Dell Products Inc.

John Barbian

Jay L Taylor

Douglas G Macnair, Jr

Douglas G MacNair, Jr

A battery includes at least one rechargeable battery cell that is operable to store energy. An electronics unit is coupled to the at least one rechargeable battery cell, wherein the electronics unit is operable to control an operating condition of the battery, and wherein the electronics unit is inoperable when the energy stored in the at least one rechargeable battery cell is insufficient to operate the electronics unit. A detector component is coupled to the electronics unit and operable to determine that the electronics unit is inoperable. A charge discharge component is coupled to the at least one rechargeable battery cell, wherein in response to the electronics unit being operable, the charge discharge component is operable to provide a charge to the at least one rechargeable battery cell through a first charge path. A trickle charge component is coupled to the detector component and the at least one rechargeable battery cell, wherein in response to the detector component determining that the electronics unit is inoperable, the trickle charge component is operable to provide a charge to the at least one rechargeable battery cell, through a second charge path that bypasses the electronics unit, that is sufficient to charge the at least one rechargeable battery cell such that the electronics unit becomes operable.

Battery recovery system

For recovering and reconditioning a smart battery, a functionally dead condition of the battery is detected. The battery includes an electronics unit. The electronics unit is operable for controlling an operating condition of the battery. In the functionally dead condition of the battery, the electronics unit becomes inoperable. While in this condition, a current limited trickle charge is provided to the battery such that the path of the trickle charge bypasses the inoperable electronics unit. Upon the battery receiving a sufficient amount of charge, the electronics unit regains control. The electronics unit reconditions the battery by recharging it to a fully charged state.

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Leander, TX, United States of America

John Barbian