Abstract: A battery includes a battery housing containing a rechargeable cell for providing an output voltage and a charging circuit. The charging circuit is coupled to the rechargeable cell and includes a voltage converter to convert an input voltage to the charging circuit to a charging voltage to charge the rechargeable cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recharging apparatus for use with portable electronic user devices such as cell phones, pagers, PDAs, as well as with portable battery powered devices such as flashlights. Charging circuitry is used to charge the user device battery from a battery of the recharging apparatus. The user is able to control the recharging process with a manual on/off switch that is part of the recharging apparatus. Optionally, a manual/automatic mode is provided that allows the user even greater flexibility over charging. Here, the user may select various conditions and options when recharging is permitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery comprising an electrically non-conductive substrate (1) on which it is arranged, in addition to at least one cathode (4), one anode (6), and a separator/electrolyte layer (5) in the form of layers or films that are pre-formed from an electrochemically active or activatable material and optionally a polymer matrix and/or other auxiliary substances, in a corresponding sequence on the substrate (1). The layer thickness of each electrode layer is 10 ?m. The inventive battery also comprises at least one current diverter (7) and at least one battery contact (2, 2a, 2b) that are respectively in electrical contact with an electrode. Said battery is characterized in that it comprises at least one first covering layer (8, 16, 17, 21) consisting of a first, electrically insulating material that is stable in relation to the used electrolyte and electrode material and has been deposited from the gas phase or in the form of a liquid or viscous paste.

Abstract: A bidirectional battery charge control system for a portable electronic device which uses a rechargeable main battery. The system enables the connection of an auxiliary battery to the device for inputting additional current to the device. Control of the current flow into and out of the auxiliary battery is performed by a bidirectional charger. The auxiliary battery can contain one or more readily available primary or secondary cells, and the bidirectional charger is such that an external charger connected to the device, generally used to charge the main rechargeable battery of the device, can also recharge a secondary cell or cells in the auxiliary battery, if such are installed. The use of such an auxiliary battery enables the main battery to be hard-wired into the device.

Abstract: Voltage translator circuitry may include a path including a first resistor, a current controlling device, and a second resistor coupled in series. The voltage translator circuitry may further include an operational amplifier having a positive supply terminal to accept a positive supply voltage and a negative supply terminal to accept a negative supply voltage, neither the positive or negative supply voltage at ground voltage. The first resistor may further be coupled to a positive terminal of the battery cell to be monitored. The operational amplifier may have an input coupled to a negative terminal of the battery cell to be monitored. The voltage translator circuitry may further include an output terminal coupled to a node of the path between the current controlling device and the second resistor. The output terminal may be configured to provide the ground referenced cell voltage for the battery cell.

Abstract: A battery pack has a case for storing a battery can, and a metal plane made of a conductive material and connected to the battery can in high frequency is provided on the outer circumference plane of the case. A mounting recessed part for removably mounting the battery pack is provided, and a printed circuit board is provided inside. In the mounting recessed part, a plurality of grounding terminals are electrically connected to a grounding layer of the printed circuit board, on an inner plane to which the metal plane of the battery pack abuts. When the battery pack is mounted in the mounting recessed part, electricity is carried between the metal plane and the grounding terminals, and the metal plane and the battery can are grounded to the grounding layer of the printed circuit board in high frequency.

Abstract: A battery module includes a top cover and a bottom cover affixed together to accommodate a battery set, which has a conducting terminal device exposed out of the bottom cover for the connection of an external electronic device, and a movable member supported on the top surface of the bottom cover and held in a first position by spring members to block the through holes of the bottom cover and movable from the first position to a second position to open the through holes of the bottom cover for ventilation to dissipate heat when the battery module is connected to an external electronic device.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an apparatus that includes a battery system, which includes at least one cell and a charge enable device to couple the at least one cell to a charging voltage. The apparatus also includes an excessive voltage detector to output a signal to control the charge enable device. The signal prevents charging of the at least one cell if an excessive charging voltage is detected based on an activation of a clamping component.

Abstract: The battery charger charges a battery pack housing rechargeable batteries by attaching the battery pack 30 in a detachable manner on the battery charger. The battery charger is provided with a case 1 having an attachment section 2 where a battery pack 30 is attached in a detachable manner, and a plurality of connecting terminals 3 disposed in an exposed manner in the attachment section 2 to connect with external terminals 33 on the battery pack 30. The plurality of connecting terminals 3 is disposed in a plurality of rows. The connecting terminals 3 are provided with positive and negative charging terminals 4 disposed on both sides, and non-charging terminals 5 disposed between the charging terminals 4. Further, the non-charging terminals 5 are disposed in a manner projecting outward further than the charging terminals 4 on both sides.

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

Abstract: A zinc alkaline rechargeable battery pack is disclosed. The zinc alkaline rechargeable battery pack includes a casing including a plurality of electrochemical cells and recharging management circuitry. Each cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells includes an alkaline electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. The anode comprises zinc. The cathode comprises silver, an oxide of silver, silver metal, or a combination of the silver, the oxide of silver and the silver metal. The alkaline electrolyte includes an aqueous hydroxide of an alkali metal. The recharging management circuitry is connected to the plurality of electrochemical cells. The recharging management circuitry includes a processor, a first voltage detector/controller connected to the processor, a second voltage detector/controller connected to the processor, and a current sensor connected to the processor.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a secondary cell, a selection unit, a judging unit, an elapsed time period comparing unit, and a control unit. The selection unit selects either a first operation state or a second operation state. The control unit controls the selection unit to switch from the first operation state to the second operation state when the elapsed time period is longer than a predetermined time period. The control unit also controls the selection unit to switch from a second operation state to a first operation state either (a) when judged as being in an used state by the judging unit while the second operation is selected (b) when a voltage of the second cell becomes equal to or less than a second voltage threshold value which is smaller than a first voltage threshold value while the second operation state is selected.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source element; an input member for connecting the battery pack to an external power source; an output member for connecting the battery pack to an external device for power supply to the external device a micro-controller for sensing at least one characteristic of an electrical signal from the external power source, and for controlling an output signal at the output member based on the characteristics of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A battery pack charger and a method of charging a battery pack may properly charge a battery pack regardless of the number of cells in the battery pack. The battery pack charger includes a voltage sensing unit configured to sense an output voltage of the battery pack being charged with a predetermined voltage for a predetermined period, a controller configured to determine a number of cells in the battery pack in accordance with the output voltage, and a power source charge and discharge unit configured to supply a charge voltage to the battery pack, the charge voltage being determined in accordance with the number of cells in the battery pack.

Abstract: A compact battery pack with high handling ability and restraining degradation of battery cells. The battery pack includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a handle portion of a cordless power tool and an accommodation portion in which all battery cells are accommodatable. A protection board with a protection circuit that protects batteries against overcharge and over-discharge is installed in the insertion portion. A switching element is connected between the battery cells and a drive motor of the power tool. An air passage in communication with the battery pack is formed within the handle and a main housing of the cordless power tool. The switching element is positioned at the air passage.

Abstract: Charging and power supply for mobile devices is disclosed. A USB-compliant charging and power supply circuit includes switch-mode battery charging circuitry for receiving power from an external power source and for supplying output power through an output node to an electronic system of an electronic communication device and a battery. Battery isolation circuitry includes a semiconductor switch connecting the output node to the battery. The battery isolation circuitry senses voltage at the output node and variably restricts current to the battery when the voltage is below a minimum voltage value by operationally controlling the semiconductor switch as current passes through it. During variable current restriction the electronic system is supplied required power with said battery being supplied any additional available power.

Abstract: An energy storage system for charging/discharging power of a plurality of battery packs connected between a grid and a variable power source, the energy storage system including an inverter connected between the grid, the plurality of battery packs, and the variable power source, the inverter inverting an AC power into a DC power and inverting a DC power into an AC power according to charge/discharge, a plurality of converters connected between the battery pack, the variable power source, and the grid, the converters being connected to the battery packs in a one-to-one relationship to convert a charge/discharge power of the battery packs, respectively, a plurality of battery switching devices, the battery switching devices being respectively connected between the converters and the battery packs, and a controller connected to the inverter and the converter to control driving, the controller controlling a turn-on/off operation of the battery switching devices.

Abstract: A system and method interconnects battery packs using a flexible bus bar to prevent vibration from breaking or damaging the connections therebetween.

Abstract: Abnormal detecting means 112 for detecting that an electrically conductive foreign substance has migrated into a charging device 1 is provided, and whether or the foreign substance has migrated is judged from the detection result of the abnormal detecting means 112.

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: A multi-battery charging system comprises a computing device having a controller configured to control a plurality of power regulators, each of the plurality of power regulators for regulating charging power to a respective battery, at least one of the power regulators disposed external to the computing device.

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 battery pack includes a plurality of lithium battery cells, an analog thermo sensing member, and an analog switch. The analog thermo sensing member detects, in an analog form, a battery temperature of at least one of the plurality of lithium battery cells, and outputs an output preventing signal if the battery temperature is over a first predetermined temperature. The analog switch element is the plurality of lithium battery cells in series, and is switched, based on the output preventing signal, to a state in which a current is prevented from flowing in the plurality of lithium battery cells.

Abstract: A battery pack, charger, and terminal blocks for the pack, charger and a cordless power tool are provided. The pack includes battery cells disposed between end caps within a bottom housing of the pack, and a potting boat for housing pack electronics electrically connected to the cells between the end caps and disposed within a pack top housing. A pack terminal block is connected to the potting boat within the top housing. The charger and the power tool each include a terminal block for providing electrical connections between the charger/tool and the battery pack. The terminal block is configured to float side-to-side to provide displaceable movement of the terminal block within the charger housing or tool housing for aligning the battery pack terminal block therein.

Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: A system for charging a power tool battery includes a charging device capable of charging a battery, a memory device capable of storing data of a plurality of sound patterns, a selecting device capable of selecting a sound pattern data from the plurality of sound patterns, and a sound generating device capable of generating a sound based on the selected sound pattern data when the charging operation of the battery by the charging device has been completed.

Abstract: A device for locking a power tool to a battery pack has at least one movable locking bar mountable on the power tool and upon locking engaging a detent recess of the battery pack, and at least one unlocking device for manually disengaging the locking bar from the detent recess, wherein the unlocking device is mountable on the battery pack.

Abstract: A charger configured to charge at least one battery used in transportation means or stationary equipment, includes a plurality of power connections configured to couple to a plurality of power sources. The charger is adapted to receive power from the plurality of power sources simultaneously.

Abstract: A battery pack including at least one battery cell, a switch, and battery state monitoring circuitry. The battery state monitoring circuitry may be configured to control an ON resistance of the switch to a first ON resistance when the switch is ON and the battery pack is in a stand-by-state and to control the ON resistance to a second ON resistance when the switch is ON and said battery pack is not in said stand-by-state, the first ON resistance greater than the second ON resistance. A cordless electrical device and method consistent with embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A battery-operated screwdriver has a housing with a handle, a rechargeable battery, charge contacts for charging the battery on a charger shell having at least one detachably mounted bit holder for storing tool inserts of the battery-operated screwdriver in captive fashion, so that the battery-operated screwdriver is placeable on the charger shell and a charging mode is produced automatically, and a charger shell for a battery-operated screwdriver has at least one detachable mountable bit holder configured to receive a plurality of bits which in operation are insertable in communication with the battery-operated screwdriver.

Abstract: A battery that includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough is described herein. The battery also includes a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore The voltage converter is configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery, an impact sensor, a processor and a memory. The impact sensor is capable of generating an impact signal in response to a detection of an impact on the battery pack. The processor is capable of generating impact information based on the impact signal, and processor continues to count a number of charging times to the battery after the generation of the impact information. The memory is capable of storing the impact information and the number of charging times. The processor can refer to the memory to deliver a control command to a battery charger so that the battery can only be charged up to an allowable charge capacity smaller than a full charge capacity after an occurrence of an impact when the battery pack is attached to the battery charger. The charging to the battery stops when the number of the counted charging times reaches a predetermined number of allowable charging times that is allowed after the generation of the impact information.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a flashlight, with a battery pack assembly is provided. The battery pack assembly has a cylindrically shaped housing with a base and a cover that form a chamber to hold a battery pack. A printed circuit board is installed in the cylindrically shaped housing to provide multiple functions to the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A single electronic charging system that can be used for different electronic components by changing a tip portion of a charging cord of the charging system. A plurality of tip portions are included with a single charging source that interfaces either with an AC power source, a 12 to 24 volt DC power source or a battery power source by merely threading a connector portion of the charging cord onto an electric cable.

Abstract: In order to improve the charging efficiency of a charging apparatus including a photovoltaic generator such as a solar battery, a charging apparatus includes: a battery which is rechargeable; a photovoltaic generator generating electric power in response to received light; and a generative charging portion supplying the electric power generated by the photovolaic generator to the battery. The generative charging portion includes: a control portion which controls current in the direction from the battery to the photovoltaic generator; and a voltage regulation portion which regulates voltage of the electric power supplied from the photovoltaic generator to the battery and is connected to the control portion in series.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a detachably attached battery pack by supplying an electric power from an external power source, the battery charger includes a notification unit for notifying a user of a charging operation by turning on or flickering a light-emitting member. The notification unit notifies the user of a power connection state of the battery charger by turning on or flickering the light-emitting member immediately after the battery charger is electrically connected to the external power source without attaching the battery pack thereto, and the notification unit turns off the light-emitting member after a predetermined period of time lapses and keeps the light-emitting member in an off-state until the battery pack is attached to the battery charger.

Abstract: A circuit and communication method for charging and/or discharging electrical energy storage devices (e.g., one or more cells of ultracapacitors, one or more cells of batteries, one or more cells of ultracapacitors and batteries).

Abstract: An electric wheeled apparatus comprises a main body, at least one wheel supported by the main body in a rotatable manner; an electric motor configured to apply torque to the at least one wheel, a battery interface configured to removably receive at least one battery pack which is originally designed as a power source of an electric power tool, and an electric circuit unit configured to electrically connect the at least one battery pack attached to the battery interface with the electric motor.

