US6081098A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for charging a battery
Assignee: Bridge Semiconductor Corp
•
Filing: 1997-11-03
•
Granted: 2000-06-27
•
Expires: 2017-11-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for charging a battery includes a first electrical connection adapted to connect to a positive terminal of the battery and a second electrical connector adapted to connect to a negative terminal of the battery. An electrical charging source couples to the first and second electrical connectors to charge the battery. Voltage measurement circuitry couples to the first and second electrical connectors and responsively provides a voltage output related to voltage across the battery. Current measurement circuitry also couples to the first and second electrical connectors and responsively provides a current output related to electrical current through the battery. State of charge measurement circuitry responsively provides a state of charge output as a function of the voltage output and the current output.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin I. Bertness
- 👤 Stephen J. McShane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:57
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/40; H02J7/443; H02J7/445; H02J7/485; H02J7/90; H02J7/933; G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/36; G01R31/3644; G01R31/3647; G01R31/3648; G01R31/389; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S320/00; Y10S320/18; Y10S320/21
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 105
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: a first electrical connector adapted to connect to a positive terminal of the battery; a second electrical connector adapted to connect to a negative terminal of the battery; an electrical charging source providing a charge signal to the first and second connectors, the charge signal sufficiently large to charge the battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; voltage measurement circuitry coupled to the first and second electrical connectors responsively providing sensed voltage output related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; current measurement circuitry coupled to the first electrical connector responsively providing a sensed current output related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; and state of charge measurement circuitry responsively providing a state of charge output as a function of a parameter of the lead acid storage determined as a ratio of the sensed voltage output and the sensed current output, the state of charge output related to the amount the battery is charged.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: a first electrical connector adapted to connect to a positive terminal of the battery; a second electrical connector adapted to connect to a negative terminal of the battery; an electrical charging source providing a charge signal to the first and second connectors, the charge signal sufficiently large to charge the battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; voltage measurement circuitry coupled to the first and second electrical connectors responsively providing sensed voltage output related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; current measurement circuitry coupled to the first electrical connector responsively providing a sensed current output related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; and state of charge measurement circuitry responsively providing a state of charge output as a function of a parameter of the lead acid storage determined as a ratio of the sensed voltage output and the sensed current output, the state of charge output related to the amount the battery is charged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge output increases as battery impedance decreases and increases as battery admittance increases based upon the sensed voltage and current outputs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including battery rating storage circuitry storing a rating related to the battery in a fully charged condition and wherein the state of charge output is a function of measured state of charge and the stored battery rating.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the state of charge output is a percentage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical charging source provides a rectified signal to charge the battery.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the current measurement circuitry includes a resistor placed in series with the electrical charging source to generate a voltage drop thereacross.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the current measurement circuitry includes a Hall-Effect sensor which provides the sensed current output as a voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the current measurement circuitry includes a magnetic pickup which provides the sensed current output as a voltage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge output is a function of the sensed current output divided by the sensed voltage output.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge measurement circuitry comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the charge signal from the electrical charging source is responsive to the state of charge output from the state of charge measurement circuitry.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the charge signal is reduced as the state of charge of the battery increases.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 3 including input circuitry for receiving an input related to battery rating for storage in the battery rating storage circuitry.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the input is a user input.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the user input is selected from the group consisting of battery make, battery model, battery type, battery part number and battery rating.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a load resistance for performing a load test on the battery.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the charge signal includes an AC component.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the voltage and current measurement circuits are responsive to AC signals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the voltage and current measurement circuits measure RMS.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the voltage and current measurement circuits measure peak-to-peak.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the charge signal includes a stepped DC component.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the voltage and current circuits are responsive to step changes in DC levels.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge measurement circuitry provides an output indicative of a bad cell in the battery in response to the sensed voltage and current outputs.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a parameter input and the state of charge output is further a function of a parameter input.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the input is received over a non-physical link.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the non-physical link is selected from the group consisting of IR, RF, and ultrasonic.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the battery rating storage circuitry stores a CCA rating.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the battery rating storage circuitry stores a JIS rating.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the battery rating storage circuitry stores a battery stock number.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the battery rating storage circuitry stores battery construction information.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a visual display to display the state of charge output.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the display provides empty and full indications.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge output is related to a battery condition selected from the group consisting of recovery of amp hours, reserve capacity, time to full charge and run charge remaining.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including application of a resistive load to provide a battery load test.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the input is provided from a battery tester.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including an I/O port for coupling to an external device.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the external device comprises a printer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the external device comprises a storage device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the external device comprises an automotive analysis device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the external device comprises a battery tester.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the I/O port comprises a non-physical link.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the link comprises an infrared link.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the link comprises a radio frequency link.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the link comprises an ultrasonic link.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the I/O port receives battery model information from an external device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the I/O port receives battery type information from an external device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including output circuitry adapted to provide an audit code.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the audit code includes a sequence code.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the audit code includes time information.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 47 wherein the audit code includes date information.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge output is a function of battery resistance.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge output is a function of battery impedance.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the state of charge output is a function of battery admittance.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the charge signal is a function of a battery charge profile.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the charge signal is further a function of the state of charge output.