Abstract: A apparatus for quick charging either a Nickel-Cadmium battery or a Nickel-Metal hydride battery. An adaptor/charger is comprised of a constant current circuit for maintaining a constant charging current, a switching circuit for switching a current value of this constant current circuit, and a microcomputer for effecting several controls. In the initial stage of the quick charge, the microcomputer causes the charging current to be increased in steps every predetermined period. The quick charge control apparatus is further provided with a switch to discern whether the secondary battery is a Nickel-Cadmium battery or a Nickel-Metal hydride battery so that the identification of the completion of charge is changed corresponding to each type of battery.

Abstract: A disc drive control device maintains power to its circuits after a manual power source switch is opened for a time sufficient to assure that the read/write head of a hard disc drive is moved to its shipping zone. This is accomplished with a bypass device for maintaining power to the hard disc drive until the head is properly stowed in its shipping position after the operator turns off the power switch. Further, a detecting circuit prevents the disc drive from hanging up when the operator turns power on again before the head movement is completed. A timer turns off the power bypass device a short time after the power source switch is turned off, if, for any reason, the power bypass fails to be shut down as a normal result of the completed movement of the read/write head to the shipping position.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting a control such that quick charge is automatically effected when electronic equipment is not used with its power switch off. Particularly, the quick charge is automatically effected when a battery is replaced or when an adapter is connected to the main unit of the equipment. Simply turning on the power switch does not lead the start of quick charge in order to prevent the overcharge of battery.