Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: A method (600, 700, 800) for charging a battery (102) comprises obtaining, by charging circuitry (120), an open circuitry voltage of the battery prior to a charging session. The charging circuitry is in electrical communication with a power source (110) and the battery. The method also comprises initiating the charging session to charge the battery at a constant charge current-constant charge voltage with power provided from the power source and obtaining an ambient temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor (160) in communication with the charging circuitry. The method also comprises obtaining a charge termination time (tt) based on the ambient temperature and terminating the charging session when the charge termination time is reached.

Abstract: A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes: a first input connected to a first voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply; a second input connected to a first current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply; and a processor connected to the first and second inputs. The processor monitors the first and second inputs and, based on voltage measurements from the first input and current measurements from the second input, detects at least one of: (i) an unexpected variation of electric power from the power supply; and (ii) a mechanical malfunction. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for managing power within a voltage regulating circuit of a battery-powered hearing aid device includes an input terminal of a voltage regulator that receives an input voltage supplied by a battery. An output terminal of the voltage regulator provides an output voltage to a hearing aid terminal that is electrically connected to one or more electrical components of the hearing aid device. A sensing terminal of the voltage regulator senses an electrical connection between the charging device is and charging contacts of the voltage regulating circuit. The voltage regulator is configured to reduce a magnitude of the input voltage when the magnitude of the input voltage exceeds an input voltage threshold to generate the output voltage having a magnitude that is less than a maximum output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery of a body-worn electronic device includes obtaining, by charging circuitry of a charger, a voltage of the battery prior to charging the battery, the charging circuitry in electrical communication with a power source (e.g., an energy storage device) and the battery and comparing the battery voltage to a voltage threshold. When the battery voltage is less than the voltage threshold, the method also includes applying predetermined current pulses to the battery with power provided from the power source (e.g., energy storage device) to simultaneously charge the battery and power electrical components of the device. The method also includes setting a timer when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined voltage and ceases application of the current pulses to the battery when the timer indicates that a predetermined time has elapsed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: A hearing aid device (100, 100a-b) comprises a shell portion (104) and a battery door module (200, 200a-b) attached to the shell portion. The battery door module comprises a battery casing (221, 221a-b) and an electronics casing (208, 208a-b). The battery casing receives a battery (202) defining a battery axis (LBAT) that extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the battery door module. The electronics casing encloses a voltage regulator (216), a printed circuit board assembly (214), and at least a portion of one or more charging elements (220, 220a). The battery door module also comprises at least one attachment member (204, 206, 206a-b) that allows the battery door module to attach to a shell portion of the hearing aid device. The battery door module is movable relative to the shell portion between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A method (600, 700, 800) for charging a battery (102) comprises obtaining, by charging circuitry (120), an open circuitry voltage of the battery prior to a charging session. The charging circuitry is in electrical communication with a power source (110) and the battery. The method also comprises initiating the charging session to charge the battery at a constant charge current-constant charge voltage with power provided from the power source and obtaining an ambient temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor (160) in communication with the charging circuitry. The method also comprises obtaining a charge termination time (tt) based on the ambient temperature and terminating the charging session when the charge termination time is reached.

Abstract: A hearing aid device (100, 100a-b) comprises a shell portion (104) and a battery door module (200, 200a-b) attached to the shell portion. The battery door module comprises a battery casing (221, 221a-b) and an electronics casing (208, 208a-b). The battery casing receives a battery (202) defining a battery axis (LBAT) that extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the battery door module. The electronics casing encloses a voltage regulator (216), a printed circuit board assembly (214), and at least a portion of one or more charging elements (220, 220a). The battery door module also comprises at least one attachment member (204, 206, 206a-b) that allows the battery door module to attach to a shell portion of the hearing aid device. The battery door module is movable relative to the shell portion between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for managing power within a voltage regulating circuit of a battery-powered hearing aid device includes an input terminal of a voltage regulator that receives an input voltage supplied by a battery. An output terminal of the voltage regulator provides an output voltage to a hearing aid terminal that is electrically connected to one or more electrical components of the hearing aid device. A sensing terminal of the voltage regulator senses an electrical connection between the charging device is and charging contacts of the voltage regulating circuit. The voltage regulator is configured to reduce a magnitude of the input voltage when the magnitude of the input voltage exceeds an input voltage threshold to generate the output voltage having a magnitude that is less than a maximum output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method (350) comprising: (i) receiving, at a processing device (310), charge data (120) from a charging unit (200) via a network (110), the charging unit including a charger (210) and the charge data including a charge capacity indicating an amount of charge delivered to a battery (202) during a most recent charging session and a device (20) usage time indicating an amount of time that the battery was off the charger during a period preceding the most recent charging session; (ii) determining, at the processing device, an average discharge rate of the battery based on previously received charge data corresponding to the battery; (iii) determining, at the processing device, an estimated state of charge (130) of the battery based on the average discharge rate; and (iv) providing, at the processing device, the estimated state of charge to a user device (400) for display.

Abstract: A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes: a first input connected to a first voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply; a second input connected to a first current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply; and a processor connected to the first and second inputs. The processor monitors the first and second inputs and, based on voltage measurements from the first input and current measurements from the second input, detects at least one of: (i) an unexpected variation of electric power from the power supply; and (ii) a mechanical malfunction. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes an input that receives current measurements generated by a current sensor based on a current of the power supply. The sensor module also includes a processor. The processor is connected to the input, determines a maximum continuous current for the electric motor, and selectively compares the current measurements with a value equal to the maximum continuous current multiplied by a predetermined value. The maximum continuous current is set based on at least one of a type of refrigerant used by the compressor and actual refrigeration system conditions.

Abstract: A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply and a processor disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor is provided, with the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor. The sensor module includes a first input connected to a voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply and a second input connected to a current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply. The processor is connected to the first and second inputs. The processor may calculate a power factor of the compressor, detect an unexpected variation in the power supply, and/or detect a mechanical malfunction of the compressor based on the voltage measurements and the current measurements.

Abstract: A sensor module for a compressor, having an electric motor operating at a first voltage, the sensor module operating at a second voltage, is provided. The sensor module includes a plurality of inputs connected to a plurality of sensors that generate a plurality of operating signals associated with operating conditions of the compressor. A processor is connected to the plurality of inputs and records multiple operating condition measurements from the plurality of operating signals. A communication port is connected to the processor for communicating said operating condition measurements to a control module that controls the compressor. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting a power supply to the electric motor. The second voltage is less than said first voltage.