Method and Apparatus For Charging Batteries
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for charging batteries includes using an input rectifier to receive an ac input and provide a dc signal. A converter receives the dc signal and provides a converter output. An output circuit receives the converter output and provides a battery charging signal. A controller preferably controls the converter to power factor correct. The system can include multiple output circuits, used either singly or at the same time, and designed for one or more voltages. They can be user removable. Preferably, the converter output has a magnitude independent of a range of frequencies and a range of magnitudes of the ac input, and the range can be, for example, at least a factor of two or at least two utility voltages. The controller includes a charging schedule module that receives feedback, such as voltage and/or current feedback and/or temperature feedback. The output circuit, such as a dc-dc converter, is controlled in response to the feedback in other embodiments. The battery type may be sensed or input by a user, and the charging done in response to the battery type. A defective battery sensor is preferably included, with a user-noticeable indicator.
11 Citations
103 Claims
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1-55. -55. (canceled)
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56. A battery charging system, comprising:
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an input circuit, configured to receive an input signal and to provide a first dc signal; a plurality of user-removable output circuits, each configured to receive the first de signal and each designed to provide a battery charging signal at a desired voltage and a desired current, wherein a chosen one of the plurality is connected at a time; and a controller, configured to provide at least one control signal to the chosen one output circuit. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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68. A method of battery charging, comprising:
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converting an input signal to a first dc signal; and selecting one of a plurality of user-removable output circuits, each designed for a battery voltage, and using the selected output circuit, changing the first dc signal into a second de signal having a current suitable for battery charging. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77)
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78. A battery charging system, comprising:
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converter means for receiving an input signal and providing a converter output; and a plurality of user-removable output means for receiving the converter output and providing a battery charging signal, wherein each output means is further for providing the battery charging at a desired voltage, wherein a selected one of the plurality is connected to the converter means at one time. - View Dependent Claims (79, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89)
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90. A battery charging system, comprising:
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an input circuit, configured to receive an input signal and to provide a first dc signal; a plurality of output circuits, each configured to receive the first dc signal and each designed to provide a battery charging signal at a desired voltage and a desired current, and a controller, configured to provide at least one control signal to each of the plurality of output circuits. - View Dependent Claims (91, 92, 93, 94)
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95. A method of battery charging, comprising:
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converting an input signal to a first dc signal; and using a plurality of output circuits, each designed for a battery voltage, to change the first dc signal into a plurality of charging dc signals suitable for battery charging. - View Dependent Claims (96, 97, 98)
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99. A battery charging system, comprising:
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converter means for receiving an input signal and providing a converter output; and a plurality of output means for receiving the converter output and providing a plurality of battery charging signals. - View Dependent Claims (100, 101, 102, 103)
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Specification