Patent Publication Number: US-7909662-B2

Title: Battery clamp for use with top post and side post batteries and methods for using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. Application No. 12/411,845, filed Mar. 26, 2009, now U.S. Patent No. 7,736,201, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/040,039, filed Mar. 27, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/091,964, filed Aug. 26, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention relates generally to battery clamps for testing and/or charging batteries with top post and/or side post terminal connections. More particularly, the present invention relates to battery clamps with side post adapters and methods of using the same to charge and/or test batteries. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the automotive battery field, automotive technicians use battery clamps to electrically connect a battery to a charging/testing device. According to some embodiments, it is important for these battery clamps to have a secure physical and a secure electrical connection with the battery&#39;s terminals. A poor connection can result in damage to the battery, damage to the charging/testing device, injury to the operator, and it can impact the accuracy of test results. For example, poor connections can lead to the generation of heat, which can cause the battery terminals to melt and possibly cause the battery to explode in some cases. 
     Generally there are three types of automotive batteries: (1) top post terminal batteries, (2) side post terminal batteries, and (3) dual post terminal batteries (e.g. universal fit-type batteries). Top post terminal batteries include two lead post terminals that protrude upwardly from the top of the battery. Installing a top post terminal battery in a vehicle such as an automobile involves attaching electrical cables to each of the two lead post terminals. Even while a vehicle&#39;s electrical cables remain attached to a top post battery, the lead posts typically provide a sufficient surface for mechanically and electrically connecting a pair of standard battery clamps to perform a test and/or charge of the battery. 
     Side post terminal batteries, on the other hand, generally consist of two lead pad terminals on the side of the battery, each terminal having a threaded bore. The threaded bore is typically made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion of the battery terminal. Installing a side post terminal battery in a vehicle such as an automobile involves attaching electrical cables to each of the two lead pads using a steel bolt. The electrical cables generally have a loop attached to the end of the cable. The steel bolt fits through the loop and mates with the threaded bore portion of the terminal, keeping the cable in physical and electrical contact with the lead pad portion of the side post terminal battery. 
     Dual post terminal batteries are a combination of a top post terminal battery and a side post terminal battery. Dual post terminal batteries have four terminals, two on the top (e.g., top post terminals) and two on the side (e.g., side post terminals). Dual post terminal batteries are typically supplied with plastic or rubber covers to electrically insulate/cover the two terminals not in use. 
     To charge or test a top post terminal battery, for example, an automotive technician connects a pair of battery clamps onto two respective top post terminals protruding from the top of the battery. This traditional method of “clamping” a battery clamp onto each terminal is sufficient for testing/charging a top post terminal battery because there is typically enough surface area on the top post terminals to allow for a proper and secure connection, even when the battery remains connected to the vehicle. 
     To test or charge a side post terminal battery, for example, an automotive technician generally connects a pair of standard battery clamps onto steel bolts that hold a vehicle&#39;s electrical cables in contact with the side post terminals of the battery. While connecting standard battery clamps onto the steel bolts is possible, it is difficult and less accurate than other methods. Prior solutions to the minimal surface area problem involved, for example, an automotive technician disconnecting the steel bolts and electrical cables from the battery and using lead adapter posts. According to such a method, the technician screws a lead adapter post into each of the side post terminals of the battery. The lead adapter posts, when connected, essentially convert the side post terminal battery into a top post terminal battery, only having the posts on the side of the battery. The lead adapter posts are designed to provide a sufficient surface for attaching standard battery clamps. The technician can attach the lead adapter posts to the battery while the battery remains in the vehicle or after the battery has been removed from the vehicle. 
     However, lead adapter posts are small and are easily lost or misplaced in automotive repair/testing shops. Typically, when technicians lose or misplace their lead adapter posts, they often substitute a standard steel bolt to provide a method of attaching the standard battery clamps; however, the steel bolts only contact the threaded bore portion of the side post terminal. For example,  FIG. 2   a  depicts a cross-sectional view of a side post battery  200  having a standard steel bolt  210  connected to a side post terminal  220 . Noticeably, the steel bolt  210  does not physically contact the lead pad portion  222  of the side post terminal  220 . Rather, the steel bolt  210  only makes contact with the stainless steel threaded bore portion  224  of the side post terminal  220 . Such an arrangement can yield both inaccurate battery test results and also generate significant amounts of heat that can melt and destroy the side post battery  200 . Conversely,  FIG. 2   b  depicts a cross-sectional view of a side post battery  230  having a lead adapter post  240  connected to a side post terminal  250 . Noticeably, the side post adapter  240  makes an electrical and physical connection with both a stainless steel threaded bore portion  254  and with a lead pad portion  252  of the side post terminal  250 . 
     What is needed is a battery clamp that can easily, safely, and reliably connect to both top post terminal and side post terminal batteries without the necessity of an independent lead adapter post. What is also needed is a battery clamp that can connect to side post terminals and provide accurate battery testing results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to some embodiments, a battery clamp for use with (a) top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and a second jaw handle. The first and second jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a closed position. The battery clamp further includes a first and second jaw member. The jaw members have a jaw clamp portion, a jaw pivot portion, and a jaw wire portion. The jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member and the jaw pivot portion of the second jaw member are both pivotally coupled to the first and second jaw handles. The battery clamp further includes, a load pad and a volt rod. The load pad has an aperture and is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The volt rod is operatively coupled to the second jaw member and protrudes through the aperture of the load pad. 
     According to some embodiments, a battery clamp for use with (a) top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and a second jaw handle. The first and second jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a closed position. The battery clamp further includes a side post adapter. The side post adapter is coupled to the handle portion of one of the jaw handles. The side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod. The load pad has an aperture, through which a portion of the volt rod protrudes. 
     According to some embodiments a method of testing a battery having side post terminal connections includes the acts of providing a pair of battery clamps, each having a side post adapter coupled thereto. The side post adapters each include a load pad and a volt rod. The method further including the acts of inserting each of the volt rods into a respective side post terminal in the battery and rotating each of the volt rods to cause the load pads to become electrically coupled to a respective lead pad on the battery. The method also including the acts of applying a load to the battery and measuring at least one of a current and a voltage of the battery. 
     According to some embodiments, a method of charging a battery having side post terminal connections includes the acts of providing a pair of battery clamps. The battery clamps each have a side post adapter coupled thereto. Each side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod. The method further includes the acts of inserting each of the volt rods into a respective side post terminal in the battery, rotating each of the volt rods to cause the load pads to become electrically coupled to a respective lead pad on the battery, and applying a charge to the battery. 
     According to some embodiments, a method of testing a battery having top post terminal connections includes the acts of providing a pair of battery clamps. The battery clamps each have a side post adapter coupled thereto. Each side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod. The method further includes the acts of clamping each of the battery clamps onto a respective top post terminal on the battery, applying a load to the battery, and measuring at least one of a current and a voltage of the battery. 
     According to some embodiments, a battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and second jaw handle. Each of the first and second jaw handles include a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled together. The jaw handles are biased with the clamping portions in a substantially closed position. The battery clamp further includes a jaw member insulator coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle and a jaw member coupled to the jaw member insulator. The jaw member insulator electrically insulates the jaw member from the first and second jaw handles. The battery clamp further includes a load pad electrically coupled to the jaw member, the load pad having an aperture, and a volt rod electrically coupled to the first and second jaw handles. A portion of the volt rod protrudes through the aperture of the load pad. 
     According to some embodiments, a battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and second jaw handle. The first and second jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled together and are biased with the clamping portions in a substantially closed position, the clamping portions being configured to be coupled to a top-post terminal of a top-post battery. The battery clamp further includes a jaw member coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle and a side post adapter configured to be coupled to a side-post terminal of a side-post battery. The side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod. The battery clamp further includes a volt wire electrically coupled to the volt rod, a load wire electrically coupled to the load pad, and a load jumper wire electrically coupled between the load pad and the jaw member. 
     According to some embodiments, a battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and second jaw handle. The first and second jaw handles each have a handle portion and a clamping portion. The first and second jaw handles are pivotally coupled to each other and are biased with the clamping portions in a substantially closed position. The clamping portions are configured to be coupled to a top-post terminal of a top-post battery. The battery clamp further includes a jaw member insulator coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle and a jaw member coupled to the jaw member insulator, the jaw member being electrically insulated from the first and second jaw handles. The battery clamp further includes a side post adapter that is coupled to the handle portion of the first jaw handle. The side post adapter includes a load pad and a volt rod, the load pad having an aperture, a portion of the volt rod protruding through the aperture of the load pad. 
     Additional aspects and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following, certain embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of one side of a battery clamp according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the other side of the battery clamp of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a rear view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  is a partial perspective view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1E  is an exploded view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1F  is a side view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 1A  connected to a testing and/or charging device; 
         FIG. 1G  is a front view of a load pad according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of a side post terminal having a steel bolt connected thereto; 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of a side post terminal having a side post adapter connected thereto; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a battery having side post terminals; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a pair of battery clamps coupled to a side post battery and to a testing and/or charging device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of one side of a battery clamp according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of the other side of the battery clamp of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5D  is a rear view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of the front portion of the battery clamp of  FIG. 5   a;    
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a battery clamp according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a battery clamp according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  is a side view of one side of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a rear view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8D  is a side view of the other side of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8E  is a front view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8F  is a partial exploded view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8G  is an exploded view of a load handle assembly of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A  according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8H  is an exploded view of a volt handle assembly of the battery clamp of  FIG. 8A  according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a battery clamp according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9B  is a side view of one side of the battery clamp of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a side view of the other side of the battery clamp of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9D  is an exploded view of the battery clamp of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9E  is a partial perspective view of battery clamp of  FIG. 9A ; and 
         FIG. 9F  is a partial perspective view of a side post adapter and jaw member assembly of the battery clamp of  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     According to certain embodiments,  FIGS. 1A-F , depict a battery clamp  100  for testing and charging both batteries with top post terminal connections and batteries with side post terminal connections. The battery clamp  100  includes a first jaw handle  110   a , a second jaw handle  110   b , a first jaw member  150   a , a second jaw member  150   b , and a side post adapter assembly  120 . The first and second jaw handles  110   a,b  each have a handle portion  112   a,b  and a clamping portion  114   a,b . It is contemplated that according to certain embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  110   a,b  can be formed from various materials, including but not limited to, steel, carbon, copper, iron, aluminum, plastic and combinations thereof. 
     According to some embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  110   a,b  are formed from an insulating or non-conductive material such as plastic because, for example, plastic jaw handles provide a simplified design and added safety. Similarly, plastic jaw handles electrically insulate the jaw handles from one another. For example, according to some embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  110   a,b  are made from a non-conductive material (e.g. plastic) to prevent a pair of battery clamps (e.g. two of battery clamp  100 ) from touching and shorting one another while connected to respective terminals of a battery. Similarly, non-conductive jaw handles prevent a battery clamp from causing a short should the handles touch a chassis of, for example, an automobile. 
     According to certain embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  110   a,b  are substantially the same in design. According to certain embodiments, the first and the second jaw handles  110   a,b  each further include at least one aperture. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1E , the first jaw handle  110   a  includes a first aperture  118   a  and a second aperture  118   b , and the second jaw handle  110   b  includes a third aperture  118   c  and a fourth aperture  118   d . According to some embodiments, when the first jaw handle  110   a  is attached or coupled to the second jaw handle  110   b , the first and the third apertures  118   a,c  are aligned with each other to form a first pivot point  116   a , as shown in  FIG. 1C . Similarly, the second and the fourth apertures  118   b,d  become aligned to form a second pivot point  116   b . It is contemplated that various combinations exist for the number and location of apertures for the jaw handles. For example, in certain embodiments, a first and second jaw handle may contain two apertures each. In certain other embodiments, a first jaw handle may contain two apertures and a second jaw handle may contain one aperture. In some embodiments, the jaw handles do not have apertures or do not have apertures at a pivot point between the two handles. In these embodiments, a side post adapter assembly can be coupled to, for example, a handle portion of either of the two jaw handles or above or below a pivot portion of the two jaw handles. For example,  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a battery clamp  700  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery clamp  700  comprises a first and a second jaw handle  710   a,b  and a side post adapter assembly  720 . As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the side post adapter assembly  720  is coupled to the first jaw handle  710   a  near an end  710   a   1  of the first jaw handle  710   a.    
     In certain embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  120  is attached or coupled to the battery clamp  100  through the first and second pivot points  116   a,b . The connection of the side post adapter assembly  120  pivotally connects the two jaw handles  110   a,b . In certain embodiments, the jaw handles  110   a,b  are biased in closed position by a biasing member  117 , as shown in  FIGS. 1C ,  1 D, and  1 E. The biasing member  117  biases the clamping portions  114   a,b  towards each other. It is contemplated that the biasing member  117  can be of a variety of configurations such as, but not limited to, a torsion spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, or a memory spring. To open the clamping portions  114   a,b , for example, an operator squeezes the handle portions  112   a,b  together. According to some embodiments, the biasing member  117  is located between the first and second jaw member  150   a,b  (described in detail below). According to some embodiments, a spacer  140  (described in detail below) fits through a portion of the biasing member  117 . It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, a side post adapter assembly can be attached to a battery clamp at various other locations, including but not limited to, the handle portion of one of the jaw handles. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1E , according to certain embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  120 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 C, and  1 D, includes a handle  122 , a load pad  124 , an insulating member  126 , and a volt rod  128 . The handle  122 , also shown in  FIGS. 1B-F , can be formed in a variety of shapes, for example, a knob, a turn screw, a wheel, or a sprocket. In certain embodiments, the handle  122  contains an aperture to receive a portion of the volt rod  128 . The handle  122  can be formed from various materials including, but not limited to, plastic, carbon, copper, brass, steel, and/or aluminum. According to some embodiments, the handle  122  is formed from a non-conductive material, such as a plastic material to electrically insulate the volt rod  128 , thereby inhibiting the battery clamp  100  from shorting through the handle  122  should the handle  122  come in contact with, for example, a chassis of an automobile during use, as well as, insulating an operator. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1G , according to some embodiments, the load pad  124  has a generally circular face  124   a  with an aperture  125   a . The aperture  125   a  is configured to receive the insulating member  126  and a portion of the volt rod  128 . In certain embodiments, the load pad&#39;s face  124   a  contains a recess  124   c  adapted to mate with a portion of the insulating member  126 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1E , according to some embodiments, the load pad  124  is electrically connected with the first jaw member  150   a . In certain embodiments, the load pad  124  includes a threaded portion  124   b  configured to electrically connect with the first jaw member  150   a . It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the load pad  124  is electrically connected to the first jaw member  150   a  by a threaded connection, a pin connection, a solder connection, a wire connection, and/or a press fit connection. 
     It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the load pad  124  is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to the first jaw member  150   a . According to some embodiments, the load pad  124  can optionally include a second aperture  125   b , as shown in  FIG. 1G . The second aperture  125   b  may receive a pin  132 , as shown in  FIG. 1E . It is contemplated that the pin  132  can be, for example, a spring loaded pin. In certain embodiments, the pin  132  fits through the second aperture  125   b  and into the first jaw member  150   a  to inhibit the load pad  124  from coming unthreaded from the first jaw member  150   a.    
     It is contemplated that the load pad  124  can be formed from a variety of electrically conducting materials including, but not limited to, brass, carbon, copper, and/or steel. According to some embodiments, the load pad  124  is formed from brass due to the electrical conductivity characteristics, strength, and soldering ability of brass. It is contemplated that the load pad  124  can be formed in any of a variety of shapes that are suitable for forming an electrical connection with a lead pad of a side post terminal of a battery.  FIG. 3  depicts a typical lead pad  322  of a side post terminal battery  300 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1E , according to some embodiments, the volt rod  128  has a generally cylindrical shape with two opposing ends. The first end  128   a  includes a threaded portion and the second end  128   b  is substantially smooth. According to some embodiments, the volt rod  128  is electrically connected with the second jaw member  150   b . The threaded portion  128   a , also shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1C , is adapted to mate with, for example, a side post terminal  320  of the battery  300 . According to some embodiments, the first end  128   a , having the threaded portion, is adapted to mate with an inner threaded bore portion  324  of the side post terminal  320  of the battery  300  whereby the threaded portion may be screwed into the threaded bore portion  324  of the side post terminal  320 . 
     The volt rod  128  can be formed from any of a variety of electrically conducting materials including, but not limited to, brass, copper, steel, and/or stainless steel. According to some embodiments, the volt rod  128  is formed from one piece of stainless steel due to its resistance to rusting and/or corrosion. Specifically, stainless steel is a suitable material for a volt rod because a minimal amount of current is pulled through the volt rod during testing, which facilitates accurately measuring voltage differentials. According to some embodiments, the volt rod  128  is formed from more than one conducting material. For example, the first end  128   a  can be formed from stainless steel while the second end  128   b  can be formed from copper. 
     According to some embodiments, the handle  122  is rigidly, mechanically connected to the volt rod  128  such that when the handle  122  is turned, the volt rod  128  turns. According to some embodiments, the second end  128   b  of the volt rod  128  is configured to mechanically and electrically connect with a volt pad  130 , as shown in  FIG. 1E . According to certain embodiments, the volt rod  128  can be configured to connect with the volt pad  130  via a wedge connection, a screw connection, a pin connection, a key connection, a press fit connection, and/or a solder connection. For example, the volt rod  128  may be keyed with a notch for mating with the volt pad  130 . 
     In certain embodiments, the second end  128   b  may have an inner threaded portion adapted to receive a screw  129 , as shown in  FIG. 1E . According to some embodiments, the screw  129  can be of any of a variety of lengths and have any of a variety of thread counts sufficient to secure the handle  122  to the volt rod  128  such that when the handle  122  rotates, the volt rod  128  rotates. According to some embodiments, the screw  129  secures the volt rod  128  to the volt pad  130 . In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the side post adapter assembly  120  does not include a screw  129 , but that the second end  128   b  of the volt rod  128  is connected to the handle  122  by a threaded connection, a pin connection, a solder connection, a press fit connection, a wedge connection, and/or a key connection. 
     According to some embodiments, the volt pad  130  is configured to fit within a groove or lip in the handle  122 . In certain embodiments, the volt pad  130  is coupled to the handle  122  such that when the handle  122  is securely coupled to the volt rod  128 , the handle  122  forces the volt pad  130  into good electrical contact with the second jaw member  150   b . The volt pad  130  provides additional surface area that electrically connects the volt rod  128  with the second jaw member  150   b , in addition to the surface area of the volt rod  128  itself. The volt pad  130  eliminates or reduces the problem of grease and/or dirt accumulating between the volt rod  128  and the second jaw member  150   b  and impeding or interfering with the electrical connection between the volt rod  128  and the second jaw member  150   b  by providing additional electrical contact surface area. 
     The insulating member  126  electrically insulates the load pad  124  from the volt rod  128 . The insulating member  126  includes a hollow tube-like portion  126   a  and a pad portion  126   b , as shown in  FIG. 1   e . According to some embodiments, the hollow tube-like portion  126   a  is adapted to fit through the aperture  125   a  in the load pad  124 . The insulating member  126  is configured to allow the second end  128   b  of the volt rod  128  to slide through the hollow tube-like portion  126   a , while preventing the first end  128   a  from sliding through the insulating member  126 . According to some embodiments, the hollow tube-like portion  126   a  of the insulating member  126  is formed with an inner diameter such that the second end  128   b  of the volt rod  128  can freely rotate within the insulating member  126 . According to some embodiments, the pad portion  126   b  of the insulating member  126  abuts the face  124   a  of the load pad  124  and generally keeps the insulating member  126  from sliding all the way into the load pad aperture  125   a .  FIG. 1A  shows the pad portion  126   b  of the insulating member  126  resting on top of the load pad face  124   a . Optionally, the pad portion  126   b  of the insulating member  126  can fit within a recess  124   c  of the load pad  124 . The insulating member  126  can be formed of a variety of insulating materials including, but not limited to, plastic. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1E , according to some embodiments, the jaw members  150   a,b  each contain jaw clamp portions  152   a,b , jaw pivot portions  154   a,b , and jaw wire connection portions  156   a,b . The first jaw member  150   a  is also referred to as a load jaw. In certain embodiments, during operation of the battery clamp  100 , the load jaw  150   a  is used to conduct current flowing from a battery to a measuring and/or charging device. The second jaw member  150   b  is also referred to as a volt jaw. In certain embodiments, during operation of the battery clamp device  100 , the volt jaw  150   b  is used in measuring voltage across a battery&#39;s terminals. 
     The jaw clamp portions  152   a,b  of the jaw members  150   a,b  are adapted to be coupled to the clamping portions  114   a,b  of the jaw handles  110   a,b . Specifically, the jaw clamp portion  152   a  of the first jaw member  150   a  is attached or coupled to the clamping portion  114   b  of the second jaw handle  110   b . Similarly, the jaw clamp portion  152   b  of the second jaw member  150   b  is attached or coupled to the clamping portion  114   a  of the first jaw handle  110   a . It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the jaw clamp portions  152   a,b  can be connected or coupled to the clamping portions  114   a,b  of the jaw handles  110   a,b  in a variety of manners, such as with, for example, a screw connection, a glue connection, a solder connection, a nut and bolt connection, and/or a press fit connection. 
     The jaw pivot portions  154   a,b  are adapted to be pivotally coupled about the first and second pivot points  116   a,b . According to some embodiments, the jaw pivot portion  154   a  of the first jaw member  150   a  is pivotally coupled about the first pivot point  116   a . Similarly, the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b  is pivotally coupled about the second pivot point  116   b . It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the jaw pivot portions  154   a,b  can be coupled about the first and second pivot points  116   a,b  in a variety of manners, such as by, for example, a screw connection, a ring connection (e.g. a retainer ring), and/or a force fit connection. According to some embodiments, the jaw pivot portions  154   a,b  are pivotally coupled about the first and second pivot points  116   a,b  such that the jaw pivot portions  154   a,b  can freely rotate within the first, second, third, and fourth apertures  118   a,b,c,d  of the first and second jaw handles  110   a,b . According to some embodiments, the jaw pivot portions  154   a,b  are maintained about the first and second pivot points  116   a,b  by the shaft of the volt rod  128  which passes through apertures  154   a   1 ,  154   b   1  in the jaw pivot portions  154   a,b , and thereby permitting the first and second jaw members  150   a,b  to pivot about the shaft of the volt rod  128 . 
     According to some embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  120  optionally includes a retainer ring  131 , as shown in  FIG. 1E . The retainer ring  131  can be configured to snap or clip into a groove  155  in an exterior end  154   b   2  of the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b . The retainer ring  131  maintains the exterior end  154   b   2  of the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b  positioned through apertures  118   b,d . It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, a retainer ring can be employed to maintain an exterior end  154   a   2  of the jaw pivot portion  154   a  of the first jaw member  150   a  positioned through apertures  118   a,c.    
     According to certain embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  120  further includes a spacer element  140 . The spacer element  140  generally fits between the first and second jaw members  150   a,b . According to some embodiments, the spacer element  140  fits between the jaw pivot portions  154   a,b . The spacer element  140  is designed to prevent the jaw pivot portion  154   a  of the first jaw member  150   a  from contacting or touching the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b  to prevent an electrical short during operation of the battery clamp  100 . Essentially, the spacer element  140  electrically insulates the first jaw member  150   a  from the second jaw member  150   b  when the jaw handles  110   a,b  are biased in either an open or closed position. 
     According to some embodiments, the spacer element  140  is generally in the shape of a hollow tube to provide space for the volt rod  128  and the insulating member  126  to fit within the spacer element&#39;s  140  hollow core. Additionally, the spacer element  140  contains an aperture to allow the volt rod  128  to pass completely through and electrically connect with the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b . In certain embodiments, the spacer element  140  also contains a lip portion  140   a . According to some embodiments, the lip portion  140   a  is a generally flat pad connected or coupled to the hollow tube portion. According to some embodiments, the lip portion  140   a  and the tube portion of spacer  140  are integrally formed from a single piece of material such as plastic. The lip portion  140   a  is designed to abut the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b . According to some embodiments, the spacer element  140  fits through the biasing member  117  such that the biasing member  117  pivots around the spacer  140  and electrically insulates the biasing member  117  from one or both of the jaw members  150   a,b . The lip portion  140   a  essentially prevents an electrical short between the jaw pivot portion  154   a  of the first jaw member  150   a  and the jaw pivot portion  154   b  of the second jaw member  150   b  through the biasing member  117 . It is contemplated that the spacer element  140  can be formed from any of a variety of non-conducting materials, including but not limited to, plastic. It is also contemplated that according to some embodiments, the spacer element  140  can include a second lip portion that abuts the jaw pivot portion  154   a  of the first jaw member  150   a . In such embodiments, the spacer element can be formed from multiple pieces or the biasing member can be formed around the hollow core of the spacer element  140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1F , the jaw wire connection portions  156   a,b  are adapted to be operatively connected with, or coupled to, electrical wires. Specifically, the jaw wire connection portion  156   a  of the load jaw  150   a  is adapted to be connected to a first insulated wire, also referred to as a load wire  180 . In certain embodiments, the jaw wire connection portion  156   a  is crimped, crushed, and/or soldered around a stripped portion of the load wire  180 . According to some embodiments, a portion of the load wire  180  is stripped, the jaw wire connection portion  156   a  is crimped around the stripped portion, and the jaw wire connection portion  156   a  is dipped in molten solder. According to certain embodiments, the load wire  180  is electrically connected to the first jaw member  150   a  and electrically connected to the load pad  124  such as through the jaw wire connection portion  156   a.    
     The jaw wire connection portion  156   b  of the volt jaw  150   b  is adapted to be connected with, or coupled to, a second insulated wire, also referred to as a volt wire  184 . In certain embodiments, a stripped portion of the volt wire  184  is soldered to the jaw wire connection portion  156   b . The volt wire  184  is electrically connected to the second jaw member  150   b  and electrically connected to the volt rod  128 . Other methods suitable for attaching both the load wire  180  and the volt wire  184  are contemplated. 
     The load wire  180  is typically an insulated copper wire. According to some embodiments, it is contemplated that the load wire  180  is between a 0 and 12 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the load wire  180  is between a 2 and 8 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the volt wire  184  is also an insulated copper wire. According to some embodiments, it is contemplated that the volt wire  184  can be between a 12 and 24 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the volt wire  184  is between a 16 and 20 gauge wire. 
     According to certain embodiments, the load wire  180  is connected to a testing/charging device  190 . Similarly, the volt wire  184  is connected to the testing/measuring device  190 . According to some embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  is at least used to measure current and voltage of a battery coupled to the device  190  by a pair of battery clamps (e.g. two of battery clamp  100 ). According to certain embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  applies a load to a battery to test the battery and determine the general condition of the battery. For example, the testing/measuring device  190  applies a load to a battery and determines if the battery is good, bad, or marginal. In certain embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  can measure current levels between about ½ amp and about 800 amps. According to some embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  can measure current levels between about 200 amps and about 800 amps. In certain embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  can also charge a battery. In some of these embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  can supply between a fraction of an amp (e.g. in the milliamp range) up to about 150 amps as the device charges a battery. In certain other embodiments, the testing/measuring device  190  can supply between a fraction of an amp (e.g. in the milliamp range) up to about 80 amps as the device charges a battery. 
     According to some embodiments, the load wire  180  is electrically insulated from the volt wire  184 . When the testing/measuring device  190  applies a load on a battery, current is drawn from the battery through the load wire  180 . If the load wire  180  is not electrically insulated from the volt wire  184 , a significant amount of current can flow through the volt wire  184 . The current flowing through the volt wire  184  can cause the volt wire  184  to heat up and possibly catch fire. Additionally, the current flowing through the volt wire  184  can cause inaccurate or incorrect readings of voltage differentials. Specifically, according to some embodiments, current flowing through the volt wire  184  can result in a voltage reading error up to, for example, about 2-3 volts. 
