Sequential Charging Or Discharging Of Batteries Or Cells Patents (Class 320/124)
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Publication number: 20080169785Abstract: A hybrid battery and its charging/discharging method automatically charges/discharges batteries having different capacities. The hybrid battery includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries; switching elements which are electrically connected to the plurality of rechargeable batteries having high current paths for electrically connecting to one of the high current paths; and a hybrid battery protection circuit electrically connected to the plurality of rechargeable batteries and driven by power supplied by one of the plurality of rechargeable batteries, the hybrid battery protection circuit charging/discharging the plurality of rechargeable batteries in sequence by transmitting an on/off signal to the switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: Bongyoung Kim
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Patent number: 7400911Abstract: A wireless node, such as a sensor node or other suitable node, includes a supercapacitor having a charge and one or more photocells adapted to charge the supercapacitor responsive to ambient light. A microprocessor cooperates with a wireless transceiver to transmit a count of one or more wireless messages. The microprocessor determines the charge of the supercapacitor, determines an incremental charge of the supercapacitor resulting from the ambient light, and adjusts the count of the wireless messages as a function of the charge of the supercapacitor and the incremental charge. A power supply, including a boost regulator and a filter capacitor, powers the microprocessor and the wireless transmitter from the charge of the supercapacitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Planning, Charles J. Luebke, Marco Naeve
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Patent number: 7391183Abstract: To provide a system for controlling the charging of a secondary battery (battery), which is capable of keeping an initial charging/discharging characteristic of the battery in consideration of a change in environmental temperature and deterioration of the battery with elapsed time. An ordinary charging portion for performing a first charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level less than a full-charge level is used in combination with a refresh charging portion for performing a second charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level more than the full charge level. After the charging by the ordinary charging portion is continuously repeated by a specific number of times, for example, ten times, the next charging is performed by the refresh charging portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kyoichi Ariga, Takashi Sone
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Publication number: 20080106234Abstract: A hybrid battery includes a first chargeable power supply, a second chargeable power supply coupled in parallel with the first chargeable power supply. A controller pre-charges, fast-charges and full-charges sequentially the first chargeable power supply and the second chargeable power supply while sensing the charging voltage of the first chargeable power supply and the second chargeable power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventor: Changyong Yun
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Publication number: 20080100263Abstract: An electric power charge and discharge system for an electronic device having a battery, by which the electronic device can be used for a long period of time. In a wireless communication device including a wireless driving portion including a first battery and a wireless charging portion including a second battery, the first battery is charged by electric power from a fixed power supply and the second battery is charged by using electromagnetic waves existing in an external space. Further, the first battery and the second battery are discharged alternately, and during a period in which the first battery is discharged, the second battery is charged.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuhei Nagatsuka, Akihiro Kimura
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Patent number: 7307402Abstract: A method of charging an electrochemical generator having a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method includes the step of charging the plurality of electrochemical cells such that the total voltage of the generator reaches a predetermined voltage level, followed by the steps of selecting a particular electrochemical cell and charging the particular electrochemical cell to its respective maximum voltage, such that the cathode(s) of the particular electrochemical cell is(are) restored to a fully-charged state. Once it has been restored to its fully-charged state, the particular electrochemical cell is allowed to discharge itself down to a nominal voltage. Each of the plurality of electrochemical cells of the generator is selected and charged to its respective maximum voltage in turn, according to a predetermined selection sequence.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Avestor Limited PartnershipInventors: Michel Parent, Philippe Gagnon, Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt
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Patent number: 7253586Abstract: A method for charging at least one battery, includes: determining a status of at least one parameter for the battery, where the at least one parameter comprises a closeness to a desired charge level; determining that the battery is to be charged during a peak usage time period; and determining a priority rating for the battery based upon the at least one parameter, where a battery closer to the desired charge level has a higher priority rating. The battery is then charged according to it priority rating. When batteries are to be charged for an off-peak usage time period, the charge rates of the batteries are adjusted based upon the available time for the charge. In this manner, quick recharged battery availability is provided during peak usage time periods, while battery life is prolonged during off-peak usage time periods.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: P. Daniel Kangas, Toshiro Hiromitsu, Seiichi Idei
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Patent number: 7235951Abstract: There is provided a charging apparatus, which uses a charging control timer having a relatively simple constitution, capable of preventing an overcharge of a secondary battery while detecting the overcharge of the secondary battery even if a charge current value is relatively small. The charging apparatus that discontinues the charging in a preset expiration time period of a timer has a variable controller for controlling the preset expiration time period of a timer in response to an interrupted time if the charging operation that is interrupted before reaching the preset expiration time of a timer is started again.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Naoaki Matsumoto, Naoki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7176806Abstract: The invention provides a system and battery including a state-of-charge indicator (SOCI) to monitor and display the amount of charge within the battery. The SOCI is capable of operating in a hibernate mode, an active mode, and/or a sleep mode. The battery may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored with the SOCI operating in a power-saving hibernate mode. The SOCI may exit the hibernate mode and begin operating in active mode if a physical key connected to the battery is removed. In addition, the SOCI may operate in a sleep mode while the battery is not being used to conserve power. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of making a battery including a SOCI to monitor and display the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Eaglepicher Energy Products CorporationInventors: Gregg C. Bruce, Christo Brand
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Patent number: 7123033Abstract: A method and an apparatus to detect low voltage have been disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a main circuit powered at a supply voltage, wherein the supply voltage changes over time and a test circuit coupled to the main circuit, the test circuit being representative of a voltage sensitivity of the main circuit to dynamically determine if the supply voltage is above a minimum voltage at which the main circuit operates correctly, wherein the minimum voltage changes over at least one of a temperature and a time and between different instances of the main circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventor: David G. Wright
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Patent number: 7088065Abstract: A drive unit of the invention comprises a motor that can input/output motive power to/from a drive shaft, a drive circuit that performs drive control of the motor, a fuel cell that is connected to the drive circuit without the intervention of a voltage converter such that electric power can be output, a charge/discharge portion that is connected to the fuel cell in parallel and to the drive circuit such that electric power can be output and that has at least one capacitor whose voltage in a fully charged state is higher than an inter-open-terminal voltage of the fuel cell, a diode that is installed between the fuel cell and the charge/discharge portion such that electric power can be output only in a direction from the fuel cell to the charge/discharge portion, and a drive control portion that controls the drive circuit such that drive control of the motor is performed on the basis of required motive power to be transmitted to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuhiro Ishikawa, Hiroshi Yoshida, Hitoshi Sato
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Patent number: 7086334Abstract: Selective, staggered charging of individual slave devices in a system at different times, such as electronic detonators in an electronic blasting system, so as to prevent excessive voltage drop on the bus. The staggered charging may be obtained through a clock-driven charging timing process or other suitable means.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Special Devices, Inc.Inventor: David T. Jennings, III
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Patent number: 6990422Abstract: A time varying electrical excitation(s) is applied to a system containing biologic and/or non-biologic elements, whereupon the time-varying electrochemical or electrical response is detected and analyzed. For biologic specimens, the presence, activity, concentration or relative quantity, and certain inherent characteristics of certain target substances (hereinafter referred to as “target analytes”) within, or comprising, the specimen of interest may be determined by measuring either the current response induced by a voltage-mode excitation, or the voltage response induced by a current-mode excitation. Labeling or marker techniques may be employed, whereby electrochemically active auxiliary molecules are attached to the substance to be analyzed, in order to facilitate or enhance the electrochemical or electrical response.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: World Energy Labs (2), Inc.Inventors: William H. Laletin, Kurt Salloux
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Patent number: 6931332Abstract: A method for testing battery connectivity in a battery-backed up system, the method includes inducing a step increase in a battery bus voltage, and monitoring a magnitude of a corresponding current pulse of a battery charge due to the step increase in the battery bus voltage, where the magnitude of the current pulse provides an indicator of battery connectivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bansidhar Jagannath Phansalkar, Pradeep Nagabhushan Rao Tolakanahalli, Sunit Kumar Saxena
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Patent number: 6927553Abstract: In a phase-locked battery charge system, the structure its circuit is similar to a phase-locked loop; by means of its specific auto-tracking and auto-locking capabilities, a complete battery charge process can be accomplished automatically in the order of bulk current charge, variable current charge, and float charge. Therefore, this invention features with its simple circuit structure, good charge current, and assured safe charge effect.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Inventor: Liang-Jui Chen
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Patent number: 6882128Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for harvesting ambient electromagnetic energy, and more particularly, to the integration of antennas and electronics for harvesting ubiquitous radio frequency (RF) energy, transforming such electromagnetic energy into electrical power, and storing such power for usage with a wide range of electrical/electronic circuits and modules.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Ronald S. Rahmel, Gerald C. Gerace
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Publication number: 20040169491Abstract: A charging method for a battery pack with each of the at least two series-connected cells being supplied with an effective charging current (ICharge), in a charging cycle (1) over a charging period, and being supplied with a lower effective refresh current. (Irefresh), in an at least occasional subsequent refresh cycle (2) over a refresh charging cycle (6). The refresh cycle (2) follows after a period (K) in a number (M) of charging cycles (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Bernd Heigl, Bernd Ziegler
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Patent number: 6784638Abstract: The present invention relates to a series charger with separate detection of batteries which includes a charging control device for converting the inputted AC power into DC power so as to charging four batteries in series connection. The charging control device further provides a reference voltage source to a control IC which is connected with a current detector for measuring the current value of the batteries. Each of the series-connected batteries is parallel-connected with a switch element. A one-way diode is interposed between the positive end of the batteries and each of the switch elements. Besides, the control IC provides −&Dgr;V to the positive terminal of the respective charging circuit of the batteries for detecting the end-point voltage thereof. When each of the batteries is fully charged, the respective switch element is switched in a close circuit so that the charging current continues to flow downward for further charging operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Fu-I Yang
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Patent number: 6771044Abstract: An electrical power management system is provided for effectively managing available electrical power for recharging batteries used in a plurality of battery-powered computers. The electrical power management system is of particular value when current from the available power supply is limited relative to the total charging current required for the batteries. Charging currents can be sensed to better manage the recharging process. Charging data can be sensed and recorded to optimize battery charging for a plurality of battery-powered computers.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventors: Frank A. Vinciguerra, Philip O. Post
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Patent number: 6750631Abstract: An electrical battery comprises a plurality of cells connected in series which are charged by a charger under the control of a battery management system including an individual current shunt circuit in parallel with each cell. The shunt circuit is activated if the voltage at the terminals of the cell exceeds a minimum balancing threshold value. A higher balancing threshold voltage is substituted for the minimum balancing threshold voltage if the battery has not been supplied with power by the charger for a time exceeding a particular time-delay. In the battery management system a single-wire control daisychain connects individual interfaces assigned to each cell of the battery in series to a common control interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: AlcatelInventor: Michel Perelle
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Patent number: 6713988Abstract: A power generating system is described including a plurality of electrochemical cells. The cells are generally arranged in sections that are selectively activated individually or in combination to produce power from selected cell sections. A method of generating power is also described. A first group of one or more electrochemical cells of an array of cells are selectively activated based on requirement of an associated load. The system switches to a second group of one or more electrochemical cells of the array when the first group is discharged.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: eVionyx, Inc.Inventors: Donald Dubac, Michael Glover, Haresh P. Kameth
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Patent number: 6624613Abstract: The present invention provides a battery charging/discharging method for effectively using the battery energy of a power supply apparatus with a plurality of chargeable batteries. The power supply apparatus in which batteries are connected in parallel to the node of an external power source and a load comprises a charge/discharge monitor unit for judging whether the external power source is in a state where a load is driven and sufficient voltage to charge the batteries is outputted or in a state where sufficient voltage is not outputted and a discharge current should be supplied from the batteries to the load, switches inserted in series with each of the batteries, and an on/off control unit for controlling the on/off operation of the switches according to the output of the charge/discharge monitor unit and the charging/discharging state of each battery.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Seiya Kitagawa
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Patent number: 6511773Abstract: A rechargeable cell with an alkali or alkaline earth metal electrode with a coulombic capacity about the same as a metal halide electrode such as CuCl2, CuBr2, and the like, or a metal oxide positive electrode such as LiCoO2, MnO2 and the like or a carbonaceous positive electrode and a sulfur dioxide electrolyte solvent containing a salt that produces a halogen and/or a Lewis acid on overcharge is disclosed. On most discharges, the active metal of the negative electrode is anodically dissolved and any dendrites are anodically dissolved or electrically isolated and scavenged. About every 4 to 50 cycles, the cell is overdischarged in reversal to reduce the state of charge of the positive electrode relative to the negative electrode and compensate for undercharging of the negative electrode during recycling.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Lithium Energy Associates, Inc.Inventor: Frederick W. Dampier
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Patent number: 6504343Abstract: A charging system for charging multiple portable devices includes transformers, branch converters and converters. Each transformer is specific to a different power supply. The branch converters and converters, specific to different portable devices, can be connected in such a way to transfer power to the various portable devices. Connections are standardized within the system giving it a modular design.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Jen Chang
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Patent number: 6452362Abstract: A battery-powered electronic device having a main battery and a second battery, and method for controlling power supply to a battery-powered electronic device, are described. If the two batteries are simultaneously mounted in the electronic device, the electronic device receives power from the battery having a relatively higher voltage level in advance of receiving power from the other battery. When the voltage levels of the two batteries are substantially identical to each other, as the one battery is discharged, the other battery is also simultaneously discharged.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yeon-Chul Choo
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Patent number: 6430692Abstract: A battery backup system has a number of batteries and number of switches interconnecting the batteries to either a high-power load or a low-power load. The batteries are selectively connected in series with each other, or in parallel with each other by the switches. When the batteries are in the parallel configuration they are also connected to power the low-power load, and when in series, to power the high-power load. Between switching from the high-power series configuration to the low-power parallel configuration, a transition phase is provided during which a transition battery powers the low-power load.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines, CorporationInventors: Christopher John Kimble, Steven William Steele
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Publication number: 20020101217Abstract: The charging system for a vehicle includes: a motor generator which operates as a generator to generate an alternating current when the motor generator is driven by an internal combustion engine, and operates as a motor when an alternating current is supplied thereto; a switching circuit for converting the alternating current generated by the motor generator into a direct current; a first accumulator accumulating therein the direct current converted by the switching circuit; a second accumulator accumulating therein the direct current converted by the switching circuit and having a smaller accumulation voltage than that of the first accumulator; a first opening/closing unit interposed between the first accumulator and the switching circuit; a second opening/closing unit interposed between the second accumulator and the switching circuit; and, a control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the first and second opening/closing units.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaharu Hosoda, Masaaki Kaizuka, Kazunari Takahashi, Shigeru Aoki
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Patent number: 6404165Abstract: An electricity accumulator which is capable of equalizing the voltages of a plurality of electricity accumulating devices such as batteries in an inexpensive and simple construction and quickly even in a state which is not a fully charged state. Dissipation of electrical energy is prevented. The electricity device includes a plurality connected in series. There is a capacitor connectable in parallel with at least two of the electricity accumulating devices. A connection switching device switches selectively a first connection mode in which the capacitor is connected to a first electricity accumulating device so that the capacitor is charged or discharged through the first electricity accumulating device and a second connection mode in which the capacitor is connected to a second electricity accumulating device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha KogyoInventors: Toshiya Shinpo, Hiroyasu Suzuki
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Patent number: 6355990Abstract: A power distribution system and method, including a direct-current current source which is commutated among a number of distribution circuits which function as independent and modular power sources. Each distribution circuit includes a capacitor which is connected to the direct-current current source through a switch. The load is connected in parallel with the capacitor. The capacitor is charged to a predetermined level, generally matching the required load voltage, and periodically checked and recharged as necessary. There may be a plurality of distribution circuits to provide power to separate circuits or specific portions of a larger circuit. By varying the switch timing and logic, the output voltage of each distribution circuit may be varied, allowing a centralized power supply to provide power to a variety of electrical components with varying voltage requirements.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Daniel M. Mitchell
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Patent number: 6356055Abstract: A cell voltage balancer for balancing the voltage of the first cell and the voltage of the second cell. The cell voltage balancer includes the first input terminal, the second input terminal and the third input terminal. The cell voltage balancer includes a transformer, the first switch and the second switch. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first switch and the primary winding are serially connected between the first input terminal and the second input terminal. The second switch and the secondary winding are serially connected between the second input terminal and the third input terminal. The first switch and the second switch are switched on and off alternatively. While the first switch is on and the second switch is off, the primary winding stores energy of the first cell in the transformer. On the contrary, the secondary winding recovers energy stored in the transformer into the second cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Pao-Chuan Lin, Chung-Shing Tzou, Hsiao-Chih Ku, Yi-Hwa Liu, Yung-Hsiang Liu
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Patent number: 6346670Abstract: A reliable, long lasting solar battery system capable of collecting and storing long-term data on charge and discharge is provided. The system includes a solar battery having a charge control means, and a storage battery, wherein the charging volume of the storage battery is detected by a charge quantity detecting means. Further, a discharge quantity of the storage battery is detected by a discharge quantity 3c. The detected analog signal is sent through an external interface means to an operation and decision means. An operation and decision means controls a discharge quantity control device, wherein the detected signal, as well as other signals, are processed, together with appropriate various command signals sent by a storage means in accordance with a load or loads, and are outputted to a discharge control means. Further, data on present and past command signals, including the result of past control, are stored in order of time into the storage means.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Haneda Humepipe Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Fujii, Hironori Namioka
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Patent number: 6332113Abstract: A device for testing a battery of the type which consists of a string of individual cells includes circuitry adapted to measure a dynamic parameter of the cells or groups of cells that make up the battery. Measurements are used to construct a reference standard or to calculate a statistical parameter of a cell or group of cells that make up the battery. A output is provided which relates to the condition of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
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Patent number: 6326769Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a rechargeable battery in which a constant current is first applied until the rated voltage of the battery is reached, followed by a period during which a reduced current is applied to the battery. The reduced current results in lowering the amount of unwanted heat being dissipated in the charge-current transistor connected to the battery. Finally, a constant voltage is applied to the battery to finish the charging cycle. Reducing the heat dissipation enables the use of smaller less expensive charge-current switch transistors, which for example, are advantageous in applications such as mobile communication devices or other portable electronics assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventor: Charles Forsberg
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Patent number: 6288521Abstract: An electronic device battery pack for a battery requiring cycling to prolong lifetime is divided into at least two parallel cells for which the charging state is automatically maintained. When external power is available and one or more cells is substantially discharged, the substantially discharged cell(s) are selected one at a time to be fully drained and recharged. A partially discharged but not substantially discharged cell will be left in that state until use of the electronic device has substantially discharged the cell. Once a cell has been recharged, the next substantially discharged cell is drained and recharged, and so on until all cells are fully charged. If the charging of a cell is interrupted by removal of the external power, another cell is utilized to provide power to the electronic device and recharging is resumed once the external power is restored.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventor: James Chester Meador
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Patent number: 6239508Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical power generation system comprised of a network of metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) subsystems connected to an output power bus structure and controlled by a network control subsystem. The operation of each metal-air FCB subsystem is controlled so that, on the average, the amount of metal-fuel in each of the FCB subsystem is substantially the same, regardless of the total amount of metal-fuel remaining within the system available for electrical power generation. The electrical power generation system can be used as an electrical power plant that can be installed in virtually any system, device or environment in which there is a need to satisfy the peak power demand of an electrical load (e.g. motor, appliance, machinery, tools, etc.) independent of the total amount of metal-fuel remaining within the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Reveo, Inc.Inventors: Sadeg M. Faris, Tsepin Tsai
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Patent number: 6198251Abstract: A plurality of batteries located in battery-operated devices by a charger through a distributor where there is no communication between the distributor and the batteries in the battery operated devices are charged in automated sequence in situ by a charger through a distributor where there is no communication between the distributor and the batteries, preferably using pulsed charge technology. In preferred embodiments the pulsed charge technology includes both forward and reverse pulses.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Fluor CorporationInventor: Frank L. Landon
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Patent number: 6194867Abstract: A battery charging apparatus, computer system and method provide current from a single power line to charge either a first battery or multiple batteries in an independent mode or a simultaneous mode. The apparatus includes an AC-to-DC adapter, the power line, and a battery charging control system that measures the charge of the individual batteries and compares the measured charge. If the charging system detects a difference in charge between the batteries, the lowest or the lower charged batteries are charged until the charging system detects no difference in charge, and then resumes simultaneous charging. The battery charging control system also includes a comparator circuit that determines whether to enable charging in the independent mode or the simultaneous mode based on input from a user or input from a computer system. The computer system includes a processor, a memory, a bus, a power line, and a battery charging apparatus coupled to the power line.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: John Cummings, Barry Kates
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Patent number: 6181106Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sequential high-rate battery charger for charging a battery having a plurality of cell units, the battery charger including a current source; an apparatus to selectively sequentially connect each of the plurality of cell units to the high current source; and an apparatus to sequentially provide high current from the high current source to each of the plurality of cell units for a first selected period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Curtis Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Eugene P. Finger
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Patent number: 6181916Abstract: A communication system includes a primary unit transmitting a first signal at a first instance, receiving a second signal at a second instance and energized by a power source having a voltage level, a secondary unit transmitting a third signal at a first instance, receiving a fourth signal at a second instance, and having a first communication mode and a second communication-shut mode, and a mode-changing device enabling the primary unit to generate a mode-changing signal to be received by the secondary unit for changing the secondary unit from the first communication mode into the second communication-shut mode when the voltage level falls below a specific value. A mode-changing method for such communication system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: DBTEL IncorporatedInventors: Michael Mou, Chung Chang Chen
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Patent number: 6104163Abstract: The battery charging system allows a power consumption of an information processing apparatus to be maximally reduced when the system is off. When a charge request signal is output from a microprocessor of one battery, a connection control circuit puts one switch circuit into a open state and the other switch circuit into a closed state. As a result, a Smart Selector operates to start charging the battery whose connection has been detected. When the battery is fully charged and a full charge signal which is an inverted version of a charge request signal is output from the microprocessor, the connection control circuit operate to open the closed switch circuit and to close the opened switch circuit. The Smart Selector is made to recognize that the battery is no longer connected and detects only the other battery, thereby beginning charging to the other battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Komatsu, Satoshi Kizawa
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Patent number: 6084382Abstract: The present invention provides battery systems and methods of supplying electrical energy. According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery system includes a terminal adapted to be electrically coupled to a load; a battery including a plurality of working cells electrically coupled with the terminal; a spare cell; and a switching device configured to selectively electrically couple the spare cell with the terminal and arrange at least some of the working cells and the spare cell to provide electrical energy to the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Gregory H. Hite
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Patent number: 6081096Abstract: A device (100) includes detachable main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) and a circuit (310) for discharging and charging the batteries (101, 102). Discharging is accomplished by an auxiliary switch (420) that connects the auxiliary battery (102) to power the device (100), a detector (422), and a main switch (424) that connects the main battery (101) to power the device (100), without interruption, when the auxiliary battery (102) drops below a predetermined voltage (508) as determined by a detector (422). Charging is performed by switches (440, 442, 446), an internal charger (444), and a controller (306). When both batteries (101, 102) are attached, the controller (306) uses the switches (440, 442, 446) to select and couple charging current generated by the internal charger (444) to the main battery (101). Once charged, the controller (306) switches to charge the auxiliary battery (102).Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Shakil H. Barkat, Matthew D. Mottier, Richard Ng
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Patent number: 5945805Abstract: A cell evaluating method for evaluating characteristics of a secondary cell which can be repeatedly charged and which includes a step of detecting a cell voltage after a predetermined first charge operation for the cell is started, a step of, if the detected cell voltage is smaller than a reference voltage, proceeding to a second charge operation different from the predetermined first charge operation, and a step of evaluating a state of the cell. Moreover, the cell evaluating method includes a step of carrying out a first cell voltage detection after a first predetermined period of time has passed since a halt of the charge or discharge of a cell, a step of carrying out a second cell voltage detection after a second predetermined period of time has passed, and a step of evaluating, if the difference between the results of the first and second detections is not smaller than a predetermined value, that an internal short circuit occurs in the cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Toshitaka Takei, Tamijia Nagai, Kuniharu Suzuki
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Patent number: 5903764Abstract: A controller for a smart battery selector included in a portable device has a plurality of switch-drivers at least equal to a plurality of smart batteries. The batteries provide battery-state data via a bus to a host computer included in the portable device. Each switch-driver effects selection of an associated battery. A control electronic-circuit in the controller directs operation of the switch-drivers for selecting the battery so that at any instant only one battery powers the portable device. A bus-snooper circuit permits the controller to independently monitor the bus for battery-condition alarm-messages. The controller may respond to such messages by selecting a different battery. The controller may also select a single battery for recharging, and may terminate charging upon receiving a battery overcharge message.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Micro International, Ltd.Inventors: You-Yuh Shyr, Kwang H. Liu, Sterling Du
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Patent number: 5821734Abstract: A universal battery pack which includes an integral power converter and a dynamically adjustable output voltage. The default output voltage is set by an optional resistor connection, which shifts the voltage-dividing ratio into the error amplifier. In a multiple-battery configuration, the output voltages of the separate battery modules are preferably set to slightly different values. Thus the battery module with the highest output voltage setting will be completely exhausted first. This results in automatic battery switchover, without requiring any control algorithm or logic for execution of the switchover.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventor: Richard A. Faulk
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Patent number: 5764031Abstract: It is intended to realize a power supplying method of an electronic apparatus and its electronic apparatus which can be continuously used for a long time by using both an internal battery and an external battery. A power source is supplied to a video camera by an internal battery 25 and an external battery 13. A voltage of the internal battery 25 is detected by resistors 27 and 35 and a comparator 31. A voltage of the external battery 13 is detected by resistors 13a and 13b. In the case where the external battery 13 is driven and the internal battery 25 is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage, the driving of the external battery 13 is stopped. At the same time, the internal battery 25 is driven.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kazuo Mishima