Battery condition monitoring method and apparatus
First Claim
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1. A device for monitoring the condition of a dry cell battery, comprising:
- an external load in selective engagement with the battery;
a function generator connected to the battery and creating an output voltage as a function of battery terminal voltage;
timing means connected to the battery and the function generator for starting a timing period after application of said external load to the battery when the battery terminal voltage drops to a first level and terminating such period when the output voltage reaches a second level;
comparator means interconnected between the battery and the timing means for comparing the battery terminal voltage against preselected levels at the end of the test period and producing an output signal indicative of such comparison.
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Abstract
A battery condition monitoring device and technique which senses battery terminal voltage at a predetermined time period after initial loading of the battery and determines battery condition as a result of such tests. A function of the terminal voltage is created and the time period determined by the length of time required for that function to reach a predetermined level. The test is performed on the slope of the terminal voltage transient.
35 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A device for monitoring the condition of a dry cell battery, comprising:
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an external load in selective engagement with the battery; a function generator connected to the battery and creating an output voltage as a function of battery terminal voltage; timing means connected to the battery and the function generator for starting a timing period after application of said external load to the battery when the battery terminal voltage drops to a first level and terminating such period when the output voltage reaches a second level; comparator means interconnected between the battery and the timing means for comparing the battery terminal voltage against preselected levels at the end of the test period and producing an output signal indicative of such comparison. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A circuit for monitoring the charge-retaining capability of a rechargeable wet cell battery, comprising:
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an external load in selective engagement with the battery; a timing circuit connected to the battery and beginning a test period upon the battery terminal voltage reaching a particular level; a function generator means connected to the battery and the timing circuit for producing an output signal as a function of the battery terminal voltage, the output of the function generator determining the end of the test period when said output reaches a predetermined level; comparator circuits connected to the battery, comparing the battery terminal voltage at the end of the test period with preselected levels and producing outputs corresponding to such comparisons; and indicator means connected to the comparator circuits and receiving the output signals thereof for producing visual indicia of battery condition. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification