Abstract: The management method comprises a charging phase and may comprise an optional prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery. Comparison of the absolute value of the slope of the voltage at the battery terminals with a full-charge threshold at the end of each period, when a pulsed current is applied, is used as end-of-charging criterion in the charging phase and/or as full-charge criterion in the phase of estimating the state of charge. The charging phase by pulsed current is interrupted when the slope reaches the full-charge threshold. This same comparison constitutes the criterion for estimating the necessity for going to a charging step after the prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A storage voltage of a battery pack is controlled with control electronics. The storage voltage of a battery pack is sensed, and a discharge mechanism is triggered if the storage voltage is within a predetermined range of voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined range of voltage, or if the storage voltage is at or above a predetermined voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined voltage. Control electronics sense a storage voltage of a battery pack and trigger a discharge mechanism if the storage voltage is within a predetermined range of voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined range of voltage, or if the storage voltage is at or above a predetermined voltage, to thereby adjust the storage voltage of the battery pack to below the predetermined voltage. The control electronics are coupled to an electronic device and a battery pack.

Abstract: A method for rapidly determining an initial diffusion voltage (Vdiff)initial as a starting point in calculating a diffusion voltage in an electro-chemical cell (e.g., a battery used in an automotive vehicle) includes obtaining a time difference toff between a time when the cell was last turned-OFF and a time when the cell was next turned-ON, selecting a starting diffusion voltage (Vdiff)start based on toff, determining a trial diffusion voltage Vdiff based on a diffusion circuit model and (Vdiff)start, calculating an error voltage Verror=(Vdiff)?|VOFF?VON| where VOFF and VON are cell voltages at turn-OFF and turn-ON respectively, repeating the foregoing determining and calculating steps using for each iteration (Vdiff)start=(Vdiff)previous+Verror until Verror is less than or equal to a first predetermined tolerance amount ?, storing in a memory a value of Vdiff corresponding to the condition Verror??, and setting (Vdiff)initial equal to the just stored value of Vdiff.

Abstract: An apparatus estimates SOH of a battery based on a battery voltage variation pattern. A data storing unit obtains and stores battery voltage, current and temperature data from sensors, at each SOH estimation. A first SOC estimating unit estimates first SOC by current integration using the battery current data. A second SOC estimating unit estimates open-circuit voltage from the voltage variation pattern, and calculates and stores second SOC corresponding to the open-circuit voltage and temperature using correlations between the open-circuit voltage/temperature and SOC. A weighted mean convergence calculating unit calculates and stores convergence value for weighted mean value of ratio of the second SOC variation to the first SOC variation. A SOH estimating unit estimates capacity corresponding to the weighted mean convergence value using correlation between the weighted mean convergence value and the capacity, estimates relative ratio of the estimated capacity to an initial capacity, and stores it as SOH.

Abstract: A multi battery pack system is composed of a plurality of battery packs. The master battery pack receives a total voltage from each slave battery pack and calculates a target total voltage using its total voltage and total voltages of all slave battery pack whenever a predetermined time period passes, sends the calculated target total voltage to each slave battery pack, compares the target total voltage with its total voltage, and then connects or disconnects its cell group and output terminals according to the comparison result. The slave battery packs include at least one slave battery pack, which sends its total voltage according to a request of the master battery pack, receives a target total voltage from the master battery pack, compares the target total voltage with its total voltage, and then connects or disconnects its cell group and output terminals according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A battery-voltage detection circuit comprising: a first-capacitor; an operational-amplifier; a second-capacitor; a voltage-application-circuit to sequentially apply one and the other-battery-terminal-voltages to the other-first-capacitor-end; a discharge circuit to allow the second-capacitor to discharge before the other-battery-terminal-voltage is applied to the other-first-capacitor-end; a constant current circuit to output a constant-current causing predetermined-speed-discharge of electric charge accumulated in the second-capacitor in response to a discharge-start-signal input after voltage is applied to the other-first-capacitor-end; a comparator; and a measurement-circuit to measure a time-period from a time when the discharge-start-signal is input until a time when an comparator-output-signal changes to one logic level as a time-period corresponding to a battery-voltage, at least one of the operational-amplifier and the comparator being provided with an offset so that the comparator-output-signal chang

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method of handling a device charging state for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connected mobile electronic device comprising the steps of sensing a presence of a bus voltage; sensing an enumeration acknowledgement signal between the device and a USB host; and transmitting a signal to instruct the device to enter the device charging state.

Abstract: An apparatus, which controls the temperature of a secondary battery formed by combination of a plurality of single cells or a plurality of battery modules each made by series connection of multiple single cells, prevents variations in the temperature or voltage of the single cells or the battery modules, which could otherwise be caused when the secondary battery is heated. A temperature control section controls the quantity of heat by means of which a heater heats a secondary battery formed by combination of a plurality of battery modules made by series connection of multiple single cells. The temperature control section detects a rate of temporal changes in an open circuit voltage of the secondary battery. When a detected rate of temporal changes in open circuit voltage has exceeded a predetermined threshold voltage value, the heater is controlled to thus diminish the quantity of heat used for heating the secondary battery.

Abstract: A multi battery pack system is composed of a plurality of battery packs. The master battery pack receives a total voltage from each slave battery pack and calculates a target total voltage using its total voltage and total voltages of all slave battery pack whenever a predetermined time period passes, sends the calculated target total voltage to each slave battery pack, compares the target total voltage with its total voltage, and then connects or disconnects its cell group and output terminals according to the comparison result. The slave battery packs include at least one slave battery pack, which sends its total voltage according to a request of the master battery pack, receives a target total voltage from the master battery pack, compares the target total voltage with its total voltage, and then connects or disconnects its cell group and output terminals according to the comparison result.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging either a normal or a sulfated type of a storage battery includes a first charging stage, a second charging stage, and a final third charging stage. The first charging stage applies a pulsed voltage with a high peak and average voltage to the battery until an average current of about 12 amperes is attained, at which time transition into the second charging stage occurs. A pulse width modulator reduces the average voltage and average current to a safe level and continue to charge the battery for about 20 minutes. At that time transition into the third charging stage occurs wherein a low ripple 14.8 VDC steady state current-limited voltage is applied to the battery for a second duration of about four hours, after which charging is complete and the apparatus shuts itself off.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method of handling a device charging state for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connected mobile electronic device comprising the steps of sensing a presence of a bus voltage; sensing an enumeration acknowledgement signal between the device and a USB host; and transmitting a signal to instruct the device to enter the device charging state.

Abstract: A multi battery pack system is composed of a plurality of battery packs. The master battery pack receives a total voltage from each slave battery pack and calculates a target total voltage using its total voltage and total voltages of all slave battery pack whenever a predetermined time period passes, sends the calculated target total voltage to each slave battery pack, compares the target total voltage with its total voltage, and then connects or disconnects its cell group and output terminals according to the comparison result. The slave battery packs include at least one slave battery pack, which sends its total voltage according to a request of the master battery pack, receives a target total voltage from the master battery pack, compares the target total voltage with its total voltage, and then connects or disconnects its cell group and output terminals according to the comparison result.

