Hot-swappable battery retrofit module

Abstract

A retrofit module (400, 1100) electrically connects to a device's battery terminals, where an original main battery (200) would otherwise connect to the device (100), and a hot-swappable battery (600) electrically connects to the retrofit module (400, 1100), thereby retrofitting the device (100) for operation with hot-swappable batteries (600), without shutting down the device (100) to swap the batteries (600). When a charged hot-swappable battery (600) is connected to the retrofit module (400, 1100), the retrofit module (400, 1100) powers the device (100) from the hot-swappable battery (600). The retrofit module (400, 1000) includes a bridge battery (800) and a circuit (804, 808, 900, 904, 1004, 1008, 1010) that charges the bridge battery (800) from the hot-swappable battery (600) and that provides power to the device (100) from the bridge battery (800) while the hot-swappable battery (600) is replaced. The retrofit module (400, 1100) may include a releasable structure (410) that maintains the module (400, 1100) in contact with the device's battery terminals, even after the hot-swappable battery (600) has been removed. The retrofit module (400, 1100) may have a form factor and power supplying terminals (404, 408) similar to those of the main battery that the device (100) is configured to accept.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority in all respects to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 043,098, filed April 7, 2008, entitled "Hot-Swappable Battery Retrofit Module" The entire content of said application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The invention relates to a hot-swappable storage battery circuit, and more particularly to a circuit that can be used to improve equipment that does not have storage battery hot-swappable capability. Background technique [0004] Many test instruments, laptop computers, and other portable electrical and electronic equipment are powered by batteries. Of course, batteries have a limited ability to provide power. After the power is exhausted, the battery must be charged or replaced with a new battery or a recharged battery. to replace. Without some special arrangement for powering the device during the battery change, the device must ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] Unfortunately, equipment that does not include multiple full-size main battery bays or a bridge battery backup circuit and a dedicated bridge battery must be turned off during the replacement of its main battery

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