Method and apparatus for automatically switching and charging multiple batteries
US5640078A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J9/061
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A battery selecting and charging system forms part of a portable electronic device, preferably a portable medical device. When the device is powered up, a selecting circuit selects one of two rechargeable batteries to power the device until it is depleted, and then automatically switches to the other battery. When the second battery is depleted, both batteries are selected to power the device. When the device is powered down, a battery charging circuit, having both a high and low charge section, provides a high charge to the battery having the greatest terminal voltage. Thereafter, the high charge is applied to the other battery, the low charge is applied to the first battery, and then the low charge is applied to the second battery. The battery charging circuit monitors the terminal voltage to prevent any damage to the batteries or the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.