Abstract: The battery pack is provided with communication lines that connect with attached electrical equipment, a temperature-sensing element that connects with a communication line, a switching device that connects with the temperature-sensing element, and a control section to control the switching device. The control section puts the switching device in the open state when the communication lines are being used and puts the switching device in the closed state when the communication lines are not being used to output temperature-sensing element voltage to the electrical equipment-side via the communication lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completely discharging a battery by use of a tab that initiates activation of a discharging circuit when the tab is pulled out of the battery case. The tab is operatively coupled with the actuator of a switch which in turn is coupled to a discharging circuit. The tab extends from the battery case and may be covered by a protective cover, or may also be attached to the protective cover. The tab is attached to an actuator of a switch and detaches from the actuator after actuation, thereby indicating actuation and preventing the switch from subsequently being moved. The switch completes the circuit, initiating the discharging process, when a movable contact engages a stationary contact and completes the discharge circuit.

Abstract: Charging a battery is disclosed. An electrical connection is formed between a wireless adapter having a battery and a host. The wireless adapter is configured to be able to be removably coupled to a device to provide a wireless channel between the device and the host. The battery of the wireless adapter is charged using the host.

Abstract: A battery pack includes an IC tag carrying predetermined information. The IC tag stops functioning when the battery pack is disassembled or modified so that recorded information cannot be read out, whereby an act of disassembling or modification is detected, connection of an unqualified battery pack to a loading device or charging device is prevented, and connection of a counterfeit is prevented.

Abstract: A rechargeable power assembly having at least one lithium ion cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte gel; a pulsed balancing circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell for maintaining the at least one lithium ion cell in a balanced phase; at least two photovoltaic cells concurrently connected to the pulsed balancing circuit and at least one lithium ion cell, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells are connected in series for recharging the at least one lithium ion cell; an insulating layer between the at least one lithium ion cell and the at least two photovoltaic cells, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells each have a surface for absorbing radiation, the surfaces for absorbing radiation are disposed opposite the respective insulating layers forming an apparatus for providing usable DC current directly from an electric circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell.

Abstract: A battery pack for a power tool has a less-current consuming over-discharge protection. The battery pack includes a battery stack composed of a plurality of series connected secondary cells, and a discharge detector configured to monitor a cell voltage across each of the secondary cells and to provide a discharge stop signal when any one of the cell voltages becomes lower than a predetermined threshold. The discharge stop signal is fed to deenergize the power tool. The discharge detector is composed of a voltage monitor and a power controller. The voltage monitor includes a plurality of comparators and a plurality of constant voltage elements each providing a constant voltage determining the threshold. Each comparator is configured to compare each cell voltage with the threshold to give a comparison result. The voltage monitor is energized by the battery stack to provide the discharge stop signal based upon the comparison results.

Abstract: A battery pack monitoring apparatus for and method of monitoring various characteristics of the battery pack such that when the battery pack malfunctions, the exact reason for the malfunction can be grasped. The apparatus includes a bare cell adapted to be charged/discharged with a predetermined voltage; a voltage sensor for sensing a charging/discharging voltage of the bare cell and outputting the voltage as a predetermined electrical signal; a current sensor for sensing a charging/discharging current of the bare cell and outputting the current as a predetermined electrical signal; a control unit, a current sensor, and a data storage unit.

Abstract: A power tool includes a power tool and a battery pack detachably attached to the power tool, the battery pack having two engaging portions to be mechanically coupled to the power tool and the power tool having engaged portions respectively corresponding to two engaging portions of the battery pack respectively. Each of engaging portions of the battery pack includes an insertion restricting portion and an attachment securing portion for allowing its corresponding engaged portion to be inserted only in a direction of pressing the attaching portion of the battery pack against the attached portion of the power tool, each of the attachment securing portions being coupled to its corresponding engaged portion. At least one of said at least two engaging portions further has a hook engaging portion which is selectively secured with an engaged portion moved from its corresponding insertion restricting portion to its corresponding attachment securing portion.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body defining a locking hole therein and an auxiliary body having a latch therein. The latch includes a button, a slider, and a spring member positioned between the button and the auxiliary body. The slider includes a locking portion retractably inserted into the locking hole. The slider is slidably engaged with the button in a manner that when the button is pressed along a first direction, the slider is pushed by the button to slide along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby retracting the locking portion from the locking hole. The spring member is for elastically loading the button in a third direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A power tool battery, battery charger, and a method of operating the same. The battery and the charger can be lockingly engageable with each other. The battery can be electrically coupled to a charging circuit of the charger for charging the battery. One of the battery and the charger can include a protrusion and the other of the battery and charger can include a recess for receiving the protrusion. The method can include inserting the battery into the charger along an insertion axis and charging the battery. The method can further include rotating the battery about the insertion axis to secure the battery with the charger while continuing to charge the battery.

