Patent Publication Number: US-11031795-B2

Title: Battery carrier system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 16/250,857, filed Jan. 17, 2019, titled “A Battery Carrier System,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/869,297, filed Sep. 29, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/060,305, filed Oct. 6, 2014, titled “System and Method for Renting, Charging, and Discharging Battery Packs,” each of which is incorporated by reference. This application also incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/917,128, filed Nov. 1, 2010, titled “Portable Alternating Current Inverter Having Reduced Impedance Losses,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/037,290, filed Feb. 28, 2008, titled “Portable Power Supply,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,540, filed Feb. 26, 2007. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to a system and method for renting, transporting, charging, and discharging battery packs, e.g., for power tools or other electrical devices. In one implementation, the system includes a kiosk for renting, dispensing and receiving battery packs and a carrier for transporting, charging and discharging the battery packs, e.g., for power tools and other electrical devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of electric power tools are commonly used in construction, home improvement, outdoor, and do-it-yourself projects. Conventional power tools generally fall into two categories—corded tools that are powered by an AC power source, e.g., an AC mains line, and cordless tools that are powered by one or more DC power sources, e.g., a rechargeable battery. 
     Corded power tools generally are used for heavy duty applications that require high power and/or long runtimes, such as heavy duty sawing, heavy duty drilling and hammering, and heavy duty metal working. However, as their name implies, corded tools require the use of a cord that can be plugged into an AC power outlet. In many applications, such as on construction sites, it is not convenient or practical to find an AC power outlet and/or AC power must be generated by a generator, e.g. gas powered generator. 
     Cordless power tools generally are used for lighter duty applications that require low or medium power and/or short runtimes, such as light duty sawing, light duty drilling, and fastening. As cordless tools tend to be more limited in their power and/or runtime, they have not generally been accepted by the industry for all applications. They are also limited by weight since the higher capacity batteries tend to have greater weight, creating an ergonomic disadvantage. 
     Generally, conventional power tool battery packs may not be able to run conventional corded power tools or other corded electrical devices, while untransformed AC power may not be able to be used to run cordless power tools. Further, the battery packs for cordless power tools may require frequent recharging, may be expensive to purchase, and may be cumbersome to manage on a large construction site. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the carriers including a battery charging circuit and a receptacle for receiving a battery pack; and a kiosk comprising (1) a storage unit configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, (2) a power distribution module configured to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, and (2) a controller that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and supplying charging power to the carriers, wherein each of the carriers is configured to be alternatively powered by the power distribution module when the carrier is inside the kiosk or by an external power source when the carrier is outside the kiosk to enable the carrier charging circuit to charge a battery pack that is received in the receptacle. The receptacle may comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the plurality of receptacles may receive a battery pack. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a plurality of battery packs; a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the carriers including a battery charging circuit and a receptacle for receiving one or more of the plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk comprising (1) a storage unit configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, (2) a power distribution module configured to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, and (3) a controller that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and the battery packs from the kiosk and supplying charging power to the carriers, wherein each of the carriers is configured to be alternatively powered by the power distribution module when the carrier is inside the kiosk or by an external power source when the carrier is outside the kiosk to enable the carrier charging circuit to charge the battery pack that is received in the receptacle. The receptacle may comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the plurality of receptacles may receive a battery pack. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a power tool; a plurality of battery packs configured to supply power to the power tool; a plurality of battery pack carriers, each carrier including a battery charging circuit and a receptacle for receiving one or more of the plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk comprising (1) a storage unit configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, (2) a power distribution module configured to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, and (3) a controller that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and the battery packs from the kiosk and supplying charging power to the carriers, wherein each of the carriers is configured to be alternatively powered by the power distribution module when the carrier is inside the kiosk or by an external power source when the carrier is outside the kiosk to enable the carrier charging circuit to charge the battery pack that is received in the receptacle. The receptacle may comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the plurality of receptacles may receive a battery pack. 
     The foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also comprise circuitry configured to monitor the battery packs in the carriers and to control activation of the carrier charging circuits. The foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also comprise a communications module configured to facilitate communication between the kiosk and an external computing device. The communications module may be configured to receive signals corresponding to a user&#39;s battery pack carrier order to be vended via the external computing device. The communications module may be configured to send signals corresponding to parameters of the battery packs stored in the battery pack storage unit. The kiosk may also comprise a retail vending module configured to dispense merchandise for sale to a user. The kiosk may also comprise a user interface configured to receive a user&#39;s battery pack carrier order to be vended. The user interface may comprise a payment processing system. The storage unit may also comprise a plurality of bins, each of the plurality of bines configured to receive one or more carriers. The kiosk may also comprise a display configured to communicate a charge status of the carriers and/or battery packs in the bins. 
     Each of the bins may include a power connector and the carrier may include a power input connector, wherein the bin power connector is configured to be coupled to the carrier power input connector. Each of the bins may include a communications connector and the carrier may include a communications connector, wherein the bin communications connector is configured to be coupled to the carrier communications connector. The power distribution module may include an input line configured to be connected to an external source of electrical power and a distribution subsystem configured to distribute the electrical power to the carriers that are received in the storage unit. 
     The controller may control dispensing of the carriers from the kiosk by enabling rental of the carriers and battery packs from the kiosk. The vending system may comprise a central server in electronic communication with the kiosk. The central server may be configured to communicate with a plurality of the kiosks at different geographical locations. The central server may be configured to receive remote user inputs of orders for battery packs and carriers. The central server may be configured to receive the remote user inputs via a telecommunications connection with a remote electronic computing device. The central server may be configured to communicate an order to a kiosk via a telecommunications network. 
     The carrier power input connector may be configured to receive an input of electrical power for charging a battery pack received in the receptacle. The power input connector may comprise one or more of an AC power input connector and a DC power input connector. The carrier communications connector may be configured to send and/or receive communications with the bin through the communications connectors. The carrier may comprise a power output connector configured to deliver output power from a battery pack received in the receptacle. The power output connector may comprise a DC output connector. The power output connector may comprise an AC output connector. 
     The carrier may also comprise an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC power output from a battery pack or a plurality of battery packs to an AC power output at the carrier power output connector. The carrier may be configured such that the battery pack(s) generate a DC voltage having a magnitude greater than or equal to a desired AC voltage at the carrier power output connector. 
     The kiosk may include a processing unit that is configured to prioritize charging of the battery packs in the carriers received in the kiosk based upon at least one parameter of the kiosk, the carrier and/or the battery packs received in the carriers. The at least one parameter may comprise at least one of available charging power in the kiosk, cost of available charging power in the kiosk, state of charge of the battery packs received in the carriers, conditions of the battery packs received in the carriers, and reservation schedules for the carriers. 
     The carriers and/or battery packs may be configured to power one or more power tools. The battery pack(s) can be configured to operate at a first rated voltage and a second rated voltage, the second rated voltage being different than the first rated voltage. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a kiosk; a battery pack storage unit in the kiosk configured to receive and store a plurality of battery packs; a battery charger in the kiosk configured to charge one or more of the plurality of battery packs; a power distribution module in the kiosk configured to deliver power to the battery pack charger unit; a controller in the kiosk configured to control vending of the battery packs from the battery pack storage unit; and a processing unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize charging of battery packs in the battery pack storage unit based upon at least one parameter of the kiosk and the battery packs received in battery pack storage unit. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the plurality of carriers includes a battery charging circuit and a receptacle, the receptacle configured for receiving a battery pack; and a kiosk comprising a storage unit that is configured to receive and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, a power distribution module that is configured to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, a controller that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and battery packs from the kiosk, and a processing unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize charging of the battery packs in the battery pack storage unit based upon at least one parameter of the kiosk, the carriers, and the battery packs received in the carriers. The receptacle may comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the plurality of receptacles may receive a battery pack. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a plurality of battery packs; a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the plurality of carriers including a battery charging circuit and a receptacle, the receptacle configured for receiving one or more of the plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk comprising a storage unit that is configured to receive and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, a power distribution module that is configured to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, a controller that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and battery packs from the kiosk, and a processor unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize charging of the battery packs in the battery pack storage unit based upon at least one parameter of the kiosk, the carriers, and the battery packs received in the carriers. 
     In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention the at least one parameter may comprise at least one of available charging power in the kiosk, cost of available charging power in the kiosk, state of charge of the battery packs received in the carriers, conditions of the battery packs received in the carriers, and reservation schedules for the carriers. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending system comprising a plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk comprising a storage unit that is configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of battery packs, a power distribution module that is configured to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, a controller that is configured to control dispensing of carriers and battery packs from the kiosk, and a processor unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize charging of the battery packs in the battery pack storage unit; and a user interface configured to allow a user to select a battery pack for rental from among the plurality of stored battery packs based upon user input of a battery pack parameter, wherein prices for the battery packs are set based upon the battery pack parameter. 
     In the foregoing aspect of the present invention the battery pack parameter may comprise at least one of a state of charge of the battery pack, a condition of the battery pack, and a rated voltage of the battery pack. The battery pack parameter may comprise a state of charge of the battery pack, wherein the prices are set higher for battery packs having a higher state of charge. The battery pack parameter may comprise a condition of the battery pack, wherein the prices are set higher for battery packs having a better condition. The battery pack parameter may comprise a rated voltage of the battery pack, wherein the prices are set higher for battery packs having a higher rated voltage. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a method comprising storing, in a kiosk, a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the plurality of battery pack carriers including a receptacle for receiving a battery pack and a charging circuit that enables charging of the battery pack via a power source in the kiosk when the carrier is stored in the kiosk and via another power source when the carrier is removed from the kiosk; receiving a user input of a desired battery pack carrier to be rented; selecting a battery pack carrier from among the plurality of stored battery pack carriers, where the battery pack carrier corresponds to the user input of a desired battery pack carrier; enabling the kiosk to dispense the selected battery pack carrier to the user. 
     The foregoing embodiment of the present invention may also comprise receiving, in the kiosk, a previously used one of the battery pack carriers. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise enabling, via the kiosk, at least one of the stored battery pack carrier charging circuits to charge battery packs received in the at least one stored battery pack carrier. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise prioritizing the enabling of the at least one of the stored battery pack charging circuits based on a parameter of the kiosk and/or a parameter of the battery pack carriers, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of available charging power in the kiosk, cost of available charging power in the kiosk, state of charge of the battery packs received in the carriers, conditions of the battery packs received in the carriers, and reservation schedules for the carriers. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise managing inventory of the stored battery carriers. In the foregoing embodiment, the user input may be received via a user interface on the kiosk or via a remote computing device via an internet connection and the user input may include a desired geographic location of the battery pack carrier to be rented. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise identifying to the user one or more kiosks from a plurality of kiosks that have stored battery pack carriers corresponding to the desired geographic location. In the foregoing embodiment, the user input may include a desired state of charge of a battery pack. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise identifying to the user a battery pack carrier from the stored battery pack carriers with a battery pack that most closely corresponds to the desired state of charge or setting rental prices for the battery pack carriers based upon states of charge of the battery packs in the battery pack carriers or, after dispensing a battery pack carrier, disabling a battery pack in the carrier after a predetermined rental time period has expired. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a method comprising storing, in a battery pack rental kiosk, a plurality of battery packs; charging the battery packs in the kiosk; setting prices of the battery packs based upon parameters of the battery packs; receiving a user input of a desired parameter of a battery pack to be rented; selecting a battery pack from among the plurality of stored battery packs that corresponds to the user input of a desired battery pack parameter; charging the user the set price for the selected battery pack; enabling the kiosk to dispense the selected battery pack to the user. 
     In the foregoing embodiment, the parameter may comprise at least one of a state of charge of the battery pack, a condition of the battery pack, and a rated voltage of the battery pack. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a power supply apparatus comprising a housing having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to receive a battery pack; a power input connector configured to receive an input of electrical power; a power output connector configured to deliver an output of electrical power; a charging circuit coupled to the power input connector and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control providing charging power to the receptacle using the input of electrical power; and a discharging circuit coupled to the power output connector and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control providing discharging power from the receptacle to the power output connector, wherein the charging circuit is configured to provide charging power to the receptacle when the housing is received in a vending machine and when the housing is outside of the vending machine and a source of electrical power is connected to the power input connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a communications connector configured to be coupled to a communications line in the vending machine to send and/or receive a signal that causes the charging circuit to provide charging power to the receptacle when the housing is inside of the vending machine. The power input connector may be configured to receive a source of AC input power or the power input connector may be configured to receive a source of DC input power. The power input connector may comprise a first connector configured to receive a source of AC power and a second connector configured to receive a source of DC power. The power output connector may comprise an AC connector and/or a DC connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise at least one battery pack and an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC power output from the at least one battery pack to an AC power output that is delivered to the power output connector. The at least one battery pack may be configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the at least one battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value that is at least as great as the peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC output voltage being delivered to the power output connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to enable discharge of the battery packs to the power outlet. The switching device may include an external switch that is switchable by a user. The switching device may include an automated switching device that switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input connector is coupled to a source of electrical power. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a handle coupled to the housing to enable carrying of the housing and at least one battery pack wherein the battery pack may be removable from the housing. The at least one battery pack may have a first set of electrical terminals that is connectable to a second set of electrical terminals in the receptacle to enable charging and discharging the at least one battery pack in the housing. The first set of electrical terminals can be connected to a third set of terminals on an electrical device that is separate from the apparatus, to enable the at least one battery pack to be electrically connected to the electrical device when the battery pack is removed from the housing. The electrical device may comprise a power tool, another battery charging device or another electrical device. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a power supply system comprising a battery pack and a charging and discharging container having a housing with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to removably receive and electrically connect to the battery pack, a power input connector configured to receive input power from an external power supply, a power output connector configured to deliver output power from the battery pack, a charging circuit configured to control charging of the battery pack with the input power when the battery pack is received in the receptacle, and a discharging circuit configured to control discharging of output power from the battery pack to the power output connector, wherein the power output connector is electrically coupleable to a first electrical device to power the first electrical device when the battery pack is received in the receptacle, and wherein the battery pack is electrically coupleable to a second electrical device to power the second electrical device when the battery pack is removed from the receptacle. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a system comprising a battery pack; a first electrical device; a second electrical device; and a charging and discharging container having a housing with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to removably receive and electrically connect to the battery pack, a power input connector configured to receive input power from an external power supply, a power output connector configured to deliver an output power from the battery pack, a charging circuit configured to control charging of the battery pack with the input power when the battery pack is received in the receptacle, and a discharging circuit configured to control discharging of output power from the battery pack to the power output connector, wherein the power output connector is electrically coupleable to the first electrical device to power the first electrical device when the battery pack is received in the receptacle, and wherein the battery pack is electrically coupleable to the second electrical device to power the second electrical device when the battery pack is removed from the receptacle. 
     In the foregoing embodiments the power input connector may be configured to receive a source of AC input power or a source of DC input power. The power input connector may comprise a first connector configured to receive a source of AC power and a second connector configured to receive a source of DC power. The power output connector may comprise an AC connector or a DC connector. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC power output from the battery packs to an AC power output that is delivered to the power output connector. In the foregoing embodiment, the at least one battery pack may be configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value that is at least as great as the peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC output voltage being delivered to the power output connector. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to enable discharge of the battery packs to the power output connector. The switching device may include an external switch that is switchable by a user. The switching device may include an automated switching device that switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input connector is coupled to a source of electrical power. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a handle coupled to the housing to enable carrying of the housing. The first electrical device may comprise an AC power tool and the second electrical device comprises a DC power tool. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack container comprising a housing having a receptacle for receiving at least one battery pack; a first power input connector configured to receive power from an AC power supply; a second power input connector configured to receive power from a DC power supply; and a charging circuit coupled to the first and second power input connectors and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control providing charging power to the receptacle using power from at least one of the AC power supply and the DC power supply. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a power output connector coupled to the housing and configured to supply output power; and a discharging circuit coupled to the power output connector and to the receptacle, the discharging circuit configured to control discharging of electrical power from the at least one battery pack to the power output connector. The power output connector may comprise an AC connector and/or a DC connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC power output from the at least one battery pack to an AC power output that is delivered to the power output connector. The at least one battery pack may be configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the at least one battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value that is at least as great as the peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC output voltage being delivered to the power output connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to enable discharge of the battery packs to the power outlet. The switching device may include an external switch that is switchable by a user or may include an automated switching device that switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input connector is coupled to a source of electrical power. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a handle coupled to the housing to enable carrying of the housing. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a portable power supply apparatus comprising a housing having a receptacle for receiving at least one battery pack; a handle coupled to the housing to enable carrying of the housing; a power input connector configured to receive input power from an external power supply; a power output connector configured to supply power from the housing; a charging circuit coupled to the power input connector and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control providing charging power to the receptacle using the input power; and a discharging circuit coupled to the power outlet and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control discharging of output power from the receptacle to the power output connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC power output from the receptacle to an AC power output that is delivered to the power output connector. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise at least one battery pack, wherein the at least one battery pack may be configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value that is at least as great as the peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC output voltage being delivered to the power output connector. The power input connector may be configured to receive a source of AC input power and/or a source of DC input power. The power input connector may comprise a first input connector configured to receive a source of AC power and a second input connector configured to receive a source of DC power. The power output connector may comprise an AC connector and/or a DC connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to enable discharge of the battery packs to the power output connector. The switching device may include an external switch that is switchable by a user or an automated switching device that switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input connector is coupled to a source of electrical power. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a portable power supply comprising a housing including a battery connector for electrically coupling to a battery pack; a power input connector configured to receive power from an external power supply; a power output connector configured to supply power from the housing; a switch for selectively coupling the battery connector to the power input connector or the battery connector to the power output connector. 
     In the foregoing embodiment, the switch may include a first switch for coupling the battery connector to the power input connector and a second switch for coupling the battery connector to the power output connector. 
     The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a charging circuit coupled to the power input connector and to the battery connector, wherein the charging circuit supplies charging power received at the power input connector to the battery connector. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter circuit coupled to the battery connector and to the power output connector, wherein the inverter circuit is configured to receive DC voltage output from the battery connector, convert the received DC voltage to an AC voltage and supply the AC voltage to the power output connector. 
     Another aspect of the present invention includes a portable power supply comprising a carrier comprising a battery connector, the battery connector configured to receive a removable, rechargeable battery pack, a charging circuit coupled to the battery connector to supply charging power to the battery connector, a power supply input connector coupled to the charging circuit configured to receive input power and to provide the input power to the charging circuit, wherein the input power may be received from a variety of power sources. 
     In the foregoing embodiment the input power may comprise an AC power source and/or a DC power source. In the foregoing embodiment, the power supply input connector may comprise an AC power connector and/or a DC power connector. The foregoing embodiment may comprise a receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises the battery connector. The foregoing embodiment may comprise a handle for transporting the carrier containing the battery pack. The foregoing embodiment may comprise a cover for the receptacle for securing the battery pack in the receptacle during transportation. 
     Advantages may include one or more of the following. The system may provide a convenient system and method for users to obtain, charge, and discharge battery packs for use with power tools and other electrical devices. These and other advantages and features will be apparent from the description and the drawings 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of a rental system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary embodiment of a kiosk of the rental system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  are a front view and a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a bin of the kiosk of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of the kiosk of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of various exemplary components of the kiosk of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is another block diagram of various exemplary components of the kiosk of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is another exemplary embodiment of a rental system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exemplary flow chart for operation of the rental system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is another exemplary flow chart for operation of the rental system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 10A-16  are exemplary screen shots of a user interface for use with the rental system of  FIG. 1 , related to the flow charts of  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         FIG. 17  is another exemplary flow chart for operation of the rental system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 18A-22  are exemplary screen shots of another user interface for use with the rental system of  FIG. 1 , related to the flow charts of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is an exemplary embodiment of the kiosk of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 24A and 24B  are front view and a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a bin and carrier of the rental system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a carrier. 
