Abstract:
A secondary battery, such as a lead-acid or Ni-Cd battery which is normally operable in a first operational mode is treated for operation in a second operational mode. Thereafter the treatment can be effected again so that the battery can be operated in a manner similar to the first mode. This procedure can be repeated. The treatment comprises applying a charging current to the respective battery terminals such that a voltage for applying the charging current is directed so that a positive terminal of a charging input is applied to the first cathode terminal, and a negative terminal of the charging input is applied to the first anode terminal. The first cathode terminal is established as a second anode terminal and the first anode terminal is established as a second cathode terminal for operation of the battery on a load in the second operational mode.
Abstract:
An apparatus for safely connecting the batteries of two vehicles to jump start one of the vehicle engines. Safety is achieved by three means: 1) The location for making the connection is removed from the vicinity of the battery. The remote connector eliminates the potential for ignition of battery-generated gasses and also the potential for other accidents associated with open vehicle engine compartments. 2) The connector itself is designed so that the connection can be made in only one way, positive to positive and negative to negative, eliminating the possibility of reversing polarity and the resulting damage to personnel and to vehicles. 3) The connector is easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture because of unitized construction; positive and negative contact surfaces are included in each connector half.
Abstract:
A battery jumper cable apparatus for safely and correctly coupling a battery to a source of power. The battery jumper cable apparatus includes means for determining the polarity of both the battery and the source of power and thereafter coupling the battery and the source of power, observing proper polarity requirements. The battery jumper cable apparatus only permits the battery and the source of power to be coupled when the battery voltage exceeds a preselected level, the level selected to minimize the possibility of an explosion. A transfer relay is utilized to couple the battery to the source of power.
Abstract:
A safety booster cable assembly for connecting a d.c. source to a receiving battery including a normally open relay interrupting the electrical connection between one of the two pairs of electrodes. Circuitry is provided for closing the contact of the relay when the electrodes being connected are of similar polarities. Time delay circuitry is included so that the relay contact is closed after a certain predetermined amount of time has passed so that sparks are prevented from the movement or scratching of the cable clips on the electrodes. Light emitting diodes are connected between the electrodes of the D.C. source and receiving battery so that they illuminate when the correct polarity is observed in the connection of the cable clips.
Abstract:
A portable flashlight having rechargeable batteries and a support stand for attachment to a motor vehicle is provided. The flashlight defines a pair of contact electrodes mounted on the exterior of the flashlight casing which engage the stand and provide support for the flashlight and electrical contact for recharging the flashlight. Charging means is provided to match the voltage of the motor vehicle battery to the voltage of the rechargeable battery and preferably a light emitting diode is used to indicate the flow of current to said rechargeable battery. It is also preferred to provide means to protect the rechargeable battery from reverse charging.