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: a first electrical connector adapted to connect to a positive terminal of the battery; a second electrical connector adapted to connect to a negative terminal of the battery; an electrical charging source adapted to provide a charge signal to the first and second connectors, the charge signal sufficiently large to charge the battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; a memory adapted to contain stored information related to the battery; an input adapted to receive input information related to the battery; and a microprocessor coupled to the electrical charging source adapted to responsively control the charge signal as a function of the input information, the AC signal component of the charge signal and the stored information.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: a first electrical connector adapted to connect to a positive terminal of the battery; a second electrical connector adapted to connect to a negative terminal of the battery; an electrical charging source adapted to provide a charge signal to the first and second connectors, the charge signal sufficiently large to charge the battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; a memory adapted to contain stored information related to the battery; an input adapted to receive input information related to the battery; and a microprocessor coupled to the electrical charging source adapted to responsively control the charge signal as a function of the input information, the AC signal component of the charge signal and the stored information.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 56 including measurement circuitry adapted to measure a parameter of the battery and wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal further as a function of the parameter.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 56 including: voltage measurement circuitry coupled to the first and second electrical connectors adapted to responsively provide a sensed voltage output related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; and current measurement circuitry coupled to the first and second electrical connectors adapted to responsively provide a sensed current output related to the AC signal component of the charge signal.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 58 including: state of charge measurement circuitry adapted to responsively provide a state of charge output as a function of the sensed voltage output and the sensed current output.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the microprocessor further controls the charge signal in response to the state of charge output.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the stored information includes circuitry storing a stored battery rating related to the battery in a fully charged condition and wherein the state of charge output is a function of measured state of charge and the stored battery rating.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the state of charge output is a percentage.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the input information comprises battery rating.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the input information is selected from the group consisting of battery make, battery model, battery type, battery part number and battery rating.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the input is received from a non-physical link.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the non-physical link is selected from the group consisting of infrared, radio frequency, and ultrasonic.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the stored information includes a CCA rating.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the stored information includes a JIS rating.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the stored information includes a battery stock number.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the stored information includes battery construction information.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 56 including a resistive load adapted to couple to the battery to provide a battery load test.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 56 including an I/O port for coupling to an external device.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the external device comprises a printer.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the external device comprises a storage device.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the external device comprises an automotive analysis device.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the external device comprises a battery tester.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the I/O port comprises a non-physical link.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 77 wherein the link comprises an infrared link.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 77 wherein the link comprises a radio frequency link.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 77 wherein the link comprises an ultrasonic link.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the I/O port receives battery model information from an external device.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 56 including output circuitry provided an audit code.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the charge signal is further a function of a battery charge profile stored in the memory.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
93 words
A method performed by an apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: generating a charge signal having sufficient energy to charge the battery; applying the charge signal to the storage battery to charge the battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; sensing a voltage related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; sensing a current related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; and determining state of charge of the battery as a function of a ratio of the sensed voltage and sensed current.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
93 words
A method performed by an apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: generating a charge signal having sufficient energy to charge the battery; applying the charge signal to the storage battery to charge the battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; sensing a voltage related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; sensing a current related to the AC signal component of the charge signal; and determining state of charge of the battery as a function of a ratio of the sensed voltage and sensed current.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 84 including controlling the charge signal in response to the state of charge of the battery.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 84 including displaying the state of charge of the battery.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 84 wherein the charge signal is function of a battery charge profile.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 84 including performing a load test on the storage battery.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 84 including receiving an input related to a battery rating of the storage battery.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 84 including detecting a bad cell in the battery.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 84 including receiving an input over a non-physical link.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 84 including providing an output over a non-physical link.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 84 including generating an audit code.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
97 words
A method performed by an apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: generating a charge signal having sufficient energy to charge the storage battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; applying a charge signal to the storage battery to charge the battery; retrieving stored information related to the battery stored in a memory; receiving input information related to the battery through an input; and responsively controlling the charge signal as a function of the input information, the AC signal component of the charge signal and the stored information related to the battery.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
97 words
A method performed by an apparatus for charging a lead acid storage battery, comprising: generating a charge signal having sufficient energy to charge the storage battery, wherein the charge signal includes an AC signal component; applying a charge signal to the storage battery to charge the battery; retrieving stored information related to the battery stored in a memory; receiving input information related to the battery through an input; and responsively controlling the charge signal as a function of the input information, the AC signal component of the charge signal and the stored information related to the battery.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 94 including measuring a parameter of the battery and further controlling the charge signal as a function of the measured parameter.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 95 wherein the parameter comprises state of charge of the storage battery.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 96 wherein the state of charge is a function of a battery rating received in the step of receiving information.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 94 wherein the information is received from a non-physical link.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 98 wherein the non-physical link is selected from the group consisting of infrared, radio frequency and ultrasonic.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 94 including providing an output to an external device.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 94 including generating an audit code.
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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) | 2003-06-27 | 2003-12-27 | 2004-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-06-27 | 2007-12-27 | 2008-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-06-27 | 2011-12-27 | 2012-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |