Abstract: A flexible battery case with an insert mating to the tongue and groove joint to provide a stable platform for the controls, displays and peripheral connectors. Other connectors are disposed within a plastic housing and overmolded to create a waterproof seal. A charger is configured to execute a software program to confirm charger authorization to enable secondary battery charging and discharging. The control system is configured to monitor the integrity of a heating element and executes a software program to disable charging if the integrity of a heating element is compromised. A flexible substrate has a PCB on one side, and supports the individual battery cells and surface mount circuit boards on an opposite side. The flexible PCB substrate may be folded to sandwich an insulating layer therebetween.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant case for a secondary battery having a rectangular metal case (160) with a panel (160p) connected to the bottom wall and the side walls to divide the internal space of the case into cell pack receiving bays (160b). A bus bar (170) extends from the front wall, across the top of the panel, to the rear wall. A connector (162, 170f, 180a) secures the cover (180) to the panel (160p) with the bus bar (170) sandwiched therebetween. The bus bar (170) reinforces a central portion of the cover (180) and prevents the panel (160p) and the walls from deflecting to provide ballistic protection for the cell packs (24).

Abstract: A thermal management system (270) for rechargeable secondary batteries having an electrically insulating material (262) lining the interior of a metal case (260). One or more cell packs (24) made of individual cells (12) arranged within end frames (220) is disposed in the metal case (260). A thermally conductive granular filler (264) occupies the interstices (264A) between the individual cells (12) and the space between the cell pack and the electrically insulating material liner (262).

Abstract: A high capacity battery charger includes multiple sockets to connect to a variety of different battery-receiving adapters. Each socket includes a multi-slot female connector and a planar flange that surrounds the connector for securing to a wiring harness and the top support deck of the charger chassis. A pivoting latch facilitates plugging and unplugging the multi-blade adapters into the sockets. An electromagnetic shield covers the power supply and includes a wing extending toward the central axis of a cooling fan.

Abstract: A high capacity battery charger includes multiple sockets to connect to a variety of different battery-receiving adapters. Each socket includes a multi-slot female connector and a planar flange that surrounds the connector for securing to a wiring harness and the top support deck of the charger chassis. A pivoting latch facilitates plugging and unplugging the multi-blade adapters into the sockets. An electromagnetic shield covers the power supply and includes a wing extending toward the central axis of a cooling fan.

Abstract: Rechargeable cells in cylindrical form are arranged within frames in a honeycomb structure and coupled by connecting straps outside the frames to form cell pack. Several cell packs, an electronic switch and control circuit are integrated into the battery housing. A bus bar extends around the perimeter of the housing. A high density MOSFET switch is coupled between the bur bar and the battery contact. A high power electronic clamp disposed across the battery terminals absorbs or redirects transients. An active, high-efficiency, low-noise cell balance converter or a LC based resonant converter may also be provided. For advanced battery applications a +5V CAN bus interface is provided via two circular connectors. Thermistors are provided for use in a thermal protection scheme.

Abstract: A modular case having similarly sized U-shaped sections that enclose energy storage cells and a battery management system. Additional modules can be ganged together to increase the energy storage and output capacity. Removable panels in the sections can be removed for the installation of jacks and a status display. Various charging sources can be coupled to the module including solar, generator and AC mains for charging. An output switch selectively delivers AC mains power when available, and then switches to battery power during periods of AC mains unavailability.

Abstract: A hybrid coupling for a smart battery system having two internal batteries. The hybrid power coupling includes a power coupling for connecting to the batteries and a data coupling for connecting with two bus devices that are also within the battery housing. The contacts of the digital data coupling are disposed in a circular configuration within the mating jack of the hybrid coupling. The data contacts are concentric with the D.C. battery contacts. The data contacts are retractable to automatically and selectively connect to a variety of battery-mounted jacks.

Abstract: A modular case having similarly sized U-shaped sections that enclose energy storage cells and a battery management system. Additional modules can be ganged together to increase the energy storage and output capacity. Removable panels in the sections can be removed for the installation of jacks and a status display. Various charging sources can be coupled to the module including solar, generator and AC mains for charging. An output switch selectively delivers AC mains power when available, and then switches to battery power during periods of AC mains unavailability.

Abstract: Rechargeable cells in cylindrical form are arranged within frames in a honeycomb structure and coupled by connecting straps outside the frames to form cell pack. Several cell packs, an electronic switch and control circuit are integrated into the battery housing. A bus bar extends around the perimeter of the housing. A high density MOSFET switch is coupled between the bur bar and the battery contact. A high power electronic clamp disposed across the battery terminals absorbs or redirects transients. An active, high-efficiency, low-noise cell balance converter or a LC based resonant converter may also be provided. For advanced battery applications a +5V CAN bus interface is provided via two circular connectors. Thermistors are provided for use in a thermal protection scheme.

Abstract: A plug having a screw-down feature to securely connect to a socket of fixed, existing design. The plug includes flanges with screw receiving bores. Plug screws inserted through the bores deliver a coupling force for a variable compression seal that makes the connection waterproof. The screw-down connection includes upgrading the existing socket machine screws to a socket retaining member. The screw-down feature prevents the plug from accidentally disconnecting from the socket.

Abstract: An adapter for a portable battery charging apparatus having two or more battery charging interfaces on separate panels. Wires electrically couple the battery charging apparatuses to a charger unit. The wires are routed for flexibility to fold and unfold the panels. The adapter is configured to nest between two panels of the battery charging apparatus when the panels are stacked together in a compact folded state.

Abstract: A plug having a screw-down feature to securely connect to a socket of fixed, existing design. The plug includes flanges with screw receiving bores. Plug screws inserted through the bores deliver a coupling force for a variable compression seal that makes the connection waterproof. The screw-down connection includes upgrading the existing socket machine screws to a socket retaining member. The screw-down feature prevents the plug from accidentally disconnecting from the socket.

Abstract: A portable battery charging apparatus having two or more battery charging interfaces on separate panels. Wires electrically couple the battery charging apparatuses to a charger unit. The wires are routed for flexibility to fold and unfold the panels. The battery charging apparatuses and the charging unit may be connected to a flexible material. Each battery charging apparatus may include two or more charging jacks for the same or different batteries. The charger unit has an input to receive a power source, and an output to power a further device, for example a further battery charging apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.

Abstract: A flexible, water tight seal for a movable component. The seal has a border plate sandwiched between two sealing gaskets. The seal is compressed between two components that remain out of contact with each other. The seal is installed axially between the components. For components having circular contact areas, the seal can be constructed from a washer sandwiched between two O-rings. The components float on the compressed seal to allow some flexibility between the components while maintaining a water tight seal.

Abstract: A hybrid coupling for a smart battery system having two internal batteries. The hybrid power coupling includes a power coupling for connecting to the batteries and a data coupling for connecting with two bus devices that are also within the battery housing. The contacts of the digital data coupling are disposed in a circular configuration within the mating jack of the hybrid coupling. The data contacts are concentric with the D.C. battery contacts. The data contacts are retractable to automatically and selectively connect to a variety of battery-mounted jacks.