Abstract: A push-up type portable charging cradle having a stereo sound system is disclosed. The portable charging cradle includes a cradle body and a push-up type cradle rotatably mounted in the cradle body so that the push-up type cradle protrudes from or retracts to the top surface of the cradle body according to whether the push-up type cradle is pushed or not.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling mountable lighting device comprises a self-contained single or multiple LED light source for emitting warm yellow-white light corresponding to halogen or incandescent light and a control circuit controlled by a remote control unit to energize and deenergize the light source and control light intensity. A rechargeable battery power source mounted on the lighting device is connectable to the apparatus for charging the battery without removing the battery from the device. The apparatus includes an elongated probe assembly releasably connectable to the lighting device to perform the recharging process. The lighting device is particularly adapted for ease of placement of a light source for decorative purposes and/or illuminating artifacts in locations which would require substantial structural modifications to install conventional lighting.

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

Abstract: In a battery charger for charging a built-in secondary battery of a compact electric apparatus such as an electric shaver, an erroneous detection due to incomplete mounting of the compact electric apparatus on a mounting base is prevented with a simple and inexpensive configuration. A detection structure for detecting mounting of the compact electric apparatus on the mounting base comprises a charge contact member, a common contact member and a signal contact member which are electrically connected to a positive power source line, a negative power source line and a control signal line of the compact electric apparatus, respectively. A detection contact which electrically connects the signal contact member to the common contact member when the compact electric apparatus is not mounted on the mounting base is integrally formed on the signal contact member.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and charging a plurality of devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of holders and a power source. The holders may be vertically aligned. The power source can be connected to a standard outlet or, for portability, a battery pack or solar panel. The apparatus also includes a support member coupled to the power source to support the holders. For each holder within the plurality of holders, a universal outlet capable of charging an electronic device may be provided. Each universal outlet can be coupled with a connector providing the appropriate power to the electrical device placed on the holder. Otherwise, the apparatus may maintain connectors within the power source and routed through wire molded slots to each holder to provide the appropriate power to the electrical device placed on the holder.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a rechargeable power store is discussed. The charging device includes a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface. The charging device has a ledge extending from the top surface. The charging device also includes a power source and a pair of charging terminals positioned under the ledge and connected to the power source. The charging device is configured to engage terminals on a wireless input device.

Abstract: A system for recording writing performed on a surface includes a rechargeable stylus, a rechargeable eraser, and a charging station for one or both of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser. Each of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser includes a pair of charging rings. The charging rings are disposed so as to contact a corresponding pair of charging contacts on a receptacle on the charging station for the stylus or the eraser. The receptacle, charging contacts, and charging rings cooperate to charge rechargeable stylus or the rechargeable eraser when the stylus or eraser is placed into the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery charging system, a battery system, a charging apparatus, wherein the charging apparatus includes an ultrasonic wave generator configured to be in intimate proximity to an ultrasonic wave receiving device including a piezoelectric component. The ultrasonic wave receiving device includes a piezoelectric component of a resonant frequency substantially matching the frequency of the transmitted ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic wave generator. A gel-based surface of the charging apparatus is configured to be in intimate proximity with both the piezoelectric component and the ultrasonic wave generator. The piezoelectric component is coupled to a battery by a circuit, the piezoelectric component configured to receive ultrasonic wave vibrations of the ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic wave receiving device further including a circuit configured to convert the mechanical vibrations to electrical energy in accordance with an inverse piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a headset charging cradle are disclosed. The system generally includes a loop for receiving a headset earbud and a cradle charging interface disposed below the loop for coupling with a headset charging interface.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a handset for providing telephonic communication, having a semi-translucent finish is provided. The handset generally includes a front cover with a display region, an input region and a back cover. The front cover may be formed of a transparent material, such as plastic and be covered by a semi-translucent vacuum metallized thin film. The handset includes an active mode wherein a display panel is illuminated and is visible through the thin film, and a standby mode wherein the display panel is not illuminated and not visible and, instead, the front cover appears as a continuous surface with a metallic finish. The handset also includes a base unit with an outer area that may change color to indicate the handset is properly positioned within the base unit. The base unit also includes electrical contacts to act as a charging unit.

