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 battery pack including a secondary battery and a frame for mounting the secondary battery therein. A mounting ledge protrudes from one portion of the frame and a guide member protrudes from another portion of the frame. A circuit section is installed at a portion of the frame and inserted between the mounting ledge and the guide member so as to be connected to the secondary battery. A fixing part is provided in the frame and the circuit section in order to fix the circuit section to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery with a built-in protective circuit, which includes battery case (1), a battery core (2) and electrolyte. According to the present invention, a built-in protective circuit module (4) is provided to act as the connection between terminals of positive and negative electrodes (21 and 22) and output ends of positive and negative electrodes (31 and 32) inside the battery. The battery of the present invention has the advantages of safe and reliable protection against short-circuit, over-charge, over-discharge and over-current in the application, and therefore it is reliable power supply for the portable electronic appliances such as mobile phones and the like.

Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Abstract: A combination of an electrically powered toothbrush incorporating an electric power supply which comprises a capacitor, and a charging unit which incorporates one or more replaceable or rechargeable battery cells, enabling recharging of the capacitor without connection to the main electricity supply.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system to switch between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) power sources for appliances with a third position to allow on-board recharging of the DC power source. The method involves locking out a power source when the other power source is powering the appliance and locking out both power sources from operating the appliance when the appliance is being recharged. The DC power source can remain coupled to the appliance during operation and during recharging without necessitating removal for remote recharging by the use of a unique switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging apparatus for charging a secondary battery incorporated in a portable electronic device. The charging apparatus includes a contactless IC card reader configured to supply operating power to a contactless IC card unit incorporated in the portable electronic device and have an authentication function of authenticating that an object to be authenticated is a correct one, a charging circuit configured to perform contactless charging of the secondary battery, and a control unit configured to activate the charging circuit if an authentication result is OK after the contactless IC card reader authenticates an object to be authenticated when the object to be authenticated is placed.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery, a pair of output terminals connected to the battery, a switch inserted between the battery and one of the pair of output terminals, an acceleration sensor detecting a shock and outputting a detected value dependent thereon, and a control unit of a protection circuit. When a detected value of the acceleration sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit turns off the switch and thereby cuts off a current path between the battery and the pair of output terminals to cut off the current.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system for electric power tool includes a battery pack for electric power tool and an auxiliary power source. The battery pack has a battery and a monitoring circuit. The battery is provided with at least one battery cell. The monitoring circuit is operated by electric power supplied from the battery, and monitors a status of the battery. The auxiliary power source outputs electric power allowing the monitoring circuit to operate. The monitoring circuit is configured such that, when the monitoring circuit is unoperational with the electric power of the battery due to a decrease in a voltage of the battery, the monitoring circuit becomes operational by the electric power supplied from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A battery and a DC-to-DC converter are contained in a battery pack. When the battery pack is connected to a load by means of a connector and an output voltage reference value, corresponding to the power supply voltage of the load, the output voltage of the battery is converted according to the output voltage reference value by the DC-to-DC converter. The output voltage reference value is set by an output voltage reference value output means in the connector. Furthermore, the converted voltage is supplied to the load via an output voltage line.

Abstract: A charger configured to charge batteries includes a housing including a plurality of battery storage chambers accommodating the batteries, the battery storage chambers being aligned in a horizontal direction such that depth directions of the battery storage chambers are parallel to each other; openings formed on first ends of the battery chambers in the depth direction, the batteries being attached to and detached from the battery storage chambers through the openings; and charger-side terminals provided on the battery storage chambers, the charger-side terminals being connect to and disconnect from battery-side terminals of the batteries stored in the battery storage chambers.

Abstract: A portable battery powered appliance accepts at least first and second batteries. The appliance also includes a load. a first circuit. and a second circuit. The first circuit receives power from the first battery and provides a first power. The second circuit receives power from the second battery and provides a second power. The load receives at least one of the first power and the second power.

Abstract: Provided are a charging control apparatus and method of a mobile terminal, capable of charging a battery at different charging current rates according to a charging mode of an input power. The charging control apparatus includes: a battery; an external port connector configured to receive power of an external port or adaptor through a single source power rail; a voltage detector configured to detect a voltage inputted through the external port connector and a voltage of the battery; a microcontroller configured to change a charging current rate using the detected input voltage and the detected battery voltage; and a charging unit configured to control a charging of the battery according to the varied charging current rate.

Abstract: A battery charging cradle and mobile electronic device include a battery charging cradle incorporating a primary coil which induces an AC magnetic flux to a specific portion of a planar, top plate of the cradle, and a rechargeable battery incorporated inside a bottom plate and charged by electric power which is induced to a secondary coil being electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. The battery charging cradle has a positioning portion, so that the mobile electronic device is placed in a predetermined position by means of the positioning portion, the primary coil is electromagnetically coupled to the secondary coil, and thus the rechargeable battery incorporated in the mobile electronic device is charged.

