Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for charging batteries

US4956597A · kind A · utility

207Cited by
11References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 28, 1989
Grant dateSep 11, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 28, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH02J7/00711
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for charging batteries of the type characterized by entry into a gassing phase just prior to reaching full charge, are disclosed. Means are provided for periodically applying a load across the battery terminals during charging of the battery and for accurately measuring the battery discharge through the load. All signals other than those directly attributable to the battery energization of the load are removed from the measured signal. The isolated load response signal is compared to a predetermined threshold value established for the battery being charged to accurately determine when the battery enters into its gassing phase. Battery charging is maintained following entry of the battery into its gassing phase for a period of time known to return a predetermined overcharge of approximately 5 to 15% to the battery.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.