System for recognizing and managing electrochemical cells
First Claim
1. A system for managing the use of a battery connected to a device, said battery including at least one electrochemical cell, said system comprising:
- an electronic memory incorporated in said battery, said electronic memory comprising a non-erasable first portion containing information identifying said battery, with at least some of said information being written by a user of said battery, and a second portion which may be modified or erased and which contains information about the operation and the state of said battery,read means for reading from said memory and write means for writing in said memory, andcircuitry in said device for managing the use of said battery in accordance with information about said cell read from said cell, and said system.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract
The present invention provides a system for recognizing and managing electrochemical cells connected to an application, the system being characterized by the fact that it comprises an electronic memory associated with the cells, and circuitry for reading from the memory and writing in the memory, the read write circuitry being placed in the application, the electronic memory comprising a non-erasable first portion containing information enabling the cell to be identified, and a second portion which may be modified or erased, and which contains information about the operation and the state of the cell.
197 Citations
Automotive vehicle battery test system | ||
Patent #
US 7,924,015 B2
Filed 05/06/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester with promotion feature | ||
Patent #
US 7,940,053 B2
Filed 05/25/2010
|
Current Assignee
Interstate Battery Systems Of America Incorporated, Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Interstate Battery Systems Of America Incorporated, Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery test based upon battery requirements | ||
Patent #
US 7,940,052 B2
Filed 02/02/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
In-vehicle battery monitor | ||
Patent #
US 7,999,505 B2
Filed 10/05/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery maintenance tool with probe light | ||
Patent #
US 7,977,914 B2
Filed 10/31/2007
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester with promotion feature to promote use of the battery tester by providing the user with codes having redeemable value | ||
Patent #
US 7,791,348 B2
Filed 02/27/2007
|
Current Assignee
Interstate Battery Systems Of America Incorporated, Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Energy management system for automotive vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 7,688,074 B2
Filed 06/14/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Wireless battery tester with information encryption means | ||
Patent #
US 7,772,850 B2
Filed 07/11/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with vehicle type input | ||
Patent #
US 7,656,162 B2
Filed 07/22/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with databus | ||
Patent #
US 7,728,597 B2
Filed 11/03/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester that calculates its own reference values | ||
Patent #
US 7,710,119 B2
Filed 12/14/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device | ||
Patent #
US 7,642,787 B2
Filed 10/24/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device | ||
Patent #
US 7,705,602 B2
Filed 08/29/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester capable of identifying faulty battery post adapters | ||
Patent #
US 7,642,786 B2
Filed 05/31/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Alternator tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,706,991 B2
Filed 06/11/2007
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester configured to predict a load test result based on open circuit voltage, temperature, cranking size rating, and a dynamic parameter | ||
Patent #
US 7,723,993 B2
Filed 09/02/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Wireless battery monitor | ||
Patent #
US 7,774,151 B2
Filed 12/21/2004
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Theft prevention device for automotive vehicle service centers | ||
Patent #
US 7,777,612 B2
Filed 08/03/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery run down indicator | ||
Patent #
US 7,808,375 B2
Filed 04/09/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for counteracting self discharge in a storage battery | ||
Patent #
US 7,479,763 B2
Filed 03/18/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery charger with booster pack | ||
Patent #
US 7,501,795 B2
Filed 06/03/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Centralized data storage of condition of a storage battery at its point of sale | ||
Patent #
US 7,498,767 B2
Filed 02/16/2006
|
Current Assignee
Interstate Battery Systems International Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery test module | ||
Patent #
US 7,505,856 B2
Filed 06/02/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for predicting battery capacity and fitness for service from a battery dynamic parameter and a recovery voltage differential | ||
Patent #
US 7,545,146 B2
Filed 12/09/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,557,586 B1
Filed 05/19/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for simulating a battery tester with a fixed resistance load | ||
Patent #
US 7,595,643 B2
Filed 08/21/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Replaceable clamp for electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,598,699 B2
Filed 02/20/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Scan tool for electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,598,744 B2
Filed 06/07/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery maintenance device having databus connection | ||
Patent #
US 7,598,743 B2
Filed 02/22/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery monitoring system | ||
Patent #
US 7,619,417 B2
Filed 12/14/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Shunt connection to a PCB of an energy management system employed in an automotive vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 7,319,304 B2
Filed 07/23/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Query based electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,363,175 B2
Filed 04/24/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery testers with secondary functionality | ||
Patent #
US 7,398,176 B2
Filed 02/13/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester having a user interface to configure a printer | ||
Patent #
US 7,408,358 B2
Filed 06/16/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Broad-band low-inductance cables for making Kelvin connections to electrochemical cells and batteries | ||
Patent #
US 7,425,833 B2
Filed 09/12/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Scan tool for electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,446,536 B2
Filed 10/05/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Kelvin connector for a battery post | ||
Patent #
US 7,198,510 B2
Filed 11/14/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for predicting the remaining discharge time of a battery | ||
Patent #
US 7,208,914 B2
Filed 12/30/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery cover assembly having integrated battery condition monitoring | ||
Patent #
US 7,205,746 B2
Filed 05/25/2004
|
Current Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive | ||
Patent #
US 7,213,656 B2
Filed 04/26/2004
|
Current Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Alternator tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,246,015 B2
Filed 06/09/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Casing running head | ||
Patent #
US 7,284,617 B2
Filed 05/20/2004
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with relative test output | ||
Patent #
US 7,295,936 B2
Filed 02/16/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Testing parallel strings of storage batteries | ||
Patent #
US 6,316,914 B1
Filed 09/14/2000
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Test counter for electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,225,808 B1
Filed 02/25/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester upgrade using software key | ||
Patent #
US 7,012,433 B2
Filed 09/18/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device | ||
Patent #
US 7,126,341 B2
Filed 07/19/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells | ||
Patent #
US 7,013,997 B2
Filed 12/15/2003
|
Current Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Apparatus for calibrating electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,304,087 B1
Filed 09/05/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Cable for electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,913,483 B2
Filed 06/23/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for communication between an electronic device and a connected battery | ||
Patent #
US 7,079,038 B2
Filed 01/14/2004
|
Current Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
|
Original Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
|
Theft prevention device for automotive vehicle service centers | ||
Patent #
US 7,119,686 B2
Filed 04/13/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Query based electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 7,034,541 B2
Filed 05/17/2005
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information | ||
Patent #
US 6,218,806 B1
Filed 04/15/1999
|
Current Assignee
Black Decker Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Black Decker Incorporated
|
Expandable bit with secondary release device | ||
Patent #
US 6,953,096 B2
Filed 12/31/2002
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,332,113 B1
Filed 05/03/1999
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Programmable current exciter for measuring AC immittance of cells and batteries | ||
Patent #
US 6,466,026 B1
Filed 10/12/2001
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Method and apparatus for evaluating stored charge in an electrochemical cell or battery | ||
Patent #
US 6,495,990 B2
Filed 08/27/2001
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Method and apparatus for auditing a battery test | ||
Patent #
US 6,885,195 B2
Filed 03/14/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester cable | ||
Patent #
US 6,933,727 B2
Filed 06/23/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Automotive battery charging system tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,351,102 B1
Filed 04/16/1999
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for communication between an electronic device and a connected battery | ||
Patent #
US 6,809,649 B1
Filed 01/26/1999
|
Current Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
|
Original Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
|
Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing | ||
Patent #
US 6,896,075 B2
Filed 10/11/2002
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock | ||
Patent #
US 7,073,598 B2
Filed 07/23/2003
|
Current Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Dual battery charging device for charging nickel metal-hydride and lithium-ion batteries | ||
Patent #
US 5,744,937 A
Filed 10/10/1996
|
Current Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
|
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
|
Battery test module | ||
Patent #
US 7,058,525 B2
Filed 08/13/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for charging a battery | ||
Patent #
US 6,313,608 B1
Filed 05/22/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
In-vehicle battery monitor | ||
Patent #
US 6,850,037 B2
Filed 10/15/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with automotive scan tool communication | ||
Patent #
US 6,967,484 B2
Filed 06/12/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester/charger with integrated battery cell temperature measurement device | ||
Patent #
US 6,919,725 B2
Filed 10/03/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Integrated conductance and load test based electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,456,045 B1
Filed 05/30/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Alternator tester with encoded output | ||
Patent #
US 6,914,413 B2
Filed 09/05/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for protecting a battery from overdischarge | ||
Patent #
US 6,888,468 B2
Filed 01/22/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery clamp with integrated current sensor | ||
Patent #
US 6,544,078 B2
Filed 07/18/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,781,382 B2
Filed 12/05/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester with databus | ||
Patent #
US 6,586,941 B2
Filed 03/23/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with data bus for removable module | ||
Patent #
US 6,998,847 B2
Filed 07/01/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Vehicle electrical system tester with encoded output | ||
Patent #
US 6,445,158 B1
Filed 05/22/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Accessory identification apparatus and method | ||
Patent #
US 5,859,522 A
Filed 07/16/1997
|
Current Assignee
Google Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
|
Battery tester configured to receive a removable digital module | ||
Patent #
US 6,759,849 B2
Filed 10/25/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for electronically evaluating the internal temperature of an electrochemical cell or battery | ||
Patent #
US 6,294,897 B1
Filed 10/18/2000
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing | ||
Patent #
US 7,090,023 B2
Filed 05/09/2005
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system | ||
Patent #
US 7,154,276 B2
Filed 09/05/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery pack with monitoring function utilizing association with a battery charging system | ||
Patent #
US 6,107,802 A
Filed 10/19/1998
|
Current Assignee
John Edward Landau, David Louis Freeman, Wallace Edward Matthews
|
Original Assignee
John Edward Landau, David Louis Freeman, Wallace Edward Matthews
|
Method and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells | ||
Patent #
US 7,048,050 B2
Filed 10/02/2003
|
Current Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Battery support unit for exchanging information with a battery mailbox | ||
Patent #
US 6,012,153 A
Filed 06/05/1997
|
Current Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
|
Original Assignee
HP Inc.
|
Energy management system for automotive vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 6,909,287 B2
Filed 10/29/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery clamp with embedded environment sensor | ||
Patent #
US 6,469,511 B1
Filed 07/18/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery pack with monitoring function for use in a battery charging system | ||
Patent #
US 6,369,576 B1
Filed 02/03/1997
|
Current Assignee
Benchmarq Microelectronics Inc.
|
Original Assignee
Texas Instruments Inc.
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,359,441 B1
Filed 04/28/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with network communication | ||
Patent #
US 6,871,151 B2
Filed 03/07/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,556,019 B2
Filed 03/19/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for evaluating stored charge in an electrochemical cell or battery | ||
Patent #
US 6,313,607 B1
Filed 09/01/1999
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Booster pack with storage capacitor | ||
Patent #
US 7,015,674 B2
Filed 03/28/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method of drilling with casing | ||
Patent #
US 7,083,005 B2
Filed 05/31/2005
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Programmable current exciter for measuring AC immittance of cells and batteries | ||
Patent #
US 6,621,272 B2
Filed 10/15/2002
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Battery identification apparatus and associated method | ||
Patent #
US 5,656,917 A
Filed 12/14/1995
|
Current Assignee
Amperex Technology Limited
|
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
|
Apparatus and method for testing rechargeable energy storage batteries | ||
Patent #
US 6,441,585 B1
Filed 06/15/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,707,303 B2
Filed 11/26/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,806,716 B2
Filed 01/29/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Jamey Butteris, Kevin I. Bertness
|
Energy management system for automotive vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 6,331,762 B1
Filed 05/04/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus using a circuit model to evaluate cell/battery parameters | ||
Patent #
US 6,737,831 B2
Filed 02/08/2002
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Battery test module | ||
Patent #
US 7,039,533 B2
Filed 12/05/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery powered electronic device for exchanging information with a battery mailbox | ||
Patent #
US 5,929,764 A
Filed 10/15/1997
|
Current Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
|
Original Assignee
HP Inc.
|
Alternator diagnostic system | ||
Patent #
US 6,363,303 B1
Filed 11/01/1999
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for measuring complex self-immitance of a general electrical element | ||
Patent #
US 6,294,896 B1
Filed 11/10/2000
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Apparatus and method for simulating a battery tester with a fixed resistance load | ||
Patent #
US 7,116,109 B2
Filed 11/11/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester with battery replacement output | ||
Patent #
US 6,906,522 B2
Filed 03/29/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
In-vehicle battery monitor | ||
Patent #
US 6,633,165 B2
Filed 09/20/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery charger with booster pack | ||
Patent #
US 6,788,025 B2
Filed 06/21/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,891,378 B2
Filed 03/25/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery cover assembly having integrated battery condition monitoring | ||
Patent #
US 7,012,404 B2
Filed 04/21/2003
|
Current Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells | ||
Patent #
US 7,100,710 B2
Filed 12/18/2003
|
Current Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Broad-band low-inductance cables for making Kelvin connections to electrochemical cells and batteries | ||
Patent #
US 7,106,070 B2
Filed 07/22/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,566,883 B1
Filed 10/31/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery test module | ||
Patent #
US 6,795,782 B2
Filed 12/05/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for testing cells and batteries embedded in series/parallel systems | ||
Patent #
US 6,906,523 B2
Filed 04/09/2002
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery having a battery mailbox for exchanging information | ||
Patent #
US 6,064,804 A
Filed 05/23/1997
|
Current Assignee
Philips Electronics North America Corporation
|
Original Assignee
HP Inc.
