Abstract: A charging socket has a base and a holding body covering the base. The holding body has an opening receiving recess, and a first holding plate. A gear element has a ring-like body mounted in the base. The ring-like body has gear teeth at an outer periphery thereof, and a connecting portion connected with the base by a connecting spring for forcing the ring-like body to rotate. A swingable arm pivoted to the base has a ratchet tooth engaged with the gear teeth for stopping the ring-like body from being pulled by the connecting spring to rotate. A movable element has a basic plate slidably received in the receiving recess, and a second holding plate. A side of the basic plate is connected with a rack parallel to a sliding direction of the movable element and is lower than a bottom of the basic plate, engaging with the gear teeth.

Abstract: An equipment system includes a battery unit (10) having a monitoring circuit (14), which detects at least one operating parameter of the battery unit (10) and furnishes a control signal, dependent on the operating parameter, for switching means (25, 31). The switching means control the charging and discharging process of the battery unit (10) and are located in the electrical device (20) and in the charger (30), respectively. From the battery unit (10), the control signal is transmitted to the switching means (25, 31) in the electrical device (20) and in the charger (30), respectively. By this provision of shifting the switching means (25, 31) out of the battery unit (10) into the electrical device (20) and into the charger (30), respectively, the heat development in the battery unit (10) and also its structure size are reduced.

Abstract: Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.

Abstract: A portable multi-input remote AA battery charger is provided that can recharge as many as eight (8) AA batteries at once within 100 minutes. This invention's battery charger for rechargeable batteries can also be powered by a number of the currently available military batteries such as the BA-8180, BA-8140, BA-5590, BA-5390, BB-390, BB-2590, and SP4 batteries. The portable multi-input remote AA battery charger includes at least two (2) battery chambers, slots for the AA batteries, a charging circuit, a housing, and a connector. A portable multi-input remote AA battery charger apparatus and a method for charging AA rechargeable batteries with a portable battery charger are also provided.

Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.

Abstract: The battery charger is provided with a holding cavity 2 that allows a first rectangular battery pack 30 and a second rectangular battery pack 40 to be loaded in a detachable fashion. The holding cavity has a rectangular opening and has first charging terminals 5A to contact first rectangular battery pack electrode terminals 32, and second charging terminals 5B to contact second rectangular battery pack 40 electrode terminals 42 established on a first perimeter wall 4A and second perimeter wall 4B, which are perpendicular. The battery charger charges the first rectangular battery pack through the first charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals 32 in contact with the first charging terminals. The battery charger charges the second rectangular battery pack through the second charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals in contact with the second charging terminals.

Abstract: An accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a set of device controls for controlling the portable electronic device. The accessory includes a microprocessor and a memory that contains function codes corresponding to the functions selected by the controls. Preferably, the accessory is a charger is adapted to be inserted into for a 12-volt car auxiliary power outlet and the protruding face of the charger body is a click wheel controller that rotates. The accessory may also include a FM transmitter for transmitting an audio signal received from the portable electronic device to the car stereo and a verification system for insuring the charger is produced by an authorized supplier.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: A portable battery box is described. The portable battery box is suitable for charging and housing a battery and comprises: a charging apparatus for charging a battery; a hollow lid shell and a hollow base shell for housing a rechargeable battery, the base hollow shell including a base wall, a top wall and at least one side wall extending between the base and top walls; and at least one handle disposed in a respective one of the side walls of the hollow base shell.

Abstract: A connector device includes a circuit board and a connector body, and the connector body includes a housing and a connection terminal provided inside the housing. A silicon resin is applied to fill a gap between the connector body and the circuit board. The application of the silicon resin can prevent a mold resin used to seal the connector device and a battery pack body from entering from the gap into the housing. Thereby, a connector device reliably establishing conduction and a battery pack applying such a connector device can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electricity to a portable electronic device comprising: a wall plate that surrounds and attaches to an electrical wall receptacle, a charging cradle with a platform for supporting a portable electronic device; a male charging connector coupled to an opening slot in the charging cradle's platform, wherein the charging connector is insertable into a female charging port of a portable electronic device; and a transformer circuit coupled to the male charging connector, wherein the transformer circuit transforms a receiving electricity to an output electricity having an output voltage, an output current and an output wattage wherein the output electricity is within a range sufficient for charging the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus that enables a remaining battery capacity to be checked without requiring the battery to be loaded into the electronic apparatus. In this electronic apparatus, a battery lid closes a battery chamber that accommodates a battery. An opening/closing detection device detects opening/closing of the battery lid. An acquisition device acquires battery information of the battery when the opening/closing detection device detects that the battery lid opens. A storing device stores the battery information acquired by the acquisition device. A display device displays the battery information that is stored in the storing device, and displays the battery information of a battery that is not accommodated in the battery chamber.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus that enables a remaining battery capacity to be checked without requiring the battery to be loaded into the electronic apparatus. In this electronic apparatus, a battery lid closes a battery chamber that accommodates a battery. An opening/closing detection device detects opening/closing of the battery lid. An acquisition device acquires battery information of the battery when the opening/closing detection device detects that the battery lid opens. A storing device stores the battery information acquired by the acquisition device. A display device displays the battery information that is stored in the storing device, and displays the battery information of a battery that is not accommodated in the battery chamber.

Abstract: A universal battery charger having an adjustable pocket for receiving batteries having differing dimensions. Each battery, regardless of their differing dimensions, may be firmly supported within the adjustable pocket and receive an electrical charge from a single set of electrical contacts exposed in the adjustable pocket. The adjustable pocket is adjustable, because a battery guide of the charger includes first and second ends that alternately protrude through the plane of the housing, thus providing different dynamic supporting walls for different batteries. The adjustable pocket may accommodate different batteries by utilizing different receiving areas of the pocket. One receiving area may supports one side of a first battery with a first dynamic wall and supports other sides of the first battery with stationary walls. Likewise, another receiving area may support one side of a second battery with a second dynamic wall and supports other sides of the second battery with stationary walls.

Abstract: A battery pack charging system comprises a charger configured to be removably coupled to at least two different battery packs each having a different regulation charge voltage associated therewith, and a charger controller configured to cause the charger to charge the at least two different battery packs to the respective regulation charge voltages based on a signal received from each of the respective battery packs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile device comprising: a battery module configured to receive at least one rechargeable battery, a device circuitry module configured to communicate between the battery module and a charging circuit located on an external charging unit; and, a connector port configured to couple the external charging unit to the battery module for providing an electrical charge to said at least one rechargeable battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a universal power pack, power supply and battery harvesting device. Generally, each comprises a receptacle for receiving at least one battery or battery pack having a different shape and/or nominal output voltage. A controller circuit is provided for regulating the output voltages and/or currents of the battery or batteries with the regulated voltage and current available at an output. The devices allow other devices to be powered or recharged, or batteries to be recharged. In a particular embodiment, a master cell and slave cell are provided wherein the slave cell continues to power attached devices when connection with the master cell is not available.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a flashlight, accepts first and second batteries. The appliance also includes an electrical load, such as a light source. A first circuit, such as a DC to DC converter, receives power from the first battery and supplies power to the load. A second circuit, such as a DC to DC converter, receives power from the second battery and supplies electrical power to the load. In one embodiment, the appliance accepts batteries having multiple physical sizes.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a battery pack that is operably coupled to a battery charger. The method comprises: measuring voltage at a plurality of designated terminals of a first battery pack while the battery pack is coupled to the battery charger; determining how many of the designated terminals are connected to a reference voltage, such as battery positive; and identifying an attribute of the battery pack based on how many of the designated terminals are connected to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A docking device for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The docking device includes a device housing and a charging connector that is provided on a side surface of the device housing and is connected to a battery connector of a battery pack in order to charge the battery pack. The charging connector is connectable to the battery connector in a state where the battery pack and the device housing are disposed on the same plane. When the charging connector and the battery connector are in a connected state and the device housing is being moved to a position within a predetermined height from the plane, the connection state between the charging connector and the battery connector is maintained. When the device housing is being moved to a position that exceeds the predetermined height from the plane, the battery connector will be separated from the charging connector due to the weight of the battery pack.

Abstract: Battery charger for charging batteries of different sizes in which the batteries have first and second terminals on one side of the battery, the battery charger includes a charging platform for receiving a battery; first and second closed ends disposed on opposite ends of the charging platform; wherein one of the closed ends is movable in first and second directions that span across at least a portion of the platform for respecting increasing and decreasing an area of the platform in which the battery rests for receiving batteries of different sizes; a matrix of pogo pins disposed on one of the closed ends of the platform, wherein the pogo pins are configured to electrically contact the battery in a plurality of positions within a predetermined range; and one or more electronic components for detecting polarity of the battery; wherein charging of the battery is performed according to the detected polarity.

Abstract: A charging circuit charges a secondary battery by using a first direct current power supply that generates and outputs a first voltage. A highest voltage among the first voltage of the first direct current power supply, a second voltage generated from power supplied from outside, and a secondary battery voltage of the secondary battery is supplied as a power supply to the charging circuit.

Abstract: A cordless power tool battery pack including an onboard circuit configured to electronically communicate with an associated battery charging system. The onboard circuit communicates information relating to the batter pack to a microprocessor or the like within the battery charging system and charging of the battery pack is controlled based on such communication.

Abstract: A universal battery charger including: a housing with a first locating surface; and a slide cover formed corresponding to the housing and having a second locating surface corresponding to and leaning against the first locating surface. The housing is provided with terminal pieces for adjusting the position. The terminal pieces may be moved by fingers from the bottom of the housing. The second locating surface of the slide cover is in tight contact with the first locating surface when the charger is not used, thereby creating a complete contour of the charger without any gaps. In charging, the slide cover is pushed outwards over a certain distance according to the dimensions of batteries such that a charging space is created between the second locating surface and the first locating surface of the housing.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled multi chemistry battery charging system and method for recharging primary and secondary batteries are disclosed. The charger has multiple battery holder bays with different recess levels to accept up to four batteries of different sizes and different chemistry types particularly Primary Alkaline, Primary Titanium, Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese (RAM), NiCd and NiMH batteries. The microprocessor controlled electronic circuit automatically identifies the type of battery to be charged by monitoring and comparing voltage responses over preset time by supplying constant charging current. Depending upon the type of battery, the charger controls suitable charging current or current pulses at different frequencies till battery voltage reaches preset maximum reference voltage or battery voltage remains relatively constant below preset maximum reference voltage over preset time period.

Abstract: Electrical systems, power supply apparatuses, and power supply operational methods are described.

Abstract: A universal charger includes a portable charger housing, an universal charging arrangement, and an energy input device. The universal charging arrangement includes a charging circuitry for managing electricity charging of the rechargeable battery, and a plurality of charging terminals movably provided in the battery compartment of the portable charging housing, wherein the charging terminals are adapted to move in the battery compartment to accurately and adjustably align with the battery terminals of the rechargeable battery. The energy input device is electrically connected with the charging circuitry, which is capable of charging a wide variety of electronic devices by acquiring power through a convention USB port.

Abstract: An all-in-one lithium battery charger, and more particularly, to a charging seat specifically designed for the Kodak KLIC series lithium batteries. The charging seat includes a first charging terminal set in the lateral direction and a second charging terminal set in the longitudinal direction such that they are arranged in an L-shaped manner. Moreover, the bottom plate of the charging seat includes different bottom portions positioned at different height for defining different sized charging grooves. In this way, at least six types of lithium batteries can be charged therein without increasing the volume of the chargers, thereby achieving the all-in-one charging purpose. Moreover, the convenient storage and carrying is ensured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable charging equipment in which a socket is provided on side edge of a backup battery and a plug is correspondingly provided on a charger device. A recessed arc portion formed on the bottom surface of the charger device is to abut closely against the peripheral outer edge of the backup battery. A boost unit provided in the charger device is electrically connected to the plug, and a lead wire connected to the boost unit has an output terminal provided on the other end. A tightening strap body having hook and loop structure is attached to the charger device. The backup battery and the charger device can be inseparably affixed together by the fastening action of the tightening strap body.

Abstract: A battery module is constructed with a plurality of unit batteries, and barrier ribs including bands mounted on each of the unit batteries and forming gaps to enable a heat conductive medium to circulate the unit batteries.

Abstract: The invention is a battery charging system with discharging means that includes a housing containing a plurality of charging units. The charging units come in a variety of sizes as well as in multiples of each size. The invention also includes a plurality of discharging units, which are capable of draining out any remaining charge left in the battery prior to the recharging process.

Abstract: As an improvement to the architecture, utility, efficiency and cost associated with the procurement, setup, and operation of a power system for utilization in aerospace, military, commercial, consumer, educational and transportation platforms. A scalable, modular and intelligent power system (10) as illustrated in FIG. 1 consists of a power system (12), and a communications system (14). Power system (12) is comprised of a scalable array of ICP's (16) isolated from each other via schottky diodes (34), with the combined power out put of ICP1 through ICPx (16) resulting in a final power system output (36), with its corresponding power system ground (38). Communications system (14) is comprised of a communications processor (24) interfacing internally with each individual ICP1 through ICPx (16) via opto isolated I2C communication port (30), enabling bi-directional communications between power system (12) and the outside world via external communications portal (26).

Abstract: A battery pack includes battery terminals operable to be electrically coupled to one or more batteries. The battery pack also includes a printed circuit board electrically coupled to the battery terminals. The printed circuit board is operable to receive operating power from the one or more batteries and/or provide operating power to one or more external devices. The printed circuit board could provide power to a transmitter and/or one or more sensors in a process control system. The printed circuit board could also include a transmitter or other industrial instrument. The battery pack further includes a removable carrier attached to the printed circuit board. The removable carrier is operable to be inserted into and removed from a housing in order to insert the apparatus into the housing and remove the apparatus from the housing. The housing could, for example, represent a cylindrical casing forming part of a pipe.

Abstract: A provider server receives an order from a customer by way of a workstation for a customer selected configuration change of computing resources of an end user machine, the provider server having a predetermined time period and negotiates configuration change price for billing said customer for the purchase of said ordered customer selected configuration change, said negotiated configuration change price for billing said customer for the purchase of said ordered customer selected configuration change.

Abstract: The present invention relates essentially to a recharging device of a storage system for electric power from a power network, said storage system being used as a power source for electric or hybrid vehicle, said system comprising: a first storage element of electrical energy (1), specifically a battery, and a second storage element of electrical energy (2), specifically a pack of supercapacitors, a DC-DC power converter (3) being arranged between said first element and second element, said first element having a first voltage, and said second element having a second voltage which may exceed said first voltage, wherein said device comprises: a voltage rectifying device (5) connected on the one hand by an electrical connection to the converter (3) on the side where it is connected to the second element, and also connected by a removable electrical connection to the network supply, said device being adapted to rectify the alternating voltage delivered by the network to a DC voltage in the range of operation o

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable lighting device including a body having a battery compartment, a head coupled to the body, a light source coupled to the head, the light source requiring a first voltage, and a circuit coupled to the light source. The battery compartment is configured to selectively receive batteries of different sizes. The circuit converts voltages of different magnitudes to the first voltage.

Abstract: A multi-battery charger for at least one rechargeable battery includes a charger case, and a multi-battery charging module. The charger case includes a plurality of electrically neutral charging terminals spacedly provided thereon, and an electric input terminal adapted for electrically connecting with an external DC power source. The multi-battery charging module is provided in the charger case to electrically communicate with the charging terminals, and includes a recharging circuitry and a polarity detection circuitry.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: A circuit to supply power to a load incorporates a first power source, a second power source that may be detachable, a power converter and at least one capacitor (capacitive element), where the first power source is capable of powering the load when charged, where the second power source is not capable of powering the load, but the second power source is capable of trickle-charging the first power source at a time when the first power source is not powering the load, where the power converter may impose a limit on a flow of current through the power converter, and where the at least one capacitor may cooperate to temporarily support a flow of additional current that circumvents the power converter at a time when the load attempts to draw a relatively greater amount of current.

Abstract: A battery receptacle system is provided to accept various types or sizes of batteries in different orientations. The battery receptacle system includes a first radial notch for positioning a first positive terminal of a first battery to electrically connect with the first positive contact at a first position, and a second radial notch for positioning a second positive terminal of a second battery of a different size and/or type than the first battery to electrically connect with the first positive contact at a second position, different from the first position. The second radial notch is configured to prevent the first positive terminal of the first battery from electrically connecting with the first positive contact at the second position.

Abstract: A battery charger includes an accommodating part for accommodating a group of cells and a plurality of cell assemblies respectively having charging terminals for charging the group of cells; a first terminal plate formed in the surface of the accommodating part to come into contact with the charging terminal of the first cell assembly and a second terminal plate coming into contact with the second cell assembly; a switching element for interrupting voltage from an ac power source; a unit for rectifying and smoothing the voltage interrupted by the switching element; and a unit for applying the smoothed dc voltage respectively to the first and second terminal plates.

Abstract: A universal system for recharging at least one portable appliance, the dedication of which is being capable from a device (4) of suiting any portable appliance version by means of at least one adapter (6) which may be specific in all or part of the relevant portable appliance. The invention, in its preferred alternative embodiments, allows simultaneous or sequential recharging of a plurality of portable appliances. With the invention it is further possible to save electric energy in a stand-by mode and the risks of fire and electrocution in the case of any dysfunction are reduced as compared with the solutions of the state of the art.

Abstract: The battery charger has a case 1 that has a battery compartment 2 to load a plurality of rechargeable circular cylindrical batteries 3 arranged in parallel orientation in a detachable manner, a charging circuit 10 housed in the case 1 to charge the batteries loaded in the battery compartment 2, and a charging status indicator 4 that detects the charging status of batteries loaded in the battery compartment 2 and indicates the battery charging status by light illumination conditions. The indicator 4 is provided with light sources 6 disposed at the end of the battery compartment 2 that shine light from between adjacent parallel circular cylindrical batteries 3 in the lengthwise direction onto the battery surfaces. These battery charger light sources 6 shine light on the surfaces of adjacent circular cylindrical batteries 3 to indicate the charging status of the circular cylindrical batteries 3 loaded in the battery compartment 2.

Abstract: A battery pack for a sterilizable instrument, such as a medical endoscope. The battery pack includes batteries removably positioned within an enclosure which mounts a first grouping of electrical contacts engaged with the battery contacts. The enclosure includes an outer end wall which sealingly encloses the first grouping of contacts. The outer end wall mounts a second grouping of electrical contacts which are normally resiliently maintained in a first position spaced from the contacts of the first grouping. The contacts of the second grouping sealingly penetrate through the outer end wall. When the battery pack is engaged on the instrument, the contacts of the second grouping engage third contacts on the instrument, causing the contacts of the second grouping to move into a second position where they directly engage contacts of the first grouping to provide electrical power to the instrument.

Abstract: A cordless power tool battery pack including an onboard circuit configured to electronically communicate with an associated battery charging system. The onboard circuit communicates information relating to the batter pack to a microprocessor or the like within the battery charging system and charging of the battery pack is controlled based on such communication.

Abstract: A battery cover suitable for being used to cover a battery groove of an electric appliance such as a game controller, a remote controller, a mobile phone, a multi-medium player, a wireless mouse, a flashlight, a PDA, a digital camera etc. to generate electric power in a wireless inducing mode, for charging chargeable batteries that can thus supply electric power for operation of an electric appliance. Therefore, when a user is desired to electrically charge the chargeable batteries, it needs not to take the chargeable batteries out of the electric appliance, but needs only to directly place the electric appliance in an effective wireless induction zone to make the battery cover generate electric power in a wireless inducing mode to charge the batteries.

Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.

Abstract: A power supply for portable apparatuses includes a plurality of power supplies and at least one charging station. Each power supply has a housing, a power input portion, a plurality of power output portions, a storage battery, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board is electrically connected with the storage battery and both are located in the housing. The power input portion and the power output portions are electrically connected with the first circuit board. The charging station includes a base, a plurality of charging connectors, and a second circuit board. The base has a plurality of charging ports that can be connected with the power supplies. The second circuit board is located in the base. The charging connectors are electrically connected with the second circuit board. The charging connectors respectively correspond to the charging ports for charging the power supply connected with the charging ports.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging a NiMH battery. The disclosure further relates to a charging station and a system. The object of the disclosure is to provide a charging algorithm that charges the battery in a relatively short time and at the same time is relatively gentle as regards its life time degradation. The problem is solved in that the method includes a) providing a constant charge current until a predefined threshold voltage is reached; b) when the predefined threshold voltage is reached, keeping the voltage constant by reducing the charge current; and wherein the predefined threshold voltage is determined depending on the temperature of the battery. This has the advantage of providing a charging algorithm with a compromise between charging speed and battery life time. The disclosure may, e.g., be used for the portable communication devices, e.g. listening devices, such as hearing instruments.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for loading/unloading one or more rechargeable batteries. The mechanism includes one or more charging compartments configured to receive one or more rechargeable batteries and a first actuator configured to cause the one or more rechargeable batteries to be displaced from a first position to a second position.