초록 ▼

A battery recharging apparatus is specifically configured to enable a customer to exchange a discharged or partially discharged battery for a fully charged replacement. Operator-assisted and entirely automatic vending versions are disclosed. In all embodiments, a controller causes a multiple port ch

A battery recharging apparatus is specifically configured to enable a customer to exchange a discharged or partially discharged battery for a fully charged replacement. Operator-assisted and entirely automatic vending versions are disclosed. In all embodiments, a controller causes a multiple port charger to recharge one or more batteries electrically connected thereto, preferably using a time multiplexing scheme. In the operator-assisted embodiment, an attendant inputs information concerning the customer, the vehicle, or the battery, and accounting-related functions are carried out through an interface to an electric cash register or some other payment-related facility. In the automated alternative of the invention, the apparatus is entirely self-contained within an enclosure including an access panel or window through which a user may deposit a battery in turn for a fully charged unit. Alternatively, the user may simply purchase a new, fully charged battery or battery pack. In this automated version a control panel accepts customer related information such as vehicle number, battery number or license plate number, the control panel further including means to accept a payment, whether in cash or through a reader of a standard credit card or card dedicated to the use of the invention. The vending machine is preferably constructed in modular form such that additional customer access areas may be disposed around the carousel so as to service more than one individual at a time.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for recharging and dispensing batteries, comprising: means for physically receiving one or more rechargeable batteries from one or more customers in electrically unconnected form; a plurality of battery recharging ports, each including means for making electrical contact to the terminal

An apparatus for recharging and dispensing batteries, comprising: means for physically receiving one or more rechargeable batteries from one or more customers in electrically unconnected form; a plurality of battery recharging ports, each including means for making electrical contact to the terminals of one of the batteries received; an input to receive electrical power; a multiple port charger operative to route power from the input to at least one of the batteries through an associated charging port; means to receive customer information and battery-related information; a memory to store the customer information and battery-related information; a controller connected to the multiple port charger, the memory, and the means to receive customer and battery-identification information, the controller being operative to perform the following functions: cause the multiple port charger to charge one or more of the batteries through its associated charging port, store information in the memory relating to batteries received by, and provided, to the customers, and output information relating to an amount due from a customer receiving a recharged battery.