Field of the invention

The invention relates to a power source for electrical devices or vehicles comprising at least one power source unit encapsulated in a housing, wherein the power source comprises electronic anti-theft means connected to the power source unit, and the anti-theft means are adapted to transmit and receive data indicating the location of the power source.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a power source as described, comprising steps of manufacturing a housing or housing parts suitable for protecting at least one power source unit.

The prior art

A current solution to providing electrical devices or vehicles with anti-theft means involves attaching a tracking unit on the device at a discrete location. The tracking unit either comprises internal communications means or is connected to the communications means of the device. Such transponders are well-known.

A different solution is to hide the tracking unit within the housing of the electrical device, thus allowing the tracking unit to be more difficult to locate.

In recent years, power sources for electrical devices and vehicles have become more compact and more specialised to specific applications such as cars or laptops, which also increase the costs of such power sources. As a result of this the power sources are more likely to be stolen. Current solutions to protecting batteries against theft describe mounting the battery on the electronic device or vehicle in a secure manner by using fastening means. A different solution mentions that the battery may be provided with a bar code, which may be scanned before fastening the battery.

WO 03/025723 A2 describes a core device, which may be powered by a battery pack comprising a GPS receiver. The structure of the battery pack is not described.

WO 98/54811 A1 describes a battery comprising a removable controller incorporated in the battery housing and comprises a communications module and a GPS module. The problem with this structure is that the controller may easily be removed from the battery without destroying the battery or the housing.

Because of the materials used in the power sources it is an environmental requirement that old power sources must be collected, sorted and recycled or disposed of at landfills or incinerators. The recycling may be done in metal industries capable of handling power sources or at the power source manufacturers. Current solutions do not provide an effective method of collecting and recycling old power sources.

None of the current solutions describes a structure in which the power source comprises electronic anti-theft means which enable the power source to be tracked and located.

The object of the invention

The invention solves these problems by providing a power source for electrical devices and vehicles, characterized in that the electronic anti-theft means are embedded in or encapsulated by the housing. This makes it very difficult to remove or disable the anti-theft means without destroying the power source or the housing.

In a preferred embodiment, according to claim 2, the electronic anti-theft means comprise a communications module connected to a tracking module and an interface module connected to the communications module and the tracking module. According to claim 3, the communications module transmits and receives data from an external communications system or network through the interface module, and the tracking module transmits and receives data from an external tracking system or network through the interface module. This enables the power source to convert positional data from a tracking system into suitable data packages for a particular communications system or network.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-theft means, according to claim 4, comprise a processor adapted to transmit an activation signal to the tracking module, which determines the position of the power source. According to claim 5, the processor is adapted to determine when the power source is stolen and to transmit a 'stolen' signal to an alarm module and/or to a remote operator or the user. According to claim 6, the electronic anti-theft means are connected to an independent second power source. This enables the power source to fulfil the insurance requirement.

According to claim 7, the power source is a rechargeable power source or comprises a plurality of interconnected power source units. This enables the power source to be adapted to specific applications.

According to claim 8, the power source unit is a replaceable power source unit. This enables the housing, the anti-theft means, and/or the controller or electrical circuit of power source to be recycled. According to claim 9, the electronic anti-theft means are connected to user operated input means, which switches the anti-theft means on and off. This enables the user to switch the anti-theft means on when needed.

The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a power source as defined in claim 1 , comprising steps of manufacturing a housing or housing parts suitable for protecting at least one power source unit, characterized by further comprising steps of embedding electronic anti-theft means in the housing or housing parts. According to claim 11 , the method further comprises steps of placing the power source unit inside the housing or attaching the housing to the power source unit, and steps of connecting the power source unit to terminals on the housing.

According to claim 12, the electronic anti-theft means are embedded in the housing or housing parts. According to claim 13, the electronic anti-theft means are completely encapsulated by the housing or housing parts.

The drawings

The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary use of the invention, Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the power source, Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of the basic operation,

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. Description of exemplary embodiments

Figure 1 shows an exemplary use of the invention which enables a user to track and locate the power source 1. The power source 1 may be situated in an electrical device or vehicle (not shown) and provides power to the electronic circuits during normal operation.

The power source 1 may be constructed as a battery for portable or stationary devices such as communications devices, entertainment devices, computers, PDA's, or cameras. In an alternate embodiment, the power source 1 may be constructed as a battery for motorised or electrically driven vehicles, bicycles, scooters, or the like.

In order to prevent theft, the power source has to be fitted with mechanical anti-theft means such as fastenings elements, which mount the power source 1 on the electrical device or vehicle in a secure manner, or tracking elements which enable a user to locate the power source 1.

In the preferred embodiment, the power source 1 is fitted with a tracking module 2 and a communications module 3, which are powered by the power source itself. These modules 2, 3 are connected to each other and to an interface module 8, which enables the communications module 3 and the tracking module 2 to communicate with external systems, networks, or devices. This enables a user or an operator to track and locate a power source 1 even when it is not mounted in a device or vehicle.

The tracking module 2 communicates with an external tracking system or network 4 to determine the exact location or the proximate location of the power source 1 using GIS, GPS, RFID, WLAN, or any other tracking-based technologies. Alternatively, the tracking module 2 may transmit and receive data from the tracking system or network 4 via one or more relay stations, if the direct signal path is blocked. Likewise, the location of the power source may be determined using the communications network 5 or an alternative tracking system or network.

The communications module 3 communicates with an external communications system or network 5a, 5b to provide a user or a remote operator with information indicating the location or position of the power source 1 and/or other status information. The status information may be current charging capability, current operating time, time for replacement or charging or other known status information relevant to the user. The user or operator may remotely control the operation of the tracking module 2 and the communications module 3 by transmitting one or more control signals to the power source. Alternatively, the anti-theft means may be wirelessly programmed or reprogrammed by the user or operator. The user or operator may also change the settings for the anti-theft means via the interface module 8.

Figure 2 shows the detailed block diagram of the power source 1 comprising at least one power source unit 6 which generates power. The power source unit 6 may comprise at least one power source sub-unit 6a, 6b, which may be interconnected with suitable conductive path(s) for transferring electrons between the sub-units. The power source sub-units 6a, 6b may be separated using an isolator or a separator, or comprise another structure which is adapted to a specific application. The power source may also comprise one or more power source cells, which are interconnected via a conductive path. The structure of the power source unit 6 will not be described in detail, as these structures are known. The power source unit 6 may be non-chargeable or rechargeable, which enables the power source 1 to be adapted to specific applications. At least two terminals 7a, 7b are connected to the power source unit(s) 6, and these terminals extend through an outer housing (casing) encapsulating the power source unit(s) 6. The housing protects the power source unit 6 against external forces or contacts and provides safety for a person when mounting the power source 1.

The interface module 8 transmits and receives data between the modules 2, 3 using wired or wireless connections and the external systems or networks 4, 5 using wireless communication. The interface module 8 may comprise an antenna adapted to transmit and receive data packages suitable for a particular communications system or network 5 and a particular tracking system or network 4. Alternatively, the communications data and tracking data may be transmitted and received through separate antennas.

The antenna(s) of the interface module 8 is/are situated at a suitable distance from any materials of the housing that may interfere with the communication - including terminals 7a, 7b. This enables the interface module 8 to be constructed with optimum transfer characteristics for minimum interference.

Alternatively, the interface module 8 may be connected to one or more terminals positioned on the outside of the housing for wired connection to an external processor.

Modules 2, 3, 8 may be powered by an internal power circuit (not shown) connected to the power source unit 6. This enables the anti-theft means to be operational as long as the power source unit 6 is able to provide power. A second non-chargeable or rechargeable power source (not shown) may be connected to the internal power circuit. This enables the anti-theft means to be operational when the power source unit 6 is not able to provide power, which is a requirement for insurance purposes.

The tracking module 2 may comprise a processor (not shown) adapted to determine the location of the power source 1 based on received tracking data, which are stored in a memory (not shown). The generated location data are then converted into suitable data packages and transmitted to the communications module 3.

The location data may be generated in the tracking module 2 using any suitable location-tracking technologies, which will not be described in further detail.

The processor may also receive other status information, which is also converted into suitable data packages for the communications module 3. The communications module 3 then combines the converted data and transmits these data to a user or a remote operator.

Alternatively, the processor may be located in the communications module 3 instead.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-theft means are completely encapsulated by or embedded in the housing of the power source 1 , which makes it very difficult to remove or disable the anti-theft means without destroying the power source 1 or the housing. In the preferred embodiment the communications module 3 and the tracking module 2 are incorporated to a single unit comprising a processor and a memory containing one or more executable programs, which are executed by the processor. The interface module 8 may be incorporated into the data processing unit. The antenna(s) may be separated from the unit and shielded from the housing material(s) so that it/they does/do not interfere with the wireless communication. Alternatively, the antenna(s) may be incorporated to the unit and placed on a substrate.

In one embodiment, the housing may comprise two or more parts which may be shaped to the desired form using moulding, compressing, heating, wrapping, crimping or any other manufacturing process. One or more of the housing parts may be shaped or assembled to a box-like form or structure, which holds each of the components of the power source unit 6 in place. One or more separating elements (not shown) may be used to hold the components of the power source 6 in place inside the box. Another housing part may be shaped as a lid, which is firmly attached to the box so that a user is unable to open the lid without destroying the housing. The terminals 7a, 7b and an optional electrical circuit (not shown), which may control the charge and discharge of the power source, may be placed inside the lid. Alternatively, the terminals and the optional electrical circuit may be placed at any side of the housing. The terminals 7a, 7b may be connected directly to the terminals of the power source unit 6 or via an electrical interconnection. Figure 4 shows such an embodiment comprising two housing parts 9a, 9b encapsulating the power source unit 6 (not shown). The modules 2, 3, 8 are embedded in one of the housing parts or placed on the inside of one of the housing parts 9a, 9b or on one of the separating elements. This embodiment is suitable for powering vehicles or large electrical devices.

In a second embodiment, the housing may consist of a single housing unit or structure which is shaped to the desired shape using moulding, compressing, heating, wrapping, crimping, or any other manufacturing process. The power source unit 6 inside the housing may be connected to the terminals 7a, 7b through one or more conductive paths in one or more insulating or separating layers (not shown). The insulating or separating layer may surround the entire power source unit 6. The terminals may be positioned on the same side or at opposite ends. An optional electrical circuit (not shown) may be connected to the power source unit 6 and the terminals 7a, 7b and may control the charging and/or discharging of the power source unit 6. Figure 5 shows such an embodiment comprising a single housing part 10 encapsulating the power source unit 6 (not shown). The modules 2, 3, 8 are embedded in the housing or placed on the inside of the housing 10 or on the power source unit 6. This embodiment is suitable for powering small or medium sized electrical devices.

The housing may be made of metal, plastics, polyethylene, fire or corrosion resistant material, or any other material(s) suitable for protecting and encapsulating the power source 1.

In one embodiment, the modules 2, 3, 8 are positioned at same side as the terminals 7a, 7b or at different sides. The anti-theft means may be placed on each individual power source 1 at a predetermined position on the side or at random position on the side. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-theft means are placed on different sides and/or at different positions on the side according to a predetermined pattern. This makes it more difficult to remove the tracking module 2, because the anti-theft means are not placed on the same side and/or at the same position on each power source 1.

In one embodiment, the power source 1 may be a "smart" power source comprising a controller (not shown) controlling the charging and discharging of the power source unit 6 according to one or more parameters. The anti- theft means may be connected to the controller via a wired or wireless connection. Alternatively, one or more of the modules 2, 3, 8 may be incorporated to the controller. This enables the anti-theft means to control the operation of the power source, i.e. disconnecting the power source unit 6 if needed. The invention also provides a manufacturing process for encapsulating or embedding the anti-theft means in the housing. The individual process steps of manufacturing a power source 1 are known and will not be described in detail. The process steps may comprise steps of manufacturing a housing or housing parts, steps of placing the power source unit 6 inside the housing or attaching the housing to the power source unit 6, and steps of connecting the power source unit 6 to terminals 7a, 7b on the housing. The steps of manufacturing a housing or housing parts may comprise one or more steps of embedding or encapsulating the anti-theft means in the housing or housing parts. The steps of assembling the power source 1 may be carried out at one company/place while the manufacturing process may be carried out at a different company/place.

The basic operation of the anti-theft means will now be described according to figure 3. When the anti-theft means are not operated, they enter a sleep mode where only the electrical circuits enabling the processor to detect an incoming control signal or request are switched on. This enables the anti- theft means to reduce the power consumption, thus extending their operation time.

When no control signals or requests is detected for a predetermined time period or when a control signal is detected, the anti-theft means enter the desired operation mode, where the location of the power source 1 is determined and transmitted to the user or the operator before entering the sleep mode again. The predetermined time period may vary according to the desired requirements for the entire system (from seconds to minutes). The control signal may be generated internally based on the predetermined time period and/or an external control signal transmitted from the user or operator. In a normal operation mode, the processor transmits an activation signal to the tracking module 2 according to a first predetermined time period or when receiving a control signal. The tracking module 2 then communicates with the external tracking system or network 4 in order to acquire the tracking data, which indicate the location of the power source 1. The processor uses the received tracking data to calculate the location of the power source 1 represented by suitable location data. If the processor determines that the control signal comprises new program settings, these settings are stored in the memory before calculating the location.

In a 'stolen' mode, the processor periodically generates the location data according to a second predetermined time period. The generated location data are compared to previously generated location data; if the difference exceeds a predetermined radius or distance, the power source 1 is considered stolen. The processor then generates a 'stolen' signal and transmits it along with the current location data to the communications module 3. The location data may then be combined with a pre-generated alarm message and be transmitted to the user or the remote operator. This enables the user or the operator to take proper action in order to locate the power source 1. Alternatively, the anti-theft means may enter a tracking mode. During manufacturing, one or more predetermined radiuses or distances may be stored in the memory, which may be selected or changed by the user or operator.

In a tracking mode, only the location data is transmitted to the user or the remote operator. A pre-generated track message may be combined with the location data. The location data may be generated according to a third predetermined time period, which may be shorter than the first and/or the second predetermined time period. This enables the user or the operator to track and locate the power source 1 using suitable electronic devices. In an alternative embodiment, the third time period may be calculated according to the distance between the power source 1 and the electronic device.

The 'stolen' signal may also be transmitted to an alarm module (not shown), which may generate an acoustic, a visual, and/or a vibration alarm to alert the user. The alarm module is preferably located on or close to the user or the remote operator.

The communications module 3 may comprise a list of contact numbers (e.g. telephone numbers), which may receive the location data from the anti-theft means. The numbers may be arranged in a prioritized manner according to which the communications module may attempt to establish contact. This enables the anti-theft means to establish contact only with the highest prioritized number. Alternatively, the anti-theft means may attempt to contact all numbers at once. This enables the anti-theft means to establish contact with more than one number.

In one preferred embodiment, the power source 1 may comprise a structure and design that enables the power source unit 6 to be replaced by a new power source unit 6. This enables the housing, the anti-theft means, and/or the controller or electrical circuit of power source 1 to be recycled. Furthermore, this also reduces the production costs and production time for the power source companies.

In a second method of use, the communications module 3 or processor may comprise a unique identification number stored in the memory. The unique identification number may also be stored in a database (not shown) connected to a server (not shown), which may communicate with the communications module 3 via the communications system or network 5a, 5b. Upon request, the communications module 3 may transmit the current location data from the tracking module 2 to the server. This enables the power source companies or relevant personnel to locate one or more power sources 1 via the server by transmitting a request to the power sources 1. The server may then be able to display the received location data on a display and/or transmit the data to one or more handheld devices. This increases the recycling process and reduces the environmental impact.

Alternatively, the processor may be connected to one or more sensors, the controller, or the electrical circuit for sensing one or more parameters, which may affect the operation of the power source 1. The sensed parameters may then be compared to one or more reference parameters stored in the memory. The processor may then generate an event signal if the sensed parameters are above and/or below one or more parameters. The communications module 3 may then transmit the current location data from the tracking module 2 to the server. The reference parameters may be minimum operating requirements for the power source unit 6, an absolute minimum power level for operating the anti-theft means 2, 3, 8, or other requirements for insurance or safety purposes.

In one embodiment, the power source 1 may comprise user operated input means (not shown) in order to switch the anti-theft means on and off using wired or wireless elements (e.g. Bluetooth, RFID, buttons, or keys). The input means may be connected to the processor, which is adapted to detect and on/off signal, or a power switch located in the internal power circuit. This enables the user to switch the anti-theft means on when needed.

The anti-theft means may be connected to electronic components situated inside the electrical device or vehicle in order to prevent theft. In electrical vehicles, the anti-theft means may be used to switch off power to the vehicle remotely.