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Methods and apparatus for managing a plurality of charging devices via a network

  • US 7,045,989 B2
  • Filed: 04/17/2002
  • Issued: 05/16/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for managing a plurality of charging devices that are connected to a computer via a network, wherein the plurality of charging devices are used in at least two different work areas, at least some of the usage environments of each of the work areas being different from the other work areas, the method comprising:

  • storing the work area of each charging device within the computer;

    transmitting charging information from a charging device to the computer via the network when a battery pack is mounted on the charging device, wherein the charging information includes an identifier of the charging device on which the battery pack is mounted;

    identifying which of the work areas the charging device on which the battery pack is mounted based on the charging information transmitted from the charging device to the computer via the network;

    selecting charging control instructions based on at least the work area of the charging device identified by the computer;

    transmitting the charging control instructions from the computer to the charging device via the network; and

    charging the mounted battery pack by the charging device based on the charging control instructions transmitted from the computer to the charging device via the network.

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