In an example embodiment, a system includes an inverter configured to operate in at least one of a charging mode or a drive mode, a cascaded direct current (DC)-DC converter, the DC-DC converter including a first portion of the inverter and at least one controller configured to selectively couple the first portion of the inverter to a first portion of the cascaded DC-DC converter during the charging mode, and selectively couple the inverter to a second portion of the cascaded DC-DC converter during the drive mode.

A battery in a mobile phone cover may be selectively charged according to a user-selectable parameter. When charged, the battery in the mobile phone cover may be used to charge a battery in a mobile phone.

A multifunctional charging station is provided. The multifunctional charging station includes a housing, an alarm clock, an AC input connector, an AC output interface, a DC output interface, a luminous display screen, a wireless charging system, a controller and a managing circuit. The multifunctional charging station is configured to optimally supply electrical power to AC and DC electric devices, while wirelessly charging electric devices at the same time, and functions as an alarm clock and lighting system (e.g., a nightlight).

Various embodiments are directed to a powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue. The instrument may comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member may be coupled to move relative to the first jaw member from an open position, where the jaw members are apart from one another, to a closed position. The end effector may also comprise a firing bar positioned to fire by translating within the end effector when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. Additionally, the surgical instrument may comprise a drive device, a clamping trigger and a control circuit. The drive device may be mechanically coupled to the firing bar. The clamping trigger may be mechanically coupled to the end effector such that actuation of the clamping trigger causes the second jaw member to pivot towards the first jaw member. The control circuit may comprise a firing switch, a clamp switch, a latching device and an end-of-stroke sensor. The firing switch may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply for powering the drive device and in electrical communication with the drive device. The clamp switch may be in mechanical communication with the clamping trigger. The latching device may be in electrical communication with the clamp switch, the power supply and the drive device. The end-of-stroke switch may be in electrical communication with the latching device. Additionally, the firing switch may be electrically connected to, upon actuation, connect the power supply to the drive device via a first connection comprising the latching device and the firing switch. Further, the end-of-stroke switch may be electrically connected to, upon sensing an end of a stroke of the firing bar, cause a change in a state of the latching device to break the first connection between the power supply and the drive device.

An apparatus and a method for charge control are provided. The apparatus for charge control may include an integrated direct current-to-direct current (DC/DC) converter configured to step up an output voltage level of a load to be greater than or equal to a supply voltage level set in a power amplifier, and the power amplifier configured to convert a direct current (DC) voltage stepped up by the integrated DC/DC converter into an alternating current (AC) voltage based on a resonant frequency, and to amplify the converted AC voltage. The apparatus for charge control may include a rectification unit configured to convert an AC power received wirelessly into a DC power; and a DC/DC converter configured to step down a voltage level of the DC power to a voltage level required by a load in the receiving mode.

A charger cradle for recharging a rechargeable lighting device is described. The cradle may include two prongs that flex outwards to allow a lighting device to be inserted into the cradle. After the lighting device is fully inserted, the prongs resume a normal position to exert an inward force on the lighting device to secure it in place. The cradle may also include two moveable cradle arms, in lieu of two prongs, to allow a spring mechanism within the device to motivate the moveable cradle arms to grasp a lighting device when the lighting device is inserted into the rechargeable lighting device.

The invention relates to a battery cell unit (10) which comprises a rechargeable electrochemical battery cell (11), a monitoring-and-control unit (12) connected in parallel to said battery cell (11), and a coupling unit in the form of a half bridge (14) comprising a first power semi-conductor (15) and a second power semi-conductor (16). Said battery cell unit (10) is equipped with an integrated circuit (20) that has a noise source (21). A switch-on delay can be achieved by means of said noise source (21). The invention also relates to a switching method for a battery system which comprises a plurality of intrinsically-safe battery cell units (10).

A telescopically-extendable handle and rechargeable power supply assembly for mounting in a piece of luggage. The assembly includes a pair of spaced apart guide tubes supporting a pair of telescopically-extendable rods joined to a handle structure. A base housing component is mounted in an aperture formed in the luggage, and has a top surface. A battery module casing is mounted to and beneath the base housing component, and disposed substantially in the same plane as and between the pair of spaced apart guide tubes. A rechargeable DC battery power module is contained in the battery module casing, and provides a DC battery recharging port and a set of DC power supplying ports. Each such port is directly accessible through the top surface of the base housing component. A power port cover panel is hinged to the base housing component and has a closed configuration and an open configuration.

A control circuit is provided, including first and second terminals for connection to an electrical network; a current transmission path extending between the first and second terminals, the current transmission path including first and second current transmission path portions, the first and second current transmission path portions being arranged to permit a current flowing, in use, between the first and second terminals and through the first current transmission path portion to bypass the second current transmission path portion and to permit a current flowing, in use, between the first and second terminals and through the second current transmission path portion to bypass the first current transmission path portion; and a controller configured to selectively remove the or each energy storage device from the respective current transmission path portion to cause current to flow from the electrical network through the current transmission path and the or each energy conversion element.

An electric power control system for controlling supply and consumption of electric power in a system power supply, a storage battery and an electric power load, said electric power control system including: an estimated value correction unit configured to obtain a difference between a past power control estimated value and a past actual performance value, and to shift a power control estimated value obtained as a result of estimation in a predetermined period to an extent corresponding to said difference, thereby correcting the power control estimated value, wherein said past power control estimated value is a value obtained as a result of estimation performed in a past time relative to said predetermined period, and said past actual performance value is a value obtained as an actual result in the past time; and a power control unit configured to control supply and consumption of electric power in the system power supply, the storage battery, and the electric power load, based on the power control estimated value corrected by the estimated value correction unit.