US6291972B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for battery formation, charging, discharging, and equalization
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2000-02-17
•
Granted: 2001-09-18
•
Expires: 2020-02-17
Abstract
Abstract A circuit assembly for the formation and charging of secondary batteries, such as lithium ion and lithium-polymer cells, is provided. A parallel arrangement of cells eliminates the need for current regulation for each, thereby providing a mechanism for self-equalization of the cells configured in this way. Cells in parallel are governed by the same voltage profile, and each cell draws current from a voltage-regulating channel according to its state of health. A holder is also provided for connecting cells to the electronic instrument containing the voltage-regulating channel. This holder provides for reliable termination at the terminal tabs.
Inventors
- 👤 Chaojiong Zhang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:19
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/50; H02J7/52; H02J7/56; H02J7/70; H02J7/751; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/05; H01M10/052; H01M10/42; H01M10/44; H01M10/446; H01M50/00; H01M50/20; H01M50/204; H01M50/207; H01M50/209; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A circuit assembly for use in the formation of secondary cells comprising: a. a master channel defining master voltage leads and master current leads; b. means for coupling a first cell to the master channel across the master voltage leads in order to charge the first cell; c. a slave channel defining slave voltage leads and slave current leads; d. means for coupling a second cell to the slave channel across the slave voltage leads in order to charge the second cell; and e. a control line from the master channel to the slave channel to control the output characteristics of the slave channel in order to charge the second cell equally with the first cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A circuit assembly for use in the formation of secondary cells comprising: a. a master channel defining master voltage leads and master current leads; b. means for coupling a first cell to the master channel across the master voltage leads in order to charge the first cell; c. a slave channel defining slave voltage leads and slave current leads; d. means for coupling a second cell to the slave channel across the slave voltage leads in order to charge the second cell; and e. a control line from the master channel to the slave channel to control the output characteristics of the slave channel in order to charge the second cell equally with the first cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The circuit assembly of claim 1 , further comprising means for coupling a third cell in parallel with the first cell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The circuit assembly of claim 2 , wherein the master channel includes a bipolar, output voltage-adjustable voltage regulator as an equalizer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The circuit assembly of claim 1 , wherein the master channel forms a plurality of secondary cells with a single voltage profile.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The circuit assembly of claim 1 , wherein the assembly is adapted for charging rechargeable devices.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The circuit assembly of claim 2 , further comprising means for coupling a plurality of cells in series or a parallel-series arrangement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The circuit assembly of claim 1 , wherein the assembly is adapted to recharge cells after use.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The circuit assembly for claim 1 , further comprising a current limiter to provide over-current protection to the first cell.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The circuit assembly of claim 1 , wherein the means for coupling a first cell comprises an individual flat cell holder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
The circuit assembly of claim 9 , wherein the holder comprises: a. an electrical contact for each of the anode and cathode of the first cell; and b. a base on which the electrical contact for each of the anode and cathode is mounted.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The circuit assembly of claim 10 , wherein the electrical contact includes electrical continuity to both the master voltage leads and master current leads.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The circuit assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a protective cover adapted to be mounted to the base over the anode and cathode of the first cell.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The circuit assembly of claim 11 , wherein the base is adapted to receive a range of sizes of cells.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The circuit assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a cell interface block electrically coupled to the contact, the block having the capability for outfitting with a variety of connectors to connect the master channel to the holder.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 1 , adapted to be used in lithium polymer cell or flat cell formation.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of forming a plurality of secondary cells, comprising the steps of: a. coupling a first secondary cell to a master channel in order to charge the first secondary cell; b. coupling a second secondary cell to a slave channel in order to charge the second secondary cell; c. providing power to the first and second secondary cells from the master and slave power supplies, respectively; d. wherein the voltage of the slave channel in controlled by the master channel to charge the second secondary cell equally with the first secondary cell.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of forming a plurality of secondary cells, comprising the steps of: a. coupling a first secondary cell to a master channel in order to charge the first secondary cell; b. coupling a second secondary cell to a slave channel in order to charge the second secondary cell; c. providing power to the first and second secondary cells from the master and slave power supplies, respectively; d. wherein the voltage of the slave channel in controlled by the master channel to charge the second secondary cell equally with the first secondary cell.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 16 , further comprising the step of mounting the first secondary cell in a holder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-09-17 | 2005-03-19 | 2005-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-09-17 | 2009-03-19 | 2009-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-09-17 | 2013-03-19 | 2013-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |