Battery recycling
US6618644B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F7/06
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and a method provide a convenient way for consumers to recycle used batteries. The apparatus is a self-contained station or kiosk that accepts used batteries from a consumer and dispenses one or both of fully charged batteries and credit for the used battery to the consumer. The method determines one or more of chemistry, rechargeability and condition of the used battery, assigns a credit value to the used battery, and dispenses a form of credit based on the assigned credit value. The present invention recycles one or both of used rechargeable and used non-rechargeable batteries and separately dispenses fully charged batteries. Used rechargeable batteries are recharged and reused, and used non-rechargeable batteries are collected for proper disposal according to regulations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.