RECHARGEABLE BATTERY JUMP STARTING DEVICE WITH DEPLETED OR DISCHARGED BATTERY PRE-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Abstract

A rechargeable battery jump starting device with a discharged battery pre-conditioning system to facilitate boosting the discharged battery to jump start a vehicle or equipment engine. The pre-conditioning increases the operating voltage to the discharged battery during the pre-conditioning phase.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A rechargeable battery jump starting device, comprising: a first 12V battery; a second 12V battery; a supplemental power supply; a first switching circuit electrically coupled to the first and second 12V batteries and configured to select the first 12V battery and/or the second 12V battery to provide either a 12V operating voltage or a 24V operating voltage; and a second switching circuit for switching in the supplemental power supply with the first 12V battery and/or the second 12V battery for increasing the 12V operating voltage or the 24V operating voltage for jump starting a depleted or discharged vehicle battery.

16. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 15, wherein the supplemental power supply is a 4V battery.

17. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 16, wherein the supplemental power supply increases the 12V operating voltage to 16V or the 24V operating voltage to 28V for jump starting the depleted or discharged vehicle battery.

18. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 15, wherein the first switching circuit comprises an electrical control switch electrically connected to the first 12V battery and the second 12V battery, the electrical control switch having a series switch position for connecting the first 12V battery and the second 12V battery in series to provide the 24V operating voltage.

19. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 18, wherein the electrical control switch further includes a parallel switch position for connecting the first 12V battery and the second 12V battery in parallel to provide the 12V operating voltage.

20. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 15, wherein the second switching circuit is configured to automatically switch in the supplemental power supply prior to jump starting the depleted or discharged vehicle battery.

21. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 15, further comprising: a battery connection device for connecting the rechargeable battery jump starting device to the depleted or discharged battery.

22. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 21, wherein the battery connection device is configured for connecting the jump starting device to a positive terminal and negative terminal of the depleted or discharged battery.

23. The rechargeable battery jump starting device of claim 15, wherein the second switching circuit is configured for selectively switching in and out the supplemental power supply during a pre-conditioning stage of boosting the depleted or discharged vehicle battery.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0325] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a battery jump starting device according to the present invention.

[0326] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a battery jump starting device shown in FIG.

[0327] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG.

[0328] FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1.

[0329] FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the battery jump staring device shown in FIG. 1.

[0330] FIG. 6 is a top planar view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1.

[0331] FIG. 7 is a bottom planar view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1.

[0332] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with detachable battery cables attached to the battery jump starting device.

[0333] FIG. 9 is a top view of the layout of interior components of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 having detachable battery cables.

[0334] FIG. 10 is a top view of the layout of interior components of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 having non-detachable battery cables.

[0335] FIG. 11 is a top view of the connection ends of the detachable battery cables shown in FIG. 9.

[0336] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the control switch installed on the front of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1.

[0337] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the switch plate of the control switch shown in FIG. 12 operable between a first position and second position.

[0338] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the switch plate shown in FIG. 13.

[0339] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the control switch shown in FIG. 12.

[0340] FIG. 16 is a rear and left side perspective view of a second embodiment of the battery jump starting device according to the present invention with the cover removed.

[0341] FIG. 17 is a front and left side perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0342] FIG. 18 is a rear and right side perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0343] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0344] FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0345] FIG. 21 is a top planar view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0346] FIG. 22 is a bottom planar view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0347] FIG. 23 is a left side elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0348] FIG. 24 is a right side elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0349] FIG. 25 is a front and top perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed.

[0350] FIG. 26 is a disassembled front perspective view of a third embodiment of the battery jump starting device according to the present invention with the cover removed.

[0351] FIG. 27 is a disassembled partial front perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26 with the cover removed.

[0352] FIG. 28 is a disassembled partial right side perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26 with the cover removed.

[0353] FIG. 29 is a partial rear perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26 with the cover removed.

[0354] FIG. 30 is a partial rear perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26 with the cover removed.

[0355] FIG. 31 is a disassembled partial left side perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26 with the cover removed.

[0356] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the cam-lock connecting device according to the present invention for use, for example, with the battery jump starting device according to the present invention shown with the male cam-lock end disconnected from the female cam-lock end.

[0357] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32 with the male cam-lock end partially connected to the female cam-lock end.

[0358] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the male cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0359] FIG. 35 is a disassembled perspective view of the male cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0360] FIG. 36 is a partially assembled perspective view of the male cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0361] FIG. 37 is a partially assembled perspective view of the male cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0362] FIG. 38 is a fully assembled perspective view of the male cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0363] FIG. 39 is a partially assembled perspective view of the male cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0364] FIG. 40 is a disassembled perspective end view of the female cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0365] FIG. 41 is a disassembled perspective end view of the female cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0366] FIG. 42 is a disassembled perspective end view of the female cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0367] FIG. 43 is a partially assembled perspective end view of the female cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0368] FIG. 44 is an assembled perspective end view of the female cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32.

[0369] FIG. 45 is an assembled perspective end view of the female cam-lock end of the cam-lock connecting device shown in FIG. 32 along with a bolt for connecting to conductor such as a highly conductive frame of the battery jump starting device according to the present invention.

[0370] FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 16 with the cover removed showing the master control switch and interface backlight system according to the present invention.

[0371] FIG. 47 is a partial front perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 16 with the backlight of the control knob of the control switch for 12V turned “on.”

[0372] FIG. 48 is a partial front perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 16 with the backlight of the control knob of the control switch for 12V turned “off.”

[0373] FIG. 49 is a partial front perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 16 with the backlight of the control knob of the control switch for 12V turned “on”, the backlight indicator for 12V on the interface turned “on”, the variable backlight indicator on the indicator showing 12.7V turned “on”, and the backlight for power “on.”

[0374] FIG. 50 is a partial front perspective view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 16 with the backlight of the control knob of the control switch for 24V turned “on.”

[0375] FIG. 51 is a block diagram showing the 12V or 24V jump starting operational modes.

[0376] FIG. 52 is a block diagram showing the electrical optical position sensing system according to the present invention.

[0377] FIG. 53 is an electrical schematic diagram of the 12V/24V master switch read.

[0378] FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic view showing a single connection or dual connection arrangement of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26.

[0379] FIG. 55 is a rear elevational view of the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26, with the cover removed, showing the dual battery diode bridge according to the present invention.

[0380] FIG. 56 is a front perspective view of the highly conductive frame according to the present invention used in the battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26.

[0381] FIG. 57 is a front elevational view of the highly conductive frame shown in FIG. 56.

[0382] FIG. 58 is a rear elevational view of the highly conductive frame shown in FIG. 56.

[0383] FIG. 59 is a top planar view of the highly conductive frame shown in FIG. 56.

[0384] FIG. 60 is a bottom planar view of the highly conductive frame shown in FIG. 56.

[0385] FIG. 61 is a left side elevational view of the highly conductive frame shown in FIG. 56.

[0386] FIG. 62 is a right side elevational view of the highly conductive frame shown in FIG. 56.

[0387] FIG. 63 is a top planar view of an assembled Li-ion battery assembly according to the present invention.

[0388] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the Li-ion battery assembly shown in FIG. 63 with the covering removed.

[0389] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the Li-ion battery assembly shown in FIG. 63 with the covering removed.

[0390] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the Li-ion battery assembly shown in FIG. 63 with the covering removed.

[0391] FIG. 67 is a functional block diagram of the rechargeable battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26.

[0392] FIGS. 68A-1 thru 68F-3 show schematic circuit diagrams of the rechargeable battery jump starting device shown in FIG. 26.

[0393] FIG. 69 is a detailed front view of an example embodiment of a display for use with the rechargeable jump starting devices shown in FIGS. 10, 110, and 310.

[0394] FIG. 70 is an electrical schematic diagram of the leapfrog charging system.

[0395] FIG. 71 is another electrical schematic diagram of the leapfrog charging system.

[0396] FIG. 72 is an electrical schematic diagram of the improved battery detection system.

[0397] FIG. 73 is a functional block diagram of a handheld vehicle battery boost apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0398] FIGS. 74A-2C are schematic circuit diagrams of an example embodiment of a handheld vehicle battery boost apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

[0399] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a handheld jump starter booster device in accordance with one example embodiment of the invention; and

[0400] FIG. 76 is a plan view of a jumper cable usable with the handheld jump starter booster device in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

[0401] FIG. 77 is a pre-conditioning schematic circuit diagram that can optionally be added to the portable or handheld vehicle battery boost apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0402] FIG. 78 is a controlled impedance schematic circuit diagram that can optionally be added to the portable or handheld vehicle battery boost apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0403] The battery jump starting device 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-8.

[0404] The battery jump starting device 10 comprises a cover 12 fitted with a handle 14, and having the particular design shown in FIGS. 1-8.

[0405] The battery jump starting device 10 comprises a front interface 16, a power button 16a for turning the power on or off, and an electrical control switch 18 having a control knob 18a for operating the control switch 18. The main operational portion of the control switch 18 is located internally within the cover 12. The control switch 18 is configured so that a user can selectively rotate the control knob 18a to either a first position (12V mode) or a second position (24V mode) depending on the particular voltage system of the vehicle being jump started (e.g. 12V, 24V vehicle electrical system).

[0406] The detailed features of the interface 16 are shown in FIG. 69. The interface 16, includes: [0407] 1) Power Button 16a; [0408] 2) Power LED 16b (e.g. White colored LED); [0409] 3) 12V Mode LED 16c (e.g. White colored LED); [0410] 4) 24V Mode LED 16d at same location as 16c (e.g. Blue colored LED); [0411] 5) Error LED 16e (e.g. Red colored LED); [0412] 6) Cold Error LED 16f (e.g. Blue colored LED); [0413] 7) Hot Error LED 16g (e.g. Red colored LED); [0414] 8) Internal Battery Fuel Gauge LEDs 16h (e.g. Red, Red, Amber, Green colored LEDs); [0415] 9) Flashlight Mode Button 16i; [0416] 10) Flashlight LED 16j (e.g. White colored LED); [0417] 11) 12V IN LED 16k (e.g. White/Red colored LED); [0418] 12) 12V OUT LED 161 (e.g. White/Red colored LED); [0419] 13) USB OUT LED 16m (e.g. White colored LED); [0420] 14) Manual Override Button 16n: [0421] 15) Manual Override LED 16o (e.g. Red colored LED): [0422] 16) Voltmeter Display LED 16p (e.g. White colored LED); [0423] 17) 12V Mode LED 16q (e.g. White colored LED); [0424] 18) 24V Mode LED 16r (e.g. Blue colored LED); and [0425] 19) Boost LED 16s (e.g. White colored LED).

[0426] The above features can be modified with different colored LEDs and/or other arrangements on the face of the interface 16.

[0427] The battery jump starting device 10 further comprises a port 20 having left side port 20a and right side port 20b, as shown in FIG. 2. The port 20 is configured to extend through a through hole 16t located in the lower right corner of the interface 16. The left side port 20a accommodates dual 2.1 amp (A) USB OUT ports 20c, 20d and the right side port 20b accommodates an 18A 12V XGC OUT port 20e and a 5 A 12V XGC IN port 20f, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0428] The cover 12 is provided with the resilient sealing cap 22, including left side sealing cap 22a for sealing left side port 20a and right side sealing cap 22b for sealing right side port 20b during non-use of the battery jump starting device 10.

[0429] The left side of the battery jump starting device 10 is also fitted with a pair of light emitting diodes 28 (LEDS) for using the battery jump starting device 10 as a work light. For example, the LEDs 28 are dual 1100 Lumen high-intensity LED floodlights), as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 8. The LEDs 28 are configured to have seven (7) operational modes, including 100% intensity, 50% intensity, 10% intensity, SOS mode (emergency protocol), blink mode, strobe mode, and Off mode.

[0430] The left side of the battery jump starting device 10 is fitted with a heat sink 29 (FIG. 1) for dissipating heat from the LEDs 28. For example, the heat sink 29 is made of a heat conductive material (e.g. molded or die cast aluminum heat sink). The heat sink 29 is provided with ribs 29a (FIG. 1) to facilitate the heat sink 29 transferring heat to the surrounding atmosphere to prevent the LEDs 28 from overheating.

