US5726554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Charging a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
•
Filing: 1996-05-24
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Granted: 1998-03-10
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Expires: 2016-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A battery pack of a computer system includes a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery. The battery pack includes a controller for routing power from an external power source to the battery to recharge the battery. The controller is configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery. The profile includes time portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage. The controller is also configured to control the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph F. Freiman
- 👤 Steven Kent McConkey
- 👤 Nathan Austin Mitchell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:14
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/42; H01M10/44; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/90; H02J7/927; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of charging a battery in a personal electronic device, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising: applying charging current to the terminals of the battery in the personal electronic device according to a time profile including intervals when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal critical terminal voltage; and controlling the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery in the personal electronic device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of charging a battery in a personal electronic device, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising: applying charging current to the terminals of the battery in the personal electronic device according to a time profile including intervals when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal critical terminal voltage; and controlling the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery in the personal electronic device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the time profile includes: repeatedly cycling the charging voltage from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the lower levels represent a relaxation voltage that rises over time to reach the nominal rated critical terminal voltage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the relaxation voltage represents a voltage at which the terminal voltage of the battery reaches a minimum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the time profile includes a series of current pulses each comprising an on period and an off period, and wherein the off period ends each time the terminal voltage of the battery falls to the relaxation voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the current pulses all have the same duty cycle, and wherein the lengths of the on periods decrease with time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the time profile includes monitoring the terminal voltage of the battery during charging and controlling the time profile based on the monitored terminal voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the charging current after an initial period is constant or off.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of charging a lithium ion battery in a personal electronic device, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising: converting energy into pulses of power; and charging the battery using the pulses of power to cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of charging a lithium ion battery in a personal electronic device, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising: converting energy into pulses of power; and charging the battery using the pulses of power to cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of charging a battery in a personal electronic device, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, comprising: applying a time profile of charging power to the battery, the time profile repeatedly cycling a terminal voltage of the battery from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage; measuring a relaxation voltage of the battery at times during the time profile; and continuing the time profile until the relaxation voltage reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of charging a battery in a personal electronic device, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, comprising: applying a time profile of charging power to the battery, the time profile repeatedly cycling a terminal voltage of the battery from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage; measuring a relaxation voltage of the battery at times during the time profile; and continuing the time profile until the relaxation voltage reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the lower levels represent a relaxation voltage that rises over time to reach the nominal rated critical terminal voltage.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the relaxation voltage represents the voltage at which the terminal voltage of the battery reaches a minimum.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the time profile includes a series of current pulses each comprising an on period and an off period, and wherein the off period ends each time the terminal voltage of the battery falls to the relaxation voltage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the current pulses all have the same duty cycle, and wherein the lengths of the on periods decrease with time.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of charging a battery, the battery having a nominal rated critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising the steps of: applying a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery, the profile including the portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage; and controlling the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of charging a battery, the battery having a nominal rated critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising the steps of: applying a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery, the profile including the portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage; and controlling the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of charging a lithium ion battery, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising: converting energy into pulses of power; and charging the battery using the pulses of power to cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of charging a lithium ion battery, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery, the method comprising: converting energy into pulses of power; and charging the battery using the pulses of power to cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
126 words
A personal electronic device capable of receiving power from an external power source, the device comprising: a microprocessor; a memory; a system bus; and a rechargeable battery pack including a battery having a nominal rated critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery in the personal electronic device, the profile including time portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, and to control the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery in the personal electronic device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
126 words
A personal electronic device capable of receiving power from an external power source, the device comprising: a microprocessor; a memory; a system bus; and a rechargeable battery pack including a battery having a nominal rated critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery in the personal electronic device, the profile including time portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, and to control the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery in the personal electronic device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The personal electronic device of claim 17, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The personal electronic device of claim 17, wherein the controller includes switches.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The personal electronic device of claim 17, wherein the controller includes a voltage detector.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The personal electronic device of claim 17, where the personal electronic device is a personal computer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
91 words
A personal electronic device capable of receiving power from an external power source, the device comprising: a microprocessor; and a rechargeable battery pack including: a lithium ion battery, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to charge the battery using pulses of power and cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
91 words
A personal electronic device capable of receiving power from an external power source, the device comprising: a microprocessor; and a rechargeable battery pack including: a lithium ion battery, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to charge the battery using pulses of power and cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The personal electronic device of claim 22, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
12 words
The personal electronic device of claim 22, wherein the controller includes switches.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The personal electronic device of claim 22, wherein the controller includes a voltage detector.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The personal electronic device of claim 22, where the personal electronic device is a personal computer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
133 words
A personal electronic device capable of receiving power from an external power source, the device comprising: a microprocessor; and a rechargeable battery pack including: a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the battery, the time profile repeatedly cycling a terminal voltage of the battery from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, measure a relaxation voltage of the battery at times during the time profile, and continue the time profile until the relaxation voltage reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
133 words
A personal electronic device capable of receiving power from an external power source, the device comprising: a microprocessor; and a rechargeable battery pack including: a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the battery, the time profile repeatedly cycling a terminal voltage of the battery from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, measure a relaxation voltage of the battery at times during the time profile, and continue the time profile until the relaxation voltage reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The personal electronic device of claim 27, wherein the controller includes switches.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The personal electronic device of claim 27, wherein the controller includes a voltage detector.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The personal electronic device of claim 27, where the personal electronic device is a personal computer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The personal electronic device of claim 27, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
103 words
A battery pack capable of receiving power from an external power source, the battery pack comprising: a battery having a nominal rated critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery, the profile including time portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, and to control the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
103 words
A battery pack capable of receiving power from an external power source, the battery pack comprising: a battery having a nominal rated critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the terminals of the battery, the profile including time portions when the terminal voltage of the battery exceeds the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, and to control the time profile to prevent hazardous failure of the battery.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
83 words
A battery pack capable of receiving power from an external power source, the battery pack comprising: a lithium ion battery, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to charge the battery using pulses of power and cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
83 words
A battery pack capable of receiving power from an external power source, the battery pack comprising: a lithium ion battery, the battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery to recharge the battery, the controller being configured to charge the battery using pulses of power and cause a terminal voltage of the battery to exceed the nominal critical terminal voltage.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
125 words
A battery pack capable of receiving power from an external power source, the battery pack comprising: a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the battery, the time profile repeatedly cycling a terminal voltage of the battery from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, measure a relaxation voltage of the battery at times during the time profile, and continue the time profile until the relaxation voltage reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
125 words
A battery pack capable of receiving power from an external power source, the battery pack comprising: a battery having a nominal critical terminal voltage that may not be exceeded without hazardous failure of the battery; and a controller for routing power from the power source to the battery, the controller being configured to apply a time profile of charging power to the battery, the time profile repeatedly cycling a terminal voltage of the battery from higher levels that exceed the nominal rated critical terminal voltage to lower levels that are no higher than the nominal rated critical terminal voltage, measure a relaxation voltage of the battery at times during the time profile, and continue the time profile until the relaxation voltage reaches a predetermined 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) | 2001-03-09 | 2001-09-08 | 2002-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-09-08 | 2006-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-09 | 2009-09-08 | 2010-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |