Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly charging a battery including an output adapted to be electrically connected to a battery and a control device electrically connected to the output. The control device includes a power supply and a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes PWM firmware using software interleaving for controlling the power supply and a plurality of battery charging stages.

Abstract: An improved battery charger and reconditioner employs a charging sequence calling for a discharge pulse to be applied substantially immediately before a charging pulse to effectively lower the impedance of the subject battery and to thereby more effectively charge the battery at a lower voltage level. The apparatus and method of the invention enhances the current receiving properties of the battery to lower thermal properties associated with charging and to more efficiently and more rapidly charge a subject battery. The charging sequence reconditions a battery by applying the improved sequence so as to rejuvenate an otherwise damaged battery. The invention also provides a method and means for formatting a battery and for removing dendritic formations which occur in a battery. Further, methods for aborting battery charging and for detecting abnormal conditions are also provided by the present invention.