Abstract: A system and method for recharging a rechargeable battery. A battery charger includes a measuring element to measure a temperature of the rechargeable battery, the battery charger disables a charge to the rechargeable batter when the temperature is greater than a first predetermined threshold, the measuring element re-measures the temperature of the battery after a predetermined time period from the disabling of the charge and the battery charger enables the charge when the re-measured temperature is less than a second predetermined threshold, wherein the second predetermined threshold is based on the first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Many devices, such as, for example, scanners, have been designed to couple to another device or a network through a wire. Wireless connectivity can be added to the device through an adapter that couples to the device's communication port. In addition, the device can draw power from the adapter. An exemplary adapter can be made to fit into an existing device, or future devices can be designed to accommodate wired and wireless connections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for charging a power source comprising determining a type of power supply used by a base, communicating a charge rate to a power source charging module and providing power to the power source at a charge rate. In one embodiment, a scanner can recharge from a cradle that receives power from either a dedicated external power source or through USB by adjusting its charge rate based on a communication from the base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring electrical contacts comprising measuring a first voltage across a connection between a device and a base, charging a power source in the device, measuring a second voltage across the connection, determining a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage and initiating a signal alarm if the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The device may be maintained by a management system.