摘要 |
<p>The present invention is directed to a cartridge (100) comprising a rectangular base (102) and four side walls (104, 106, 108, 110) which form a cavity (112) into which an energy pack (114) or a plurality of individual battery cells (116), either primary or secondary, are locatable. The cartridge (100) is securable to an electrical apparatus by a latching mechanism (120). Alternatively, the cartridge (100) can be integral therewith. In a first embodiment, a plurality of cells are locatable such that their positive and negative contacts are positioned against a set of positive (132a-f) and negative (134a-f) contact areas located along the first and second side walls. The first embodiment optionally comprises a contact arm, locatable substantially parallel to the second side wall, which includes a plurality of positive contact areas corresponding to and across from the negative contact areas located on the second side wall. A plurality of cells, having a shorter length than the battery cells (116) locatable between the first and second side walls, are locatable between the contact arm and the second side wall. The cartridge (100) also provides circuitry to recharge the energy pack and/or secondary cells located therein.</p> |