Patent US5444378A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5444378A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Battery state of charge monitor
Assignee: ELECTRONIC DEVELOPMENT Inc
•
Filing: 1992-07-23
•
Granted: 1995-08-22
•
Expires: 2012-07-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for monitoring the state of charge of the battery having a shunt resistor connected in series with a battery and an integrating circuit connected across the terminals of the shunt resistor which includes a large capacitance element having the capability to store charge for long periods of time, so that the integration can be performed along the same curve even if power to the integrating circuit is interrupted during continuous or intermittent use. The apparatus and method are applicable to batteries for automotive vehicles. Temperature compensation schemes to adjust the state of charge monitoring circuit to correct for changes in battery performance characteristics with temperature are provided. A circuit for detecting the existence of a defective battery cell is provided. A system for monitoring charging and discharging of the battery over time and identifying various battery conditions and potential battery or battery charging system failures is provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Wesley A. Rogers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:54
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/36; G01R31/382; G01R31/3828; G01R31/3832; H; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/42; H01M10/48; H01M10/486; H01M50/00; H01M50/50; H01M50/569; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/14; H02J7/60; H02J7/61; H02J7/90; H02J7/971; H02J7/975; H02J7/977; G01R31/005; G01R31/006; H01M2220/00; H01M2220/20; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y10; Y10S; Y10S320/00; Y10S320/18; Y10S320/21
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 75
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing a first signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; and a low power operational amplifier having a capacitive element in the feedback path for integrating the first signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source, and thereby charging the capacitive element at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and discharging the capacitive element at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction, the amplifier having a supply voltage input operatively connected to the energy source for energizing the amplifier and a minimum drain current that is less than 1.05 mA, the capacitive element having a capacitance greater than 0.01 farad.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
157 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing a first signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; and a low power operational amplifier having a capacitive element in the feedback path for integrating the first signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source, and thereby charging the capacitive element at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and discharging the capacitive element at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction, the amplifier having a supply voltage input operatively connected to the energy source for energizing the amplifier and a minimum drain current that is less than 1.05 mA, the capacitive element having a capacitance greater than 0.01 farad.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a device for monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and a circuit, responsive to the charge on the capacitive element and the sensed temperature, for providing a second signal corresponding to the capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a circuit for detecting when the energy source is defective in response to the sensed charge on the capacitive element and the sensed charging current.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a circuit for clamping the charge on the capacitive element at a value corresponding to a full charge in the energy source when the energy source is fully charged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the low power operational amplifier has a drain current on the order of 0.2 mA.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source as a first signal; providing an integrating circuit including a capacitive element having an effective capacity of more than 0.01 farad and a time constant resistor through which the capacitor charges or discharges, a supply voltage input, and an input for receiving the first signal from the current sensor; energizing the circuit by operative connection of the supply voltage input to the energy source being monitored, the circuit having a minimum drain current that is less than or equal to 1.0 mA; and charging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, and discharging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in the opposite direction, at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, thereby providing an integrated first signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source as a first signal; providing an integrating circuit including a capacitive element having an effective capacity of more than 0.01 farad and a time constant resistor through which the capacitor charges or discharges, a supply voltage input, and an input for receiving the first signal from the current sensor; energizing the circuit by operative connection of the supply voltage input to the energy source being monitored, the circuit having a minimum drain current that is less than or equal to 1.0 mA; and charging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, and discharging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in the opposite direction, at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, thereby providing an integrated first signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 6 wherein providing the integrating circuit further comprises providing a low power operational amplifier having a drain current that is less than 0.5 mA, wherein the capacitive element is in the feedback loop.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising: monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; processing the integrated first signal in response to the sensed temperature; and providing a second signal corresponding to the capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising detecting when the energy source is defective in response to the sensed charge on the capacitive element and the sensed charging current.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising clamping the charge on the capacitive element at a value corresponding to a full charge in the energy source when the energy source is fully charged.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
227 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing an output current signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; an integrator circuit having a feedback path including a charge storing capacitive element with low self leakage, a resistor which in conjunction with the capacitive element provides a time constant for integrating the output current signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source, and an output for providing the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; the capacitive element being charged at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and discharged at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction; means for sensing and processing the sensed magnitude and direction of the output signal and the amplitude of the integrated output signal, thereby to indicate the charge condition of the energy source; a device to monitor a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and a circuit, responsive to the monitored temperature, providing a first signal corresponding to the capacity of the energy source at the monitored temperature.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
227 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing an output current signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; an integrator circuit having a feedback path including a charge storing capacitive element with low self leakage, a resistor which in conjunction with the capacitive element provides a time constant for integrating the output current signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source, and an output for providing the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; the capacitive element being charged at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and discharged at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction; means for sensing and processing the sensed magnitude and direction of the output signal and the amplitude of the integrated output signal, thereby to indicate the charge condition of the energy source; a device to monitor a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and a circuit, responsive to the monitored temperature, providing a first signal corresponding to the capacity of the energy source at the monitored temperature.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the energy source has a charge capacity and a self discharge rate that vary with temperature, the apparatus further comprising a temperature compensation circuit for providing the first signal related to the state of the energy source at the monitored temperature.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
95 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the temperature compensation circuit further comprises: a first circuit for adjusting the effective self-discharge rate of the capacitive device in response to the sensed temperature so that the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element corresponds to the state of the energy source at the sensed temperature; and a second circuit for adjusting the charging rate and discharging rate of the capacitive device in response to the sensed temperature so that the integrated output signal is related to the state of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a circuit for detecting when the energy source is defective in response to the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element and the sensed charging current.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the circuit further comprises a first means for comparing the integrated output voltage to a first threshold corresponding to a full charge voltage and a second means for comparing the sensed amplitude of a charging current to a second threshold corresponding to a current passing through a defective element in the energy source.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the capacitive element further comprises a capacity selected in the range between 0.01 and 1.0 farad.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the capacitive element further comprises a self discharge rate that is at or less than one tenth the self discharge rate of the energy source.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the capacitive element further comprises a charge storage life of at least 40,000 hours.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a circuit for maintaining the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element at a level corresponding to a 100% charge on the energy source during the presence of a continuing charging current.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the sensing and processing means further comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
97 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the energy source is an automotive battery in an automotive vehicle having an alternator-battery charging system and accessory circuits and the indicated charge condition is selected from among one or more of the group consisting of a load dump condition, a defective battery cell, a defective alternator belt, a defective alternator rectifier component, a low voltage regulator output, an excessive current drain corresponding to a short in the vehicle electrical system, the battery having been discharged below the deep discharge point, and the battery charge falling below a preselected charge threshold.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the energy source is an automotive battery in an automotive vehicle having one or more accessory circuits connectable to the battery, and further comprising a circuit for disconnecting at least one selected accessory circuit from the battery when the sensed charge is below a selected charge threshold.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the energy source is an automotive battery in an automotive vehicle having an alternator-battery charging system and accessory circuits further comprising a circuit for transmitting a signal corresponding to the determined charge condition to a remote location.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the indicated charge condition is selected from among one or more of the group consisting of a load dump condition, a defective battery cell, a defective alternator belt, a defective alternator rectifier component, a low voltage regulator output, an excessive current drain corresponding to a short in the vehicle electrical system, the battery having been discharged below the deep discharge point, and the battery charge falling below a preselected charge threshold.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising means for displaying a message corresponding to the indicated charge condition.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source; integrating the net amount of said current flow continuously as current flows into and out of said energy source; the step of integrating comprising charging a capacitive element having an effective capacity of 0.01 farad or more in response to current flow in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, and discharging the capacitive element in response to current flow in the opposite direction at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, thereby providing an integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge; and determining whether or not the energy source has a short condition in response to the sensed charging current flow and the sensed integrated output signal.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source; integrating the net amount of said current flow continuously as current flows into and out of said energy source; the step of integrating comprising charging a capacitive element having an effective capacity of 0.01 farad or more in response to current flow in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, and discharging the capacitive element in response to current flow in the opposite direction at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, thereby providing an integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge; and determining whether or not the energy source has a short condition in response to the sensed charging current flow and the sensed integrated output signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the energy source is a battery having at least one battery cell and the step of determining whether or not the energy source has a short condition further comprises: comparing the sensed charging current flow to a first threshold corresponding to a charging current of one short circuited battery cell; comparing the integrated output signal to a second threshold corresponding to a near full charge; and indicating a short in the energy source when the sensed charging current is above the first threshold and the integrated output signal is at or greater than the second threshold.