Abstract: An apparatus and method for recharging non-rechargeable batteries. Utilizes a non-zero offset voltage at a non-zero frequency (a combined DC and AC voltage) to charge a “non-rechargeable” DC battery at a desired voltage. The direct current is used to charge a DC battery and the alternating current is used to perform chemical compound ion reversals at a sufficient speed to allow the dc to penetrate the layers of stratified charges created in the battery during normal use discharge. These stratified charge layers normally act as resistances to DC charging when standard DC battery chargers are employed in an attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries, such as primary alkaline batteries. The stratified layers act as capacitors to DC, not allowing them to pass the charged layer, but rather resist the DC and create heat and resulting pressure that can eventually cause leakage.

Abstract: A method is described for a dissolving crystals formed in a side reaction to an oxidation-reduction reaction. A low frequency substantially square wave signal less than 10 kilohertz is applied across the battery terminals to dissolve unwanted crystals.

Abstract: The battery pack according to the present invention is to avoid any trouble or the like of the primary or secondary battery inside the battery pack with a simple mechanical construction when a load is intermittently connected between the external terminals of the battery pack. For this end, the battery pack includes at least the battery cell and a protection circuit for shutting off overcurrent discharge and features in the provision of shut-off holding means and releasing means. The shut-off holding means maintains discharge shut-off condition after abnormal discharge shut-off by shorting or connecting a low resistance between the external plus terminal and the external minus terminal from outside of the battery pack. The releasing means releases the shut-off condition of the shut-off holding means when a predetermined voltage is applied between the external plus terminal and the external minus terminal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a lithium-ion based rechargeable battery in a short time is provided.

Abstract: A highly efficient fast charger for high capacity batteries and methods for fast charging high capacity batteries. The fast charger preferably comprises a rectified AC input of single or preferably three phases, with an optional power factor corrected input, minimally filtered with high frequency, high ripple current capacitors, which is switched with a power switching circuit in the “buck” configuration into an inductor/capacitor output filter. Metallized film capacitors are employed, to minimize the rectified 360 Hertz AC component filtering while providing transient switch protection and ripple current requirements for the buck regulator, to provide a high current fast charger with substantially improved power factor. High power, high frequency switching with minimized output filter size provides a highly filtered DC output. The fast charger is adapted to be constructed in a modular design for simple maintenance.

Abstract: By determining charging current Ichar and then subsequently utilising that determination of charging current Ichar in relation to battery current Ibat and load current Iload as a result of operation of a phone or other electronic device it is possible periodically to adjust the necessary charging current in order to operate the device in terms of recharging the battery to a target charging voltage, as well as providing adequate electrical current for operation of the associated phone or other electronic device.

Abstract: A charging circuit for a secondary battery includes a constant-voltage circuit part outputting one of a plurality of predetermined constant voltages and charges the secondary battery by applying the constant voltage thereto, a detection circuit part detecting a battery voltage of the secondary battery, and a control circuit part controlling the selection of the constant-voltage in response to the detected battery voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for charging a high-voltage battery of a hybrid electric vehicle. The high-voltage battery charging apparatus comprises a battery charger configured to provide electrical energy, a battery module configured to store the electrical energy provided by the battery charger, and a high-voltage bus coupled to the battery charger and the battery module, which is configured to transmit the electrical energy from the battery charger and battery module to the electrical system of the hybrid electric vehicle. In addition, the high-voltage battery charging apparatus comprises a bus contactor interposed between the high-voltage bus and the battery charger, which is bus contactor configured to provide a first substantial electrical isolation between the battery charger and the high-voltage bus during a charging period of the battery module.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for the rapid charging of a lithium-ion battery. A charging algorithm is applied to modify a charging pulses frequency, duty cycle and amplitude depending on the measurement of the battery temperature. The charging algorithm is based on the chemical Diffusion Coefficient of the battery, with this Diffusion Coefficient, in turn, dependent on the type of solvent system, the type of electrolyte, and the temperature of the battery.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery is provided. The method includes applying an excitation current pulse to the battery to determine the battery type and whether the battery is capable of holding a charge. To charge the battery, a series of current pulses are applied in groups with the average current being reduced for each succeeding group to take advantage of changing battery charge acceptance. When the voltage of the battery matches a predetermined value, application of the current pulse groups is ended. A single current pulse is then applied to complete the battery charge.

Abstract: A charging circuit for a secondary battery includes a constant-voltage circuit part outputting one of a plurality of predetermined constant voltages and charges the secondary battery by applying the constant voltage thereto, a detection circuit part detecting a battery voltage of the secondary battery, and a control circuit part controlling the selection of the constant-voltage in response to the detected battery voltage.

Abstract: A second battery charging apparatus includes a voltage detecting circuit, a current detecting circuit, a charging circuit, and a charge control circuit. The voltage detecting circuit detects a battery voltage of the second battery and accordingly outputs a signal. The current detecting circuit detects a battery current supplied to the second battery and accordingly outputs a signal. The charging circuit executes a current supply control to perform the charging to the second battery such that the battery voltage becomes equal to a voltage predetermined based on control signals and also that the charging current becomes equal to a current predetermined based on the control signals. The charge control circuit instructs the charging circuit with the control signals to set the battery voltage and the charge current in response to a voltage indicated by the signal from the voltage detecting circuit.

Abstract: A charging circuit for a secondary battery includes a constant-voltage circuit part outputting one of a plurality of predetermined constant voltages and charges the secondary battery by applying the constant voltage thereto, a detection circuit part detecting a battery voltage of the secondary battery, and a control circuit part controlling the selection of the constant-voltage in response to the detected battery voltage.

Abstract: A battery charging and/or DC power supply circuitry employs a control circuit through an SCR drive circuit and an MOS drive circuit to control when to turn on/off a semiconductor switch unit and to turn on the semiconductor switch unit while an initial section of each positive half wave of an AC power source and an terminating section of the same are located below a predetermined level for intercepting partial power for charging. While charging a battery, the circuitry is lightweight, small-sized, and to enhance the life of the battery. While being a DC power supply, the circuitry is small-sized, high-efficiency, and low-cost.

Abstract: Capacitor based pulse forming networks and related methods are provided which require fewer inductors are that pulsed more frequently to provide a smaller, lower mass, and lower inductance pulse forming network having better pulse shaping characteristics than conventional pulse forming networks. In one implementation, the invention can be characterized as a capacitor based pulse forming network comprising a plurality of inductors adapted to be coupled to a load, a plurality of capacitor units, and a plurality of switches. Each switch couples a respective capacitor unit to a respective inductor, wherein multiple capacitor units are coupled to each inductor by separate switches. The plurality of switches are adapted to non-simultaneously discharge the multiple capacitor units to provide non-simultaneous pulses through a given inductor to the load and not through other inductors. The non-simultaneous pulses form at least a portion of an output pulse waveform to the load.

Abstract: An alternator tester includes an alternator output measurement circuit configured to measure an electrical output of an alternator. A microprocessor determines a alternator condition as a function of the electrical output. The microprocessor encrypts information and provides an encrypted output which is related to the alternator electrical output. A method includes outputting such encrypted data.

Abstract: In a method and system for generating a regulated direct current (DC) voltage output of a voltage regulator module (VRM) to power a device of the information handling system, an activity input, which is indicative of levels of activity of a processor included in the device, is received by the controller module. The controller module selects a first switching frequency from a plurality of switching frequencies of the VRM. The first switching frequency corresponds to a first level of activity. A charge switch is operable to receive a DC voltage input and generate a switched IDC voltage output having the first switching frequency. A discharge switch is operable to provide a discharge path for the switched DC voltage signal while the charge switch is open. A filter module is operable to filter the first switching frequency from the switched DC voltage output and generate the regulated DC voltage output.

Abstract: The charger includes a controller, a battery power source having at least two power settings connected to the controller, a power supply connectable to an outside power source, the power supply receiving a current and voltage from the outside power source for providing power to at least one of the controller and the battery power source, and a foldback circuit for switching between two power settings depending upon at least one of the current and voltage received from the outside power source.

Abstract: Method for treatment, in the form of regeneration, of accumulators having at least one cell, preferably lead batteries, in which a varying direct voltage from a charging unit is applied in intermittent current supply periods, which are interrupted by current free pauses, the direct voltage being sufficient to generate gas in the accumulator. During the treatment process, process data is registered, for at least one cell in the accumulator, which process data is used in order to control the treatment process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of charging a rechargeable device (108) and a charging apparatus wherein the rechargeable device (108) is connected to a battery connection port (107) and ground (106), an external DC source having an input voltage (114) is connected to an input resistor (101) of a charging apparatus, a current reference value (109) and a voltage reference value (110) are fed to a control unit (104), a duty cycle (d) is determined in accordance with the current reference value (109) and the voltage reference value (110) fed to the control unit (104), and, using the duty cycle (d), an output voltage (402, 403) applied to the rechargeable device (108) is switched between a minimum output voltage (404) and a maximum output voltage (405) dependent on the current reference value (109) an the voltage reference value (110) by means of a charging switch (103).

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for charging a rechargeable battery having non-liquid electrolyte, which battery has an internal resonance frequency. The charging process contains at least one charging interval performed with current pulses, the frequency of said current pulses is essentially identical with the internal resonance frequency of the battery to be charged. Following the charging interval consists of periodic current pulses optionally a second relaxation interval is inserted, in which no charging current is applied to the rechargeable battery, within which optionally a second discharging interval is applied. After the second relaxation interval the charging is performed in an interval consists of a continuous charging current, whereafter an optional first relaxation interval is inserted, within which optionally a second discharging interval is applied. This sequence of the above steps can be varied and applied repeatedly until the full charge of the battery is attained.

Abstract: A high frequency charger includes a charge circuit for charging a depleted battery and a boost circuit for jump-starting a vehicle. Two separate high frequency transformers are provided for the charge and boost circuits. A selector switch selectively activates at least one of the charging circuit and the boost circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery fabricated by the same. In this method, an electrolyte is placed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode to prepare an electrode element, and the electrode element is pulse charged.

Abstract: A highly efficient fast charger for high capacity batteries and methods for fast charging high capacity batteries. The fast charger preferably comprises a rectified AC input of single or preferably three phases, with an optional power factor corrected input, minimally filtered with high frequency, high ripple current capacitors, which is switched with a power switching circuit in the “buck” configuration into an inductor/capacitor output filter. Metallized film capacitors are employed, to minimize the rectified 360 Hertz AC component filtering while providing transient switch protection and ripple current requirements for the buck regulator, to provide a high current fast charger with substantially improved power factor. High power, high frequency switching with minimized output filter size provides a highly filtered DC output. The fast charger is adapted to be constructed in a modular design for simple maintenance.

Abstract: A battery charger method and apparatus are disclosed for providing detailed battery status and charging method information for a selected one of multiple batteries that are simultaneously coupled to the battery charger. The battery charger includes a controller. The controller selects one of the batteries to monitor and charge. The controller then starts a measurement cycle for the selected battery. During the measurement cycle, the controller determines current battery characteristics of the selected battery. The controller determines whether the selected battery is ready for charging by determining whether the battery characteristics of the selected battery are within a specified range. If the controller determines that the selected battery is ready for charging, the controller causes the battery charger to start charging the battery. If the controller determines that the selected battery is not ready for charging, the controller selects another battery to monitor and charge.

Abstract: A method of reducing the build-up of lead sulphate in an electric lead/acid accumulator (1) through pulsing an electric current through the accumulator, where one or more pulse generator(s) (10) is/are electrically connected to the individual cells (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) of the accumulator (1) by means of leads (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g). Means at pulse generator (10) for connection to an electric lead/acid accumulator, where one or more pulse generator(s) (10) is/are electrically connected to the individual cells (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) of the accumulator (1) via leads (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g).

Abstract: A two-phase solid-state battery charger can receive input energy from a variety of sources including AC current, a battery, a DC generator, a DC-to-DC inverter, solar cells or any other compatible source of input energy. Phase I is the charge phase and phase II the discharge phase wherein a signal or current passes through a dual timing switch that controls independently two channels dividing the two phases. The dual timing switch is controlled by a logic chip or pulse width modulator. A potential charge is allowed to build up in a capacitor bank, the capacitor bank is then disconnected from the energy input source and then pulse charged at high voltage into the battery to receive the charge. The momentary disconnection of the capacitor from the input energy source allows for a free-floating potential charge in the capacitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a battery. A voltage controlled charger applies an initial charging signal and measures the battery terminal voltage. If the measured terminal voltage exceeds an upper threshold, the charger reduces the charging signal. If the measured terminal voltage falls below a lower threshold, the charger increases the charging signal. If the measured terminal voltage falls between the upper and the lower thresholds, the charger maintains the charging signal. Thereby, the charger substantially prevents the charging signal from exceeding the battery gassing potential during the charging process. The method and apparatus also desulfate deeply discharged batteries. The method and apparatus monitor a ripple voltage associated with the battery terminals to assess battery charge acceptance and battery quality. The amount of tolerable ripple voltage preferably decreases as the charging process proceeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery charger of mobile phone capable of charging a battery rapidly and fully, by charging the battery rapidly with pulse up to a predetermined level of the charging capacity of the battery, and then by charging with constant voltage until the battery is fully charged, and a charging method for the same; the battery charger comprising: a main control means, which controls pulse voltage charging and constant voltage charging based on the charging state of the battery; a constant voltage charging control means, which controls charging of the battery with constant voltage under control of the above main control means; a pulse charging control means, which detects charging voltage of the battery and controls charging of the battery with pulse voltage based on the detected charging voltage under control of the above main control means; and a charging means, which charges the battery by outputting pulse voltage or constant voltage after DC power has been applied under control of t

Abstract: Method of testing a lead battery for the purpose of charging it under optimal conditions, characterized in that it consists in testing the lead battery for the purpose of obtaining information relating to its condition by applying a test current and/or pulse thereto and by increasing the voltage at the battery terminals.

