as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`(43) Pub. Date: Oct. 11, 2007
`Rodgers
`
`US 20070236180A1
`
`(54) RECHARGING DEVICE FOR USE WITH
`PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Andrew Rodgers, East Windsor,
`NJ (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,
`KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
`600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
`WESTFIELD, NJ 07090
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
` 11/784,271
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 6, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/790,999,filed on Apr.
`11, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. CL
`H02J 7/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) US. CMe
`
`ccceccsscssssssssssssseneeseesessessssssssssniennes 320/115
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention provides a recharging apparatus for
`use with portable electronic user devices such as cell phones,
`pagers, PDAs, as well as with portable battery powered
`devices such as flashlights. Charging circuitry is used to
`charge the user device battery from a battery of the recharg-
`ing apparatus. The user is able to control the recharging
`process with a manual on/off switch that is part of the
`recharging apparatus. Optionally, a manual/automatic mode
`is provided that allows the user even greater flexibility over
`charging. Here, the user may select various conditions and
`options when recharging is permitted.
`
`400
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1116
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00470
`
`APPLE 1116
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00470
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`1
`FIG.
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 2 of 10
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`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`FIG. 2
`
`124
`
`Auto/Manual
`
`100 128x Charge On/Off )
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 3 of 10
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`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`FIG. 3
`
`120
`
`134
`
` 122
`
`ChargeOn/OfOn/OffZa)| 2|
`
`Auto/Manual
`
`128a
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 4 of 10
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`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`FIG.
`
`4
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`
`
`
`CHARGE ON/OFF
`WITCHcw —
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
` INITIALIZE
`
`RECHARGING
`
` CHECK STATUS OF
`
`CHARGE ON/OFF
`SWITCH
`
`PROCESS
`
`
` 00 NOT CHARGE
`
` RETURN TO
`INITIALIZATION
`
`STEP
`
`
` HAS USER SET
`
`CHARGE SWITCH
`
`CHARGE MOBILE DEVICE
`BATTERY USING
`RECHARGER BATTERY
`
`
`
`MOBILE DEVICE
`BATTERY
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`134
`
`AUTO/
`
` PROCESSOR
`
`
`MANUAL SWITCH BATTERY
`
`8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
` INITIALIZE
`
`RECHARGING
`
` TS AUTO/MANUAL
`
`SWITCH SET T0
`
`PROCESS
`AUTOMATIC?
`
` CHARGE MOBILE DEVICE
`
`
`HAS USER SET
`CHARGE SWITCH
`BATTERY USING
`RECHARGER BATTERY
`TO "ON"?
`
`
` 00 NOT CHARGE
`
` RETURN 10
`INITIALIZATION
`
`STEP
`
`
`
`
` CHECK STATUS OF
`
`CHARGE ON/OFF
`SWITCH
`
`MOBILE DEVICE
`BATTERY
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 9 of 10
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`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`
`
`124 126=127
`
`120
`
`FIG. 9A
`
`FIG. 9B
`
`
`
`AUTO.
`
`
`POWER
`
`oft]
`"1G |_| G
`
`
`DISPLAY
`
`PE
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 11,2007 Sheet 10 of 10
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`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`FIG.
`
`10A
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`Oct. 11, 2007
`
`RECHARGING DEVICE FOR USE WITH
`PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claimsthe benefit of the filing date
`of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/790,999, filed
`Apr. 11, 2006, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein
`by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to portable
`rechargeable devices and, more particularly, to recharging
`devices for use with such portable devices.
`[0003] There are all manner of battery-operated, portable
`electronic devices that are used in a wide range of applica-
`tions. Nearly all of these devices need to be recharged. Some
`of the more common types of such electronic devices
`include mobile/cellular telephones (“cell phones”), one or
`two-way pagers, and personal digital assistants (“PDAs”).
`Flashlights are also another type of portable, battery pow-
`ered devices that can be recharged. As these and similar
`devices have evolved overthe years, the size and form factor
`of the devices has generally become smaller and smaller.
