Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for alerting a low battery charge condition in a jump-starter. In an embodiment, the system is portable. The system includes a first battery. The first battery is configured to provide a first battery voltage across a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the first battery. The system also includes a voltage comparison circuit that is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery. The voltage comparison circuit is configured to compare a reference voltage to the first battery voltage. The system includes an alert circuit electrically connected to the voltage comparison circuit and configured to generate an output signal for a speaker. The system also includes a switch configured to toggle between an enabled state and a disabled state. In an embodiment, the switch includes a stopper tap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable auxiliary power-source device for a vehicle, and more specifically to a portable auxiliary power-source device which incorporates a rechargeable battery and is able to temporarily charge while the vehicle's battery is discharging, and is able to effect ignition of the vehicle and charge portable, personal digital devices.

Abstract: A circuit system is disclosed. The system comprises a master circuitry, at least one slave circuitry which has a battery sensor for checking battery status of a power supply battery and a shut down mechanism for controlled shut down upon detection of low battery by the battery sensor, and a battery sensor manipulation circuit controlled by the master circuitry. The battery sensor manipulation circuit is arranged to manipulate sensed battery status for the battery sensor of at least one of the at least one slave circuitry to force the controlled shut down of the at least one of the at least one slave circuitry upon provision of a shut down control signal from the master circuitry. A method of controlling power management of such a circuit system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A starter battery and case assembly includes a rechargeable battery contained within a battery box and a lid constructed to releasably engage the battery box. An electrical connector is electrically attached to the battery. The battery and battery box define an upper surface with upwardly extending upper edges and the lid is constructed to extend over and downwardly around the upper edges of the battery box and to enclose the upper surface and the upper edges. The lid includes a handle for conveying the assembly. A mating electrical connector carried by the lid is positioned to engage the electrical connector of the battery with the lid engaged. Two opposite polarity cables are connected to the battery through the mating electrical connector and adapted to be connected to a remote electrical system. A recharge cord is attached to the battery and adapted to be attached to a source of power.

Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.

Abstract: A battery boost apparatus is described. The battery boost apparatus monitors that amount of voltage in the vehicle battery and the current flowing to the vehicle battery to determine an existence of a fault condition. If a fault condition exists, a vehicle battery is cutoff from the boost battery and the charge of the boost battery is maintained until the fault condition is remedied.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a portable battery charging apparatus. The portable battery charging apparatus includes a main body, wheels attached to a base portion of the main body, a battery charger disposed within the main body, and an electrical functional unit disposed within the main body that has a function other than battery charging.

Abstract: A jump-starting arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has an engine control unit and a starter for an internal-combustion engine. The motor vehicle is equipped with at least two partial onboard power systems, which are mutually coupled by way of at least one electric separator element. Each partial onboard power system, respectively, is equipped with at least one rechargeable electric energy accumulator. The two partial onboard power systems each have a jump-starting base, and the respective jump-starting bases are galvanically separated from one another.

Abstract: A reserve power source for charging a device, such as a depleted power source or a vehicle. The reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power, such as a thermal battery or a liquid reserve battery; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; and a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power. The reserve power source can also include a cable connected to each of the pair of terminals for connecting outputting the produced power to the depleted power source and/or conditioning circuitry for conditioning the produced power prior to output at the terminals. The reserve battery can also include a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, where the stop is selectively removable when activation is desired.

Abstract: A jumper cable includes a receptacle mounted on, near or within a battery casing. The receptacle may include a socket having a pair of circular contacts on the inner circumference thereof electrically connected to battery terminals. The device may also include a cable having a plug on each end configured to mate with the receptacle socket. Such a plug may include a larger-diameter ring for engaging the upper contact and a smaller-diameter ring for engaging the lower contact when the plug is inserted into the socket. Accordingly, if a battery needs recharging, a plug is inserted into the receptacle associated with the dead battery and the opposing plug is inserted into a receptacle associated with a charged battery to establish electrical interconnection therebetween. Alternatively, an adapter having a socket and electrical clamps for grasping battery terminals may be used when a receptacle is not connected to one of the batteries.

Abstract: A system for charging power source of a recipient electric vehicle using an accelerated charge flow from a power source of a donor vehicle, the system comprising; recipient power source provided with an accessible recipient charge receptacle; donor power source provided with an extendable donor charge receptacle adapted to resiliently engage the recipient charge receptacle; a pack controller, in each donor and recipient vehicle, electrically connected to the acceptor and donor power sources and adapted to combine the functions of a battery pack protection circuit, battery charger, current and voltage regulator, a data monitor and a communication circuit associated with the charge transfer from the donor to acceptor vehicle facilitating regulated and informed power transfer; and a buck-booster electrically connected to the recipient and donor receptacles of the battery in each vehicle, configured to balance relative electrical potentials of the donor to the recipient vehicle.

Abstract: A secondary battery state detecting apparatus for detecting a state of a secondary battery installed in a vehicle is provided, which includes a current detecting unit that detects an electric current flowing to the secondary battery, a voltage detecting unit that detects a voltage of the secondary battery, and a determining unit that determines, in a case where an external device is directly connected to terminals of the secondary battery and the secondary battery is charged or discharged without passing through the current detecting unit, whether or not an irregular charging-discharging has occurred, in accordance with a change in a current value and a voltage value detected by the current detecting unit and the voltage detecting unit.

Abstract: A vehicle power charger includes a generally cylindrically-shaped body portion suitable for plugging into a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle, a spring-loaded metal contact pin for engagement with electrical contacts inside the receptacle, and an oblong end portion formed at an angle to the cylindrically-shaped body portion including a cavity that holds and protects one or more USB ports, and a cavity cover that slides, rotates or flips between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recharging station (10) for recharging an electric vehicle (50) powered by energy storage means (52), said vehicle (50) being designed to follow a route via a point at which the recharging station (10) is situated, said station (10) including recharging means (12) suitable for recharging the storage means (52) of the electric vehicle (50) while said vehicle is in the vicinity of the station. The invention is characterized in that the recharging means (12) comprise a storage device (14) suitable for storing electrical energy delivered by an electrical energy source (16), and connection means (18) for electrically connecting the storage device (14) of the station (10) to the storage means (52) of the vehicle (50), and for transferring the energy stored in the storage device (14) of the station (10) to the storage means (52) of the electric vehicle (50).

Abstract: A method for charging a hybrid electric vehicle having a high voltage battery that both propels the vehicle and starts the vehicle. More specifically, if the high voltage battery has a depleted or diminished charge and is unable to start an internal combustion engine, then the method described herein may be used to charge the high voltage battery with energy from a low voltage external power source. In one embodiment, the low voltage external power source is a conventional car battery that is connected to the hybrid electric vehicle by way of jumper cables.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to a charging electric power generating device; a switch that is disposed between the rechargeable battery and the charging electric power generating device; an electric power measuring unit that measures electric power produced by the charging electric power generating device; and a charge controller that controls the switch to be turned OFF when the electric power measured by the electric power measuring unit is smaller than a first electric power threshold.

Abstract: In a jump-starting method between an electric vehicle providing a jump-start and an electric vehicle receiving a jump-start, the electrical systems of the two electric vehicles are temporarily interconnected electrically during the time of the jump-starting.

Abstract: A battery sensor unit including a pole terminal, the terminal being electrically conductively connected to a plate-shaped carrier element and a planar measuring shunt, the shunt including a resistor element and adjoining resistor connections on both sides thereof. The carrier element is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the one resistor connection, and the second free end region of the carrier element is connected electrically insulated to the second resistor connection. A spacer made of an electrically insulating material is provided. The second free end region of the carrier element and the second resistor connection with the sides facing each other are connected to the spacer. Said spacer can be connected with the second free end region of the carrier element and also with the second resistor connection.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system (BMS) configured for use in measuring operating conditions of a battery or other source of electric current. The BMS may include a housing configured to include a dampening element between a shunt and connection arm in order to limit the likelihood of vibrations and other forces acting on the BMS shorting or otherwise disrupting electrical connections used to measure current through the shunt.

Abstract: A method of externally charging a powertrain includes monitoring a voltage level of a first battery, determining when the monitored voltage level is below a first voltage threshold, and when the monitored voltage level is below the first voltage threshold, charging the first battery by supplying power from an external power source and increasing voltage of the power supplied by the external power source within the powertrain.

Abstract: A reserve power source for charging a device, such as a depleted power source or a vehicle. The reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power, such as a thermal battery or a liquid reserve battery; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; and a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power. The reserve power source can also include a cable connected to each of the pair of terminals for connecting outputting the produced power to the depleted power source and/or conditioning circuitry for conditioning the produced power prior to output at the terminals. The reserve battery can also include a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, where the stop is selectively removable when activation is desired.

Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for managing energy consumption. Electrical power from an auxiliary battery system is received. The electrical power is shared with peripheral devices. A characteristic of a vehicle battery is received from an interface to an on board diagnostic system. When the electrical power received from the auxiliary battery system is less than a threshold value, then the auxiliary battery system is charged from a connection to the vehicle battery. The charging of the auxiliary battery system is disabled when the characteristic of the vehicle battery is less than the minimum value.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a low cost, quick, and convenient automobile jump starting system and method. The jump start system comprises an adapter suitable to receive at least one hand held power tool battery. The adapter in certain embodiments comprises conductive metallic spring clips for making electrical connection(s) between the tool battery and the adapter. The adapter further comprises a plurality of connectible gauge wires (serving as booster cables) each having biasing connectors (alligator clips). The distal ends of the gauge wire(s) may be removably connectible to the adapter or may be rigidly fixed to the adapter. The Jump Start Adapter System may also be removably connected to the vehicle battery using biasing connectors or may be hard wired to the vehicle electrical system eliminating the need for biasing connectors.

Abstract: A portable battery booster for providing a compact, light, and energy efficient battery to jump start a vehicle. The portable battery booster generally includes a housing, a battery means adapted to be received by the housing, a pair of cable means, each of the cable means having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end electrically connected to the battery means and the distal end detachably connected to a discharged battery of the vehicle. The battery is generally comprised of one or more batteries having the type of primary lithium-metal, rechargeable lithium-ion, and/or lithium-polymer and more specifically preferably comprised of lithium iron phosphate for fast charging, small size, and high performance. The battery may also be connected to one or more supercapacitors, an internal CPU, DC/DC converter, etc. to increase performance. The cable means includes jaws that detachably connect to the housing in a flush and sleek manner.

Abstract: A vehicle control system has a battery mounted to a vehicle, a vehicle alternator charging the battery, a battery current detection device detecting a charging/discharging current of the battery, a voltage regulation device regulating an output voltage of the vehicle alternator to a specified output voltage, and a temperature sensor mounted to the inside of the battery current detection device. One terminal of a shunt resistance is connected to a negative terminal of the battery through a battery clump, and the other terminal of the shunt resistance is grounded. The temperature sensor is placed close to the shunt resistance. This structure enables the temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the battery with a high accuracy while considering the temperature characteristics of the shunt resistance.

Abstract: The self-powered battery jump method uses a vehicle's alternator to charge main and spare batteries during vehicle operation. If the main battery loses its power, the spare battery supplies power to the main battery and to the vehicle's engine in order to start the vehicle whenever it is needed without any external electricity. Manual, semi-automated, and automated jump modes are provided.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a rechargeable battery for providing electric power to an external rechargeable battery through a damper unit so as to charge the external rechargeable battery, and a control unit coupled to a charging socket and the rechargeable battery and operable to charge the rechargeable battery through a charging signal received by the charging socket. An alarm unit is coupled to the rechargeable battery and the charging socket for generating a detecting signal based on a battery voltage of the rechargeable battery, for outputting a reminder output upon detecting that a potential of the detecting signal is less than that of a reference signal, and for terminating the reminder output when the charging socket receives the charging signal.

Abstract: A portable battery charger, comprising a base assembly housing a first electrical system. The first electrical system comprises a first rechargeable battery with a respective first booster cable port. The first booster cable port has first receiving means to receive removable booster cables. The first electrical system has first recharging means to recharge the first rechargeable battery. The base assembly also houses an air compressor system. The air compressor system comprises an air compressor having means to deliver compressed air through a hose to a valve stem fitting. A head assembly houses a second electrical system. The second electrical system comprises a second rechargeable battery with a respective second booster cable port. The second booster cable port has second receiving means to receive the removable booster cables. The second electrical system has second recharging means to recharge the second rechargeable battery. The head assembly removably mounts onto the base assembly.

