Rechargeable battery pack charging system with redundant safety systems
US6326767A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system, method and apparatus for charging rechargeable battery packs having redundant safety systems. A battery charger has a temperature sensor at a negative charging terminal for determining the charge condition of a rechargeable battery pack and controlling a charging current. The battery charger has a microcontroller to control the charging of the rechargeable battery pack using a fast charge current or a trickle charge current. Independent safety systems provide safe operation of the battery charger if the microcontroller operation fails. A rechargeable battery pack has a pair of openings to allow direct contact to a positive pole and a negative pole of the end batteries for improved temperature sensing by a battery charger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.