Battery testing and/or charging system with integrated receptacle for booster pack and method of using same

Abstract

A battery testing/charging system includes an execution unit, such as a battery tester/charger, a receptacle configured to receive an external booster pack, and an outlet configured to power the booster pack when the booster pack is connected to the outlet. The receptacle removably receives the booster pack, such that the booster pack can be removed and separately carried when the execution unit is not required. The receptacle may be integrated with the execution unit. Alternatively, the execution unit may be mounted on a cart, and the receptacle integrated with the cart. The cart may also include an accessory storage tray and an output device bracket. The execution unit may receive partial or total power from the booster pack.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a software-driven system incorporating a user interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a user interface.

FIG. 3 illustrates a software-driven battery testing/charging system incorporating a remote control panel according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a software-driven battery testing/charging system incorporating a remote control panel.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a battery testing/charging system with an integrated booster pack receptacle.

Claims

1. A battery testing/charging system, comprising: an execution unit capable of performing at least one battery-related function;a receptacle configured to receive an external booster pack; andan outlet configured to power said booster pack when said booster pack is connected to said outlet.

2. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said receptacle removably receives said external booster pack.

3. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said booster pack comprises a vehicle battery booster pack.

4. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is integrated with said execution unit.

5. The battery testing/charging system of claim 4, wherein said receptacle comprises a slot in said execution unit and wherein said booster pack is suspendable from said slot via a hanger attached to said booster pack.

6. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, further comprising a cart, wherein said receptacle is integrated with said cart.

7. The battery testing/charging system of claim 6, wherein said receptacle comprises a shaped opening defined by said cart, said shaped opening formed to achieve a friction fit with said booster pack when said booster pack is mounted within said shaped opening.

8. The battery testing/charging system of claim 6, further comprising an accessory storage compartment mounted to said cart.

9. The battery testing/charging system of claim 6, further comprising a bracket mounted to said cart, wherein said bracket is configured to support an output device.

10. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said outlet is integrated with said execution unit.

11. The battery testing/charging system of claim 10, wherein said outlet comprises a pass-through from a power source attached to said execution unit.

12. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said execution unit is configured to receive power from said booster pack.

13. The battery testing/charging system of claim 12, wherein said booster pack provides supplemental power to said execution unit.

14. A portable battery testing/charging system, comprising: means for executing at least one battery-related function;means for providing power to at least one of said executing means and a vehicle battery;means for transporting said executing means and said power providing means;means for removably securing said power providing means to one of said executing means and said transporting means; andmeans for charging said power providing means.

15. The modular battery testing/charging system of claim 14, further comprising means for carrying one or more additional components.

16. A method of diagnosing a battery in a vehicle at a location remote from a fixed power supply, the method comprising: providing an execution unit capable of performing at least one battery-related function;providing a portable power supply;mounting the execution unit to a transportation device;releasably securing the portable power supply to a receptacle integrated into one of the execution unit and the transportation device; andperforming a battery-related function.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: connecting the portable power supply to a power input of the execution unit; andconnecting the execution unit to the battery.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein performing a battery-related function comprises performing a battery-related function using the execution unit under power provided by the portable power supply.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: connecting the execution unit to the fixed power supply;connecting the portable power supply to an outlet integrated into the execution unit; andcharging the portable power supply from the fixed power supply.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of performing a battery-related function comprises: connecting the portable power supply to the battery; andboosting the vehicle battery such that the vehicle may be started.