     According to certain embodiments, the first and second jaw members  150   a,b  are electrically insulated from each other and/or the first and second jaw handles  110   a,b . According to some embodiments, the jaw handles  110   a,b  are formed from plastic or other non-conducting materials so as to assist in insulating the jaw members  150   a,b  from one another. It is contemplated that according to certain embodiments, the jaw handles  110   a,b  can be formed from a conducting material, but at the same time remain insulated from the jaw members  150   a,b ; similarly, the jaw members  150   a,b  can remain insulated from one another. For example, plastic or other non-conducting spacers can be placed between the jaw members  150   a,b  and the jaw handles  110   a,b . Electrically insulating the jaw members  150   a,b  from the jaw handles  110   a,b  can reduce or eliminate a voltage reading error due to surplus current flowing through the volt wire  184 . 
     A full cycle of operation using a pair of battery clamps  400   a,b  to test and/or charge a side post terminal battery is now described. Referring to  FIG. 4 , a side post terminal battery  450  is shown having two side post terminals  452   a,b . According to some embodiments, an operator or a technician connects a pair of battery clamps  400   a,b  to the side post terminals  452   a,b  of the battery  450 . According to some embodiments, each of the battery clamps  400   a,b  include a side post adapter assembly  420   a,b . To attach the battery clamps  400   a,b  via the side post adapter assemblies  420   a,b , the operator places a first end of a volt rod, having a threaded end, (similar to the volt rod  128  shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 C,  1 D, and  1 E) near the side post terminal  452   a , for example. The operator then turns a handle  422  to screw the threaded end of the volt rod into a threaded bore of the side post terminal  452   a . The operator continues to turn the handle  422  to thereby tighten the battery clamp  400   a  into the side post terminal  452   a . By sufficiently turning the handle  422 , the operator is able to cause a load pad (similar to the load pad  124  shown in  FIGS. 1E and 1G ) too firmly abut a lead pad of the side post terminal battery  450 . The firm abutment of the load pad of the battery clamp with the lead pad of the battery  450  facilitates a good electrical connection thereby between which, in turn, facilitates more accurate readings of the battery  450  and better charging of the battery  450 . The operator then does the same for the other battery clamp  400   b . The battery clamps  400   a,b  now electrically connect the battery  450  to a device  490  via electrical cables attached to the battery clamps  400   a,b . It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, the device  490  can be any one of, or any combination of, a testing device, a metering device, a charging device, a load device, and/or a frequency device. Specifically, a load wire  480   a,b , and a volt wire  484   a,b  electrically connects each of the battery clamps  400   a,b  to the device  490 . According to some embodiments, the load wires  480   a,b  and the volt wires  484   a,b  are connected to plurality of wire terminals  470 . According to certain embodiments, the load wires  480   a,b  are connected to two wire terminals  470  and the volt wires  484   a,b  are connected to two other wire terminals  470 . It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, the load wires  480   a,b  and the volt wires  484   a,b  connect to the device  490  via a threaded connection, a loop coupler connection, an I-coupler connection, a bolt connection, a screw connection, and/or a solder connection. According to certain embodiments, the ends of the electrical wires are stripped and a loop coupler is crimped, crushed, and soldered to the wire. The loop coupler is then attached to the device  490  via a screw or bolt connection. Other methods of connecting electrical wire to a device are contemplated as known in the battery testing/charging art. Once the battery clamps  400   a,b  are attached to the battery  450 , the operator can either charge or perform a test on the battery using the device  490 . 
     It is contemplated that the battery clamps  400   a,b  can likewise be attached to a top post battery to perform a test or charge of a top post battery. In such a testing/charging situation, an operator squeezes the jaw handles of the battery clamps  400   a,b  together opening the jaws and attaches them to a respective top post terminal. According to some embodiments, the device  490  is configured to let an operator know if a jaw member is not properly coupled to a battery being testing and/or charged. For example, if the jaw members of a battery clamp are not properly attached to the battery, the testing/measuring device can be configured to produce an error code. It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, the error code can be, for example, an audible sound and/or a visual error message displayed to the operator on an attached display. It is also contemplated that the device  490  can be configured to produce such error indications when side post adapters are used to connect the battery clamps to a side post battery. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-D , a battery clamp  500  for testing and/or charging both batteries with top post terminal connections and batteries with side post terminal connections is depicted according to some embodiments. The battery clamp  500  includes a first jaw handle  510   a , a second jaw handle  510   b , a first jaw member  550   a , a second jaw member  550   b , and a side post adapter assembly  520 . The first and second jaw handles  510   a,b  each have a handle portion  512   a,b  and a clamping portion  514   a,b . The first and second jaw members  550   a,b  include a jaw clamp portion, a jaw pivot portion, and a jaw wire connection portion, similar to the first and second jaw members  150   a,b  described above. The side post adapter assembly  520  includes a handle  522 , a load pad  524 , an insulating member  526 , and a volt rod  528 . The volt rod  528  generally has the shape of a cylinder with two opposing ends. The first opposing end includes a threaded portion  528   a . The battery clamp  500  is configured to work with a testing and/or charging device in a similar manner as the battery clamp  100  is described above. 
     According to some embodiments, the jaw handles  510   a,b  further include at least one stopping mechanism  560 . According to some embodiments, the at least one stopping mechanism  560  prevents the jaw clamp portions of the jaw members  550   a,b  from touching when the jaw handles  510   a,b  are biased in a closed position. It is contemplated that the at least one stopping mechanism  560  can be formed as a part of at least one of the jaw handles  510   a,b . For example, the at least one stopping mechanism  560  can be a tab of material located on or near the clamping portion  514   a  of the first jaw handle  510   a . Similarly, the at least one stopping mechanism  560  can be a tab of material located on both jaw handles  510   a,b  such that when the battery clamp  500  is in the closed position, the tab on the first jaw handle  510   a  mates with a tab on the second jaw handle  510   b . For example,  FIG. 6  shows an enlarged view of the clamping portions  514   a,b  of battery clamp  500  having the stopping mechanism  560  built into the jaw handles  510   a,b . The jaw handles  510   a,b  are in the closed position, yet the built-in stopping mechanism  560  prevents the first jaw member  550   a  from contacting the second jaw member  550   b.    
     Now turning to  FIGS. 8A-G , a battery clamp  800  for testing and charging both batteries with top post terminal connections and batteries with side post terminal connections is shown according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the battery clamp  800  can measure current from about 0 amps to about 40 amps. According to some embodiments, the battery clamp  800  can measure current levels on the order of milliamps. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 D, the battery clamp  800  includes a load handle assembly  801 , a volt handle assembly  802 , and a side post adapter assembly  820 . The load handle assembly  801  includes a first jaw handle  810   a , a first jaw handle cover  870   a , and a jaw member  850 . The volt handle assembly  802  includes a second jaw handle  810   b  and a second jaw handle cover  870   b . Both the load handle assembly  801  and the volt handle assembly  802  have a handle portion  812   a,b  and a clamping portion  814   a,b . It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, the volt handle assembly  802  can further include a jaw member similar to, or the same as, the jaw member  850 . 
     According to some embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  and the jaw member  850  can be formed from a variety of electrically conductive materials including, but not limited to, steel, carbon, copper, iron, aluminum, and combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  are formed from copper-plated steel and the jaw member  850  is formed from copper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8F , a partial exploded view of the battery clamp  800  is shown. According to some embodiments, the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  are substantially the same. According to some embodiments, the second jaw handle  810   b  has a longer handle portion  812   b  to accommodate attachment of the side post adapter assembly  820 . According to some such embodiments, additional apertures may be included to facilitate attachment of the side post adapter assembly  820 . Other methods of attaching the side post adapter assembly  820  are contemplated. According to some embodiments, the first and the second jaw handles  810   a,b  each include at least two apertures. The second jaw handle  810   b  includes a first aperture  818   a  and a second aperture  818   b , and the first jaw handle  810   a  includes a third aperture  818   c  and a fourth aperture  818   d . According to some embodiments, when the first jaw handle  810   a  is attached or coupled to the second jaw handle  810   b , the first and the third apertures  818   a,c  are aligned with each other to form a first pivot point  816   a , as shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8E . Similarly, according to some embodiments, the second and the fourth apertures  818   b,d  are aligned to form a second pivot point  816   b , also shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8E  and described above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-E , according to some embodiments, the load handle assembly  801  and the volt handle assembly  802  are pivotally connected via a pivot pin  819 , which connects to the load and volt handle assemblies  801 ,  802  through first and second pivot points  816   a,b . According to some embodiments, the pivot pin  819  can be a rivet, a screw, a bolt, a pin, etc. According to some embodiments, the pivot pin  819  can maintain the relative position of a biasing member  817  between the load handle assembly  801  and the volt handle assembly  802 , as shown in  FIG. 8C . According to some embodiments, the biasing member  817  biases the battery clamp  800  in a closed position or a substantially closed position, with the clamping portions  814   a,b  in a near touching position. 
     According to some embodiments, the pivot pin  819  aids in electrically coupling the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b . According to some embodiments, when conducting a test of a side post battery using the side post adapter assembly  820 , the clamping portion  814   b  of the second jaw handle  810   b  is spaced away from the jaw member  850 , which is attached to the clamping portion  814   a  of the first jaw handle  810   a.    
     According to some embodiments, a stopping mechanism  860  (shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 D,  8 G, and  8 H) prevents the jaw member  850  from physically touching the clamping portion  814   b  of the second jaw handle  810   b . According to some embodiments, the stopping mechanism  860  can include one or more spacers attached to the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b . In these embodiments, when the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  are in the substantially closed position, the spacer(s) of the first jaw handle  810   a  oppose the spacer(s) of the second jaw handle  810   b , thereby preventing the physical touching of the jaw member  850  and the clamping portion  814   b  of the second jaw handle  810   b . It is contemplated that the stopping mechanism  860  can be formed from any of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, steel, carbon, copper, iron, aluminum, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. 
     According to some embodiments, preventing the jaw member  850  from touching the clamping portion  814   b  can yield more accurate testing results. According to some embodiments, the accuracy of the testing results can increase when taking electrically separate amperage measurements and electrically separate voltage measurements. During a test of a battery using the side post adapter assembly  820 , such electrically separate measurements can be accomplished by keeping the jaw member  850 , which is insulated from the first jaw handle  810   a , from touching the clamping portion  814   b  of the second jaw handle  810   b . As will become more apparent from the discussion below regarding the load handle assembly  801 , the jaw member  850  is insulated from the first jaw handle  810   a . Thus, according to some embodiments, when using a pair of battery clamps, as shown in  FIG. 4 , to measure and/or test a side post battery (e.g., battery  450 ), a voltage potential can be measured across the jaw handles  810   a,b  of a first battery clamp and the jaw handles  810   a,b  of a second battery clamp, while the jaw members  850  of each of the battery clamps can simultaneously conduct current to a testing/charging device (e.g., testing/charging device  190 ,  490 ). 
     According to some embodiments, an operator can use the battery clamp  800  to test and/or charge a top post battery by squeezing the handle portions  812   a,b  of the load and volt handle assemblies  801 ,  802  together in a similar manner as battery clamp  100 , described above. The biasing member  817  is thereby compressed and the clamping portions  814   a,b  are further separated. The operator can then place the separated clamping portions  814   a,b  around a top post of the top post battery and/or a battery cable connector attached to the top post and release the handle portions  812   a,b  thereby allowing the battery clamp  800  to “clamp” onto the top post and/or the battery cable connector. Testing and/or charging of the top post battery may follow. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 8A and 8F , the battery clamp  800  receives electrical wires that electrically couple the battery clamp  800  to, for example, a testing/charging device, that is the same as, or similar to, the testing/charging device  190  shown in  FIG. 1F  and described above. According to some embodiments, a load wire  880  (shown in  FIGS. 8F and 8H ) and a volt wire  884  are generally attached to the battery clamp  800  by crimping a portion  890  of the first jaw handle  810   a  around the wires  880 , 884 . Specifically, the handle portion  812   a  of the load handle assembly  801  receives the load wire  880  and the volt wire  884 , which are similar to the load wire  180  and the volt wire  184  shown in  FIG. 1F  and described above. According to some embodiments, the volt wire  884  is electrically coupled with the first jaw handle  810   a . According to other embodiments, the volt wire  884  can be positioned or bent around the biasing member  817  and electrically coupled with the second jaw handle  810   b , as both the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  are electrically coupled. 
     According to some embodiments, the load wire  880  is positioned or bent around the biasing member  817  and electrically coupled with the side post adapter assembly  820  (described in further detail below). Additionally, the jaw member  850  is electrically coupled with the side post adapter assembly  820  via a load jumper wire  881  (also described in further detail below). According to some embodiments, the load jumper wire  881  is electrically coupled to the jaw member  850  and electrically coupled to the load wire  880 . 
     The load wire  880 , the volt wire  884 , and the load jumper wire  881  are typically insulated copper wire. According to some embodiments, it is contemplated that the load wire  880  is between about a 10 to about a 18 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the load wire  880  is between about a 12 to about a 16 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, it is contemplated that the volt wire  884  can be between about a 10 to about a 18 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the volt wire  884  is between about a 12 to about a 16 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the load jumper wire  881  is between about a 10 to about a 18 gauge wire. According to some embodiments, the load jumper wire  881  is between about a 12 to about a 16 gauge wire. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8G , an exploded view of the load handle assembly  801  is shown according to some embodiments. The load handle assembly  801  includes the first jaw handle  810   a , the first jaw handle cover  870   a , and the jaw member  850 . According to some embodiments, the first jaw handle cover  870   a  is press fit onto the first jaw handle  810   a . The first jaw handle cover  870   a  can include one or more tabs  871  that can be press fit into one or more respective apertures (not shown) in the first jaw handle  810   a . Other methods of attaching the first jaw handle cover  870   a  are contemplated. For example, the first jaw handle cover  870   a  can be attached to the jaw handle  810   a  via a glue connection, a heat stake connection, a solder connection, a press fit connection, a screw connection, a rivet connection, etc. 
     According to some embodiments, the first and second jaw handle covers  870   a,b  can both be formed from a variety of insulating materials including, but not limited to, plastic and rubber. According to some embodiments, the first jaw handle cover  870   a  and the first jaw handle  810   a  each include an aperture  872   a ,  815   a , respectively, for receiving a rivet  851 . According to some embodiments, the rivet  851  aids in attaching the first jaw handle cover  870   a  to the first jaw handle  810   a . A washer  852  may be provided between the rivet  851  and the first jaw handle cover  870   a.    
     According to some embodiments, a jaw member insulator  853  is provided to electrically insulate the jaw member  850  from the first jaw handle  810   a . It is contemplated that the jaw member insulator  853  may be formed in various shapes and from various insulating materials. According to some embodiments, the jaw member insulator  853  is an insulating sleeve that covers an exterior surface area of the jaw member  850 . According to some embodiments, the jaw member insulator  853  includes an aperture  853   a , similar in size to apertures  872   a  and  815   a , to receive the rivet  851 . According to some embodiments, the jaw member  850  fits into or is pressed into the jaw member insulator  853 . The jaw member  850  similarly has an aperture  850   a  that is aligned with aperture  853   a  to receive the rivet  851 . 
     According to some embodiments, the load jumper wire  881  is physically and electrically coupled to the jaw member  850  by the rivet  851 . According to some embodiments, the rivet  851  fits through the washer  852 , then through apertures  872   a ,  815   a ,  853   a , and  850   a , then through a wire ring terminal  882 , and then through an insulating step washer  854 . The rivet  851  maintains the load jumper wire  881  in electrical contact with the jaw member  850  via, for example, the wire ring terminal  882 , while the jaw member insulator  853  and the insulating step washer  854  keep the jaw member  850  electrically insulated from the first jaw handle  810   a.    
     According to some embodiments, the load handle assembly  801  does not include the rivet  851 . For example, the first jaw handle cover  870   a  can be press fit onto the first jaw handle  810   a , the jaw member insulator  853  can be press fit into the clamping portion  814   a  of the first jaw member  810   a , the jaw member  850  can be press fit into the jaw member insulator  853 , and the load jumper wire  881  can be soldered onto the jaw member  850 . Various other methods of connecting the above described parts are contemplated such that the jaw member  850  is electrically insulated from the first jaw handle  810   a  and the load jumper wire  881  is electrically coupled to the jaw member  850 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 8H , an exploded view of the volt handle assembly  802  and the side post adapter assembly  820  is shown according to some embodiments. The volt handle assembly  802  includes the second jaw handle  810   b  and the second jaw handle cover  870   b . The second jaw handle cover  870   b  is connected with the second jaw handle  810   b  in the same, or similar, manner as the first jaw handle cover  870   a  is connected with the first jaw handle  810   a  as described above. Similar to the first jaw handle cover  870   a  described above, the second jaw handle cover  870   b  can include one or more tabs  871 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second jaw handle cover  870   b  and the second jaw handle  810   b  each include an aperture  872   b ,  815   b , respectively, for receiving a rivet  857 . According to some embodiments, the rivet  857  aids in attaching the second jaw handle cover  870   b  to the second jaw handle  810   b . A washer  852  may be provided between the rivet  857  and the second jaw handle cover  870   b . According to some embodiments, the rivet  857  fits through the washer  852 , then through apertures  872   b ,  815   b , and then through the insulating step washer  854 . It is contemplated that the volt handle assembly  802  can be provided without the rivet  857 , the washer  852 , and the insulating step washer  854 . In these embodiments, the second jaw handle cover  870   b  is otherwise sufficiently attached to the second jaw handle  810   b . Other methods of attaching the second jaw handle cover  870   b  are contemplated. For example, the second jaw handle cover  870   b  can be attached to the jaw handle  810   b  via a glue connection, a solder connection, a heat stake connection, a press fit connection, a screw connection, a rivet connection, etc. According to some embodiments, the volt handle assembly  802  can further include a jaw member that is attached to the second jaw handle  810   b  in the same, or similar, manner as jaw member  850  is attached to the first jaw handle  810   a.    
     According to some embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  820  includes a handle  822 , an insulating plate  887 , a volt rod  828 , an insulating disk  823 , and a load pad  824 . The handle  822  is similar to and operates in a similar manner as the handle  122  shown in  FIGS. 1B-E  and described above in relation to battery clamp  100 . The volt rod  828  is similar to and operates in a similar manner as the volt rod  128  shown in  FIG. 1E  and described above in relation to battery clamp  100 . The load pad  824  is similar to and operates in a similar manner as the load pad  124  shown in  FIGS. 1E and 1G  and described above in relation to battery clamp  100 . 
     According to some embodiments, the volt rod  828  has a threaded end  828   a  and a second opposing end  828   b . The threaded end  828   a  includes a flange  828   c . According to some embodiments, the threaded end  828   a  is positioned through a first handle aperture  812   b   1  and a second handle aperture  812   b   2  such that the flange  828   c  is physically and electrically coupled with the second jaw handle  810   b . The threaded end  828   a  also protrudes through aperture  823   b  in the insulating disk  823  and through aperture  825  in the load pad  824  such that the threaded end  828   a  can be coupled with a side post terminal of a side post battery in a similar manner as battery clamps  400   a,b , as shown in  FIG. 4  and described above. 