`However, one limiting factor in the size of such portable
`devices is the battery or batteries used to power the device.
`[0004] Many different battery technologies have arisen in
`an attempt to meet the requirements of advanced portable
`electronic devices. Similarly, battery recharging technolo-
`gies have been developed in order to enable users to
`recharge their battery powered devices while on the go. For
`example, a user has been able to place a battery or the device
`itself into a recharger that is plugged into a wall outlet or into
`a cigarette lighter adapter in an automobile.
`[0005] More recently, mobile rechargers have been intro-
`duced that enable a user to recharge his or her electronic
`device while the electronic device is being carried by the
`person. Some mobile rechargers have been configured to
`include an on-board battery that is used to charge the battery
`of the mobile device. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. No.
`5,859,481 to Banyas, U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,626 to Snyder et
`al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,654 to Bachner, III et al., and U.S.
`Patent Publication No. 2005/0116684 to Kim,
`the entire
`disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
`USS. Patent Publication No. 2003/0087677 to Miller et al.,
`which also is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a
`supplemental power source that is part of the user device
`itself. The internal main and supplemental power sources
`may be recharged by an external recharger and power
`supply.
`FIG. 1 showsa holder 15 for use with a cell phone
`[0006]
`10 as described in the Snyderet al. patent. The cell phone 10
`includes main housing 20, a battery 25 and an antenna 30.
`Contacts 35 provide connection to powercircuitry ofthecell
`phone 10. The holder incorporates an auxiliary battery 40
`connected with a housing 55. The housing defines a cradle
`53 for holding the cell phone 10. A rib on the housing 55
`may be positioned to engage a correspondingslot 60 on the
`main housing 20 of the cell phone 10. A clip 45 on the holder
`15 enables the user to attach the holder 15 to a belt. Contact
`
`70 of the cradle 53 engages contact 35 of the cell phone 10,
`electrically connecting the auxiliary battery 40 to the cell
`phone 10. The cell phone 10 includes auxiliary battery
`
`sensor circuitry 80 that switches power between battery 25
`of the cell phone 10 andthe auxiliary battery 40 of the holder
`15. As stated in the Snyderet al. patent at column 3, lines
`49-54, “[s]witching between the batteries is responsive to
`changes in current initiated by placement or removal of the
`telephone unit 10 from the housing 55. The sensorcircuitry
`80 also switches power back to the main battery 25 should
`the charge of the auxiliary battery 40 becomedepleted.”
`[0007] The recharging devices of Snyder and the other
`references mentioned above are beneficial because they
`allow for charging the battery of a portable electronic device
`without the need for a connection to a fixed power supply,
`such as a wall outlet or an automobile cigarette lighter
`adapter. Unfortunately, while known recharging devices
`may be worn on a belt clip with a supplemental power
`source, such devices do not allow the user to control the rate
`of recharging or to manually disable or enable recharging at
`any time. Thus, it is desirable to provide a more robust
`recharging device which overcomes these and other prob-
`lems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with one embodimentof the present
`[0008]
`invention, a recharging apparatus is provided.
`In this
`embodiment, the recharging apparatus includes a charging
`controller, a manual recharging actuator such as a switch,
`and a cradle or other connectorto a portable user device such
`as a cell phone, pager, PDA,flashlight, etc. Here, the manual
`recharging actuator is coupled between the charging con-
`troller and a battery or batteries of the recharging apparatus.
`Desirably, the manual recharging actuator is a switch or
`similar component that is able to open or close the circuit
`between the charging controller and the recharging battery.
`The useris able to select between a charging mode and a no
`charging mode. For instance, when the switch is set to “on”
`the electrical connection between charging controller and
`the recharging battery is a closed circuit. In this case, the
`charging controller is operable to charge the battery or
`batteries of the portable user device with the recharging
`battery. However, when the switch is set to “off” the elec-
`trical connection between charging controller and the
`recharging battery is an open circuit. In this case,
`the
`charging controller cannot charge the battery or batteries of
`the portable user device. Thus, the user has complete control
`over when and if recharging occurs.