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 power circuit is disclosed which is connected to a power source supplying different currents. The power circuit supplying driving power from the power source to a load includes a switching unit configured to switch the driving power supplied to the load in response to an external switching signal.

Abstract: Battery side terminals disposed on the first and second battery devices are arranged at the same places at front surfaces with respect to lower surfaces and side surfaces. On the front surface of a case of the second battery device, there are formed engaging recessed parts. Positions close to the lower surface of the engaging recessed parts are formed as flat surfaces parallel to a upper surface and the lower surface. The dimensions from the lower surface of the case to flat surfaces and the dimension from the lower surface of the case of the first battery device to an upper surface are configured to be the same. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an advantageous battery device that allows the use of battery devices having various capacities and improves the ease of use.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a switching element, a heat resistor, and a fuse. The switching element turns to ON if the battery pack becomes in an abnormal state. The heat resistor is connected to the switching element and a battery in series. Current flows through the heat resistor when the switching element turns to ON. The fuse is located in a position where the fuse is heated by the heat resistor through which the current flows. The fuse is connected to the battery in series so that the fuse is disconnected with heat by the heat resistor at high temperature. Thus, the fuse cuts off a current flow in the battery. If the battery pack is in an abnormal state, when the capacity or voltage of the battery is less than a preset capacity or voltage value, the fuse is disconnected with heat by turning the switching element to ON.

Abstract: Battery pack may include rechargeable battery cells Battery charger may include power source circuit. Power source circuit may be connected with an external power source and battery cells. The external power source may supply power to the power source circuit and then, the power source circuit may supply charging current to battery cells. Battery charger may also include voltage detector for detecting the voltage input from the external power source to power source circuit. Battery charger may further include processor for controlling power source circuit. Processor may determine the amount of charging current supplied to battery cells based upon the external power source voltage detected by the voltage detector.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a battery charging and monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a host machine providing a plurality of charging slots and a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a plurality of batteries. The host machine is adapted to communicate with the plurality of wireless devices through a plurality of wireless links to monitor the plurality of batteries coupled to the wireless devices. According to another embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is adapted to couple with at least a rechargeable battery and to negotiate with the rechargeable battery for an agreed range of power parameters. The electronic device is further adapted to accept power from and to provide power to the rechargeable battery at the agreed range of power parameters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for performing a test on a rechargeable battery to indirectly determine a state of protection circuitry associated with the battery. The method may discharge the battery by controlling a pull-down current into a system, determine if the battery voltage falls below a first threshold level within a predetermined amount of time, and if so provide a pre-charge current to the battery.

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

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, a method and apparatus for handling a charging state in a mobile electronic device is provided. A universal serial bus (USB) interface may be used for connecting the mobile device to a USB host. A processing device may be used to execute programs and to control operation of the mobile device. The processing device may be operable to receive an enumeration acknowledgement signal from the USB host via the USB interface and generate an enable signal upon receiving the enumeration acknowledgement signal. A rechargeable battery may be used to power the processing device. A battery charger may be used to receive a USB bus voltage from the USB interface and use the USB bus voltage to power the processing device and to charge the rechargeable battery. The battery charger may be further operable to receive a charge enable signal that enables and disables the battery charger from powering the processing device and charging the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A power supply unit for extending a function of an apparatus (image pickup apparatus) unloadably loaded with a flat parallelopiped battery having a roughly square principal surface includes the flat battery, and a power supply (for example, a control grip including a cell or cells and a control portion which includes a power supply button, a shutter button, a zoom switch) electrically connected to the flat battery through a plate having the same shape as that of the flat battery and detachably mounted, projected portions are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a back surface opposite to an insertion surface of the plate, along the back surface, and one of the projected portions is formed with a locked surface to be locked by a lock means (lock pawl) possessed by the apparatus, whereby mis-insertion of the plate into the apparatus is prevented, and a function of the apparatus is extended.

Abstract: A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.

Abstract: A battery pack for a power tool of self-contained over-charge protection is proposed. The battery pack includes a battery stack composed of a plurality of series connected secondary cells, and a charge terminal connected through a charge current path to the battery stack for flowing a charge current from a charger. The battery pack includes an interrupter inserted in the charge current path, and an over-charge detector which detects a cell voltage across each of the secondary cells and actuates the interrupter to open the charge current path when any one of the cell voltages becomes higher than a predetermined threshold (VTH3). Thus, even if the charger fails to limit the charge current, the battery pack can itself protect the secondary cells from being over-charged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery with a battery housing having a rear wall with a recess which extends as far as an end wall of the battery housing and has a base side and narrow sides facing each other, the base side continuing via a step into the outer side of the rear wall, and a contact assembly which is covered by a cover extending from the step being positioned at the step. In order to further develop the battery so that when the battery is connected to an electrical appliance the contact assembly is protected against splash water, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the cover form a contact housing which completely surrounds the contact assembly in circumferential direction and has on its side facing away from the step an insertion opening surrounded by a circumferential rim of the contact housing, which forms a sealing surface.

Abstract: A battery with at least one battery cell has two battery poles and current-conducting connections between the battery cells and the battery poles. A safety switching encompasses a current-limiting element in the connection between the battery cells and one of the battery poles. A switch is parallel to the current-limiting element and a control device closes the switch, if the current between the battery cells and the battery poles falls below a predetermined threshold minimum current.

Abstract: A power supply system capable of providing electric power to an electronic device having a first battery includes a battery pack (100) and an attachment apparatus (300). The battery pack includes a body (110) having at least a first recess (221), a second battery inside the body, and at least one of a first circuit (500) capable of dynamically changing a charge current supplied to the second battery based on a power consumption level of the electronic device, and a second circuit (600) capable of dynamically switching the electronic device between a recharging state and a non-recharging state depending on a status of the battery pack. The attachment apparatus includes a frame (310), an extension (350) protruding from the frame, and attachment features (461) suitable for working with the recess to attach the battery pack and the attachment apparatus to each other and to the electronic device.

Abstract: A system for a supplemental power source for a hand held portable electronic device is provided. A super capacitor is connected in parallel to a main battery of the portable electronic device. When the main battery becomes disconnected, the super capacitor is used to power the portable electronic device. The super capacitor is also used to provide compensation for the internal impedance of the main battery and the path impedance between the main battery and the load.

Abstract: A power tool and a method of operating a power tool. The power tool can include a housing supporting a motor, a switch assembly, and a fuel gauge. The method can include the acts of activating the switch assembly to electrically connect the motor and a battery, measuring a state of charge of the battery, displaying the state of charge on the fuel gauge before electrically connecting the motor and the battery, and stopping the display of the state of charge before deactivating the switch assembly.

Abstract: A system for updating battery software includes a programmable battery unit that includes an internal access point. The programmable battery unit includes a battery control unit that controls the overall functionality of the programmable battery unit. A programmable storage medium may be included on the battery control unit. The storage medium has stored therein battery software operable to control certain features of the programmable battery unit. An input port may be connected with the battery control unit. An update device that includes a second storage medium having stored therein updated battery software for the programmable battery unit. A connector may be included for connecting the update device to the input port of the programmable battery unit. A software routine on the update device is operable to automatically transfer the updated battery software from the update device to the first storage medium of the programmable battery unit thereby reprogramming the programmable battery unit.

Abstract: A battery pack provided with a current cut-off device connected in series with batteries, a tamper detector to detect tampering and issue a tamper signal, and a control circuit connected to the tamper detector. If the tamper detector detects tampering with the battery pack, the control circuit switches the current cut-off device off to shut off current to the batteries, or it issues a tamper signal.

Abstract: To maximize the life of a rechargeable battery and the life of cells forming the rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery is so constructed that each of the cells forming the rechargeable battery can be charged independently of the other cells. To charge this rechargeable battery, a cell to be charged is selected, and the selected cell is charged.

Abstract: A charger and battery combination for recharging batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a battery core pack having a plurality of unit cells, especially a plurality of cylindrical batteries, which are connected with each other by connecting members. According to the present invention, the structure of the battery core pack can be easily modified by merely changing the combination of the connecting members without manufacturing additional connecting members. Consequently, common use of the connecting members is possible.

Abstract: A case battery with storage device is provided. The case battery comprises first and second holding portions, a charging portion, and storage devices. The first holding portion is configured to hold a first part of the personal electronic device. The second holding portion is configured to hold a second part. The charging portion is disposed in the first base plate of the first holding portion. The storage devices are disposed in one of the first base plates of the first and the second base plates of the second holding portions. The first and second holding portions are configured to enclose and hold at least part of the personal electronic device and provide additional electrical power and memory capacity to the personal electronic device.

Abstract: An improved method of charging multiple batteries and battery powered devices of different types at one time. Utilizing multiple methods of supplying DC power to external batteries, a user can charge a variety of devices at the same time. The power is routed in three distinct ways: directly to the output ports, through resistors, and through a switch converter. Then, using methods established and known to one in the art, external electronic devices may be attached to the output ports. Thus, the external battery will be charged through whichever route delivers the proper voltage. This design utilizes the logic contained within the external device for charging purposes.

Abstract: A battery pack can include one or more battery cells, current blocking transistors and a battery management system. The disclosed implementations handle over-currents drawn from the battery cells that cause unstable operation of the battery management system. The over-currents are handled without causing an undesired drop in voltage output from the battery cells. The disclosed implementations can handle over-currents even if the over-currents cause the battery management system supply voltage to drop below a minimum operating voltage level for a certain period of time. The disclosed implementations use current blocking transistors that can be configured to block current flow and ensure safe operation of the battery cells in cases where the current drawn from the battery cells would be sufficiently high for a sufficiently long period of time to cause damage to the battery cells.

Abstract: An adapter system for providing power to a portable power tool when the original equipment rechargeable battery is removed from the tool and carried separately by the user includes a power tool connector having a contact member configured for insertion into the tool handle receptacle to provide electrical connectivity, a battery connector having a battery receptacle configured to receive the contact member of the battery and a power cord coupled to the tool connector and the battery connector; the adapter system can optionally include a supporting holster or carrier for the battery and connector that can be affixed to the user's belt or a strap or harness worn by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal having a universal serial bus (USB) interface unit therein and particularly, a mobile communication terminal in which a USB interface unit is mounted to a battery. USB contacts are formed at a board of a body and a battery, respectively, a USB interface unit is provided at an upper portion of the battery, and then the battery is mounted upside down to the terminal, such that the USB interface unit is inserted into an outside device and accordingly the USB communications are performed. Therefore, the mobile communication terminal cannot only download the data but also be recharged through, for example, a computer.

Abstract: Various concepts and techniques are disclosed for measuring the voltage of a power source. An apparatus includes a voltage metering circuit and a transformer having a first winding coupled to the voltage metering circuit and a second winding for coupling to a power source.

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: A battery pack having a secondary battery and a circuit that controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery is provided. The battery pack has a computer and a charging control section. The computer communicates with another computer disposed in a charging device and authenticates the charging device. The charging control section, controlled by the computer, supplies a charging current to the secondary battery when the charging device has been successfully authenticated and shuts off the charging current when the charging device has not been successfully authenticated.

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 kit comprising a plurality of power tools configured to operate at different voltages, a plurality of receivers configured to provide different output charging voltages and means for selectively engaging each receiver with only one or more power tools having an operating voltage equal to or greater than the output charging voltage of the receiver to charge the one or more power tool. The selective engagement means being in the form of a plurality of terminal block. Each terminal block may be secured to a respective one of the power tools. Each terminal block may include a rib and each receiver may define a slot to receivingly engage one of the ribs. The rib of each terminal block may be disposed at a different location than the ribs of the other terminal blocks, and the slot of each receiver may be positioned at a different location than the slots of the other receivers.

Abstract: A battery device for an electronic apparatus includes a rechargeable secondary battery, a fuel cell, and a run time computing unit receiving data representative of a voltage versus residual-capacity characteristic of the secondary battery and data representative of a residual capacity of the fuel cell and determining therefrom a residual capacity and a run time of the secondary battery and a run time of the fuel cell and estimates of which of the respective power capacities of the secondary battery and the fuel cell unit will reach the respective, predetermined residual capacities thereof earlier. If it is estimated that the fuel cell will, the computing unit determines a run time of the battery device and supplies data representative of the thus determined run time of the battery device to a power management unit of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A power pack arrangement for a laptop computer, wherein an AC/DC adapter is integrated with a battery pack to form one cohesive unit freely insertable into and removable from a laptop computer housing.

Abstract: A portable self-contained electric power tool unit, includes at least three distinct sub-assemblies. The tool is characterised in that the second sub-assembly (3) may be carried by the user and includes a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer electrochemical battery (5) formed by combination of more than four cells (6) in series, each cell being made of one or several elements in parallel and a control and operating module (7) for the battery (5), guaranteeing a maximum battery capacity over time in a controlled manner and an optimal use of the tool. The first sub-assembly (2), during operation thereof, is subject to control by a current-limiting system (8), for preserving the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery (5) from which the above draws energy and the third sub-assembly (4) has at least one source of electrical supply, the voltage and current of which are suitable for the recharging of the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery (5).

Abstract: A secondary cell featuring a transient rise in temperature once charged to saturation is coupled and thereby forms a composite structure with a charging assembly by mutual engagement of conductive contacts provided on either part. The force of union generated by the coupling compresses a thermosetting prestressed means which is a spring or other prestressed element the coupling brings the contacts into conduction to initiate charging. The stress is released once charging in the secondary cell reaches its saturation, followed by cutoff of the charging current to the secondary cell.