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amplitude of current flow into and out of the energy source as a first signal; providing an integrator circuit having a feedback path including a charge storing capacitive element with low self leakage, and a resistor which in conjunction with the capacitive element provides an integration time constant; charging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, and discharging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in the opposite direction, at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, thereby providing an integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; sensing and processing the direction and amplitude of the first signal and the amplitude of the integrated output signal, thereby to indicate the condition of the electrical energy source; monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the electrical energy source; and providing a signal corresponding to the state of the electrical energy source at the monitored temperature.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amplitude of current flow into and out of the energy source as a first signal; providing an integrator circuit having a feedback path including a charge storing capacitive element with low self leakage, and a resistor which in conjunction with the capacitive element provides an integration time constant; charging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, and discharging the capacitive element in response to the first signal in the opposite direction, at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of the first signal, thereby providing an integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; sensing and processing the direction and amplitude of the first signal and the amplitude of the integrated output signal, thereby to indicate the condition of the electrical energy source; monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the electrical energy source; and providing a signal corresponding to the state of the electrical energy source at the monitored temperature.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of providing the signal further comprises: adjusting the effective self-discharge rate of the capacitive device in response to the sensed temperature so that the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element corresponds to the state of the energy source at the sensed temperature; and adjusting the charging rate and discharging rate of the capacitive device in response to the sensed temperature so that the integrated output signal is related to the state of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 27 further comprising detecting when the energy source is defective in response to the integrated output signal and the sensed charging current.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 30 further comprising determining that the energy source is defective when the integrated output voltage corresponds to a full charge state of the energy source and the sensed charging current is higher than the charging current should be for the charge represented by the integrated output signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising adjusting the integrated output signal in response to the monitored temperature.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising maintaining the integrated output signal stored in the capacitive element at a level corresponding to a full charge on the energy source during the presence of a continuing charging current.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of sensing and processing is performed under microprocessor control.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the energy source is an automotive battery in an automotive vehicle having an alternator-battery charging system and accessory circuits and the step of sensing and processing indicates a charge condition selected from among one or more of the group consisting of a load dump condition, a defective battery cell, a defective alternator belt, a defective alternator rectifier component, a low voltage regulator output, an excessive current drain corresponding to a short in the vehicle electrical system, the battery having been discharged below the deep discharge point, and the battery charge falling below a preselected charge threshold.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the energy source is an automotive battery in an automotive vehicle having one or more accessory circuits connectable to the battery, and further comprising the step of disconnecting at least one selected accessory circuit from the battery when the sensed charge is below a selected charge threshold.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the energy source is an automotive battery in an automotive vehicle having an alternator-battery charging system and accessory circuits further comprising transmitting a signal corresponding to the indicated charge condition to a remote location.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 37 wherein the indicated charge condition is selected from among one or more of the group consisting of a load dump condition, a defective battery cell, a defective alternator belt, a defective alternator rectifier component, a low voltage regulator output, an excessive current drain corresponding to a short in the vehicle electrical system, the battery having been discharged below the deep discharge point, and the battery charge falling below a preselected charge threshold.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising displaying a message corresponding to the indicated charge condition.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source having a charge capacity that changes with the temperature comprising: a current sensor for producing a first signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; a capacitive element having a capacitance of 0.01 farad or more connected to said current sensor for integrating said first signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source, said capacitive element charging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and discharging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction and producing a second signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; a device for monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and a circuit, responsive to the second signal and the sensed temperature, for providing a third signal corresponding to the capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source having a charge capacity that changes with the temperature comprising: a current sensor for producing a first signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; a capacitive element having a capacitance of 0.01 farad or more connected to said current sensor for integrating said first signal on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source, said capacitive element charging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction and discharging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction and producing a second signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; a device for monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and a circuit, responsive to the second signal and the sensed temperature, for providing a third signal corresponding to the capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising: an operational amplifier having the capacitive element in the feedback path and a time constant resistor through which the first signal is integrated and an output for providing the second signal; wherein the device for monitoring temperature is a thermistor and the circuit further comprises a voltage divider network, connected in series with the thermistor and the output of the operational amplifier, for adjusting the amplitude of the second signal to correspond to the capacity of the battery at the sensed temperature.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the circuit further comprises a first circuit for adjusting the self-discharge rate of the capacitive element in response to the sensed temperature so that the integrated first signal stored in the capacitive element is discharged at a rate corresponding to the charge capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the device for monitoring temperature is a first thermistor and the first circuit further comprises: an operational amplifier having the capacitive element in the feedback path and an input resistor across which the first signal is passed for integrating the first signal, and an output for providing the second signal; and a voltage source and a resistor connected in series with the thermistor connected between the resistor and the operational amplifier output.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising: a second device for monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and a second circuit for adjusting the charging rate and discharging rate of the capacitive sensor in response to the sensed temperature so that the second signal is related to the state of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the second device for monitoring temperature is a second thermistor and the second circuit further comprises an unbalance circuit including the second thermistor for adjusting the offset voltage of the operational amplifier to correspond to the charge capacity of the battery at the sensed temperature.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the device for monitoring temperature is a thermistor and the circuit further comprises: an operational amplifier having the capacitive element in the feedback path and an input resistor across which the first signal is passed for integrating the first signal and an output for providing the second signal; and an unbalance circuit including the thermistor for adjusting the offset voltage of the operational amplifier to correspond to the charge capacity of the battery at the sensed temperature.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising: a first circuit for detecting a short circuit in the energy source.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the first circuit further comprises: a first comparator for comparing the sensed charging current to a first threshold corresponding to a charging current; a second comparator for comparing the sensed second signal to a second threshold corresponding to a full charge; and means for indicating a short in the battery when the magnitude of the sensed output current is a charging current greater than the first threshold and the sensed integrated output signal is at or greater than the second threshold.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source; integrating the net amount of said current flow continuously as current flows into and out of said energy source and providing a first signal corresponding to the net charge in the energy source; the step of integrating comprising charging a capacitive element having an effective capacity of more than 0.01 farad in response to current flow in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, and discharging the capacitive element in response to current flow in the opposite direction, at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow; monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and adjusting the first signal in response to the sensed temperature and providing a second signal corresponding to the charge capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source; integrating the net amount of said current flow continuously as current flows into and out of said energy source and providing a first signal corresponding to the net charge in the energy source; the step of integrating comprising charging a capacitive element having an effective capacity of more than 0.01 farad in response to current flow in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, and discharging the capacitive element in response to current flow in the opposite direction, at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow; monitoring a temperature corresponding to the temperature of the energy source; and adjusting the first signal in response to the sensed temperature and providing a second signal corresponding to the charge capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 49 wherein adjusting the first signal further comprises adjusting the amplitude of the first signal to correspond to the charge capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 49 wherein adjusting the first signal further comprises adjusting the offset voltage of the integration of the current flow so that the charge rate and discharge rate of the capacitive device correspond to the charge capacity of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 49 wherein adjusting the first signal further comprises adjusting the self-discharge rate of the capacitive element to correspond to the self-discharge rate of the energy source at the sensed temperature.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
174 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing an output signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; an operational amplifier having a capacitive element in the feedback path and a time constant resistor through which the output signal is integrated on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source and an output for providing the integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source, the capacitive element having an effective capacitance of 0.01 farad or more and charging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction, discharging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction, and having a self-discharge rate when no sensed current flows to or from the energy source; and a circuit for detecting a short circuit in the energy source.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
174 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing an output signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; an operational amplifier having a capacitive element in the feedback path and a time constant resistor through which the output signal is integrated on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source and an output for providing the integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source, the capacitive element having an effective capacitance of 0.01 farad or more and charging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction, discharging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction, and having a self-discharge rate when no sensed current flows to or from the energy source; and a circuit for detecting a short circuit in the energy source.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
107 words
The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the circuit further comprises: a first comparator for comparing the sensed integrated output signal to a first threshold corresponding to a full charge in the energy source; a second comparator for comparing the sensed current to a second threshold corresponding to a charging current that is greater than what the charging current should be when the energy source is at a near full charge; and means for indicating a short in the energy source when the sensed output current is a charging current greater than the first threshold and the integrated output signal is at or greater than the second threshold.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the indicating means is a device having one output state indicative of a short in the energy source.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the indicating means further comprises a visual display device having a first display condition indicative of a short in the energy source and a second display condition not indicative of a short in the energy source.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
101 words
The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the energy source is a battery having at least one battery cell, the circuit further comprises: a first comparator for comparing the sensed current to a first threshold corresponding to a charging current of one short circuited battery cell; a second comparator for comparing the sensed integrated output signal to a second threshold corresponding to a full charge; and means for indicating a short in the energy source when the sensed output current is a charging current greater than the first threshold and the integrated output signal is at or greater than the second threshold.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the indicating means is a device having one output state indicative of a short in the energy source.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the indicating means further comprises a visual display device having a first display condition indicative of a short in the energy source and a second display condition not indicative of a short in the energy source.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing an output signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; an operational amplifier having a capacitive element in the feedback path and a time constant resistor through which the output signal is integrated on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source and an output for providing the integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source, the capacitive element charging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction, and discharging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction; and means for determining whether or not the energy source is defective in response to the charging current flow and the integrated output signal.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising: a current sensor for producing an output signal related to the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to or from said energy source; an operational amplifier having a capacitive element in the feedback path and a time constant resistor through which the output signal is integrated on a continuous basis as the current flows to and from said energy source and an output for providing the integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source, the capacitive element charging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in one direction, and discharging at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the sensed current when the current flow is in the opposite direction; and means for determining whether or not the energy source is defective in response to the charging current flow and the integrated output signal.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the circuit further comprises: a circuit limiting the charge on the capacitive element to a level corresponding to a full charge on the electrical energy source during a continuing charging current; and an indicator for indicating when the energy source is fully charged.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the circuit further comprises: a first comparator for comparing the integrated output signal to a first threshold corresponding to a full charge on the electrical energy source; and a switch for inhibiting the capacitive element from charging further in response to a continuing charging current when the integrated output signal is at or greater than the first threshold.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source; integrating the net amount of said current flow continuously as current flows into and out of said energy source; the step of integrating comprising charging a capacitive element in response to current flow in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, and discharging the capacitive element in response to current flow in the opposite direction at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, thereby providing an integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; and determining whether or not the energy source is defective in response to the charging current flow and the integrated output signal.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of monitoring the state of an electrical energy source comprising the steps of: sensing the direction and amount of current flow into and out of the energy source; integrating the net amount of said current flow continuously as current flows into and out of said energy source; the step of integrating comprising charging a capacitive element in response to current flow in one direction, at a charge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, and discharging the capacitive element in response to current flow in the opposite direction at a discharge rate that is in proportion to the amount of current flow, thereby providing an integrated output signal corresponding to the state of charge of the energy source; and determining whether or not the energy source is defective in response to the charging current flow and the integrated output signal.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 63 further comprising: limiting the charge on the capacitive element to a level corresponding to a full charge on the electrical energy source during a continuing charging current; and indicating when the energy source is fully charged.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 63 further comprising: comparing the integrated output signal to a first threshold corresponding to a full charge on the electrical energy source; and inhibiting the capacitive element from charging in response to a charging current when the integrated output signal is at or greater than the first threshold.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3805157A
Cited
US4388618A
Cited
US4740754A
Cited
US4947123A
Cited
US4968941A
Cited
US5179340A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-21 | 1999-02-20 | 1999-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-21 | 2003-02-20 | 2003-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-21 | 2007-02-20 | 2007-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |