US6404166B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Signalling system
Assignee: SANKEY & LUCK LLP
•
Filing: 2000-08-24
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Granted: 2002-06-11
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Expires: 2020-08-24
Abstract
Abstract A battery signalling system is provided which can be used to monitor and/or control a battery (1) having a number of series connected battery cells (Ci). When used to monitor the battery cells, the battery signalling system can comprise a central battery monitoring system (3) for monitoring the industrial battery (1) as a whole, a number of cell monitoring devices (CMi) for monitoring one or more battery cells (Ci) and a communication link (9) for connecting the cell monitoring devices (CMi) in series in a daisy chain configuration to the central battery monitoring system (3). In operation, the central battery monitoring system (3) can poll each of the cell monitoring devices (Cmi) in turn and analyze the data received from a polled cell monitoring device (CMi) to detect malfunctions and/or underperforming cells.
Inventors
- 👤 Silviu Puchianu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:24
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L3/00; B60L3/0023; B60L3/0046; B60L58/00; B60L58/10; B60L58/12; B60L58/18; B60L58/21; G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/36; G01R31/3644; G01R31/3648; G01R31/382; G01R31/3828; G01R31/3832; G01R31/396; H; H01; H01M; H01M10/00; H01M10/42; H01M10/4207; H01M10/48; H01M10/482; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/50; H02J7/80; H02J7/82; B60L2240/00; B60L2240/40; B60L2240/54; B60L2240/545; B60L2240/547; B60L2240/549; B60L2250/00; B60L2250/10; B60L2260/00; B60L2260/40; B60L2260/44; G01R15/00; G01R15/04; G01R19/00; G01R19/165; G01R19/16533; G01R19/16538; G01R19/16542; G01R31/389; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/70; Y02T90/00; Y02T90/10; Y02T90/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
308 words
A signaling system for use with a plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential, the system comprising: first and second signaling devices, each to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems; and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said second signaling device; wherein said first signaling device comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one of more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said first signaling device; ii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply terminal of the first signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said first signaling device; and iii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device; wherein said second signaling device comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said second signaling device; and ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said second signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said second signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said second signaling device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
308 words
A signaling system for use with a plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential, the system comprising: first and second signaling devices, each to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems; and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said second signaling device; wherein said first signaling device comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one of more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said first signaling device; ii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply terminal of the first signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said first signaling device; and iii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device; wherein said second signaling device comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said second signaling device; and ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said second signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said second signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said second signaling device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said solid state switch comprises a transistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said sensor comprises a current sensor for sensing a variation in current passing through said input terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said sensor comprises a voltage divider which is connected to said input terminal for sensing a change in voltage across said input terminal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
205 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said electrically conductive link is for connecting an output terminal of second signaling device to an input terminal of said first signaling device, wherein said second signaling device further comprises: iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said reference terminal of said second signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said second signaling device; and iv.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch in said second signaling device for opening and closing said solid switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said second signaling device to said first signaling device; wherein said first signaling device further comprises: v.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said second signaling device to said input terminal of said first signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said first signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said first signaling device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
271 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , further comprising a third signaling device which is to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said second signaling device to an input terminal of said third signaling device; wherein said second signaling device further comprises: iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply potential of said second signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said second signaling device; and v.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch of said second signaling device, for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said second signaling device to said third signaling device; wherein said third signaling device further comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said third signaling device; and ii.) A sensor coupled to said input terminal of said third signaling device for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said second signaling device to said input terminal of said third signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said third signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said third signaling device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
229 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , further comprising a third signaling device to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said third signaling device to an input terminal of said first signaling device; wherein said third signaling device further comprises: i.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply potential of said third signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said third signaling device; and ii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch in said third signaling device, for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said third signaling device to said first signaling device; wherein said first signaling device further comprises: iv.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal of said first signaling device, for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said third signaling device to said input terminal of said first device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal, and wherein input terminal of said first signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said first signaling device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
287 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , further comprising a third signaling device to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting a second output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said third signaling device; wherein said first signaling device further comprises: v.) A second solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode of said second solid switch being connected to said reference potential of said first signaling device and the second main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said second output terminal of said first signaling device; and v.) a second controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said second solid state switch of said first signaling device, for opening and closing said second solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said third signaling device; wherein said third signaling device further comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said third signaling device; and ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal of said third signaling device, for sensing the signal transmitted from said second output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said third signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said third signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said third signaling device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
A signaling system according to claim 5 , wherein said input terminal and output terminal of said first signaling device are the same physical terminal and wherein said input terminal and output terminal of said second signaling device are the same physical terminal and wherein said electrically conductive link comprises a single wire.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
290 words
A signaling system according to claim 5 , further comprising a third signaling device which is to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting a second output terminal of said second signaling device to an input terminal of said third signaling device; wherein said second signaling device further comprises: iii.) a second solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said supply potential of said second signaling device and the second main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said second output terminal of said second signaling device; and v.) a second controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said second solid state switch of said second signaling device, for opening and closing said second solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said second signaling device to said third signaling device; wherein said third signaling device further comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said third signaling device; and ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal of said third signaling device, for sensing the signal transmitted from said second output terminal of said second signaling device to said input terminal of said third signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said third signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said second signaling device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
230 words
A signaling system according to claim 5 , further comprising a third signaling device to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said third signaling to a second input terminal of said first signaling device; wherein said third signaling device further comprises: i.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply potential of said third signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said third signaling device; and ii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said solid state switch in said third signaling device, for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said third signaling device to said first signaling device; wherein said first signaling device further comprises; iv.) a second sensor coupled to said second input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said third signaling device to said second input terminal of said first signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said second input terminal of said first signaling device is connected to the reference terminal of said first signaling device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said first signaling device further comprises a sensor input terminal for receiving a signal from a sensor and wherein said controller is operable to apply said control signal in dependence upon a signal received from said sensor input terminal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second signaling devices are operable to communicate with a central monitoring system.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said controller comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein said second signaling device further comprises a microprocessor for receiving the signal output by said sensor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , wherein the signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device comprises square wave signals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
308 words
A signaling system for use with a plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential, the system comprising: first and second signaling devices, each to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems; and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said second signaling device; wherein said first signaling device comprises; i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one of more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said first signaling device; ii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said reference terminal of the first signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said first signaling device; and iii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device; wherein said second signaling device comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said second signaling device; and ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said second signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said second signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said second signaling device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
308 words
A signaling system for use with a plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential, the system comprising: first and second signaling devices, each to be powered by a respective one or more of said plurality of systems; and an electrically conductive link for connecting an output terminal of said first signaling device to an input terminal of said second signaling device; wherein said first signaling device comprises; i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one of more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said first signaling device; ii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said reference terminal of the first signaling device and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal of said first signaling device; and iii.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to said second signaling device; wherein said second signaling device comprises: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from said respective one or more of said plurality of systems and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said second signaling device; and ii.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing the signal transmitted from said output terminal of said first signaling device to said input terminal of said second signaling device and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal; and wherein said input terminal of said second signaling device is connected to the supply terminal of said second signaling device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
125 words
A signaling device comprising: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from a power source and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said signaling device; ii.) an output terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link; iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply terminal and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal; and iv.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said signaling device to said other signaling device via said output terminal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
125 words
A signaling device comprising: i.) a supply terminal and a reference terminal for receiving power from a power source and for providing a supply potential and a reference potential to said signaling device; ii.) an output terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link; iii.) a solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode being connected to said supply terminal and the second main electrode being connected to said output terminal; and iv.) a controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode for opening and closing said solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said signaling device to said other signaling device via said output terminal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
72 words
A signaling device according to claim 18 further comprising: v.) an input terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link, the input terminal being connected to the reference terminal of said signaling device; and vi.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing a signal transmitted from said other signaling device to said input terminal and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
74 words
A signaling device according to claim 18 , further comprising: v.) an input terminal for connection to another signaling device via an electrically conductive link, the input terminal being connected to the supply terminal of said signaling device; and vi.) a sensor coupled to said input terminal for sensing a signal transmitted from said other signaling device to said input terminal and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
115 words
A signaling device according to claim 19 , further comprising: vii.) a second solid state switch having first and second main electrodes and a control electrode, the first main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to said reference terminal of said signaling device and the second main electrode of said second solid state switch being connected to a second output terminal of said first signaling device; and viii.) a second controller for applying a control signal to said control electrode of said second solid state switch, for opening and closing said second solid state switch in dependence upon a signal to be transmitted from said first signaling device to another signaling device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
78 words
A signaling device according to claim 21 , further comprising: ix.) a second input terminal for connection to another signaling device via a conductive link, said second input terminal being connected to said supply terminal of said signaling device; and x.) a second sensor coupled to said second input terminal for sensing a signal transmitted from said another signaling device to said second input terminal and for outputting a signal which varies in dependence upon the sensed signal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
A signaling device according to claim 19 , wherein said input terminal and said output terminal are the same physical terminal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
A signaling device according to claim 22 , wherein said second input terminal and said second output terminal are the same physical terminal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
A signaling device according to claim 18 , wherein said solid state switch comprises a transistor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
A signaling device according to claim 19 , wherein said sensor comprises a current sensor for sensing a variation in current passing through said input terminal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
A signaling device according to claim 19 , wherein said sensor comprises a voltage divider which is connected to said input terminal for sensing a change in voltage across said input terminal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
A signaling device according to claim 27 , wherein said sensor further comprises a comparator for comparing an output voltage from said voltage divider with a reference voltage.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
47 words
A signaling device according to claim 18 , wherein said signaling device further comprises a sensor input terminal for receiving a signal from a sensor and wherein said controller is operable to apply said control signal in dependence upon a signal received from said sensor input terminal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
A signaling device according to claim 18 , wherein said controller comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A signaling device according to claim 19 , further comprising a microprocessor for receiving the signal output by said sensor.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
A signaling device according to claim 18 , wherein said signal to be transmitted from said signaling device to said other signaling device comprises square wave signals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
A signaling kit for use in a signaling system comprising a plurality of signaling devices according to claim 18 .
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
A signaling kit according to claim 33 , further comprising a communication link for connecting said plurality of signaling devices in series.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
A signaling system according to claim 1 , in combination with said plurality of systems each having a respective power source and each operating at a different reference potential.
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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) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-12-10 | 2006-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-10 | 2009-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |