Abstract: An apparatus for moving a battery relative to a shelf unit includes: (a) a motion generating unit presenting a first force in a first motion type at a first output locus; (b) a motion translating unit receiving the first force and translating the first force to present a second force related to the first force in a second motion type at a second output locus; (c) a battery engaging structure coupled with the second output locus for applying the second force to the battery; and (d) a substantially rigid frame supporting the motion generating unit and the motion translating unit and cooperating with the shelf unit to substantially fixedly situate the frame during the moving. The moving is effected in a generally vertical axis in response to the second force.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a battery relative to a shelf unit includes: (a) a motion generating unit presenting a first force in a first motion type at a first output locus; (b) a motion translating unit receiving the first force and translating the first force to present a second force related to the first force in a second motion type at a second output locus; (c) a battery engaging structure coupled with the second output locus for applying the second force to the battery; and (d) a substantially rigid frame supporting the motion generating unit and the motion translating unit and cooperating with the shelf unit to substantially fixedly situate the frame during the moving. The moving is effected in a generally vertical axis in response to the second force.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing battery power to a telecommunication system having a plurality of components mounted in an equipment rack that presents a standard width for receiving the components. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a housing configured for mounting above at least some of the plurality of components in the equipment rack and (2) at least one battery pack contained within the housing and consisting of sealed unit battery cells. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a housing configured for mounting anywhere in the equipment rack and (2) at least one battery pack contained within the housing and consisting of sealed unit battery cells that employ lithium battery technology.

Abstract: For use with a composite battery stand having a shelf adapted to receive at least one battery, an electrical distribution system, a composite battery stand incorporating the system and a method of manufacturing the composite battery stand. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a rigid conductor, longitudinally formed in the shelf, that provides structural support to the shelf and (2) a connector coupled to the rigid conductor and adapted to receive a mating connector of a battery thereby providing electrical connectivity thereto.

Abstract: An integral spill containment system for a composite battery stand having a shelf adapted to receive at least one battery subject to leaking electrolyte, a method of containing the electrolyte and a composite battery stand incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes (1) an aperture, located in the shelf, adapted to channel the electrolyte away from the shelf and (2) a removable tray, located under the shelf and within a footprint of the battery stand, adapted to collect the electrolyte via the aperture thereby containing the electrolyte within the footprint of the battery stand.

Abstract: A battery having a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls includes a pair of recesses disposed within one of the battery walls. Battery post contacts are disposed within the recesses. The battery post contacts do not extend beyond the recesses. A stand includes a pair of stand post contacts which are adapted for mating with the battery post contacts within the battery recesses.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a battery container. In this particular embodiment, the container comprises a housing having side walls and a spacing ridge formed in and extending outwardly from the side walls. The spacing ridge forms a groove on an interior surface of the walls and has a slot formed in the spacing ridge at first and second opposing ends of the housing. In an alternate embodiment, the spacing ridge has a plurality of slots formed on opposing ends of the container. Typically, two adjacent slots are formed on each end such that opposing ends of the handle may engage the retaining pin through the slots. The container further comprises a handle and a retaining pin configured to be received within the interior groove adjacent the slot. The handle is cooperatively engageable with the retaining pin to provide a lifting point for the container when the retaining pin is received in the interior groove.

Abstract: A battery grid has a thickness which is greater at the top than at the bottom to achieve a uniform compressive force on a grid stack exerted by the side walls of a battery container.A plastic wedge is disposed between the side walls of the battery container and the stack of grids to improve the distribution of compressive forces.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for permanently indicating when a product is exposed to ambient temperatures exceeding a maximum permitted temperature of the product for a time period long enough to permanently damage the product. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensing device is typically located on the protective cover of a battery away from terminals and the battery casing. The temperature sensing device is made of a material to permanently expand and/or shrink upon reaching critical temperatures (e.g. too hot). The expansion is visually detectable by means of a visual indicator and/or reference point.

Abstract: A battery rack for containing batteries and methods of operation and manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the battery rack includes: (1) a plurality of shelf support members, (2) first and second shelves, coupled to the shelf support members to receive support therefrom, the first and second shelves having corresponding first and second pluralities of divider apertures therethrough, the first plurality of divider apertures substantially vertically-aligned with the second plurality of divider apertures and (3) a plurality of divider rods passing through corresponding vertically-aligned ones of the first and second pluralities of divider apertures to form dividers to divide the battery rack into battery compartments, the plurality of divider rods having a diameter less than that of the first and second pluralities of divider apertures to allow the plurality of divider rods to rotate and thereby present a low frictional resistance to movement of batteries within the battery compartments.

Abstract: A constraining sleeve device is applied to a plastic battery casing to prevent distortion of the casing contour. A metal constraining sleeve slides onto and over a broad face or side of the plastic battery casing and provides constraining forces to maintain its contour. This sleeve is retained in place by end members at each end of the constraining sleeve device that engages structural features existing and located at opposing ends of the casing. In another embodiment a pair of constraining sleeve devices are applied to opposing broad sides of the battery casing.

Abstract: In a battery handle two bands of webbed material are each arranged and threaded to independently engage a plurality of slots at opposing ends of a support housing in which a battery is enclosed. Each end includes six slots arranged in pairs of slots. The longitudinal/major axis of the two uppermost slots are at an angle to the horizontal and the major axis of the remaining four slob are substantially horizontal. In another aspect, the band of webbed material is threaded through two or more slots and the ends are joined together. Another technique loops the ends and expands the loop with a mechanical insert to lock it to the support housing.Many variations of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art which do not depart form the spirit and scope of the invention.

Abstract: A battery support housing, as part of a battery handle arrangement, is provided to enclose a substantial portion of a batteries' outer casing. The housing includes a pair of arrayed slots in each of two opposing sides of the housing. A band of webbed material is continuously threaded through all the slots with a sufficient slack in the band between the upper pairs of slots at the two opposing ends to allow a hand grip of the band. The ends of the band are secured to the housing by circularly threading the band through adjacent slots in each of opposing sides of the housing by at least two turns.