|
Electronic battery tester with battery failure temperature determination | ||
Patent #
US 6,930,485 B2
Filed 03/14/2003
|
Current Assignee
Interstate Battery Systems International Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with network communication | ||
Patent #
US 7,003,411 B2
Filed 08/09/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus and method for carrying out diagnostic tests on batteries and for rapidly charging batteries | ||
Patent #
US 6,424,158 B2
Filed 07/10/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with relative test output | ||
Patent #
US 7,003,410 B2
Filed 06/17/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester capable of predicting a discharge voltage/discharge current of a battery | ||
Patent #
US 7,081,755 B2
Filed 09/03/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Device for automatically detecting a generator type of a motor vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 6,555,930 B1
Filed 08/09/2001
|
Current Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
|
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
|
Method and apparatus for charging a battery | ||
Patent #
US 6,329,793 B1
Filed 05/22/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,392,414 B2
Filed 06/07/2001
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Query based electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,941,234 B2
Filed 09/30/2003
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Apparatus for connecting tublars using a top drive | ||
Patent #
US 7,090,021 B2
Filed 03/16/2004
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
Bernd-Georg Pietras
|
Suppressing interference in AC measurements of cells, batteries and other electrical elements | ||
Patent #
US 6,417,669 B1
Filed 06/11/2001
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,323,650 B1
Filed 04/07/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Adjustable rotating guides for spider or elevator | ||
Patent #
US 6,994,176 B2
Filed 03/05/2004
|
Current Assignee
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
|
Original Assignee
WeatherfordLamb Incorporated
|
Battery charge control device | ||
Patent #
US 6,696,819 B2
Filed 01/08/2002
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Alternator tester | ||
Patent #
US 6,466,025 B1
Filed 01/13/2000
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method for charge control for extending Li-Ion battery life | ||
Patent #
US 20050156577A1
Filed 01/20/2005
|
Current Assignee
ARRIS International plc
|
Original Assignee
ARRIS International plc
|
Battery pack | ||
Patent #
US 20050168192A1
Filed 01/28/2005
|
Current Assignee
NEC Tokin Corporation, NEC TOKIN Tochigi Ltd.
|
Original Assignee
NEC Tokin Corporation, NEC TOKIN Tochigi Ltd.
|
Battery cover assembly having integrated battery condition monitoring | ||
Patent #
US 20040012396A1
Filed 04/21/2003
|
Current Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for communication between an electronic device and a connected battery | ||
Patent #
US 20040145487A1
Filed 01/14/2004
|
Current Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
|
Original Assignee
Heino Wendelrup, Magnus Hansson
|
Battery cover assembly having integrated battery condition monitoring | ||
Patent #
US 20040212342A1
Filed 05/25/2004
|
Current Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Microchip Technology Incorporated
|
Method of and an apparatus for monitoring the condition of batteries used by a mobile radio telecommunications fleet | ||
Patent #
US 20020086718A1
Filed 11/26/2001
|
Current Assignee
Simoco International Limited
|
Original Assignee
Simoco International Limited
|
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system | ||
Patent #
US 8,164,343 B2
Filed 10/30/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Automotive battery charging system tester | ||
Patent #
US 8,198,900 B2
Filed 03/02/2004
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery testers with secondary functionality | ||
Patent #
US 8,237,448 B2
Filed 07/07/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester for electric vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,306,690 B2
Filed 07/17/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
System for automatically gathering battery information | ||
Patent #
US 8,344,685 B2
Filed 04/01/2009
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Integrated tag reader and environment sensor | ||
Patent #
US 8,436,619 B2
Filed 04/01/2009
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Simplification of inventory management | ||
Patent #
US 8,442,877 B2
Filed 04/01/2009
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic device | ||
Patent #
US 8,493,022 B2
Filed 04/22/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester or charger with databus connection | ||
Patent #
US 8,513,949 B2
Filed 09/04/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
In-vehicle battery monitor | ||
Patent #
US 8,674,654 B2
Filed 08/09/2011
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system | ||
Patent #
US 8,674,711 B2
Filed 12/19/2006
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
System for automatically gathering battery information | ||
Patent #
US 8,704,483 B2
Filed 11/28/2012
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Storage battery and battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 8,203,345 B2
Filed 12/04/2008
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery pack maintenance for electric vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 8,738,309 B2
Filed 09/30/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 8,754,653 B2
Filed 07/07/2009
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester mounted in a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,872,516 B2
Filed 02/28/2011
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with battery age input | ||
Patent #
US 8,872,517 B2
Filed 03/15/2011
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester with network communication | ||
Patent #
US 8,958,998 B2
Filed 04/12/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
System for automatically gathering battery information | ||
Patent #
US 8,963,550 B2
Filed 10/11/2011
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 9,018,903 B2
Filed 04/26/2013
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system | ||
Patent #
US 9,018,958 B2
Filed 10/19/2011
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery testers with secondary functionality | ||
Patent #
US 9,052,366 B2
Filed 08/06/2012
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic battery tester for testing storage battery | ||
Patent #
US 9,201,120 B2
Filed 08/09/2011
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Electronic storage battery diagnostic system | ||
Patent #
US 9,229,062 B2
Filed 05/23/2011
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Current clamp with jaw closure detection | ||
Patent #
US 9,244,100 B2
Filed 03/11/2014
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a vehicle electrical system | ||
Patent #
US 9,255,955 B2
Filed 05/02/2011
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester for electric vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 9,274,157 B2
Filed 09/23/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery testing system and method | ||
Patent #
US 9,312,575 B2
Filed 05/13/2014
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery tester for electric vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 9,335,362 B2
Filed 11/05/2012
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 9,379,569 B2
Filed 04/24/2015
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Battery maintenance device with thermal buffer | ||
Patent #
US 9,419,311 B2
Filed 06/18/2010
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Monitor for front terminal batteries | ||
Patent #
US 9,425,487 B2
Filed 03/01/2011
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
System for automatically gathering battery information | ||
Patent #
US 9,496,720 B2
Filed 01/24/2012
|
Current Assignee
Franklin Grid Solutions LLC
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Method and apparatus for detecting cell deterioration in an electrochemical cell or battery | ||
Patent #
US 9,588,185 B2
Filed 02/25/2010
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 9,673,648 B2
Filed 06/27/2016
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Suppressing HF cable oscillations during dynamic measurements of cells and batteries | ||
Patent #
US 9,851,411 B2
Filed 03/12/2013
|
Current Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Original Assignee
Keith S Champlin
|
Battery clamp with endoskeleton design | ||
Patent #
US 9,923,289 B2
Filed 01/16/2015
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 9,941,718 B2
Filed 06/05/2017
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Kelvin connector adapter for storage battery | ||
Patent #
US 9,966,676 B2
Filed 09/27/2016
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Hybrid and electric vehicle battery pack maintenance device | ||
Patent #
US 10,046,649 B2
Filed 03/14/2013
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 10,218,194 B2
Filed 04/09/2018
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Cable connector for electronic battery tester | ||
Patent #
US 10,222,397 B2
Filed 09/22/2015
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Alternator tester | ||
Patent #
US 10,317,468 B2
Filed 01/26/2016
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Battery pack tester | ||
Patent #
US 10,429,449 B2
Filed 11/08/2012
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-based battery pack | ||
Patent #
US 10,431,857 B2
Filed 11/26/2018
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Automotive maintenance system | ||
Patent #
US 10,473,555 B2
Filed 07/14/2015
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 10,566,810 B2
Filed 02/26/2019
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Battery clamp | ||
Patent #
US 10,608,353 B2
Filed 06/27/2017
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Calibration and programming of in-vehicle battery sensors | ||
Patent #
US 10,843,574 B2
Filed 04/28/2016
|
Current Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Midtronics Incorporated
|
Lithium-based battery pack for a hand held power tool | ||
Patent #
US 10,886,762 B2
Filed 02/17/2020
|
Current Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
|
Dryer section | ||
Patent #
US 5,184,408 A
Filed 01/19/1990
|
Current Assignee
J.M. Voith GmbH
|
Original Assignee
J.M. Voith GmbH
|
Battery charge monitor to determine fast charge termination | ||
Patent #
US 5,200,689 A
Filed 01/24/1992
|
Current Assignee
Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P.
|
Original Assignee
Compaq Computer Corporation
|
Battery charging controller for a battery powered device and method for using the same | ||
Patent #
US 5,115,182 A
Filed 04/23/1990
|
Current Assignee
Motorola Inc.
|
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
|
Battery state of charge indicator | ||
Patent #
US 4,949,046 A
Filed 06/21/1988
|
Current Assignee
BAE Systems Plc
|
Original Assignee
British Aerospace Inc.
|
Method for monitoring aircraft battery status | ||
Patent #
US 4,968,942 A
Filed 02/21/1989
|
Current Assignee
Alliedsignal Inc.
|
Original Assignee
Alliedsignal Inc.
|
Battery powered system | ||
Patent #
US 4,709,202 A
Filed 06/19/1986
|
Current Assignee
Intermec
|
Original Assignee
Norand Corporation
|
Monitoring apparatus and method for battery power supply | ||
Patent #
US 4,390,841 A
Filed 10/14/1980
|
Current Assignee
Purdue Research Foundation
|
Original Assignee
Purdue Research Foundation
|
Method and arrangement for supervising power supply systems | ||
Patent #
US 4,016,408 A
Filed 12/08/1975
|
Current Assignee
International Business Machines Corporation
|
Original Assignee
International Business Machines Corporation
|
9 Claims
-
1. A system for managing the use of a battery connected to a device, said battery including at least one electrochemical cell, said system comprising:
-
an electronic memory incorporated in said battery, said electronic memory comprising a non-erasable first portion containing information identifying said battery, with at least some of said information being written by a user of said battery, and a second portion which may be modified or erased and which contains information about the operation and the state of said battery, read means for reading from said memory and write means for writing in said memory, and circuitry in said device for managing the use of said battery in accordance with information about said cell read from said cell, and said system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
1 Specification
The present invention relates to a recognition and management system that is more particularly intended for electrochemical cells, which cells are generally associated together to form a battery.
Using electrochemical cells, in particular in portable applications, poses the problem of how to find out accurately the available capacities of the cells and the degree of aging thereof, since the performance levels of the cells decrease with use. Mere voltage measurement does not enable the charge level of an electrochemical cell to be determined correctly.
With a battery of storage cells used in a portable video camera, a solution that has been proposed is to monitor the state of charge by taking a coulometric measurement which takes self-discharge into account. The apparatus used to perform such monitoring and associated with the battery includes a 4-bit microcontroller, and it is capable of detecting the end of charging and the end of discharging so as to establish a set point. But that solution solves the problem posed in part only, and that apparatus involves considerable extra cost.
Furthermore, in theory, it is possible to make applications operate with electrochemical cells of different types or origins. In practice, this poses numerous problems due to different electrical characteristics (voltage, internal impedance, etc.), and often it results in a reduction in the performance levels of the electrochemical cell, and sometimes it does not even work at all. For a rechargeable electrochemical cell, the consequences are much more serious if the application is a charger, because a rechargeable electrochemical cell that is not charged properly may be rapidly degraded, thereby giving rise to major risks with respect to safety (explosion, fire, etc.).
To avoid charging primary electrochemical cells, mechanical identifying means are provided that are recognized by the charger and that inhibit charging. Identifying means (resistors, diodes, etc.) for identifying the type of cell so as to adapt the charging conditions thereto are also mentioned, e.g. in British Patent Applications GB-2 219 151 and GB-2 251 515, or in U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,689. But that technique can only be used for a family of products coming from the same manufacturer.
Patent JP-4 255 431 proposes a charger that is capable of taking a voltage measurement to determine the type of rechargeable electrochemical cell constituting the battery, so as to apply the appropriate charging current. That method is applicable only to rechargeable electrochemical batteries in which the number of cells connected in series is known, and which require slow charging. By a mere voltage measurement, it is impossible to determine whether or not the rechargeable electrochemical cell is designed to withstand fast charging.
European Patent Application EP-0 448 755 proposes to store information about the type of the cell in a nonvolatile RAM. That memory may be modified or erased intentionally or accidentally, which means that the cell can no longer be used under appropriate conditions.
Moreover, most known systems, e.g. such as the system described in Patent WO-92 22099, also include microprocessors which are complex and costly systems, and which consume a lot of energy.
A particular object of the invention is to provide a system enabling an application to identify the type and the characteristics of the electrochemical cells which are connected to it, without any risk of that information being lost while the cell is in use. Another object of the invention is to provide a system that makes it possible to find out the state of charge and the degree of aging of the cells, and to manage the discharging and recharging conditions of rechargeable electrochemical cells.
The present invention provides a system for recognizing and managing an electrochemical cell connected to an application, said system being characterized by the fact that it comprises an electronic memory associated with said cell, and read means for reading from said memory and write means for writing in said memory, said read means and said write means being placed in said application, said electronic memory comprising a non-erasable first portion containing information enabling said cell to be identified, and a second portion which may be modified or erased, and which contains information about the operation and the state of said cell.
The electronic memory comprises a first portion which is intended to be read-only and which contains data that is specific to the cell, and a second portion which is intended to be read, modified, and erased so as to keep up to date with developments in the characteristics of the cell as it ages.
More particularly, the first portion of the memory is intended to contain information given by the manufacturer to enable the electrochemical cell to be identified (description, operating conditions, etc.). Preferably, such information is written in the first portion by the manufacturer. In such a case, the first portion of the memory may be of the ROM-type (Read-Only Memory). But data may be added by the user, in which case the first portion of the memory is of the EPROM-type (Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory). Such memories are non-erasable, which means that the data contained in them cannot be erased either intentionally or accidentally while the memories are in use. The information contained in such memories can never be modified.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the first portion of the memory contains at least one encoded item of data chosen from the following items of data:
type of the electrochemical couple;
nominal voltage (V);
nominal capacity (Ah);
rechargeability;
maximum and minimum (safety) voltage thresholds;
self-discharge (% per month);
reference of the product; and
name of the manufacturer, etc.;
but also, for example, for a rechargeable cell:
charging mode, etc.
The second portion of the memory contains information about the operation and the state of the electrochemical cell. Such information is updated during the course of the life of the cell. The second portion serves to provide bi-directional data transfer, via the cell, between applications: charger, mobile load, etc. The term "load" designates herein any apparatus consuming electrical current supplied by the cell.
The memory used for that purpose may be of the RAM-type (Random Access Memory), or of the EEPROM type (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Read access and write access to the memory may take place via a serial link or a parallel link. It is also possible to associate a real-time clock with the memory for calculating the self-discharge of the cell.
In another embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the memory contains at least one encoded item of data chosen from the following items of data about the electrochemical cell:
instantaneous capacity (at the time of the measurement);
updated nominal capacity taking into account the aging of the cell; and
cumulative discharged capacity, etc;
but also, by way of example, for a rechargeable cell:
number of cycles already effected; and
most recent date on which the cell was charged, etc.
The minimum condition for such a system to operate is that the applications have the capacity to communicate with the memory.
The read means enable the application to become informed of the data contained in the memory of the electrochemical cell and to adapt its operation. For example, the charger using the invention is capable of charging, effectively and safely, any type rechargeable electrochemical cell that it has identified. The charger may also refuse to charge a primary electrochemical cell or an electrochemical system that it does not recognize.
The write means enable the application to modify the data contained in said second portion of the memory of the electrochemical cell, and to write additional data therein. For example, once charging is finished, the charger writes in the second portion of the memory the quantity of electricity put into the rechargeable electrochemical cell. During discharging, the load deducts the quantity consumed. On the next occasion on which the cell is charged, the charger calculates by subtraction the quantity of electricity that it needs to supply to the cell.
With the second portion of the memory, it is also possible to keep up to date with developments in the characteristics of the electrochemical cells, such as nominal capacity, self-discharge, etc. For example, for rechargeable electrochemical cells, the charger may perform capacity tests (deep discharge) periodically and automatically, and it may write the results of such tests in the second portion of the memory.
The recognition and management system of the invention is designed to be used when electrochemical cells are connected to a mobile load such as a portable telephone, a handheld tool, a toy, a portable video camera, an electrical vehicle, etc. For example, the load reads the available capacity of the electrochemical cells from the second portion of the memory, and it then writes therein the quantity of electricity consumed and the date of the discharge. With rechargeable electrochemical cells, this information enables the following charging operation to be reinitialized correctly.
The recognition and management system of the invention is also designed to be used when rechargeable electrochemical cells are connected to a charger. The charger is provided with a microprocessor which can set the appropriate charging conditions on the basis of data read from the electronic memory of the rechargeable electrochemical cells. Charging is personalized by reading from the first portion of the memory, and this enables the charger to accept any type of rechargeable electrochemical cell. The information contained in the second portion of the memory is modified by the charger so as to integrate therein the developments in the characteristics of the rechargeable electrochemical cells following the charging operation.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages and features will appear on reading the following description of embodiments given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a simplified circuit diagram of a battery of electrochemical cells, the battery including an electronic memory and being connected to an application;
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the system of the invention when a battery of rechargeable electrochemical cells is connected to a charger; and
FIG. 3 is analogous to FIG. 2 except that the battery of rechargeable electrochemical cells is connected to a portable radiotelephone.
For example, the electronic memory 2 placed in a battery of electrochemical cells 1, as shown in FIG. 1, may be a memory of the "EconoRAM" type sold by Dallas Semiconductors. It has a capacity of 256 bits including 32 bits of ROM-type memory 6, with the remaining 224 bits being of RAM-type memory 7. The electronic memory 2 is in the form of a plastics housing and the three wires projecting therefrom comprise a positive power supply wire 3, a serial data input/output wire 4, and a wire 5 connected to ground. Wires 3 and 5 are connected to the power supply terminals 8 and 9 of the application 10, and wire 4 is connected to terminal 11. The consumption of the memory is 1 nA, and its power supply voltage lies in the range 1.2 V to 5.5 V. The data allocation in the ROM-type first portion 6 of the memory 2 is as follows:
______________________________________bits 1 to 3: type of the electrochemical couple (8 possibilities): 0 nickel-cadmium; 1 nickel-hydride; 2 nickel-zinc; 3 lead-acid; 4 zinc-alkaline manganese dioxide; 5 to 7 lithium cells;bit 4: rechargeability of the cell: 0 non-rechargeable; 1 rechargeable;bits 5 to 8: number of cells in the battery (from 1 to 16);bits 9 to 16: voltage per cell (from 1 V to 4 V, in steps of 12 mV); this represents 8 bits, i.e. 255 usable combinations; the voltage U of each cell is then expressed by the following formula: U = 1 + x(3/255), where 0 ≦ x ≦ 255;bits 17 to 24: capacity C of each cell, likewise: (from 50 mAh to 12.8 Ah, in steps of 50 mAh): C(mAh) = 50 + x50, where 0 ≦ x ≦ 255;bits 25 & 26: rated charging: 0 C/10; 1 C/5; 2 C; 3 4C;bits 27 & 28: charging mode: 0 constant current; 1 constant voltage; 2 pulsating current; 3 other mode; andbits 29 to 32: manufacturer code (16 possibilities).______________________________________
Other data such as the safety thresholds for voltage, for temperature, and for time may also be inserted, either by replacing some of the above data, or else by merely adding said other data, if a higher capacity ROM is used.
The data allocation in the RAM-type second portion 7 of the memory is as follows:
bits 33 to 40: number of occasions on which the battery has been fully charged since it was first put into service (from 0 to 2,550):
N=x10, where 0≦x≦255;
bits 41 to 48: available capacity in the charged state (this varies with aging):
Q (mAh)=50=x50, where 0≦x≦255;
bits 49 to 56: available capacity (state of charge):
D (mAh)=50+x50, where 0≦x≦255;
bits 57 to 64: cumulative capacity since the battery was first put into service:
K (mAh)=50+x50, where 0≦x≦255;
bits 65 to 71: self-discharge (% per month from 1% to 127%):
bits 72 to 85: most recent date on which the battery was fully charged:
bits 72 to 76: day 1 to day 31;
bits 77 to 80: month 1 to month 12;
bits 81 to 85: year 1993 to year 2024; and
bits 86 to 255: free for other purposes.
As shown in FIG. 2, a memory 2 analogous to the memory described above was placed in a battery of rechargeable electrochemical cells, the battery being composed of 6 spiral-wound cylindrical nickel-cadmium storage cells of AA format (diameter: 14.3 mm, height: 50.3 mm), and sold by SAFT under the reference VR.
In this case, the contents of the ROM first portion 6 of the memory 2 was as follows:
______________________________________bits 1 to 3 000 nickel-cadmium;bit 4 1 rechargeable;bits 5 to 8 110 6 cellsbits 9 to 16 00010001 1.2 Volts/storage cellbits 17 to 24 00001010 550 mAhbits 25 and 26 10 charge current Cbits 27 and 28 00 constant currentbits 29 to 32 0000 SAFT______________________________________
When in use, the RAM second portion 7 was managed by a charger and by a load.
The battery 17 of rechargeable electrochemical cells was connected to a charger 10. The charger 10 was provided with a microprocessor 11 which used the information contained in the memory 2 of the battery 17 to configure the current regulation module 12. The configuration related to the data contained in the ROM portion 6 of the memory 2, such as:
the charging current (C);
settings of the safety thresholds for voltage, temperature, and time; and
the charging mode: constant current, etc.;
and to the data contained in the RAM portion 7 of the memory 2, such as:
the updated nominal capacity;
the number of cycles; and
the most recent date on which the battery was charged, etc.
Firstly, the instantaneous capacity was measured by coulometry, it was then recorded cyclically by the microprocessor 11, and finally it was transferred to the second portion 7 of the memory 2 of the battery 17.
The microprocessor 11 had:
a converter for converting analog data into digital data, the converter making it possible to read the analog data required for managing charging (temperature, voltage);
a time counter for managing the charging time;
safety means (a watchdog);
a reception input 13 (RXD) and a transmission input 14 (TXD);
a ROM portion 15 and a RAM portion 26 for processing the software; and
the microprocessor was controlled by an 11 MHz clock.
By way of example, the microprocessor was a circuit sold by SGS Thomson under the reference ST6210, which circuit includes 8 bits.
A battery 17 of rechargeable electrochemical cells including an electronic memory 2 analogous to the memory described in example 1 was connected to the power supply terminals 8 and 9 of a portable radiotelephone 20 of the GSM type (Global System for Mobile Communications), as shown in FIG. 3. The radiotelephone 20 was provided with a microprocessor 21 which communicated with the memory 2 of the battery 17 by writing therein the quantity of electricity consumed and the end-of-discharge date. By way of example, the microprocessor was of the 93C101 type sold by Philips.
The information written by the microprocessor in the memory of the battery made it possible for the charger 10, analogous to the charger described in example 3, to calculate the quantity of electricity required to recharge the battery 17 fully, on the following occasion on which the battery was charged. In this case, it was possible for the charger to be integrated into the radiotelephone.
A memory, analogous to the above-described memory, was placed in a battery of primary electrochemical cells, the battery being composed of 5 zinc-manganese dioxide primary cells having an alkaline electrolyte and being of R14 format (height: 50 mm, diameter: 26 mm), sold by Duracell under the reference MN 1400.
In this case, the contents of the ROM first portion of the memory was as follows:
______________________________________bits 1 to 3 010 alkaline Zn--MnO.sub.2bit 4 0 primarybits 5 to 8 0101 5 cellsbits 9 to 16 00101010 1.5 volts/cellbits 17 to 24 01101101 5,500 mAhbits 25 & 26 not usedbits 27 & 28 not usedbits 29 to 32 0001 Duracell______________________________________
The RAM second portion 7 was managed in use by a load.
The battery of primary electrochemical cells was connected to the power supply terminals of a portable video camera provided with a microprocessor which communicated with the memory of the battery by writing therein the quantity of electricity consumed, and the end-of-discharge date. On the following occasion on which the battery was discharged, the information written in the memory of the battery by the microprocessor informed the camera of the remaining available quantity of electricity.
Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, and many variants accessible to a person skilled in the art are possible without going beyond the spirit of the invention. In particular, any means may be replaced with equivalent means without going beyond the ambit of the invention.