[0431] The battery jump starting device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 without battery cables having battery clamps for connecting the battery jump starting device 10 to a battery of a vehicle to be jump started. The battery jump starting device can be configured to removably or detachably connect to a set of battery cables each having a battery clamps (e.g. positive battery cable with a positive clamp, negative battery cable with a negative clamp). Alternatively, the battery jump starting device can be fitted with battery cables hard wired directly to the device and being non-removable or non-detachable.

[0432] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the left side of the battery jump starting device 10 is provided with a POSITIVE (+) cam-lock 24a and a NEGATIVE (−) cam-lock 24b. The cam-locks 24a, 24b include receptacles 25a, 25b (FIG. 4) configured for removably or detachably connecting with connecting end 56a (FIG. 11) of the positive battery cable 56 (FIG. 8) and the connecting end 58a of negative battery cable 58, respectively. The cam-locks 24a, 24b are fitted with sealing caps 26 (FIG. 1) for closing and sealing the receptacles 25a, 25b of the cam-locks 24a, 24b, respectively, during non-use of the battery jump starting device 10 to keep dirt and moisture from entering the receptacles 25a, 25b.

[0433] The power circuit 30 of the battery jump starting device 10 is shown in FIG. 9.

[0434] The power circuit 30 comprises two (2) separate rechargeable Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries 32 (e.g. two (2) 12V Li-ion batteries) connected to the control switch 18 via a pair of cables 34, 36 (e.g. insulated electrical copper cables), respectively.

[0435] The power circuit 30 further comprises a reverse current diode array 48 (i.e. a reverse flow protection device or back-charge diode array) connected to the control switch via the cable 40 and the right side battery 32 via cable 44.

[0436] The power circuit 30 even further comprises a smart switch 50 (e.g. 500 A solenoid device) connected to the control switch 18 via cable 42 and the left side battery 32 via cable 46.

[0437] The positive battery cable 56 having a positive battery clamp 60 is removably or detachably connected to the positive cam-lock 24a (FIG. 9), which is connected to the reverse current diode array 48 via cable section 52.

[0438] The negative battery cable 58 having a negative battery clamp 62 is detachably connected to the negative cam-lock 24b (FIG. 9), which is connected to the smart switch 50 via cable section 54.

[0439] In the above described first embodiment of the power circuit 30, the electrical components of the power circuit 30 are connected together via cables (e.g. heavy gauge flexible insulated copper cables). The ends of cables are soldered and/or mechanically fastened to the respective electrical components to provide highly conductive electrical connections between all the electrical components.

[0440] In a modified first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the battery cables 56, 58 are directly hard wired to the reverse current diode array 48 and smart switch 50, respectively, eliminating the cam-locks 24a, 24b, so that the battery cables 56, 58 are no longer removable or detachable.

[0441] The cables 56, 58 shown in FIG. 9 are configured to cooperate with the cam-locks 24a, 24b. For example, the cables 56, 58 are provided with cable ends 56a, 58a (e.g. insulation removed) for fitting into the receptacles 25a, 25b of the cam-locks 24a, 24b.

[0442] In a second embodiment of the rechargeable jump starting device 110 and power circuit 130 to be described below, the cables 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46 (FIG. 9) of the first embodiment of the rechargeable jump starting device 10 located between the Li-ion batteries 32 and the reverse current diode array 48 and smart switch 50, respectively, and the cables 52 and 54 between the reverse current diode array 48 and the smart switch 50, respectively, are replaced with a highly electrically conductive rigid frame 170 (FIG. 16). For example, the highly electrically conductive frame 170 of the second embodiment of the rechargeable jump starting device 110 (FIG. 16) comprises frame members 170 a-h shown in FIGS. 16-25. Another highly electrically conductive frame 370 of the third embodiment of the rechargeable jump starting device 310 (FIG. 26) comprises frame members 370a-h shown in FIGS. 56-62.

Control Switch

[0443] The control switch 18 is shown in FIGS. 12-15. The control switch 18 comprises the following: [0444] 1) control knob 18a; [0445] 2) front housing 72; [0446] 3) rear housing 74; [0447] 4) rotor 76 having a collar 76a, legs 76b, and legs 76c; [0448] 5) springs 78; [0449] 6) pivoting contact 80 each having two (2) points of contact (e.g. slots 80c); [0450] 7) separate terminals 82, 84, 86, 88; [0451] 8) connected terminals 90, 92; [0452] 9) conductive bar 94 [0453] 10) O-ring 96; [0454] 11) O-ring 98; and [0455] 12) O-ring 100.

[0456] The control knob 18a comprises rear extension portions 18b, 18c. The extension portion 18c has a T-shaped cross section to connect into a T-shaped recess 76e (FIG. 12) in rotor 76 when assembled. The rotor 76 is provided with a flange 76a configured to accommodate the rear extension portion 18b (e.g. round cross-section) therein.

[0457] The pair of legs 76c (e.g. U-shaped legs) of the rotor 76 partially accommodate the springs 78, respectively, and the springs 78 apply force against the pivoting contacts 80 to maintain same is highly conductive contact with the selected contacts 82b-92c of the terminals 82-92.

[0458] The pivoting contacts 80 each have a pivoting contact plate 80a having a centered slot 80b configured to accommodate an end of each leg 76b of the rotor 76. When the rotor 76 is turned, each leg 76b actuates and pivots each pivoting contact plate 80a.

[0459] Further, the pivoting contact plates 80a each having a pair of spaced apart through holes 80c (e.g. oval-shaped through holes) serving as two (s) points of contact with selected contacts 82c-92c of the terminals 82-92.

[0460] The terminals 82-92 have threaded posts 82a-92a, spacer plates 82b-92b, and conductive bar 94, respectively, configured so that the contacts 82c-92c are all located in the same plane (i.e. plane transverse to longitudinal axis of the control switch 18) to allow selective pivoting movement of the pivoting contacts 80. The threaded posts 82a-92a of the terminals 82-92 are inserted through the through holes 74a, respectively, of the rear housing 74.

[0461] The O-rings 96, 98, 100, as shown in FIG. 12, seal the separate the various components of the control switch 18 as shown. After assembly of the control switch 18, a set of screws 75 connect with anchors 74b of the rear housing 74 to secure the front housing 72 to the rear housing 74 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0462] The control switch 18 is a 12V/24V selective type switch as shown in FIG. 13. The configuration of the pivoting contacts 80 in the first position or Position 1 (i.e. Parallel position) is shown on the left side of FIG. 13, and the second position or Position 2 (i.e. Series position) is shown on the right side of FIG. 13.

[0463] The rear side of the control switch 18 is shown in FIG. 14. Another highly conductive bar 94 is provided on the rear outer surface of the rear housing 74. The fully assembled control switch 18 is shown in FIG. 15.

[0464] The second embodiment of the battery jump starting device 110 is shown in FIGS. 16-25 with the cover 112 removed. The cover for the battery jump starting device 110, for example, is the same as the cover 12 of the battery jump starting device 10 shown in FIG. 1-8.

[0465] In the second embodiment of the battery jump starting device 110 (FIGS. 16-25) compared to the battery jump starting device 10 (FIGS. 1-8), the cable sections 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46 (FIG. 9) in the first embodiment are replaced with a highly conductive frame 170. The highly conductive frame 170 is constructed of highly conductive metal (e.g. copper, aluminum) frame members 170a-h configured as conductive metal rods having flattened ends connected together.

[0466] The battery jump starting device 110 comprises a pair of 12V Li-ion batteries 132 directly connected to the highly conductive rigid frame 170. Specifically, terminals 132a, 132b (e.g. highly conductive bars of copper or aluminum) of the Li-ion batteries are mechanically connected and/or soldered to the positive and negative tabs or foils, respectively, of the battery cells and then connected to the highly conductive rigid frame 170 by highly conductive fasteners 206 comprising a bolt 206a and nut 206b and/or soldering.

[0467] The highly conductive rigid frame 170 is constructed of multiple highly conductive rigid frame members 170a-h connected together by mechanical fasteners (e.g. metal nut and/or bolt fasteners) and/or soldering. For example, the highly conductive rigid frame members are made of highly conductive rigid metal rods having flattened ends with through holes. Alternatively, the highly conductive rigid metal rods can be replaced with highly conductive rigid metal plates, bars, tubing, or other suitably configured highly conductive metal material (e.g. copper or aluminum stock material). The highly conductive rigid frame members 170a-h can also be insulated (e.g. covered with heat shrink insulation) in at least the key areas to prevent any internal short circuiting.

[0468] The highly conductive rigid frame members 170a-h shown in FIGS. 16-25 are metal rods having flattened end portions (e.g. flattened using a hydraulic or mechanical press). The flattened end portions each have a through hole to provide a mechanical connection between adjoining highly conductive rigid frame members 170a-h and/or electrical components (e.g. battery 132, smart switch 150). The flattened end portions of adjoining highly conductive rigid frame members 170a-h are overlapped when being assembled together, and then a bolt is inserted through the overlapped through holes. A highly conductive nut is threaded onto the bolt fastener (e.g. copper or aluminum bolt and nut) and tightened. In the case of attaching a highly conductive rigid frame member 170a-h to an electrical component, the electrical component can be provided with a highly conductive plate base portion having a through hole for attachment to the frame member 170a-h. In addition, the end of the highly conductive rigid frame member 170a-h can be provided with a base portion (e.g. plate or bar portion) configured for connecting with or being a portion or part of one or more electrical components.

[0469] For example, the reverse flow diode assembly 148 is constructed of three (3) base portions of three (3) highly conductive frame members 170d, 170e, 170f of the highly conductive rigid frame 170, including: [0470] 1) an upper highly conductive rigid bar 148a (FIG. 16) is a flattened end portion of the highly conductive frame member 170e also having an opposite flattened end portion 148ea connected to the flattened end portion 132aa of the battery terminal 132a using a highly conductive fastener 206 (e.g. made of copper or aluminum) having a highly conductive bolt 206a and highly conductive nut 206b; [0471] 2) a lower highly conductive rigid bar 148b (FIG. 16) is a flattened end portion of highly conductive rigid frame member 170d; and [0472] 3) a center highly conductive rigid bar 148c (FIG. 16) is a flattened end portion of the highly conductive rigid frame member 1170f.

[0473] As another example, the smart switch 150 (FIG. 16) comprises a highly conductive rigid plate 150a serving as a base portion supporting the solenoid 150b. The highly conductive rigid plate 150a is provided with through holes for connecting highly conductive rigid frame members 170a, 170h to the smart switch 150 using highly conductive fasteners 206.

[0474] The stock material (e.g. copper or aluminum rod, plate, bar, tubing) selected for construction of the highly conductive rigid frame 170 has substantial gauge to provide high conductivity and substantial rigidity. The “rigid” nature of the highly conductive rigid frame 170 provides the advantage that the highly conductive rigid frame 170 remains structurally stiff and stable during storage and use of the battery jump starting device 110.

[0475] For example, the highly conductive rigid frame 170 is designed and constructed to sufficiently prevent flexing, movement, bending and/or displacement of the highly conductive rigid frame 170 during storage or use so as to prevent electrical shortages of the highly conductive rigid frame touching other internal electrical components or parts of the electronic assembly. This “rigid” nature is important due to the high conductivity path of electrical power from the Li-ion batteries 132 flowing through the power circuit and reaching the battery clamps 60, 62 (FIG. 9). It is a desired goal and feature of the present invention to conduct as much power as possible from the Li-ion batteries 132 to the battery being jump started by the battery jump starting device 110 by reducing or minimizing any electrical resistance by using the heavy duty and highly conductive rigid frame 170 arrangement disclosed.

[0476] As an alternative, the highly conductive rigid frame 170 can be constructed as a single piece having no mechanically fastened joints. For example, the highly conductive rigid frame 170 can be made from a single piece of stock material and then formed, bent, machined, or manufactured into the highly conductive rigid frame 170. For example, a billet of highly conductive copper can be machined (e.g. milled, lathed, drilled) into the highly conductive rigid frame 170. As another example, a copper sheet or plate can be bent and/or machined into the highly conductive rigid frame 170. As a further alternative, the highly conductive rigid frame 170 can be metal molded (e.g. loss wax process).

[0477] As another alternative, the highly conductive rigid frame 170 is made of multiple highly conductive rigid frame members 170a-h connected together into a unitary structure. For example, the highly conductive rigid frame 170 is made of highly conductive sections of stock material (e.g. copper or aluminum rod, plate, bar, tubing), which are extruded, machined and/or bent, and soldered and/or welded together.

[0478] The battery jump starting device 110 further comprises a resistor array 202 (e.g. 12 V 5A XGC) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) 202a serving as a base supporting an array of individual resistors 202b, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. The PCB 202a also supports the dual 2.1 amp (A) USB OUT ports 120c, 120d, the 18A 12V XGC OUT port 20e, and the 5A 12V XGC IN port 20e.

[0479] The left side of the battery jump starting device 110 is also fitted with a pair of light emitting diodes 128 (LEDS) for using the battery jump starting device 110 as a work light. For example, the LEDs 128 are dual 1100 Lumen high-intensity LED floodlights), as shown in FIG. 16. The LEDs 128 are configured to have seven (7) operational modes, including 100% intensity, 50% intensity, 10% intensity, SOS (emergency protocol), Blink, Strobe, and Off.

[0480] The battery jump starting device 110 is fitted with a heat sink 129 (FIG. 16) for dissipating heat from the LEDs 128. For example, the heat sink 129 is made of a heat conductive material (e.g. molded or die cast metal plate). The heat sink 129 is provided with ribs 129a transferring heat to the surrounding atmosphere to prevent the LEDs 128 from overheating.

[0481] The battery jump starting device 110 is shown in FIG. 16 without any battery cables having battery clamps for connecting the battery jump starting device 110 to a battery of a vehicle to be jump started. The battery jump starting device can be configured to removably or detachably connect to a set of battery cables having battery clamps (e.g. positive battery cable with a positive clamp, negative battery cable with a negative clamp). For example, see the detachable battery cables 56, 58 and battery clamps 60, 62 in FIG. 9, which can be detachably connected to the cam-locks 124a, 124b of the battery jump starting device 110. Alternatively, the battery jump starting device 110 can be fitted with battery cables hard wired to the device and non-removable or non-detachable the same or similar to those shown in FIG. 10.

[0482] For example, the left side of the battery jump starting device 110 is provided with POSITIVE (+) cam-lock 124a and NEGATIVE (−) cam-lock 124b, as shown in FIG. 16. The cam-locks 124a, 124b include receptacles 125a, 125b configured for detachably connecting with connecting end 56a (FIG. 11) of the positive battery cable 56 and the connecting end 58a of negative battery cable 58, respectively. The cam-locks 124a, 124b can be fitted with sealing caps the same or similar to the sealing caps 26 (FIG. 1) for closing and sealing the receptacles 125a, 125b of the cam-locks 124a, 124b, respectively, during non-use of the battery jump starting device 110.

[0483] A third embodiment of the battery jump starting device 210 is shown in FIGS. 26-31. In this embodiment, the highly conductive rigid frame 270 is made from flat copper bar stock material having a rectangular-shaped cross-sectional profile. The flat copper bar is bent to at least partially wrap around and envelop the Li-ion batteries.

[0484] Further, the battery jump starting device 210 comprises a main printed circuit board 208 serving as a base for LEDs for the control knob 218a and interface 216, and for supporting other electrical components of the battery jump starting device 210.

Cam-Lock Connectors

[0485] Again, the battery cables 56, 58 (FIG. 9) can be detachably connected to the battery jump starting device 10 via cam-locks 24a, 24b (FIG. 1) or cam-locks 124a, 124b (FIG. 16).

[0486] The cam-locks 24a, 124a, 24b, 124b and cables 56, 58 (FIG. 9) having conductive ends 56a, 56b (FIG. 11) can each have the construction of the cam-lock connector 27, as shown in FIGS. 32-45.

[0487] The cam-lock connector 27 can be used for other applications for detachably connecting a conductive electrical cable to an electronic device other than the battery jump starting device according to the present invention.

[0488] The cam-lock connector 27 comprises a male cam-lock end 27a and a female cam-lock end 27b for detachable connecting the battery cables 56, 58 (FIG. 10), respectively, to the battery jump starting device 10.

[0489] The male cam-lock end 27a comprises a pin 27aa having a tooth 27ab. The female cam-lock end 27b comprises a receptacle 27ba having a slot 27bb together located in a hex portion 27bc. The receptacle 27ba is configured to accommodate the pin 27aa and tooth 27ab of the male cam-lock end 27a. Specifically, the pin 27aa and tooth 27ab of the male cam-lock end 27a can be inserted (FIG. 33) into the receptacle 27ba and slot 27bb a fixed distance until the tooth 27ab contacts an interior surface of the internal thread of the female cam-lock 27b to be described below. The male cam-lock end 27a can be rotated (e.g. clockwise) to tighten within the female cam-lock end 27b until the end face portion 27ac of the male cam-lock end 27a engages with the end face portion 27bc of the female cam-lock end 27b. The more the cam-lock 24 is tightened, the better the electrical connection is between the male cam-lock end 27a and the female cam-lock end 27b.

[0490] The male cam-lock end 27a is fitted with a rubber molded cover 31, as shown in FIG. 34, to insulate and improve the grip on the male cam-lock end 27a. The highly conductive cable 33 is electrically and mechanically connected to the male cam-lock end 27a, and is fitted through a passageway in the rubber molded cover 31.

[0491] The assembly of the male cam-lock 27a is shown in FIG. 35. The male cam-lock 27a is provided with a thread hole 37 for accommodating Allen head fastener 39. The one end of the male cam-lock 27a is provided with a receptacle 27ad for accommodating the copper sleeve 41 fitted onto the end of the inner conductor 56a of the battery cable 56. The copper sleeve 41 is soldered onto the inner conductor 56a using solder 43.

[0492] The copper sleeve 41 is fitted into the receptacle 27ad of the male cam-lock end 27a, as shown in FIG. 36. When the copper sleeve 41 is fully inserted into the receptacle 27 of the male cam-lock end 27a, as shown in FIG. 36, then the Allen head fastener is threaded into the threaded hole 37 and tightened, as shown in FIG. 37.

[0493] It is noted that the inner end of the Allen head fastener makes an indent 45 when sufficiently tightened to firmly anchor the copper sleeve 41 and inner conductor 56a of the battery cable 56 to mechanically and electrically connect the cable 56 to the male cam-lock end 27a.

[0494] The rubber molded cover 31 is provided with one or more inwardly extending protrusions 31a cooperating with one or more slots 27ae in an outer surface of the male cam-lock end 27a (FIG. 38).

[0495] Again, the male cam-lock end 27a and the female cam-lock end 27b are configured so as to tighten together when rotating the male cam-lock end 27a when inserted within the female cam-lock end 27b.

[0496] The female cam-lock end 27b, as shown in FIG. 40, is provided with the receptacle 27ba and slot 27bb for accommodating the end of the male cam-lock end 27a. The slot 27bb is provided with a surface 27bba serving as a stop for the tooth 27ab of the male cam-lock end 27a. The receptacle 27ba is provided with inner threading 27baa for cooperating with the tooth 27ab of the male cam-lock end 27a to provide a threaded connection therebetween. Specifically, the tooth 27ab engages with the surface 27bba and is stopped from being further inserted into the receptacle 27ba of the female cam-lock end 27b. When the male cam-lock end 27a is rotated, the tooth 27ab engages and cooperates with the inner threading 27baa of the receptacle 27ba of the female cam-lock end 27b to begin tightening the male cam-lock end 27a within the female cam-lock end 27b with the tooth 27ab riding against an edge of the inner thread 27baa. The male cam-lock end 27a is further rotated to further tighten the connection with the female cam-lock end 27b. When the face 27ac (FIG. 32) of the male cam-lock end 27a engages with the face 27bd of the female cam-lock end 27b, then the cam-locks ends 27a, 27b are fully engage and rotation is stopped.

[0497] The female cam-lock end 27b is accommodated with a rubber molded cover 51 having cover portions 51a, 51b, as shown in FIGS. 42-45

[0498] The female cam-lock end 27b (FIGS. 40 and 41) is provided with inner threading 27bf (FIG. 40) to accommodate the bolt 47 and lock washer 49 (FIG. 41) for connecting the female cam-lock end 27b to the battery jump starting device 10 (e.g. connects to base plate for smart switch 50 (FIG. 9)).

[0499] The female cam-lock end 27b is accommodated within the molded rubber cover portions 51a, 51b, as shown in FIGS. 41-43. The molded rubber cover portions 51a, 51b are fitted onto the threaded portion 27be of the female cam-lock end 27b (FIGS. 43-45), and then secured in place using nut 53 and lock washer 55. The molded rubber cover portion 51a includes an outwardly extending protrusion 51aa.

Electrical Control Switch Backlight System

[0500] The battery jump charging device 110 can be provided with an electrical control switch backlight system 111, as shown in FIGS. 46-50.

[0501] The electrical control switch backlight system 111, for example, comprises control switch 118 having the control knob 118a, the interface 116 (e.g. with black colored membrane label), and the main printed circuit board 408 (FIG. 26).

[0502] The control knob 118a comprises the finger grip 118b and light window 118c. For example, the control knob 118a is made of plastic (e.g. black colored injection molded plastic part). For example, the control knob 118a is mainly made of a colored (e.g. black colored) opaque plastic material selected to prevent the transmission of light through the control knob 118a, and provided with the light window 118c (e.g. a slot filled with light transmitting plastic such as clear plastic material or see through plastic material). For example, the light window 118c is insert molded with a clear or see through insert part). The light window 118c allows light from the backlight LEDs 408a or 408b mounted on the printed circuit board 408 (FIG. 26) to pass through light windows in the interface 116 and then the light window 118c of the control knob 118a. The LEDs 408a or 408b are selectively lite up when the power button 16a (FIG. 69) on the interface 16 (116) is turned on (e.g. touch power switch) selectively lighting up the LEDs 408a or 408b. Alternatively, the light window 118c can be an open slot (i.e. void) in the control knob 118a serving as the light window 118c.

[0503] The control switch 118 is rotatable between a first position (Position 1) for a 12V mode of operation of the battery jump starting device 110 and a second position (Position 2) for a 24V mode of operation of the battery jump starting device 110.

[0504] The interface 16 (116) is provided with a 12V backlight indicator 16c (FIG. 69), a 24V backlight indicator 16d (FIG. 69), and an operating voltage display 16p for indicating the actual or real time operating voltage of the battery jump charging device 10 (110), and a power “on” indicator 16a (FIG. 69).

[0505] The electrical control switch backlight system 111 (FIGS. 46-50) is configured to turn on the LEDs 408a (e.g. white LEDs) mounted on the printed circuit board 408 (FIG. 26) when the control switch 118 is located at Position 1 for the 12V mode of operation of the battery jump starting device 110, and turn on the LEDs 408b (e.g. blue LEDs) mounted on the printed circuit board 408 when the control switch 118 is located at Position 2 for the 24V mode of operation of the battery jump starting device 110. As show in FIGS. 46-50, the light window 118c is provided in the control knob 118a and lights up along with 12V backlight indicators on the interface 116 when the control knob 118 is in Position 1. The 24V backlight indicator lights up when the control knob 118a is in Position 2.

[0506] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 comprises the cover 112 and the interface 116 mounted on the cover. A power source for the electrical switch backlight system is disposed within the cover 112. For example, the power source is one or both of the Li-ion batteries 332 (FIG. 26).

[0507] The printed circuit board 408 (FIG. 26) is provided with the backlights 408a, 408b located at different positions on the printed circuit board 408 (FIG. 26) and at different positions on the interface 116 (FIG. 49). The backlights 408a, 408b are selectively powered by the power source.

[0508] The electrical control switch 118 is mounted on the interface 116. The electrical control switch 118 is rotatable between different positions on the interface 116 (e.g. 12V position and 24V position).

[0509] The control knob 118a is mounted on the electrical control switch 118, and the control knob 118a is rotatable between the different positions on the interface 116. Again, the control knob 118a is provided with the light window 118c. The light window 118c of the control knob 118a lights up when the control knob 118a is selectively rotated to one of the different positions (e.g. 12V position or 24V position) on the interface 116 by one of the at least two backlights 408a, 408b (FIG. 26).

[0510] The interface 116 is provided with at least two visual indicators (e.g. 12V symbol and 24V symbol) each located at the different positions on the interface 116, respectively, to indicate different operating modes of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 110. The at least two visual indicators are configured to selectively light up when the control knob 118a is selectively rotated to one of the different positions on the interface 116 by the backlights 408a, 408b.

[0511] The at least two visual indicators 16c, 16d (FIG. 69) are provided by light windows through the interface 116 located at the different positions, respectively. Again, the at least two visual indicators 16c, 16d selectively light up when the control knob is selectively rotated to one of the different positions on the interface 116 by one of the at least two backlights 16c, 16d. One of the at least two visual indicators 16c, 16d (FIG. 69) is the symbol 12V to indicate 12 volt operation mode of the device and the other of the at least two visual indicators 16c, 16d (FIG. 69) is the symbol 24V to indicate 24 volt operation mode of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 110.

[0512] The interface 116 (316) comprises the printed circuit board 408 (FIG. 26) located on or adjacent to a back side of the interface 116 (316). The interface 116 (316) having at least two lights such as LEDs 408a, 408b located at the different positions on the interface 116 (316). For example, the at least two backlights are at least two light emitting diodes (LEDs) 408a, 408b connected to the printed circuit board 408.

[0513] The control knob 118a comprises a light blocking opaque portion having a clear portion or see through portion configured to serve as the light window 118c.

[0514] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 further comprises the first 12V battery 132 (332) disposed within the cover 310, as shown in FIG. 26, and a second 12V battery 332 located below the first 12V battery 332 and disposed within the cover.

[0515] The highly conductive frame 370 having a positive conductive pathway and a negative conductive pathway is selectively connected to the first 12V battery 332 and/or the second 12V battery 332 when the rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 device is jump charging a battery to be charged.

[0516] The positive battery cable 56 (FIG. 9) having the positive battery clamp 60 is connected to the positive conductive pathway of the highly conductive frame 370 (FIG. 26). The negative battery cable 58 (FIG. 9) having the negative battery clamp 62 is connected to the negative conductive pathway of the highly conductive rigid frame 370 (FIG. 26).

[0517] The control switch 318 (FIG. 26) is connected to the highly conductive frame 370 to selectively operate the first 12V battery 332 and/or the second 12V battery 332. The control knob 318a is configured to rotate between the 12V operating mode position (FIG. 49) and the 24V operating mode position to selectively operate the rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 in either the 12V mode or 24V mode.

[0518] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 is configured to light up one of the at least two backlights such as LEDs 408a, 408b (FIG. 26) on the interface 116 (316) when the rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 is turned on. Further, the interface 116 (316) is configured to display the real time operating voltage of the device during operation of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 (310). The first 12V battery 332 (FIG. 26) and second 12V battery 332 are Li-ion batteries.

[0519] The control knob 118a is made of an opaque material (e.g. black injection molded plastic polymer material), and the light window 118c is defined by the slot-shaped light window in the control knob 118a filled light transmitting material (e.g. clear or see through plastic material). The control knob 118a comprises a round outer edge, and the slot-shaped light window 118c is a radially oriented slot extending from the outer edge of the control knob inwardly. The control knob 118a comprises a finger grip 118b, and the slot-shaped light window 118c extends along a length axis of the finger grip 118b.

[0520] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 110 further comprises an electrical position switch located between the power source (e.g. Li-ion batteries 332) and the at least two backlights such as LEDs 408a, 408b (FIG. 26). The electrical position switch is configured to light up one of the at least two backlights when the control knob 118a is selectively rotated to one of the different positions on the interface 116.

Electrical System

[0521] FIG. 67 is a functional block diagram of a rechargeable battery jump starting device according to one aspect of the invention. The rechargeable battery jump starting device includes two (2) lithium polymer battery packs 632 (PACK A and PACK B), which store sufficient energy to jump start a vehicle engine served by one or two conventional 12 volt lead-acid or valve regulated lead-acid battery(ies). A battery management system 333 (BAY A) is connected to one battery pack 632 and a battery management system 333 (BAY B) is connected to the other battery pack 632. In one example embodiment, the high-surge lithium polymer battery packs 632 include three 3.7V, 2666 mAh lithium polymer batteries in a 351P configuration. The resulting battery packs 632 each provide 11.1V, 2666 Ah (8000 Ah at 3.7V, 29.6 Wh). The continuous discharge current for each battery pack 632 is 25 C (or 200 amps), and burst discharge current is 50 C (or 400 amps). The maximum charging current of each battery pack 632 is 8000 mA (8 amps).

[0522] A programmable microcontroller unit (MCU) 601 receives various inputs and produces informational as well as control outputs. The programmable MCU 601 further provides flexibility to the system by allowing updates in functionality and system parameters, without requiring any change in hardware. According to one example embodiment, an 8 bit microcontroller with 2K×15 bits of flash memory is used to control the system. One such microcontroller is the HT67F30, which is commercially available from Holtek Semiconductor Inc.

[0523] A vehicle battery reverse sensor 610 monitors the polarity of the vehicle battery 672 when the rechargeable battery jump starting device is connected to the vehicle's electric system (e.g. vehicle battery 672). As explained below, the rechargeable battery jump starting device prevents the lithium battery packs 632 from being connected to the vehicle electric system (e.g. vehicle battery 672), for example, when the terminals of the vehicle battery 672 are connected to the wrong terminals of the rechargeable battery jump starting device. A vehicle battery isolation sensor 612 detects whether or not a vehicle battery 672 is connected to the rechargeable battery jump starting device, and prevents the lithium battery packs 672 from being connected to the output terminals (e.g. battery clamps) of the rechargeable battery jump starting device unless there is a good (e.g. chargeable) battery connected to the output terminals. A vehicle battery voltmeter 673 measures the voltage of the vehicle battery 672 and provides an input signal to the microcontroller unit 601.

[0524] A smart switch FET circuit 615 electrically switches the lithium battery packs 632 to connect to the vehicle battery only when the vehicle battery is determined by the MCU 601 to be present (in response to a detection signal provided by isolation sensor 612) and connected with the correct polarity (in response to a detection signal provided by reverse sensor 610). Lithium battery temperature sensors 620A, 620B each monitor the temperature of each lithium battery pack 632 to detect overheating due to high ambient temperature conditions and overextended current draw during jump starting. Lithium battery voltage measurement circuits 624A, 624B monitor the voltage of the lithium battery packs 632 (PACK A, PACK B) to prevent the voltage potential from rising too high during a charging operation and from dropping too low during a discharge operation. A short circuit detect sensor 625 is provided to detect a short circuit in the power supply from the rechargeable battery jump charging to the vehicle battery.

[0525] Lithium battery back-charge protection diodes 628 prevent any charge current being delivered to the vehicle battery 672 from flowing back to the lithium battery packs 632 of the rechargeable battery jump starting device from the vehicle's electrical system. A flashlight LED circuit 636 connected to a flashlight/USB power control 637 is provided to furnish a flashlight function for enhancing light under a vehicle's hood in dark conditions, as well as providing SOS and strobe lighting functions for safety purposes when a vehicle may be disabled in a potentially dangerous location. Voltage regulator 642 provides regulation of internal operating voltage for the microcontroller unit 601 and sensors. On/Off manual mode and flashlight switches 646 allow the user to control power-on for the rechargeable battery jump starting device, to control manual override operation if the vehicle has no battery, and to control the flashlight function. The manual button functions only when the rechargeable battery jump starting device is powered on. This button allows the user to jump-start vehicles that have either a missing battery, or the battery voltage is so low that automatic detection by the microcontroller unit 601 is not possible. When the user presses and holds the manual override button for a predetermined period time (such as three seconds) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the manual mode, the internal lithium ion battery power is switched to the vehicle battery connect port or battery clamps. The only exception to the manual override is if the vehicle battery provided by the lithium battery packs 632 is connected to the rechargeable battery jump starting device in reverse. If the vehicle battery is connected in reverse, the internal lithium battery power provided by the lithium battery packs 632 shall never be switched to provide power to the vehicle battery connect port or battery clamps.

[0526] The XGC charge circuit 652A converts power from any XGC charger power source, to provide charge voltage and current for charging the lithium battery packs 632 (PACK A, PACK B). The XGC out circuit 652B can connect the microcontroller unit 601 to an external device. The USB output 656 connected to the flashlight/USB power control 637 provides a USB portable charger for charging smartphones, tablets, and other rechargeable electronic devices. The operation indicator LEDs 660 provide visual indication of lithium battery capacity status as well as an indication of smart switch activation status (i.e. indicating that power is being provided to the vehicle's electrical system or vehicle battery).

[0527] The 12V/24V master switch 618 connects to a 12V/24V master switch read list 619 providing input to the microcontroller unit 601.

Electrical Optical Position Sensing Switch System

[0528] The portable jump starting device 10 can be configured as a dual purpose rechargeable battery jump starting device to allow for jump starting either a 12V or 24V vehicle or equipment (e.g. heavy duty 24V vehicle or equipment). The lightweight portable rechargeable battery jump starting device utilizes the manual rotary control switch 18 with the control knob 18a for switching between 12V or 24V jump starting or operational modes. Any of the above described rechargeable battery jump starting devices according to the present invention can be provided with the electrical optical position sensing system 300, as shown in FIGS. 51-53.

[0529] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 10 uses two rechargeable 12V Li-ion batteries 32 that are connected in parallel for 12V jumpstarting and in series for 24V jump starting. The series or parallel connections are accomplished with the rotary control switch 18 shown in FIGS. 1 and 12-15, and indicated as the 12V/24V rotary control switch 618 (“master switch”) in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 51.

[0530] The electrical optical position sensing system 300 is shown in FIG. 52 (e.g. 12V/24V master switch read 619 shown in FIG. 67).

[0531] The optical position sensing system 300 is configured to allow for a safe and effective method for the system microcontroller unit (e.g. microcontroller unit 601 shown in FIG. 67) to read the position of the control switch 18. The optical position sensing system 300 comprises a sensor 302 (FIG. 52) using optical coupling to insure the integrity of isolation on the 12V to 24V rotary control switch 18.

[0532] A schematic of the circuit of the optical position sensing system 300 is shown in FIG. 53. The upper portion of the schematic includes transistor Q28 and resistors R165, R168, R161, and R163. This circuit acts as an electrical enable when the main system 3.3V power is turned “on.” The purpose of this enable is to reduce parasite current when the portable jump starting device 10 is in the “off” state. When “on”, this enables current from battery A+ to flow through Q27, which acts as an electrical switch.

[0533] If Q27 is “on”, it allows current to flow from Battery A+ to Battery B− when the batteries are connected in parallel. When they are connected in series, no current flows because A+ and B− are connected together through the control switch 18.

[0534] The result of current flow or lack thereof, allows the optical coupler to provide a signal to the microcontroller unit telling it which position the master switch is in.

[0535] The lower portion of the schematic (i.e. schematic located just below the first schematic), allows the opposite signal to be provided to a separate input of the microcontroller. The result of this is to provide the microcontroller an effective method of determining when the switch is “In Between” meaning it is not in 12V position or 24V position and is in between those two positions. This allows the microcontroller to provide diagnostics in case a user leaves the switch in an unusable position.

Dual Battery Diode Bridge System

[0536] The battery jump starting device, for example battery jump starting device 310 (FIG. 26-31), can be provided with a dual diode battery bridge system. For example, the dual battery bridge system comprises a back-charge diode module 348 configured for protecting against back-charge after a vehicle battery has been jump charged, as shown in FIG. 54. Any of the above described rechargeable battery jump starting devices according to the present invention can be provided with the electrical optical position sensing system 300, as shown in FIGS. 54 and 55.

[0537] The dual bridge battery bridge system, for example, includes a back-charge diode array or module 348 configured to provide two (2) channels 348a, 348b of diodes (FIG. 55) to support the two (2) battery system (e.g. two (2) 12V Li-ion batteries 332 of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 310), which are bridged together to provide peak current output during jump starts.

[0538] The single wiring connection and dual wiring connections of the battery jump starting device 310 is shown in FIG. 54. The components are connected together by the highly conductive rigid frame 370. The highly conductive frame members 370a-h (FIGS. 56-62) making up the highly conductive rigid frame 370 made of copper are more conductive than 2/0 copper cable. Further, the connection points between the highly conductive frame members 370a-h of the highly conductive rigid frame 370 are configured to reduce power losses compared to copper cable. The highly conductive frame members 370a-h of the highly conductive rigid frame 370 can be replaced with other highly conductive metals (e.g. aluminum, nickel, plated metal, silver plated metal, gold plated metal, stainless steel, and other suitable highly conductive metal alloys).

[0539] The dual diode battery bridge in the form of the back-charge diode module 348 is shown in FIG. 55. The upper channel of diodes 348a connected to the frame member 370e supports current through one 12V battery 332. The lower channel of diodes 348b connected to the frame member 370d supports current through the second 12V battery 332. The combined current from both 12V batteries 332, 332 through the two (2) diode channels 348a, 348b exits the back-charge diode module 348 through the copper bar member 370f leading to the positive output (i.e. positive cam-lock) of the battery jump starting device 310.

[0540] The back-charge diode module 348 comprises the upper highly conductive plate 370e, the lower highly conductive plate 370d, and the center highly conductive plate 370f connected together by the channels of diodes 348a, 348b.

[0541] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 10 (FIG. 1) includes a having the reverse current diode array 48 (i.e. back-charge diode system) configured for protecting against a back-charge to the first 12V battery 32 and/or the second 12V battery 32 after a vehicle battery has been jump charged.

[0542] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 10 comprises the first 12V battery 32, the second 12V battery 32; the electrical control switch 18 electrically connected to the first 12V battery 32 and the second 12V battery 32. The electrical control switch 18 has a parallel switch position for connecting the first 12V battery 32 and second 12V battery 32 in parallel. The electrical control switch 18 has a series switch position for connecting the first 12V battery 32 and second 12V battery 32 in series. The reverse current diode array 48 is connected to the first 12V battery 32 and the second 12V battery 32. The reverse current diode array 48 is configured for protecting against a back-charge to the first 12V battery 32 and/or the second 12V battery 32 after a vehicle battery has been jump charged.

[0543] The reverse current diode array 48, for example, can be a back-charge diode module. The back-charge diode module can comprise a first channel of diodes accommodating current flow through the first 12V battery 32, and a second channel of diodes accommodating current flow through the second 12V battery 32.

[0544] The cables 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 52, and 54 shown in FIG. 9 can be replaced with a highly conductive frame 370 comprising a plurality of highly conductive frame members 370a-h, as shown in FIG. 56. The highly conductive frame 370 is connected to the first 12V battery 32 (332), the second 12V battery 32 (332), and the electrical control switch 18 (318), as shown in FIG. 54.

[0545] The back-charge diode module 348 (FIG. 55) comprises highly conductive bars 348a, 348b, 348c. The highly conductive bars 348a, 348b, 348c are portions of the upper highly conductive frame member 370e, the lower highly conductive frame member 370d, and the center highly frame member 370f. The center highly conductive frame member 370f is located between the upper highly conductive frame member 370e and the lower highly conductive frame member 370d and spaced apart from each other. The first channel of diodes 348d are connected between the upper highly conductive frame member 370e and center highly conductive frame member 370f. The second channel of diodes 348e are connected between the lower highly conductive frame member 370d and the center highly conductive frame member 370f.

[0546] The center highly conductive frame member 370e is connected to a positive battery cable (e.g. positive battery cable 56 shown in FIG. 9). Specifically, the center highly conductive frame member 370f is connected to the positive cam lock (e.g. positive cam lock 25a shown in FIG. 9) configured for releasably connecting the positive battery cable to the positive cam lock.

[0547] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 10 further comprises a smart switch (e.g. smart switch 50 shown in FIG. 9 or smart switch 450 shown in FIG. 54) connected to the first 12V battery 32 (332) and the second 12V battery 32 (332). The smart switch 50 (450) is configured for switching on current flow from the first 12V battery 32 (332) and/or the second 12V battery 32 (332) only upon detecting that the positive battery clamp (e.g. positive battery clamp 60 shown in FIG. 9) and negative battery clamp (e.g. negative battery clamp 62 shown in FIG. 9) are correctly connected to the correct polarity battery terminals of the vehicle battery being jump started.

[0548] As shown in FIG. 54, the negative terminal of the first 12V battery 332 (BATTERY A) is permanently connected to the smart switch 450, and the negative terminal of the second 12V battery 332 (BATTERY B) is selectively connected to the smart switch 450 via the electrical control switch 318.

[0549] As further shown in FIG. 54, the positive terminal of the second 12V battery 332 (BATTERY B) is permanently connected to the back-charge diode module 348, and the positive terminal of the first 12V battery 332 (BATTERY A) is selectively connected to the back-charge diode module 348 via the electrical control switch 318.

Leapfrog Charging System

[0550] The rechargeable battery jump starting devices 10, 110, and 310 use two (2) 12V Li-ion batteries used for jump starting vehicles or equipment, and other system functions. These two (2) 12V individual Li-ion batteries are used in both series or parallel depending on whether the operator is jumpstarting a vehicle or equipment with a 12V battery system or a 24V battery system.

[0551] The battery jump starting device 10, 110, 310 can be charged using a charging device having a plug-in cord (e.g. 114 V to 126 V (RMS) AC charger) and a charging control device (e.g. programmable micro-controller). Each battery is charged on its own (i.e. independently) by the rechargeable battery jump starting device 10, 110, 310 separate from the other battery, but the batteries are kept close in potential during the charging process using “leapfrog charging”. Leapfrog charging insures that both batteries are close to the same potential even if the rechargeable battery jump starting device 10, 110, 310 is removed from charging early. This provides for equal power delivery during jumpstarts as well as other system functions.

[0552] The battery jump starting device 310 is provided with a charging device. For example, the circuit board 408 shown in FIG. 26 can be provided with charging components and a charging circuit for recharging the two (2) Li-ion batteries 332. The components, for example, includes a programmable microcontroller for controlling the recharging circuit for recharging the Li-ion batteries 332

[0553] This method is accomplished by charging one Li-ion battery 332, starting with the lowest charged battery, until it is approximately 100 mv higher than the other battery 332, and then switching to charge the other battery 332. This process continues until both batteries 332 are completely charged.

[0554] Safeguards are provided in the rechargeable battery jump starting device 310 to protect against any of the batteries 332 being overcharged as well as sensing if a battery cell is shorted. These safeguards include peak voltage shutoff as well as charge timeouts in software.

[0555] The leapfrog charging system and method can be design or configured to charge the rechargeable batteries 332 (e.g. Li-ion batteries) in a charging sequence. The charging sequence can be designed or configured to ensure that both batteries become fully charge regardless of the operations of the battery jump starting device 310. In this manner, the batteries are fully charged on a regular basis to maximize the use and life of the batteries.

[0556] Further, the charging sequence can be tailored to most effectively charge particular types of rechargeable battery, in particular Li-ion batteries taking into account particular charging properties of the batteries (e.g. reduce heat generation of batteries over a time interval, apply best charging rate(s) for batteries, charging in a sequence increase life of batteries. The charging sequence, for example, can be to partially charge the batteries 332, one at a time, and back-and-forth. For example, the charging sequence can be configured to incrementally charge the batteries 332 in a back-and-forth sequence until both batteries are fully charged. For example, a voltage increase increment can be selected (e.g. 100 mV) for charging the batteries in a back-and-forth sequence.

[0557] In addition, the charging sequencing between the two batteries 332 can be selected or programmed to provide back-to-back charging of one battery two or more increments before switching to the other battery for charging. Also, the charging sequence can include one or more pauses to prevent the charging battery 332 from becoming too hot (e.g. temperature limit) or so that the charging sequence matches with the charging chemistry of the charging battery.

[0558] An example of a leapfrog charging system 710A, 710B for use in a rechargeable battery jump starting device, for example, rechargeable battery jump starting devices 10, 110, and 310, is shown in FIGS. 70, 70 CONT. and 71.

[0559] The leapfrog charging system 710A shown in FIGS. 70 and 71 CONT. comprises: [0560] 1) CHARGE SOURCE 712: The power for this input comes from the vehicle itself or an AC/DC charge adapter that outputs 14.4V @ 4 amps; [0561] 2) CHARGE ENABLE SWITCH 714: The charge current for the internal 12V lithium batteries is gated by a FET switch controlled by the system MCU; [0562] 3) CURRENT LIMIT MODULE 716: The charge current to the batteries is limited by this high power resistor module; [0563] 4) BATTERY CELL EQUALIZATION ENABLE 718: This circuit assists in enabling equalization for the individual batteries (A and B). Equalization provides a method for keeping the battery cell capacity even during charge; [0564] 5) CHARGE ENABLE FROM MCU 720: This signal is provided from the Micro Controller Unit (MCU), for example the Microcontroller Unit (MCU) 601 shown in FIG. 67, to enable the FET switch for charge current delivery; [0565] 6) CURRENT LIMIT TEMPERATURE SENSE 722: This circuit connects a temperature sensor to the MCU for reading the temperature of the CURRENT LIMIT MODULE (716) which allows the MCU to shut off charge current in case of overheating; [0566] 7) CHARGE SOURCE DETECT 724: This signal is sent to the MCU letting it know that the charge source has been connected;

[0567] The leapfrog charging system 710B shown in FIG. 71 comprises: [0568] 8) BATTERY A OR B CHARGE SELECT 726: This signal comes from the MCU and is used to select which battery is being charged; [0569] 9) CHARGE RELAY FOR BATTERY A OR B 728: This relay is used to switch charge between battery A or B; [0570] 10) CHARGE SOURCE 712 FROM FIG. 70: This is the main charge source; and [0571] 11) CONTROL TRANSISTOR FOR RELAY COIL 730: This transistor is used to control the relay coil for switching the relay contact from battery A or B for charging.

Improved Battery Detection System

[0572] Hand-held jump starters for vehicles or equipment are safer if their jumper terminal are not left “live”, inadvertently, with the fully charged jumper or booster battery connected across them, and with the capability of delivering a large amount of electrical energy in a short period of time. Such a situation may arise immediately after jump starting a vehicle, when a user is disconnecting the jump cables from a vehicle battery and accidently drops the jump starter, or walks away from the jump starter before turning the jump starter off. Live jump terminal left unattended may post a shock hazard or a fire hazard if the “live” terminals get short circuited accidently or connected through a low resistance path (e.g. human or animal body or an electrically conductive wet surface.

[0573] There exists a hand held jump starter already have a circuit and mechanism included within the jump starter that prevents this scenario (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 9,007,015). The circuit of the existing jump starter accomplishes detection of the vehicle battery during the jump-start process by amplifying the small voltage drop across the “smart-switch” contacts (due to current flow through the contacts when the vehicle battery is connected to the jumper cables). When there is not enough current flow through the “smart switch” contacts, the microcontroller unit (MCU) opens a smart-switch, for example, every three seconds to enable the “vehicle battery isolation sensor” to detect the presence or absence of the vehicle battery. The circuit of the existing jump starter works well in smaller models of jump starters. In larger capacity jump starters, the “smart switch” also gets bigger to handle more current, which causes a louder clicking sound when its contacts open and close. A user unfamiliar with the reason for the sound might perceive the unit as defective, or it might be an annoyance to the user unaccustomed to such a sound.

[0574] The improved circuit described below overcomes the above issues. This circuit detects the vehicle battery by sensing forward voltage drop across the “back-charge” diodes. If a vehicle battery is connected to jumper cables, and is being charged by an internal booster battery (e.g. such as Li-ion battery pack), then there will be forward current through diodes, causing a positive forward voltage drop from anode to the cathode terminals of diodes.

[0575] The schematic shown in FIG. 72 shows the improved circuit to detect the forward voltage drop across the “back-charge” diodes, D. The circuit includes an op amp subtractor or difference amplifier whose output is fed into a comparator. If a forward voltage drop is detected across diodes D, and is above a certain threshold, meaning, an external load (vehicle battery) is connected to the jumper cables, then the comparator U1A puts out a “high” signal, allowing the jump starter to continue normal operation, i.e., internal jumper battery terminals continue being connected to the jumper cables through the “smart-switch” and the “back-charge” diodes, specifically, the internal battery negative terminal (LB−) remains connected to the black jumper cable. If the forward voltage drop sensed is below a certain threshold, then the comparator U1A puts out a “low” signal, instructing the jump starter logic (controlled by the micro-controller unit, MCU) to open the “smart-switch”, disconnecting battery terminal LB− from the black or negative jumper cable, thus removing the internal battery voltage from being applied across the jumper cables and rendering the cable terminals inactive or dead.

[0576] The latter situation (forward voltage drop below a certain threshold) arises where there is negligible or no current from from the internal booster battery to the vehicle battery. This scenario occurs when the jumper cables are open or disconnected from the vehicle battery, or when the vehicle battery has been charged (by the vehicle alternator) to a voltage higher than the booster battery.

[0577] Referring to FIG. 72, the forward voltage drop across the “back-charge” diodes D, is sensed by Op Amp U1B and resistors R5, R6, R7, R8, which together make up the difference amplifier or subtractor circuit. This section of the circuit subtracts the voltage potential at LB+ (anode terminals of diodes, D) from the voltage potential at CB+ (cathode terminal of D). Capacitors C1, C2 are added to filter the noise or voltage ripple arising when the vehicle alternator turns on, which can cause output of U1B to undesirably fluctuate.

[0578] Op Amp U1B output is fed into the non-inverting terminal of comparator U1A (pin 3). A voltage reference, U2, biased through R1, with capacitor C3 to stabilize its operation, is applied to its inverting input (pin 2) through voltage divider R2, R3. Comparator U1A compares the voltage at its non-inverting input pin 3 to this reference voltage at pin 2 and changes its output voltage state depending on the comparison outcome. Comparator U1A used in this circuit happens to have an open collector transistor output stage, hence R4 is added between the collector to the power supply node to allow the output transistor to turn ON when needed.

[0579] Op amp U1B's output (pin 7) represents the forward voltage drop across “back-charge” diodes (D), including an offset voltage due to op amp circuitry. Voltage at pin 7 of U1B is applied to non-inverting input U1A (pin 3). If a detectable forward voltage drop is present across diodes D, the Op Amp U1B's output voltage goes above the reference voltage present at comparator U1A's pin 2, causing the comparator to put out a “high” signal, allowing the jump starter to continue normal operation, i.e., jumper battery terminals continue to be connected to the jumper cables through the “smart-switch” and diodes D. If the forward voltage drop sensed is below a certain threshold, the Op Amp output voltage falls below the reference level at comparator's pin 2, causing the comparator to put out a “low” signal, instructing the jump starter logic controlled by the micro-controller unit (MCU) to open the “smart-switch”, disconnecting the booster battery's negative terminal from the black or negative jumper cable, thus rendering the cable terminals inactive or dead.

[0580] The booster battery serves as the circuit's power supply (power supply pins 8 of U1B and U1A connected to LB+). To prevent the circuitry to draw current from the booster battery when the unit is not in use, the circuit ground is connected to the booster battery ground terminal, LB−, through an enhancement mode MOSFET switch Q1, which is turned ON by a 3.3V signal that gets generated and is applied between the gate to source terminals of Q1, only when the boost unit is powered ON, only then allowing the circuitry to start drawing current.

Highly Conductive Frame

[0581] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 (“highly conductive frame”), is shown in FIGS. 56-62. The highly conductive frame 370 comprises highly conductive frame members 370a-h.

[0582] The highly conductive frame 370 can replace the electrically conductive cables 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 52, 54 (FIGS. 9 and 10) of the portable battery jump starting device 10, or the highly conductive frame 170 (FIG. 16) of the battery jump starting device 110.

[0583] The highly conductive frame 370 comprises a positive conductive frame 371a and negative conductive frame 371b, as shown in FIG. 56. The positive conductive frame 371a comprises highly conductive frame members 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f providing a positive conductive pathway between the rechargeable batteries 332 and the positive cam-lock 324a. The negative conductive frame 371b comprises highly conductive frame members 170a, 170b, 170g, 170h providing a negative conductive pathway between the rechargeable batteries 332 and the negative cam-lock 324b of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 310. The highly conductive frame members 370a-h each carry or transfer power a distance between connecting ends of the highly conductive frame members 370a-h.

[0584] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 comprises the multiple electrically conductive frame members 370a-h electrically and mechanically connected together. For example, the highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h are each provided with connecting ends having through holes 371 to allow a fastener (e.g. highly electrically conductive nuts and bolts) to connect the electrically conductive frame members 370a-h to each other or to other electrical components (e.g. rechargeable batteries 332, cam-locks 324a, 324b, back-charge diode module 348, smart switch 450). The highly electrically frame members 370a-h, for example, are flat highly electrically conductive bars (e.g. copper or aluminum bars) bent along multiple spaced apart axes to provide a three dimensionally (3D) arrangement of each highly electrically conductive bar 370a-h, which cooperate together to define a three dimensional (3D) highly electrically conductive frame 370. As shown in FIG. 56, one or both ends of the electrically conductive frame members 370a-h have bent ends each provided with a through hole 371.

[0585] The highly electrically conductive frame 370, for example, can be a highly electrically conductive semi-rigid or rigid frame 370 made of semi-rigid or rigid highly conductive material (e.g. copper, aluminum, plated metal, gold plated metal, silver plated metal, steel, coated steel, stainless steel). The highly electrically conductive frame 370 is structurally stable (i.e. does not move or flex) so that it does not contact and electrically short with components or parts of the portable jump starting device. The more rigid the highly electrically conductive frame 370 typically the more structurally stable is the highly electrically conductive frame 370.

[0586] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 electrically connects together the two (2) batteries 332, for example Li-ion batteries 332 with the cam-locks 324a, 324b. The cam-locks 324a, 324b connect to the removable or detachable positive and negative battery cables 56, 58 (FIG. 9).

[0587] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 comprises multiple highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h. For example, highly electrically conductive frame members 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d are connected to the control switch 318 via the terminals 382a, 384a, 386a, 388a (also see terminals 82a, 84a, 86a, 88a of the control switch 18 shown in FIG. 14).

[0588] The highly electrically conductive frame members 370d, 370e, 370f are part of the reverse flow diode assembly 348 (see reverse flow diode assembly 148 in FIG. 18).

[0589] The highly electrically conductive frame member 370f is connected to the positive cam-lock 324a (also see positive cam-lock 24a shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 and positive cam-lock 124a shown in FIG. 20).

[0590] The highly electrically conductive frame member 370g is connected to the negative cam-lock 324b (see negative cam-lock 24b shown in FIG. 1 or negative cam-lock 124b shown in FIG. 19).

[0591] The highly electrically conductive frame member 370h connects to the smart switch 450 (also see smart switch 150 shown in FIG. 18).

[0592] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 is a three-dimensional (3D) structure configured to wrap around and partially or fully enclose the Li-ion batteries 332 (also see the rechargeable Li-ion batteries 132 shown in FIGS. 16-25). This arrangement provides the shortest conductive pathways from the rechargeable Li-ion batteries 332 to the other internal electrical components of the portable jump starting device 310 to maximize the power output to the positive cam-lock 324a and negative cam-lock 324b. The highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h have multiple bends along multiple spaced apart axes.

[0593] The highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h are provided with ends having through holes to accommodate highly conductive fasteners 406 (e.g. see conductive fasteners 206, including bolts 206a and nuts 206b shown in FIGS. 16-25). Further, the highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h are made of flat bar stock bent at one or more locations so as to wrap around the Li-ions batteries 332. For example, the highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h are bent at multiple locations to form a three-dimensional (3D) frame structure. For example, the highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h can have bent ends provided with ring-shaped through holes. Alternatively, the high electrically conductive frame 370 can be made as a single piece (e.g. single piece of plate or bar bent into shape, multiple pieces welded or soldered together, machined from a block of stock material). Further, the highly electrically conductive frame members 370a-h are located adjacent to the sides of the Li-ion batteries 332 to make the combination of the Li-ion battery assembly and highly electrically conductive frame 370 as compact as possible.

[0594] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 is made from flat highly electrically conductive plate stock material (e.g. flat bars or strips of copper or aluminum stock material cut to length, bent, and drilled).

Battery Assembly

[0595] The Li-ion battery assembly 333 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 63-66.

[0596] The Li-ion battery assembly 333 comprises the one or more rechargeable Li-ion batteries 332. For example, the rechargeable battery jump starting device comprises two (2) rechargeable batteries 332.

[0597] The Li-ion batteries 332 each comprise multiple battery cells 335 connected together in series (i.e. positive tab of one rechargeable battery cell 335 connected to negative tab of adjoining rechargeable battery cell 335) resulting in one rechargeable battery cell 335 situated at one end of the multiple battery cells 335 having a positive terminal (+) and another rechargeable battery cell 335 situated at an opposite end of the multiple battery cells 335 having a negative terminal (−).

[0598] A positive highly conductive battery member 332a is connected to the positive terminal (+), and a negative highly conductive battery member 332b is connected to the negative terminal (−). The positive highly conductive battery member 332a and the negative highly conductive battery members 332b can be highly electrically conductive bars, plates, rods, and tubes. The rods and tubes can have flattened ends to facilitate connection with the highly electrically conductive frame 370 (FIG. 56).

[0599] Each Li-ion battery 332 comprises multiple Li-ion battery cells 332c layered one on top of the other, as shown in FIGS. 64-66 (i.e. stacked arrangement).

[0600] The positive foil tab or end 335a of the positive terminal (+) of the Li-ion battery cells 335 is connected (e.g. soldered, welded, and/or mechanically fastened) to the positive highly conductive battery member 332a. The negative foil tab or end 335b of the negative terminal (−) of the Li-ion battery cells 335 is connected (e.g. soldered, welded, and/or mechanically fastened) to the negative highly conductive battery member 332b.

[0601] The positive highly conductive battery member 332a and the negative highly conductive battery member 332b are made from highly conductive flat plate or bar stock material (e.g. copper plate, copper bar, aluminum plate, aluminum bar, steel plate, steel bar, metal coated plate, gold plated plate, silver plated plate). The positive highly conductive battery member 332a is provided with a through hole 332c located at an end extending a distance outwardly from a side of the rechargeable Li-ion battery 332 (i.e. transverse to longitudinal axis or length the rechargeable battery cells 335 and the rechargeable Li-ion battery 332). The negative highly conductive battery member 332b is provided with a through hole 332c located at an end extending a distance outwardly from and oriented transversely relative to the rechargeable battery cells 335 and the rechargeable Li-ion battery 332.

[0602] The highly conductive battery members 332a, 332b are made of relatively thick plate or bar material. The foil tabs or ends 335a, 335b of the battery cells 332c can at least partially or fully wrap around the highly conductive battery members 332a, 332b, as shown in FIGS. 64-66. Further, the highly conductive battery members 332, 332b are connected flat against the foil tabs or ends 335a, 335b, respectively, to maximize contact area therebetween.

[0603] The rechargeable battery cells 335 are covered with protective heat shrink material to package the rechargeable batteries 332.

[0604] The highly conductive battery members 332a, 332b are connected by highly conductive fasteners (e.g. nuts and bolts) to the highly electrically conductive frame such as highly electrically conductive frame 370 (FIGS. 56-62) of the portable jump starting devices 310.

[0605] The rechargeable battery jump starting device 310 (FIG. 26-31) comprises the rechargeable battery assembly comprising one or more rechargeable battery cells having a positive terminal connector tab or end 335a (FIGS. 64-66) and a negative terminal connector tab or end 335b. A positive electrically conductive bar 332a is connected to the positive terminal connector tab or end 335a and a negative electrically conductive bar 332b is connected to the negative terminal connector tab or end 335b. The highly electrically conductive frame 370 (FIG. 56-62) is connected to the battery assembly 333 (FIG. 64-66). The positive battery cable 56 (FIGS. 9 and10) is connected to the highly electrically conductive frame 370, for example, directly or through cam-locks 324a, 324b (FIG. 31). The negative battery cable 58 (FIGS. 9 and 10) is electronically connectable to the highly electrically conductive frame 370 via the smart switch 150 (also see smart switch 50 in FIGS. 9 and 10). The positive battery clamp 60 is connected to the positive battery cable 56 and the negative battery clamp 62 is connected to the negative battery cable 58.

[0606] The highly electrically conductive frame 370 comprises positive conductive pathways from the positive terminal connectors 332a, 332a of the rechargeable batteries 332, 332 of the rechargeable battery assembly 333 to the connection with the positive battery cable 56 (e.g. direct cable connection or via cam-lock 324a) and negative conductive pathways from the negative terminal connectors 332b, 332b of the rechargeable batteries 332, 332 of the rechargeable battery assembly 33 to the connection with the negative battery cable (e.g. direct cable connection or via cam-lock 324b).

[0607] As shown in FIGS. 64-66, the positive electrically conductive member 332a (e.g. highly conductive bar) and the negative electrically conductive member 332b (e.g. highly conductive bar) are both oriented transversely relative to a length or longitudinal axis of the rechargeable battery cells 335 of each rechargeable battery 332. More specifically, the positive electrically conductive member 332a and negative electrically conductive member 332b protrude from opposite sides of the rechargeable batteries 332 and the rechargeable battery assembly 333. Further, the positive electrically conductive member 332a and the negative electrically conductive member 332b are wider (FIG. 64) relative to a width of the rechargeable battery cells 335 and protrude from the opposite sides of the rechargeable battery cells 335 and the rechargeable battery assembly 333.

[0608] The positive terminal connector tab or end 332a is a positive terminal foil tab or end of the rechargeable battery cells 335 connected in series at one end and the negative terminal connector tab or end 332b is a negative foil tab or end of the rechargeable battery cells 335 connected in series at an opposite end. A side of the positive electrically conductive member 332a (i.e. highly electrically conductive bar 332a) is connected flat against the positive foil tab or end 335a of the series of rechargeable battery cells 335 and a side of the negative electrically conductive member 332b (i.e. highly conductive bar 332b) is connected flat against the negative foil tab or end 335b of the series of rechargeable battery cells 335. For example, the positive foil tab or end 335a and the negative foil tab or end 335b are soldered to the positive electrically conductive member 332a and the negative electrically conductive member 332b, respectively. Further, the positive electrically conductive member 332a (i.e. highly conductive bar 332a) and negative electrically conductive member 332b (i.e. highly conductive bar 332b) are each provided with a through hole 332c for connection with the highly electrically conductive frame 370 (FIG. 56).

[0609] To enhance the conductivity between the series of rechargeable battery cells 335 and the positive electrically conductive member 332a (i.e. highly conductive bar 332a) and negative electrically conductive member 332b (i.e. highly conductive bar 332b), the positive foil tab or end 335a and the negative foil tab or end 335b are at least partially or fully wrapped around the positive electrically conductive member 332a (i.e. highly conductive bar 332a) and negative electrically conductive member 332b (i.e. highly conductive bar 332b), respectively, and also soldered and/or welded thereto. The ends of the positive electrically conductive member 332a (i.e. highly conductive bar 332a) and negative electrically conductive member 332b (i.e. highly conductive bar 332b) protrude from the sides of the positive foil tab or end 335 and the negative foil tab or end 335b, respectively.

[0610] Again, the rechargeable battery cells 335 are connected in series and layered one on top of the other to provide the rechargeable battery assembly, as shown in FIGS. 64-66, to provide a stacked arrangement to make the rechargeable battery assembly 333 compact in size. The multi-layered battery cells 335 then covered with heat shrink material to package same.

[0611] The rechargeable battery assembly 332 used in a rechargeable jump starting device 310 comprises one or more rechargeable battery cells having a positive terminal connector; a negative terminal connector; a positive electrically conductive bar connected to the positive terminal connector; and a negative electrically conductive bar connected to the negative terminal connector.

Functional Block Diagram and Circuits

[0612] The functional block diagram of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 310 (FIG. 26) is shown in FIG. 67. The schematic circuit diagrams of the rechargeable battery jump starting device 310 are shown in FIGS. 68A-1 thru 68F-3.

[0613] FIG. 73 is a functional block diagram of a handheld battery booster according to one aspect of the invention. At the heart of the handheld battery booster is a lithium polymer battery pack 1032, which stores sufficient energy to jump start a vehicle engine served by a conventional 12 volt lead-acid or valve regulated lead-acid battery. In one example embodiment, a high-surge lithium polymer battery pack includes three 3.7V, 2666 mAh lithium polymer batteries in a 351P configuration. The resulting battery pack provides 11.1V, 2666 Ah (8000 Ah at 3.7V, 29.6 Wh). Continuous discharge current is 25 C (or 200 amps), and burst discharge current is 50 C (or 400 amps). The maximum charging current of the battery pack is 8000 mA (8 amps).

[0614] The lithium polymer battery pack 1032 optionally can be fitted with one or more extra lithium polymer batteries to temporarily and selectively increase the operating voltage of the lithium polymer battery pack 1032 to provide a discharged vehicle battery pre-conditioning stage or step as described below. A switch (e.g. dial switch) of the handheld battery booster can be modified or added to the handheld battery booster to selectively operate the pre-conditioning stage or mode in which the one or more extra lithium polymer batteries are connected with the three (3) lithium poly batteries to enhance the operating voltage of the lithium polymer battery pack 1032. Alternatively, the handheld battery booster can be configured so that the handheld battery booster automatically conducts a pre-conditioning stage or mode (e.g. prior to jump starting stage or mode). The handheld battery booster can be configured to allow programming of the pre-condition stage or mode to control speed of recharging of the discharged battery, control level of recharging of the discharged battery; control temperature of discharged battery being recharged. In addition, the rising voltage of the discharged battery can be used to automatically turn off the pre-conditioning stage or mode, automatically turn on jump starting stage or mode, automatically turn off handheld charger (e.g. discharged battery is not taking on charge or discharged battery is heating up too fast or too much).

[0615] The handheld battery booster can be configured or include one or more sensors or detectors or circuits for detecting the operational parameters (e.g. voltage, current, temperature, battery condition, battery life) of the battery(ies) of the handheld battery booster and/or the discharged vehicle battery during the pre-conditioning stage or mode and/or during the jump starting stage or mode to control the effective and safe operation of the handheld battery booster.

[0616] A programmable microcontroller unit (MCU) 1001 receives various inputs and produces informational as well as control outputs. The programmable MCU 1001 further provides flexibility to the system by allowing updates in functionality and system parameters, without requiring any change in hardware. According to one example embodiment, an 8 bit microcontroller with 2K.times.15 bits of flash memory is used to control the system. One such microcontroller is the HT67F30, which is commercially available from Holtek Semiconductor Inc.

[0617] A car battery reverse sensor 1010 monitors the polarity of the vehicle battery 1072 when the handheld battery booster device is connected to the vehicle's electric system. As explained below, the booster device prevents the lithium battery pack from being connected to the vehicle battery 1072 when the terminals of the battery 1072 are connected to the wrong terminals of the booster device. A car battery isolation sensor 1012 detects whether or not a vehicle battery 1072 is connected to the booster device, and prevents the lithium battery pack from being connected to the output terminals of the booster device unless there is a good (e.g. chargeable) battery connected to the output terminals.

[0618] A smart switch FET circuit 1015 electrically switches the handheld battery booster lithium battery to the vehicle's electric system only when the vehicle battery is determined by the MCU 1001 to be present (in response to a detection signal provided by isolation sensor 1012) and connected with the correct polarity (in response to a detection signal provided by reverse sensor 1010). A lithium battery temperature sensor 1020 monitors the temperature of the lithium battery pack 1032 to detect overheating due to high ambient temperature conditions and overextended current draw during jump starting. A lithium battery voltage measurement circuit 1024 monitors the voltage of the lithium battery pack 1032 to prevent the voltage potential from rising too high during a charging operation and from dropping too low during a discharge operation.

[0619] Lithium battery back-charge protection diodes 1028 prevent any charge current being delivered to the vehicle battery 1072 from flowing back to the lithium battery pack 1032 from the vehicle's electrical system. Flashlight LED circuit 1036 is provided to furnish a flashlight function for enhancing light under a vehicle's hood in dark conditions, as well as providing SOS and strobe lighting functions for safety purposes when a vehicle may be disabled in a potentially dangerous location. Voltage regulator 1042 provides regulation of internal operating voltage for the microcontroller and sensors. On/Off manual mode and flashlight switches 1046 allow the user to control power-on for the handheld battery booster device, to control manual override operation if the vehicle has no battery, and to control the flashlight function. The manual button functions only when the booster device is powered on. This button allows the user to jump-start vehicles that have either a missing battery, or the battery voltage is so low that automatic detection by the MCU is not possible. When the user presses and holds the manual override button for a predetermined period time (such as three seconds) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the manual mode, the internal lithium ion battery power is switched to the vehicle battery connect port. The only exception to the manual override is if the car battery is connected in reverse. If the car battery is connected in reverse, the internal lithium battery power shall never be switched to the vehicle battery connect port.

[0620] USB charge circuit 1052 converts power from any USB charger power source, to charge voltage and current for charging the lithium battery pack 1032. USB output 56 provides a USB portable charger for charging smartphones, tablets, and other rechargeable electronic devices. Operation indicator LEDs 1060 provides visual indication of lithium battery capacity status as well as an indication of smart switch activation status (indicating that power is being provided to the vehicle's electrical system).

[0621] Detailed operation of the handheld booster device will now be described with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 74A-2C. As shown in FIG. 74A, the microcontroller unit 1001 is the center of all inputs and outputs. The reverse battery sensor 1010 comprises an optically coupled isolator phototransistor (4N27) connected to the terminals of vehicle battery 1072 at input pins 1 and 2 with a diode D8 in the lead conductor of pin 1 (associated with the negative terminal CB−), such that if the battery 1072 is connected to the terminals of the booster device with the correct polarity, the optocoupler LED 1011 will not conduct current, and is therefore turned off, providing a “1” or high output signal to the MCU 1001. The car battery isolation sensor 1012 comprises an optically coupled isolator phototransistor (4N27) connected to the terminals of vehicle battery 1072 at input pins 1 and 2 with a diode D7 in the lead conductor of pin 1 (associated with the positive terminal CB+), such that if the battery 1072 is connected to the terminals of the booster device with the correct polarity, the optocoupler LED 1011A will conduct current, and is therefore turned on, providing a “0” or low output signal to the MCU 1001, indicating the presence of a battery across the jumper output terminals of the handheld booster device.

[0622] If the car battery 1072 is connected to the handheld booster device with reverse polarity, the optocoupler LED 1011 of the reverse sensor 1010 will conduct current, providing a “0” or low signal to microcontroller unit 1001. Further, if no battery is connected to the handheld booster device, the optocoupler LED 1011A of the isolation sensor 1012 will not conduct current, and is therefore turned off, providing a “1” or high output signal to the MCU 1001, indicating the absence of any battery connected to the handheld booster device. Using these specific inputs, the microcontroller software of MCU 1001 can determine when it is safe to turn on the smart switch FET 1015, thereby connecting the lithium battery pack to the jumper terminals of the booster device. Consequently, if the car battery 1072 either is not connected to the booster device at all, or is connected with reverse polarity, the MCU 1001 can keep the smart switch FET 1015 from being turned on, thus prevent sparking/short circuiting of the lithium battery pack.

[0623] As shown in FIG. 74B, the FET smart switch 1015 is driven by an output of the microcontroller 1001. The FET smart switch 1015 includes three FETs (Q15, Q18, and Q19) in parallel, which spreads the distribution of power from the lithium battery pack over the FETs. When that microcontroller output is driven to a logic low, FETs 1016 are all in a high resistance state, therefore not allowing current to flow from the internal lithium battery negative contact 1017 to the car battery 1072 negative contact. When the micro controller output is driven to a logic high, the FETs 1016 (Q15, Q18, and Q19) are in a low resistant state, allowing current to flow freely from the internal lithium battery pack negative contact 1017 (LB−) to the car battery 1072 negative contact (CB−). In this way, the microcontroller software controls the connection of the internal lithium battery pack 1032 to the vehicle battery 1072 for jumpstarting the car engine.

[0624] Referring back to FIG. 74A, the internal lithium battery pack voltage can be accurately measured using circuit 1024 and one of the analog-to-digital inputs of the microcontroller 1001. Circuit 1024 is designed to sense when the main 3.3V regulator 1042 voltage is on, and to turn on transistor 1023 when the voltage of regulator 1042 is on. When transistor 1023 is conducting, it turns on FET 1022, thereby providing positive contact (LB+) of the internal lithium battery a conductive path to voltage divider 1021 allowing a lower voltage range to be brought to the microcontroller to be read. Using this input, the microcontroller software can determine if the lithium battery voltage is too low during discharge operation or too high during charge operation, and take appropriate action to prevent damage to electronic components.

[0625] Still referring to FIG. 74A, the temperature of the internal lithium battery pack 1032 can be accurately measured by two negative temperature coefficient (NTC) devices 1020. These are devices that reduce their resistance when their temperature rises. The circuit is a voltage divider that brings the result to two analog-to-digital (ND) inputs on the microcontroller 1001. The microcontroller software can then determine when the internal lithium battery is too hot to allow jumpstarting, adding safety to the design.

[0626] The main voltage regulator circuit 1042 is designed to convert internal lithium battery voltage to a regulated 3.3 volts that is utilized by the microcontroller 1001 as well as by other components of the booster device for internal operating power. Three lithium battery back charge protection diodes 1028 (see FIG. 2B) are in place to allow current to flow only from the internal lithium battery pack 1032 to the car battery 1072, and not from the car battery to the internal lithium battery. In this way, if the car electrical system is charging from its alternator, it cannot back-charge (and thereby damage) the internal lithium battery, providing another level of safety. The main power on switch 1046 (FIG. 74A) is a combination that allows for double pole, double throw operation so that with one push, the product can be turned on if it is in the off state, or turned off if it is in the on state. This circuit also uses a microcontroller output 1047 to “keep alive” the power when it is activated by the on switch. When the switch is pressed the microcontroller turns this output to a high logic level to keep power on when the switch is released. In this way, the microcontroller maintains control of when the power is turned off when the on/off switch is activated again or when the lithium battery voltage is getting too low. The microcontroller software also includes a timer that turns the power off after a predefined period of time, (such as, e.g. 8 hours) if not used.

[0627] The flashlight LED circuit 1045 shown in FIG. 74B controls the operation of flashlight LEDs. Two outputs from the microcontroller 1001 are dedicated to two separate LEDs. Thus, the LEDs can be independently software-controlled for strobe and SOS patterns, providing yet another safety feature to the booster device. LED indicators provide the feedback the operator needs to understand what is happening with the product. Four separate LEDs 1061 (FIG. 74A) are controlled by corresponding individual outputs of microcontroller 1001 to provide indication of the remaining capacity of the internal lithium battery. These LEDs are controlled in a “fuel gauge” type format with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (red, red, yellow, green) capacity indications. An LED indicator 1063 (FIG. 74B) provides a visual warning to the user when the vehicle battery 1072 has been connected in reverse polarity. “Boost” and on/off LEDs 1062 provide visual indications when the booster device is provide jump-start power, and when the booster device is turned on, respectively.

[0628] A USB output 1056 circuit (FIG. 74C) is included to provide a USB output for charging portable electronic devices such as smartphones from the internal lithium battery pack 1032. Control circuit 1057 from the microcontroller 1001 allows the USB Out 1056 to be turned on and off by software control to prevent the internal lithium battery getting too low in capacity. The USB output is brought to the outside of the device on a standard USB connector 1058, which includes the standard voltage divider required for enabling charge to certain smartphones that require it. The USB charge circuit 1052 allows the internal lithium battery pack 1032 to be charged using a standard USB charger. This charge input uses a standard micro-USB connector 1048 allowing standard cables to be used. The 5V potential provided from standard USB chargers is up-converted to the 12.4 VDC voltage required for charging the internal lithium battery pack using a DC-DC converter 1049. The DC-DC converter 1049 can be turned on and off via circuit 1053 by an output from the microcontroller 1001.

[0629] In this way, the microcontroller software can turn the charge off if the battery voltage is measured to be too high by the A/D input 1022. Additional safety is provided for helping to eliminate overcharge to the internal lithium battery using a lithium battery charge controller 1050 that provides charge balance to the internal lithium battery cells 1051. This controller also provides safety redundancy for eliminating over discharge of the internal lithium battery.

[0630] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a handheld device 1300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 1301 is a power on switch. 1302 shows the LED “fuel gauge” indicators 1361. 1303 shows a 12 volt output port connectable to a cable device 1400, described further below. 1304 shows a flashlight control switch for activating flashlight LEDs 1345. 1305 is a USB input port for charging the internal lithium battery, and 1306 is a USB output port for providing charge from the lithium battery to other portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, music players, etc. 1307 is a “boost on” indicator showing that power is being provided to the 12V output port. 1308 is a “reverse” indicator showing that the vehicle battery is improperly connected with respect to polarity. 1309 is a “power on” indicator showing that the device is powered up for operation.

[0631] FIG. 76 shows a jumper cable device 1400 specifically designed for use with the handheld device 1300. Device 1400 has a plug 1401 configured to plug into 12 volt output port 1303 of the handheld device 1300. A pair of cables 1402a and 1402b are integrated with the plug 1401, and are respectively connected to battery terminal clamps 1403a and 1403b via ring terminals 1404a and 1404b. The port 1303 and plug 1401 may be dimensioned so that the plug 1401 will only fit into the port 1303 in a specific orientation, thus ensuring that clamp 1403a will correspond to positive polarity, and clamp 1403b will correspond to negative polarity, as indicated thereon. Additionally, the ring terminals 1404a and 1404b may be disconnected from the clamps and connected directly to the terminals of a vehicle battery. This feature may be useful, for example, to permanently attach the cables 1302a-1302b to the battery of a vehicle. In the event that the battery voltage becomes depleted, the handheld booster device 1300 could be properly connected to the battery very simply by plugging in the plug 1401 to the port 1303.

Discharged Battery Pre-Conditioning System

[0632] When a vehicle or equipment battery is depleted or discharged, it is common to jumpstart the discharged vehicle or equipment battery using jumper cables connected to another well charged battery. The better the charge that the second battery has, the batter are the chances of for a successful jump start. If the second battery is not well charged, it is much more difficult to jump start to boost charge the discharged vehicle or equipment battery.

[0633] When the well charged battery is connected to the discharged battery, the well charged battery begins delivering current to the depleted or discharged battery. The larger the difference in potential between the connected batteries, the larger the current flowing between the connected batteries when jump starting. As the current is being delivered, the voltage of the depleted or discharged battery starts to increase and the voltage of the fully charged battery starts decreasing until the voltages of the connected batteries become very close to each other over time. As this occurs, the current flowing or transferring between the connected batteries decreases.

[0634] When the vehicle starter is engaged, the majority of the current flows from the connected fully charged battery and some of the current flows from the depleted or discharged battery. The more current that transfers from the fully charged battery to the low or discharged battery, the more the low or discharge battery participates with the jump start process. In difficult jump start situations such as cold weather or large engines (e.g. heavy duty fuel or diesel engines), this participation by the low or discharge battery is critical because the low or discharged battery always has good solid conductivity to the starter motor (i.e. low or discharged battery is cabled to the battery and starter motor by conductive connectors).

[0635] The current transfer (pre-conditioning) effect can be maximized using a technique that increases the fully charged battery (e.g. fully charge battery of jump starter) voltage potential during the initial phase prior to the actual jump start process. If the fully charged battery has a much higher potential than the low or discharged battery, the “pre jump” charge of the low or discharged battery is improved allowing for more success jump starting of the vehicle or equipment during the actual jump starting stage or step.

[0636] The discharged battery pre-condition system can be used or applied to a jump starter, in particular to any of the “jump-starters”, including rechargeable battery jump starting devices, booster devices, or otherwise apparatus or devices described herein. The discharge battery pre-condition system can be used with batteries, in particular rechargeable battery systems (e.g. jump-starters with Li-ion battery systems). Further, the discharged battery pre-condition system or method can be added to any of the systems or methods, respectively, described herein.

[0637] The discharged battery pre-condition system, for example, combines a microcontroller unit (MCU) controlled switching of an additional battery or battery cell to be used in a “pre-conditioning” stage or step of the battery to be jumped. Also included is the controlled impedance of a conductive section for this pre-conditioning stag e or step. The controlled impedance provides safety for this stage or step.

[0638] The switching in of the additional battery or battery cell (e.g. 4V Li-ion battery cell shown in FIG. 77), is only temporary. It is used specifically for the pre-conditioning stage or step and the controlled impedance, as shown in FIG. 78, to provide safety if the actual vehicle jump start is attempted during this phase. The controlled impedance is the combination of current limit module, cable impedance, and switch impedance, as shown in FIG. 78. These three (3) elements will be “tuned” for maximum safe current delivery during the pre-conditioning stage or step.

[0639] The pre-conditioning step is controlled by the operator by selecting this function, for example, using a switch provided on a panel of the jump-starter. When this function is selected, for example, an extra Li-ion battery cell is added to the three (3) Li-ion battery cells temporarily making it a jumpstart battery with four (4) Li-ion battery cells. When this occurs, the pre-conditioning voltage is converted from approximately 12V to 16V. This extra voltage potential provides extra current to the discharged vehicle or equipment battery bringing up the charge voltage faster, which allows the discharged vehicle or equipment battery to assist more in the difficult jump-start phase.

[0640] When the extra Li-ion battery cell is switched in, a short circuit detect feedback is employed to provide safety feedback in case a switch gets stuck closed. This makes sure the extra Li-ion battery cell is never accidentally shorted.

[0641] This pre-conditioning step is only provided for a limited time as the extra Li-ion battery cell empties its charge into the low or discharged vehicle or equipment battery. This technique, for example, allows the extra Li-ion battery cell to be smaller than the three (3) combined Li-ion battery cells. This is key for two reasons, including containing costs of making the device as well as providing for a relatively quick pre-conditioning step.

[0642] After the pre-conditioning step is complete, the regular jump-start stage or step is ready. As a result of the pre-conditioning stage or step, the regular jump starting phase or step takes less energy because the low discharged vehicle or equipment battery is now partially charged to a higher capacity and potential. This allows for a greater chance of success on the jump start.

[0643] A circuit for a low or discharged battery pre-condition system is shown in FIG. 77. The circuit comprises a 12V LITHIUM (i.e. LI-ion) JUMPSTART BATTERY connected to a 4V ADDITIONAL LITHIUM (i.e. Li-ion) BATTERY CELL. The circuit further comprises a BACKCHARGE DIODE (i.e. back-charge diode array) to prevent reverse current flow, for example, when the low or discharge battery is being charged or charged, and a resistor to provided controlled impedance. In addition, the circuit comprises two (2) SHORT CIRCUIT DETECTORS, which are controlled by the MCU to open to prevent damage to the 12V and 4V batteries, respectively, in the event of a short circuit.

[0644] The various features described above (e.g. in particular the main features described under headings) can be combined in various combinations (e.g. two features, three or more features, all features) and in various manners, and any and all features can be combined into the electronic devices, jump starters and/or battery booster devices or apparatus described herein.

[0645] The invention having been thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Any and all such variations are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the following claims.