With Charger Stand Or Base Adapted To Hold Battery Pack Patents (Class 320/113)
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Patent number: 8154248Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a power tool can have a data terminal that provides a signal that is indicative of whether the voltage is below a threshold and can serve as both a pre-charge signal for a charger and as a stop-discharge signal for a power tool. A charger can include a power supply circuit and a voltage detection circuit. A charger control module can receive a signal indicative of the voltage of the battery pack and determine a pre-charge time based on the voltage and can monitor a change in the voltage of the battery pack during the pre-charge operation and stop the pre-charge operation based on the change in voltage and the time period.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Keith D. Flaharty, Fugen Qin, Steven J. Phillips
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Patent number: 8143848Abstract: A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Amir Navid
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Patent number: 8134332Abstract: A solar cell charging device includes a base shown as a shell shape, a light-converging lens arranged at a top face of the base, a solar collector correspondingly located under the light-converging lens and a photoelectric converting unit. A plurality of charging troughs arranged on the base are recessed inwardly from circumferential faces thereof. The photoelectric converting unit is connected between each charging trough and the solar collector, converting the light energy absorbed by the solar collector into electric energy provided to be input into each charging trough, after the light-converging lens focuses the solar energy onto the solar collector.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignees: CPUMate Inc., Golden Sun News Techniques Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuo-Len Lin, Chen-Hsiang Lin, Hwai-Ming Wang, Ken Hsu, Chih-Hung Cheng
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Patent number: 8125344Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K Andre, Duncan R. Kerr, Christopher Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Chris Ligtenberg, John Brock, Tom Wilson, Dinesh Mathew, Brett W. Degner, Tomas E. Ponce
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Patent number: 8120318Abstract: The battery charger is provided with a holding cavity 2 that allows a first rectangular battery pack 30 and a second rectangular battery pack 40 to be loaded in a detachable fashion. The holding cavity has a rectangular opening and has first charging terminals 5A to contact first rectangular battery pack electrode terminals 32, and second charging terminals 5B to contact second rectangular battery pack 40 electrode terminals 42 established on a first perimeter wall 4A and second perimeter wall 4B, which are perpendicular. The battery charger charges the first rectangular battery pack through the first charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals 32 in contact with the first charging terminals. The battery charger charges the second rectangular battery pack through the second charging terminals when it is loaded in the holding cavity with electrode terminals in contact with the second charging terminals.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiki Nakasho, Koichi Inoue, Hideyo Morita
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Patent number: 8106626Abstract: A battery charging station, for a robot, includes a base, two side-walls barriers, a stop, a supporting arm, a charging connector, and a transmitter. The side-walls barriers are separately mounted on the base. The stop is mounted on the back of the base to form a docking space together with the barriers and the base. The supporting arm is cantilever mounted on the stop by one free end thereof with the other end extending into the space over the docking space. The charging connector is mounted on the free end of the supporting arm and is configured for providing an electrical connection between the robot and a power source. The transmitter is positioned on the upper surface of the supporting arm and is configured for emitting signals for the robot to locate the re battery charging station.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiong Li, Kim-Yeung Sip
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Patent number: 8098042Abstract: A charging system for a walking robot which charges a battery mounted on the walking robot by connecting a power supplying connector provided in a charging station to a power receiving connector in the walking robot, wherein the walking robot is capable of moving without significant restrictions during charging. The charging system includes a lock mechanism for locking the power supplying connector to the power receiving connector. A connector holder holds the power supplying connector detachably, an advancing/retracting mechanism advances and retracts the connector holder in the anteroposterior direction, and a lock operation mechanism performs a lock operation and an unlock operation of the lock mechanism via the connector holder. After an advance of the connector holder, the lock mechanism performs the lock operation to lock the power supplying connector to the power receiving connector. Thereafter, the connector holder is retracted out of the power supplying connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Nakayama, Koji Okazaki, Masaaki Muromachi
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Patent number: 8089246Abstract: A computer system includes a wireless device to generate wireless signals, a computer comprising a chassis and a motherboard, and a wireless device holder positioned on the chassis to accommodate and recharge the wireless device. The wireless device includes a rechargeable battery cell and two charging terminals connected to the rechargeable battery cell. The wireless device holder includes a main body including a holder connector connected to the motherboard, to enable the wireless device holder to communicate with and to be powered by the motherboard, a recharging unit to recharge the rechargeable battery cell, and two charging contact members corresponding to the charging terminals and connected to the recharging unit. When the wireless device is placed in the wireless device holder, the charging contact members contact the charging terminals, and the recharging unit recharges the rechargeable battery cell with power supplied by the motherboard.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zhen-Xing Ye
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Publication number: 20110304300Abstract: A charging device for a portable terminal is provided. The charging device includes a charging cradle for mounting the portable terminal or a battery pack for the portable terminal, a multi-plug adapted to be mounted by being inserted into the charging cradle, hook holes formed in the charging cradle, and hooks adapted to be engaged with the hook holes, wherein the direction for inserting the multi-plug into the charging cradle and the direction for connecting the multi-plug to an external receptacle are perpendicular to each other. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by producing charging cradles adapted to be commonly used worldwide, and by localizing multi-plugs by countries or cities, i.e., by providing each country or city with multi-plugs adapted to be suitably used in such a country or a city, a user can use his or her charging device by only buying a multi-plug available in a country or a city where the user stays if it is desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.Inventors: Chang-Hoon JEONG, Jong-Hyun LEE, Chul-Kwi KIM
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Patent number: 8072183Abstract: A charging accessory for a portable electronic device having a device input connector includes a main charger body portion having a power supply connection to an AC wall outlet that receives an AC power supply voltage. Power conversion circuitry converts the AC power supply voltage to a DC power supply voltage. A device connector is electrically coupled to the DC power supply voltage and configured to couple the DC power supply voltage to the device input connector of the portable electronic device. The main body also has a battery pack connector that is electrically coupled to the DC power supply voltage. The battery pack connector couples to a battery pack through a charging body connector that electrically connects to the battery pack connector and receives the DC power supply voltage when the battery pack is mounted on the main charger body portion. A rechargeable battery in the battery receives the DC power supply voltage to recharge the rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8067922Abstract: A universal battery charger having an adjustable pocket for receiving batteries having differing dimensions. Each battery, regardless of their differing dimensions, may be firmly supported within the adjustable pocket and receive an electrical charge from a single set of electrical contacts exposed in the adjustable pocket. The adjustable pocket is adjustable, because a battery guide of the charger includes first and second ends that alternately protrude through the plane of the housing, thus providing different dynamic supporting walls for different batteries. The adjustable pocket may accommodate different batteries by utilizing different receiving areas of the pocket. One receiving area may supports one side of a first battery with a first dynamic wall and supports other sides of the first battery with stationary walls. Likewise, another receiving area may support one side of a second battery with a second dynamic wall and supports other sides of the second battery with stationary walls.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: William C. Phelps, III, Robert L. Vacheron
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Patent number: 8040104Abstract: A workstation including a workstation body, a horizontal omni-directional moving carrier, a sensor mechanism, a grabbing device, and a control unit is provided. The horizontal omni-directional moving carrier carries the workstation body. The sensor mechanism includes an oscillating bar and a plurality of electrodes. The oscillating bar pivoted on the workstation body leans against an autonomous mobile device when the device enters the workstation. The electrodes, disposed on the oscillating bar, electrically connect the autonomous mobile device when the oscillating bar leans against the autonomous mobile device. The grabbing device is disposed on the workstation body. The control unit is electrically connected to the electrodes and the grabbing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Ming-Chang Teng, Yi-Zheng Wu, One-Der Long
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Patent number: 8035339Abstract: A power supply device capable of reducing noise intruding into connecting terminals for signal input or output will be provided. A cradle device 3 has a case 18; a positive supply terminal 21P and a negative power supply terminal 21N exposed from the case 18; a charger 52 provided inside the case and setting the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21 at constant potentials being different from each other; an input terminal 21S exposed from the case 18 and arranged between the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21N adjacent to the positive power supply terminal P and the negative power supply terminal 21N; and an amplifier 51 provided inside the case 18 and operating based on a signal input into the input terminal 21S.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Satoru Tsuboi
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Publication number: 20110241621Abstract: The battery pack charger has a case 1 having an attachment section 2 where the 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 connecting terminals 3 are disposed in approximately vertical orientation in a plurality of approximately parallel rows. The case 1 has terminal through-holes 52 opened through the case 1 between adjacent connecting terminals 3. Even if there is ingress of foreign material such as dust and dirt between the connecting terminals, that material can fall through the holes in the case. Foreign material collection between the connecting terminals can be avoided, and the battery pack charger has the positive feature that unintended conduction such as leakage current and short-circuit can be avoided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Koichi INOUE
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Patent number: 8030892Abstract: A phone charging stand includes a casing and a cover. The casing has a socket on one surface to hold a phone, and a first universal serial bus (USB) connecting port on another surface of the casing is used to connect a wireless dongle having a USB interface. The cover is pivotally connected to one end of the casing. The cover can be rotated toward the socket to be attached to the casing to hold the phone. The cover can also be rotated toward the another surface of the casing to support the charging stand.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.Inventors: Ting-Yuan Fang, Bellring Sheng, Jung-Chung Wang, Yi-Rui Lin
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Patent number: 8030889Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata, Mitsuo Horiuchi
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Patent number: 8022662Abstract: An auxiliary power supply (150) includes an auxiliary battery (152), power supply circuitry (154), and a connector (108b). The power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output which provides electrical energy for powering the electrical circuitry (102) of a battery powered device (100) and for recharging a battery (104) associated therewith. In one embodiment, the power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output current which is a function of the charge state of the auxiliary battery (152) and a load current presented by the electrical circuitry (102).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Jon S. Eager, Peter F. Hoffman
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Patent number: 8008889Abstract: A charging circuit charges a secondary battery by using a first direct current power supply that generates and outputs a first voltage. A highest voltage among the first voltage of the first direct current power supply, a second voltage generated from power supplied from outside, and a secondary battery voltage of the secondary battery is supplied as a power supply to the charging circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Ippei Noda
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Publication number: 20110193523Abstract: A charger includes a charger base, a charging circuitry, and an analyzer arrangement. The charger base includes at least one charging platform defining a receiving cavity. The analyzer arrangement includes an analyzing circuitry and an analyzer connector. The analyzer connector is provided on the charger base for electrically connecting the battery discharging terminals with the analyzing circuitry, wherein the charger is arranged to operate in at least one of a charger mode and an analyzer mode. In the charger mode, the rechargeable battery is arranged to insert in the receiving cavity in for charging the rechargeable by the charging circuitry. In the analyzer mode, the rechargeable battery is arranged to insert into the receiving cavity while the analyzer connector is extended from the charger base to electrically contact with the battery discharging terminals for allowing the rechargeable battery to be discharged and tested by the analyzing circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventor: King Yiu LAW
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Patent number: 7986367Abstract: A camera system includes a video camera having a first mating mechanism defined on a bottom, planar surface of the video camera. A battery assembly contains an energy cell and a first surface of the battery assembly is releasably engageable with the mounting mechanism such that the battery assembly is suspended beneath the video camera, with the bottom, planar surface of the video camera in substantial contact with the first surface. A support apparatus having a second mating mechanism is also provided, the second mating mechanism releasably engaging a second surface of the battery assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Anton/Bauer, Inc.Inventor: Alexander P. Desorbo
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Patent number: 7982436Abstract: An electronic system includes a power delivery support structure having a power delivery surface with first and second conductive regions. An electronic device includes a plurality of contacts arranged so at least one of them engages the first conductive region and at least another of them engages the second conductive region independently of the orientation of the device relative to the power delivery surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Pure Energy Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Mitch Randall
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Patent number: 7956575Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Kawano, Nobuhiro Takano, Shinji Watanabe, Hiroyuki Hanawa
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Patent number: 7956573Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventor: Greg Rosen
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Patent number: 7952328Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Parker, James L. Mondshine, Valiuddin Y. Ali
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Publication number: 20110121783Abstract: An energy-efficient and compact battery charger. The battery charger includes, among other things, a charging port, a power supply module, a battery charger control module or controller, a power control safety module, a battery charger switch, and an indicator. The controller, the power control safety module, and the battery charger switch work in conjunction with each other to control the operation of the battery charger. The controller is configured to execute a charging control process which detects the insertion of a battery pack into the charging port, controls the charging of the battery pack, and controls the illumination or display of the indicator. The power control safety module includes a power control safety circuit that is configured to prevent the charging current and/or the charging voltage from damaging the battery charger or battery pack during a malfunction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Samuel Boyles, Umesh Rajani, Anthony Thomas Tocco, Mike Hornick, William Stuart Miller
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Patent number: 7947388Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Mark V. Striano
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Patent number: 7944175Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Mori, Toshiyasu Kasuya, Kazuyuki Sakakibara
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Patent number: 7944170Abstract: According to one embodiment, a wireless transmission device includes: a transmitter that transmits a signal to an external device; an internal rechargeable battery that supplies a power to the transmitter; a connector to which an external rechargeable battery inserted from outside is connected; and a controller that controls the internal rechargeable battery and the external rechargeable battery so that the external rechargeable battery recharges the internal rechargeable battery when the external rechargeable battery is connected to the connector, wherein the external rechargeable battery is charged when the transmitter transmits the signal to the external device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Jun Watanabe
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Patent number: 7945067Abstract: Audio systems are housed by an enclosure with a substantially waterproof seal such that the audio systems may be mounted in outdoor locations such as decks, boat docks, and the like. The enclosure may include a panel that opens relative to a tub portion, such as by a hinged connection, and a substantially waterproof seal located there between. The audio systems may include one or more various features such as external speaker connections so that speakers may be located distantly from the enclosure. Other features may include internal amplification that may be stand-alone or integrated into an audio signal source such as a radio or compact disc player or combinational device such as an automobile head unit. Additional features may include a power supply that provides power for the amplification and/or audio source, an external cover with a substantially waterproof seal relative to the enclosure, filtered ventilation via an electric fan, and other related features.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventors: Shannon R. Mott, William Bierbower
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Patent number: 7932694Abstract: A battery charger is configured to use selective one of two or more power supplies including a commercial AC power supply and a DC power supply. An AC cable is fixedly secured to the body of the battery charger and a DC cable is detachably connected to the body of the battery charger. A single transformer is employed that has a first primary winding to which the AC power supply is connected a first switching element, a second primary winding to which the DC power supply is connected via a second switching element, and a secondary winding to which a battery pack to be charged is coupled.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Watanabe, Yasushi Nakano, Haruhisa Fujisawa, Nobuhiro Takano
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Patent number: 7932695Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Nancy Uehlein-Proctor, Jeffrey S. Holly, Matthew J. Mergener
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Patent number: 7923963Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Hidenobu Sato
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Patent number: 7915856Abstract: A battery testing/charging system includes an execution unit, such as a battery tester/charger, a receptacle configured to receive an external booster pack, and an outlet configured to power the booster pack when the booster pack is connected to the outlet. The receptacle removably receives the booster pack, such that the booster pack can be removed and separately carried when the execution unit is not required. The receptacle may be integrated with the execution unit. Alternatively, the execution unit may be mounted on a cart, and the receptacle integrated with the cart. The cart may also include an accessory storage tray and an output device bracket. The execution unit may receive partial or total power from the booster pack.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Scott Krampitz, Kurt Raichle, Durval Ribeiro
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Patent number: 7879479Abstract: A battery pack for an electric appliance has a base body, a locking element that is movable relative to the base body, is provided for locking the base body to the electric appliance, and has a locked position, and a holding element, which is provided to maintain the locked position when the base body is in the locked state. The holding element is integrally joined to the locking element.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Heiko Roehm, Daniel Hirt
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Publication number: 20100327805Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Brandon, II, Jason M. Barr, Peter F. Hoffman, David A. Furth, Rachel P. Devereaux, Mandy Iswarienko
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Patent number: 7859222Abstract: A case battery system is provided. The case battery system comprises the case battery, the connector adaptor and the dock. The case battery configured to enclose and hold at least part of a personal electronic device. The personal electronic device may be connected to the connector adaptor, or installed on the dock to be charged or communicate among themselves and with other electronic devices. The top holding portion is configured to hold the top and partial lateral part of the personal electronic device with holes. The rear plate portion comprises the charging portion and the first circuit portion, or the rear plate portion can be a regular plate without the charging portion and the first circuit portion. The top holding portion, the rear plate portion and the bottom holding portion can be assembled sliding the longitudinal rails to the longitudinal rail recesses to enclose a personal electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Steven Woud
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Patent number: 7855530Abstract: A battery charging system includes a housing having a plurality of docking stations coupled therewith. A control device is coupled with a battery charging interface of each of the plurality of docking stations, and is configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among a plurality of batteries configured to dock with the battery charging interfaces. A method of reducing variation in charging cycle count in a system of batteries includes receiving inputs associated with a charging cycle count for each of a plurality of interchangeable batteries docked with a common battery charger, and outputting a battery selection signal based at least in part on the inputs.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Stinger Industries, LLCInventors: Gary Coonan, Dean A. Werthman, Ary Inthaluxay
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Patent number: 7855528Abstract: A power supply for portable apparatuses includes a plurality of power supplies and at least one charging station. Each power supply has a housing, a power input portion, a plurality of power output portions, a storage battery, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board is electrically connected with the storage battery and both are located in the housing. The power input portion and the power output portions are electrically connected with the first circuit board. The charging station includes a base, a plurality of charging connectors, and a second circuit board. The base has a plurality of charging ports that can be connected with the power supplies. The second circuit board is located in the base. The charging connectors are electrically connected with the second circuit board. The charging connectors respectively correspond to the charging ports for charging the power supply connected with the charging ports.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu-Lung Lee
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Patent number: 7839119Abstract: A charging device for a portable phone is provided which is capable of achieving its improved usability by making the device small-sized, improving its portability, and enabling instant telephone speech even in a state in which a battery of the portable phone has been exhausted. The charging device for a portable phone for charging a rechargeable battery housed in a portable phone includes the first charging section to charge the rechargeable battery housed in the portable phone and the second charging section to charge the lithium-ion battery built in the first charging section in which the first and second charging sections are connected so as to be freely detachable and attachable from or to each other and can be disconnected from each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: NEC Tokin CorporationInventor: Katsuya Onose
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Patent number: 7835534Abstract: A preferred embodiment of portable lunchbox equipment that is particularly useful at construction and other jobsites is disclosed which provides important desirable features and functionality comprising a housing, at least one charger for charging a removable battery pack, an audio unit for producing an audio signal, a heating unit, an insulated compartment, a cooling unit for the compartment, a cord and plug for connecting said apparatus to a source of AC power, and circuitry for selectively applying power to the audio unit, the charger and the heating unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Steven W. Cole, Jr., Richard E. Gray
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Patent number: 7830116Abstract: Mobile electronic equipment incorporating an induction coil and a battery; and a battery charger cradle for recharging the battery in the mobile electronic equipment. Regarding the charger cradle, a bottom surface of a mounting portion is curved in a U-grooved shape, and a primary coil is incorporated inside the U-grooved bottom surface, with the primary coil being connected to a power source. Regarding the mobile equipment, its rear surface placed on the mounting portion of the charger cradle is curved to match with the U-grooved bottom surface, and the induction coil is incorporated inside the curved rear surface. When the mobile equipment is placed on the mounting portion of the charger cradle, the electric power is carried from the primary coil to the induction coil which are electromagnetically coupled with each other, and the battery in the mobile equipment is recharged by the electric power induced to the induction coil.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Yasunari Mizoguchi, Toshiki Nakasho, Kyozo Terao
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Publication number: 20100264876Abstract: A battery assembly with a housing that contains a removable battery pack. The housing, which is sterilzable, has a head designed to couple to a power consuming device. The battery pack, which is not sterlizable, contains at least one rechargeable cell. The battery pack has a head dimensioned to fit the same charger socket that can receive a sterlizable battery. The battery pack has contacts that abut charger contacts. The housing has internal contacts. Collectively, the housing and battery pack are shaped so that, when the battery pack seats in the housing, the battery pack contacts abut the housing internal contacts. The housing internal contacts are connected to the housing external contacts for supply power to the power consuming device. A cover selectively holds the battery pack in the housing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Matt Powell, Vaughn R. Gerber, Ronald Duis
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Patent number: 7816886Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Brandon, II, Jason M. Barr, Peter F. Hoffman, David A. Furth, Rachel P. Devereaux, Mandy Iswarienko
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Patent number: 7812567Abstract: A battery charger stand set includes a battery charger stand, which has a top receiving open chamber and an electric charging circuit module disposed at one end of the top receiving open chamber and electrically connectable to the electric power circuit of a motor vehicle, a cell phone adapter insertable into the top receiving open chamber of the battery charger stand for electrically connecting a cell phone (PDA) to the electric charging circuit module of the battery charger stand, and a bluetooth transmitter receiver device insertable into the top receiving open chamber of the battery charger stand and electrically connectable to the electric charging circuit module for communication with an external cell phone (PDA) by means of bluetooth wireless communication technology.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Wen Hong Shen
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Patent number: 7812565Abstract: Systems and methods of providing power through a Universal Serial Bus connector are provided. A charging system comprises an interface configured to receive power, a power converter coupled to the power source interface, the power converter configured to use the received power to generate power output, and a charging controller configured to control an amount of power provided at the USB connector on the power lines derived from the power output, and configured to generate an identification signal on the USB connector's two data lines, the identification signal usable to indicate the charger is not subject to standard USB power limitations, the identification signal provided through the use of a resistance between the D+ and D? data lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Ryan M. Bayne, Skarine Alexei, Steve Green
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Patent number: 7804273Abstract: A selector circuit configured to select among a DC power source and a plurality of batteries for an electronic device. The selector circuit includes a first comparator configured to compare a first input signal representative of a voltage level of the DC power source with a first threshold level and provide a first output signal representative of a difference between the first input signal and the first threshold level, and a selector output circuit. The selector output circuit is configured to provide selector output signals that control selection among the DC power source and the plurality of batteries. The selector output circuit providing said selector output signals to select the DC source and deselect the plurality of batteries if the first output signal is representative of the voltage level of said DC power source being greater than the first threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventors: Vlad Popescu-Stanesti, Marian Niculae, Constantin Bucur
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Publication number: 20100232101Abstract: In a battery including a battery cell formed in a flattened substantially parallelepiped shape and a terminal contacting section electrically connected to the battery cell, at one end in the longitudinal direction of a face of the battery opposing to the face on which the terminal contacting section is provided, a projecting portion which projects in the longitudinal direction of the face is provided. Meanwhile, another projecting portion which projects in the longitudinal direction of the face is provided at the other end. The projecting portions may have projecting lengths different from each other or may have projecting lengths and projecting thicknesses different from each other. A charging apparatus into which the battery is to be installed includes an accommodating section for the battery which in turn includes projection accommodating portions configured to individually accommodate the projecting portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Takayoshi Yamasaki, Hiroaki SATO, Toshiaki UEDA, Tomonori WATANABE, Yoichi MIYAJIMA, Masayuki ISHII, Shoichi SHINTANI, Yoshihiro SATO
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Patent number: 7777448Abstract: A battery-recharging device (6), which can also be used to hold a pack of batteries (5) which may be blister-packaged, for display at the point of sale. The battery-recharging device has a support (1, 17, 51), which includes a series of housings (2, 18) for the connection and linking of packs of batteries (5); a pair of terminals (7, 8, 80), which are electrically connected with the poles (21) of each battery (6) contained in the battery packs (5) and are accessible from the outside, in order to obtain electric connections with the charging and/or maintenance circuits of a battery charger, which is incorporated in the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Beghelli S.p.A.Inventor: Gian Pietro Beghelli
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Patent number: RE42468Abstract: A charging station (1) for a rechargeable battery (5) that can be electrically and physically connected to the rechargeable battery (5). The charging station (1) has charger electronics (2) in a charger housing (3) and an electrical and physical contact interface (4) for the battery (5). An air blower (6) producing an air current (L) through two air vents (7a, 7b) is arranged in the charger housing (3). The air vent (7a) of the physical contact interface (4) is spatially associated with the battery (5) and the charger electronics (2) is arranged in the air current (L) to transfer heat. In the cooling process, in a first stage, an air volume (V) at cooling temperature CT is moved past the battery to transfer heat into and onto the battery and, in a second stage, the air volume (V) at an intermediate temperature IT>CT permeates the charger housing (2) containing the charging electronics (2.).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernd Heigl, Bernd Ziegler, Rainer Ontl
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Patent number: RE42469Abstract: A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery, an electronic circuit monitoring battery charge status, and a mechanical movement signal activated upon charge status attainment. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Zen Design GroupInventors: Sun Yu, David Perrin