Abstract: A battery-powered light including a body, a light source and a control circuit. The body includes a battery support portion and houses the light source. The battery support portion is operable to physically support a battery pack. The light source is electrically connectable to the battery pack and able to receive a discharge current from the battery pack. The light source also is operable to emit light. The control circuit is supported by the body and is operable to control the discharge current being supplied to the light source.

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 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 device for locking an electric tool with a rechargeable battery pack has at least one locking bar mounted on one element selected from the group consisting of the electric tool and rechargeable battery pack in a manner that allows it to move against a spring force, whereby when the electric tool and rechargeable battery pack are joined, the locking bar is engaged in succession in a first and a second recess of the other element selected from the group consisting of the electric tool and rechargeable battery pack, and is retained tightly in the second recess by a force of a spring and, to release a lock, is manually disengaged from the second recess, wherein the locking bar is engaged in the first recess while being disengaged from the second recess.

Abstract: An exemplary battery pack comprises a battery cell having a first terminal and a second terminal disposed on a first end of the battery cell. A support member is attached to the first end of the battery cell, and a first L-shaped contact is connected to the first terminal via a protection circuit module. The protection circuit module is configured to disconnect the first terminal from the L-shaped contact upon a disconnect event. A second L-shaped contact connected to the second terminal, and a top cover encloses the first end of the battery cell, the support member and the protection circuit module. The first and second L-shaped contacts are exposed through corresponding apertures in the top cover, and a label including a body section and first, second, third and fourth flap sections is wrapped around the battery cell such that at least one of the flap sections secures the top cover to the battery cell.

Abstract: In order to prevent a battery pack from being overly discharged during use in a power tool, a discharge voltage limit circuit is provided. The circuit disconnects the battery pack from the motor when the voltage of the battery pack falls below a predetermined level. However, the circuit is operable only when the main switch is OFF, that is, when no load is imposed on the motor.

Abstract: A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided. The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: An autonomous, modular energy generation, storage and transmission apparatus, system, and method is provided. An apparatus is tube shaped and includes solar and thermionic energy conversion layers, and a battery module. A system of modular apparatuses may be connected together to form an transmission network. Such devices are particularly suited for outdoor application on highway jersey walls, and for indoor application on office cubicle walls. A method of charging battery modules in the apparatus is provided, along with a method of distributing the same in commerce.

Abstract: In a method and system for detecting charger failure, a battery is operable to receive a charge from the charger via a pair of terminals. The battery includes an analog front end (AFE) coupled to the pair of terminals. The AFE is configured to receive at least one input corresponding to voltage measured across the pair of terminals. A battery controller included in the battery is coupled to the AFE by a serial link. The battery controller receives the at least one input via the serial link. In response to the voltage being below a predefined value, the battery controller is placed in a charge_not_received state, which is indicative of the charger being defective.

Abstract: A device for locking, an electrical device to an accessory part has a guide configured to guide the accessory part in a predetermined movement direction as it moves between a locking position in which it is locked the electrical device and a removal position in which it is removed from the electrical device, the guide having a break in at least one location between the locking position and removal position, and at the location a force acting on the accessory part moves the accessory part into a safety position in which the accessory part is prevented from moving further along the guide into the removal position.

Abstract: A lock key is unlocked in a state where a cellular phone is processing a call and using an external battery as the power supply. A “HIGH” signal is inputted to a connection detection circuit before the power supply from the external battery stops. A control circuit determines, based on the voltage detected by the connection detection circuit, that a battery unit in which the external battery is disposed and the main body of the cellular phone are in a detaching-state, and switches the power supply from the external battery to a built-in battery of the cellular phone via a battery change-over circuit. In other words, because the switching process of the power supply takes place in the above-mentioned detaching-state after unlocking the lock key, the power supply to the cellular phone is not interrupted, and the power-on state is kept, and the call, etc. are continued.

