Patent US5656920A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5656920A
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US
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Method and apparatus for charging a lead-acid battery
Assignee: Midtronics Inc
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Filing: 1995-04-19
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Granted: 1997-08-12
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Expires: 2015-04-19
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is disclosed for charging lead-acid batteries which includes periodic voltage sweeps to determine the charging voltage that should be used for the battery and then adjusting the charging voltage in accordance with that voltage sweep information so as to ensure that a highly efficient charging process is achieved which avoids undue gassing and inherently compensates for factors such as the temperature, type and service life history of the battery and resistance due to the interactive nature of the technique and apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Jing-Yih Cherng
- 👤 James K. Klang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:30
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L58/00; B60L58/10; B60L58/16; B60L58/18; B60L58/22; B60L58/24; H; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/06; H01M10/42; H01M10/44; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/40; H02J7/443; H02J7/445; H02J7/485; H02J7/90; H02J7/933; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/22; B60L2240/00; B60L2240/40; B60L2240/54; B60L2240/545; B60L2240/547; B60L2240/549; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, detecting a slope based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep that is substantially a maximum slope value, selecting a charging voltage for the battery being charged from the detected values for applied voltage and current wherein the selected voltage corresponds to a voltage greater than the voltage at the maximum slope value, and adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, detecting a slope based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep that is substantially a maximum slope value, selecting a charging voltage for the battery being charged from the detected values for applied voltage and current wherein the selected voltage corresponds to a voltage greater than the voltage at the maximum slope value, and adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined range comprises a range of from about the open circuit voltage of the battery being charged up to the charging voltage selected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the applied voltage is augmented at a constant rate of from about 0.05 to about 2.0 volts per second for a 12-volt battery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the frequency of voltage sweeps varies as the charge progresses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein charging is terminated when the voltage detected during a series of voltage sweeps remains constant over a predetermined period of time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting the charging voltage includes the steps of detecting a predetermined slope value, and selecting the charging voltage as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the predetermined slope value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the predetermined slope value is a minimum slope value, and wherein the step of selecting the charging voltage includes the steps of detecting a minimum slope value, and selecting the charging voltage as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the minimum slope value.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for charging a lead-acid battery which comprises a variable DC power supply for charging the battery, a DC voltage output controller to control the voltage of the DC power supply, a voltage sweep function generator for applying a voltage sweep through a predetermined range to the battery being charged, detection means to determine the voltage and current at multiple points and times as the voltage sweep is carried out and providing voltage and current signals based upon such detected values, said detection means including means for detecting a maximum slope value based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep, an analyzer means for receiving the voltage and current signals at the various times detected and selecting a charging voltage greater than the voltage at the maximum slope value, said DC voltage output controller receiving the charging voltage information and adjusting the voltage of said variable DC power supply so that the battery being charged is provided with the selected charging voltage.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for charging a lead-acid battery which comprises a variable DC power supply for charging the battery, a DC voltage output controller to control the voltage of the DC power supply, a voltage sweep function generator for applying a voltage sweep through a predetermined range to the battery being charged, detection means to determine the voltage and current at multiple points and times as the voltage sweep is carried out and providing voltage and current signals based upon such detected values, said detection means including means for detecting a maximum slope value based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep, an analyzer means for receiving the voltage and current signals at the various times detected and selecting a charging voltage greater than the voltage at the maximum slope value, said DC voltage output controller receiving the charging voltage information and adjusting the voltage of said variable DC power supply so that the battery being charged is provided with the selected charging voltage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detection means includes means for detecting a predetermined slope value, and the analyzer includes means for selecting the charging voltage as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the predetermined slope value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the detection means includes means for detecting a minimum slope value as the predetermined slope value, and the analyzer includes means for selecting the charging voltage as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the minimum slope value.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of controlling the charging of a lead-acid battery by adjusting the charging voltage in accordance with periodic voltage sweeps which comprises detecting the voltage of the battery being charged, lowering the voltage being applied to the battery until a minimum acceptable level of current is detected, initiating the voltage sweep over a predetermined range at an augmented voltage rate with time, detecting whether the maximum current for the charger power supply has been reached, setting the charging voltage at that point if the maximum current has been reached and stopping the voltage sweep at or above that point, continuing the voltage sweep when the charger current has not been maximized, determining voltage and current values at intervals during the voltage sweep, detecting whether a maximum slope value has been reached based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep, selecting the charging voltage based upon the current-voltage values determined wherein the selected charging voltage is greater than the voltage at the maximum slope value, terminating the voltage sweep, delaying for a predetermined period of time and thereafter initiating a further voltage sweep.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of controlling the charging of a lead-acid battery by adjusting the charging voltage in accordance with periodic voltage sweeps which comprises detecting the voltage of the battery being charged, lowering the voltage being applied to the battery until a minimum acceptable level of current is detected, initiating the voltage sweep over a predetermined range at an augmented voltage rate with time, detecting whether the maximum current for the charger power supply has been reached, setting the charging voltage at that point if the maximum current has been reached and stopping the voltage sweep at or above that point, continuing the voltage sweep when the charger current has not been maximized, determining voltage and current values at intervals during the voltage sweep, detecting whether a maximum slope value has been reached based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep, selecting the charging voltage based upon the current-voltage values determined wherein the selected charging voltage is greater than the voltage at the maximum slope value, terminating the voltage sweep, delaying for a predetermined period of time and thereafter initiating a further voltage sweep.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 11 wherein the initial sweep voltage of the battery is reduced by a discharge current pulse or by a predetermined time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the charging voltage is selected by determining the minimum slope based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the minimum slope is determined by selecting a predetermined minimum slope value, and periodically resetting said predetermined minimum slope value with slope values determined from detected current and voltage values as the voltage sweep proceeds until a slope value is determined that is larger than the prior determined slope value.