         FIG. 26  is another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the carrier of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the carrier of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 28  is another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the carrier of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 29A  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the carrier of  FIG. 25  including six battery packs. 
         FIG. 29B  is a plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the carrier of  FIG. 25  without battery packs. 
         FIG. 30  is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a carrier and battery packs. 
         FIG. 31  is a simplified schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a carrier and a battery pack. 
         FIG. 32  is an exemplary flow chart for charging battery packs in a carrier in a kiosk of the rental system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 33  is an exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 34  is another exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 35  is another exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 36  is another exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 37  is another exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 38  is another exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 39  is another exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and power tools. 
         FIG. 40  is an exemplary illustration of a rental return warning system of a carrier. 
         FIG. 41  is an exemplary illustration of a relationship between a carrier, battery packs and other electrical devices. 
         FIG. 42  is an exemplary illustration of various methods for charging battery packs in a carrier. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, a system  10  for renting, transporting, charging and discharging battery packs (e.g., for power tools and other electrical devices) includes a vending machine or kiosk  100 , one or more battery pack carriers or trays  200  received in and dispensed by the kiosk  100 , and one or more rechargeable, removable battery packs  300  received in each of the carriers  200  or received directly in the kiosk  100  independent of the carriers  200 . The carriers  200  may be configured to charge the battery packs  300  inside and/or outside of the kiosk  100  via one or more power inlets, and to enable discharging the battery packs  300  through one or more power outlets. The kiosk  100  may enable receiving, dispensing, and renting the carriers  200  and battery packs  300 , and causing the carriers  200  to charge the battery packs  300  when the carriers  200  are received in the kiosk  100 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 2 , the kiosk  100  includes a housing  102  with an advertising display area  104 , a battery pack rental area  106 , a retail vending area  108 , and a user interface  110 . The advertising display  104  may be a static display (e.g., a static sign) or a dynamic display (e.g., an LCD screen). 
     The battery pack rental area  106  includes a plurality of bins  114 . Each bin  114  is configured to dispense, receive, store, and provide power for charging one of the carriers  200  and the associated battery packs  300 . The bins  114  are each closed by a lockable door  116 , and may each further include a handle  118 . The doors  116  are configured to unlock when a user rents or returns one of the carriers  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an example of an empty bin  114  is illustrated. The bin  114  includes five walls—two opposing sidewalls  170 , a top wall  172 , a bottom wall  174 , and a rear wall  176 —and the bin door  116  forming a generally rectangular cavity for receiving, housing and dispensing the carrier  200 . Each sidewall includes a longitudinal extending rail  184 —providing a pair of rails  184  in each bin  114 . The rails  184  will be discussed in more detail below. The rear wall  176  of each bin  114  includes a plurality of connectors. Specifically, the rear wall  176  includes a communication connector  178  for providing communication between the kiosk  100  and the carrier  200  and a power connector  180  for providing power to the carrier  200 . The rear wall  176  also includes an extension  182  for toggling a carrier charge/discharge switch into charging mode. These elements correspond to a plurality of corresponding elements in the carrier  200 , all of which will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Adjacent to each bin door  116  may be a state of charge display  120  to indicate the state of the carrier, including a state of charge of the battery packs  300  received in the associated bin  114 . For example, the display  120  may include multi-colored LED lights to indicate the state of charge of the battery packs (e.g., red, yellow, and green for low, medium, and high). The bins may have varied sizes and configurations to accommodate different sizes and configurations of carriers  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a first group  114   a  of bins  114  is configured to receive one of the carriers  200  that contains six battery packs  300 , while a second group  114   b  of bins  114  may be configured to receive individual battery packs not received in a carrier  200  or a carrier  200  having more than six battery packs  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the retail vending area  108  includes a retail vending display area  122  containing a plurality of products for sale and a vending opening  124  for dispensing the products for sale. The products contained in the retail vending area  108  may be products for sale that will be used by persons who rent the battery packs. For example, the retail vending area  108  may contain power tools (e.g., electric screwdrivers, drills, saws, outdoor equipment, etc.), power tool accessories (e.g., saw blades, drill bits, screwdriving bits, spools of cutting string, battery pack chargers and charging cords etc.), hand tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, etc.), and other related products (e.g., work gloves, safety glasses, tool belts, etc.). 
     Referring also to  FIG. 4 , the exemplary user interface  110  may include a display screen  126 , a user input device  128 , and a payment processing area  112 . The display screen  126  displays options and information to the user. For example, the display screen  126  may be an LCD monitor. The user input device  128  allows the user to input information to the kiosk  100 . For example, the user input device  128  may include a keyboard or a keypad. In other embodiments, the user input device may be fully or partially integrated into the display screen  126 , e.g., by implementing the display screen  126  as a touch screen interface. The payment processing area  112  may include one or more of a credit card reader  113 , a bar code or a QR code scanner, a RFID sensor configured to communicate with an RFID payment tag, bill and coin receptacles, a receipt printer  115 , and a change receptacle. The payment processing area is configured to process payments from users for battery pack rentals, retail sales, and coupon and voucher redemptions. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an exemplary system architecture for the electronic controls for the kiosk  100 . The electronic controls include a power distribution module  130  that controls and distributes power to all of the other modules, as will be described in greater detail below. A central processing unit (CPU)  140  and a memory/database module  138  provide centralized control for the other modules: a retail vending module  134  that controls the retail vending area  108 , a battery pack rental module  136  that controls the battery pack rental area  106 , an advertising display module  142  that controls the advertising display area  104 , and a user interface module  144  that controls the user interface  110 . Also coupled to the CPU  140  are an auxiliary systems control module  148  (e.g., to control HVAC, fire suppression, lights, etc.) and an external communications module  146 . As described in greater detail below, the external communications module  146  enables communication between and among the kiosk  100  and other kiosks, servers, databases, and computing devices via one or more telecommunications networks  145 . 
     The advertising display module  142  controls the display of advertising information on the advertising display  104 . For example, in a static display, the advertising display module  142  may control illumination of the advertising display  104 . In a dynamic display, the advertising display module  142  may alter and control the advertising display  104  to display various advertisements for goods or services, in accordance with instructions from the central processing unit  140 . For example, the advertising display module  142  may control operation of an LCD screen that scrolls through various advertisements. The auxiliary systems control module  148  controls several systems that are helpful to operation of the kiosk  100 . The auxiliary systems control module  148  may communicate with and receive instructions from the central processing unit  140 . For example, the auxiliary systems control module  148  may control HVAC, lighting, and fire suppression systems for the kiosk  100 . 
     The retail vending module  134  controls the vending of retail products from the retail vending area  108 . For example, the retail vending module  134  may control dispensing of retail goods from the retail vending area  108  upon receipt of instructions from the central processing unit  140 . The retail vending module  134  may also sense the inventory of goods in the retail vending area  108  and provide indications of low inventory levels to the central processing unit  140 . These and other implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 6 , the battery pack rental module  136  controls the battery pack rental area  106  according to instructions from the central processing unit  140 . As discussed above, the battery pack rental area  106  includes the carrier bins  114 , the carriers  200  received in the carrier bins  114 , and the battery packs  300  received in the carriers  200 . The power distribution module  130  delivers power to each of the carrier bins  114  (as described in more detail below). The battery pack rental module  136  includes a battery communications module  150  and a bin dispensing module  152 , each in communication with the central processing unit  140 , and in communication with the carrier bins  114 . The battery communications module  150  and the bin dispensing module  152  may be wired with individual communications lines for each carrier bin  114  or may be wired with fewer communications lines (e.g., one line) for all carrier bins  114  with different channels, frequencies or codes communicating between the modules and the receptacles. 
     The battery communications module  150  may perform several functions. First, the battery communications module  150  may sense the state of charge of the batteries in the carriers in the bins  114 . The battery communications module  150  delivers this information to the central processing unit for storage in the memory/database module  138 . The battery communications module  150  may also cause the state of charge display  120  to indicate the state of charge of the battery packs in that bin  114 . Second, the battery communications module  150  may sense the condition of the batteries in the bin  114 . If, for example, the condition indicates that the batteries have reached or exceeded their useful life, the battery communications module  150  may communicate this information to the central processing unit  140  and disable further renting of those battery packs. Third, the battery communications module  150 , alone or based on instructions from the central processing unit  140 , may prioritize and control the timing of when the carriers  200  in each bin  114  are allowed to charge the battery packs in their bin  114 . The prioritization may be based on a variety of parameters (which may be sensed by the battery communications module  150 , decided in an algorithm executed in the central processing unit  140  and/or stored in the memory/database module  138 ), such as the amount of available charging power, the cost of available charging power, the relative states of charge of the battery packs in the bins, the number of battery packs in each bin, the conditions of the battery packs in each bin, and reservation schedules for renting the battery packs in each bin. Further details about the charging of the batteries in the bins are discussed below. 
     The bin dispensing module  152  controls when to open the various bins to enable a user to insert or remove a carrier  200  and battery packs  300  into or from the bins. For example, based on a rental order received and/or processed in the central processing unit  140  and/or stored in the memory/database module  138 , the bin dispensing module  152  may unlock a door  116  of a particular bin  114  and enable removal of the carrier  200  and battery packs  300  in that bin  114 . Similarly, based on a return order received and/or processed in the central processing unit and/or stored in the memory/database module  138 , the bin dispensing module  152  may identify an empty bin  114  and unlock the door  116  to that bin  114  to enable insertion of a carrier  200  and battery packs  300  in the bin  114 . Finally, the bin dispensing module  152  may monitor or control which of several available carriers  200  should be rented in response to a rental request, based on factors such as the state of charge, age, or condition of the battery packs and the duration that the battery packs have been received in the bins. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 7 , the external communications module  146  enables the central processing unit  140  of one or more kiosks  100  to communicate with each other and with one or more external computing or communication devices, such as one or more central servers  160 , one or more personal computers or workstations  162 , one or more smartphones or tablet computers  164 , etc. Communication between and among the kiosks  100  and these devices  160 ,  162 ,  164  may be via one or more telecommunications networks  145  such as internets, intranets, virtual private networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), cellular communications networks, Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth® communication networks, LANs, WANs, fiber optic communications networks, cable communications networks, satellite communication networks, etc. In other embodiments, computing devices such as smartphones and tablets may communicate directly with kiosks, bypassing the central servers and the telecommunications networks. The computing devices and communications networks shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7  facilitate remote communication and management among owners and customers and kiosks, such as: reserving and ordering rental battery packs; purchasing and reserving retail goods; communicating with users when a rental battery pack is due for return; inventory management of kiosks; locating kiosks with available battery packs for rental at the closest geographic locations, and sending advertisements regarding the kiosk products to customers and potential customers of the kiosks. 
