Apparatus and method for remote battery tester/charger control

• US 20070210800A1
• Filed: 06/19/2006
• Published: 09/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Raichle, Kurt, Krampitz, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 7,622,890 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/426
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/36 Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/371 with remote indication, e.g. on external chargers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4285 Testing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00034 Charger exchanging data with an electronic device, i.e. telephone, whose internal battery is under charge
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A remote-controlled battery charging/testing system includes an execution unit capable of performing at least one battery-related function and a control panel remotely connected to and in operable communication with the execution unit. Communication may be wired or wireless. The control panel is installed in an ergonomically-suitable position such that the user does not need to bend or stoop to provide input to the battery charging/testing system. Both the execution unit and the control panel may be cart-mounted for portability and mobility. In cart-mounted configurations, the control panel is adjustable to maintain an ergonomically-suitable position. In free-standing configurations, the execution unit may be installed so as to be conveniently located yet unobtrusive, with the control panel installed in an ergonomically-suitable, accessible position.

Claims

1. A battery testing/charging system, comprising:

an execution unit capable of performing at least one battery-related function; and

a control panel remotely connected to said execution unit and in operable communication therewith for providing user input thereto.

2. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said control panel comprises:

an electronic controller; and

a user interface for providing an input to said controller.

3. The battery testing/charging system of claim 2, wherein said user interface includes a switch selectable between a plurality of discrete positions, and wherein said electronic controller provides an output signal to said execution unit, said output signal corresponding to a selected one of said plurality of discrete positions.

4. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said control panel is wirelessly connected to said execution unit.

5. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said control panel is installed in said battery testing/charging system at an ergonomically suitable position.

6. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, further comprising a cart having a handle, wherein said execution unit is mounted on said cart.

7. The battery testing/charging system of claim 6, wherein said control panel is mounted to said handle.

8. The battery testing/charging system of claim 7, wherein said control panel is adjustably mounted to said handle.

9. The battery testing/charging system of claim 7, wherein said control panel is pivotably mounted to said handle.

10. The battery testing/charging system of claim 6, wherein said handle is adjustable.

11. The battery testing/charging system of claim 6, wherein said handle is ergonomically shaped.

12. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, wherein said control panel includes integrally formed feet for supporting said control panel on a surface.

13. The battery testing/charging system of claim 1, further comprising a stand attached to said control panel for supporting said control panel on a surface.

14. A method of remotely controlling a battery testing/charging device, the method comprising:

providing an execution unit capable of performing at least one battery-related function;

connecting a control panel to the execution unit such that the execution unit and the control panel are in operable communication;

positioning the control panel remote from the execution unit; and

operating the execution unit by furnishing input thereto via the control panel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of positioning the control panel remote from the execution unit comprises:

identifying a position ergonomically suitable for a user; and

installing the control panel in the ergonomically-suitable position.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising adjusting the control panel to maintain ergonomic suitability.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of connecting a control panel to the execution unit comprises establishing wireless communication between the control panel and the execution unit.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing an execution unit comprises:

identifying a location suitable for installation of the execution unit; and

installing the execution unit in the suitable location.

19. A battery testing/charging system, comprising:

means for performing at least one battery-related function; and

means for remotely controlling said performing means.

20. The battery testing/charging system according to claim 19, further comprising means for communicating between said controlling means and said performing means.