Abstract: A mobile power tool and appliance operating system includes a portable lead-acid battery pack having a high current capacity socket compatible with existing low current plugs used with appliances intended to operate from automotive cigarette lighter sockets. Matable high current capacity plugs are attached to power tools and appliances through retractable cords. The battery pack is receivable in a 120 VAC powered charging base having a self-contained charging circuit including a transformer and a voltage regulator. The high current socket housing prevents inadvertent operation with an automotive cigarette lighter plug, and the high current plug housing prevents electrical contact in a automotive cigarette lighter socket, for safety reasons. In another embodiment, the battery pack is provided with two sockets for delivering different power outputs at each respective socket. Recharging of the battery pack can also be accomplished via connection made to one of the sockets.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrical charging base for a battery-powered appliance having an electrical charging contact and includes a frame defining a shaped cavity for receiving an appliance in only one orientation, a rectifying circuit disposed in the frame for converting source alternating current to charging direct current, the rectifying circuit including a charging output contact disposed for electrical connection to the charging contact of an appliance when disposed in the cavity and a source input contact for electrical connection to an electrical source. A bypass circuit is disposed in the frame for electrically connecting the source input contact to a source output contact. The invention further comprises a jumper for electrically connecting the source output contact of one charging base to the source input contact of a second charging base.

Abstract: A circuit provides a half-wave rectified current for charging batteries from an AC source. The circuit comprises a rectifier, such as a diode, in series with the batteries and biased to conduct a first half cycle charging current from the AC source and a signal emitting and rectifying device, such as a light emitting diode (LED), biased oppositely from said rectifier, to conduct the opposite half cycle of current and adapted to emit a signal when conducting to indicate the charging process.