Batteries and Battery Monitoring and Charging Systems
First Claim
1. A battery comprising:
- a plurality of rechargeable cells connected in series;
first and second power terminals, each connected to a respective end of the series connection of rechargeable cells;
a first connector for connecting to a battery charger, the first connector having connector contacts connected to each of the plurality of rechargeable cells;
the first connector also having connector contacts coupled to a serial communication link;
a processor coupled to sense the voltage of each rechargeable cell and control the serial communication link for communication of rechargeable cell voltages when a charger is connected to the first connector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Batteries and battery monitoring and charging systems. The preferred battery has a plurality of rechargeable cells connected in series, first and second power terminals, each connected to a respective end of the series connection of rechargeable cells, a first connector for connecting to a battery charger, the first connector having connector contacts connected to each of the plurality of rechargeable cells, the first connector also having connector contacts coupled to a serial communication link, and a processor coupled to sense the voltage of each rechargeable cell and control the serial communication link for communication of rechargeable cell voltages when a charger is connected to the first connector. The charger communicates with the battery over the serial communication link to monitor cell temperature, and to charge each cell individually in a controlled manner. Various features and capabilities are disclosed.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A battery comprising:
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a plurality of rechargeable cells connected in series; first and second power terminals, each connected to a respective end of the series connection of rechargeable cells; a first connector for connecting to a battery charger, the first connector having connector contacts connected to each of the plurality of rechargeable cells; the first connector also having connector contacts coupled to a serial communication link; a processor coupled to sense the voltage of each rechargeable cell and control the serial communication link for communication of rechargeable cell voltages when a charger is connected to the first connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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- 14. A battery charger having multiple rechargeable cells, the battery charger having at least one cable and connector for connecting to a connector on a battery, and when connected to a battery, the battery charger being adapted to communicate with a battery over a serial communication link to determine rechargeable cell voltages for each rechargeable cell in a battery, and provide a charging current to each rechargeable cell of a battery responsive to its voltage.
Specification