The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Jun. 13, 2006

Filed:

Aug. 09, 2002
Applicants:

Sanjay Patel, Romford, GB;

Chris D Shelton, London, GB;

Lawrence S Tyson, Surrey, GB;

Inventors:

Sanjay Patel, Romford, GB;

Chris D Shelton, London, GB;

Lawrence S Tyson, Surrey, GB;

Assignee:
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H02J 7/00 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract

An electric circuit for equalizing voltages between serially arranged cells. The circuit is operable to generate AC voltages at amplitudes dependent on the DC voltages of the received cells. The AC voltages are all connected to an inductive coupling circuit. The inductive coupling allows higher-voltage cells to induce a recharging current flow in lower voltage cells and so equalize the cell voltages. The circuit also operates to ensure that cell voltages are maintained in equilibrium during charging or discharging of received cells, irrespective of the individual charging and discharging characteristics of the cells. The circuit thus prevents individual cells in a battery from being over-charged or over-discharged and allows more efficient use of the full capacity of a battery without risking damage to the individual cells. The cell equalizing circuit is thus especially useful for rechargeable cells, such as lithium-ion cells, which are sensitive to damage by over-charging and over-discharging.


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