Abstract: A device (100) includes detachable main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) and a circuit (310) for discharging and charging the batteries (101, 102). Discharging is accomplished by an auxiliary switch (420) that connects the auxiliary battery (102) to power the device (100), a detector (422), and a main switch (424) that connects the main battery (101) to power the device (100), without interruption, when the auxiliary battery (102) drops below a predetermined voltage (508) as determined by a detector (422). Charging is performed by switches (440, 442, 446), an internal charger (444), and a controller (306). When both batteries (101, 102) are attached, the controller (306) uses the switches (440, 442, 446) to select and couple charging current generated by the internal charger (444) to the main battery (101). Once charged, the controller (306) switches to charge the auxiliary battery (102).

Abstract: A portable cellular radiotelephone (100), which is powered by main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) in an operating state. The main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) include respective memories (402, 410) for storing a 64- bit registration number and 1024 bits of data for identifying the type and brand of such batteries. Memories (402, 410) store a laser-engraved 64-bit registration number and 1024 bits of data. In order to uniquely identify the batteries (101, 102), the 64-bit registration number includes a twelve-bit brand code having a predetermined brand code value and an eight-bit type code having a predetermined type code value, and the 1024 bits of data include a unique multi-character message. By identifying the unique brand code, type code and multi-character message when a battery is inserted into portable device (100), it can be insured that the portable device (100) will be operated with a reliable and safe battery. Otherwise, the portable device is turned off and the battery is not charged.

Abstract: A device (100) includes detachable main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) and a circuit (310) for discharging and charging the batteries (101, 102). Discharging is accomplished by an auxiliary switch (420) that connects the auxiliary battery (102) to power the device (100), a detector (422), and a main switch (424) that connects the main battery (101) to power the device (100), without interruption, when the auxiliary battery (102) drops below a predetermined voltage (508) as determined by a detector (422). Charging is performed by switches (440, 442, 446), an internal charger (444), and a controller (306). When both batteries (101, 102) are attached, the controller (306) uses the switches (440, 442, 446) to select and couple charging current generated by the internal charger (444) to the main battery (101). Once charged, the controller (306) switches to charge the auxiliary battery (102).