Abstract: A portable terminal with a cradle is provided. The cradle includes a base unit, a cradling unit assembled to one face of the base unit and rotatable about a rotary axis extending perpendicularly to the one face of the base unit, and at least one cover member pivotally connected to the base unit. If the housing of the terminal is mounted on the cradling unit and rotated together with the cradling unit, the front and rear faces of the housing are reversed. The cradle configured in this manner is advantageous in that its cover member can protect the housing of the terminal and improve structural stability of the slim terminal. In addition, because the cover is used as a support in the extended state, a display device can be variously oriented, so that a user can conveniently use a multimedia service such as a broadcast.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-transmitting device, for transmitting electrical energy between a handheld power tool and/or a battery unit and/or a charging unit. The energy-transmitting device has at least one pin contact element. It is proposed that the pin contact element is movably supported.

Abstract: A lamp base having an electrical device recharging receptacle configured to receive a plug from a recharging device for a portable rechargeable electronic device. The receptacle is configured as a standard automobile cigarette lighter receptacle. The receptacle includes standard cigarette lighter receptacle electrical contacts that are connected to a voltage and current conversion circuit for receiving standard household voltage and converting it into standard automotive voltage and current.

Abstract: A portable battery charger for a portable media player recharges the portable media player without needing to be plugged into a wall or other stationary power source. The portable battery charger also adds extra functionality to the portable media player by providing a command interface to control an electronic device and a wireless transmitter that operates on a frequency outside of the commonly used AM/FM bands. The portable media player preferably plugs into a cradle on the portable battery charger so that the two units seamlessly act as one unit. This combination seemingly creates a new portable media player with a longer battery life and the ability to wirelessly control devices.

Abstract: An engaging structure of an electric shaver and an electric charger is provided wherein the electric charger at least serving to charge the electric shaver is mounted thereat. The engaging structure includes a magnet provided at one of the electric shaver or the electric charger; and an attracting member provided at the other thereof, the attracting member being made of a material magnetically attracted to the magnet. Further, a contact portions for electrically connecting the electric shaver and the electric charger are provided between a weight center of the electric shaver and the magnet disposed above the contact point at an opposite side of a mounting direction of the electric shaver.

Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, high temperature gases created in a battery pack by the battery cells during a charging or discharging operation can be routed into a housing of one of an attached power tool or charger to reduce the temperature of the gases, prior to venting the gases externally. In an example, a battery pack has at least one vent hole for relieving pressure and a movable device covering the vent hole and configured to expose the vent hole upon a pressure set-point within the pack housing being exceeded. In another example, the pack housing includes a thin-walled section designed to break if pressure within the pack housing exceeds a given pressure setpoint. In a further example, the pack housing includes a baffle having an S-shaped cross-section for providing a vent path for gases and for preventing external fluids from entering the pack housing.

Abstract: A specimen supporting and labeling system including the provision of at least one electronic device. A volume defining bin holds a plurality of specimens and supports the electronic device. A pedestal charging base seats within a recessed underside associated with the bin, with a first plurality of contact locations communicated along an upper face of the charging base. A second plurality of contact locations communicates along a bottom face of the bin associated with the recessed underside. The bin further incorporates an interior architecture extending from the second contact locations and communicates a charge originating from the base to the electronic device.

Abstract: A marine seismic exploration method and system comprised of continuous recording, self-contained ocean bottom pods characterized by low profile casings. An external bumper is provided to promote ocean bottom coupling and prevent fishing net entrapment. Pods are tethered together with flexible, non-rigid, non-conducting cable used to control pod deployment. Pods are deployed and retrieved from a boat deck configured to have a storage system and a handling system to attach pods to cable on-the-fly. The storage system is a juke box configuration of slots wherein individual pods are randomly stored in the slots to permit data extraction, charging, testing and synchronizing without opening the pods. A pod may include an inertial navigation system to determine ocean floor location and a rubidium clock for timing. The system includes mathematical gimballing. The cable may include shear couplings designed to automatically shear apart if a certain level of cable tension is reached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery charger (30) including a housing (40), having an electronic charging unit (33) and a cradle (31) for a battery pack (10) that has electric counter-contact elements (38) for contact elements (18) of the battery pack (10). The battery charger (30) also has a filling device to fill gas reservoirs such as, for instance, pressure vessels, with gaseous media, said filling device being configured as a compressor to generate compressed air.

Abstract: A charger adapted for charging a mobile phone includes a base defining a cavity and a rotatable module having a main body. The rotatable module is pivotally disposed in the cavity. The main body has a basic portion and an engaging portion which substantially perpendicularly extends from one end of the basic portion. An output connector is disposed in the engaging portion and extends out of the engaging portion towards the other end of the basic portion to define a mating direction substantially parallel with the basic portion. When the charger is in an opened state for charging, the basic portion is rotated to a predetermined place and the output connector is therefore located out of the cavity; when the mobile phone is taken away from the charger, the output connector returns into the cavity.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a portable electronic device capable of operating in multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal. The docking system also includes a docking station configured to mechanically accept and operatively interface with the portable electronic device in any of its multiple orientations including vertical and horizontal.

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. 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: The embodiments relate generally to a docking charger for charging a hand held electronic device. The docking charger has a docking base formed with a reception area. The reception area has a shape and size to support and hold the hand held electronic device in a charging position when the protective cover case is fitted on the hand held electronic device. The docking charger also has a charger adapter formed to be removably fitted in the reception area of the docking base. The charger adapter has an interior chamber shaped and sized to directly support and hold the hand held electronic device in the charging position when the protective cover case is removed from the hand held electronic device. The docking charger has two working positions. In the first working position where the charger adapter is removed from the reception area of the docking base, the reception area is exposed to receive the hand held electronic device fitted with its protective cover case.

Abstract: A wearable device has an internal rechargeable power source for supplying power to internal circuitry of the device. An external rechargeable battery pack is physically and electrically interfaced to the wearable device and provides power to recharge the internal rechargeable power source while the device is being worn, thereby eliminating the need to connect the wearable device directly to a source of electricity using wires. The rechargeable battery pack is recharged in a charging station connected to a source of electricity.

Abstract: A charging station is provided for charging portable electronic devices. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station includes a surge protector located within the charging station. The charging station includes a base for housing the surge protector, a removable base cover that can be placed over the base and a removable tray that can be placed over the base or over the base cover if the base cover is in place over the base. If desired, the charging station can be used in a disassembled form by placing the tray on one surface and the base on another. If the charging station is used in this manner, the base cover can be placed over the base.

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: 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: A charging stand for charging a mobile phone, includes a base defining a receptacle for receiving the mobile phone; a battery charging circuit for supplying a charging voltage to the mobile phone; a removable ink cartridge received in the receptacle, the removable ink cartridge for supplying ink to a printer of the mobile phone; a hollow cartridge connection pin protruding from the base for effecting fluid communication with the removable ink cartridge; a hollow device connection pin protruding from the base for effecting fluid communication with the mobile phone; an ink connection provided in the base molding, the ink connection connecting the cartridge connection pin and the device connection pin; and an elastomeric molding formed around the cartridge connection pin and device connection pin, the elastomeric molding covering respective outlets of the cartridge connection pin and device connection pin.

Abstract: A representative base unit for charging a remote controller and a multimedia device includes at least two docking stations for a remote controller and a multimedia device, wherein the at least two docking stations having charging slots that transfer power to the remote controller and the multimedia device for recharging; and a processing device that is electrically coupled to the docking stations for communicating with the remote controller and the multimedia device, wherein the processing device facilitates communication between the remote controller and the multimedia device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamo battery charger adapted to provide amusement during the recharging process. The charger housing is shaped or constructed to represent an amusing apparatus that includes optional features that simulate actual components whereby the amusing optional features are operable when the battery charger is being actuated.

Abstract: A charging and power-supply device includes a base, at least one power socket, a board located on the base, and a conductive wire. The power socket is located on the base. The board is rotatably pivoted with the base via a pivoting unit. The conductive wire is electrically connected with the power socket. When the board is rotated above the base, the board is on a slope. It is convenient to place the portable device on the board to charge the portable device. There is a receiving space formed between the board and the base for receiving the wire of the portable device. When the board is rotated below the base, the board is stacked and placed under the base to reduce the occupied space when the charging and power-supply device is shipped or packaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for recharging a battery of a portable ionizing-radiation sensor resting on a recharging base. The sensor includes, on one or more accessible faces, a plurality of electrical-contact areas connected to the battery that powers the sensor. The recharging base comprises a device for mobilizing one or more mobile contacts. The mobile contacts are connected to a power source. The mobile contacts mechanically enter the body (i.e., housing) of the recharging base and mechanically protrude from the body of the recharging base through one or more openings made in the body of the recharging base. The mobile contacts are electrically in contact with the plurality of electrical-contact areas of the sensor if one or more of the plurality of electrical-contact areas are positioned facing the openings when the mobile contacts protrude from the recharging base. An embodiment of the invention may be used for X-ray or Gamma-ray medical imaging.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for simultaneously retrieving data from multiple data acquisition units and for recharging such data acquisition units. The data offload and charging unit comprises a frame that defines stations for holding the data acquisition units and a host computer. A combined power and communications port at each such station is adapted to interface with one of the data acquisition units such that power may flow from the data offload and charger unit to that data acquisition unit and data may flow from that data acquisition unit to the host computer substantially simultaneously. Communications links are provided between the host computer and each combined power and communications port.

Abstract: A recharging cover system for storing, protecting and recharging an electronic device during transport of the electronic device includes a case receives the electronic device to protect the electronic device from being inadvertently damaged. A recharging assembly is positioned in the case. The recharging assembly is electrically coupled to the electronic device to recharge the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the case.

Abstract: A remote control system relating to a remote control and a base charger. A rechargeable battery contained within the remote control is charged when rested within a charging position of the base charger. Once a user removes the remote control from the charging position, the remote control doubles as a portable hazard detector that operates in a sustained manner for as long as the rechargeable batter has power. This means that the remote control will emit an alert noise if a hazard such as smoke or high level of carbon monoxide is detected by internal sensors located within the remote control. The base charger also has sensors and an alert speaker to inform the user of a potential hazard. In addition, the base charger is in communication with the remote control so that a user can locate a missing remote control.

Abstract: Battery chargers and combinations. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a combination including a battery charger having a housing and a charging circuit, and protective structure separate from and connectable with the battery charger. The protective structure, when connected, extending from the housing beyond a battery connected to the battery charger. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may also provide a combination including a first battery charger, a second battery charger and a connecting structure operable to connect the first battery charger and the second battery charger as a unit. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may further provide a combination including a battery charger and a handle separate from and connectable with the battery charger. In addition, in some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a battery charger including a housing having a base and an upper portion opposite the base.

Abstract: A device associates an enclosing capsule in which will be fitted electronic equipment requiring dehumidification, and a medium-to-low voltage converter to recharge electronic equipment. Heat energy released by the coil in the converter will lead to a free thermal exchange of air between the inside and the outside of the capsule, produced by the natural convection from vent holes located in the lower part of the device through which air will be sucked from the outside and vent holes located in the upper part of the device through which warm air thus produced will escape. The circulation of unsaturated warm air around the electronic equipment has the effect of removing the water molecules on the components by saturating the ambient air in the confinement zone, this air being evacuated through vent holes located in the upper part of the device.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: High frequency power supplied to the primary coil from the high frequency power supply is transferred to the secondary coil by magnetic induction, and secondary coil AC is rectified to charge the battery pack housed in the portable electronic equipment. The battery charger is provided with internal batteries that are charged by input power and supply power to the high frequency power supply, and with a charging circuit to charge the internal batteries. The external case is provided with storage space between its top plate and bottom plate, and internal batteries, which are rectangular batteries, and a planar primary coil wound in a spiral shape are disposed in that storage space. The battery charger charges the internal batteries with input power, and when no power is input, internal battery power is converted to high frequency power and supplied to the primary coil to charge the battery pack.

Abstract: A charging base has a generally C-shaped housing and a charging element. The generally C-shaped housing has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has an upper surface substantially parallel to a lower surface and an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The opening has a first width and a second width. A notch is located at the intersection of the first width and the second width. The lower part has a beveled surface generally parallel to and beneath the lower surface of the upper part. The charging element, which provides power to recharge a battery, is located beneath the beveled surface of the lower part.

Abstract: A power supply for charging multiple devices that can be adapted to receive and charge practically any type of portable electronic device includes a base that receives an AC wall voltage and converts the wall voltage to DC voltage. The base includes at least two docking cavities that can simultaneously, physically and electrically couple the base to two portable electronic devices such that the devices are supported by the dock while they are being charged. The devices are supported so that there displays are visible and their controls are accessible. Adapters can also be inserted into the docking cavities to reconfigure the cavity to physically support a different type of device.

Abstract: An exemplary charging holder for a portable electronic device, includes a main body and a base housing. The main body defines a holding groove therein and includes a bottom portion formed in the holding groove. The base housing is connected to the bottom portion of the main body. The base housing includes a circuit board, two charging contacts, and two resilient charging contacts positioned therein. The charging contacts are electrically connected to the circuit board. The resilient charging contacts are positioned adjacent to the circuit board. Each of the resilient charging contacts includes an end portion extending out of the bottom portion of the main body. The resilient charging contacts are separated from the charging contacts and are capable of contacting with the charging contacts when the end portions of the resilient charging contacts are pressed.

Abstract: The battery pack instead of the size AA battery is loaded in a battery storage of an electronic device. The battery pack includes a battery casing, a plurality of size AAA batteries, a battery holder, a circuit board, and an induction coil electromagnetically connected to a primary coil of a battery charger cradle. The size AAA batteries are accommodated in the battery casing in a spaced-apart manner where a distance between longitudinal axes of the size AAA batteries is larger than a distance between longitudinal axes of the size AA batteries loaded in the battery storage, and a storage space is defined between the adjacent size AAA batteries. With an electronic component, mounted on the circuit board, being disposed in the storage space, the battery pack accommodates the size AAA batteries, the battery holder, the circuit board, and the induction coil in a mutually layered state in the battery casing.

Abstract: 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.

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: In various embodiments, to avoid having to plug in the speakerphone, the speakerphone may be powered with a battery. In some embodiments, the speakerphone may exchange a discharged battery with a charged battery on a charging stand. In some embodiments, a charging stand, with a battery releasably coupled to the charging stand, may be configured to receive a second battery from a speakerphone. In some embodiments, the speakerphone with the first battery may be placed onto the charging stand to engage the charging stand. The charging stand may determine if the first battery on the speakerphone needs to be exchanged (e.g., if it is charged below a predetermined limit). If the battery needs to be exchanged, the charging stand may exchange the first battery with the second battery by disengaging the first battery and engaging the second battery with the speakerphone.

Abstract: An inductive battery charging system for a handheld service tool is provided. The system includes a battery charger and a handheld service tool. The battery charger has a primary coil enclosed within a housing, and which is coupled to a power source. The service tool includes a secondary coil, enclosed within a housing, that provides at least 100 mA of inductively-generated alternating current, a rectifier, a linear voltage regulator, a battery charge controller and a battery.

Abstract: A control system of a laptop computer storage system comprises a plurality of receptacles for charging one or more laptop computer batteries. A first switch may be provided for coupling the receptacles to a power source via a current limiter having an impedance that initially limits a current inrush and then decreases with temperature. A second switch may be provided for coupling the receptacles to the power source via a low impedance path. A controller may be provided and configured to activate the first switch to limit an initial current inrush while charging energy storing components associated with the laptop computer's power supply and then activate the second switch to allow each laptop coupled to the receptacles to at least partially charge its battery.