Battery analyzer
Claim Score by NHIP
Abstract
A battery analyzer, including a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network, a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery, and a processing arrangement disposed within the base unit and electrically connected to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement, in which the processing arrangement is configured to charge and discharge the battery of each of the at least one battery arrangement via the battery interface arrangement and is configured to initiate a performance sequence.
Term
Term ended
Projected expiry passed 22 April 2022, 4.4 years ago.
- Priority and filed
- Published
- Projected expiry
- Today
59 claims: 6 independent, 53 dependent
- 1A battery analyzer, comprising:a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network;a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including at least one battery;and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement;wherein the processing arrangement is configured to communicate first information concerning the at least one battery to at least one remote device via the computer network.
- 30A battery analyzer, comprising:a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network;a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery;and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement;wherein the processing arrangement is configured to communicate first information concerning a diagnosis of the at least one battery to at least one remote device via the computer network.
- 44A battery analyzer, comprising:a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network;a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery;and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement;wherein the processing arrangement is configured to control at least one of a charging and a discharging of the at least one battery as a function of information received from at least one remote device via the network interface.
- 47A battery analyzer system, comprising:a computer network;a battery analyzer including a network interface arrangement communicatively coupled to the computer network, a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery, and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement;and at least one remote device communicatively coupled to the computer network;wherein the processing arrangement of the battery analyzer is configured to communicate first information concerning the at least one battery to the least one remote device via the computer network.
- 51A customer service site, comprising:a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network;and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement;wherein the processing arrangement is configured to communicate first information concerning the at least one battery to the at least one battery analyzer via the computer network, and the processing arrangement is further configured to receive second information concerning at least one battery from at least one battery analyzer via the computer network.
- 54Broadest claimClaim Score 89, very broad(NHIP)A method of communicating information concerning at least one battery to at least one remote device, the method comprising:determining first information concerning the at least one battery;and transmitting the first information concerning the at least one battery to the at least one remote device via a computer network.
Independent claims6
102 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to battery analyzers and battery chargers.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Battery adapters and analyzers permit a user to charge, discharge, and test the performance of a rechargeable battery. However, conventional adapters and analyzers cannot communicate information concerning the battery to a device in a remote location.
[0003] Conventional adapters and analyzers cannot receive information from a remote location, such as marketing information, software updates for the battery analyzer, software updates for the battery arrangement, user manuals, technical support data, product catalog information, battery specifications data, advertising information, and/or parameter information.
[0004] Moreover, conventional adapters and analyzers may not be used to communicate information to a device in a remote location, such as product orders, user inquiries, and/or user requests.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, a battery analyzer is provided, which includes a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network, a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including at least one battery, and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement, in which the processing arrangement is configured to communicate first information concerning the at least one battery to at least one remote device via the computer network.
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, a battery analyzer is provided, which includes a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network, a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery, and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement, in which the processing arrangement is configured to communicate first information concerning a diagnosis of the at least one battery to at least one remote device via the computer network.
[0007] In still another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, a battery analyzer is provided, which includes a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network, a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery, and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement, in which the processing arrangement is configured to control at least one of a charging and a discharging of the at least one battery as a function of information received from at least one remote device via the network interface.
[0008] In yet another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention a battery analyzer system is provided, which includes a computer network, a battery analyzer including a network interface arrangement communicatively coupled to the computer network, a battery interface arrangement configured to electrically connect to at least one battery arrangement, each of the at least one battery arrangement including a battery, and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement and the battery interface arrangement, and at least one remote device communicatively coupled to the computer network; wherein the processing arrangement of the battery analyzer is configured to communicate first information concerning the at least one battery to the least one remote device via the computer network.
[0009] In yet another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention a customer service site is provided, which includes a network interface arrangement configured to communicatively couple to a computer network, and a processing arrangement electrically and communicatively coupled to the network interface arrangement, in which the processing arrangement is configured to communicate first information concerning the at least one battery to the at least one battery analyzer via the computer network, and the processing arrangement is further configured to receive second information concerning at least one battery from at least one battery analyzer via the computer network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a battery analyzer system according to the present invention.
[0011]FIG. 2<i>a </i>illustrates another exemplary battery analyzer system of the type illustrated in FIG. 1, in which a selected one of at least one remote device includes a centralized computer for collecting and distributing information to a customer service site.
[0012]FIG. 2<i>b </i>is a flow diagram of data communication between the battery analyzer and the customer service site illustrated in FIG. 2<i>a. </i>
[0013]FIG. 2<i>c </i>is a flow diagram of data communication between the battery analyzer and the customer service site illustrated in FIG. 2<i>a, </i>in which the usage, performance, and technical support information indicate that the battery analyzer and/or the battery arrangement is defective.
[0014]FIG. 3<i>a </i>illustrates another exemplary battery analyzer system of the type illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the at least one remote device includes a centralized computer and a plurality of additional battery analyzers.
[0015]FIG. 3<i>b </i>illustrates the exemplary battery analyzer system of FIG. 3<i>a, </i>in which the at least one remote device includes at least one respective battery analyzer.
[0016]FIG. 4<i>a </i>is an illustration the battery analyzer of FIGS. 1, 2<i>a, </i><b>3</b><i>a, </i>and <b>3</b><i>b. </i>
[0017]FIG. 4<i>b </i>illustrates the electrical connectivity between the battery arrangement of FIG. 4<i>a </i>and a battery analyzer.
[0018]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a battery adapter according to the present invention.
[0019]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the battery analyzer illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2<i>a, </i><b>3</b><i>a, </i>and <b>3</b><i>b. </i>
[0020]FIG. 7<i>a </i>illustrates further detail of the exemplary battery interface arrangement of FIG. 6.
[0021]FIG. 7<i>b </i>illustrates further detail of a variant of the battery interface arrangement of FIG. 6 operable to communicatively couple to a smart battery.
[0022]FIG. 8 illustrates further detail of the reverse-battery protection arrangement of FIGS. 7<i>a </i>and <b>7</b><i>b. </i>
[0023]FIG. 9 illustrates further detail of the exemplary processing arrangement of FIG. 6.
[0024]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an exemplary performance sequence executed by the processing arrangement.
[0025]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an operational sequence for charging a battery.
[0026]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an operational sequence for discharging a battery.
[0027]FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an operational sequence for replacing program code of a battery arrangement.
[0028]FIG. 14 is a block diagram of data communication between the battery analyzer and a remote device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is seen an exemplary battery analyzer system <b>100</b> according to the present invention. The battery analyzer system <b>100</b> includes a battery analyzer <b>105</b> having a user interface <b>135</b> and a battery arrangement <b>120</b> including at least one rechargeable battery <b>130</b>. The battery arrangement <b>120</b> is electrically coupled to the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> is communicatively coupled to at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>through a computer network <b>110</b>.
[0030] The computer network <b>110</b> may include any conventional arrangement operable to communicatively couple the battery analyzer <b>105</b> to the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n, </i>such as a dedicated point-to-point network, a token-ring network, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an internet, and/or the Internet. Furthermore, each of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may be operable to communicatively couple to the computer network <b>110</b> by a hardwired connection (e.g., fiber optic cables and/or conductive cables) and/or by a wireless connection.
[0031] The battery analyzer <b>105</b> is operable to evaluate the battery <b>130</b> and to determine, for example, usage and performance information concerning the battery <b>130</b>. The battery analyzer <b>105</b> may then communicate the usage and performance information, such as information indicating that the battery is not performing correctly, to one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network <b>110</b>. The battery analyzer <b>105</b> may also communicate data related to technical support, which may include charging and discharging parameters used in configuring the power management controller. Technical support data could also include, for example, software update information, information to allow the remote location to change parameters, or automated software update if an outdated software version is detected.
[0032] The battery analyzer <b>105</b> is further operable to communicate user information, such as product order information, to one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>in accordance with input data received from a user via the user interface <b>135</b>.
[0033] Each of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may include, for example, a respective centralized computer (not shown) operable to communicate information to the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, such as marketing information, software updates for the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, user manuals, technical support data, product catalog information, battery specifications data, advertising information, and/or parameter information, such as battery charging and/or discharging parameters. Information received by the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may be displayed to a user of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the user interface <b>135</b>. Further, the marketing and/or advertising information may be generated in accordance with the usage and performance information concerning the battery <b>130</b> received from the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. In this manner, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may inform the user, for example, if the battery <b>130</b> needs to be replaced or if the battery <b>130</b> is not operating properly.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2<i>a, </i>there is seen another exemplary battery analyzer system <b>200</b>, in which one of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>includes a centralized computer system <b>205</b> for collecting and distributing information to a customer service site <b>210</b>. The customer service site <b>210</b> may be owned and controlled by any entity, for example, an individual, a manufacturer of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, and/or a retailer or wholesaler of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. The customer service site <b>210</b> may be located at the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>and may execute on the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n</i>. Alternatively, the customer service site <b>210</b> may be separated from the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>and connected to the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n</i>, for example, via a computer network. Moreover, the functionality of the customer service site <b>210</b> and/or the computer system <b>205</b> may be distributed across any number of processing units.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2<i>b, </i>there is seen a flow diagram of data communication between the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and the customer service site <b>210</b> illustrated in FIG. 2<i>a. </i>In step <b>250</b>, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> communicates, for example, usage, performance, and/or technical support information of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to the customer service site <b>210</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>. This step may be initiated manually by the user, automatically by the battery analyzer <b>105</b> (e.g., at preselected intervals), and/or automatically by the customer service site <b>210</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>. In step <b>255</b>, the centralized computer system <b>205</b> may, for example, alert the customer service site <b>210</b> of specific needs and/or problems associated with the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b> (e.g., usage trends, defective batteries, etc), based at least in part, for example, on the usage, performance, and/or technical support information received from the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. In step <b>260</b> the usage, performance, and/or technical support information, as well as any other additional information transmitted by the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, may be appropriately stored by the centralized computer system <b>205</b> in a memory unit (not shown) for subsequent retrieval, for example, to graph the usage and performance information and/or to perform numerical analysis on the usage and performance information. In step <b>265</b>, the customer support site <b>210</b> may then communicate data to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the centralized computer system <b>205</b> and the computer network <b>110</b> in accordance with the usage, performance, and/or technical support information received from the battery analyzer <b>105</b>.
[0036] In this regard, if the usage, performance, and technical support information indicate that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is defective, the customer service site <b>210</b> may communicate, for example, a product catalog of batteries and/or accessories to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> to be displayed to the user via the user interface <b>135</b>. In step <b>270</b>, the user may optionally order, for example, replacement batteries and/or accessories from the product catalog of batteries and/or accessories via the user interface <b>135</b>. The order may be communicated to the customer support site <b>210</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>, for example. After receiving the order, the customer support site <b>210</b> may then cause the replacement batteries and/or accessories to be packaged and shipped to the user, as represented by step <b>275</b>.
[0037] Alternatively or additionally, as seen in the flow diagram of FIG. 2<i>c </i>for example, if the usage, performance, and technical support information indicate that the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is defective (e.g., if the battery <b>130</b> needs to be updated or modified, if the battery analyzer <b>105</b> is not working properly, etc.), the customer service site <b>210</b> may communicate, for example, debugging information to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> to be displayed to the user via the user interface <b>135</b>. With the debugging information, the user may diagnose and fix various problems associated with the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, as represented by step <b>280</b>. Alternatively, the customer service site <b>210</b> may debug the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b> automatically and without intervention by the user. For example, if analyzer software stored in the battery analyzer <b>105</b> is defective, the customer service site <b>210</b> may communicate and automatically replace the analyzer software with replacement software via the computer network <b>110</b>. Moreover, the customer service site <b>210</b> may communicate updated software and parameter information (including, for example, battery charging and/or discharging parameters) to the battery analyzer <b>105</b>.
[0038] Furthermore, the centralized computer system <b>205</b> may directly control the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>. In this manner, the centralized computer system <b>205</b> may control, for example, the charging and/or discharging of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, the performance evaluation of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, the usage evaluation of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, the conditioning of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, and/or any other function of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3<i>a, </i>there is seen another exemplary battery analyzer system <b>300</b>, in which one of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>includes a centralized computer system <b>205</b> and a plurality of additional battery analyzers <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n. </i>In this manner, it should be appreciated that information, such as usage, performance, and/or technical support information, may be transmitted between the battery analyzers <b>105</b> and/or <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n </i>and/or between one or more battery analyzers <b>105</b> and/or <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n </i>and the centralized computer system <b>205</b>. It should also be appreciated that the centralized computer system <b>205</b> may communicate marketing information, software updates for the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, user manuals, technical support data, product catalog information, battery specifications data, charging/discharging parameters and/or advertising information selectively to a single one of battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n, </i>a group of two or more of battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n, </i>or to all of battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n. </i>For this purpose, each of the battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n </i>and the centralized computer system <b>205</b> may be assigned a unique, respective network address for identification over the computer network <b>110</b>.
[0040]FIG. 3<i>b </i>illustrates the exemplary battery analyzer system <b>300</b> of the FIG. 3<i>a, </i>in which each of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>includes at least one respective battery analyzer <b>305</b><i>a, </i><b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n. </i>In this manner, it should be appreciated that any one of the battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>a, </i><b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n </i>may perform functions similar to those described above with respect to the centralized computer system <b>205</b>. For example, any one of the battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>a, </i><b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n </i>may communicate information, such as user manuals, technical support data, product catalog information, battery specifications data, battery charging/discharging parameters and/or advertising information. Further, any one of the battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>a, </i><b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n </i>may troubleshoot and/or directly control one or more of the other battery analyzers <b>105</b> and <b>305</b><i>a, </i><b>305</b><i>b, </i><b>305</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>305</b><i>n. </i>
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 4<i>a, </i>there is seen an illustration of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> of FIGS. 1, 2<i>a, </i><b>3</b><i>a, </i>and <b>3</b><i>b. </i>The battery analyzer <b>105</b> is electrically connected to and receives power from an external power source (not shown). The battery analyzer <b>105</b> includes a base unit <b>405</b> having a user interface <b>415</b> and a battery interface arrangement <b>410</b> including at least one port <b>420</b>.
[0042] Each of the ports <b>420</b> is suitably configured to releaseably and electrically couple to a respective battery arrangement <b>120</b>. For this purpose, each of the ports <b>420</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> includes an analyzer connector <b>425</b> having a plurality of conductive contacts <b>435</b>, which electrically couple to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> when the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is lowered into one of the ports <b>420</b>. At least two of the conductive contacts <b>435</b> are provided to charge and/or discharge the battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>.
[0043] The battery arrangement <b>120</b> is lowered into one of the ports <b>420</b> in a first direction <b>430</b>, whereby the conductive contacts <b>435</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> electrically couple to the battery arrangement <b>120</b>.
[0044] The user interface <b>415</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may communicate, for example, status information to the user concerning one or more of the ports <b>420</b>. For example, the user interface <b>415</b> may indicate whether one or more of the ports <b>420</b> are receiving power from the external power source and/or whether the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is charging in one of the ports <b>420</b>. The user interface <b>415</b> may also indicate the amount of power (i.e., charge) that is maintained by a battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4<i>b, </i>there is seen an illustration showing the electrical connectivity between the battery arrangement <b>120</b> of FIG. 4<i>a </i>and the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. As shown in FIG. 4<i>b, </i>the conductive contacts <b>435</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> electrically contact a plurality of conductive contacts <b>440</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 4<i>a </i>and <b>4</b><i>b, </i>power is received from the external power source (not shown) and provided to the analyzer connector <b>425</b> of one or more of the ports <b>420</b>, including the port <b>420</b> to which the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is coupled, thereby providing the power to the battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>.
[0047] In addition to facilitating the charging and/or discharging of the battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, at least some of the conductive contacts <b>435</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may be used, for example, to facilitate data communication between the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. For example, in lieu of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> charging and/or discharging the battery <b>130</b>, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may instruct the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to charge and/or discharge the battery <b>130</b>, if the battery arrangement <b>120</b> includes an arrangement, for example, a battery adapter, capable of charging and/or discharging the battery <b>130</b>.
[0048] The battery arrangement <b>120</b> may include a battery <b>130</b> and/or a battery adapter having a battery <b>130</b>, as described in U.S. Patent Application attorney docket No. 02520/49401 entitled “Battery Adapter,” filed concurrently herewith and expressly incorporated herein by reference.
[0049]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary battery adapter <b>450</b>. Battery adapter <b>450</b> includes a base unit <b>452</b>, battery holder <b>454</b>, and a circuit arrangement (not shown). The battery holder <b>454</b> is connected to base unit <b>452</b> and has a receptacle portion <b>456</b> for receiving the battery <b>130</b>. The receptacle portion <b>456</b> of the battery holder <b>454</b> may be pre-configured to receive various types of batteries, such as nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal-hydride batteries, lithium batteries, etc.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the external surface <b>458</b> of the battery <b>130</b> has a smaller geometry than the geometry of an external surface <b>460</b> of the battery holder <b>454</b>. Thus, the battery <b>130</b> may be inserted into the receptacle portion <b>456</b>, for charging and/or discharging.
[0051] The battery adapter <b>450</b> includes a first adapter contact <b>462</b> and a second adapter contact <b>464</b>. The first and second adapter contacts <b>462</b>, <b>464</b> may be provided, for example, in the base unit <b>452</b>, in the battery holder <b>454</b> or separately therebetween. The first adapter contact <b>462</b> is provided for conductively connecting to a first battery contact <b>466</b> of the battery <b>130</b>, and the second adapter contact <b>464</b> is provided for conductively connecting to a second battery contact <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>. As the battery <b>130</b> is lowered into the battery holder <b>454</b> in a second direction <b>470</b>, the first and second adapter contacts <b>462</b>, <b>464</b> of the battery adapter <b>450</b> electrically connect to the respective first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is seen a block diagram of the exemplary battery analyzer <b>105</b> illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2<i>a, </i><b>3</b><i>a, </i>and <b>3</b><i>b. </i>Battery analyzer <b>105</b> includes a base unit <b>605</b>. The base unit <b>605</b> has a battery interface arrangement <b>610</b> configured to electrically couple to one or more battery arrangements <b>120</b>, a user interface arrangement <b>615</b> configured to communicate user information to a user <b>635</b> and for receiving user input data from the user <b>635</b>, a network interface arrangement <b>620</b> configured to communicatively couple to the computer network <b>110</b>, a power delivery arrangement <b>625</b> configured to receive power from an external power source <b>640</b> and providing said power to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via internal power connections <b>650</b><i>a, </i><b>650</b><i>b, </i><b>650</b><i>c, </i><b>650</b><i>d, </i>and a processing arrangement <b>630</b>. The battery interface arrangement <b>610</b>, the user interface arrangement <b>615</b>, the network interface arrangement <b>620</b>, and the processing arrangement <b>630</b> are electrically and communicatively coupled to one another via data bus <b>645</b>.
[0053] Network interface arrangement <b>620</b> includes circuitry operable to communicatively couple to the computer network <b>110</b>. For example, network interface arrangement <b>620</b> may include circuitry operable to communicatively couple to an ethernet, a token-ring network, a dedicated point-to-point network, a WAN, a LAN, an intranet, an internet, and/or the Internet. In this regard, the network interface arrangement <b>420</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may be assigned a unique network address, which uniquely identifies the battery analyzer <b>105</b> over the computer network <b>110</b>, with respect to the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n. </i>
[0054] It should be appreciated that each of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>includes network interface circuitry and a unique network address similar to those of the network interface arrangement <b>620</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. This permits the battery analyzer <b>105</b> to selectively communicate with one or any number of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network <b>110</b>.
[0055] The network interface arrangement <b>620</b> is operable to receive data from one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network <b>110</b> and to provide the data to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. The data may include, for example, marketing information, software updates for the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or for the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, user manuals, technical support data, product catalog information, battery specifications data, advertising information, and/or parameter data including, for example, charging and/or discharging parameters for a battery. The network interface arrangement <b>620</b> is also operable to receive data from the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b> and to communicate the data to the one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network <b>110</b>. The data may include, for example, usage, performance, and/or technical support information concerning the battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and/or user information, such as battery and accessory orders.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 7<i>a, </i>there is seen further detail of the exemplary battery interface arrangement <b>610</b> of FIG. 6 for electrically connecting to at least one battery arrangement <b>120</b> via a respective analyzer connector <b>705</b>. The analyzer connector <b>705</b> includes a plurality of conductive contacts operable to electrically couple to the plurality of conductive contacts <b>440</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. In this exemplary embodiment, the conductive contacts of the analyzer connector <b>705</b> include battery interface contacts <b>730</b>, data interface contacts <b>775</b>, and a tri-state data contact <b>725</b>.
[0057] It should be appreciated that, although FIG. 7<i>a </i>illustrates a single battery arrangement <b>120</b>, the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b> may be operable to electrically couple to a plurality of battery arrangements, each of which includes a respective battery, which may be of a different type (e.g., a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal-hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, etc.).
[0058] Battery interface arrangement <b>610</b> includes a data communications arrangement <b>780</b>, a charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b>, a reverse-battery protection arrangement <b>770</b>, a current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, a voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, and a chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b>. Each of the reverse-battery protection arrangement <b>770</b>, the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, and the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b> is electrically coupled to the first and second adapter contacts <b>462</b>, <b>464</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the battery interface contacts <b>730</b> of the analyzer connector <b>705</b>. As described above, the first and second adapter contacts <b>462</b>, <b>464</b> electrically contact the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> when the battery <b>130</b> is received by the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. The data communications arrangement <b>780</b> is electrically and communicatively coupled to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data interface contacts <b>775</b>. The chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> is electrically and communicatively coupled to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the tri-state logic data contact <b>725</b>. The charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> is electrically coupled to the reverse-battery protection arrangement <b>770</b>. Additionally, each of the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>, the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b>, the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, and the chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> is electrically and communicatively coupled to the data bus <b>645</b>.
[0059] The data communications arrangement <b>780</b> includes circuitry operable to electrically and communicatively couple to the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. The data communications arrangement <b>780</b> permits data to be communicated to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> by the processing arrangement <b>630</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or permits data to be communicated to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> from the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. For example, if the battery arrangement <b>120</b> includes a battery adapter <b>450</b> as described above, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may, for example, reconfigure the battery adapter <b>450</b> by communicating updated program code to be executed by a micro-computer situated in the battery adapter <b>450</b>. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> may also communicate parameter data relating to, for example, charging and/or discharging of a battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> communicates the updated program code and/or the parameter data to the data communications arrangement <b>780</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>, and the data communications arrangement <b>780</b> then communicates the updated program code to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data interface contacts <b>775</b> of the analyzer connector <b>705</b>. The battery adapter <b>450</b> may also, for example, communicate usage and performance information concerning the battery <b>130</b> to the processing arrangement <b>630</b>. For this purpose, the battery adapter <b>450</b> communicates the usage and performance information to the data communications arrangement <b>780</b> via the data interface contacts <b>775</b>, and the data communications arrangement <b>780</b> then communicates the usage and performance information to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>.
[0060] The charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> includes circuitry operable to charge and/or discharge the battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the battery interface contacts <b>730</b> of the analyzer connector <b>705</b>. The charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> is controlled by the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b> as more fully described below.
[0061] To initiate an efficient charging of the battery <b>130</b>, the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> may employ a combination of constant voltage control (CV) and constant current control (CV), in accordance with the chemistry of battery <b>130</b>, such as, for example, nickel cadmium, nickel metal-hydride, lithium, etc. Each chemistry may utilize a unique combination of CV and CC control, that is, a unique charge profile. In CV control, the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> provides a constant voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>. The constant voltage applied depends on a desired final charging voltage of the battery <b>130</b>. For example, if a user desires to charge battery <b>130</b> to 5 volts, CV control applies a constant voltage of 5 volts across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>. If battery <b>130</b> is a fully uncharged battery, the constant voltage applied causes a large initial current to flow through (i.e., spike through) the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b>. To prevent the current from “spiking” during an initial charge, CC control may be employed to effectively limit the maximum amount of current fed to the charging battery <b>130</b>. As the battery <b>130</b> charges, the voltage of the battery <b>130</b> approaches the constant voltage applied by the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b>, thereby causing the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> to decrease. Once the battery <b>130</b> reaches the desired final charging voltage, for example, 5 volts, the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> ceases charging the battery <b>130</b>.
[0062] To initiate an efficient discharge of the battery <b>130</b>, the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> short-circuits the battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> to ground through a low-resistance conductive path. The lower the resistance of the path to ground, the faster the battery <b>130</b> will discharge. However, the faster the battery <b>130</b> discharges, the faster the battery <b>130</b> generates energy and heat. To prevent potentially damaging effects of the energy and heat, the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> may include a large heat sink and/or fan (not shown) to dissipate the energy and heat generated by the discharging battery <b>130</b>.
[0063] The reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> prevents the battery <b>130</b> from being damaged, such as if the battery <b>130</b> is improperly inserted into the battery arrangement <b>120</b> or if the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is improperly inserted into the battery analyzer <b>105</b> (this may generate a short circuit, an overload, etc.). The reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> may also prevent any such damage to the battery analyzer <b>105</b>.
[0064] The current sensing arrangement <b>715</b> and the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b> include circuitry operable for detecting the current and voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>, respectively. The current sensing arrangement <b>715</b> and the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b> communicate the sensed voltage and sensed current to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>.
[0065] The chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> includes circuitry operable to detect the chemistry of the battery <b>130</b>, such as, for example, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal-hydride battery, a lithium battery, etc. The chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> may include electrical circuitry operable to connect to the tri-state logic data line <b>725</b>, which may be provided by battery arrangement <b>120</b>. Tri-state logic data line <b>725</b> may include three discrete logical states, e.g., “high,” “low,” and “float”. Each state may be used to communicate a different chemistry. For example, a “high” logic level may indicate that battery arrangement <b>120</b> includes a nickel metal-hydride battery, a “low” may indicate that battery arrangement <b>120</b> includes a nickel cadmium battery, and a “float” may indicate that battery arrangement <b>120</b> includes a lithium battery. The chemistry detect arrangement <b>710</b> communicates the sensed chemistry of the battery <b>130</b> to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> for use in generating a desired charge profile and/or a performance sequence, as described more fully below.
