Gnb Batteries Inc.

Donald J Bosack

David K Johansen

Frederic J Lambert

An improved battery charger apparatus having a control circuit providing different charging periods which are automatically correlated with the type of battery connected to the charge for charging the connected battery to a preselected full charge state. The apparatus has a charging circuit for charging the battery, a sensing circuit for sensing the state of the battery during charging thereof by the charging circuit and a circuit for determining first and second predetermined reference voltage/current states. The apparatus causes the charging of the battery at a preselected initial charging level for an initial time period and establishes a first finish time period. The apparatus further determines a first time at which the state of the battery reaches the first predetermined referenced voltage/current state during the initial time period, and causes the charging circuit to continue to charge the battery at a preselected first charging level after the determination of the first time for a first finish time period. The apparatus further establishes a second finish time period and determines a second time at which the state of the battery reaches the second predetermined referenced voltage/current state during the first finish time period. The apparatus terminates charging of the battery if the state of the battery does not reach the second predetermined referenced voltage/current state during the first finish time period, and causes the charging circuit to continue to charge the battery at a preselected second charging level after the determination of the second time for a second finish time period.

Control circuit for automatic battery chargers

A timing circuit for charging motive power batteries (B). The timing control circuit (25) provides different times of charge in accordance with the time at which a predetermined voltage/current state of the battery is achieved. Control circuit (25) cooperates with a controller (18) in causing termination of the charging operation immediately upon reaching of the voltage/current state if this occurs in a first time slot of an initial control time period. The timing circuit (25) provides an automatic finish time period of charge if the battery (B) reaches the predetermined voltage/current state at some time during the initial control time period. The control includes a switch (23) permitting the user to cause an automatic additional amount of charging upon completion of the normal charging cycle effected by the control, such as for effecting a weekend charge. The control further includes structure for terminating the charging operation in the event the battery being charged does not reach the predetermined voltage/current state at the end of a preselected maximum time. A signal light (24) signals such a fault condition in the charging operation.

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Barrington, IL, United States of America

Donald J Bosack