     According to some embodiments, the insulating disk  823  electrically insulates the load pad  824  from the second jaw handle  810   b . According to some embodiments, the insulating disk  823  and the load pad  824  are coupled to the second jaw handle  810   b  by screws  883   a,b . According to some embodiments, the second opposing end  828   b  of the volt rod  828  is positioned through aperture  887   b  of the insulating plate  887 . According to some embodiments, the insulating plate  887  can include a recess  887   c  that engages the flange  828   c  of the volt rod  828 , thereby assisting in forming an electrical connection between the volt rod  828  and the second jaw handle  810   b . According to some embodiments, the insulating plate  887  also includes apertures  887   a  to receive insulating bushings  886 . The insulating bushings  886  have extended sleeve portions  886   a  that fit through apertures  887   a ; apertures  812   b   3  and  812   b   4 ; and apertures  823   a  so as to electrically insulate the second jaw handle  810   b  from screws  883   a,b.    
     According to some embodiments, the screws  883   a,b  physically couple the side post adapter assembly  820  to the second jaw handle  810   b . According to some embodiments, the screws  883   a,b  electrically couple the load wire  880  and/or the load jumper wire  881  with the load pad  824 . According to some embodiments, the ends of the load wire  880  and of the load jumper wire  881  are stripped and attached and/or soldered to a respective wire ring terminal  882 , which are shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8H . Other methods of coupling the wires to the side post adapter assembly  820  are contemplated. 
     According to some embodiments, one of the screws  883   a  attaches the wire ring terminal  882  of the load wire  880  and the wire ring terminal  882  of the load jumper wire  881  to the side post adapter assembly  820 , as shown in  FIG. 8H . According to other embodiments, one of the screws (e.g., screw  883   a ) attaches the wire ring terminal  882  of the load wire  880  to the side post adapter assembly  820 , and the other screw (e.g., screw  883   b ) attaches the wire ring terminal  882  of the load jumper wire  881  to the side post adapter assembly  820 . 
     Once the screws  883  are positioned through the wire ring terminal(s), the screws  883  can be positioned through the insulating bushings  886 , which as described above electrically insulate the screws  883  from the second jaw handle  810   b . The screws  883  are long enough to pass through the insulator bushings  886  and into threaded apertures  826 . The screws  883  mesh with, or grip, the threads of threaded apertures  826 , thereby coupling the load wire  880 , the load jumper wire  881 , the insulating bushings  886 , the insulating plate  887 , the volt rod  828 , the insulating disk  823 , and the load pad  824  onto the handle portion  812   b  of the second jaw handle  810   b . According to some embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  820  can be similarly coupled onto the handle portion  812   a  of the first jaw handle  810   a.    
     According to some embodiments, the second opposing end  828   b  of the volt rod  828  protrudes through the aperture  887   b  and through the aperture  812   b   1  such that the second opposing end  828   b  can be inserted into the handle  822 . The handle  822  is the same as, or similar to, the handle  122  shown in  FIGS. 1B-E  and described above. According to some embodiments, the handle  822  is secured onto the second opposing end  828   b  with a screw  829 . Other methods of fastening the handle  822  onto the volt rod  828  are contemplated. 
     As described above, the insulator bushings  886 , the insulator plate  887 , and the insulating disk  823  all serve to electrically insulate the volt rod  828  from the load pad  824 . Additionally, the jaw member insulator  853  serves to electrically insulate the jaw member  850  from the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  and the volt rod  828 . Thus, the volt rod  828  and the first and second jaw handles  810   a,b  are electrically coupled such that when using a pair of battery clamps, as shown in  FIG. 4 , to measure and/or test a side post battery (e.g., battery  450 ), a voltage potential can be measured across the volt rod  828  or the jaw handles  810   a,b  of a first battery clamp and the volt rod  828  or the jaw handles  810   a,b  of a second battery clamp, while the load pads  824  or the jaw members  850  of each of the battery clamps can simultaneously conduct current to a testing/charging device (e.g., testing/charging device  190 ,  490 ). 
     According to certain embodiments,  FIGS. 9A-E  depict a battery clamp  900  for testing and charging batteries with top post terminal connections and batteries with side post terminal connections. The battery clamp  900  includes a first jaw handle  910   a , a second jaw handle  910   b , a first jaw member  950   a , a second jaw member  950   b , and a side post adapter assembly  920 . The first and second jaw handles  910   a,b  each have a handle portion  912   a,b  and a clamping portion  914   a,b . According to some embodiments, the first and the second jaw handles  910   a,b  is the same as or similar to the first and the second jaw handles  110   a,b  described above in reference to battery clamp  100 . 
     According to certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9D , the first jaw handle  910   a  includes a first aperture  918   a  and a second aperture  918   b , and the second jaw handle  910   b  includes a third aperture  918   c  (hidden in  FIG. 9D ) and a fourth aperture  918   d . According to some embodiments, when the first jaw handle  910   a  is attached or coupled to the second jaw handle  910   b , the first and the third apertures  918   a,c  are aligned with each other to form a first pivot point  916   a , as shown in  FIG. 9C . Similarly, the second and the fourth apertures  918   b,d  become aligned to form a second pivot point  916   b , as shown in  FIG. 9B . It is contemplated that various combinations exist for the number and location of apertures for the jaw handles. 
     According to some embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  920  is attached or coupled to the battery clamp  900  through the first and second pivot points  916   a,b . The connection of the side post adapter assembly  920  pivotally connects the two jaw handles  910   a,b . According to some embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  920  is coupled with the first and the second jaw members  950   a,b , as best shown in  FIG. 9F . In certain embodiments, the jaw handles  910   a,b  are biased in closed position by a biasing member  917 . The biasing member  917  (shown in  FIG. 9E ) biases the clamping portions  914   a,b  towards each other in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 9A . According to some embodiments, the biasing member  917  is the same as or similar to the biasing member  117  described above in reference to the battery clamp  100 . 
     According to certain embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  920 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9F , includes a handle  922 , a load pad  924 , an insulating member  926 , and a volt rod  928 . According to certain embodiments, the handle  922 , the load pad  924 , the insulating member  926 , and the volt rod  928  are the same as or similar to the handle  122 , the load pad  124 , the insulating member  126 , and the volt rod  128  respectively, described above in reference to the battery clamp  100 . 
     According to some embodiments, the load pad  924  has a generally circular face with an aperture. The aperture is configured to receive the insulating member  926  therethrough and a portion of the volt rod  928 . According to some embodiments, the load pad  924  includes a threaded portion  924   b  configured to electrically connect the load pad  924  and the first jaw member  950   a  via a washer  925 . According to some embodiments, the load pad  924  can optionally include a second aperture positioned to receive a setscrew or a pin  932 , shown in  FIG. 9D . According to some embodiments, the set screw or pin  932  is coupled to the load pad  924  and the jaw pivot portion  954   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  to inhibit the load pad  924  from rotating with respect to the first jaw member  950   a.    
     According to some embodiments, the volt rod  928  has a generally cylindrical shape with two opposing ends  928   a,b . The first end  928   a  includes a threaded portion and the second end  928   b  is substantially smooth. According to some embodiments, the handle  922  is rigidly connected to the volt rod  928  such that when the handle  922  is turned, the volt rod  928  turns. According to some embodiments, the second end  928   b  of the volt rod  928  is configured to mechanically and electrically connect with a volt pad  930 . According to certain embodiments, volt pad  930  is the same as or similar to the volt pad  130  described above in reference to the battery clamp  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the second end  928   b  of the volt rod  928  may have an inner threaded portion adapted to receive a screw  929 . According to some embodiments, the screw  929  is positioned through a washer  929   a  and then through the handle  922  to attach to the volt rod  928 . In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the side post adapter assembly  920  does not include a screw  929  and/or a washer  929   a . According to some embodiments, the volt pad  930  is configured to fit within a groove or lip in the handle  922  such that when the handle  922  is securely coupled to the volt rod  928 , the handle  922  forces the volt pad  930  into electrical contact with the jaw pivot portion  954   b  of the second jaw member  950   b.    
     According to some embodiments, the first and the second jaw members  950   a,b  are similar to the first and the second jaw members  150   a,b  described above in reference to battery clamp  100 . According to some embodiments, the jaw members  950   a,b  each contain jaw clamp portions  952   a,b , jaw pivot portions  954   a,b , and jaw wire connection portions  956   a,b . The first jaw member  950   a  is also referred to as a load jaw. In certain embodiments, during operation of the battery clamp  900 , the load jaw  950   a  is used to conduct current flowing from a battery to a measuring and/or charging device. The second jaw member  950   b  is also referred to as a volt jaw. In certain embodiments, during operation of the battery clamp device  900 , the volt jaw  950   b  is used in measuring voltage across a battery&#39;s terminals. 
     According to some embodiments, the jaw clamp portions  952   a,b  of the jaw members  950   a,b  are adapted to be coupled to the clamping portions  914   a,b  of the jaw handles  910   a,b . As best shown in  FIG. 9D , the jaw clamp portion  952   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  is attached or coupled to the clamping portion  914   b  of the second jaw handle  910   b . Specifically, an insulating bushing  953   b  is positioned through aperture  953   c  in the jaw clamp portion  952   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  and through aperture  953   d  in the clamping portion  914   b  of the second jaw handle  910   b . A screw  953   a  or other fastener is positioned through the insulating bushing  953   b , through a washer  953   e , and coupled with a nut  953   f  to secure the first jaw member  950   a  to the second jaw handle  910   b . Similarly, the jaw clamp portion  952   b  of the second jaw member  950   b  is attached or coupled to the clamping portion  914   a  of the first jaw handle  910   a . Specifically, an insulating bushing  955   b  is positioned through aperture  955   c  in the jaw clamp portion  952   b  of the second jaw member  950   b  and through aperture  955   d  in the clamping portion  914   a  of the first jaw handle  910   a . A screw  955   a  or other fastener is positioned through the insulating bushing  955   b , through a washer  955   e , and coupled with a nut  955   f  to secure the second jaw member  950   b  to the first jaw handle  910   a.    
     According to some embodiments, the jaw clamping portions  914   a,b  have a width equal to or less than the width of the jaw members  950   a,b . Such a design aids an operator of the battery clamp  900  in connecting/clamping the battery clamp  900  with a side post terminal of a side post battery. Such a connection using the jaw members  950   a,b  rather than the side post adapter assembly  920  is useful when the side terminal battery remains connected to wires in an automobile. 
     The jaw pivot portions  954   a,b  are adapted to be pivotally coupled about the first and second pivot points  916   a,b . According to some embodiments, the jaw pivot portion  954   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  is pivotally coupled about the second pivot point  916   b . Similarly, the jaw pivot portion  954   b  of the second jaw member  950   b  is pivotally coupled about the first pivot point  916   a . As shown in  FIG. 9D , according to some embodiments, the jaw pivot portion  954   a  is coupled to the first jaw member  950   a  via aperture  954   a   1 . Similarly, according to some embodiments, the jaw pivot portion  954   b  is coupled to the second jaw member  950   b  via aperture  954   b   1 . 
     According to some embodiments, the side post adapter assembly  920  optionally includes a retainer ring  931   a , shown in  FIG. 9D . The retainer ring  931   a  can be configured to snap or clip into a groove  931   b  in an exterior end of the jaw pivot portion  954   b  of the second jaw member  950   b . The retainer ring  931   a  maintains the exterior end of the jaw pivot portion  954   b  of the second jaw member  950   b  positioned through apertures  918   a,c . It is contemplated that according to some embodiments, a retainer ring can be employed to maintain an exterior end of the jaw pivot portion  954   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  positioned through apertures  918   b,d.    
     According to some embodiments, the jaw wire connection portions  956   a,b , best shown in  FIGS. 9D and 9F , are adapted to be operatively connected with, or coupled to, electrical wires. Specifically, the jaw wire connection portion  956   a  of the load jaw  950   a  is adapted to be connected to a first insulated wire, also referred to as a load wire  980 , shown in  FIG. 9D . In certain embodiments, the jaw wire connection portion  956   a  is crimped, crushed, and/or soldered around a stripped portion of the load wire  980 . According to some embodiments, a portion of the load wire  980  is stripped, the jaw wire connection portion  956   a  is crimped around the stripped portion, and the jaw wire connection portion  956   a  is dipped in molten solder. According to certain embodiments, the load wire  980  is electrically connected to the jaw wire connection portion  956   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  and electrically connected to the load pad  924 . 
     The jaw wire connection portion  956   b  of the volt jaw  950   b  is adapted to be connected with, or coupled to, a second insulated wire, also referred to as a volt wire  984 , as shown in  FIG. 9E . In certain embodiments, a stripped portion of the volt wire  984  is soldered to the jaw wire connection portion  956   b . The volt wire  984  is electrically connected to the jaw wire connection portion  956   b  of the second jaw member  950   b  and electrically connected to the volt rod  928 . Other methods suitable for attaching both the load wire  980  and the volt wire  984  are contemplated. According to some embodiments, the load wire  980  and the volt wire  984  are the same as or similar to the load wire  180  and the volt wire  184  described above in reference to the battery clamp  100 . 
     According to some embodiments, the jaw handles  910   a,b  further include a stopping mechanism  960 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A-C . According to some embodiments, the stopping mechanism  960  is the same as or similar to the stopping mechanism  560  described above in reference to the battery clamp  500 . According to some embodiments, the stopping mechanism  960  prevents the jaw clamp portions  952   a,b  of the jaw members  950   a,b  from touching when the jaw handles  910   a,b  are biased in a closed position. For example, as shown, the jaw handles  910   a,b  are in the closed position, yet the built-in stopping mechanism  960  prevents the jaw clamp portion  952   a  of the first jaw member  950   a  from contacting the jaw clamp portion  952   b  of the second jaw member  950   b . According to some embodiments, the stopping mechanism  960  is formed as a part of one or both of the jaw handles  910   a,b.    
     ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Alternative Embodiment 1 
     A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections includes a first and second jaw handle, each of the first and second jaw handles having a handle portion and a clamping portion, the first and second jaw handles being pivotally coupled together, the jaw handles being biased with the clamping portions being in a closed position; a first and second jaw member, each of the jaw members having a jaw clamp portion, a jaw pivot portion, and a jaw wire connection portion, the jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member being pivotally coupled to the first and second jaw handles, the jaw pivot portion of the second jaw member being pivotally coupled to the first and second jaw handles; a load pad electrically coupled to the first jaw member, the load pad having an aperture; and a volt rod electrically coupled to the second jaw member, a portion of the volt rod protruding through the aperture of the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 2 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 1, wherein the first jaw handle further includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second jaw handle further includes a third aperture and a fourth aperture. 
     Alternative Embodiment 3 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 2, wherein the first aperture and the third aperture are positioned adjacent each other and form a first pivot point, and the second aperture and the fourth aperture are positioned adjacent each other and form a second pivot point. 
     Alternative Embodiment 4 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 3, wherein the jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member is pivotally coupled about the first pivot point, and the jaw pivot portion of the second jaw member is pivotally coupled about the second pivot point. 
     Alternative Embodiment 5 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the load pad is electrically coupled to the first jaw member through the jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 6 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the first and second jaw members are electrically insulated from the first and second jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 7 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the jaw clamp portion of the first jaw member is coupled to the clamping portion of the second jaw handle, the jaw clamp portion of the second jaw member is coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 8 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the jaw clamp portions of the jaw members are coupled to the clamping portions of the jaw handles by at least one of a screw connection, a solder connection, a glue connection, a nut and bolt connection, and a force fit connection. 
     Alternative Embodiment 9 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the volt rod includes a first and a second opposing end, the first opposing end including a threaded portion. 
     Alternative Embodiment 10 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 9, wherein the threaded portion is made of stainless steel. 
     Alternative Embodiment 11 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 9, further comprising a handle connected to the second opposing end of the volt rod, whereby the handle is coupled to the volt rod such that the volt rod rotates when the handle is rotated thereby permitting the threaded portion of the volt rod to be screwed into a battery terminal by rotating the handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 12 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 11, wherein the second opposing end is configured to connect with the handle via at least one of a wedge connection, a screw connection, a pin connection, a key connection, a press fit connection, and a solder connection. 
     Alternative Embodiment 13 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 11, wherein the handle is one of a knob, a turn screw, a wheel, and a sprocket. 
     Alternative Embodiment 14 
     The battery clamp of claim  1 , wherein the volt rod is further electrically coupled to a volt pad, the volt pad being electrically coupled to the second jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 15 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first jaw member is electrically insulated from the second jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 16 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 15, further including a stopping mechanism, the stopping mechanism configured to prevent the first jaw member from contacting the second jaw member when the jaw handles are in the closed position. 
     Alternative Embodiment 17 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 16, wherein the stopping mechanism comprises at least one tab on at least one of the jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 18 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the load pad is operatively coupled to the jaw pivot portion of the first jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 19 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 18, further comprising a first insulated wire electrically connected to the first jaw member and electrically coupled to the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 20 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 19, wherein the first insulated wire is a load wire connected to a device configured to at least measure current. 
     Alternative Embodiment 21 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 20, wherein the device measures current levels between about ½ amp and about 800 amps. 
     Alternative Embodiment 22 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 19, further including a second insulated wire electrically connected to the second jaw member and electrically coupled to the volt rod. 
     Alternative Embodiment 23 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 22, wherein the second insulated wire is a volt wire connected to a device configured to at least measure voltage. 
     Alternative Embodiment 24 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 1 to 23, further including an insulating member coupled to the load pad, the insulating member configured to electrically insulate the load pad from the volt rod. 
     Alternative Embodiment 25 
     A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections including a first and second jaw handle, the first and second jaw handles each having a handle portion and a clamping portion, the first and second jaw handles being pivotally coupled together, the jaw handles being biased with the clamping portions being in a closed position; a first and second jaw member coupled to the clamping portions of the first and second jaw handles, the first and second jaw members being configured to clamp onto a top-post terminal of a top-post battery; a side post adapter configured to be coupled to a side-post terminal of a side-post battery, the side post adapter comprising a load pad and a volt rod; a volt wire electrically coupled to the volt rod; and a load wire electrically coupled to the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 26 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 25, wherein the volt rod and volt wire are electrically insulated from the load pad and the load wire. 
     Alternative Embodiment 27 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiments 25 or 26, wherein the load pad is electrically coupled to the first jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 28 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 25 to 27, wherein the volt rod is electrically coupled to the second jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 29 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 25 to 28, wherein the first and second jaw members are electrically insulated from each other. 
     Alternative Embodiment 30 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 25 to 29, wherein the volt rod includes a first and a second opposing end, the first end having a threaded portion. 
     Alternative Embodiment 31 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 30, wherein the threaded portion is made of stainless steel. 