Abstract: A battery module includes a top cover and a bottom cover affixed together to accommodate a battery set, which has conducting terminals positioned in respective bottom side holes of the bottom cover for the contact of respective metal contacts of a battery charger or power hand tool. A movable member is sleeved onto the battery set inside the bottom cover and held in a first position by spring members to block side holes of the bottom cover and movable from the first position to a second position to open the side holes of the bottom cover for ventilation to dissipate heat upon insertion of the battery module in a battery charger for charging.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes a battery pack provided with one or more secondary batteries and a battery charger for charging the secondary batteries, the battery pack being detachably attachable to the battery charger. The charging circuit further includes a control unit for performing a charging control, a monitoring unit for detecting charged voltage of the secondary batteries to determine completion of charging, a storage unit storing charging data for use in the charging control of the control unit and determination of the charging completion of the monitoring unit and a changing unit for changing the charging data. The monitoring unit and the storage unit are arranged in the battery pack, and the changing unit and the control unit are arranged in the battery charger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method of handling a device charging state for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connected mobile electronic device comprising the steps of sensing a presence of a bus voltage; sensing an enumeration acknowledgement signal between the device and a USB host; and transmitting a signal to instruct the device to enter the device charging state.

Abstract: Charging and power supply for mobile devices is disclosed. A USB-compliant charging and power supply circuit includes switch-mode battery charging circuitry for receiving power from an external power source and for supplying output power through an output node to an electronic system of an electronic communication device and a battery. Battery isolation circuitry includes a semiconductor switch connecting the output node to the battery. The battery isolation circuitry senses voltage at the output node and variably restricts current to the battery when the voltage is below a minimum voltage value by operationally controlling the semiconductor switch as current passes through it. During variable current restriction the electronic system is supplied required power with said battery being supplied any additional available power.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a main body, a lens module and a solar panel. The main body comprises a battery pack and a photosensitive element. The lens module is connected with the main body. The solar panel is disposed between the photosensitive element and the lens module, and the solar panel is electrically connected with the battery pack. The solar panel is able to receive the light focused by the lens module and convert the light into electricity to supply to the battery pack.

Abstract: A battery case and a secondary battery incorporating the battery case, comprised of the battery case being provided with a push button of pressure distribution structure in order to prevent a push button mount from being damaged due to the pressure against the push button for checking residual capacity. The secondary battery according to the present invention comprises a bare cell, a circuit which is electrically connected with the bare cell, and calculates the residual capacity of the bare cell, and has a push switch and a light emitting device, a case which receives the bare cell and the circuit and comprises a residual capacity display unit having a fulcrum and a display window respectively at positions corresponding to the push switch and the light emitting device, and a cover film which is attached to an external surface of the residual capacity display unit.

Abstract: A battery pack for powering a portable electronic device is disclosed. The battery pack includes means for connecting the battery pack to the portable electronic device such that a main power terminal of the battery pack engages a main power input port of the portable electronic device. An auxiliary power output terminal is located on an outer surface of the portable electronic device that is capable of receiving a power cord for powering the portable electronic device through an auxiliary power input port located on the portable electronic device. A charger input terminal is also included on the outer surface of the battery pack for receiving the power cord for recharging the battery pack.

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 battery pack 10 includes a housing 11, a group of cells 12, a board 13, a plurality of second terminals 14, and a cover 15. An opening 16c is formed in the housing 11. The board 13 has a terminal arranging part 13A. A plurality of the second terminals 14 are arranged on the terminal arranging part 13A of the board 13. The cover 15 has a plate-like shape, and covers an area of the board 13 which is positioned between the terminal arranging part 13A and the opening 16c.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable ambulatory fluid delivery device. The device includes a dispensing unit to dispense therapeutic fluid, the dispensing unit including one or more rechargeable batteries, a housing to retain the one or more rechargeable batteries, a reservoir to contain the therapeutic fluid, a driving mechanism to cause delivery of the therapeutic fluid from the reservoir to a user's body, and at least one electrical connector to be coupled to a recharging unit to direct electrical power received from the recharging unit to recharge the one or more rechargeable batteries. At least a portion of the housing is securable to a skin of the user.

Abstract: A cordless system has cordless system components that include a cordless device, such as a cordless power tool, a battery pack and a charger. The battery pack is mated with either the cordless device to provide power to operate the cordless device or to the charger to charge the battery cells in the battery pack. In an aspect of the invention, the cordless system has an identification and communication system by which the battery pack identifies and communicates information about the battery pack to the cordless device or to the charger to which the battery pack is mated. In another aspect of the invention, the battery pack of the cordless system is capable of multiple modes, such as controlling the cordless device and controlling the charger. In yet another aspect of the invention, the battery pack validates the cordless device or charger to which it is mated.

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.