Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery include storage battery test circuitry configured to receive power through a power input. An internal battery is configured to provide power to the power input of the storage battery test circuitry. A switch is provided to selectively couple the storage battery test circuitry to the internal battery such that the internal battery can be tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a storage battery includes battery test circuitry configured to perform a battery test on the storage battery. The battery test circuitry responsively provides a test result output related to a condition of the storage battery. A test count memory configured to store a test count and test count circuitry is configured to maintain a test count in response to an occurrence of a battery test performed by the battery test circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically testing or monitoring the condition of a storage battery is provided. The apparatus includes an inductance cancellation circuit for use in a Kelvin probe of an electronic battery tester. The induction cancellation circuit reduces inductive coupling between leads of the Kelvin probe. The apparatus also includes a DC coupled AC amplifier for amplifying an AC response signal of an electronic battery tester. Other aspects include a critically damped band-pass filter a response signal, a DC to DC convertor isolation circuit, operator editable test criteria, a battery temperature sensing element, an automatically adjustable gain stage and the use of an internal reference standard for a self calibration.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery while the storage battery is coupled to a wiring system includes a first electrical probe configured to physically and electrically couple to a positive terminal of the storage battery, a second electrical probe configured to physically and electrically couple to a negative terminal of the storage battery, a third electrical probe configured to electrically couple to the positive terminal of the storage battery at a physically remote location from the storage battery, and a fourth electrical probe configured to electrically couple to the negative terminal of the storage battery at a physically remote location from the storage battery. Battery test circuitry couples to the first, second, third and fourth probes and performs a battery test on the storage battery using the first, second, third and fourth probes in a Kelvin connection configuration and responsively provides a battery test output.

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 and apparatus for auditing condition of a storage battery performs a battery test on the storage battery to obtain a test result. Test condition information is obtained related to conditions of the battery test. The battery test result and the test condition information is combined into a code. The code may be subsequently used to determine conditions during the battery test which lead to the particular test result.

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 and apparatus for auditing condition of a storage battery performs a battery test on the storage battery to obtain a test result. Test condition information is obtained related to conditions of the battery test. The battery test result and the test condition information is combined into a code. The code may be subsequently used to determine conditions during the battery test which lead to the particular test result.

Abstract: A device for testing a battery includes circuitry adapted to measure a first conductance of a first portion of a string of cells that makes up the battery. Further circuitry is adapted to measure a second conductance of a second portion of the string of cells that makes up the battery. Comparison circuitry compares the first conductance and the second conductance and provides an output based upon the comparison which is related to a condition of the battery.

Abstract: A microprocessor couples to a voltage sensor through an analog to digital converter. The voltage sensor is adapted to be coupled across terminals of a battery. A small current source is also provided and adapted to be coupled across the terminal to the battery. The current source is momentarily applied to the battery and the resulting change in voltage is monitored using the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates battery conductance based upon the magnitude of the differential current and the change in voltage and thereby determines the condition of the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing JIS rated batteries is disclosed. A JIS battery type reference number is provided to a battery tester. Battery test information for the JIS rated battery is determined as a function of the JIS battery type reference number. The battery tester provides a battery test on the JIS rated battery using the determined battery test information. A battery tester output indicative of a condition of the JIS rated battery is provided based upon the test result.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved electronic device for testing or monitoring storage batteries that may be only partially charged are disclosed. The device determines the battery's small-signal dynamic conductance in order to provide either a proportional numerical readout, displayed in appropriate battery measuring units, or a corresponding qualitative assessment of the battery's relative condition based upon its dynamic conductance and electrical rating. The device also determines the battery's terminal voltage in an essentially unloaded condition and utilizes this information to automatically correct the measured dynamic conductance. The automatic correction is performed by the electronic device using information or functions which are tailored for the particular type of battery being tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a bad cell in a storage battery having a plurality of cells as provided. Input circuitry electrically couples to first and second terminals of the storage battery. Voltage measuring circuitry coupled to the input circuitry provides a voltage output related to a voltage potential between the first and second terminals of the storage battery. Conductance measuring circuitry coupled to the input circuitry provides a conductance output related to conductance of the storage battery. Voltage and conductance comparison circuitry compares the measured voltage and conductance to references and provide outputs. Output circuitry provides a bad cell output based upon the results of the comparisons.

Abstract: An electronic battery testing device includes first and second electrical probes for coupling to first and second battery terminals, respectively, and electrical circuitry coupled to the electrical probes for providing an output related to battery condition. The probes each have a pair of electrical connections. A bridge circuit connected between the first and second electrical probes provides a bridge output. An amplifier connected to the bridge output provides an amplified output. The amplified output is indicative of a loose connection between an electrical probe and a battery terminal. The amplified output may be used to indicate an alarm condition.

Abstract: A thermal runaway detection apparatus is provided for use during charging of a battery. The thermal runaway detection apparatus includes circuitry for determining internal resistance (impedance) or conductance (admittance) of the battery under charge. Detection circuitry detects an increase in internal battery conductance or a decrease in internal battery resistance and provides an output. The output is indicative of a thermal runaway condition in the battery. The circuitry can be used to provide feedback which controls charging of the battery.