     In one implementation, operation of the kiosk  100  may be controlled locally by user interaction with the user interface  110  on the kiosk  100 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an exemplary flow chart  400  for user interaction with the user interface  110  on the kiosk.  FIGS. 10A-16  illustrate exemplary screen shots of the user interface  110  when implementing the flow chart  400  in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In implementing these flow charts, the central processing unit  140  directs the user interface control module  144  to control the user interface  110  and the payment processing area  112 . The user interface control module  144  controls the information that is displayed on the screen  126 , based on instructions from the central processing unit  140 . The user interface control module  144  also receives and processes input into the user input device  128  of desired actions such as renting carriers  200  and battery packs  300 , returning carriers  200  and battery packs  300 , or purchasing retail items, and transmits signals corresponding to this information to the central processing unit  140  for further processing. In addition, the user interface control module  126  receives and processes payments received in the payment processing area  112 , and transmits signals corresponding to this information to the central processing unit  140  for further processing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , at step  402 , the user approaches the kiosk  100  and activates the user interface  110 , e.g., by touching it. At step  404  and  FIG. 10A , the user interface  110  prompts the user to select a language (e.g., English, Spanish, etc.). At step  406  and  FIG. 10B , an action prompt requests that the user sign in with an existing user ID and password, register with a new user ID or password, or proceed as a guest without a user ID and password. At step  408  and  FIG. 10C , the user interface  110  main menu prompts the user to select among several actions: Rental, Return, Reserve, Retail, Pick-Up Order and Info. 
     Rental 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 11A-11E , if, at step  408 , the user selects Rental, the rental subroutine  410  is activated to enable the user to select and rent one or more carriers  200  and battery packs  300  for rental. At step  412  and  FIG. 11A , the user interface prompts the user to select the number of carriers and battery packs for rental. As shown in  FIG. 11A , the carriers and battery packs may be priced according to the number of packs in the carrier and the state of charge of the packs (e.g., 100%, 80%, 60%, etc.). The user may also be prompted to select the type of battery packs (e.g., voltage, wattage, capacity, etc.) and/or the rental duration (e.g., number of hours or days). 
     At step  414  and  FIG. 11B , the user interface  110  prompts the user to review the selected rental battery packs that have been placed into an electronic shopping cart. At step  416  and  FIG. 11C , the user interface  110  prompts the user to confirm agreement with the terms of a rental agreement. At step  418 , the kiosk  110  may also provide the user with a notification of the rental due date (e.g., via a text message, an e-mail, or a printed receipt). At step  420  and  FIG. 11D , the user interface  110  prompts the user to use the payment processing area to pay for the rental (e.g., via credit card, voucher, gift card, cash, corporate account, etc.). At step  422 , the kiosk  110  places a hold on the user&#39;s account and/or credit card in an amount to ensure timely return of the rental battery packs (e.g., for the retail value of the carrier and battery packs). At step  424 , the bin dispensing module  152  unlocks and/or opens one or more the bin doors  116  to enable the user, at step  426 , to retrieve the rented carrier(s) and associated battery pack(s). As shown in  FIG. 11E , the user interface  110  may indicate to the user which bin(s) have been unlocked. At step  428 , the user closes the bin door(s), thus ending the transaction at step  429 . A record of the rental transaction (including, e.g., an identifier of carrier and battery packs rented, payment information, credit card hold information, and user ID) is stored in the memory/database module  138 , and may also be communicated by the external communications module  146  to a central server and/or to the user&#39;s computing device or mobile phone. 
     Return 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 12A-12D , if, at step  408 , the user selects Return, the return subroutine  430  is executed to enable a user to return a previously rented carrier and associated battery packs. At step  432  and  FIG. 12A , the user interface  110  prompts the user to identify the carriers and packs to be returned by swiping the credit card used in the previous transaction or by inputting a login ID and password. At step  434 , the user interface  110  communicates the previous payment information to the central processing unit  140 , which retrieves from the memory/database module  138  the record containing the identification information and quantify of the carriers  200  and battery packs  300  rented. At step  436  and  FIG. 12B , the user interface  110  prompts the user to choose which ones and how many of the rented carriers and battery packs to return to the kiosk  100 . At step  438  and  FIG. 12C , the user interface  110  prompts the user to identify any of the rented battery packs  300  that may be damaged or underperforming. 
     At step  440 , the bin dispensing module  152  unlocks and/or opens one or more bin doors  116  to enable the user to return the carriers and battery packs. As shown in  FIG. 12D , the user interface  110  identifies which bins  114  have been unlocked for return of the carriers  200  and battery packs  300 . At step  442 , the user returns the carriers  200  and battery packs  300  to the open bins  114 . At step  444 , the kiosk  100  verifies that the carriers  200  and battery packs  300  are the ones that should be returned. This can be performed, for example, by scanning a bar code or QR code on the carrier and/or battery packs, by sensing an RFID tag on the carrier and/or battery packs, or by identification of a electronic signal generated by the carriers and/or battery packs. At step  446 , the central processing unit  140  causes the bin dispensing module  152  to lock the bin door(s)  116  to the bins  114  into which the carriers  200  and battery packs  300  have been returned. At step  448 , the central processing unit  140  interfaces with the memory/database module  138  and the external communications module  146  to release the hold on the user&#39;s credit card or corporate account, thus terminating the return transaction at step  449 . 
     Reserve 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 13A-13F , if, at step  408 , the user selects Reserve, then the reserve subroutine  450  is executed to enable a user to reserve a rental carrier  200  and battery packs  300  for a later time. At step  452  and  FIG. 13A , the user interface  110  prompts the user to select a future date and time for a reservation for a carrier  200  and battery packs  300 . At step  454  and  FIG. 13B , the user interface  110  prompts the user to select the number of carriers and battery packs for rental. The price may be based on the number of packs rented and their state of charge. In other implementations, the user may select the type of battery packs (e.g., voltage, wattage, capacity, etc.) and/or the rental duration (e.g., number of hours or days). At step  456  and  FIG. 13C , the user interface  110  prompts the user to review an electronic shopping cart into which the rental selections have been placed. At step  458  and  FIG. 13D , the user interface  110  prompts the user to confirm agreement with the terms of the rental agreement. At step  460 , the kiosk  110  provides the user with a notification of the rental date and time (e.g., via a text message, an e-mail, or a printed receipt). At step  462  and  FIG. 13E , the user interface  110  prompts the user to use the payment processing area to process a payment for the rental (e.g., via credit card, voucher, corporate account, etc.). At step  464 , the kiosk  110  places a hold on the user&#39;s account and/or credit card in to hold the reservation. At step  466 , the central processing unit  140  stores a record corresponding to the reservation in the memory/database module  138  and/or causes the external communications module  146  to place a record of the reservation in the central server  160 , thus ending the Reserve transaction at step  468 . 
     At step  470  and as shown in  FIG. 13F , at a later time closer to the reservation date and time, the central processing unit  140  or the central server  160  causes an electronic reminder to be sent to the user, e.g., via text message, automated phone call, e-mail, or app notification. The user is given the option to obtain directions to the kiosk  100 , review the order, or cancel or modify the order. The user then proceeds to the kiosk  100  to pick up the rented carriers and battery packs, as described below. 
     Pick-Up 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 14A-14D , in the Pick-Up subroutine, at step  472 , the user arrives at the kiosk  100 . At step  474  and  FIG. 14A , the user interface  110  prompts the user to provide the payment method used for the previous transaction (e.g., by swiping the credit card used in the payment processing area  112 ) or to input an account login ID and password. At step  476 , the user interface  110  communicates the previous payment information or account ID and password to the central processing unit  140 , which retrieves from the memory/database module  138  or a central server  160  a record containing identification information and quantity of the carriers  200  and battery packs  300  that have been reserved. At step  478  and  FIG. 14B , the user interface  110  prompts the user to rent additional carriers and battery packs (as described above with respect to the Rental subroutine) or purchase additional goods (as described below with respect to the Retail subroutine). At step  480  and  FIG. 14C , the user interface  110  prompts the user to review the shopping cart, which now includes any additional rental battery packs or retail goods that have been ordered. 
     At step  482  and  FIG. 14D , the user interface  110  prompts the user to use the payment processing area to process a payment for the additional rental or retail goods (e.g., via credit card, voucher, corporate account, cash, etc.). At step  484 , the bin dispensing module  152  unlocks and/or opens one or more the bin doors  116  to enable the user, at step  486 , to retrieve the rented carrier(s)  200  and associated battery pack(s)  300 . As shown in  FIG. 14E , the user interface  110  indicates to the user which bin(s) have been unlocked. At step  488 , the user closes the bin door(s), thus ending the transaction at step  489 . A record of the transaction (including, e.g., identifier of carrier and battery packs rented, payment information, credit card hold information, and user ID) is stored in the memory/database module  138 , and may also be communicated by the external communications module  146  to the central server and/or to the user&#39;s computing device or mobile phone. 
     Retail 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 15A-15G , if, at step  408 , the user selects Retail, then the retail subroutine  490  is executed to enable a user to purchase retail products through the kiosk  100 . At step  492  and  FIG. 15A , the user interface  110  prompts the user to select between Onsite purchases and Online purchases. If, at step  492 , the user selects Onsite, then the Onsite subroutine  494  is executed. At step  495  and  FIG. 15B , the user interface  110  prompts the user to select the item and quantity from among the items available for immediate sale in the retail vending area  108 . At step  496  and  FIG. 15C , the user interface  110  prompts the user to review the selected items that have been placed into an electronic shopping cart. At step  498  and  FIG. 15D , the user interface  110  prompts the user to use the payment processing area  112  to process a payment for the purchase (e.g., via credit card, voucher, corporate account, cash etc.). At step  500 , the kiosk  100  dispenses the item and provides a receipt for the purchase (e.g., via electronic mail, text message, or printed receipt), thus ending the transaction at step  502 . A record of the transaction (including, e.g., identifier of items purchased, payment information, user ID, etc.) may be stored in the memory/database module  138 , and may also be communicated by the external communications module  146  to the central server and/or to the user&#39;s computing device or mobile phone. 
     If, at step  492 , the user selects Online, then the online subroutine  504  is executed to enable a user to purchase retail products not available onsite in the kiosk  100 . At step  506  and  FIG. 15E , the user interface  110  may prompt the user to select from among a plurality of manufacturers or retailers of products similar to those sold in the kiosk. At step  508  and  FIG. 15F , the user interface  110  may display an online e-commerce website of a selected manufacturer or retailer of products to enable online ordering just as one would do on the traditional e-commerce website. For example, the external communications module  146  may communicate, via the internet, and download to the user interface  110  the e-commerce website of the selected manufacturer or retailer or a specially designed e-commerce app or interface for display on the user interface  110 . The user then shops on the e-commerce website for the desired goods to be purchased. At step  510  and  FIG. 15G , the user interface  110  prompts the user to use the payment processing area  112  to process a payment for the purchase (e.g., via credit card, voucher, corporate account, cash, etc.). The machine then dispenses a receipt for the purchase (e.g., via electronic mail, text message, or printed receipt), thus ending the transaction at step  512 . A record of the transaction (including, e.g., identifier of items purchased, payment information, user ID, etc.) may be stored in the memory/database module  138 , and may also be communicated by the external communications module  146  to the central server and/or to the user&#39;s computing device or mobile phone. 
     Information 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 16 , if, at step  408 , the user selects Info, then the information subroutine  520  is executed to enable a user to obtain certain information and assistance via the user interface  110 . In the information subroutine  520 , and as shown in  FIG. 16 , the user interface  110  prompts the user to select among a menu of information options, including at least one or more of the following options. For each option, the information displayed on the user interface  110  may be stored locally in the memory/database module  138  or remotely at a central server  160  or elsewhere on the internet, and may be retrieved by instructions from the central processing unit  140  and/or external communications module  146 , and displayed on the user interface  110  by the user interface control module  144 . 
     At option  522 , the user interface  110  enables the user to register for an account or review and modify account information such as user ID, password, credit card, corporate account number, etc. At option  524 , the user interface  110  enables the user to review his or her history for battery pack rental usage. At option  526 , the user interface  110  enables the user to view targeted advertising and promotions, such as video promotions directed to products similar to those previously purchased by that user. At option  528 , the user interface  110  allows the user to review the battery pack rental agreement policy. At option  530 , the user interface  110  allows the user to view other kiosk locations, and to review the inventory for battery pack rentals and retail vending at these other locations. At option  532 , the user interface  110  enables the user to obtain information about obtaining a kiosk at a new location, such as a worksite or jobsite. At option  534 , the user interface  110  enables the user to compare the cost of operating gas powered power tools vs. the cost of battery pack rentals for cordless power tools. 
     At option  536 , the user interface  110  allows the user to send an invitation (such as an e-mail or text message) to friends or colleagues, inviting them to try the kiosk. At option  538 , the user interface  110  displays instructional videos, such as how to use the carrier, how the battery pack rentals work, etc. At option  540 , the user interface  110  links to an app store or displays a QR code that can be scanned by the user&#39;s smartphone, to enable the user to download an app to allow for interaction with the kiosk  110 , as described below. At option  542 , the user interface  110  allows the user to view a local weather forecast. At option  544 , the user interface  110  allows the user to contact a service center (e.g., via electronic mail or live online chat). At option  546 , the user interface  110  allows the user to report a problem with the kiosk or the rental carriers or battery packs. At option  548 , the user can complete a form to leave a comment or suggestion for the owner of the kiosk. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17-22 , modified versions of the Reserve, Retail, and Info transactions may be implemented remotely on a mobile smartphone or tablet computer app or on a website accessed via a user&#39;s personal computer. The smartphone, tablet, or personal computer communicates, via a telecommunications network, with one or more kiosks  100  and/or with one or central servers, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The smartphone app will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that a tablet app or a website can be implemented with similar functionality.  FIG. 17  is a flow chart  600  that illustrates some of the functionality of an app.  FIGS. 18-22  are smartphone screenshots that illustrate some of the functionality of an app. These and other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18A-18B , the user first selects a type of transaction to be performed. At step  602 , and  FIG. 18A , an action prompt requests that the user sign in with an existing user ID and password or register with a new user ID or password. At step  604  and  FIG. 18B , the main menu prompts the user to select among several actions: Reserve, Retail, and Information. 
     Reserve 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 19A-19G , if, at step  604 , the user selects Reserve, then the reserve subroutine  610  is executed to enable a user to reserve a rental carrier  200  and battery packs  300  for pick up from a kiosk  100  at a later time. At step  612  and  FIG. 19A , the app prompts the user to select a geographic location for a kiosk  100 . The app may access the smartphone&#39;s location services to find the kiosks located closest to the user at that time. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to enter an address or zip code to find the kiosks  100  closest to the particular address or zip code. The kiosks may be viewed in a map view or by address. At step  614  and  FIG. 19B , the app prompts the user to select a future date and time for a reservation for renting carriers  200  and battery packs  300 . At step  454  and  FIG. 19C , the app prompts the user to select the number of carriers and battery packs for rental. The price may be based on the number of packs rented and their state of charge. In other implementations, the user may select the type of battery packs (e.g., voltage, wattage, capacity, etc.) and/or the rental duration (e.g., number of hours or days). At step  618  and  FIG. 19D , the app prompts the user to review an electronic shopping cart into which the rental selections have been placed. At step  620  and  FIG. 19E , the app prompts the user to confirm agreement with the terms of the rental agreement. 
     At step  622 , the app provides the user with a notification of the rental date and time (e.g., via a text message, an e-mail, or a printed receipt). At step  624  and  FIG. 19F , the app prompts the user for payment information for the rental (e.g., via credit card, debit card, or corporate account). At step  626 , the app places a hold on the user&#39;s corporate account and/or credit card in to hold the reservation. At step  628  the transaction ends with the app communicating with the kiosk  100  and/or the central server to store a record corresponding to the reservation. At step  629  and as shown in  FIG. 19G , at a later time closer to the reservation date and time, the central processing unit  140  or the central server  160  causes an electronic reminder to be sent to the user, e.g., via text message, automated phone call, e-mail, or app notification. The user is given the option to obtain directions to the kiosk  110 , review the order, or cancel or modify the order. The user then proceeds to the kiosk  110  to pick up the rented carriers and battery packs, as described in the Pick-Up transaction above. 
     Retail 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 20A-20E , if, at step  604 , the user selects Retail, then the retail subroutine  630  is executed to enable a user to purchase retail products via the kiosk rental app. At step  632  and  FIG. 20A , the app prompts the user to select between Kiosk purchases (for pick-up at the kiosk) and Online purchases (for home delivery or pick-up at a retailer). If, at step  632 , the user selects Kiosk, then the Kiosk subroutine  634  is executed. At step  636  and  FIG. 20B , the app prompts the user to select a geographic location for a kiosk  100 . The app may access the smartphone&#39;s location services to find the kiosk(s) located closest to the user at that time. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to enter an address or zip code to find the kiosks  100  closest to the particular address or zip code. The kiosks may be viewed in a map view or by address. At step  638  and  FIG. 20B , the app prompts the user to select the item and quantity from among the items available for immediate sale in the retail vending area  108  of the kiosk  100 . At step  640  and  FIG. 20C , the app prompts the user to review the selected items that have been placed into an electronic shopping cart. At step  642  and  FIG. 20D , the app prompts the user to make a payment for the purchase, e.g., via credit card, debit card, corporate account, etc. At step  644 , the transaction ends with the app communicating with the kiosk  100  and/or the central server to store a record corresponding to the reservation. At step  646  and as shown in  FIG. 20E , at a later time, the central processing unit  140  or the central server  160  causes an electronic reminder to be sent to the user, e.g., via text message, automated phone call, e-mail, or app notification. The user is given the option to obtain directions to the kiosk  110 , review the order, or cancel or modify the order. The user then proceeds to the kiosk  110  to pick up the purchased items. The reserved retail products may be held for the user for a limited period of time, after which, if the user fails to pick up the products, they are returned to the inventory and the user&#39;s payment is refunded. 
     If, at step  632 , the user selects Online, then the online subroutine  650  is executed to enable a user to purchase retail products from an online e-commerce website or store. At step  652 , the app may prompt the user to select from among a plurality of manufacturers or retailers of products similar to those sold in the kiosk. At step  654 , the app may display or link to an online e-commerce website, app, or specially designed user interface of a selected manufacturer or retailer of products to enable online ordering just as one would do on the traditional e-commerce website. The user then shops on the e-commerce website for the desired goods to be purchased. At step  656 , the app or the e-commerce website prompts the user to make a payment for the purchase (e.g., via credit card, debit card, corporate account, etc.). The app then sends a receipt for the purchase to the user (e.g., via electronic mail, text message, etc.), thus ending the transaction at step  658 . A record of the transaction (including, e.g., identifier of items purchased, payment information, user ID, etc.) may be stored in the memory/database module, and may also be communicated by the external communications module to the central server. 
