Firing Circuits Inc.

Robert W Windebank

The operating condition and/or characteristics of a battery is tested by obtaining the dynamic voltage-current characteristic of the battery as a function of the charge condition thereof. A controllably varying charging current is supplied to the battery, and the voltage produced across the battery while that current is supplied is measured. The dynamic voltage-current characteristic is obtained as a function of the measured voltage and supplied current. This voltage-current characteristic is compared to predetermined voltage-current characteristics representing batteries of the type being tested in order to determine the operating condition and/or characteristics of the battery under test.

Method and apparatus for testing a battery

A battery is charged by repeatedly alternating between test and charge cycles. During the test cycle, the dynamic voltage-current characteristic of the battery is obtained as a function of the charge condition of the battery. During the charge cycle, a gradually varying voltage is supplied to the battery, substantially without controlling the current supplied thereto, for a predetermined time. The rate at which this supplied voltage varies is related to the dynamic voltage-current characteristic obtained during the test cycle. Alternating between test and charge cycles continues until the dynamic voltage-current characteristic last obtained is substantially identical to the preceding dynamic voltage-current characteristic, whereupon the charging of the battery is terminated.

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Woodbury, CT, United States of America

Robert W Windebank