US5550453A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Battery charging method and apparatus
Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
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Filing: 1994-01-24
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Granted: 1996-08-27
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Expires: 2014-01-24
Abstract
Abstract In a method and apparatus for battery charging, a battery charger (20) charges a battery (11), preferably in a battery pack (10), by providing an initial battery charging current (I 1 ) and terminating the initial charging current at a time t 2 in response to a measured battery condition (for example, battery temperature rate of change; Delta T/Delta t) exceeding a limit. A battery parameter, preferably battery voltage, is measured at the time t 2 and stored as a limit (V peak ). After t 2 , battery charging current is provided in accordance with a predetermined criteria and battery charging current is altered (to I 3 ; or to I 1 ) in response to comparing a measured battery parameter, preferably battery voltage, after t 2 to a threshold (V peak ; or V peak -Delta V) based on the stored limit (V peak ). Preferably, rapid battery charging is implemented in response to a comparison of a measured battery parameter, preferably battery voltage, after the time t 2 with respect to a threshold (V peak -Delta V) determined in accordance with the stored limit (V peak ).
Inventors
- 👤 William C. Bohne
- 👤 Eric A. Bergquist
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:41
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/42; H01M10/44; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/90; H02J7/96; H02J7/963; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of charging a battery, said battery having a battery voltage, said method comprising the steps of: providing an initial battery charge current to said battery; measuring a rate of temperature rise of said battery; measuring said battery voltage when said rate of temperature rise reaches a predetermined level to obtain a V peak level; after measuring said battery voltage, reducing said battery charge current substantially below that of said step of providing; and increasing said battery charge current after said step of reducing according to a predetermined staircase waveform until said battery voltage reaches said V peak level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of charging a battery, said battery having a battery voltage, said method comprising the steps of: providing an initial battery charge current to said battery; measuring a rate of temperature rise of said battery; measuring said battery voltage when said rate of temperature rise reaches a predetermined level to obtain a V peak level; after measuring said battery voltage, reducing said battery charge current substantially below that of said step of providing; and increasing said battery charge current after said step of reducing according to a predetermined staircase waveform until said battery voltage reaches said V peak level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method of charging a battery according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: repeating said steps of providing, measuring a rate of temperature rise, measuring said battery voltage, and reducing, after said step of reducing if said battery voltage falls below a predetermined delta below said V peak level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method of charging a battery according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: applying a maintenance charge current to said battery after said step of increasing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method of charging a battery according to claim 1, wherein said step of increasing comprises incrementally stepping up said charge current level after a predetermined time interval to provide said staircase waveform.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
98 words
Battery charging apparatus, comprising: means for providing an initial fast charge current to a battery, said battery having a battery voltage and a temperature; means for measuring a rate of temperature rise of said battery; means for measuring said battery voltage when said rate of temperature rise reaches a predetermined level to obtain a V peak level; means for providing an increasing charge current according to a staircase waveform having an initial current level substantially lower than said initial fast charge current, and providing said increasing charge current while said battery voltage is below said V peak level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
Battery charging apparatus, comprising: means for providing an initial fast charge current to a battery, said battery having a battery voltage and a temperature; means for measuring a rate of temperature rise of said battery; means for measuring said battery voltage when said rate of temperature rise reaches a predetermined level to obtain a V peak level; means for providing an increasing charge current according to a staircase waveform having an initial current level substantially lower than said initial fast charge current, and providing said increasing charge current while said battery voltage is below said V peak level.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-08-27 | 2000-02-26 | 2000-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-08-27 | 2004-02-26 | 2004-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-08-27 | 2008-02-26 | 2008-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |