Emergency battery cell monitor

• US 4,625,201 A
• Filed: 09/24/1984
• Issued: 11/25/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Electronimec Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Robert J. Berry
• Inventors: Berry, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rowland, James L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/653,894
• Time in Patent Office: 792 Days
• Field of Search: 340/636, 340/59, 73/32 R, 73/291, 204/129, 204/292, 204/293, 324/432, 324/435, 320/48
• US Class Current: 340/636.13
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/378 specially adapted for the type of battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/181 due to failing power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/484 for measuring electrolyte level, electrolyte density or electrolyte conductivity
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A wet cell battery monitor developed to monitor both electrolyte fluid level and electrolyte fluid charge (specific gravity) of a single cell. The monitor includes a probe and appropriate circuitry. The probe is adapted for insertion into a cell for monitoring and is connected to two circuits which are interconnected. Both include resistors, preferably variable, and include induction coil type relay switches. Blocking diodes are preferably used to maintain the independent integrity of each of the two circuit, one which warns of fluid level drop off and the other of a decrease in electrolyte fluid charge. The two circuits each drop off independenly in response to specific gravity (state of charge) and to fluid level, respectively, setting off alarms, e.g. visual or audio signals.

Claims

1. A wet cell battery monitor for single cell monitoring of both electrolyte fluid level and electrolyte fluid charge, which comprises:

(a) a conductive probe adapted for insertion into a single cell of a wet cell battery to a predetermined depth, said predetermined depth corresponding to a minimum acceptable electrolyte fluid level contained within said single cell, said probe further adapted to function conductively when inserted when said electrolyte fluid level is at or above said minimum acceptable electrolyte fluid level and to function nonconductively when said electrolyte fluid level is below said minimum acceptable electrolyte fluid level;

(b) a first circuit connectively related to said probe, said first circuit having a first resistor of a predetermined resistance and having a relay induction coil switching means precalibrated to drop out in response to a decrease in the current from the electrolyte fluid through the probe, based on a predetermined minimum acceptable specific gravity of said electrolyte fluid;

(c) first warning means connected to said first circuit so as to indicate that said drop out has occurred, signifying a decrease of the electrolyte specific gravity below said predetermined minimum acceptable specific gravity;

(d) a second circuit connectively related to said first circuit, said second circuit having a second resistor of a predetermined resistance and a second relay induction coil switching means precalibrated to drop out in response to a change in the current from said probe from functioning conductively to functioning non-conductively as the result of said electrolyte fluid level falling below said minimum acceptable electrolyte fluid level;

(e) second warning means connected to said second circuit so as to indicate that said drop out has occurred, signifying an electrolyte fluid level below said minimum acceptable electrolyte fluid level;

(f) a blocking diode connected to at least one of said first and second circuits so as to assure independent and distinct functioning of each of said first and second circuits;

(g) a reset means electrically connected to said first and second circuits so as to enable the resetting of said switches after a drop out has occurred; and

,

(h) a terminal block connectively related to said first and second circuits so as to be capable of functional connection to said battery being monitored and to any power source desired.

2. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein said warning means are visual means.

3. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein said warning means are audio means.

4. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein said probe is tungsten.

5. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein at least one of said resistors is adjustable.

6. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein said first and second circuits are encased in acid-resistant plastic.

7. The wet cell battery monitoring device of claim 6 wherein said probe is tungsten and said probe has an acid seal retainer adapted to cap off and seal the electrolyte fluid of a cell being tested.

8. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein a resistor in said first circuit and a resistor in said second circuit are both adjustable.

9. The wet cell battery monitor of claim 1 wherein said warning means are visual warning means comprising blinking lights.