Abstract: A modification to existing mono-block battery design for positively indicating the operating condition of the battery. The voltage of two groups of internal series connected cells are measured and compared. An indicator of one color indicates the battery is operating normally, an indicator of a contrasting color indicates the battery is defective.

Abstract: A device for rapidly testing a battery includes a conditioning resistor and a depressible momentary type switch interposed in series between the conditioning resistor and the battery terminals, such that the closing of the switch allows current flow through the conditioning resistor in approximately the full amount the battery can generate when fully charged. In parallel with the conditioning resistor are a number of sets of voltage dividers and comparators working in conjunction with each other to compare a divided down battery voltage with a fixed voltage reference. Each comparator has an associated indicator light such that all the indicator lights will light up if the battery is at full capacity, but less than all the indicator lights will light up if the battery is at less than full capacity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accurately measuring charge storage system operating conditions in a vehicle. A measurement circuit produces an electrical response at an output which varies linearly with battery voltage levels. The circuit is calibrated to provide an output only for a voltage range above a specified battery voltage level in order to improve the resolution in detecting these levels using a standard electrical level detector such an ammeter or voltmeter. The measurement circuit is connected to a display circuit for indicating at least one charge storage system operating condition based on the terminal voltage of the battery. The measurement circuit also includes an output damper to limit the large, rapid output variations experienced during vehicle start and circuitry for compensating for variations in circuit performance due to temperature variations.

Abstract: The battery tester of the present invention includes a heating element for generating heat in response to current supplied from a battery, and an indicator provided in proximity to the heating element for providing a visual indication of the remaining capacity of the battery in response to the heat generated by the heating element. The heating element has a display portion and first and second connecting portions on either side of the display portion that are selectively coupled to opposite terminals of the battery. The connecting portions of the heating elements have a lower resistivity than the display portion thereby reducing the heat generated at the switch contacts that are pressed by the user to activate the tester.

Abstract: The battery tester of the present invention includes a heating element coupled to opposite terminals of a battery for generating heat in response to current supplied from the battery, and an indicator provided in proximity to the heating element. The indicator has a visual property that changes in response to the heat generated by the heating element. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the heating element is made of a variable resistivity material having a resistivity that changes in response to ambient temperature. By using a variable resistivity material that has a resistivity that increases as ambient temperature increases, a thermochromic on-label battery tester may be provided that is automatically calibrated to provide an accurate indication of the remaining battery capacity regardless of the ambient temperatures at which the battery tester may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus has a display (D) on which the signs which appear on the display during a cycle of use of the apparatus are displayed in an accelerated manner in a demonstration mode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accurately measuring charge storage system operating conditions in a vehicle. A measurement circuit produces an electrical response at an output which varies linearly with voltage levels measured via a remote connection to the battery terminals. The circuit is calibrated to provide that electrical levels are produced at the output only over a voltage range above a specified voltage level at the battery terminals in order to improve the resolution in detecting these levels using a standard electrical level detector such an ammeter or voltmeter. The measurement circuit is connected to a display circuit for indicating at least one charge storage system operating condition based on the terminal voltage of the battery. Alternatively, the measurement circuit may be connected to a display circuit for indicating the specific gravity of the battery based on the terminal voltage of the battery.