[0066] As described above, the current, voltage, and chemistry of the battery <b>130</b> are sensed and communicated to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> by the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, and the chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> of the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b>, respectively. However, certain types of batteries, for example, “smart” batteries, include “smart” circuitry, capable of communicating digital information concerning the battery, such as current, voltage, and chemistry. This circuitry may include an internal micro-computer and a digital interface for communicating information with an external device, such as, battery analyzer <b>105</b>.
[0067] To communicate information between the “smart” battery and the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, any data communications protocol and/or specification may be used. For example, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may use the System Management Bus (SMBus) specification v.2.0 to communicate data back and forth between the “smart” battery. The SMBus specification defines a two-wire interface through which various components situated in different systems may communicate data between each other. With a smart-battery communications protocol, such as SMBus, a device may provide manufacturer information, model part information, error information, and status information, as well as receive control parameters and configuration information.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 7<i>b, </i>there is seen further detail of a variant of the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b> of FIG. 6 operable to communicatively couple to a smart battery <b>670</b>. In addition to or in lieu of the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, and the chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b>, for detecting current, voltage, and chemistry of the battery <b>130</b>, respectively, the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b> may include a smart-battery interface <b>735</b> electrically and communicatively coupled to the data bus <b>645</b>. As shown in FIG. 7<i>b, </i>the smart-battery interface <b>735</b> includes circuitry operable to electrically and communicatively couple to a battery arrangement <b>120</b> that includes a special data port <b>745</b> for communicating information concerning a smart-battery <b>740</b> to an external device, such as the smart-battery interface <b>735</b> of the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b>. The special data port <b>745</b> includes a plurality of data lines <b>750</b> for communicating information, such as the current flowing through the smart-battery <b>740</b>, the voltage across the first and second smart battery contacts <b>755</b>, <b>760</b> of the smart battery <b>740</b>, the chemistry of the smart-battery <b>740</b>, a serial number associated with the smart battery <b>740</b>, a model number associated with the smart-battery <b>740</b>, etc. The smart-battery interface <b>735</b> then communicates the received information, such as the current, voltage, and chemistry of the smart battery <b>740</b>, to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b> for further processing as described below.
[0069] Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> may include current, voltage, and sensing arrangements and/or a smart-battery interface similar to those of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. In this regard, the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, for example, the battery adapter <b>450</b>, may detect the current, voltage, and chemistry of the battery <b>130</b> and then provide the current, voltage, and chemistry of the battery <b>130</b> to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b> of the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b>. In this manner, the processing arrangement <b>30</b> may receive the current, voltage, and chemistry information without the need for the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, the chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> or the smart-battery interface <b>735</b>.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is seen further detail of the reverse-battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> illustrated in FIGS. 7<i>a </i>and <b>7</b><i>b. </i>The reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> prevents the battery <b>130</b> of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> from being damaged and may also prevent any such damage to the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. The reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> is electrically connected to the battery charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> via a first connection arrangement <b>805</b>. The reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> also communicates with the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via a second connection arrangement <b>810</b>. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> may include a first switch Q<b>1</b>, a second switch Q<b>2</b>, a first resistor R<b>1</b>, a second resistor R<b>2</b> and a fuse F<b>1</b>. In an alternative embodiment, fuse F<b>1</b> is not used, as the reverse battery protection features of the reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> may provide sufficient protection without it.
[0071] The first battery contact <b>466</b> of the battery <b>130</b> is conductively coupled to, e.g., a first terminal <b>815</b> of the reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b> via one of battery interface contacts <b>730</b>. The second battery contact <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> is conductively coupled to a second terminal <b>820</b> of the reverse battery protection arrangement <b>770</b>.
[0072] In operation, when the battery <b>130</b> is properly received by the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and when the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is properly coupled to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> (e.g., the first battery contact <b>466</b> is electrically coupled to the first terminal <b>815</b>, and the second battery contact <b>468</b> is electrically coupled to the second terminal <b>820</b>), the first switch Q<b>1</b> is turned on because the voltage at a terminal B<b>1</b> of the first switch Q<b>1</b> is higher than the voltage at a terminal E<b>1</b>. By turning on the first switch Q<b>1</b>, a terminal G<b>1</b> enables the second switch Q<b>2</b> (i.e., switches on the second switch Q<b>2</b>), and thus the current flows between a terminal D<b>1</b> and a terminal S<b>1</b> of the second switch Q<b>2</b>.
[0073] When the battery <b>130</b> is improperly received by the battery arrangement <b>120</b> or when the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is improperly coupled to the battery analyzer (e.g., the first battery contact <b>466</b> is electrically coupled to the second terminal <b>820</b>, and the second battery contact <b>468</b> is electrically coupled to the first terminal <b>815</b>), the first switch Q<b>1</b> is turned off because the voltage at the terminal B<b>1</b> of the first switch Q<b>1</b> is lower than the voltage at the terminal E<b>1</b>. Because the first switch Q<b>1</b> is turned off, the second switch Q<b>2</b> is also switched off, and thus the current is prevented from flowing between the terminal D<b>1</b> and the terminal S<b>1</b> of the second switch Q<b>2</b>.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is seen further detail of the exemplary processing arrangement <b>630</b> illustrated in FIG. 6. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> may include electrical circuitry situated, for example, on a single printed circuit board or, alternatively, may be situated on a plurality of circuit boards. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> includes circuitry operable to control, for example, the charging and/or discharging of the battery <b>130</b> via the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> of the battery interface arrangement <b>610</b>. FIG. 9 shows the processing arrangement <b>630</b> including a micro-computer <b>905</b> and a memory device <b>910</b>, each of which is electrically and communicatively coupled to the data bus <b>645</b>. The memory device <b>910</b> may include any readable/writable memory device, such as, a Random Access Memory (RAM), FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, CD-drive, mini-disk, floppy disk, hard disk, etc. The memory device <b>910</b> may store suitably configured program code for execution on the micro-computer <b>905</b>. The program code stored on the memory device <b>910</b> may include the Linux operating system. However, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> is configured to be flexible and to accommodate different operating systems if necessary.
[0075] The memory device <b>910</b> is operable to store other information, such as information relating to a charging status of the battery <b>130</b>, information relating to a discharging status of the battery <b>130</b>, information relating to a performance of the battery <b>130</b>, information relating to a usage of the battery <b>130</b>, information relating to technical support concerning the battery <b>130</b>, etc.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is seen a control sequence executed by the processing arrangement <b>630</b> for charging a battery <b>130</b>. In step <b>1105</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> detects the type of battery <b>130</b> connected to the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> receives the sensed chemistry from the chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b>. Alternatively, as described above, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may receive the sensed chemistry from a smart-battery interface <b>735</b> if battery <b>130</b> is a smart-battery and/or from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. In step <b>1110</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> monitors the voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> via the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b> and/or monitors the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> via the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>. As described above, the voltage and current sensing arrangements <b>720</b>, <b>715</b> provide the sensed voltage and current, respectively, to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. In step <b>1115</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> compares the sensed voltage and sensed current of the battery <b>130</b> to a predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully charged battery. The voltage and/or current associated with a fully charged battery may be received from the user <b>635</b> via the user interface arrangement <b>615</b>, from one or more remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network, and/or from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. If the processing arrangement <b>630</b> determines that the battery <b>130</b> is fully charged, the processing arrangement will not initiate a charge of the battery <b>130</b> (since overcharging may damage the battery <b>130</b>), as represented by step <b>1120</b>. However, if the sensed voltage and/or current is below the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully charged battery, then battery <b>130</b> is not fully charged and, as such, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> begins a charging cycle in step <b>1125</b>. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> instructs the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> to initiate a charge of the battery <b>130</b>, as more fully described above. During the charge cycle, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> continues to monitor the voltage and the current of battery <b>130</b> in step <b>1130</b>. If the sensed voltage and/or current is below the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully charged battery, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> continues to charge the battery <b>130</b> in step <b>1125</b>. Once the sensed voltage and/or current reaches the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully charged battery, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> ceases charging the battery <b>130</b> and exits the charge routine in step <b>1135</b>.
[0077] As described above, the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>, the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, and the chemistry sensing arrangement <b>710</b> provide the sensed current, sensed voltage, and sensed chemistry of the battery <b>130</b> to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> may use the sensed current, the sensed voltage, and the sensed chemistry of the battery <b>130</b> to influence the charge profile of the battery <b>130</b>. For example, if a fully discharged battery <b>130</b> is initially received by the battery arrangement, for example, the battery adapter <b>450</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may initially provide a CV control voltage that exceeds the desired final charging voltage. For example, if the user <b>635</b> desires a final charging voltage of 5 volts, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may initially provide a CV control voltage of 8 volts. Providing CV control in this manner causes the battery <b>130</b> to charge faster. As the voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> approaches the desired final charging voltage, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may gradually reduce the CV control voltage to 5 volts, thereby preventing the battery <b>130</b> from charging to a voltage that exceeds the desired final charging voltage.
[0078] The processing arrangement <b>630</b> may also influence the charge profile in accordance with the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>. For example, as the voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> approaches the desired final charging voltage, the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> decreases. During an initial charge of a fully discharged battery, the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> will be relatively high. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> may, for example, raise the initial CV control voltage above the desired final charging voltage of the battery <b>130</b>, while the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> is relatively high, and then gradually reduce the CV control voltage as the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> decreases.
[0079] The sensed current, sensed voltage, sensed chemistry, and a sensed temperature (e.g., from a thermistor) of the battery <b>130</b> may also be used by the processing arrangement <b>630</b> to initiate a condition cycle of the battery <b>130</b>. A condition cycle may be required to compensate for battery memory, which causes some rechargeable batteries to hold less charge during a charging cycle if they are not discharged completely before being charged, or if a poorly designed battery charger continues to charge a battery after the battery is fully charged.
[0080] Two types of batteries that suffer from the effects of battery memory are Ni—Cd batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries, although nickel metal hydride batteries do not suffer from the effects of battery memory to the same extent as do Ni—Cd batteries.
[0081] Lithium ion batteries and lead acid batteries, for example, automobile batteries, are generally very reliable. Neither of these types of batteries suffer substantially from the effects of battery memory.
[0082] The negative effects of battery memory may be reduced by successive cycles of discharging and recharging the battery <b>130</b>, for example, discharging and recharging the battery <b>130</b> three times. To determine battery memory, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may monitor the temperature of the battery <b>130</b> sometime after the battery analyzer <b>105</b> fully charges the battery <b>130</b>. The temperature of the battery may be sensed by a thermistor situated in the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and then provided to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. Then, based at least in part on the sensed current, sensed voltage, sensed chemistry, and/or sensed temperature of the battery <b>130</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may initiate a condition cycle via the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b>.
[0083] It should be appreciated that, instead of the processing arrangement <b>630</b> initiating the condition cycle, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may instruct the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to initiate the condition cycle if the battery arrangement <b>120</b> has the capability to perform a condition cycle. For this purpose, the processing arrangement may instruct the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to perform the condition cycle via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is seen a control sequence executed by the processing arrangement <b>630</b> for discharging a battery <b>130</b>. In step <b>1205</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> monitors the voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> via the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b> and/or monitors the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b> via the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b>. As described above, the voltage and current sensing arrangements <b>720</b>, <b>715</b> provide the sensed voltage and current, respectively, to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. In step <b>1210</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> compares the sensed voltage and sensed current of the battery <b>130</b> to a predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully discharged battery. The voltage and/or current associated with a fully discharged battery may be received from the user <b>635</b> via the user interface arrangement <b>615</b>, from one or more remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network, and/or from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. If the processing arrangement <b>630</b> determines that the battery <b>130</b> is fully discharged, i.e., the sensed voltage and/or sensed current is at or below the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully discharged battery, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> will not initiate a discharge of the battery <b>130</b> (since full depletion of the battery charge may damage the battery <b>130</b>), as represented by step <b>1215</b>. However, if the sensed voltage and/or current is above the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully discharged battery, then battery <b>130</b> is not fully discharged and, as such, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> begins a discharging cycle in step <b>1220</b>. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> instructs the charge/discharge arrangement <b>765</b> to initiate a discharge of the battery <b>130</b>, as more fully described above. During the discharge cycle, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> continues to monitor the voltage and the current of battery <b>130</b> in step <b>1225</b>. If the sensed voltage and/or current is above the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully discharged battery, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> continues to discharge the battery <b>130</b> in step <b>1220</b>. Once the sensed voltage and/or current drops to the predetermined voltage and/or current associated with a fully discharged battery, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> ceases discharging the battery <b>130</b> and exits the discharge routine in step <b>1230</b>.
