Automatic battery discharging and charging technique to increase battery life
US6771047B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/0069
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A technique for prolonging the life of a rechargeable battery in a computer is disclosed, wherein an automatic discharging and charging cycle occurs only during a time when the user does not anticipate ever needing to operate the computer using the battery. In another technique for prolonging the life of a rechargeable battery, to eliminate frequent topping off of the battery's charge by the computer's recharging routine, the battery is only automatically topped off after a relatively long interval if the computer remains plugged in. Such topping off may occur after the battery charge has fallen to a certain charge level or only after an extended time period. The time period may be set by the user. By topping off less frequently, the battery life is extended.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.