Abstract: A battery pack is provided with an improved charger interface through the use a contact carrier assembly. The non-conductive contact carrier aligns and retains a plurality of charger contacts. The carrier aligns a first portion of each charger contact along a back surface of the battery pack housing and further facilitates alignment of another portion of each charger contact within bottom apertures of the housing thereby allowing each contact to extend across perpendicular back and bottom surfaces of the housing with improved ruggedness. Improved sealing is also provided by sealing the back of the carrier.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided with an improved charger interface through the use a contact carrier assembly. The non-conductive contact carrier aligns and retains a plurality of charger contacts. The carrier aligns a first portion of each charger contact along a back surface of the battery pack housing and further facilitates alignment of another portion of each charger contact within bottom apertures of the housing thereby allowing each contact to extend across perpendicular back and bottom surfaces of the housing with improved ruggedness. Improved sealing is also provided by sealing the back of the carrier.

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 latch apparatus is formed of a cantilevered beam (202) and a button (204). The cantilevered beam (202) comprises a loading feature (210) and a notch (216), while the button (204) comprises a slot (218) and an engagement tab (220). When mounted within a cavity of a housing, the cantilevered beam and button provide both push-in and side sliding movement of the button. The latch is locked by sliding the button in one direction, and the latch is unlocked by pushing the button inward and then sliding the button in an opposite direction. The housing may further comprise an angled catch feature within the cavity for mating with a complimentary angle of the button to avoid inadvertent unlocking of the latch. The combination of push in force and side sliding force minimizes inadvertent unlocking of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to one or more memories in a rechargeable battery includes a switching circuit that connects the memory to a device data contact, and disconnects the memory from a charger data contact, when the rechargeable battery is connected only to a device powered by a battery. The switching circuit, however, connects the memory to the charger data contact and disconnects it from the device data contact. In some embodiments a second memory that contains a subset of the data in the first memory is connected to the device data contact when the first memory is connected to the charger data contact.

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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A latch apparatus is formed of a cantilevered beam (202) and a button (204). The cantilevered beam (202) comprises a loading feature (210) and a notch (216), while the button (204) comprises a slot (218) and an engagement tab (220). When mounted within a cavity of a housing, the cantilevered beam and button provide both push-in and side sliding movement of the button. The latch is locked by sliding the button in one direction, and the latch is unlocked by pushing the button inward and then sliding the button in an opposite direction. The housing may further comprise an angled catch feature within the cavity for mating with a complimentary angle of the button to avoid inadvertent unlocking of the latch. The combination of push in force and side sliding force minimizes inadvertent unlocking of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to one or more memories in a rechargeable battery includes a switching circuit that connects the memory to a device data contact, and disconnects the memory from a charger data contact, when the rechargeable battery is connected only to a device powered by a battery. The switching circuit, however, connects the memory to the charger data contact and disconnects it from the device data contact. In some embodiments a second memory that contains a subset of the data in the first memory is connected to the device data contact when the first memory is connected to the charger data contact.

Abstract: An electronic device and battery are presented. The electronic device includes the battery, which has a first latch. The first latch has an arm and a hook. The arm is connected with the battery at a connected end and the hook at a free end opposed to the connected end. The hook forms a peak and a base connected with the free end. The base forms an inwardly projecting groove. The electronic device also includes a device housing forming a main cavity bound by first and second side surfaces, a rear surface and a bottom surface. The first side surface includes a ledge for receiving the groove and defines a latch cavity for receiving the first latch. In an engaged position, the peak extends into the latch cavity and the groove engages the ledge.

Abstract: A battery interface assembly for a communication device (100), such as a portable radio, is provided to ensure a reliable interconnection between battery contacts (230) and radio contacts (108). Communication device (100) includes a casting (110) having a cavity (112) with two apertures formed therein (114, 228). The two apertures (114, 228) open into the cavity (112) to provide a point of contact for mating radio contacts (108) to the battery contacts (230). The battery contacts (230) are wiping contacts which mate with the radio contacts (108) as the battery is slid into the casting (110). A compression seal (126) is provided to the radio contacts (108) while a radial seal (120) is provided about the battery contacts (230) to ensure reliable electrical and physical connection under a variety of environments.

Abstract: An electronic device and battery are presented. The electronic device includes the battery, which has a first latch. The first latch has an arm and a hook. The arm is connected with the battery at a connected end and the hook at a free end opposed to the connected end. The hook forms a peak and a base connected with the free end. The base forms an inwardly projecting groove. The electronic device also includes a device housing forming a main cavity bound by first and second side surfaces, a rear surface and a bottom surface. The first side surface includes a ledge for receiving the groove and defines a latch cavity for receiving the first latch. In an engaged position, the peak extends into the latch cavity and the groove engages the ledge.

Abstract: This invention includes a battery pack having an improved battery retention system for coupling to another device, like a desktop charger. The battery pack, which includes one rechargeable cell and optional circuitry, has an exterior housing that is generally rectangular in cross section. The exterior housing, which includes major faces and intersection seams, has at least two female slots that project inward at an angle that is non-orthogonal to the major faces or intersection seams. These non-orthogonal slots, when coupling to corresponding non-orthogonal rails in the pocket of a battery charger, allow batteries of various sizes to be inserted into a single charger pocket with reliable and consistent electrical connections between the electrical contacts of the pocket and the charging terminals of the battery. Electrical contacts may be disposed within the non-orthogonal slots, thereby improving both the function and aesthetic appearance of the battery pack.

Abstract: A charger and battery combination for recharging batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

Abstract: A battery interface assembly for a communication device (100), such as a portable radio, is provided to ensure a reliable interconnection between battery contacts (230) and radio contacts (108). Communication device (100) includes a casting (110) having a cavity (112) with two apertures formed therein (114, 228). The two apertures (114, 228) open into the cavity (112) to provide a point of contact for mating radio contacts (108) to the battery contacts (230). The battery contacts (230) are wiping contacts which mate with the radio contacts (108) as the battery is slid into the casting (110). A compression seal (126) is provided to the radio contacts (108) while a radial seal (120) is provided about the battery contacts (230) to ensure reliable electrical and physical connection under a variety of environments.

Abstract: A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided. The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: A charger and battery combination for recharging batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.