Rayovac Corporation

Steven R Ruth

Upal Sengupta

James G Pilarzyk

In accordance with the present invention, a portable electrical device with a discriminating, rechargeable battery system is provided. The rechargeable battery system includes a load circuit connected to a discharge contact adapted to electrically couple to an electrical terminal on a battery to receive power therefrom whereby either a first battery having a predetermined feature or a second battery lacking the predetermined feature may be coupled thereto. The system further includes a charger circuit connected to a charging contact adapted to electrically couple to the same electrical terminal on the battery to provide a charging current to the battery from an outside power source. An inhibitor is associated with the charger circuit and is adapted to cooperate with the predetermined feature to only allow the coupling of the charging contact with the electrical terminal of the first battery thereby preventing the coupling of the charging contact with the electrical terminal of the second battery. As such, only a battery having the predetermined feature may receive the charging current.

Growing community of inventors

Madison, WI, United States of America

Steven R Ruth