Electronic battery tester

• US 20040263176A1
• Filed: 07/22/2004
• Published: 12/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kevin I. Bertness, Vonderhaar J. David
• Original Assignee: Kevin I. Bertness, Vonderhaar J. David
• Inventors: Bertness, Kevin I., Vonderhaar, J. David
• Granted Patent: US 7,656,162 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/426
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/005 Testing of electric installations on transport means
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/007 using microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3647 for determining the ability of a battery to perform a critical function, e.g. cranking
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/367 Software therefor, e.g. for battery testing using modelling or look-up tables
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/374 with means for correcting the measurement for temperature or ageing
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/378 specially adapted for the type of battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/379 for lead-acid batteries
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3835 involving only voltage measurements
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/386 using test-loads
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3865 related to manufacture, e.g. testing after manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/389 Measuring internal impedance, internal conductance or related variables
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00041 in response to measured battery parameters, e.g. voltage, current or temperature profile
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00712 the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/163 with special means for initiating or limiting the excitation current

Abstract

An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes test circuitry configured to provide an output based upon a selected test criteria. Additionally, circuitry is provided to assist in balancing batteries used in a string of multiple batteries.

Claims

1. An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery, comprising:

a dynamic measurement circuit configured to measure at least one dynamic parameter of the battery;

a memory configured to store a plurality of test criteria;

an input configured to receive input data related to a selected test criterea; and

test circuit configured to provide an output related to battery condition as a function of the dynamic parameter and the selected test criteria.

2. An electronic battery tester for use in configuring a plurality of storage batteries in a battery pack, comprising:

a dynamic measurement circuit configured to measure a dynamic parameter of a storage battery,

a memory configured to store a first dynamic parameter from the measurement circuitry related to a first battery of the battery pack;

balance circuitry configured to provide an in-balance output if a second battery in the pack has a dynamic parameter which is substantially equal to the first dynamic parameter.