Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for charging an electric car battery pack that charges by receiving power and discharges to supply power. A battery charging controller controls charging the battery pack at a constant power, and when the voltage of the battery pack is over a first voltage, controls a constant current charging process, and after this, each time a peak value of the battery pack is over a second voltage, controls a sequential reduction of current and performs a constant current charging process, and when the voltage of the battery pack is over a third voltage, controls a constant current charging process at a fourth voltage, and when the charging voltage is over a fifth voltage, controls a termination of the charging process. A battery charger receives external power according to the control of the battery charging controller, and charges the battery.

Abstract: A battery charge controller has charge termination values that can be adjusted according to the initial charging current values so that charging is discontinued at a same charge level for all battery cells to prevent overcharging and undercharging. The battery charge controller includes a DC/DC converter that is coupled to a supply voltage and that provides a charging current to a battery, and a gain controller coupled to the DC/DC converter. The gain controller provides first and second gain-adjusted signals associated with the charging current. The charge controller further includes a charge termination detector that compares the level of the second gain-adjusted signal to a first predetermined reference signal and based on the comparison generates a charge termination signal. A pulse-width controller is coupled to the DC/DC converter.

Abstract: This invention combines linear charging techniques with ionic relaxation pulse charging to rapidly charge lithium ion batteries to full capacity. The preferred embodiment incorporates a blocking diode and series resistor to multiplex an ionic relaxation control circuit with a linear regulated charging circuit, thereby utilizing a single, common, shared power transistor.

Abstract: A battery charger determines the completion of battery charge based on a battery temperature and a temperature rise value. In determination, if the battery temperature and the battery rise temperature belong to a region in the map, which tends to occur at the beginning of a final charging period (`In` in a step S334), a low count value "1" is added to a counter (in a step S336). If they belong to a region which tends to occur at the end of the final charging period (`In` in a step S340), a high count value "3" is added to the counter (in a step S340). If the sum of the count values exceeds a set value, completion of battery charge is determined (`High` in a step S348). That is, if temperature rise is large and the temperature rise remains large even with the charging current value being lowered, then a high count value is added to the counter.

Abstract: A portable phone has an internal battery and an external battery pack that is releasably attachable to the phone. A control unit in the phone controls connection of the respective batteries to a phone power input, depending on the detection of the external battery voltage. Whenever an external battery is present with a voltage above a predetermined minimum value, the external battery will be connected to the phone power input to provide power to operate the phone, so that the internal battery lifetime is extended. When the external battery voltage falls below the minimum value, or the external battery is removed, the unit automatically switches to internal battery power, so that the external battery can be changed without interrupting power supply to the phone, if the phone is on or during a call. An improved multi-phase software controlled battery-charging method and apparatus is used to charge the internal and external battery packs.

Abstract: In the rapid charging of a Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery, the rapid charging is terminated and trickle charging is initiated when any of three conditions is satisfied: a first condition determined by comparing a sensed instantaneous battery voltage with a target voltage; a second condition which is determined by comparing the instantaneous battery temperature with minimum and maximum values; and a third condition determined by comparing an elapsed time of rapid charging with a maximum value. Because battery voltage versus rapid charging time is a function of ambient temperature, the target voltage is determined from an initial measurement of battery temperature, which is assumed to equal the ambient temperature. The target voltage, which is approximately a linearly declining function of ambient temperature, is determined by reading a stored lookup table using the sensed temperature as an index or address.

Abstract: A method for charging a lead lead-acid battery includes a first step of charging the lead lead-acid battery to a prescribed voltage; and a second step of calculating a second charging electricity quantity based on a first charging electricity quantity to which the lead lead-acid battery is charged in the first step, and charging the lead lead-acid battery based on the second charging electricity quantity.

Abstract: A battery to be charged is preliminary charged with a first charge current. If a presumption can be made such that the battery has reached a fully charged condition before expiration of a first predetermined period of time during which the battery is charged with the first charge current, it is determined that either a fully charged battery or an inactive battery is subject to charging. Then, the battery is preliminary charged with a second charge current. If a fully charged presumption can be made before expiration of a second predetermined period of time during which the battery is charged with the second charge current, it is determined that the battery is already fully charged, whereas if such a presumption cannot be made during the second predetermined period of time, it is determined that the battery is the inactive battery.

Abstract: An individually adjustable automatic charging circuit for multiple batteries includes two or more charging terminals or battery seats for a single or multiple chargeable batteries with the same or different residual electric capacities, and voltage adjusting components connected across each respective pair of charging terminals or battery seats. The charging circuit is capable of individually or simultaneously initiating and completing charging of respective batteries, so that each chargeable battery can be randomly inserted for charging or removed without considering the residual electric capacity status and without affecting the charging status of other batteries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling rapid charging of an alkaline-electrolyte industrial storage cell of the "maintenance-free" or "sealed" type, the cell possessing a nominal capacity Cn, a voltage U, and an internal temperature T, wherein charging is stopped at a percentage charge greater than 75% of Cn as follows:a voltage threshold Us is fixed which corresponds to the desired final percentage charge for said cell;the voltage U and the temperature T of said cell are measured;a corrected voltage Uc is calculated using the following formula:Uc=U-k(T-Tc)where voltages are expressed in volts, Tc is an arbitrarily-selected reference temperature, and k is a constant coefficient expressed in volts per temperature unit; andUc is compared with said voltage threshold Us, and charging is stopped when Uc is not less than Us.

Abstract: A battery charger which can safely charge a lithium ion battery. Battery charger having a power source which supplies electric power, a charging control circuit for charging a battery by controlling the current and voltage based on supplied electric power, a charging current detection circuit for detecting a current value for charging the battery, a charging voltage detection circuit for detecting a voltage value for charging the battery, and a controller for holding a first voltage value which is a fixed voltage value for constant voltage charging, a second voltage value smaller than the first voltage value, a first current value which is a fixed current value for constant current charging, and a second current value smaller than the first current value.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery includes a first electrical connection adapted to connect to a positive terminal of the battery and a second electrical connector adapted to connect to a negative terminal of the battery. An electrical charging source couples to the first and second electrical connectors to charge the battery. Voltage measurement circuitry couples to the first and second electrical connectors and responsively provides a voltage output related to voltage across the battery. Current measurement circuitry also couples to the first and second electrical connectors and responsively provides a current output related to electrical current through the battery. State of charge measurement circuitry responsively provides a state of charge output as a function of the voltage output and the current output.

Abstract: A method of charging a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises charging the battery with a charging current; sampling a charging voltage of the battery during charging to recognize potential electrolyte decomposition; interrupting the charging current periodically to create current-free periods and sampling an open circuit voltage of the battery at a plurality of points during each current-free period to identify potential shunting and unequal states of charge among individual cells of the battery; lowering the charging current if any of the above-identified adverse conditions are identified and continuing charging with the charging current if the potential adverse charging condition is not identified; and terminating charging when the charging current is lowered below a pre-determined minimum level.

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: The present invention relates to a smart battery charging system, a charging method therefor and a power supply system for portable computer using the same that executes various charging operations securely corresponding to types of the smart batteries connected to the notebook computer. A smart battery charger 60 supplies charging voltage and charging current to the smart battery 70 selectively by controlling data input through an SM bus. The smart battery charger 60 and the smart battery 70 are connected to a keyboard controller 80 through the SM bus. The keyboard controller 80 determines the power on-off status of the notebook computer, based on second power voltage outputted from an SMPS 130, and identifies the types of the smart batteries, based on battery identifying signals outputted from the smart battery charger 60.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a battery which is operable to normally charge the battery at a first state of charge setting, to determine when the battery has been undercharged a predetermined number of times, and to charge the battery at a second state of charge setting after the battery is undercharged the predetermined number of times. The second state of charge setting is greater than the first state of charge setting. The method includes determining when the state of charge of the battery is below a predetermined level, charging the battery at the first state of charge setting, calculating a number of charging times when the battery was charged below the predetermined level after the last time the battery was charged at the predetermined level, and charging the battery with a second state of second charge setting when the calculated number of charging times equals a predetermined number.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack includes a rechargeable battery having a predetermined charge voltage, and a circuit for generating a control voltage depending on a battery voltage of the rechargeable battery so that the control voltage reaches a predetermined control voltage when the battery voltage reaches a predetermined charge voltage of the rechargeable battery. A battery charger for the rechargeable battery changes the charging control from constant-current to constant-voltage depending on whether the control voltage reaches the predetermined control voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus to rapidly bulk charge a lead acid battery used in a "standby" power supply unit (PSU), or similar equipment containing said function, such as in an alarm panel system, fire panel (system) etc., without increasing the output capacity of the regulated PSU, significantly increasing its dissipation, size or cost, or causing an unacceptable recharge time of (often) several days. The apparatus comprises minimal additional components to provide a bulk charge of approximately 70% capacity to a 65 Ahr battery within 14 hours, while only drawing an average current of approximately 0.4 amp from the regulated PSU.

Abstract: A system for charging dual battery packs. The system includes a charger for supplying current to charge a first battery pack when the first battery pack is electrically coupled to the computer system. The charger supplies current to charge a second battery pack when the second battery pack is electrically coupled to the computer system. The system also includes a charge controller, such as a keyboard controller executing a program stored in a memory, for controlling the charging of the first battery pack and the second battery pack such that the charger charges the first battery pack to a first level, the charger charges the second battery pack to a second level, and the charger simultaneously charges the first battery pack and the second battery pack when the first battery pack is charged above the first level and below a third level and the second battery pack is charged above the second level and below a fourth level.

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: A controlled battery charger for appropriately executing trickle charging for an electronic apparatus incorporating more than two batteries even when output terminal voltages of the incorporated batteries differ. A battery charger of the present invention includes a trickle charging circuit serially inserted between the output terminals of the first and the second batteries. An example of the trickle charging circuit is constituted by the first zener diode whose cathode is connected to the output terminal of the first battery, and the second zener diode whose cathode is connected to the output terminal of the second battery and whose anode is connected to the anode of the first zener diode, i.e., is constituted by two zener diodes serially connected in opposing directions. A resistor may be serially inserted between the anodes of the first and the second zener diodes.

Abstract: A charging system and method are disclosed that provide balanced charge cycles for batteries or multiple-cell battery packs by using a controller, a charging source gate, multiple adjustable shunting devices and multiple charge monitors. During a virgin charge cycle, the controller adjusts each of the adjustable shunting devices to provide a maximum charging current, opens the charging source gate, and then monitors the charge level of each of the battery cells. When the voltage potential of one of the battery cells reaches a threshold value, the charge source gate is closed to disable the charging current, and the fully charged battery cell is identified. The controller then determines a shunt value for adjusting the adjustable shunting device connected to the fully charged battery cell and uses this shunt value on the next charge cycle. Each subsequent charge cycle results in a different battery cell becoming fully charged and then the recalculation of a shunt value.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.

Abstract: A charge pulse (200A) is applied to the battery (B). The open circuit voltage of each cell (C1-CN) is then measured during a first rest period (210A). A depolarization pulse (220A) is then applied to the battery. The open circuit voltage of each cell is then measured during a second rest period (210B). The open circuit voltages for the first and second rest periods for each cell are compared to yield a voltage difference (DELTA Y). This voltage difference is then compared with a threshold voltage (V THRESHOLD). If the voltage difference is greater than the threshold voltage then the cell is being charged too rapidly, or is being overcharged, so one or more of the charge cycle parameters are adjusted.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for charging a rechargeable battery, such as a Lithium-ion type battery. The charging apparatus is provided with a first current stabilized unit and a second current stabilized unit for stabilizing two different levels of electric current. The first current stabilized unit provides a relatively large electric current for charging the battery package. The second current stabilized unit provides a relatively small electric current for charging the battery package. A switching unit is provided for switching a connection of the first and second current stabilized units to provide current to the rechargeable battery. A detection unit is provided for detecting an electric voltage at terminals of the rechargeable battery. The detection unit controls the switching unit so as to switch connection of the first and second current stabilized units to provide current to the rechargeable battery based on the detected voltage.

Abstract: A controlled battery charger for appropriately executing trickle charging for an electronic apparatus incorporating more than two batteries even when output terminal voltages of the incorporated batteries differ. A battery charger of the present invention includes a trickle charging circuit serially inserted between the output terminals of the first and the second batteries. An example of the trickle charging circuit is constituted by the first zener diode whose cathode is connected to the output terminal of the first battery, and the second zener diode whose cathode is connected to the output terminal of the second battery and whose anode is connected to the anode of the first zener diode, i.e., is constituted by two zener diodes serially connected in opposing directions. A resistor may be serially inserted between the anodes of the first and the second zener diodes.

Abstract: A control circuit controls a battery charger so as to prevent damage to NiCAD or NiMH batteries resulting from overheating due to overcharging. During charging, the battery voltage is monitored through a filter, buffer, amplifier and sample and hold circuit. The sampled voltage is time differentiated to determine its rate of change, and a control signal is generated for switching the battery charger from a rapid charge mode to a trickle charge mode when the negative rate of change of the battery voltage exceeds a pretermined reference voltage, thereby identifying that the battery voltage has started to decay from its peak voltage.

Abstract: A universal interface plate has a predetermined and universal configuration suitable for connecting any one of a plurality of types of rechargeable batteries to the circuitry of a charging device. The universal plate is adapted to any type of rechargeable battery using an appropriate bay adapter, the bay adapter including a first interface for mounting the bay adapter to the universal interface plate and a second interface for accommodating a particular type of battery. The charging device utilizes a ramping charge method whereby batteries are initially charged at a low charging rate, thereby allowing safe charging of low and high capacity batteries utilizing a single charging algorithm. The charging rate is increased incrementally after determining whether the incremental current increase would cause the power to the battery to exceed the maximum power that can be handled by the bay.

Abstract: A high-speed secondary cell charging system is provided which accurately measures the amount of time to achieve a full-charge condition in a secondary cell. In this system, when charging a secondary cell while detecting a charging characteristic of the secondary cell, charging is performed of the secondary cell using a prescribed amount of charging current. Then, when a prescribed condition with regard to the secondary cell is detected, the secondary cell is charged once again, this time with a current that is smaller than the previous charging current. When a condition indicating the completion of the charging of the secondary cell is detected, the charging is stopped. If this condition is not detected, a yet smaller charging current is set and the charging of the secondary cell is performed once again, the above operations being repeated until a condition which indicates that the charging of the secondary cell is complete is detected.

Abstract: Since means (control terminal a 16, control terminal b 17, control terminal c 18 and voltage detection terminal 22) for controlling portable electronic apparatus charger 2 directly from CPU 13 in the inside of portable electronic apparatus body 1 is provided, the circuit scale is reduced. Further, since means (power supply detection circuit 6, switch a 7, switch b 8 and regulator a 9) for supplying an electric current to CPU 13 to allow CPU 13 to operate with a signal from sub clock 11 even when the power supply to portable electronic apparatus body 1 is in an off state is provided, if portable electronic apparatus body 1 is connected to portable electronic apparatus charger 2, then CPU 13 and only a limited number of the other circuits in the inside of portable electronic apparatus body 1 are allowed to operate as a control circuit for portable electronic apparatus charger 2.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically enabling rapid charging of a battery in a portable phone when a battery charger is connected to the portable phone is disclosed. The system includes a battery charger circuit having an input for receiving an input voltage from the battery charger, a sense resistor through which a rapid charging current from the battery charger input voltage is generated, a charge switch connected to the sense resistor which receives the battery charger circuit input, a trickle resistor connected in parallel to the charge switch through which a slow charging current from the battery charger input voltage is generated, wherein the rapid charging current is generated when the charge switch is closed and the trickle charging current is generated when the charge switch is open, and an output for supplying the generated charging current to the battery.