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Battery charging method with stepped current profile and associated charger

  • US 5,367,244 A
  • Filed: 01/19/1993
  • Issued: 11/22/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/19/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of charging a battery utilizing a variable charge current supply comprising the steps of:

  • applying a charging current to the battery from said charge current supply;

    sensing battery voltage;

    reducing said charging current when said battery voltage equals a target voltage such that said reduction in said charging current causes a decrease in said battery voltage;

    maintaining said battery voltage not greater than said target voltage during said applying and reducing steps,repeating said applying and reducing steps to provide a stepped current profile until said charging current is reduced to a minimum value;

    applying said charging current at said minimum value after said reduction until the battery is at substantially full charge; and

    detecting said substantially full charge of the battery, and in response terminating application of said minimum value charging current.

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