical characteristic.

Abstract: Chargers for charging a rechargeable battery determine a current level to apply to the rechargeable battery such that the battery has a pre-determined charge that is reached within a charging period of time of between 4-6 minutes and apply a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to battery and terminating the charging current after a period of charging time substantially equal to the particular period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable charger device that includes a chamber to hold at least one rechargeable charging battery, and at least one controller. The controller is configured to determine a first charging current level to apply to the at least one rechargeable charging battery such that the at least one rechargeable charging battery achieves a first predetermined charge that is reached within a first period of time of 15 minutes or less, apply to the at least one rechargeable charging battery a first charging current substantially equal to the determined first charging current level, determine a second charging current to apply to the one or more external rechargeable batteries, and apply to the one or more external rechargeable batteries a second charging current substantially equal to the determined second charging current level, the second charging current being drawn from the at least one rechargeable charging battery.

Abstract: Charging a rechargeable battery having one or more rechargeable cells includes determining a current level to apply to the battery such that the battery has a pre-determined charge that is reached within a specified period of time that is less than about 15 minutes and applying a charging current having substantially about the determined current level to the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery. The battery includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough, and a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore, the voltage converter configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage.

Abstract: Secondary batteries are provided in which the cathode includes LiFePO4 as an active material. In some implementations, the batteries include carbon anodes. Hearing aids containing such batteries, and cathodes for such batteries are also provided.

Abstract: Secondary batteries are provided which can be charged without removal from a device. In some implementations, the battery cathode includes LiFePO4 as an active material. In some implementations, the batteries include carbon anodes. Hearing aids containing such batteries, and chargers for recharging the battery within the hearing aid are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery having an internally integrated voltage converter module. The battery includes at least one electrochemical cell having an internal bore, a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the at least one electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore, the voltage converter configured to convert a first voltage produced by the at least one electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage, a set of terminals being electrically coupled to the voltage converter, and a bypass circuit coupled between one of the terminals of the set of terminals and the at least one electrochemical cell to direct charging current applied from an external source to the at least one electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The cathode of an alkaline battery can include an electrically conductive additive to increase the cathode efficiency. The additive can include a barium salt and an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can be coated on a surface of the barium salt. The electrically conductive material can be an electrically conductive metal oxide.

Abstract: A battery includes an anode including an alkali metal as the active material, a cathode having, for example, iron disulfide as the active material, and an electrolyte including an organic solvent and an aluminum salt selected from the group consisting of aluminum iodide and aluminum tri(sec-butoxide).