Motorola Corporation

Robert W McGinnis

John Wendell Oglesbee

Dale W Dorinski

Glenn F Urbish

William C Bohne

Gerald W Blanton

A battery pack (12) comprises current sensor (28) for sensing the charge current through a battery cell (26), and generating a DC voltage which is sensed by a charger (14). The charger can then provide an output current that satisfies both the need for a constant charge current through the battery cell or cells, and the varying current demand of a load (10). Additionally, the battery pack may include a switch (34) for removing the current sensor from the discharge path of the battery cell or cells and the load when the battery pack is not connected to the charger.

Battery pack and associated charging system

A battery charger (12) is used for recharging a battery pack (10) when the battery pack is placed in a charging pocket (14). The battery pack generates heat upon being recharged, which is collected by a probe (22). The probe senses the temperature and changes in temperature of the battery pack by means of a temperature sensing element disposed (54) therein. The temperature sensing element provides an electrical signal indicative of the temperature of the battery pack to a charging circuit (58). The charging circuit, upon sensing sufficient temperature conditions, modifies the operation of the charger such that only low rate currents are thereafter applied to the battery pack.

Battery charger having battery temperature measurement probe

A portable battery charger (102) for use with a variety of battery packs (106) is capable of determining and applying the appropriate charge voltage and current. Electronic circuitry (128) within the portable battery charger identifies the type of battery pack to be charged and selects the appropriate set of battery banks (120) in the charger. Sensors (132) determine the state of charge of the battery pack and a controller (128) controls the functions of the charger. A multiplicity of connectors (314) on the portable battery charger are provided to allow connection to a variety of battery packs. The charger first identifies the type of battery pack and determines the charging profile to be used to charge the battery pack. The charging profile is set in the portable charger by selecting the appropriate sources of electrical power, and the battery pack is then appropriately charged.

Growing community of inventors

Grayson, GA, United States of America

Robert W McGinnis