Abstract: Safety against error setting of a primary battery in a dedicated battery charger for secondary batteries can be assured even when the battery charger is of a timer type advantageous for cost reduction. A switching circuit (2) is connected between terminals (13, 15), and terminals (14, 16) are connected. Terminals (15, 17) are connected, and terminals (16, 18) are connected. The positive pole of a battery (3) set in position is connected to the terminal (17), and the negative pole is connected to the terminal (18). A battery discriminating circuit (4) connects to the positive pole and the negative pole of the battery (3) set in position; and judges whether the battery (3) is a primary battery or a secondary battery. Depending upon the result of the discrimination, the battery discriminating circuit (4) supplies a switching signal to the switching circuit (5) to turn it on or off. A capacitor (6) and a resistor 7 are connected in parallel between a timer circuit (9) and a ground potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging a lithium-ion accumulator with a negative electrode at an operating potential larger than 0.5 volts relatively to the Li+/Li pair, which comprises a first charging step at a constant voltage between 2 volts and 5 volts.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a sensing unit, a controller, an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) calculator, and a State of Charge (SOC) determination unit. The sensing unit measures a total voltage of the secondary battery. The controller maintains the secondary battery in an open circuit state for a first period of time after a power supply switch is turned on, and couples the secondary battery to an external device when the first period of time ends. The OCV calculator receives the measured voltage from the sensing unit and calculates an OCV of the secondary battery during the first period of time. The SOC determination unit receives the calculated OCV from the OCV calculator and determines an SOC corresponding to the OCV.

Abstract: A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.

Abstract: A device for reducing the output current of a primary switched battery charger, which charger includes an input DC power circuit, a high frequency transformer and control unit for modulating the DC input power. The device includes elements for measuring pulse ratio of switch pulses on the output side of the charger, elements for measuring peak value of output voltage, elements for differentially amplifying the signals measured and elements for integrating voltage/current of the differentially amplified signals, wherein the integrated voltage/current is used for modulating the input DC power in order to reduce the output current.

Abstract: A method and a charging device serve for charging rechargeable lithium accumulators. A charging current is injected into the accumulator, and the voltage is monitored on the accumulator during the injection process. Additionally, the variation in time of at least one state variable characteristic of the accumulator is monitored and injection of the charging current into the accumulator is continued until the variation in time of the state variable exceeds a predefined limit value.

Abstract: The battery charging method uses a pulsed current alternately taking first and second amplitudes during first and second periods (t1, t2). At least one of the parameters, amplitude and duration, of the current during the first period (t1) is automatically servo-controlled as a function of a first value of the slope (P1) of the voltage (U), measured at the terminals of the battery to be charged. The first slope value (P1) is calculated at least at the end of the first period (t1). Likewise, a second value of the slope (P2) of the voltage (U) can be calculated at least at the end of the second period (t2) and at least one of the parameters of the current during the second period (t2) can be automatically servo-controlled as a function of the second slope value (P2). The different parameters of the pulsed charging current are thus continuously servo-controlled as a function of the voltage slope to keep the slope (P) within a range comprised between 1 mV/s and 6 mV/s.

Abstract: An invention is provided for detecting polarization in a battery during battery charging. The invention includes applying a waveform to a battery, and obtaining a plurality of battery response voltage readings corresponding to points along the applied waveform. A battery response voltage curve is calculated based on the voltage differences between the plurality of battery response voltage readings. A battery polarization point is then identified when the slope of the battery response voltage curve stops increasing at an increasing rate. To enhance accuracy, a plurality of battery response voltage curves can be calculated, each based on voltage differences between battery response voltage readings taken along the waveform. The battery polarization point can then be identified when the slopes of all the battery response voltage curves stop increasing at an increasing rate.

Abstract: A diagnosis method for SOH of batteries includes the steps of: providing data of discharge voltages and currents of a battery unit; setting an acceptable value of a predetermined period of time and an acceptable range of variation rate of discharge current for the battery unit; calculating variation rates of discharge voltages and currents of the battery unit within the predetermined period of time by using the data of discharge voltages and currents; recording the data of discharge voltages and currents of the batteries and variation rates thereof; comparing the data of discharge voltages of the batteries and the variation rates thereof if the variation rates of discharge current are fallen within the acceptable range of current variation with selected reference data; and converting results of compared data of discharge voltages of the battery unit and the variation rates thereof into a SOH index.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus which detects when a battery having a different characteristic is mixed in a plurality of batteries accommodated therein. An average voltage V1 per battery of plural batteries connected in series and an average voltage V2 per battery at a connecting point halfway of those connected batteries are detected. A difference in voltage |V1?V2| between the average voltage V1 and average voltage V2 is compared with a tolerable voltage difference ?V. If it is determined that a battery having a different characteristic is mixed, the operation of the apparatus is interrupted and an alarm is displayed or the supply of power is shut down.

Abstract: A voltage detector for a battery assembly having unit cells, the voltage detector includes a low voltage system circuit and a high voltage system circuit. The low voltage system circuit includes an enable pulse output unit which outputs an enable pulse to command detection of a voltage across both terminals of the unit cell. The high voltage system circuit includes a voltage pulse output unit which output a voltage pulse showing a voltage across both terminals of the unit cell, a switch which is provided between each unit cell of the battery assembly and the voltage pulse output unit and a switch controller which conducts ON-OFF control of the switch so that the each unit cell is successively connected to the voltage pulse output unit according to the enable pulse inputted from the pulse output unit.

Abstract: A charger for a secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode including lithium-containing silicon represented by the composition formula LixSi, and an electrolyte. This charger includes: (1) a voltage detector that detects voltage of the secondary battery that is being charged; and (2) a charge controller that calculates the value x in LixSi included in the secondary battery from an output of the voltage detector and stops the charging of the secondary battery when the calculated value x reaches a predetermined threshold value. The charge controller has at least one settable threshold value including a first threshold value, and the first threshold value is 2.33 or less. The use of this charger makes it possible to charge the secondary battery such that it has a high capacity, or a higher capacity if necessary, without accelerating the deterioration of cycle life.

Abstract: A method for compensating for overcharging of at least one battery includes calculating a charge rate for the at least one battery, comparing an overcharge accumulator value for the at least one battery with a maximum time limit value, comparing the calculated charge rate with a nominal charge rate for the at least one battery, if the overcharge accumulator value is less than the maximum time limit value, incrementing the overcharge accumulator value if the calculated charge rate is higher than the nominal charge rate, if the overcharge accumulator value is less than the maximum time limit value, decrementing the overcharge accumulator value if the calculated charge rate is lower than the nominal charge rate (if the overcharge accumulator value is less than the maximum time limit value), setting the charge rate for the at least one battery to the calculated charge rate (if the overcharge accumulator value is less than the maximum time limit value), and setting the charge rate for the at least one battery to t

Abstract: A method for charging a lead acid storage battery to advantageously extend its life is described. The termination of a charging process is based upon an evaluation of the first derivative (dv/dt) and second derivative (d2v/dt2) of the applied charging voltage. By utilizing the first derivative (dv/dt) and second derivative (d2v/dt2) as charging criteria, an amount of overcharge is applied to the battery that takes into account the precise amount of amp-hours previously removed from the battery. A charger arrangement for performing a charging process of the invention also is described.

Abstract: A mobile, hand-held fingerprint scanner is recharged by a data and power communication interface. The mobile, hand-held fingerprint scanner includes a rechargeable power supply and a data and power communication interface. The rechargeable power supply powers the fingerprint scanner during mobile use. In one example, the rechargeable power supply includes at least one rechargeable battery, a charging circuit, and a voltage regulator circuit. Data and recharging power is carried over the sane interface. A separate plug for power is not needed. The fingerprint scanner can then be inserted quickly and easily in a docking station as only a single data and power communication interface need be coupled. This is particularly advantageous in law enforcement applications where mobile use is important and safety can be compromised if a mobile scanner does not couple to a docking station quickly and easily.

Abstract: An electrical power management system is provided for effectively managing available electrical power for recharging batteries used in a plurality of battery-powered computers. The electrical power management system is of particular value when current from the available power supply is limited relative to the total charging current required for the batteries. Charging currents can be sensed to better manage the recharging process. Charging data can be sensed and recorded to optimize battery charging for a plurality of battery-powered computers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for estimating the charge in a battery. The estimate is based solely on measured battery voltage.

Abstract: The charging method includes the steps of charging a battery pack, sensing voltage of the battery pack, calculating voltage change rate, detecting a first inflection point based on the voltage change rate so long as a voltage step is not detected, detecting a second inflection point based on the voltage change rate so long as a voltage step is not detected, and reducing current sent to the battery pack when both first and second inflection points have been detected.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery. At the end of the constant current discharge, the current is again to determine a loaded cranking value which simulates the battery power after multiple cranking attempts. If the loaded cranking value is below a desired percentage of the cranking rating, then the battery is put into charge.

Abstract: This invention is a battery charging system that charges rechargeable battery cells by tracking a voltage profile charging curve across time. As all lithium based, like voltage cells have the same voltage profile across time, regardless of capacity, the invention presents a preferred embodiment of a universal charger capable of charging lithium batteries of varying capacities. Current is treated as a variable dependent upon voltage. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, cells of varying capacities will be charged at an optimal rate, thereby optimizing battery performance. One embodiment uses frequency selection to vary the rate of change in the output voltage of the system, thereby tracking the voltage profile charging curve across time.

Abstract: A remaining battery capacity measuring device having a microprocessor and an integrated circuit is packaged together with a secondary battery to form a battery pack. The integrated circuit includes a current measuring circuit for charging and discharging currents of a secondary battery, an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting overcurrent in the secondary battery, a driver circuit for driving a semiconductor switch for change and discharge control of the secondary battery, and a power switch circuit for power-saving operation. The current measuring circuit includes an operational amplifier for detecting a voltage across a resistor for current detection, and has a function to apply a variable offset voltage to the amplifier and a function to vary the gain of another operational amplifier for amplifying the output of the former operational amplifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently charging lead-acid batteries applies small voltage steps to probe the charging efficiency of a battery being charged. The application of a voltage step causes the current to change from a base current to a surge current immediately after the voltage step, and to decay asymptotically to a plateau current after the surge current. A current ratio, defined as the difference between the plateau current and the base current divided by the difference between the surge current and the base current, is used as an indicator of the charging efficiency. The output voltage of the power supply charging the battery is then adjusted according to the measured current ratio. A current-voltage slope, defined as the difference between the plateau current and the base current divided by the magnitude of the voltage step, may also be used as an indicator of the charging efficiency for controlling the charging process.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is provided with an overcharge protection circuit which is particularly adapted for nickel metal hydride battery packs to be used in conventional charging adapters suitable for NI-CAD battery packs. The battery pack includes a microprocessor which measures the voltage across the electrical contacts of the battery pack. Upon reaching peak charge, the microprocessor increases the voltage appearing across the battery pack contacts. After a predetermined time period as measured by the microprocessor, the microprocessor decreases the voltage appearing across the battery pack terminals to exceed the change in voltage to which the charging adapter responds to terminate a high rate of charging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for charging a secondary battery and a charger by which it can be prevented that a secondary battery is charged at very high or low temperature, and that the secondary battery is charged for a long time. Therefore, the secondary battery is prevented from being damaged, so that the lifetime can be prolonged. In this method, a generally constant current is supplied from a charging means to the secondary battery. The constant-current charging is stopped when voltage of the secondary battery has reached a peak value after passage of a predetermined time period from start of the supplying of the first current; temperature of the secondary battery has been out of a predetermined range; or a predetermined time period has passed since start of the supplying of the first current.

Abstract: A secondary battery charging method that utilizes a standard, characteristic reference curve for that type of battery for identifying the voltage inflection point during a constant-current charging process. The voltage response of a battery being charged is sampled periodically and compared to the reference curve to establish the degree of completion of battery charge by tracking the reference curve. The charging stage of the battery is determined as the fast-charge operation progresses by identifying a place on the reference curve corresponding to the observed response. When a satisfactory match is found, the time remaining to reach a fast-charge termination point is predicted by assuming that the voltage response will track the reference curve to the inflection point. Accordingly, the voltage response is no longer monitored and the time remaining to reach the inflection point is used to complete the fast-charge operation.