Patent ID: 7671561

Claim:
A host machine comprising: a plurality of charging slots configured to couple to a first plurality of rechargeable batteries and a second plurality of rechargeable batteries; wherein the host machine: provides power to charge the first plurality of rechargeable batteries; and holds in standby the second plurality of rechargeable batteries that have been fully charged, wherein the host machine communicates with a plurality of wireless devices over a plurality of wireless links and monitors a third plurality of rechargeable batteries by communicating with the plurality of wireless devices, and wherein the plurality of wireless devices are powered by the third plurality of rechargeable batteries, wherein the host machine maintains a record of charging histories for the first plurality of rechargeable batteries and the second plurality of rechargeable batteries, and wherein the host machines is on a network of host machines, wherein each host machine on the network accesses charging histories stored on the other host machines on the network.