Abstract: An energy storage system, more particularly to a power distribution system for providing power for an indeterminate period of time. The power distribution system comprises means for converting the energy from an alternator to AC/DC circuits. The alternator transmits electric current to a battery, where an inverter is electrically connected to the battery and transmits AC power to low-load circuits. A DC control panel is connected to the battery and transmits electric current from the battery to low-load DC circuits. The power system is part of a portable toolbox. The system is connected to a vehicle's charging system or any mechanism having a alternator a first battery an engine and a starting system an would continually recharge it self.

Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.

Abstract: A method for charging a hybrid electric vehicle having a high voltage battery that both propels the vehicle and starts the vehicle. More specifically, if the high voltage battery has a depleted or diminished charge and is unable to start an internal combustion engine, then the method described herein may be used to charge the high voltage battery with energy from a low voltage external power source. In one embodiment, the low voltage external power source is a conventional car battery that is connected to the hybrid electric vehicle by way of jumper cables.

Abstract: A multi-purpose battery jump starter and reconditioner. The device is portable and includes electronic circuitry for use in desulfating lead-acid batteries. A rechargeable internal battery permits operation in remote conditions. Accessories include an air compressor, DC outlet, USB outlet, and light to cause cycling of the battery for optimum life. The jump starter, cables and air compressor are all integrated into a light weight compact housing.

Abstract: A power supply that is housed in a case is provided. Outlets of the power supply are provided external to the case such that the case can be closed during operation of the power supply. The case can provide protection for components of the power supply as well as provide a mobile system that can easily be transported. One or more cooling fans and passageways can further be provided to cool components of the power supply. Additionally, two or more independent power systems can be provided in the power supply to allow for redundancy.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for alerting a low battery charge condition in a jump-starter. In an embodiment, the system is portable. The system includes a first battery. The first battery is configured to provide a first battery voltage across a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the first battery. The system also includes a voltage comparison circuit that is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery. The voltage comparison circuit is configured to compare a reference voltage to the first battery voltage. The system includes an alert circuit electrically connected to the voltage comparison circuit and configured to generate an output signal for a speaker. The system also includes a switch configured to toggle between an enabled state and a disabled state. In an embodiment, the switch includes a stopper tap.

Abstract: A method of recharging a caddy cart battery, comprises a step of connecting the caddy cart battery to an electrical supply of a vehicle to thereby charge the caddy cart battery. The method employs an electronic charge varying device to decrease the electrical supply to the caddy cart battery when it is recharged, wherein the charge passing from the vehicle battery to the caddy cart battery passes through the charge varying device. The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the method of the invention, and a vehicle incorporating means for re-charging a caddy cart battery.

Abstract: A portable emergency appliance comprises a housing and an integrated power source. A retractable handle extends from the housing between a first position and a second position. Retractable cables are connected to the power source and are removably connectable to the retractable handle, such that the cables are secured by the handle when the handle is in the first position, and are at least partially extended when the handle is in the second position. The cables are then releasable from the handle at the second position, to typically provide further extension and retraction to render service to an external entity. The power source is preferably rechargeable. The emergency appliance may preferably provide a variety of other functions, such as but not limited to AC power, DC power, pressurized air, lighting, tool storage and/or data storage and/or display.

Abstract: A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit is comprised of solid-state devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as solenoids are included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to be charged and to the boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is achieved.

Abstract: A portable and integrated backup electric power supplies system, equipped with a battery. It comprises of an alternating current power supply, and a multifunction direct current power supply containing a variable voltage power supply, a dual polarity voltage power supply, a variable NIMH battery charger, a 12-volt lead-acid battery charger, and an automotive jumpstart system.

Abstract: A portable power storage and supply system having means for AC charging, DC charging, AC discharging and DC discharging wherein any one or any combination of the AC and DC charging and discharging can be carried at one time. The system includes an inverter, one or more battery modules and control means for controlling the AC and DC charging and discharging functions for safe and efficient operation. DC charging can include energy from a renewable energy source. The battery modules are separable from the system for providing DC energy for energizing automotive battery jumper cables or for energizing DC powered devices.