[0085] In addition to charging and/or discharging the battery <b>130</b> and execution of a condition cycle, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> is operable to execute at least one performance sequence to determine usage, performance, and technical support information concerning the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, for example, the battery adapter <b>450</b>.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is seen a flow diagram of an exemplary performance sequence executed by the processing arrangement <b>630</b>. In step <b>1005</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> either charges the battery <b>130</b> or instructs the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to charge the battery <b>130</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>, if the battery arrangement <b>120</b> has charging capability. In step <b>1010</b>, after charging the battery <b>130</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> either begins discharging the battery <b>130</b> or instructs the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to begin discharging the battery <b>130</b> via the data communications arrangement, if the battery arrangement <b>120</b> has discharging capability. During step <b>1015</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> measures the energy released by the battery <b>130</b> by monitoring the voltage across the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> and the current flowing through the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b>, the current and voltage of battery <b>130</b> being communicated to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> by the current sensing arrangement <b>715</b> and the voltage sensing arrangement <b>720</b>, respectively. In step, <b>1020</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> determines whether the battery has completed discharging. If the battery has not yet completely discharged, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> continues to monitor and accumulate measured energy data. If the battery <b>130</b> has completely discharged, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may, in step <b>1025</b>, determine usage and performance information concerning the battery <b>130</b>, based at least in part on the measured and accumulated energy released from the battery <b>130</b> during the discharge measuring step <b>1015</b>. The battery analyzer <b>105</b> may also generate technical support information if the usage and performance information indicate that the battery <b>130</b> is defective.
[0087] The processing arrangement <b>630</b> is also operable to transmit and receive information from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. For example, the processing arrangement may “ping” the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to determine whether the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is properly coupled to one of the analyzer ports <b>420</b>. To “ping” the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> communicates a ping-message to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and waits for a reply. The absence of a reply indicates that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is either busy, not properly connected, or does not exist.
[0088] The processing arrangement <b>630</b> is also operable to request status information from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> communicates a status-request message to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. The battery arrangement, for example, the battery adapter <b>450</b>, may then send the status information to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. The status information may indicate, for example, that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is waiting for the battery <b>130</b> to be inserted, that the battery <b>130</b> is fully charged, that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is waiting or is in a standby mode, that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> has a fatal error that needs correcting, that the battery arrangement is currently charging the battery <b>130</b>, that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is topping off the battery <b>130</b>, and/or that the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is discharging the battery <b>130</b>.
[0089] The processing arrangement <b>630</b> is also operable to read and/or write information to a memory device (not shown) situated in the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. For example, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may read old program code from the memory device of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and/or may write new replacement program code to the memory device, as more fully described below.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is seen an operational sequence for receiving replacement program code from a remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>for the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. In step <b>1305</b>, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> reads old program code from a memory device (not shown) situated in the battery arrangement <b>120</b>. The program code may be configured, for example, to be executed on a micro-computer situated in the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, such as the micro-computer located within the battery adapter <b>450</b> described in U.S. Patent Application attorney docket No. 02520/49401, incorporated by reference above. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> receives the old program code via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. The data communications arrangement <b>780</b> then communicates the old program code to the processing arrangement via the data bus <b>645</b>. In step <b>1310</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> verifies the integrity and/or the version of the old program code. The integrity of the program code may be determined, for example, by calculating a checksum of the old program code and comparing the calculated checksum to a predetermined checksum associated with uncorrupted program code. The version of the program code may be determined from the program code itself. The processing arrangement may receive updated versions of the program code via the user interface arrangement <b>615</b>, for example, from a floppy disk inserted into a floppy disk drive of the user interface arrangement <b>615</b>. Alternatively, updated versions of the program code may be received from one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the network interface arrangement <b>620</b>. For this purpose, one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may communicate an updated version of the program code to the network interface arrangement <b>620</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>. The network interface arrangement <b>620</b> may then communicate the updated program code to the memory device <b>910</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. The processing arrangement <b>630</b>, in step <b>1310</b>, then compares the old program code read from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> to the updated version of the program code stored in the memory device <b>910</b>. If the program code read from the battery arrangement is uncorrupted and updated, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> will not replace the program code stored on the memory device of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, as represented by step <b>1315</b>. However, if the old program code is corrupted (i.e., the checksum was incorrect) and/or the version of the old program code is not the most updated version of the program code, the processing arrangement <b>630</b>, in step <b>1320</b>, replaces the old program code stored on the memory device of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> by communicating the uncorrupted latest version of the program code to the memory device of the battery arrangement <b>120</b> via the data communications arrangement <b>780</b>. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> then exits the operational sequence in step <b>1325</b>.
[0091] In addition to or in lieu of the automatic program code replacement described above, it should be appreciated that replacement of the old program code may be initiated manually by the user <b>635</b> and/or by one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network <b>110</b>.
[0092] It should also be appreciated that the program code received from the user <b>635</b> and/or one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may be program code for execution on the micro-computer <b>905</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. In this regard, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may, for example, replace its own program code stored on memory unit <b>910</b> with an uncorrupted version of the program code received from the user <b>635</b> and/or one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n. </i>
[0093] The processing arrangement <b>630</b> is operable to store the information received from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> in the memory device <b>910</b>. For example, the processing arrangement may store information relating to a charging status of the battery <b>130</b>, the information relating to a discharging status of the battery <b>130</b>, the information relating to a performance of the battery <b>130</b>, the information relating to a usage of the battery <b>130</b>, the information relating to technical support concerning the battery <b>130</b>, status information of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, etc. This information may then be communicated, for example, to the user <b>635</b> via the user interface arrangement <b>615</b> and/or the at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the network interface arrangement <b>620</b>.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is seen an operational sequence for communicating battery information, such as usage, performance, and technical support information, to the user <b>635</b> and/or one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n</i>. In step <b>1405</b>, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> receives information concerning the battery <b>130</b> from the memory device <b>910</b>. As described above, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> is configured to store the information received from the battery arrangement <b>120</b> in the memory device <b>910</b>, such as the charging status of the battery <b>130</b>, the discharging status of the battery <b>130</b>, the performance of the battery <b>130</b>, the usage of the battery <b>130</b>, technical support information concerning the battery <b>130</b>, status information of the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, etc. This information may then be communicated to the user <b>635</b> in step <b>1410</b>. For this purpose, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> communicates the battery information to the user interface arrangement <b>615</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. The user interface arrangement <b>615</b> then communicates the battery information to the user <b>635</b>, for example, via an LCD screen as more fully described below. The user may take certain actions in accordance with the battery information. For example, the user may call the customer service site <b>210</b> and order replacement batteries if the battery information indicates the battery <b>130</b> is defective. Alternatively, the user <b>635</b> may order replacement batteries and/or accessories directly from the user interface <b>615</b>, as represented by step <b>1415</b>. In this regard, the user inputs an order into the user interface, for example, via a touch screen displaying a catalog of batteries and/or accessories. The order is then communicated to the network interface arrangement <b>620</b> via the data bus <b>645</b>. The network interface arrangement <b>620</b> then communicates the order to one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>via the computer network, where it is forwarded to the customer service site <b>210</b>, as represented by step <b>1420</b>. After the order is received by the customer service site <b>210</b>, the order may be filed and then shipped to the user <b>635</b> in step <b>1425</b>.
[0095] Additionally and alternatively, the battery information may be provided directly to one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>in step <b>1430</b>. The remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may then analyze the battery information and take appropriate action in accordance with the battery information concerning the battery <b>130</b>. For example, if the battery information indicates that the battery <b>130</b> is defective, the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may communicate a catalog of accessories and replacement batteries to the user <b>635</b>, as represented in step <b>1435</b>. In this regard, the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may communicate digital information concerning the catalog of accessories and replacement batteries to the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>. The digital information concerning the catalog of accessories and replacement batteries is then received by the network interface arrangement <b>620</b> and communicated to the user interface arrangement <b>615</b>, where it is displayed to the user <b>635</b>, for example, via an LCD screen. After the catalog of accessories and replacement batteries is displayed to the user <b>635</b>, the user <b>635</b> may, for example, order replacement batteries and/or accessories via the user interface <b>615</b> in step <b>1415</b>, as described above.
[0096] Additionally or alternatively, in step <b>1440</b>, the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may attempt to diagnose the battery <b>130</b> in accordance with the battery information received from the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. Based, for example, on the usage, performance, and/or technical support information received from the battery analyzer <b>105</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>, the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may determine, for example, that the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> are not connected properly to the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b> is not connected properly to the battery analyzer <b>105</b>. Or, for example, the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may determine, for example, that the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> need cleaning. To facilitate proper diagnosis, the remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>may communicate a set of instructions to the user <b>635</b> via the computer network <b>110</b>. The instructions may be displayed to the user <b>635</b> via the user interface arrangement <b>615</b> and may instruct the user <b>635</b>, for example, to clean the first and second battery contacts <b>466</b>, <b>468</b> of the battery <b>130</b>, check the connections between the battery <b>130</b> and the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, check the connections between the battery arrangement <b>120</b> and the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, etc.
[0097] It should be appreciated that the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may include program code stored on the memory device <b>910</b> operable to permit the micro-computer <b>905</b> to diagnose the battery <b>130</b> without need for remote assistance from one or more of the remote devices <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n</i>. In this regard, the battery analyzer <b>105</b> may diagnose problems associated with the battery <b>130</b>, without the need for the battery analyzer <b>105</b> to be connected to the computer network <b>110</b>.
[0098] The processing arrangement is also operable to store data received from the at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>in the memory device <b>910</b>, such as marketing information, software updates for the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, user manuals, technical support data, product catalog information, battery specifications data, and/or advertising information. The data may then be displayed to the user <b>635</b> via the user interface arrangement <b>615</b> and/or may be used to automatically update the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b> as described above.
[0099] The processing arrangement <b>630</b> is also operable to store user input data received from the user interface arrangement <b>615</b> in the memory device <b>910</b>. The user input data may include, for example, catalog orders for batteries, orders for accessories, other user requests, as described above. The processing arrangement <b>630</b> may retrieve the user input data from the memory device <b>910</b> and, for example, communicate the user input data to the at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>over the computer network <b>110</b> via the network interface arrangement <b>620</b>. Alternatively, the processing arrangement <b>630</b> may communicate the user input data to the at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n </i>over the computer network <b>110</b>, without first storing the user input data in the memory device <b>910</b>.
[0100] The user interface arrangement <b>615</b> includes circuitry operable to communicate user information to the user <b>635</b> and receive user input data from the user <b>635</b>. The user interface arrangement <b>615</b> may include, for example, a monochrome or color liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen with or without touch screen capabilities. The user interface arrangement <b>615</b> may also include a plurality of buttons and/or switches to perform certain functions, for example, to order products from a catalog received from the at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a</i>, <b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n. </i>
[0101] If the computer network <b>110</b> includes a connection to the Internet, the memory device <b>910</b> may store, for example, browser software to be executed on the micro-computer <b>905</b>. The browser software would provide the user <b>635</b> with a WEB browser via, e.g., the monochrome or color LCD screen, with which the user <b>635</b> may browse battery specifications data and order accessories and/or replacement batteries from the at least one remote device <b>115</b><i>a, </i><b>115</b><i>b, </i><b>115</b><i>c, </i>. . . , <b>115</b><i>n</i>, for example, from a WEB site maintained at a remote location.
[0102] The user interface arrangement <b>615</b> may also include a device operable to receive user input in a computer-formatted form, such as, a floppy disk drive, a ZIP drive, a memory-card adapter, etc. In this regard, the user <b>635</b> may download updated information to the processing arrangement <b>630</b> of the battery analyzer <b>105</b>, such as replacement program code for the battery analyzer <b>105</b> and/or the battery arrangement <b>120</b>, digital catalogs of replacement batteries and/or accessories to be displayed to the user <b>635</b> via the LCD screen, battery specifications to be displayed to the user <b>635</b> via the LCD screen, etc.
Contents5
20 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP2011011A2 | Cited by | European Patent Office (EPO) | Search report |
| US10429449B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US8412857B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| US9953156B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10222397B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9569609B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9224359B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9966676B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10843574B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| WO2019220348A1 | Cited by | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | International search |
| US10031826B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10317468B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10855088B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2007219732A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2012131230A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US10473555B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2014157436A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US10608353B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| EP2011011A4 | Cited by | European Patent Office (EPO) | Search report |
| EP1916069A2 | Cited by | European Patent Office (EPO) | Search report |
| US2016139974A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2007028020A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US9280674B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| US9923289B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9851411B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10046649B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US8203345B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| US7598700B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US8667303B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| EP1916069A3 | Cited by | European Patent Office (EPO) | Search report |
| US10878077B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9407747B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| US10089168B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| US2007096689A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2010013489A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2001032275A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2001045813A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2002059155A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2002087278A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2002171428A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2003109994A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US2003135705A1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US4352067A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US4423379A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US4709202A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US4799039A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5095537A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5115182A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5281955A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5343163A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5705929A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5710503A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5744962A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US5929764A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US6078871A | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US6313608B1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US6353800B1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US6380711B2 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US6433515B2 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
| US6456036B1 | Cites | United States of America | Pre-grant |
1 member in 1 office
Priority claims2
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13179402 | United States of America | A | |
| US20020131794 | – | – | – |
Members1
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2003197512A1 | United States of America | A1 |
5 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Information on status: application discontinuationABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTIONSTCB | STCB | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| AssignmentAS | AS |
Numbers
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2003197512
- Publication, EPODOC
- US2003197512
- Application
- 10131794
- Application, DOCDB
- 13179402
- Application, EPODOC
- US20020131794
Titles
- English
- Battery analyzer
Classification
- CPC, 5
- G01R31/3648
- G01R31/3624
- G01R31/374
- G01R31/3675
- G01R31/3842
- IPC, 1
- G01R31 36
- USPC, 1
- 324426000