Abstract: A multi-battery system comprises a circuit having a circuit positive terminal and a circuit negative terminal. At least two batteries are provided to combine to deliver required system power. The batteries are connected to a protection circuit, an energy storage device, a system output voltage sensor and a logic gate. The protection circuit generates a protection signal and the voltage sensor generates an enabling signal that are fed into the logic gate as true signals to generate a true control signal. The true control signal causes the energy storage device to discharge. The digital enabling signal for each of the circuits is time-shifted by a time “t” so that at any time one of the circuits is discharging and one of the at least two circuits is charging during said time “t”.

Abstract: A charging device has an electric accumulator (20) formed by a plurality of series-connected electric accumulator cells (E1, E2, . . . , En), one electrode of any one of the electric accumulator cells being used as a reference potential of the electric accumulator (20); at least one capacitor (C1) having one end fixed to the potential of one electrode of each of the electric accumulator cells (E1, E2, . . . , En) or fixed to the potential of the other electrode of any one of the electric accumulator cells (E1, E2, . . . , En) through a rectifying means (D11, D12); and a periodical power source (30) connected between the capacitor (C1) and the reference potential of the electric accumulator to generate repetitive signals.

Abstract: A charge controlling circuit controls charging of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. An electric power supplied from an external charger to the lithium-ion rechargeable battery is taken by a charging terminal. When the charging terminal is connected to the external charger, whether or not a charge prohibition condition is satisfied is determined by a CPU. A charging operation is prohibited when the charge prohibition condition is satisfied, but is permitted when the charge prohibition condition is not satisfied. Here, the charge prohibition condition includes a shortest time condition that a time during which the charging terminal is detached from the external charger is above a defined time decided in view of an instantaneous power interruption.

Abstract: In order to improve the charging efficiency of a charging apparatus including a photovoltaic generator such as a solar battery, a charging apparatus includes: a battery which is rechargeable; a photovoltaic generator generating electric power in response to received light; and a generative charging portion supplying the electric power generated by the photovolaic generator to the battery. The generative charging portion includes: a control portion which controls current in the direction from the battery to the photovoltaic generator; and a voltage regulation portion which regulates voltage of the electric power supplied from the photovoltaic generator to the battery and is connected to the control portion in series.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes a host, a power storage device and a dock. The power storage device is installed in the host, for sensing current from a first power socket to a first power terminal to generate a first sensing result, and charging a first rechargeable battery according to a first control signal. The dock is capable of connecting to the host by means of insertion, for sensing current from a second power socket to a second power terminal to generate a second sensing result, and charging a second rechargeable battery according to a second control signal. The dock includes a control device for outputting the first control signal and the second control signal according to the first sensing result and the second sensing result, to control charging operations on the first rechargeable battery and the second rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A cordless power tool battery pack including an onboard circuit configured to electronically communicate with an associated battery charging system. The onboard circuit communicates information relating to the batter pack to a microprocessor or the like within the battery charging system and charging of the battery pack is controlled based on such communication.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage device is monitored by cyclically applying an electrical load thereto and monitoring voltage and current at transient portions of the cyclically applied electrical load.

Abstract: To manage power of battery packs, charging currents and remaining capacities of the battery packs may be detected. An order for charging and discharging the battery packs may be determined based on the charging currents. The battery packs may be charged or discharged in the determined order based on whether an external voltage is detected. The battery packs may be charged using charging voltages with associated currents corresponding to the detected charging currents.

Abstract: A computer system, including a system unit having at least one device; a battery unit which supplies power to the system unit; a charging unit which charges the battery unit at a predetermined charging speed; a user input unit which receives a user input related to a charging speed of the battery unit; and a controller which controls the charging unit to charge the battery unit at the charging speed according to the user input.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: A battery charger and method for communicating battery pack charging status information of a battery pack coupled to both the battery charger and an electronic device such as a radio is presented. An authenticity battery pack identifier and battery status information provided by the battery pack to the battery charger is read. The authenticity battery pack identifier and charging status information is transmitted over a wireless link from the battery charger to the radio. The charging status information is then processed by the radio when the authenticity battery pack identifier matches a currently coupled battery pack identifier stored on the radio. The currently coupled battery pack identifier identifies the battery pack that is coupled to the radio.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus by which power is controlled in a hybrid electric vehicle such that high levels of performance and efficiency are realized. The present invention includes a method and apparatus developed to optimize the use of energy in a hybrid vehicle application from the hybrid energy storage device. The method and apparatus of the present invention is particularly useful with energy storage devices there the energy state, such as the state of charge, is readily determined by an easily measured attribute. Ultracapacitors and hydraulic storage cylinders are examples of the types of energy storage devices to which the present invention may be applied.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging apparatus of portable device, which charges a battery module of the portable devices. The charging apparatus includes a sensing circuit, a control unit, and a linear charging circuit. The sensing circuit detects the voltage of a power adapter when the power adapter is plug to the portable devices, and then produces a sensing signal and transmits it to the control unit. The control unit produces a control signal according to the sensing signal and the remaining capacity of the battery module. The present invention features that the linear charging circuit receives an output power of the sensing circuit and charges the battery module according the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to charging of rechargeable batteries built into electronic devices and is configured to constrain heat generation during the charging. A charging IC used for charging a rechargeable battery built into an electronic device is disclosed that comprises a power source unit which can be fed with power from an external power source with a drooping characteristic to pick up a constant current; and a control unit which applies a first constant current from the external power source to the rechargeable battery through a circuit element installed on a charging path of the rechargeable battery, the control unit applying a second constant current smaller than the first constant current from the power source unit to the rechargeable battery after the rechargeable battery is charged with the first constant current to a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: A battery charger includes one or more channels for independently charging one or more batteries at different current levels. The battery charger also includes multiple modes for each channel for charging a battery with a continuous current or a pulse current. The battery charger supplies charging current by holding the voltage at a set value.

Abstract: A method to detect the presence of battery protection circuits in any battery powered product. The major advantage of the method is to make the battery voltage very smooth during the charging process. The proposed circuit can give a good prediction of protection switching turn on time. This can provide the battery powered system work smoothly by avoiding any battery voltage discontinuity. The proposed invention addresses the issue of deep discharge and provides a solution through a discharge test procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery. In one embodiment, the system includes a charging circuit that charges the battery with a constant current during a first phase and charges the battery with a constant voltage during a second phase. The system also includes a control circuit for minimizing glitches when the charging transitions from the first phase to the second phase. According to the system and method disclosed herein, a battery may be charged in a controlled and reliable manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling a power transfer rate in to and/or out of an energy storage device on-board a vehicle, such as a locomotive, during a power transfer opportunity. In one example, the method includes adjusting the power transfer rate based on a predetermination of a duration of the power transfer opportunity to match a duration of power transfer to the duration of the opportunity and achieve a specified state of charge.

Abstract: In a charging device, a driving power supply circuit for driving a control circuit is formed as a separate system from a first power supply circuit, regardless of whether the first power supply circuit is in a driving state or a non-driving state. A microcomputer alternately and intermittently controls the first power supply circuit in the driving state or the non-driving state when the battery pack is not mounted in the charging device in order to reduce the potential difference between the battery pack and the output voltage of the first power supply circuit, thereby avoiding an excessive discharge current from the battery pack when the battery pack is mounted in the charging device.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery with a constant current, in which a peak of output voltage is detected by utilizing a predetermined current value, and then the battery continues to be charged with a current value lower than the predetermined current value, so that the peak of output voltage or a voltage drop subsequent to the peak is detected, or alternatively a timer may be used, for termination of the charging operation.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes a generator, a step-down circuit for reducing an output voltage of the generator to a predetermined voltage, a current controller for controlling a charging current that is supplied from the step-down circuit to a secondary battery, based on an amount of power generated by the generator, a mode selector for selecting charging modes, and a monitor for monitoring an amount of stored electricity. The step-down circuit receives an output of the generator, in charging, at a high voltage and a small current and is used to charge the battery at a low voltage and a large current.

Abstract: A battery backup system includes a control device including a power sensing device, a discharge circuit, a charging circuit, and a plurality of battery packs. A lower threshold is established representative of a minimum acceptable effective energy capacity. Each battery pack is recharged if its effective energy capacity falls below the lower threshold. Additionally, an upper threshold is established representative of the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity plus a performance margin. In a two battery-pack system, if both battery packs fall below the upper threshold, the battery with the least effective energy capacity is discharged to the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity and then recharged to the battery pack's maximum energy capacity. In this way, both battery packs are prevented from approaching the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity at the same time. This reduces the size or number of battery packs and reduces their associated cost and volume.

Abstract: A battery with a battery balancing assembly that regulates the discharge of battery cell charge and a method of evenly discharging battery cells, the battery comprising a plurality of cells. The balancing assembly includes switches disposed between the cells such that the switches may configure the cells in a normal configuration and a balance configuration, wherein in the normal configuration the plurality of cells may be connected to an electronic device and wherein in the balance configuration the plurality of cells are connected to a balancing circuit. The balancing circuit serving to balance the charge in the plurality of cells prior to the recharging of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency power unit for apparatuses, in particular domestic apparatuses, which unit comprises a battery charging device (61) having an input connected to a connector (12, 14, 15) and comprising accumulator means (63a), arranged to accumulate electric power coming from the connector (12, 14, 15), and conversion means (65, 65a) arranged to convert the electric power accumulated into a power supply that can be used by the apparatuses and to output said power supply to the apparatuses. The unit further comprises a power supply delivery device (71) comprising: first connection means (12, 14) connectable to first power supply means by means of first connection cables for being supplied with power; second connection means (22, 24) connectable to at least one of the apparatuses to supply it with power; and switching means (72) arranged to switch the connection from the first connection means (12, 14) to the conversion means (65) and vice versa to provide the power supply.

Abstract: A battery-operated portable electronic device has a primary battery to provide energy to low current circuitry of the portable device, and a supplemental battery to provide intermittent bursts of energy to other components of the portable device. A charging device charges the supplemental battery from the primary battery. An electronic device employing the battery system may have a battery compartment for the primary battery, which can be an AAA, AA, C, or D size battery.

Abstract: A duty cycle controller apparatus for producing a duty cycle signal for controlling switching of switches of a battery charger having an AC input for receiving power and an output for supplying power to charge a battery in response to switching of the switches, while maintaining a high power factor at the AC input. The duty cycle controller apparatus includes a current command signal generator having a plurality of signal inputs for receiving a plurality of signals representing a plurality of operating conditions of the charger, a plurality of current command outputs and a processor operably configured to generate a plurality of current command signals at the current command outputs in response to respective sets of operating conditions.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a master charge manager, and a slave charge manager coupled to the master charge manager. The master charge manager is coupled to a power source and one battery and is configured to charge the one battery with a first continuously decreasing portion of the available current after a voltage across the one battery exceeds a first predetermined maximum voltage threshold. The slave charge manager is coupled to the power source and another battery and is configured such that, while the master charge manager charges the one battery with the continuously decreasing portion of the available current, the slave charge manager charges the other battery with a continuously increasing portion of the available current. The total of the decreasing portion and the increasing portion are substantially equal to the current available from the power source.

Abstract: A battery pack including a discharge current interruption FET which cuts off the discharge current, and a minimum voltage detecting portion which switches the discharge current interruption FET from ON to OFF state when the voltage of any battery becomes lower than a minimum voltage. The charge circuit includes a charge current switching portion which switches the charge current so as to charge the battery pack in a main charge mode when the output voltage is higher than a prescribed voltage, and in a preliminary charge mode with a small current when the output voltage is lower than the prescribed voltage. A charge current switching portion charges the battery pack in the preliminary charge mode in the state where the OFF signal of the discharge current interruption FET is provided, even in the state where the output voltage of the battery pack is higher than the prescribed voltage.

Abstract: For charging a rechargeable hybrid battery pack, a first cell stack coupled in parallel with a second cell stack of the hybrid battery pack are pre-charged in parallel. The cell stack to first complete the pre-charge phase, is selected to receive a normal charge with a constant current while the non-selected one of the cell stack continues to receive the pre-charge. The first cell stack and the second cell stack receive the normal charge in the selected sequence. Upon completion of the normal charge for each cell of the hybrid battery pack, the first cell stack and the second cell stack are trickle-charged in parallel to complete the charging.

Abstract: Provided is a method for charging a battery that dynamizes the charging phase of the battery, thereby enabling optimum charging. The dynamization of the charging phase is intended to achieve effective mixing of the battery acid and/or depolarization of the electrodes and ultimately result in improved receiving of the charging current. In this context, the charging method can be carried out according to at least two different methods. In a first method, targeted discharges result in depolarization of the electrodes due to locally decreasing acid density, and in a second method the battery acid is reliably mixed as a result of temporary increasing of the charging voltage via the so-called gassing voltage of the battery. Both methods result in improved battery charging. In an embodiment of the method, the two methods are combined.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: Multiple function current-sharing charging systems and methods are provided. Where first and second rechargeable power supplies are connected to a charging system, a first charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a second charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply. Upon detection of a predetermined charge level of one of the rechargeable power supplies, a third charging current is provided to the first rechargeable power supply and a fourth charging current is provided to the second rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying energy to a vehicle battery is provided. The apparatus includes a positive connector that couples to a positive terminal of the vehicle battery and a negative connector that couples to a negative terminal of the vehicle battery. A battery charger applies a charge signal to the vehicle battery through the positive and negative connectors to thereby charge the vehicle battery. A jump-start booster pack, coupled to the battery charger, can optionally provide starting energy to the vehicle battery through the positive and negative connectors. The booster pack can be charged by the charge signal. In one aspect, the battery charger is a switch-mode charger.

Abstract: A load controlled battery charging device is provided which is structured to apply an electrical charge to a plurality of rechargeable storage batteries having a wide range of voltage output capacities. The device includes an electrical charging circuit having an input connection to a power source to provide the power required to permit recharging the batteries. The load controlled charging device also includes a load bank structured to draw a substantially constant electrical current from the power input, and may include a rectifier to convert an alternating current power supply to a direct current to be applied to the rechargeable storage batteries. Additionally, the load controlled battery charging device includes a charging current output connection structured to interconnect the electrical charging circuit to the rechargeable storage battery, at least during the charging operation.

Abstract: A circuit for battery charging is provided. The circuit provides a charge current to a battery, and regulates the charge current with either linear regulation or switching regulation, based on operating conditions. In one embodiment, if the input voltage minus the battery voltage is less than a threshold (e.g. 100 mV), linear regulation is employed, and if the input voltage minus the battery voltage is greater than the threshold (e.g. 100 mV), switching regulation is employed. The threshold may be fixed, or the threshold may be adjustable based on die temperature or charge current.

Abstract: The information processing apparatus includes: information processing unit configured to process various information; an interface capable of supplying electrical power to and communicating a signal with an electronic device external to the apparatus through a single connector; a power supply unit capable of supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface; electronic device detection unit configured to detect connection of the electronic device to the apparatus; external power supply detection unit configured to detect connection of an external power supply to the apparatus; and power supply control unit, when the connection of the electronic device and the external power supply to the apparatus are detected, configured to keep supplying electrical power to the electronic device even after deactivation of the apparatus, in the event an instruction to turn off a power supply of the apparatus or deactivate the apparatus is issued.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a battery charging and monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a host machine providing a plurality of charging slots and a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a plurality of batteries. The host machine is adapted to communicate with the plurality of wireless devices through a plurality of wireless links to monitor the plurality of batteries coupled to the wireless devices. According to another embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is adapted to couple with at least a rechargeable battery and to negotiate with the rechargeable battery for an agreed range of power parameters. The electronic device is further adapted to accept power from and to provide power to the rechargeable battery at the agreed range of power parameters.

Abstract: A multi charging current control circuit including a voltage reference unit, a current limiting unit, a current detector and a current control unit is provided. The voltage reference unit provides many reference voltages. The current limiting unit selects a corresponding reference voltage from the reference voltages according to a charge mode signal and outputs a control signal according to the corresponding reference voltage. The current detector detects a first and a second charging current. The current control unit controls the first charging current and the second charging current according to the control signal. The current detector feedbacks the first charging current and the second charging current detected to the current control unit, such that the current control unit adjusts the first charging current or the second charging current to make the sum of the first charging current and the second charging current less than or equal to a constant value.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for transferring electrical charge between accumulators of an accumulator arrangement includes a number of first series circuits, each connecting in parallel to one of the accumulators, and each comprising a switching element and an inductive storage element connected in series to the load path of the switching element. The circuit arrangement also includes a further series circuit connected in parallel to the accumulator arrangement and comprising a further switching element having a load path and a control terminal, and a further inductive element connected in series to the load path, the further inductive element being inductively coupled to the inductive elements of the first series circuits. The circuit arrangement also includes a control circuit comprising a number of first control outputs connected to the control terminals of the switching elements of the first series circuits, and a further control output connected to the control terminal of the further switching element.

Abstract: A car power source apparatus is provided with a battery having a plurality of battery modules connected in series on positive and negative sides of a midpoint reference node, and a voltage detection circuit that detects the voltage of one or a plurality of battery modules with respect to the midpoint reference node of the battery. The battery midpoint reference node of the power source apparatus is connected to the voltage detection circuit via a plurality of reference connection lines. Further, one or a plurality of conduction detection circuits connect to the reference connection lines, supply a voltage to each reference connection line, and detect current. The connection status of each reference connection line to the midpoint reference node is determined by this conduction detection circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying energy to a load includes an energy recharge unit, an energy storage unit, an energy converter connected to the energy recharge unit, the energy converter being capable of transferring energy at a power level from the energy recharge unit to an output node, the power level being determined by a power transfer controller, and a bi-directional energy converter connected to the energy storage unit and to the output node. The bi-directional energy converter is capable of converting energy of varying voltages from the energy storage unit to energy of varying current levels to supplement the transferred energy with energy from the energy storage unit so as to maintain a constant voltage on the output node. The bi-directional energy converter is capable of converting the transferred energy to provide charging energy to the energy storage unit when the transferred energy exceeds a demand level of the load while maintaining the constant voltage at the output node.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for determining the charge drawn by an energy storage battery starting from an initial state of charge at the start of the drawing of the charge includes determining the charge drawn as a function of an exponential function with a time constant. The time constant is defined at least as a function of the energy storage battery type and of the temperature of at least one of the battery temperature and the electrolyte temperature. The method may be carried out utilizing a monitoring device or a computer program.

Abstract: A charging control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a detecting circuit and a charging transistor control unit for controlling a charging transistor supplying a first current, a current source for supplying a second current, and a current source control unit for controlling the current source. For example, if a secondary battery is charged using an adaptor endowed with a current-limiting function, during a constant-current charging period in which a charging voltage of the secondary battery reaches 3.2 V to 4.2 V, the secondary battery is charged with the first current I1, and during a constant-voltage charging period after the voltage reaches 4.2 V, the secondary battery is charged with the first charging current and the second charging current.

Abstract: A battery backup system includes a control device including a power sensing device, a discharge circuit, a charging circuit, and a plurality of battery packs. A lower threshold is established representative of a minimum acceptable effective energy capacity. Each battery pack is recharged if its effective energy capacity falls below the lower threshold. Additionally, an upper threshold is established representative of the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity plus a performance margin. In a two battery-pack system, if both battery packs fall below the upper threshold, the battery with the least effective energy capacity is discharged to the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity and then recharged to the battery pack's maximum energy capacity. In this way, both battery packs are prevented from approaching the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity at the same time. This reduces the size or number of battery packs and reduces their associated cost and volume.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery by measuring the static/open circuit voltage and comparing it to a predetermined value includes: a first step of precharging the secondary battery; thereafter pausing a predetermined interval; a step of measuring a secondary battery voltage Vba1 after performing the pausing; and a step of charging the secondary battery based on the measurement of the secondary battery voltage Vba1.