General Electric Company

Gates Energy Products, Inc.

Clifford L Scholefield

Kenneth E Toops

Kim B Edwards

Ferdinand H Mullersman

A charger for charging a rechargeable electrochemical cell including: a first conductive terminal having a central opening therein and a first contact end, the first conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a first charging rate; and a second conductive terminal positioned within the opening, the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion extending outwardly from and electrically insulated from the first contact end, the second conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a second charging rate. The charger may have an insulator with an insulating contact end portion in place of the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion. Also, a rechargeable electrochemical cell for use with a charger including: conductive flexible positive and negative plates; the cell having a top end with a perimeter and a bottom end electrically connected preferably to the negative plate; an annular charging contact seat integral to and protruding outwardly from the top end and located on the top end away from the perimeter; and the charging contact seat in electrical connection with the positive plate. Additionally, combinations of a rechargeable electrochemical cell and a charger therefor are included.

Rechargeable cell terminal configuration and charging device

A charging system is provided for use in an energy-using device operable from an external source of A-C power and from either batteries of either the rechargeable or non-chargeable type. The charging system effects charging of batteries of the rechargeable type upon connection of the energy-using device with the external source of A-C power. The charging system includes a charging adapter for insertion with rechargeable batteries into the energy-using device. Removal of the charging adapter from the energy-using device is effective to preclude charging of batteries of a non-rechargeable type.

System for charging a rechargeable battery

A battery charger with an indicator to indicate full charge of secondary sealed cells and like cells which become heated when subjected to overcharge current, or batteries of such cells, the indicator comprising a heat sensitive mechanism which is mounted to the charger housing and is adapted to change a perceivable characteristic in respone to the rise in temperature of the cell or battery as the charging operation continues beyond full charge. Part of the heat sensitive mechanism is thermally coupled to the battery or cell and another part is maintained at ambient temperature so that the perceivable characteristic of the portion maintained at ambient temperature and that of the portion at the raised temperature of the overcharged battery or cell can be readily observed to signify that full charge has been attained. As preferably embodied, the heat sensitive mechanism is a liquid crystal material.

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Clifford L Scholefield