Help me NOT burn my house down

 Help me NOT burn my house down

So I have some pretty basic laptop battery questions. I'm not taking a big risk as far as damaging my laptops (unless they are in close proximity when something goes horribly wrong) because I'm not using it with a laptop.

1. Is there a way I can safely use a normal DC power source to charge a laptop battery?

2. How much of the safety circuitry on a laptop battery is built on to the PCB in the battery pack? For example, do I have to worry about current overdraw or overcharging the battery?

3. Can I use the battery to power something with a simple DC input, or does the "data" connection need to receive the correct signals?

4. Has anyone seen laptop battery chargers (the type that are independent of the laptop) for cars (12v input)?

5. I assume a battery cannot be charged and used at the same time, and laptops have a special switch that turns off the battery when plugged in?

6. I have a device that can currently charge a single 3.7v li-ion cell. I assume this is useless for charging a laptop battery, unless there is circuitry to charge the next cell after the previous is charged?

If you're wondering, I have a device that is broken and seems to get no power from its battery. I think it has space for 4 cells. It has a 12v DC input. I want to build a laptop battery into the case and power it through the DC input BUT I also want to still be able to use it while plugged in AND charging the battery at the same time.

 Re: Help me NOT burn my house down

Since we're talking here of Lithium Ion batteries (I'm assuming...), I would say with the questions you have to steer clear of this project.

These devices are not toys - burning your house down would be a blessing - stay safe (please!).