Zpower, LLC

Riot Energy, Inc.

Timothy W Powers

Troy W Renken

Reza Pourdarvish

Don Barrett

Joshua Duffy

Matthew Fleenor

The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Methods and systems for recharging a battery

A method for charging a rechargeable battery comprises estimating an initial state of charge of the battery (SOC), which may be estimated based on a time to polarization or an initial voltage of the battery. The method also comprises charging the battery according to a first charging strategy if the initial state of charge (SOC) is greater than a threshold state of charge (SOC) and according to a second charging strategy if the initial state of charge (SOC) is less than the threshold state of charge (SOC). The first charging strategy comprises charging, by charging circuitry, the battery at a temperature-independent constant charge voltage (CV) and at a first current (I) with power provided from a power source in electrical communication with the charging circuitry. The second charging strategy comprises obtaining, by the charging circuitry, an environmental temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor in communication with the charging circuitry; calculating, by the charging circuitry, a temperature-based constant charge voltage (CV) based on the environmental temperature (T); and charging, by the charging circuitry, the battery at the temperature-based constant charge voltage (CV) and at a second current (I) with power provided from the power source.

Battery charging method and system depending on ambient temperature

A method () for charging a battery () comprises obtaining, by charging circuitry (), an open circuitry voltage of the battery prior to a charging session. The charging circuitry is in electrical communication with a power source () and the battery. The method also comprises initiating the charging session to charge the battery at a constant charge current-constant charge voltage with power provided from the power source and obtaining an ambient temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor () in communication with the charging circuitry. The method also comprises obtaining a charge termination time (t) based on the ambient temperature and terminating the charging session when the charge termination time is reached.

Temperature dependent charge algorithm

The present invention provides an apparatus for managing power within a voltage regulating circuit of a battery-powered hearing aid device includes an input terminal of a voltage regulator that receives an input voltage supplied by a battery. An output terminal of the voltage regulator provides an output voltage to a hearing aid terminal that is electrically connected to one or more electrical components of the hearing aid device. A sensing terminal of the voltage regulator senses an electrical connection between the charging device is and charging contacts of the voltage regulating circuit. The voltage regulator is configured to reduce a magnitude of the input voltage when the magnitude of the input voltage exceeds an input voltage threshold to generate the output voltage having a magnitude that is less than a maximum output voltage.

Voltage regulator and control circuit for silver-zinc batteries in hearing instruments

A hearing aid device (-) comprises a shell portion () and a battery door module (-) attached to the shell portion. The battery door module comprises a battery casing (-) and an electronics casing (-). The battery casing receives a battery () defining a battery axis (L) that extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the battery door module. The electronics casing encloses a voltage regulator (), a printed circuit board assembly (), and at least a portion of one or more charging elements (). The battery door module also comprises at least one attachment member (-) that allows the battery door module to attach to a shell portion of the hearing aid device. The battery door module is movable relative to the shell portion between an open position and a closed position.

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Thousand Oaks, CA, United States of America

Timothy W Powers