Method and apparatus for charging batteries
First Claim
1. Apparatus for charging a battery of the type that enters into a gassing phase when full charge is approached, comprising:
- (a) means for applying charging current to charging terminals of the battery;
(b) means operatively connected with said battery charging terminals for periodically operatively connecting a load across said battery terminals;
(c) means operatively connected to said load for sensing the electrical response of said load when energized by said battery and for providing a sensed load signal in response thereto;
(d) means operatively connected to receive said sensed load signal for isolating therefrom that portion of said sensed load signal attributable only to energization of said load by said battery;
(e) means operatively connected to receive said isolated sensed load signal for determining therefrom when said battery enters its gassing phase and for producing a gassing phase signal indicative of the gassing phase condition of said battery; and
(f) means operatively connected with said battery and to receive said gassing phase signal for applying a predetermined overcharge to said battery after said battery has entered into its gassing phase.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for charging batteries of the type characterized by entry into a gassing phase just prior to reaching full charge, are disclosed. Means are provided for periodically applying a load across the battery terminals during charging of the battery and for accurately measuring the battery discharge through the load. All signals other than those directly attributable to the battery energization of the load are removed from the measured signal. The isolated load response signal is compared to a predetermined threshold value established for the battery being charged to accurately determine when the battery enters into its gassing phase. Battery charging is maintained following entry of the battery into its gassing phase for a period of time known to return a predetermined overcharge of approximately 5 to 15% to the battery.
218 Citations
31 Claims
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1. Apparatus for charging a battery of the type that enters into a gassing phase when full charge is approached, comprising:
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(a) means for applying charging current to charging terminals of the battery; (b) means operatively connected with said battery charging terminals for periodically operatively connecting a load across said battery terminals; (c) means operatively connected to said load for sensing the electrical response of said load when energized by said battery and for providing a sensed load signal in response thereto; (d) means operatively connected to receive said sensed load signal for isolating therefrom that portion of said sensed load signal attributable only to energization of said load by said battery; (e) means operatively connected to receive said isolated sensed load signal for determining therefrom when said battery enters its gassing phase and for producing a gassing phase signal indicative of the gassing phase condition of said battery; and (f) means operatively connected with said battery and to receive said gassing phase signal for applying a predetermined overcharge to said battery after said battery has entered into its gassing phase. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. Circuit apparatus for electrically determining entry of a battery being charged, into its gassing region, comprising:
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(a) means suitable for connection to the terminals of a battery for periodically operatively applying a load across the battery terminals during charging thereof, whereby a current flow path is established from said battery terminals and through said load; (b) sensor means operatively connected to said battery for producing a sensed signal responsive to current flow through said battery; (c) means operatively connected to receive said sensed signal for isolating therefrom that portion of said sensed signal attributable only to the current flow through said battery that is caused by said load and for producing an isolated sensed signal in response thereto; (d) means for establishing a threshold reference voltage; and (e) means operatively connected to receive said isolated sensed signal and said threshold reference voltage for comparing said isolated sensed signal with said threshold reference voltage, and for producing a comparison signal in response thereto, wherein said comparison signal is indicative of whether said battery has entered into its gassing phase. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of charging a battery of the type that enters into a gassing phase as full charge of the battery is approached, comprising the steps of:
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(a) applying a charging current to the terminals of the battery; (b) periodically operatively applying an electrical load to the battery; (c) obtaining a responsive signal from the load when it is operatively connected to the battery; (d) isolating from said load responsive signal that portion thereof attributable only to energization of said load by said battery; (e) determining entry of the battery into its gassing phase from said isolated load responsive signal; and (f) applying a predetermined overcharge to said battery after said battery enters its said gassing phase. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method of determining entry of a battery being charged, into its gassing phase, comprising the steps of:
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(a) applying a resistive load across the battery terminals at periodic predetermined intervals of time during the charging cycle, the length of said intervals being less than about 10% of the anticipated time required to maximize overcharge of the battery during its gassing phase; (b) monitoring the voltage level caused at the resistive load; (c) isolating the battery component of the monitored voltage level signal from other signal components which comprise said monitored voltage level; (d) comparing said isolated load signal with a predetermined threshold value signal; and (e) determining entry of said battery into its gassing phase based on said comparison. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31)
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Specification