초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for charging a battery having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a third terminal is disclosed, where a thermistor is positioned across the negative terminal and the third terminal. The apparatus includes a positive contact positioned so as to engage the positive t

An apparatus and method for charging a battery having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a third terminal is disclosed, where a thermistor is positioned across the negative terminal and the third terminal. The apparatus includes a positive contact positioned so as to engage the positive terminal of the battery, a negative contact positioned so as to engage the negative terminal of the battery, a third contact positioned so as to engage the third terminal of the battery, and a logic circuit connected to the positive, negative and third terminals. In addition, a switching device is provided which receives an input from the logic circuit that dictates whether the switching device is positioned closed so as to connect the third contact to a biasing source. The position of the switching device is determined by comparing the voltage at the third contact to a predetermined threshold voltage.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of charging a battery having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a third terminal, wherein a thermistor is positioned across said negative terminal and said third terminal, said charging method comprising the following steps:(a) determining whether a ba

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of charging a battery having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a third terminal, wherein a thermistor is positioned across said negative terminal and said third terminal, said charging method comprising the following steps:(a) determining whether a battery is connected to a battery charger for charging;(b) determining whether said battery is also connected to a portable communication device in an operational state;(c) selectively biasing said thermistor by a current from one of said portable communication device and said battery charger so that a voltage is provided at said third battery terminal representative of a temperature in said battery;(d) determining whether said battery temperature is within a designated temperature range; and(e) charging said battery with a charge current so long as said battery temperature is within said designated temperature range. [21.] An apparatus for charging a battery having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a third terminal, wherein a thermistor is positioned across said negative terminal and said third terminal to provide a voltage representative of a temperature in said battery, said apparatus comprising:(a) a positive contact positioned so as to engage said positive terminal of said battery;(b) a negative contact positioned so as to engage said negative terminal of said battery;(c) a third contact positioned so as to engage said third terminal of said battery;(d) a logic circuit connected to said positive, negative, and third contacts; and(e) a switching device receiving an input from said logic circuit which dictates whether said switching device is positioned closed so as to connect a biasing source to said third contact or positioned open; rein the position of said switching device is determined by said voltage received from said third battery terminal.