     Information 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 21 , if, at step  602 , the user selects Information, then the information subroutine  660  is executed to enable a user to obtain certain information and assistance via the app. In the information subroutine  660 , and as shown in  FIG. 21 , the display screen prompts the user to select among a menu of information options, including at least one or more of the following options. For each option, the information displayed to the user may be stored locally in the app, or remotely at a central server  160  or elsewhere on the internet. 
     At option  662 , the app enables the user to register for an account or review and modify account information such as user ID, password, credit card, corporate account number, etc. At option  664 , the app enables the user to review his or her history for battery pack rental usage. At option  666 , the app enables the user to view targeted advertising and promotions, such as video promotions directed to products similar to those previously purchased by that user. At option  668 , the app allows the user to review the battery pack rental agreement policy. At option  670 , the app allows the user to search for kiosk locations, and to review the inventory for battery pack rentals and retail vending at these locations. At option  672 , the app enables the user to obtain information about obtaining a kiosk at a new location, such as a worksite or jobsite. At option  674 , the user interface  110  enables the user to compare the cost of operating gas powered power tools vs. the cost of battery pack rentals for cordless power tools. 
     At option  676 , the app allows the user to send an invitation (such as an e-mail or text message) to friends or colleagues, inviting them to try the kiosk or the kiosk app. At option  678 , the app displays instructional videos, such as how to use the carrier, how the battery pack rentals work, etc. At option  680 , the app allows the user to view a local weather forecast. At option  682 , the app allows the user to contact a service center (e.g., via electronic mail or live online chat). At option  684 , the app allows the user to report a problem with a kiosk or rental carriers or battery packs. At option  686 , the user can complete a form to leave a comment or suggestion for the owner of the kiosk. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , the app can also provide in app notifications  690  or e-mail or text notifications to remind a user when rental carriers and battery packs are due to be returned to the kiosk. This notification may be stored locally in the app (running in the background) or may be pushed to the user&#39;s smartphone from the central server. For example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the app notifies the user that the rental carriers and packs are due to be returned in three hours. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the power distribution module  130  is coupled to a source of external electrical power  132 , e.g., an AC mains line, batteries, solar panels, a generator, etc. via a plug or connector  133 . The power distribution module  130  distributes the electrical power to the other areas and modules of the kiosk  100 , including to the battery pack rental area  106  and module  136 , the retail vending area  108  and module  134 , the user interface  110  and module  144 , and the advertising display area  104  and module  142 . The power distribution module  130  may include circuits to modify, rectify, transform, divide, modulate, regulate and/or invert the incoming electrical signals for distribution to the various areas and modules of the kiosk  100  by means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the power distribution module  130  may transform an incoming AC signal to a DC signal to distribute to some of the components. In addition, the power distribution module  130  may include one or more fuses or circuit breakers  131  to prevent overload of the circuits in the various modules of the kiosk  100 . 
     Alternatively, an exemplary power distribution module is coupled to a 240V, 50 A power source such as an AC mains line  132 . The power distribution  130  splits the 240V AC power source into two 120V AC power sources. distributed over a power bus or power supply lines. The power distribution module  130  distributes the 120V AC power supply to each bin  114  over a power bus or power supply line  135 . The power distribution module  130  may include a fuse  131 , for example a 10 A fuse, on the AC power supply line prior to the bins  114 . The power distribution module  130  also provides power to the CPU  140 . Either the power distribution module  130  or the CPU  140  may include circuitry to convert the 120V AC power supply to the appropriate voltage for the CPU  140 , as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 23  are communication lines  137  between the CPU  140  and each of the bins  114 . As noted above, each bin  114  includes a communications connector  178  and as discussed in more detail below, each carrier  200  includes a communications connector that is configured to couple to the bin communications connector  178 . These communications connectors allow the CPU  140  to monitor and communicate with the bins  114 , the carriers  200  and the batteries  300  to manage receiving, dispensing, and renting the carriers  200  and battery packs  300 , and monitoring and/or managing the charging of the battery packs  300  by the carriers  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , there is illustrated a view of the bin  114  from a front side of the kiosk  100  including an exemplary carrier  200 . As noted above, the bin  114  includes two sidewalls  170 , a top wall  172  and a bottom wall  174 . As also noted above, each of the sidewalls includes the rails  184 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 24  is the bin communications connector  178  coupled to the carrier communications connector  216  and the bin power connector  180  coupled to the carrier AC power input connector  212 . 
     Also referring to  FIGS. 25-29 , the illustrated carrier  200  includes a housing  202  and a carrying handle  206 . The carrier housing  200  includes side walls. Each of the sidewalls includes a longitudinal groove  220 . Each carrier housing groove  220  is configured to receive one of the bin sidewall rails  184  when the carrier  200  is received in the bin  114 . These grooves  220  and rails  184  insure that the carrier AC power input connector  212 , the carrier communications connector  216  and the charge/discharge switch  222  align with the bin power connector  180 , the bin communications connector  178 , and the bin extension  182 , respectively, when the carrier  200  is received in the bin  114 . The rails  184  may be adjustable to accommodate various size carriers  200 . The rails  184  may serve to keep the carrier  200  raised from the bottom wall  174  to allow air cooling of the carrier  200  when the battery packs  300  are being charged inside the bin  114 . 
     The carrier  200  may also include a door or cover  204 . The cover  204  may be transparent. The carrier housing  202  includes a plurality of receptacles  208 . Each receptacle  208  is configured to receive one the rechargeable, removable battery packs  300 . The cover  204  may be configured to allow access to a plurality of the receptacles  208 . In an alternate exemplary embodiment, there may be an individual cover  204  for each receptacle  208 . The cover(s) may include latching system elements configured to operate with corresponding latching system elements on the carrier housing  202  to fix the cover  204  to the housing  202  and to allow a user to open and close the door(s). The carrier  200  may include one or more security features, e.g., loops or latches  209  to receive one or more user applied padlocks  210  or other security locking devices to lock the cover(s)  204  to the carrier housing  202 . 
     In the disclosed exemplary embodiment, the housing  202  includes six receptacles  208   a - f  for receiving six battery packs  300   a - f , respectively. However, it should be understood that the carrier  200  may have any number of receptacles  208  for receiving a corresponding number of battery packs  300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 29A and 29B , each receptacle  208  includes a terminal block  256  for electrically coupling the battery pack  300  to the internal circuitry of the carrier  200 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the battery packs  300  may be convertible battery packs, as disclosed and described in provisional U.S. Patent Application Nos. 61/944,953 filed May 18, 2014, 62/000,112 filed May 19, 2014 and 62/046,546 filed Sep. 5, 2014, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/715,258, filed May 18, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The battery packs  300  may be any one of the embodiments described in the aforementioned provisional applications. As such, the carrier terminal block would be configured in the same manner as the power tool terminal block for a corresponding convertible battery pack as disclosed and described in the aforementioned U.S. Provisional Applications. The exemplary battery packs  300  are 20V/60V rated voltage battery packs, however battery packs  300  having other rated voltages are contemplated and encompassed by the present disclosure. Additionally, in alternate exemplary embodiments, the battery packs  300  may be non-convertible battery packs such as the battery packs disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,653,787, which is incorporated herein by reference. These battery packs  300  may be any of a variety of rated voltages, for example 20V, 40V, 60V, etc. 
     The housing  202  also includes an AC power input connector  212 , e.g., a 3 prong 120 VAC male plug or female receptacle, a universal DC power input connector  214  for connecting to a DC power supply, e.g., a 12V car charger port, a USB port, and/or a trailer adapter port, and a communications connector  216 , e.g., a USB port, a serial port, or a set of electrical contacts. The carrier  200  also includes a power output connector  218 . In a first exemplary embodiment, the power output connector  218  is an AC power output connector. In a second exemplary embodiment, the power output connector  218  is a DC power output connector. The carrier  200  also includes a switch  222  for switching between a charging mode of operation that charges the battery packs  300  using electrical power input through the power input connectors  212 ,  214 , and a discharging mode of operation that outputs electrical power from the battery packs  300  through the power output connector  218 . Alternatively, the external switch  222  may be replaced with an automatic internal switch and a current sensor for the AC and DC power inputs such that the internal switch switches to charging mode when the current sensor senses an input current and switches to discharge mode when the current sensor does not sense an input current. 
     As noted above, the kiosk  100  includes the power supply line  135  coupled to the bin power connector  180  of each bin  114 . The bin power connector  180  is configured to electrically and mechanically couple with the carrier AC power input connector  212  when the carrier  200  is received in the bin  114 . Also as noted above, the kiosk  100  includes the communications line  137  coupled to the bin communications connector  178 . The bin communications connector is configured to electrically and mechanically couple with the carrier communications connector  216  when the carrier  200  is received in the bin  114 . As described in greater detail below, when the carrier  200  is received in the bin  114 , the communications line  137  and the communications connectors  178 ,  216  enable communications between the kiosk  100  and the carrier  200  to manage and/or control when and how the power delivered through the power input line  135  is used to charge the battery packs  300 . 
     As illustrated in the simplified schematic of  FIG. 30 , the carrier  200  includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components for monitoring, managing and/or controlling the charging and discharging of the battery packs  300 . More particularly, the carrier  200  includes a system management unit (SMU)  250 . The SMU  250  may be configured as a single printed circuit assembly or may be configured as two printed circuit assemblies  250   a ,  250   b —as illustrated in  FIG. 30 —or may be configured as more than two printed circuit assemblies. The SMU  250  may include a processor and may include a charge/discharge control module  252 . The carrier  200  may be configured to include a charge/discharge control module  252  for each battery  300 —as illustrated in  FIG. 30 —or may include a single charge/discharge control module  252  for all of the batteries  300  or may include some other number of charge/discharge control modules. As discussed in more detail below, the charge/discharge control modules  252  communicate with the SMU  250  which in turn communicates with the kiosk  100  through a plurality of communication lines  254  connected to the communication connector  216 . 
     Each receptacle  208  includes a terminal block  256  and each battery pack  300  includes a terminal block  310 . Furthermore, the charge/discharge control modules  252  are electrically connected to the battery packs  300  via the receptacle terminal block  256  and the battery pack terminal block  310 . The charge/discharge control module  252  controls a plurality of switches  258  to provide a charging current to the battery packs  300  through the carrier power supply lines  260 , the receptacle terminal block  256  and the battery pack terminal block  310 —as will be discussed in more detail below. 
     The SMU  250  also communicates with a power supply  262  coupled to the AC power input connector  212  and a power supply  264  coupled to the DC power input connector  214 . The AC power supply  262  may be, for example, a 120 VAC to 60 VDC power supply and the DC power supply  264  may be, for example, a 12 VDC to 60 VDC power supply to supply power to the battery packs  300 . The power supplies  262 ,  264  will be configured to provide a charging voltage equal to the rated charging voltage of the battery pack configuration of a particular carrier  200 . For example, if all of the battery packs are 60 V battery packs then the power supplies will be configured to provide a 60 VDC output. Alternatively, if all of the battery packs are 20 V battery packs then the power supplies will be configured to provide a 20 VDC output. 
     The SMU  250  also communicates with an inverter  266 . The inverter  266  may be a pure sine wave inverter, a modified sign wave inverter, a pulse wave inverter or any other inverter capable of providing an AC output signal or an approximated AC output signal for providing power to AC electrical and electronic devices. The inverter  266  is electrically connected to the power output connector  218 . In the exemplary embodiment, the inverter is a 189 VDC to 120 VAC, square wave approximation of sine wave inverter. In an alternate embodiment, the carrier  200  does not include an inverter and only provides DC output power. 
     The SMU  250  is also electrically connected to the discharge/charge mode switch  222 . Generally speaking, when the switch  222  is in the charge position, a charge signal is sent to the SMU  250 . In turn, the SMU  250  sends a signal to the inverter  266  to turn the inverter  266  off, sends a signal to the power supply  262 ,  264  to turn the power supply  262 ,  264  on, and selectively sends a signal to the switches  258  to close the switches  258  to selectively connect the battery packs  300  to the power supplies  262 ,  264 . Depending upon the battery pack  300  status and the carrier  200  status, the SMU  250  and the charge/discharge control modules  252  will operate to charge the appropriate carriers  200  and battery packs  300 . 
     Generally speaking, when the switch  222  is in the discharge position, a discharge signal is sent to the SMU  250 . In turn, the SMU  250  sends a signal to the inverter  266  to turn the inverter  266  on, sends a signal to the power supply  262 ,  264  to turn the power supply  262 ,  264  off, and selectively sends a signal to the switches  258  to selectively open the switches  258  to disconnect the battery packs  300  from the power supplies  262 ,  264 . 
     The carrier  200  may also include a plurality of door switches  268 . The door switches  268  ensure that the terminal blocks of an empty receptacle are not of a dangerous electrical potential when the door  204  is open. More particularly if the door  204  is open and two receptacles  208   a ,  208   b  have fully charged battery packs  300   a ,  300   b  inserted therein and a third receptacle  208   c  does not have a battery pack  300   c  inserted therein a voltage across the empty terminal block could be approximately 60V. And if the door was open and the door switches were not present a user could conceivably touch the terminals at a dangerous electrical potential and receive a potentially dangerous shock. As such, when the door  204  is open all three door switches  268   a ,  268   b ,  268   c  will be open. This will provide an open circuit between carrier receptacle terminal blocks and prevent potential shocks when not all of the receptacles include battery packs  300 . 
     In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the carrier  200  does not include a charger and the kiosk  100  does include a charger. In this embodiment, the battery packs  300  may only be charged when the carrier  200  is in the kiosk bin  114  or connected to a separate charger that could provide equivalent charging functionality to that of the kiosk  100 . 
     The carrier  200  can communicate with each of the plurality of battery packs  300  for purposes of identifying a particular battery pack  300 , performing a status diagnosis of the battery pack  300  and/or reporting data logging associated with the battery pack  300 . The carrier  200  can communicate with the kiosk  100  through the carrier communication lines  306 , the carrier communication connector  216 , the bin communication connector  178  and the kiosk communication lines  137  when the carrier  200  is in the kiosk bin  114  for transferring information regarding the status and health of the battery packs  300  and carrier  200 , regarding the identification of the battery packs  300 , regarding the data logging information associated with the battery packs  300 , and for receiving charge instructions from the kiosk  100 . 
     When the carrier  200  is received in the bin  114  the kiosk  100  may provide charging power to the carrier  200  through the kiosk power supply lines  135 , the bin power connector  180 , the carrier AC power input connector  212 , the AC power supply  262 , and the carrier power supply lines  260 . When the carrier  200  is not in the kiosk  100 , alternate power sources may provide charging power to the carrier  200 . For example, an AC mains line power supply may provide charging power to the carrier  200  through a power supply cord connected to the carrier AC power input connector  212 , the carrier AC power supply  262  and the carrier power supply lines  260 . Alternately, for example, an automotive power supply, a solar power supply or a trailer power supply may provide charging power to the carrier  200  through a supply cord connected to the carrier DC power input connector  214 , the carrier DC power supply  264  and the carrier power supply lines  260 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , in an exemplary embodiment, the kiosk  100  may include software and/or hardware programmed to implement a process  700  to actively manage the charging of multiple carriers  200  and battery packs  300  received in the bins  114 . At step  702 , each time a carrier  200  is returned to the kiosk  100 , the kiosk CPU  140  queries returned carrier  200  for information about the authentication ID (step  704 ), the state of charge (step  706 ), the DC impedance (step  708 ), data-logging information (e.g., time uses, charge cycles, shutdowns, etc.) (step  710 ), faults (step  712 ), and charge readiness state (step  714 ) for each pack in each carrier. At step  716 , this information is stored in the kiosk memory/database module  138 , transmitted to the central server  160 , and/or associated with one or more user accounts. At step  718 , if there is an invalid pack ID or fault, the user is informed of the fault and prompted for action (e.g., prompting the user to remove the faulty carrier and battery packs and to insert the correct carrier and battery packs into the bins). 
     At step  720 , the kiosk CPU  140  queries each of the carriers  200  stored in the kiosk  100  for their system state. For example, at step  722 , the kiosk CPU  140  queries the state of charge for each of the carriers  200  and battery packs  300  stored in the kiosk  100 . At step  724 , the kiosk CPU  140  queries which carriers  200  and battery packs  300  are ready for charging. At step  726 , the kiosk CPU  140  queries which carriers  200  and battery packs  300  are currently charging and in which mode of charging. At step  730 , the kiosk CPU  140  prioritizes the charging order of the carriers  200  based on a variety of preference rules, such as, for example, which battery packs  300  are near full state of charge or end of charging (step  730 ), which battery packs  300  have better performance (e.g., capacity, impedance) (step  732 ), when certain carriers  200  and battery packs  300  are reserved for future rental (step  734 ), and limits on total power delivery capability of the kiosk (step  736 ). 
     At step  738 , a charge enable signal is delivered via the communications connectors  176 ,  216  to the carrier(s) that have been selected for priority charging according to the preference rules. At step  740 , the carriers  200  that have received the charge enable signals charge the battery packs  300  located in those carriers  200 . At step  742 , each carrier  200  sends a disable signal to the kiosk CPU  140  when the charging is complete, when the battery packs  300  or carriers  200  exceed a temperature threshold, or when there is a fault in the charging. Upon sending the disable signal, the carrier  200  will stop charging the battery packs, and the CPU  140  will send a charge enable signal to the next carrier  200  in the priority order. At step  744 , the CPU  140  queries the carriers  200  as to whether all of the battery packs  300  in each carrier  200  are fully charged. If not, then the CPU  140  returns to step  728  to reassign priority to the carriers  200 . If all battery packs  300  are fully charged, then at step  746 , the kiosk switches to a battery pack standby management mode in which it maintains the state of charge of all of the battery packs received in the kiosk. 
     The carrier  200  can output a power supply signal from the power supply output connector  218  in the form of a waveform that is an approximation of an AC mains line power supply allowing the carrier output to operate nearly all corded electrical devices, including for example, power tools and home appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31 , there is illustrated an exemplary battery pack  300 . As noted above, the battery pack  300  may be a convertible battery pack, for example any one of the battery packs disclosed and described in the above-referenced U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/944,953 filed May 18, 2014, 62/000,112 filed May 19, 2014 and 62/046,546 filed Sep. 5, 2014. As such, the battery pack  300  will not be described in detail. The battery pack  300  includes a plurality of cells  306 . The battery pack  300  also includes a battery terminal block  310 . The battery terminal block  310  includes a plurality of battery terminals  312 . The battery terminals  312  include a first subset of terminals  312   a  that serve as power terminals  312   a  and a second subset of terminals  312   b  that serve as communications or signal terminals  312   b . The battery pack  300  also includes a printed circuit assembly  314 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the PCA  314  is unique to a rental battery pack  300 . For example, the rental PCA  314  may allow for 60V charging. Furthermore, the rental PCA  314  may include a clock and generate an expiration disable signal to disable the battery pack after a certain rental period has ended. This disable signal could be transmitted from the battery PCA  314  to the carrier  200 . The rental PCA  314  may also include authentication and serial number information for communication to the carrier  200  to ensure that only appropriate battery packs are being used in conjunction with the carrier  200 . The battery PCA  314  may also include a processor and a memory element, for example, an EEPROM to store the aforementioned information and other battery related information. In alternate embodiments, the battery pack may be a standard retail battery pack with a standard PCA  314  that operates with the carrier  200 , the carrier SMU  250  and the charge/discharge control module  252 . 