     Alternative Embodiment 32 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 30 or 31, further comprising a handle connected to the second opposing end of the volt rod, whereby the handle is coupled to the volt rod such that the volt rod rotates when the handle is rotated thereby permitting the threaded portion of the volt rod to be screwed into a battery terminal by rotating the handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 33 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 25 to 32, further including a stopping mechanism, the stopping mechanism configured to prevent the first jaw member from contacting the second jaw member when the jaw handles are in the closed position. 
     Alternative Embodiment 34 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 33, wherein the stopping mechanism comprises at least one tab on at least one of the jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 35 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 25 to 34, wherein the first and second jaw handles pivot about a pivot axis, the load pad being coupled to the first and second jaw handles near the pivot axis. 
     Alternative Embodiment 36 
     A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections including a first and second jaw handle, the first and second jaw handles each having a handle portion and a clamping portion, the first and second jaw handles being pivotally coupled to each other, the jaw handles being biased with the clamping portions being in a closed position; and a side post adapter, the side post adapter being coupled to the handle portion of one of the jaw handles, the side post adapter including a load pad and a volt rod, the load pad having an aperture, a portion of the volt rod protruding through the aperture of the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 37 
     A method of testing a battery having side post terminal connections including providing a pair of battery clamps, each of the pair of battery clamps including a side post adapter, each of the side post adapters including a load pad and a volt rod; inserting each of the volt rods into a respective side post terminal in the battery; rotating each of the volt rods to cause the load pads to become electrically coupled to respective lead pads on the battery; applying a load to the battery; and measuring at least one of a current and a voltage of the battery. 
     Alternative Embodiment 38 
     A method of charging a battery having side post terminal connections including providing a pair of battery clamps, each of the pair of battery clamps comprising a side post adapter, each of the side post adapters including a load pad and a volt rod; inserting each of the volt rods into a respective side post terminal in the battery; rotating each of the volt rods to cause the load pads to become electrically coupled to respective lead pads on the battery; and applying a charge to the battery. 
     Alternative Embodiment 39 
     A method of testing a battery having top post terminal connections including providing a pair of battery clamps, each of the pair of battery clamps comprising a side post adapter, each of the side post adapters including a load pad and a volt rod; clamping each of the pair of battery clamps onto a respective top post terminal on the battery; applying a load to the battery; and measuring at least one of a current and a voltage of the battery. 
     Alternative Embodiment 40 
     A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections including a first and second jaw handle, each of the first and second jaw handles having a handle portion and a clamping portion, the first and second jaw handles being pivotally coupled together, the jaw handles being biased with the clamping portions being in a substantially closed position; a jaw member insulator coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle; a jaw member coupled to the jaw member insulator, the jaw member insulator electrically insulating the jaw member from the first and second jaw handles; a load pad electrically coupled to the jaw member, the load pad having an aperture; and a volt rod electrically coupled to the first and second jaw handles, a portion of the volt rod protruding through the aperture of the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 41 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 40, wherein the first jaw handle further includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second jaw handle further includes a third aperture and a fourth aperture. 
     Alternative Embodiment 42 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 41, wherein the first aperture and the third aperture are positioned adjacent each other and form a first pivot point, and the second aperture and the fourth aperture are positioned adjacent each other and form a second pivot point. 
     Alternative Embodiment 43 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 42, wherein the jaw member insulator is an insulating sleeve. 
     Alternative Embodiment 44 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 43, wherein the volt rod includes a threaded end and a second opposing end. 
     Alternative Embodiment 45 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 44, wherein the threaded end is made of stainless steel. 
     Alternative Embodiment 46 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 44 or 45, further comprising a handle connected to the second opposing end of the volt rod, whereby the handle is coupled to the volt rod such that the volt rod rotates when the handle is rotated thereby permitting the threaded end portion of the volt rod to be screwed into a battery terminal by rotating the handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 47 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 46, wherein the second opposing end is configured to connect with the handle via at least one of a wedge connection, a screw connection, a pin connection, a key connection, a press fit connection, and a solder connection. 
     Alternative Embodiment 48 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 46 or 47, wherein the handle is one of a knob, a turn screw, a wheel, and a sprocket. 
     Alternative Embodiment 49 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 48, further including a stopping mechanism, the stopping mechanism configured to prevent the jaw member from contacting the clamping portion of the second jaw handle when the first and second jaw handles are in the substantially closed position. 
     Alternative Embodiment 50 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 49, wherein the stopping mechanism comprises at least one spacer coupled to the clamping portion of each of the first and second jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 51 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 50, further comprising a first insulated wire electrically coupled to the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 52 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 51, wherein the first insulated wire is a load wire connected to a device configured to at least measure current. 
     Alternative Embodiment 53 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 52, wherein the device measures current levels between about 0 amps and about 40 amps. 
     Alternative Embodiment 54 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 53, further including a second insulated wire electrically coupled to the volt rod. 
     Alternative Embodiment 55 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 54, wherein the second insulated wire is a volt wire connected to a device configured to at least measure a voltage potential. 
     Alternative Embodiment 56 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 54, further including a third insulated wire, wherein the third insulated wire is a load jumper wire that electrically couples the jaw member to the load pad, the load wire, or both. 
     Alternative Embodiment 57 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 40 to 56, further including an insulating disk coupled to the load pad, the insulating disk configured to electrically insulate the load pad from the volt rod and the first and second jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 58 
     A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections including a first and second jaw handle, the first and second jaw handles each having a handle portion and a clamping portion, the first and second jaw handles being pivotally coupled together, the jaw handles being biased with the clamping portions being in a substantially closed position, the clamping portions being configured to be coupled to a top-post terminal of a top-post battery; a jaw member coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle; a side post adapter configured to be coupled to a side-post terminal of a side-post battery, the side post adapter comprising a load pad and a volt rod; a volt wire electrically coupled to the volt rod; a load wire electrically coupled to the load pad; and a load jumper wire electrically coupled between the load pad and the jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 59 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 58, wherein the volt rod and volt wire are electrically insulated from the load pad, the load wire, and the load jumper wire. 
     Alternative Embodiment 60 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 58 or 59, wherein the volt rod is electrically coupled to the first and second jaw handles and the jaw member is electrically insulated from the first and second jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 61 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 58 to 60, wherein the volt rod includes a threaded end and a second opposing end. 
     Alternative Embodiment 62 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 61, wherein the threaded end is made of stainless steel. 
     Alternative Embodiment 63 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 61 or 62, further comprising a handle connected to the second opposing end of the volt rod, whereby the handle is coupled to the volt rod such that the volt rod rotates when the handle is rotated thereby permitting the threaded end of the volt rod to be screwed into a battery terminal by rotating the handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 64 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 58 to 63, further including a stopping mechanism, the stopping mechanism configured to prevent the jaw member from contacting the clamping portion of the second jaw handle when the first and second jaw handles are in the substantially closed position. 
     Alternative Embodiment 65 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 64, wherein the stopping mechanism comprises at least one spacer on each of the first and second jaw handles. 
     Alternative Embodiment 66 
     A battery clamp for use with (a) batteries with top post terminal connections and (b) batteries with side post terminal connections including a first and second jaw handle, the first and second jaw handles each having a handle portion and a clamping portion, the first and second jaw handles being pivotally coupled to each other, the jaw handles being biased with the clamping portions being in a substantially closed position, the clamping portions being configured to be coupled to a top-post terminal of a top-post battery; a jaw member insulator coupled to the clamping portion of the first jaw handle; a jaw member coupled to the jaw member insulator, the jaw member being electrically insulated from the first and second jaw handles; a side post adapter, the side post adapter being coupled to the handle portion of the first jaw handle, the side post adapter including a load pad and a volt rod, the load pad having an aperture, a portion of the volt rod protruding through the aperture of the load pad. 
     Alternative Embodiment 67 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 66, further comprising a first and second jaw handle cover, the first jaw handle cover being coupled to the first jaw handle, the second jaw handle cover being coupled to the second jaw handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 68 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 67, wherein the first and second jaw handle covers are formed from an insulating material. 
     Alternative Embodiment 69 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 66 to 68, further comprising an insulating disk positioned to electrically insulate the load pad from the second jaw handle and the volt rod. 
     Alternative Embodiment 70 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 66 to 69, wherein the volt rod has a threaded end and an opposing second end, the volt rod further including a flange. 
     Alternative Embodiment 71 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 70, further comprising an insulating plate with an aperture and a recess, the second end of the volt rod fitting through the aperture in the insulating plate such that the recess receives the flange of the volt rod, the insulating plate positioned to aid in providing an electrical connection between the volt rod and the second jaw handle. 
     Alternative Embodiment 72 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 66 to 71, further comprising a pair of insulating bushings, each of the insulating bushings having an extended sleeve portion. 
     Alternative Embodiment 73 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 72, wherein the extended sleeve portions of the insulating bushings are positioned to fit through respective apertures in the insulating plate, the second jaw handle, and the insulating disk. 
     Alternative Embodiment 74 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 73, further comprising a pair of electrically conductive screws, the screws being positioned through the extended sleeve portions of the insulating bushings so as to grip threads in a pair of respective threaded apertures in the load pad, the screws being electrically insulated from the first jaw handle, the second jaw handle, and the volt rod. 
     Alternative Embodiment 75 
     The battery clamp according to any of alternative embodiments 66 to 74, further comprising a load wire and a load jumper wire, the load wire being connected to a device to at least measure current, the load jumper wire electrically connected to the jaw member. 
     Alternative Embodiment 76 
     The battery clamp of alternative embodiment 75, wherein the load wire and the load jumper wire are electrically coupled to the load pad via at least one of the screws. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.