Abstract: A highly efficient fast charger for high capacity batteries and methods for fast charging high capacity batteries. The fast charger preferably comprises a rectified AC input of single or preferably three phases, with an optional power factor corrected input, minimally filtered with high frequency, high ripple current capacitors, which is switched with a power switching circuit in the “buck” configuration into an inductor/capacitor output filter. Metallized film capacitors are employed, to minimize the rectified 360 Hertz AC component filtering while providing transient switch protection and ripple current requirements for the buck regulator, to provide a high current fast charger with substantially improved power factor. High power, high frequency switching with minimized output filter size provides a highly filtered DC output. The fast charger is adapted to be constructed in a modular design for simple maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery fabricated by the same. In this method, an electrolyte is placed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode to prepare an electrode element, and the electrode element is pulse charged.

Abstract: A monolithically formed battery charger may be fabricated as an integral part of a multifunctional integrated circuit or as independent monolithically formed integrated circuit.

Abstract: A power source circuit is provided which is capable of improving an efficiency of using energy of a chemical battery cell and of responding suitably to an intermittent change in a load current. Since, during a load burst period in an odd-numbered order, a load is driven by power accumulated in a first power storing section and, during a load burst period in an even-numbered order, a load is driven by power accumulated in a second power storing section, even if a duty ratio of the load burst period in one period during which the load burst period occurs intermittently exceeds fifty percent, energy required during the load burst period is fed from the first or the second power storing section and the chemical battery cell does not discharge during the load burst period.

Abstract: A pulse charger that utilizes a charging strategy to compensate the physical characteristic of a secondary battery. That is, electrical current is supplied is based on the electric voltage of a secondary battery. According to the above concept, the pulse charger of the invention mainly contains: an on/off switch, a switch control circuit and a counter control circuit. The counter control circuit connects to the secondary battery to generate a resonant frequency that is in proportion to the electric voltage. The switch control circuit utilizes the resonant frequency output to control the on/off switchcounter control circuit for switching between the power and the secondary battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging a rechargeable battery with a current from a controllable current source. In order to adjust the rated current of the controllable current source, at least one operating parameter of the rechargeable battery, such as the rechargeable battery voltage which is produced as a consequence of a charging process, is detected. A pulsed control signal with a duty ratio which corresponds to the desired rated current is produced as a function of the operating parameter. The duty ratio of the pulsed control signal is evaluated, and the rated current of the current source is adjusted as a function of the duty ratio of the pulsed control signal.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for pulsated charging of batteries that comprises: an alternating current source that has a predetermined inductance; a pair of bridge branches each comprising a parallel arrangement of a capacitor and a semiconductor switch element being preferably a diode or a thyristor, and the branches are connected to respective ones of the terminals of the source in such a way that the semiconductor elements in both branches are connected with similar electrodes to the associated one of the terminals; and a rectifier with alternative current terminals connected to the free ends of the bridge branches and with direct current terminals connected to the battery to be charged.

Abstract: An uniterruptible power supply (UPS) system that includes one or more NiMH or Li-ion batteries is provided. In one general aspect, the invention features a power supply system including a power input to receive input power from a power source, a power output to provide output power to a load, at least one NiMH or Li-ion battery having a battery output that provides battery power, at least one power module coupled to the power input to receive the input power, coupled to the battery output to receive the battery power and coupled to the power output to provide the output power, a controller, coupled to the at least one power module, constructed and arranged to monitor and control the output power from the at least one power module. A UPS system using a NiMH or Li-ion battery typically uses less space and weigh less than a UPS having a lead acid battery. Additionally, NiMH and Li-ion batteries perform better at temperature extremes than do comparable lead acid batteries.

Abstract: The battery unit includes a storage battery (AC) with an integral charge control circuit (CC). The charge control circuit (CC) includes a switch (S) adapted to prevent or allow charging current (Ic) to flow into the storage battery (AC), said switch (S) being controlled by a measuring system for measuring at least one physical parameter (T1, Tn, Vb) representative of the state of the storage battery (AC) in order to command successive opening and closing of the switch (S) to chop said charging current (Ic) if said measured physical parameter crosses a predetermined threshold The end of charging of the storage battery is then optimized by the battery unit itself, so that a simple constant current generator is sufficient to charge the storage battery satisfactorily.

Abstract: A single integrated circuit package for controlling the charging circuits of a battery charger. The single integrated circuit package comprises a microcontroller, switch mode power supply controller(s), analog to digital converter and analog input multiplexer which may be fabricated on a single integrated circuit die, or the microcontroller may be on one integrated circuit die, and the remaining aforementioned circuits may be on a second integrated circuit die. The switch mode power supply controller is adapted for connection to a power converter which is used to control the voltage and/or current to a battery being charged. The power converter may also be on the same integrated circuit die as the switch mode power supply controller, or may be on a separate semiconductor die but included in the single integrated circuit package. Single or multiple batteries may be charged using charging algorithms specifically tailored to each battery.

Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes first and second Kelvin connections configured to couple to the battery. A forcing function applies a time varying signal to the battery through the first and second Kelvin connections. Further, a resistive load is configured to couple across the first and second terminals of the battery and draw a relatively large current. The storage battery is tested as a function of a dynamic parameter measured through the first and second Kelvin connections and as a function of a response of the storage battery to the relatively large current drawn through the resistive load.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle electrical system tester includes a starter motor or charging system voltage measurement circuit configured to measure a voltage of an electrical system of a vehicle. A microprocessor is configured to diagnose the electrical system as a function of the measured voltage and responsively output the diagnosed condition on a display. The microprocessor is further configured to encrypt the diagnosed condition and responsively output encrypted information related to the condition.

Abstract: A battery charging control method is disclosed, which can reduce the charging time a low-temperature battery without providing an additional heating system. The method includes executing a first pulsed charging and discharging operation when the battery temperature T is lower than a first predetermined temperature (e.g., 0° C.), wherein the amount of charging is equal to the amount of discharging; and switching from the first pulsed charging and discharging operation to a second pulsed charging and discharging operation when the battery temperature exceeds the first predetermined temperature, wherein in the second pulsed charging and discharging operation, the amount of discharging is less than the amount of charging. Therefore, it is possible to accomplish not only heating but also charging. When the battery temperature T exceeds a second predetermined temperature (e.g., 10° C.), a normal charging operation is performed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for battery charging provide a charging cycle in which charging periods alternate with discharging periods. During the charging periods a lead acid battery is charged at a rate of about 0.55×C amperes to about 0.65×C amperes, where C is the battery capacity in ampere hours. The charging periods have durations of about 60 to 180 seconds. During the discharging periods the battery is discharged at a rate in the range of about 0.05×C to about 0.07×C. The discharge periods have durations of about 10 to 20 seconds. By introducing discharging periods while charging the battery, the battery's internal resistance is deceased and less heat is generated during charging. The charging time is about 1-2.5 hours for lead-acid batteries.

Abstract: A portable, rechargeable device for boost-charging a discharged target battery is equipped with current sensing and regulation circuitry. The device may be used, for example, for boost-charging through a cigarette lighter socket or directly. Such circuitry permits very rapid charging using voltages greater than the nominal voltage of the target battery without blowing a fuse of the cigarette lighter socket or damaging sensitive onboard electronics.

Abstract: A charging method of a rechargeable battery includes steps of: charging the rechargeable battery with a constant current; charging the rechargeable battery with a constant voltage or with a current having a pulse waveform; and when a charging current is decreased so as to be equal to or lower than a predetermined current value, or when an average charging current for a single pulse of the current having a pulse waveform is decreased so as to be equal to or lower than a predetermined current value, determining that the rechargeable battery has been fully charged and stopping the charging of the rechargeable battery, wherein a temperature of the rechargeable battery is measured, and the predetermined current value at which the charging of the rechargeable battery is stopped is adjusted according to the measured temperature.

Abstract: An automotive battery charging system tester for testing the charging system of an automotive vehicle includes AC and DC voltage measurement circuits and a microprocessor controlled testing sequence. The microprocessor is used to perform a series of tests and to instruct an operator to perform steps associated with performing those tests. Through the application of various loads at various engine speeds, the tester is capable of identifying faults in the battery charging system including a bad battery, problems in the alternator or associated electronics, and problems in the starting system.

Abstract: A battery monitor is provided for use with a battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery monitor can provide real time battery condition measurements and can selectively control the charging of the battery through an alternator of the vehicle based upon the measured battery condition.