`[0009]
`In accordance with another embodiment of the
`present invention, a modified recharging apparatus is pro-
`vided. Here, the charging controller maybe, e.g., a processor
`such as a microprocessor or microcontroller that manages
`the recharging of the portable user device. In this embodi-
`ment, the manual recharging actuator preferably works in
`conjunction with another actuator that the user can place in
`either a manual modeor an automatic mode. One or both of
`
`the actuators may be switches or similar components. In this
`embodiment, the manual recharging switch and the auto/
`manual switch are preferably coupled to the processor. For
`instance,
`the two switches may be electrically and/or
`mechanically coupled to the processor.
`[0010]
`In accordance with a further embodiment of the
`present invention, a recharging apparatus comprising a por-
`table charging controller, a cradle and a mode actuator is
`provided. The portable charging controller is operable to
`recharge a battery of a user device from an independent
`power source provided by the recharging apparatus. The
`
`12
`
`12
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`

`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`Oct. 11, 2007
`
`cradle holds the device and electrically connects the battery
`of the user device to the charging controller. The mode
`actuator is selectable betweena plurality of charging modes.
`The user device is recharged according to one or more
`pre-selected conditions associated with respective charging
`modes.
`
`[0011] Another embodimentof the present invention pro-
`vides a portable recharging apparatus comprising a housing,
`a first receptacle within the housing for receiving a portable
`device having a main battery, and a second receptacle within
`the housing for receiving an auxiliary battery. At least one
`electrical contact may be disposed withinthe first receptacle,
`the electrical contact being operable to electrically connect
`the auxiliary battery to the portable device so that a charge
`of the auxiliary battery may be applied to the main battery
`of the portable device. A first actuator may be disposed
`relative to the housing for selecting a power mode of the
`apparatus, the power mode enabling or disabling charging,
`and a control unit may control flow of battery charge from
`the auxiliary battery to the main battery to recharge the main
`battery when in the enabling mode andto prevent recharge
`when in the disabling mode.
`[0012] The apparatus of the above described embodiment
`may further comprise a second actuator within the housing
`for selecting an operation mode of the apparatus. Accord-
`ingly, the operation mode maybeset to either an automatic
`mode and a manual mode, and the control unit may control
`the flow of battery charge from the auxiliary battery to the
`main battery in relation to the power modeandthe operation
`mode of the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally,
`the
`apparatus may also include a mechanical connector portion
`attachedto the housing, thereby enabling the apparatus to be
`attached to an article of clothing. The apparatus may also
`include a display positioned on the housing. The display
`may be operable to convey information relating to battery
`life, such as battery life of the auxiliary battery, and the
`display may turned off in relation to a charge of the auxiliary
`battery reaching a predetermined level. The display may
`otherwise be turned off in relation to a position of a third
`actuator. The apparatus mayalso include an electrical con-
`nector for connecting the auxiliary battery to an external
`power supply or charging device, so that a charge of the
`auxiliary battery may be restored via a charge applied by the
`external power supply or charging device through the elec-
`trical connector. Even further, the electrical connector may
`include one of a universal connector and multiple adaptor
`connectors to couple to various charging devices.
`[0013] Yet another embodiment of the present invention
`provides a portable recharging apparatus for wireless tele-
`phones, comprising a housing,a first receptacle within the
`housing for receiving a wireless telephone having a main
`battery, and a second receptacle within the housing for
`receiving an auxiliary battery. At least one electrical contact
`may be disposed within the first receptacle, the electrical
`contact being operable to electrically connect the auxiliary
`battery to the wireless telephone so that a charge of the
`auxiliary battery may be applied to the main battery of the
`wireless telephone. A first actuator may reside within the
`housing for setting a power modeof the apparatus to one of
`an on mode and an off mode, and a second actuator may also
`reside within the housing for setting an operation mode of
`the apparatus to one of an automatic mode and a manual
`mode. A processor may be coupled to thefirst actuator and
`the second actuator, wherein the processor determines a
`
`power modesetting based on a setting of the first actuator
`and an operation mode setting based on a setting of the
`second actuator, and controls charging of the portable device
`in relation to the power modesetting and the operation mode
`setting. The processor may control charging of the battery
`operated portable device in relation to a predetermined
`event, for example, when a charge of the main battery
`reaching a predeterminedlevel.
`[0014] An even further embodimentof the present inven-
`tion provides a portable recharging apparatus, including a
`housing for receiving a device, an auxiliary power supply,
`meansfor electrically connecting the auxiliary power supply
`to a main power supply of the device, mode setting means
`for setting at least one of a power mode and an operation
`modeof the device, and control meansfor controlling supply
`of charge from the auxiliary power supply meansto the main
`powersupply based on a setting of the mode setting means.
`Also included may be a means for charging the auxiliary
`power supply from an external device.
`[0015] A method according to an embodiment of the
`present invention provides for recharging a battery operated
`portable device. An initial step may be determining a power
`mode of a recharge apparatus, the power mode beingset to
`either an on state or an off state, and then determining an
`operation mode of the recharge apparatus,
`the operation
`modebeingset to either an automatic state or a manualstate.
`Further steps may include determining a charge level of a
`main battery of the portable device, and applying charge
`from an auxiliary battery to the main battery of the portable
`device. The charge may be used to recharge the main battery
`wheneither the power mode is set to the on state, or the
`operation modeis set to the automatic state, and the charge
`level of the main battery is below a predeterminedlevel.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a known system for recharging a
`[0016]
`portable electronic device.
`[0017]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a recharging system in accor-
`dance with an embodimentof the present invention.
`[0018]
`FIG. 3 is a side view of the recharger as shown in
`FIG.2.
`
`[0019]
`FIG.3.
`
`FIG. 4 is a front view of the recharger as shown in
`
`FIG. 5is a schematic diagram of charging circuitry
`[0020]
`in accordance with an embodimentofthe present invention.
`[0021]
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a recharging
`process in accordance with the embodiment shownin FIG.
`5.
`
`FIG. 7is a schematic diagram of charging circuitry
`[0022]
`in accordance with another embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a recharging
`[0023]
`process in accordance with the embodiment shownin FIG.
`7.
`
`FIG. 9A is a front view of the recharging system in
`[0024]
`accordance with another embodimentof the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 9Bis a front view of the recharging system in
`[0025]
`accordance with another embodimentof the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a recharging
`[0026]
`system according to an embodiment of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`13
`
`13
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`

`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`Oct. 11, 2007
`
`FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a recharging
`[0027]
`system according to another embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0028] The aspects, features and advantagesof the present
`invention will be appreciated when considered with refer-
`ence to the following description of preferred embodiments
`and accompanying figures.
`In describing the preferred
`embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures,
`specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity.
`However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the
`specific terms so selected, and it is to be understoodthat each
`term selected includesall technical equivalents that operate
`in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
`[0029]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a system 100 for recharging
`portable electronic devices. The system 100 is shown with a
`cell phone 110 connected to recharging apparatus 120. The
`cell phone 110 may be the sameor different than the cell
`phone 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The cell phone 110 may
`include an antenna 112 and a housing 114. The housing 114
`mayinclude one or more buttons, switches or other actuators
`116a@ and 116for operating the cell phone 110. While two
`actuators 116¢ and 1166 are shown, any numberof actuators
`may be employed. A receptacle 118 may include headphone
`and/or speakerphone jacks, which may be useful in “hands
`free” operation. As with cell phone 10, the cell phone 110
`may include a battery, battery contacts, and battery sensor
`circuitry (not shown).
`it
`[0030] Of course, while cell phone 10 is illustrated,
`should be understood that many other types of portable
`electronic devices may be used with the recharging appara-
`tus 120. By way of example only, the recharging apparatus
`120 may be used with one- or two-way pagers, walkie-
`talkies, PDAs, tablet personal computers, barcode scanners,
`etc. The recharging apparatus 120 may also be used with
`portable battery powered devices that may not
`include
`electronic circuitry, such as flashlights and other devices.
`[0031] As shown in FIG.2, the recharging apparatus 120
`includes a housing 122 and an actuator 124. The actuator
`124 is used to select whetherthe battery of the cell phone 10
`or other portable battery powered device will be recharged
`by the recharging apparatus 120. The recharging apparatus
`120 may also include a second actuator 126 for switching
`between manual and automatic recharging modes. The
`actuators may be any kind of selecting mechanism, includ-
`ing a mechanical selector such as a switch, toggle, dial, jog
`shuttle or slide button. Alternatively, the selecting mecha-
`nism may be an electronic selector such as a programmable
`“soft button” or “soft key” that may be interoperable with a
`user interface of the recharging apparatus. The operation and
`function of the actuators 124 and 126 will be explained in
`more detail below.
`
`Preferably, the recharging apparatus 120 includes a
`[0032]
`clip or other connector 128 to enable the user to wear the
`recharging apparatus 120 on his orherbelt or clothing,or to
`secure the recharging apparatus 120 to luggage such as a
`briefcase or backpack. The recharging apparatus 120 may
`also include a receptacle 130 for receiving a battery (not
`shown) therein. The receptacle 130 may be openedso that a
`user may replace or exchangethe battery.
`[0033]
`FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate side and front views,
`respectively, of the recharging apparatus 120. As seen here,
`the housing 122 of the recharging apparatus 120 desirably
`
`includesa cradle portion 132 in which the cell phone 110 or
`other device may sit. One or more connectors 134 may be
`used to further secure the cell phone 110 to the recharging
`apparatus 120. While FIGS. 3-4 show the recharging appa-
`ratus 120 having a specific size and shape,
`it should be
`understood that the recharging apparatus 120 is not limited
`to this particular size and shape, and may instead be of any
`configuration and design such that it can connectto a user’s
`device for recharging the device.
`[0034] As seen in FIG. 4, the recharging apparatus 120
`preferably includes one or more contacts 136 for connecting
`to the cell phone 110 or other rechargeable device. Four
`contacts 136 are shown, however, any number of contacts
`maybe provided, depending upon the type of rechargeable
`device that is utilized and the operations it performs. For
`instance, aside from recharging the portable device’s battery,
`recharging apparatus 120 may also be able to exchange data
`with the portable device. In this case, the recharging appa-
`ratus 120 may also be used to couple the portable device to
`another device such as a laptop computer.
`[0035] While it is desirably for the recharging apparatus
`120 to be a “universal” apparatus that is able to work with
`user devices of many different sizes or shapes, there are so
`manydifferent types of devices having such a wide variety
`of configurations that it may not be possible for a single
`recharging apparatus 120 to work universally. For instance,
`cell phone manufacturers such as Motorola, Nokia and
`Samsung may each offer dozens of different models having
`different form factors. Each model may have a unique or
`non-standard set of connectors.
`
`[0036] Thus, in one alternative, the cradle portion 132 of
`the recharging apparatus 120 is replaceable or interchange-
`able so that the user may swap one cradle portion 132 for
`another, depending upon the type of device he or she is
`using. Dashed line 138 shows one example of where the
`cradle 132 may connect to the main portion of the housing
`122. Different cradle portions 132 may have different form
`factors to mate with different user devices. Furthermore,
`different cradle portions 132 may have the same form factor
`but different arrangements of contacts 136.
`[0037]
`FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of circuitry for
`recharging a battery of a user device in accordance with a
`preferred embodimentofthe present invention. Preferably, a
`charging controller 140 is disposed within the housing 122
`ofthe recharging apparatus 120. As is knownin theart, there
`are different devices which can be usedto rechargea battery.
`The present invention is not limited to any particular device
`or devices that provide current to the battery of a user device.
`By way of example only,
`the Fairchild Semiconductor
`FAN7563 or FAN7564 controllers, or the National Semi-
`conductor _LM3647 controller may be employed as the
`charging controller 140.
`[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, battery 142 may also be
`located within the housing 122. In onealternative,
`the
`battery 142 may be considered as an auxiliary battery in the
`sense that it is used to recharge the user device battery and
`not to power the user device directly. In other alternatives,
`the battery 142 may be used as a backup battery that is
`capable of directly powering the user device during normal
`operation if the battery of the user device is low, inoperable
`or missing. The battery 142 may be removable or may
`permanently reside in the housing 122. The charging con-
`troller 140 is connected to both the battery 142 and the
`cradle portion 132. Whenthe user device, such as cell phone
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US 2007/0236180 Al
`
`Oct. 11, 2007
`
`is coupled to the recharging apparatus 120, at least
`110,
`some of the connectors 134 of the cradle portion 132 are in
`electrical contact with the power connectors on the battery
`of the user device. The charging controller 140 is operable
`to charge the battery of the user device using the battery 142.
`[0039]
`In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the actuator 124,
`which is shownas a “charge on/off switch”, is positioned so
`as to electrically couple (or uncouple) the battery 142 from
`the charging controller 140. When the user desires that the
`user device battery be charges, he or she can enable the
`actuator 124 in the on mode.In this case, the on/off switch
`of FIG. 5 would be placed in a closed circuit mode,
`providing an electrical connection between the battery 142
`and the charging controller 140. In turn, the charging con-
`troller 140 can then charge the user device battery in a
`known manner. The user could leave the actuator 124 in the
`on mode to enable the battery 142 to “trickle charge” the
`user device battery.
`[0040] However, as explained above, continuously charg-
`ing the battery of the user device is undesirable in many
`situations, as it depletes the charge in the battery 142 of the
`recharging apparatus 120. Thus, the actuator 124 enables the
`user to disable charging by placing the on/off switch of FIG.
`5 in an open circuit mode. Here,the battery 142 is decoupled
`from the charging controller 140 and no charging of the user
`device battery by the recharging apparatus 120 may take
`place.
`[0041] This operation is shown in the flow diagram of
`FIG. 6. Here, the recharging process is initialized at step
`$100. The status of the charge on/off switch is checked at
`step S102. A determination is made at step S104 as to
`whether the switch is set to on or off. If it is set to on, the
`process continues at step S106, where the mobile device
`battery is recharged by the charging controller 140 as
`described above. Then, when recharging is complete at step
`$108, the process returns to initialization step $100. Alter-
`natively, if the switch is set to off, the process proceeds to
`step S110. Here, an open circuit condition occurs as
`described above, and no recharging takes place. Step S112
`returns the process to initialization step S100.
`[0042] The actuator 124 provides the user with the flex-
`ibility and freedom to choose whether and when to charge
`the user device battery. For instance, the user may monitor
`the status of the battery of the user device directly, e.g., by
`observing how “full” the battery is on a display of the user
`device. The user may also monitorthe status of the battery
`142. This may be done via a display 144 on the recharging
`apparatus 120. The display 144 may be, e.g., an LED, or
`may be part of a more elaborate user interface such as an
`LCDdisplay. Based upon information about the user device
`battery, the battery 142, or both, the user may choose to
`place the actuator 124 in the on or the off mode.
`[0043]
`In some situations,
`it may be cumbersome or
`inefficient for the user to monitor the status of the user
`device battery on an ongoing basis. For instance, the user
`device may be placed in a backpack, briefcase or other
`luggage, or may be otherwise inaccessible to the user. Thus,
`in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
`recharging device 120 may also include actuator 126, as
`shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the battery 142 may
`be coupled to a charging controller such as processor 146.
`The processor 146 may be a microprocessor, microcontrol-
`ler, ASIC or similar processing device that is configured to
`control charging of the user device battery. By way of
`example only,
`the National Semiconductor COP8ACC5
`microcontroller may be used as the processor 146.
`
`[0044] Here, unlike the previous embodiment, the actuator
`124 does not necessarily provide a direct physical on/off
`connection between the battery 142 and the charging con-
`troller 140. Instead, the actuator 124 and the actuator 126 are
`preferably coupled to the processor 146. In this case, the
`processor 146 maycheck the status of the actuator 126 to see
`whetherit is set to automatic mode or manual mode. If set
`to automatic mode, the processor 146 preferably enables
`charging of the user device battery in a conventional manner.
`If the actuator 126 is set to manual mode, the processor 146
`then checks the status of the actuator 124.
`
`In this case, when the actuator 124 is placed in the
`[0045]
`on position, the processor 146 is instructed to enable charg-
`ing of the user device battery with the battery 142. Con-
`versely, when the actuator 124 is placed in the off position,
`then the processor 146 will function as though there is an
`open circuit between it and the battery 142, preventing
`charging of the user device battery.
`[0046] According to one embodimentof the present inven-
`tion, illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the recharging appa-
`ratus 120 may include a display 155. The display 155 may
`be usedto display information relating to, inter alia, remain-
`ing charge of the auxiliary battery 142, remaining charge of
`the user device 110, status of recharging operation of user
`device 110, current time and date, mode settings of the
`apparatus 120, or whether the auxiliary battery 142 is being
`recharged by another power source. The display 155 may be
`a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED),
`plasma, or any other variety of display. Furthermore, the
`display 155 may include a controller for directing the
`functions of the display 155, or it may be controlled by the
`processor 146.
`[0047] As shown in FIG. 9A, the display 155 may be
`poweredbythe auxiliary battery 142 via a direct or indirect
`electrical connection. Because it may be undesirable to
`continually powerthe display 155 with the auxiliary battery
`142, especially when a chargeofthe auxiliary battery 142 is
`running low, the display 155 may be turned off by the user.
`For example, a third actuator 127 may be manipulated by the
`user to open a circuit running from the auxiliary battery 142
`to the display 155, thereby cutting powerto the display 155.
`Alternatively or additionally, the display 155 maybe elec-
`trically connected to the processor 146, and the processor
`146 mayturn off the display 155 at a predetermined time.
`For example, the display 155 may be automatically turned
`off if the charge of the battery supplying its poweris too low
`and falls below a predetermined threshold, such as 25%
`power remaining, 15% power remaining,etc.
`[0048]
`In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9B,
`the display 155 may be powered by a separate display
`battery 160, such as a watch battery. In this regard, the
`display 155 would not drain the power from the auxiliary
`battery 142. However, this display 155 maystill be turned
`off by the user via an actuator or automatically by the
`processor 146. The battery 160 may also be rechargeable as
`with the portable device battery.
`[0049] Operation of the recharging apparatus 120 accord-
`ing to the present embodimentis shownin the flow diagram
`of FIG. 8. Here, the recharging processis initialized at step
`S200. The status of the auto/manual actuator 126 is checked
`at step S202. If the actuator 126 is set to auto mode, the
`process proceeds to step $204, where the mobile device
`battery is recharged by the processor 146 as described
`above. Then, when recharging is complete at step S206, the
`process returns to initialization step S200.
`[0050]
`If the actuator 126 is set to manual mode, then the
`process proceeds to step S208, where the status of the charge
`
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`US 2007/0236180 Al
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`Oct. 11, 2007
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`on/off actuator 124 is checked. A determination is made at
`step S210 as to whetherthe actuator 124 is set to on or off.
`If it is set to on, the process proceeds to step S204, where the
`mobile device battery is recharged. Alternatively,
`if the
`actuator 124 is set to off, the process proceeds to step $212.
`Here, an open circuit condition occurs as described above,
`and no recharging takes place. Step S214 returnsthe process
`to initialization step S200.
`[0051] As discussed above, if the actuator 126 is set to
`automatic mode, it is preferable for the processor 146 to
`enable charging ofthe user device battery. Alternatively, the
`processor 146 may be programmedto enable charging if one
`or more conditions are met. The condition may be a prede-
`termined threshold that may be set by the manufacturer or
`vendor of the recharging apparatus 120. Alternatively, the
`condition(s) mayalso be set by the user. By way of example
`only, the user may program or otherwise instruct the pro-
`cessor 146 to enable charging ofthe user device battery only
`if the user device battery is X percent full, where