Abstract: A remote-controlled battery charging/testing system includes an execution unit capable of performing at least one battery-related function and a control panel remotely connected to and in operable communication with the execution unit. Communication may be wired or wireless. The control panel is installed in an ergonomically-suitable position such that the user does not need to bend or stoop to provide input to the battery charging/testing system. Both the execution unit and the control panel may be cart-mounted for portability and mobility. In cart-mounted configurations, the control panel is adjustable to maintain an ergonomically-suitable position. In free-standing configurations, the execution unit may be installed so as to be conveniently located yet unobtrusive, with the control panel installed in an ergonomically-suitable, accessible position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a battery charger and/or a battery tester to a battery is provided. A clamp can be selectively removed from a cable. This allows replacement of the clamp as desired as well as fixedly or removably coupling the cable to the battery tester or charger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides supplemental power to an engine. The method and apparatus includes a pair of conductive leads for connecting the supplemental power to an engine electrical system, a batter, a relay connected to the conductive leads, a shunt cable connecting the batter to the relay and a processor for controlling the relay to selectively apply electrical power to the engine electrical system. The method and apparatus includes safety features to reduce the risk of injury to the operator and damage to the apparatus and/or engine electrical system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a system and method for charging a high voltage battery of a hybrid automotive vehicle which contemporaneously provides a user with a visual display of diagnostic hybrid system information, including but not limited to, battery data and state of charge data through a user interface located internal a cabin of the vehicle. In other exemplary embodiments, the user interface is operable for providing the visual display while also providing access to other features of the vehicle to the user.

Abstract: An electric source noise pattern analysis method for vehicle battery protection and power management and device thereof provides ignition status recognized against battery discharge due to electric equipment requirement. This device is connected in parallel with the main battery and backup battery of a vehicle. This device features the addition of a source characteristic sensing unit which analyzes voltages, currents, power noises of main battery and backup battery, a pattern analysis method which utilizes the sensing characteristics to recognize the running and power used situation of vehicle, and a power management and control unit which employs at least one adjustment timer to manage main battery and backup battery relied on the vehicle situation. The device which operates to connect and disconnect the main and the backup battery from the load based on a sophisticated management algorithm to control to prevent from power exhausted by electric appliances.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a highly versatile AC portable power supply which can be used in a variety of situations to power 110 V AC common household devices, including holiday lighting or driveway or path lighting. It can also be used to jump start a dead vehicle battery either by a trickle charge via the vehicle's lighter outlet. The portable AC unit is provided with at least 3 sets of recharging plugs so that the user can recharge it with solar panels, or 110 V standard household current or 12 V vehicle battery. The portable AC unit is also provided with a timer to automatically turn it on and off at a preset time. In addition, it is provided with a display unit which can display the time left until recharge is needed, and when it is being recharged, how long it will take to fully charge.

Abstract: A portable battery charger that is powered by a gasoline, diesel, or propane engine. The portable device incorporates a recoil or electric starter and an engine throttle lever that can be used to vary the RPM of the engine and therefore the voltage/current output of the charger. The charger uses a permanent magnet alternator equipped with a belt tension adjustor arm and a heavy duty diode rectifier. The components of the charger (the engine and the alternator) are positioned on a wheeled, heavy-gauge steel, roll around cart that makes the charger easily portable. The two-wheeled cart includes an extended handle, allowing the user to move and steer the charger into position for use. Positioned on this handle is a control box with an anti-spark keyed switch that blocks any charging current from traveling through the charging cables until the switch is thrown. This control facilitates the safe hook-up of the charging clamps while the charger (engine) is running.

Abstract: An electrical extension lead comprising: an electrical cable having a first end connected to a plug socket arrangement for supplying electrical to electrical devices, and a second end connected to an electrical plug for connection to an electrical mains supply, a battery pack charging assembly also connected to the first end of the cable and a battery pack for use with an electrical devices is removably connectable to the battery pack charging assembly for charging, and wherein the plug socket arrangement and the battery pack charging assembly are mounted within a common housing.

Abstract: A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit is comprised of solid-state devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as solenoids are included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to be charged and to the boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is achieved.

Abstract: A portable assembly includes a multi-level housing having a vertically oriented back wall and an elongated rectilinear axle conjoined thereto. The housing further includes an elongated handle having a lower end portion monolithically formed with the back wall. A plurality of rotatable wheels operably communicate with the axle end portions and a plurality of coextensive shelves are conjoined to the back wall. The assembly further includes a mechanism for testing a variety of battery charging systems. The testing mechanism includes a plurality of power receptacles integrally connected to the back wall and spaced above a top one of the shelves. A battery-charger testing device is nested on one of the shelves for testing 48 volt club car power drive chargers. The battery-charger testing device is provided with a plurality of fuses for testing 36 volt and 48 volt circuits respectively.