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 14 wherein, after a minimum slope is determined, the charging proceeds until a certain slope value or change in slope value is encountered.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the voltage is swept beyond the voltage at the minimum slope until a high slope or change in slope value occurs, thereafter offsetting the charging voltage at a voltage between the maximum and the high slope values.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the end-of-charge state of the battery being charged is determined by selecting a predetermined number of voltage sweep cycles and determining the end-of-charge state when the relative or specific change of the average charging voltage or current is less than a predetermined value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the voltage is augmented at a constant rate.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the step of selecting the charging voltage includes the steps of detecting a predetermined slope value, and selecting the charging voltage as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the predetermined slope value.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the step of detecting the predetermined slope includes the step of comparing the predetermined slope value with slope values determined from detected current and voltage values as the voltage sweep proceeds, until a slope value is detected that is larger than the predetermined slope value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 19 wherein the step of detecting the predetermined slope includes the step of comparing the predetermined slope value with slope values determined from detected current and voltage values as the voltage sweep proceeds until a slope value is detected that is smaller than the predetermined slope value.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, detecting a selected slope value based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep, selecting a charging voltage value as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the selected slope value, and adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, detecting a selected slope value based upon the applied voltage and current values detected during the voltage sweep, selecting a charging voltage value as the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the selected slope value, and adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the step of detecting a selected slope value includes the step of detecting a minimum slope value, and wherein the step of selecting a charging voltage value includes the step of selecting the voltage corresponding to the voltage at the minimum slope value.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the step of detecting a selected slope value includes the step of detecting a selected slope value having a voltage corresponding thereto that is less than the voltage corresponding to a minimum slope value, thereby selecting a charging voltage value that is less than the voltage at the minimum slope value.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the step of detecting a selected slope value includes the step of detecting a selected slope value having a voltage corresponding thereto that is greater than the voltage corresponding to a minimum slope value, thereby selecting a charging voltage value that is greater than the voltage at the minimum slope value.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of selectively discharging the battery prior to the step of periodically carrying out a voltage sweep.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, selecting a charging voltage for the battery being charged from the detected values for applied voltage and current, adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected, determining whether the battery has reached a desired level of charge from the detected values for applied voltage and current over a plurality of sweeps, and terminating sweep charging when the battery is determined to be substantially charged.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, selecting a charging voltage for the battery being charged from the detected values for applied voltage and current, adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected, determining whether the battery has reached a desired level of charge from the detected values for applied voltage and current over a plurality of sweeps, and terminating sweep charging when the battery is determined to be substantially charged.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the step of determining whether the battery has reached a desired state of charge includes the steps of selecting a predetermined number of voltage sweep cycles, and determining whether the desired state of charge has been reached by comparing the relative or specific change of the average charging voltage or current over the number of cycles with a predetermined value.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising the step of sensing for a low level of current to determine whether the battery has reached a desired level of charge.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, selectively discharging the battery, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, selecting a charging voltage for the battery being charged from the detected values for applied voltage and current, and adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of charging a lead-acid battery which comprises providing a variable power supply to charge the battery with an applied voltage, selectively discharging the battery, periodically carrying out a voltage sweep through a predetermined range, detecting the applied voltage and current at multiple points as the voltage sweep is being carried out, selecting a charging voltage for the battery being charged from the detected values for applied voltage and current, and adjusting the variable power supply to provide the battery being charged with a charging voltage based upon the charging voltage value selected.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the step of selectively discharging the battery includes the step of connecting a resistive load to the battery to draw current therefrom.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
145 words
An apparatus for charging a lead-acid battery which comprises a variable DC power supply for charging the battery, a DC voltage output controller to control the voltage of the DC power supply, discharge means for selectively providing a discharge pulse to the battery, a voltage sweep function generator for applying a voltage sweep through a predetermined range to the battery being charged, detection means to determine the voltage and current at multiple points and times as the voltage sweep is carried out and providing voltage and current signals based upon such detected values, an analyzer means receiving the voltage and current signals at the various times detected and selecting a charging voltage, said DC voltage output controller receiving the charging voltage information and adjusting the voltage of said variable DC power supply so that the battery being charged is provided with the selected charging voltage.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
145 words
An apparatus for charging a lead-acid battery which comprises a variable DC power supply for charging the battery, a DC voltage output controller to control the voltage of the DC power supply, discharge means for selectively providing a discharge pulse to the battery, a voltage sweep function generator for applying a voltage sweep through a predetermined range to the battery being charged, detection means to determine the voltage and current at multiple points and times as the voltage sweep is carried out and providing voltage and current signals based upon such detected values, an analyzer means receiving the voltage and current signals at the various times detected and selecting a charging voltage, said DC voltage output controller receiving the charging voltage information and adjusting the voltage of said variable DC power supply so that the battery being charged is provided with the selected charging voltage.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the discharge means includes a switch for selectively connecting a resistive load to the battery to draw current therefrom.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the output controller is connected to the switch to selectively control the actuation thereof.
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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) | 2000-08-11 | 2001-02-10 | 2001-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-11 | 2005-02-10 | 2005-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-11 | 2009-02-10 | 2009-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |