Abstract: An electronic battery tester is provided for testing storage batteries. Battery test circuitry is configured to couple to the storage battery and measure a condition of the battery. A removable module is configured to couple to the battery tester to add increased functionality.

Abstract: A storage battery includes a battery housing and a plurality of electrochemical cells in the battery housing electrically connected in series to a positive terminal of the battery and a negative terminal of the battery. A first connection is coupled to the positive terminal of the battery and a second connection is coupled to the negative terminal of the battery. A battery test module is mounted to the battery housing and electrically coupled to the positive and negative terminals through the respective first and second Kelvin connection. A display or other output is configured to output a battery test result from the battery test module.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester includes battery test circuitry configured to couple to a battery. A memory is configured to log data from the battery test circuitry and a databus configured to exchange logged data with external circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery, includes a first electrical connector configured to couple to a positive terminal of the battery and a second electrical connector configured to couple to a negative terminal of the battery. The first and second connectors are used to charge the battery. A microprocessor is configured to test the battery and provide an encrypted output related to the battery test.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a first pair of electrical connectors configured to couple to a positive terminal of the battery and a second pair of electrical connectors configured to couple to a negative terminal of the battery. The first pair and second pair of connectors forming Kelvin connections to the battery. A microprocessor is configured to selectively charge the battery and measure a dynamic parameter of the battery as a function of an AC signal applied to the battery.

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: 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: 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: 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.