charging one battery from another (using a charge controller, natch)

Hmmm. What could this mean? OK, here goes: Someone (A) files a patent on such a device in 1990. More recently, someone else (B) starts selling a similar contraption. A sues B for patent violation. B is now trying to find prior (to 1990) art in order to render A's patent void.

So you're working for B, right?

What constitutes prior art, anyway? An article in a hobby electronics magazine? One of those really productive design brainstorming threads in S.E.D.?

robert

Why don't you post the number of the patent being contested? ;-)

robert

If it's "prior art" you're looking for then you should just come out and say so instead of being deceitful and manipulative like this...

I didn't. I canceled my first post within seconds of placing it, for further editing. Did you see two posts?

Dave and Joerg, can you verify that the charging controller isn't in the 12V "adapter" plug? With an ohmmeter test?

Awwww. For a minute there, I was so proud of myself....

Thanks! RIch

Mine just came with the 120V cord, the 12V cord would be a paid accessory which I didn't need (and Long's didn't have it anyhow). Just measured the 120V cord. 0.6ohms each line, meaning it's the usual stranded wires, no built-in extra resistance. I bought this Braun razor last year but they've been around for many years.

The old flashlight I had as a kid definitely did not use an adapter either because you could take off a protective plastic cap and then plug the flashlight body right into the cigarette lighter outlet of a car.

And then A's investors blow a gasket and begin to sue A ...

Either one should seriously shake a patent claim at the roots. But imagine what would happen if you are on the witness stand and asked how you know for sure. Then you quietly pull out a rechargeable flashlight or something like that. "Grandpa used this in his DeSoto all the time. He passed away in 1980." Then you can probably see harried folks whipping out their cell phones and storm out the court room.

Usually stuff like this becomes so obvious during discovery that it is settled before heading too far towards a major embarrassment in court.

Another possibility: if you suspect a patent is invalid, you can request a re-examination and submit your prior art references. You have to pay the ~$2K re-examination fee, but it could be worth it, circumstances depending. This process can limit or invalidate a patent entirely, with no court battles required, as long as you can prove your point.

Best, James Arthur

Considering that you could spend that on a lawyer in under two days, certainly.

You can get one now on eBay for $3. :-)

Do you remember the brand?

Yeah, but I don't like to shave in the car. It drives me crazy when I see others do that while cradling a cell phone between shoulder and ear.

Sorry, I don't. All I remember is that I bought it in Germany. It had a red body and a white cap for the plug. This flashlight was square, not round. That was unusual since most other flashlights were round in the

Yes, I did.

Canceling doesn't work with most servers. Neither does Supersede. To my knowledge these haven't been supported by most servers for a very long time.

No, I can't (c:

But the shaver itself says: "12-240 V ac/dc 50-60Hz / 5w"

Lost the 12 plug.

My presumption -- and I think it's sound -- is that when run on mains voltage the charg is controlled internally, and when run on 12 DC the same is happening.

If we all assume it's a prior art search, how is it hidden?

ROFL!

I have a motorola bag phone in deep storage somewhere, despite the analog cellular networks here being switched off years ago. Havn't got it out for a while but I just found a picture of a 4800x with google and it looks like the one I have. I disposed of the battery because it was totally dead but I'm fairly certain it was lead acid. Bob

I had a tiny FM radio with an internal rechargeable battery. It was recharged from a battery pack containing 4 AA cells. I can't recall exactly when I bought it, but I'm sure it was at least 10 years ago. More like 20 years ago. It quit working a few years back and I'm not sure if its in my busted junk pile or long since thrown out

Does an automobile count as a portable device? I recall mention of a drycell pack that could be applied to recharge the car battery it it was accidentally depleted.

another thing worth considering is the origin of the term "secondary cell"

Bye. Jasen

Probably only this one does:

Some kids hand-carried one into the lobby of our high school as a prank. Just lifted it off the ground and walked with it.