Abstract: A pack case for a secondary battery. The pack case includes a frame member having a rectangular shape and a mounting ledge at an inner wall thereof. The pack case includes a dummy block mounted within the frame on one side of the mounting ledge. The pack case allows a single secondary battery to be mounted in a pack case adaptable for two secondary batteries.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery including a bare cell with an electrode assembly having two electrodes and a separator, a case for storing the electrode assembly, a cap plate for covering an opening of the case, and a protection circuit module coupled with the cap assembly. A portion of the lower surface of the protection circuit module is formed of a synthetic resin, and contacts a region of the cap plate also formed of a synthetic resin. The protection circuit module and the cap plate an be coupled together by adhesion, welding or melting.

Abstract: When a battery pack having an output voltage of 14.4 V that is connectable to an electric tool in a sliding manner is used as a power supply source for the electric tool that is connectable to a battery pack in an insertion manner and has a rated voltage of 12 V, the electric tool and the battery pack are connected to each other with an adaptor interposed therebetween. The adaptor has an FET that is switched at a predetermined duty of a predetermined frequency. The battery pack and the electric tool are connected or disconnected to or from each other by the switching operation, thereby dropping the output voltage of the battery pack. The voltage from the battery pack is detected. When the detected voltage is out of a predetermined value range, it is judged that the overcurrent or overdischarge has occurred. Then, the FET is turned off to stop the electric tool.

Abstract: A battery pack raises an alarm under overheated or high pressure conditions in the battery pack. The alarm is raised from the battery pack or an external device that is coupled with the battery pack when the temperature or the pressure of the battery pack exceeds a predetermined level. The battery pack includes a terminal that is coupled with a charging device or an external device, a battery cell coupled with the terminal so that the battery cell can be charged or discharged, a sensor that is installed in the battery cell to detect at least one of a temperature and a pressure of the battery cell, and an alarm unit that compares a value detected by the sensor with a reference level and raises an alarm for a user when the value detected by the sensor exceeds the reference level.

Abstract: A component box has a shape of a substantially flat plate, and is stacked along a direction UPR toward the ceiling of a vehicle with its center placed at a central portion of a casing for a battery pack. Cooling wind which has been used for air-conditioning inside the vehicle and supplied from a cooling fan to the battery pack is supplied to a coolant introducing space located on an upper side of a module, passes through a gap between adjacent battery groups to flow down to a lower side of the battery groups, and then is emitted from a coolant lead-out space located at a lower side of the module out of the battery pack. Since the component box is in contact with a cooling wind passage with the casing therebetween, the component box in contact with the cooling wind via the casing is cooled down simultaneously with the cooling of the module. Since the component box is placed with its center positioned at the central portion of the battery pack, variations in temperature among batteries can be suppressed.

Abstract: A battery pack including a compact controller for controlling a battery group. The battery pack includes a battery group, a controller for controlling the battery group, and a case for accommodating the controller. The controller includes a plurality of control devices, and an installation member for fixing the control devices in the case. The installation member includes a plurality of mounts for fixing the plurality of control devices. The control devices each have a widest portion, and the mounts have different heights so that the widest portions of at least adjacent ones of the control devices are located at different heights.

Abstract: In a combined battery pack of a plurality of battery cells, a comparison circuit compares a voltage appearing at a common connection point between two adjacent battery cells with a reference voltage. Based on a result of the comparison, an electric discharging operation of an electric discharging circuit connected between both terminals of each of the battery cells is carried out. The comparison circuit is driven to operate with a power supply voltage appearing between a positive-side terminal of a battery cell provided on a higher-potential side of a common connection point and the negative-side terminal of the battery cell provided on a lower-potential side of the common connection point.

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

Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one battery cell and a base and a cover, together adapted to house the at least one battery cell. A plurality of linking holes are located on at least one first side surface of one of the base or the cover, each linking hole defined by a periphery, wherein at least a portion of the periphery includes a reinforcement that is thicker than the thickness of the first side surface. A plurality of linking protrusions are located on at least one second side surface of the other of the base or the cover, each of the plurality of linking protrusions adapted to mate with a corresponding linking hole, thereby holding the base and cover in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A battery pack 100 has plural battery modules 110 each of which constituted with plural unit cells 120 arranged in a row. Furthermore, a spacer 130 intervenes between adjoining battery modules 110 to constitute a cooling passage 160 which makes cooling medium flow and cools down the unit cells 120. The spacer 130 is designed to flow the cooling medium in a row direction of unit cell cases 121 integrated in a battery module 110. The spacer 130 is structured such that touch area of the cooling medium and the unit cell cases 121 becomes lager as going from inlet side to outlet side of the cooling passage 160 with respect to each of the plural battery modules 110.

Abstract: A DC backup power supply system having a battery a charge-discharge circuit for charging and discharging a power between the battery and a DC line and a control circuit for controlling the charge-discharge circuit, wherein the battery has a number of battery cells and cylindrical portions of the battery cells are laid on an approximately horizontal plane.

Abstract: A smart battery pack and a method for recognizing the battery type using the same. The smart battery pack includes at least one battery cell coupled to an external set via positive and negative electrode terminals. A timer circuit is coupled to the external set via a data terminal and is adapted to apply a predetermined timer circuit signal for a period of time when a predetermined signal is applied from the external set. A first switch is controlled by the timer circuit and applies electric power from the battery cell, and a register outputs a predetermined register signal causing a smart battery controller to output battery type information to the external set. The smart battery pack has only one data line between the smart battery pack and the external set (and one data terminal on each) facilitating communication between the devices while maintaining a reduced manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A battery charging assembly for charging a battery of a mobile device includes a charging unit, an output assembly and an input assembly. The charging unit has a power converter for converting an input voltage to a desired output voltage. The output assembly is coupled to the charging unit for charging a battery of a mobile device. The first input assembly is detachably associated with the charging unit and includes an adapter for removable attachment to the charging unit, a power cord, and a plug configured to mate with a style of electrical outlet such that the charging unit is positionable at a remote location from the electrical outlet. A set of input assemblies is provided. An adapter for coupling a power cord to a receptacle associated with a power converter is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medically implantable integrated biocompatible power module incorporating a power source (e.g., battery), a power management circuit (PMC), a magnetically inductive coupling system (MICS) for remote communication and/or inductive charging and a homing device for locating the implanted inductive charging coil. Three configurations are disclosed, each generally suitable for a specified range of energy capacities. The implantable power module (IPM) allows for improved design flexibility for medical devices since the power source may be located remotely and be recharged safely in situ. Special safety aspects may be incorporated, including endothermic phase change heat absorption material (HAM), emergency energy disconnect and emergency energy drain circuits. Communication (one or two way) may be carried out using the inductive charging link, a separate inductive pathway, or other pathway such as RF or via light waves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device (10, 100), comprising a charging device (12) and at least a changeable, rechargeable energy storage (14), particularly an interchangeable battery (18), of a power tool (16), wherein each energy storage (14) comprises first contact means (24) for contacting the respective power tool (16). The loading device (10, 100) is characterized by each energy storage (14) having further contact means (38) for contacting the charging device (12) such that the charging device (12) can charge the energy storage (14) via the further contact means (38) in a state when connected to the power tool (16), as well as in a state when not connected to the power tool (16).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack having locking members formed at an upper cover and locking grooves formed at a case body such that the locking members can be engaged in the corresponding locking grooves. The assembly of the battery pack is accomplished by a mechanical coupling method, not by an ultrasonic welding method, and the battery pack is manufactured with a high-strength material. Consequently, the battery pack can be manufactured while the thickness of the battery pack is further decreased.

Abstract: The battery pack includes bus lines connecting a plurality of source trains in parallel. Each source train includes a plurality of voltage sources connected in series. Each voltage source includes one or more batteries. The battery pack also includes one or more balance lines providing electrical communication between the source trains such that a voltage source in one of the source trains is connected in parallel with a voltage source in one or more of the other source trains.

Abstract: An adapter for removably mounting an electronic device performing a data function to an appliance host. The adapter has a main body, a first mechanical coupling capable of removably coupling the electronic device to the adapter, and a second mechanical coupling capable of removably coupling the adapter to the host. The adapter further has a rechargeable power source capable of being recharged by power from the host and then providing power to the electronic device when the adapter is not connected to the host.

