Power sharing method and circuit for simultaneously charging multiple loads
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A charging circuit comprising:
- a. a power supply electrically coupled to the charging circuit;
b. at least two connections for electrically coupling to at least two rechargeable batteries;
c. current sensing circuitry electrically coupled to a first connection for electrically coupling to a first rechargeable battery;
d. a reference voltage;
e. circuitry for comparing an output of the current sensing circuitry to the reference voltage; and
f. a switch electrically coupled serially between the power supply and at least a second connection for electrically coupling to at least a second rechargeable battery;
wherein when the output of the current sensing circuitry exceeds the reference voltage, the circuitry for comparing the output of the current sensing circuitry actuates the switch.
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Abstract
This invention includes a circuit for charging multiple batteries simultaneously. The circuit monitors the amount of current being delivered to a first battery and compares it to a maximum available current. The circuit then delivers the difference to at least a second battery. The circuit includes a current sensing resistor and comparator for actuating a series switch to electrically couple and decouple a second battery depending upon the demands of the first battery. An optional microprocessor can manipulate a reference threshold to allow simultaneous charging of multiple batteries. The invention greatly reduces the time needed to charge a primary and spare battery.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A charging circuit comprising:
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a. a power supply electrically coupled to the charging circuit;
b. at least two connections for electrically coupling to at least two rechargeable batteries;
c. current sensing circuitry electrically coupled to a first connection for electrically coupling to a first rechargeable battery;
d. a reference voltage;
e. circuitry for comparing an output of the current sensing circuitry to the reference voltage; and
f. a switch electrically coupled serially between the power supply and at least a second connection for electrically coupling to at least a second rechargeable battery;
wherein when the output of the current sensing circuitry exceeds the reference voltage, the circuitry for comparing the output of the current sensing circuitry actuates the switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A charger for charging two or more batteries, the charger comprising:
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a. at least two pockets, the at least two pockets comprising at least one first pocket and at least one second pocket;
b. a power supply electrically coupled to the at least two pockets;
c. a means for monitoring the current delivered to the at least one first pocket;
d. a means of comparing the current delivered to the at least one first pocket to a predetermined threshold; and
e. a means of electrically decoupling the at least one second pocket from the power supply when the current delivered to the at least one first pocket exceeds the predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification