Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing rechargeable batteries include using a processor arranged to monitor the voltage of a battery when it is being discharged and to terminate the discharge after detecting that the rate of change of the voltage has passed through a termination pattern indicative of exhaustion of a cell of the battery. The determination is made by monitoring the voltage during discharge and detecting when the voltage curve thereof exhibits first convexity followed by concavity. The degree of convexity and concavity, and the time interval within which they must occur, are determined by the processor. The discharge is also terminated if the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage or if, after the termination pattern is detected, and before the voltage has reached a predetermined voltage, a predetermined amount of charge is removed from the battery.