Abstract: A portable electrical device requiring periodic recharging mates with a corresponding charging device by dropping or placing the portable device on or in the charger without pre-alignment by the user. The charger-to-device interface self aligns the portable electrical device in the charger for charging. Preferably, the charger is a bowl-shaped cradle, and the mating surfaces as well as the contacts are symmetrical about a vertical axis. The portable device sinks to the bottom of the bowl using the force of gravity and thus aligns the contacts for recharging. Optional magnets may provide additional force to guide alignment.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a separating plate interposed between an anode plate and a cathode plate. A container receives the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte. The container is electrically connected to one of the anode plate and the cathode plate. Also, the secondary battery includes a cap assembly having an electrode terminal electrically connected to one of an end of the anode plate and the cathode plate. The cap assembly is fixed to an opening of the container to seal the same. Also included is a safety device having a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) element contacting the container without an element interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A system containing an electric device such as a cellular phone, equipped with an integrated source of rechargeable electrical energy, an exterior energy source device and a connecting cable from the source device to the device. The exterior source device contains a module with several batteries likely to be connected t the device and constitute a source of electrical energy making it possible to completely charge the internal battery pack of the device.

Abstract: A battery charging system uses power line carrier communications, for communicating battery state information associated with charging batteries, between a battery charger and a battery management system (BMS) located on the battery or battery pack. The power line carrier includes transmitters and receivers transmitting and receiving battery state information, such as current, voltage and temperature, as digital signals on existing cable conductors located between the battery/battery pack and the battery charger. The battery management system (BMS), which is physically located on the battery pack, receives the information from the power line carrier, in order to measure a variety of parameters relating to charging the battery, which may be a motor vehicle battery or a battery for operating machinery, such as fork lifts, bulldozers and other earth moving and product transportation vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are some embodiments for safely charging a mobile system battery pack, even when the power source (e.g., adapter) voltage is at a relatively high level that would otherwise result in excessive charge current.

Abstract: A battery pack control module for balancing a plurality of lithium secondary cells or groups of lithium secondary cells connected in series and method of use.

Abstract: A battery unit for a motor vehicle, especially an electric-powered or hybrid-powered motor vehicle, includes at least one row of a plurality of separate but linked battery cells. Each cell has parallel, opposing main limit walls. The main limit walls of neighboring battery cells bear substantially flatly one against the other and overlap one another in a sloping position on the support. A fixed deflection ramp is arranged in the vehicle to be able to deflect battery cells upward relative to a horizontal plane or forward or sideways, but out of the row of the battery cells.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal having a malfunction-preventing function is provided, including a keypad; a voltage source which is activated by voltage supplied to an EN terminal, processes voltage supplied from a battery, and outputs the processed voltage; a power_on switching unit switched on when a switch_on key of the keypad is pressed; a charging terminal supplying voltage supplied upon charging to the EN terminal; a malfunction-preventing unit preventing voltage from being supplied from the charging terminal to the EN terminal while a control signal is input; and a controller which is activated by voltage supplied from the voltage source during a power-off condition, controls the mobile communication terminal by supplying voltage to the EN terminal of the voltage source and receiving voltage from the voltage source, and outputs a control signal to the malfunction-preventing unit only when a power-off process is performed according to a power-off instruction from the keypad.

Abstract: The invention provides a battery module including an output breaker that ensures safe and prompt installation of batteries in a system. The battery module includes one or more batteries and a case housing the batteries and having output terminals, each output terminal being connected to a positive or negative electrode of the housed battery, the battery module further including means for turning on and off the connection between the output terminal and the positive or negative electrode of the battery. The means for turning on and off the connection may include a contact subjected to making and breaking operations and a screw for making and breaking the contact, the screw having an insulator at an interface with the contact.

Abstract: A battery pack with a first battery and a second battery, wherein each battery is a plurality of cells connected in series, and operable in a storage mode and a use mode, a storage mode defined by isolating the first battery from the second battery, and a use mode defined by electrically connecting the first battery to the second battery. The storage mode may include: electrically isolating said first plurality of cells from said second plurality of cells or physically isolating said first plurality of cells from said second plurality of cells.

Abstract: An improved rechargeable battery which comprises: a plurality of battery cells connected together to discharge in parallel, each of the cells, or each group or groups of the cells having its own respective recharging input; and an electrical switching circuit to switch a number of the battery cells or groups of cells to connect to their respective recharging input for recharging each cell or group of cells individually.