     The battery pack may also be discharged into an electrical device (e.g., a power tool) independent of the carrier by connecting the battery pack directly to the electrical device via the battery terminal block  310 . In this case, the discharge circuitry may be located inside of the electrical device, may be incorporated into the battery pack, or some combination thereof. Further, the battery pack  300  may be able to be charged by a separate charger independent of the carrier  200  by connecting the battery pack  300  directly to the charger via the battery pack terminal block  310 . The charging circuitry may be located in the charger, in the battery pack  300 , or in some combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the battery pack  300  may be connected to an alternative charging and discharging electrical device such as a radio charger. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 31  is a schematic diagram of the receptacle terminal block  256 . The receptacle terminal block  256  includes a plurality of carrier terminals  270 . The carrier terminals  270  include a first subset of terminals  270   a  that serve as power terminals  270   a  and a second subset of terminals  270   b  that serve as communications or signal terminals  270   b . As noted above, the carrier  200  includes the charge/discharge control module  252 . The charge/discharge control module  252  is connected to the carrier terminal block  256  by the communication lines  272  which in turn are connected to the carrier communication/signal terminals  270   b . The charge/discharge control module  252  also controls the carrier charge control switches  258  to enable/disable charging of the battery packs  300 . The charge/discharge control module  252  may also be connected to the power discharge lines  274  to enable/disable discharging of the battery packs  300 . The charge/discharge control module  252  may also process and/or transmit the communication signals from the battery pack  300  to the SMU  250 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 30 , the carrier  200  may discharge in various configurations. For example, if the receptacles  208   a ,  208   b ,  208   c  have 60V battery packs  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c  therein, the carrier can output 120V RMS AC, 15 A waveform through the inverter  266 —the three battery packs  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c  produce 180V peak voltage for input to the inverter  266 . However, if one of the receptacles, for example  208   a , does not have a battery pack  300   a  therein the circuit will be open and the other two battery packs  300   b ,  300   c  will not be able to discharge. While the three battery packs  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c  are discharging a 120V AC supply, the three other battery packs  300   d ,  300   e ,  300   f  from the carrier  200  may be used to operate various electrical devices for example, the convertible battery packs  300   d ,  300   e  could be used to provide power to two 20V rated voltage power tools and the battery pack  300   f  could be used to provide power to a 60V rated voltage power tool. Alternatively, the battery pack  300   d  could be used to provide power to a 20V rated voltage power tool and the battery packs  300   e ,  300   f  could be used to provide power to a 120V rated voltage AC/DC power tool. 
     The carrier  200  may also provide an AC power supply when the carrier is connected to an AC input power source. Particularly, when the carrier  200  is connected to an AC power supply, for example an AC mains line, the carrier  200  could operate as a power supply pass through by employing a switch and thereby bypassing the internal power supply  314  and the inverter  318  and providing an AC power supply directly from the AC input connector  212  to the AC output connector  218 . Alternatively, when the carrier  200  is connected to an AC power supply, for example an AC mains line, and there are three battery packs  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c  in the carrier, the carrier  200  can provide AC power supply out from the battery packs  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c  through the inverter  266  and power output connector  218  and when power is not being drawn from the battery packs  300 /inverter  266 , the carrier  200  can charge the battery packs  300   a ,  300   b    300   c . Alternatively, if there are more than three battery packs  300  in the carrier  200  and the carrier  200  is connected to an AC power supply, the carrier  200  can provide an AC power supply out from three of the battery packs  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c  while simultaneously charging the remaining battery packs  300   d  and/or  300   e  and/or  300   f.    
     The carrier  200  may also provide very high power output to a specialized high power connector  230 . In a first exemplary embodiment, if all six of the receptacles  208   a - f  have 60V battery packs  300   a - f , DC power may be sourced directly from the battery packs  300   a - f —bypassing the inverter  266 —and permitting a larger power output on the specialized high power connector  230  than would otherwise be possible within the limitations of the inverter  266  or the AC mains line with a circuit limitation, e.g., a circuit breaker. The specialized connector  230  may be configured to restrict the DC power supply for a line of power tools specifically configured to operate with the carrier  200  in this mode. 
       FIGS. 33-41  schematically illustrate relationships between the carriers  200 , the battery packs  300  and a variety of power tools and other electrical devices.  FIG. 33  schematically illustrates that the carrier  200  may be used to store and charge a plurality of the battery packs  300 . In addition, the battery packs may be used to power a variety of power tools  800  including a set of low rated voltage DC power tools  802  (e.g., under 40V, such as 4V, 8V, 12V, 18V, 20V, 24V and/or 36V), a set of medium rated voltage DC power tools  804  (e.g., 40V to 80V, such as 40V, 54V, 60V, 72V, and/or 80V), and a set of high rated voltage DC-only or AC/DC power tools  806  (e.g., 100V to 240V, such as 100V, 110V, 120V, 220V, 230V and/or 240V). In one embodiment, the battery packs  300  may include one or more convertible battery packs, each of which may be converted between (1) a first rated voltage and a first rated capacity and (2) a second rated voltage and a second rated capacity that are different than the first rated voltage and the first rated capacity. For example, a convertible battery pack may be convertible between a low rated voltage that corresponds to the low rated voltage power tools  802  and a medium rated voltage that corresponds to the medium rated voltage power tools  804 . In this case, a convertible battery pack  300  in its low rated voltage configuration can power a low rated voltage power tool  802 , a convertible battery pack  300  in its medium rated voltage configuration can power a medium rated voltage power tool  804 , and a pair of convertible battery packs  300  in their medium rated voltage configuration can together power a high rated voltage power tool  806 . For example, the battery packs  300  may be convertible between a 20V rated voltage and a 60V rated voltage so that one battery pack can power a 20V low rated voltage power tool  802  when the battery pack  300  is in its 20V configuration and can power a 60V medium rated voltage power tool when the battery pack is in its 60V configuration, and a pair of the battery packs  300  in their 60V configuration can power a 120V high rated voltage power tool. In addition, if the high rated voltage power tool  804  is an AC/DC power tool that can be alternatively powered by an AC input, the AC/DC high rated voltage power tool  804  can be powered by connecting an AC cord between the AC power output connector  218  of the carrier  200  and an AC input of the AC/DC high rated voltage power tool  804 . Further details about using convertible battery packs to power a system of low, medium, and high rated voltage power tools can be found in the aforementioned provisional U.S. Patent Application Nos. 61/944,953 filed May 18, 2014, 62/000,112 filed May 19, 2014 and 62/046,546 filed Sep. 5, 2014, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/715,258, filed May 18, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 34  schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a carrier  200 , battery packs  300 , and power tools  800  in use. In this embodiment, three battery packs  300  are stored and being charged in the carrier  200  by an AC power supply  810 . In the meantime, two battery packs  300  are being used to power a first cordless power tool  812  having a first rated voltage (e.g., a 60V or 120V blower) and one battery pack  300  is being used to power a second cordless power tool  814  having a second rated voltage (e.g., a 20V or 40V string trimmer). 
     Referring to  FIG. 35 , in another embodiment, one battery pack  300  is being used to power a first cordless power tool  816  having a first rated voltage (e.g., a 20V or 40V string trimmer), and two battery packs  300  are being used to power a second cordless power tool  816  having a second rated voltage (e.g., a 60V or 120V blower). Meanwhile, three battery packs stored in the carrier  200  are being used to power an AC-only corded power tool  820  (e.g., an AC chain saw) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector  218  of the carrier. 
     Referring to  FIG. 36 , in another embodiment, one convertible battery pack  300  is being used to power a first cordless power tool  822  having a low rated voltage (e.g., a 20V circular saw), one convertible battery pack  300  is being used to power a second cordless power tool  824  having a medium rated voltage (e.g., a 60V circular saw), and two convertible battery packs  300  are being used to power a third cordless or AC/DC power tool  826  having a high rated voltage (e.g., a 120V miter saw). Meanwhile, two battery packs  300  are stored and being charged in the carrier  200  by an AC power supply. 
     Referring to  FIG. 37 , in another embodiment, one battery pack  300  is being used to power a first cordless power tool  830  having a first rated voltage (e.g., a 60V circular saw), and one battery pack  300  is being used to power a second cordless or AC/DC power tool  832  having a second rated voltage (e.g., a 120V miter saw). Meanwhile, three battery packs stored in the carrier  200  are being used to power an AC-only corded power tool  834  (e.g., an AC hammer) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector  218  of the carrier  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 38 , in another embodiment, a plurality of battery packs  300  in a carrier  200  are being used to power a high powered AC tool  836  (e.g., a 120V or 180V jackhammer) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector  218  of the carrier  200 . In the meantime, other carriers  200  containing additional battery packs  300  await use. This enables a user to power the high powered AC tool for an entire work day. 
     Referring to  FIG. 39 , in another embodiment, the carrier  200  disables at the end of a predetermined rental period (e.g., three days). An indicator LED  280  on the carrier flashes to notify the user to return the carrier  200  to the kiosk. In addition, an alert is transmitted wirelessly to an app on the user&#39;s cell phone or tablet computer  840 . Via the cell phone or tablet computer  840 , the user may renew the rental period for an additional amount of time (e.g., one more day). 
     Referring to  FIG. 40 , in another embodiment, the carrier  200  containing a plurality of battery packs  300  may be used to power an AC electrical device or appliance  842  (e.g., a refrigerator) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector  218 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 41 , in another embodiment, the carrier  200  containing a plurality of battery packs  300  may be used to power an AC electrical device or appliance  844  (e.g., a television) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector  218 . 
       FIG. 42  schematically illustrates the various ways for a user to charge the battery packs  300  in a carrier  200  while transporting it in a vehicle  850  from a first rental kiosk location A to a second rental kiosk location B. First, the carrier  200  may be used to charge the battery packs  300  by connecting a cord from a trailer adapter port  852  to the universal DC power input connector  214 . Second, the carrier  200  may be used to charge the battery packs  300  by connecting a cord from a solar cell array  854  to the universal DC power input connector  214 . Third, the carrier  200  may be used to charge the battery packs  300  by connecting a cord from a 12V car charger port  856  to the universal DC power input connector  214 . 
     Numerous modifications may be made to the exemplary implementations described above. These and other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.