PORTABLE BATTERY RECHARGE STATION

• US 20080258680A1
• Filed: 06/26/2008
• Published: 10/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Frerking, Melvin D., Watts, Alonzo L., Parker, John Keith
• Granted Patent: US 7,719,228 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/107
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00041 in response to measured battery parameters, e.g. voltage, current or temperature profile
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries

Abstract

A system and method for recharging secondary batteries. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a supervisory circuit, a voltage converter, a portable power source, and one or more of a holder and a socket. The holder is adapted to receive a specific type of secondary battery of a portable device. The socket is adapted to mate with a plug of a device-specific charging cord connected to the portable device. Each of the holder and the plug can be associated with a programming resistor that provides a voltage requirement of the secondary battery. When the secondary battery is either placed in the holder or is connected to the socket, the supervisory circuit communicates with the voltage converter to supply the appropriate voltage required to recharge the secondary battery. The voltage converter receives power from the portable power source. The voltage converter can convert the voltage of the portable power source up (i.e., increasing the voltage) or down (i.e., decreasing the voltage) as appropriate to recharge the secondary battery as instructed by the supervisory circuit. The portable power source of the portable battery recharge station can be one of several types of power sources. For example, the portable power source can be replaceable, rechargeable, or renewable.

Claims

1. A portable battery recharge station comprising:

(a) a holder adapted to receive a secondary battery having a voltage requirement;

(b) a programming resistor connected to the holder, wherein the voltage requirement can be determined from the value of the programming resistor;

(c) a supervisory circuit connected to the programming resistor;

(d) a voltage converter connected to the supervisory circuit and the holder; and

(e) a portable power source connected to the voltage converter,

wherein when the secondary battery is placed in the holder, the supervisory circuit determines the voltage requirement based on the resistance of the programming resistor,

wherein the supervisory circuit instructs the voltage converter to supply a voltage to the holder in accordance with the voltage requirement, and

wherein the voltage converter receives power from the portable power source, converts the power in accordance with the voltage requirement, and supplies the converted power to the secondary battery.

2-24. -24. (canceled)