Abstract: An apparatus for charging and testing a rechargeable battery is adapted to determine certain conditions, including defect and characteristics, of the battery. The apparatus defects caused by sulfated cells, short circuited cells, and mismatched cells, and determines battery voltage, capacity and charge acceptance capability.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging and testing a rechargeable battery is adapted to determine certain conditions, including defects and characteristics, of the battery. The apparatus detects defects caused by sulfated cells, short circuited cells, and mismatched cells, and determines battery voltage, capacity and charge acceptance capability.

Abstract: An aircraft storage battery is monitored to determine battery capacity, state of charge and certain fault conditions. The ambient temperature, battery voltage on-board charger output voltage and current to and from the battery are continuously measured. Current voltage (I-V) data is analyzed to determine the internal resistance and polarization of the battery. A determination is made regarding state of charge and fault conditions produced by corroded terminals and low electrolyte level. The low temperature starting limit is determined by comparing the battery's power output capability with starting power requirements of the aircraft. Data produced by the comparison are indicated on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle storage battery is monitored to determine battery capacity, state of charge and certain fault conditions. The ambient temperature, battery voltage alternator/regulator output voltage and current to and from the battery are continuously measured. Current voltage (I-V) data is analyzed to determine the internal resistance and polarization of the battery. A determination is made regarding state of charge and fault conditions produced by corroded terminals and low electrolyte level. The low temperature starting limit is determined by comparing the battery's power output capability with starting power requirements of the vehicle. Data produced by the comparison are indicated on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for charging a rechargeable battery especially lead-acid batteries. In this method, the open circuit voltage of the battery is measured and the minimum number of cells is estimated from this value. The battery is then charged at any charge rate and at a constant current until the battery voltage is substantially equal to the estimated number of cells multiplied by a voltage which is characteristic of the battery, and thereafter the battery is charged at any charge rate and at the aforesaid battery voltage until the current decreases to some predetermined value. The foregoing steps are repeated alternatively until a constant or substantially constant value for the estimate number of cells is obtained. Thereafter, the battery is charged at a voltage equal to the number of cells multiplied by the characteristic voltage of the battery until the current reaches a predetermined value and then the battery is charged at some predetermined current for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system for in-situ monitoring of lubricant oil quality. The sensor system consists of a sensing element located in-situ in contact with lubricant oil. The sensor is corrodable and upon deterioration of the oil the sensor corrodes and eventually the circuit will break. Current flow through the circuit is monitored by conventional power supply and measuring devices and upon breaking of the sensor, an indication is provided to the driver of a motor vehicle indicating that oil is to be changed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a methjod for charging a rechargeable battery. In this method, the open voltage of the battery is measured and the number of cells estimated. The state of charge of the battery is then tested by supplying a controllably varying charging current to the battery and testing for evolution of gas. If no gas is evolved, the battery is charged until the voltage equals the estimated number of cells multiplied by a voltage which is characteristic of the battery. The foregoing steps are repeated alternately until gas evolution occurs. The true number of cells is then determined and the battery is charged at any charge rate until the voltage equals the true number of cells multiplied by a predetermined voltage. The battery is then charged at that voltage until the charge current decreases to a predetermined low value followed by charging at that predetermined current at any voltage for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The fabrication of porous cadmium electrodes is disclosed in which high cadmium loading without surface buildup is obtained by using a relatively low current density (approximately 0.2 amperes per square inch of plaque area) and period current reversals of time durations approximately equal to 15% of the forward time durations at a current density substantially equal to the forward current density.