Recall: Battery Charger Recall For Travelmate 4000m Notebook Computers

CPSC, Texas Instruments Announce Battery Charger Recall For Travelmate 4000m Notebook Computers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas, Texas, is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 3,200 optional external battery chargers for batteries used with Texas Instruments TravelMate 4000M Notebook computers. These external battery chargers may have a defect involving a small electronic component. If this defect is present and if consumers cover or insulate the external charger during use, preventing normal air circulation, the charger could overheat, creating a potential fire hazard.

The gray plastic external chargers measure 5.75 inches long, 3.75 inches wide, and 1 inch deep. A label on the bottom of the external charger reads "Texas Instruments ... P/N9792543-0001 ... Type BTC 01 ..." Dates codes between 10/7/94 and 3/20/95 are printed on the recalled chargers. Various computer dealers sold the external chargers nationwide as an optional accessory. The chargers, which sold for approximately $139 from November 1994 through January 1996, were packaged with a "power supply" and black "power cord" in an unmarked white cadboard box.

Owners of TravelMate 4000M external battery chargers labeled with part number 9792543-0001 should stop using the external chargers immediately and call (800) 730-4235 or E-mail their name, address and telephone number via the internet to ticharger@select.com. Based on the availability of replacement external chargers, Texas Instruments, at its option, will refund customers' money or replace the external chargers.

Texas Instruments, which reported this matter to CPSC, has not received any reports of injuries involving this product. No other Texas Instruments external battery charger models or other products are involved. Media inquiries of Texas Instruments can be directed to Bob Maples at (214) 917-2166 or via the internet at bmaples@maples.com