초록 ▼

A universal interface plate has a predetermined and universal configuration suitable for connecting any one of a plurality of types of rechargeable batteries to the circuitry of a charging device. The universal plate is adapted to any type of rechargeable battery using an appropriate bay adapter, th

A universal interface plate has a predetermined and universal configuration suitable for connecting any one of a plurality of types of rechargeable batteries to the circuitry of a charging device. The universal plate is adapted to any type of rechargeable battery using an appropriate bay adapter, the bay adapter including a first interface for mounting the bay adapter to the universal interface plate and a second interface for accommodating a particular type of battery. The charging device utilizes a ramping charge method whereby batteries are initially charged at a low charging rate, thereby allowing safe charging of low and high capacity batteries utilizing a single charging algorithm. The charging rate is increased incrementally after determining whether the incremental current increase would cause the power to the battery to exceed the maximum power that can be handled by the bay. If the maximum charging rate is reached, charging is continued at the previous rate, otherwise the charging current is increased by the incremental amount thereby providing for rapid ramp-up of charging current for high capacity batteries while providing a low charging current for low capacity batteries, thus preventing overcurrent charging of low capacity batteries. During charging, the battery is monitored to determine whether a termination criterion is met.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A battery charger interface, comprising:a plate having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough, the plate being releasably engagable with a respective one of a plurality of battery adapters via a predetermined number of the plurality of openings, each of the plurali

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A battery charger interface, comprising:a plate having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough, the plate being releasably engagable with a respective one of a plurality of battery adapters via a predetermined number of the plurality of openings, each of the plurality of battery adapters also being releasably engagable with a respective one of a plurality of different types of rechargeable batteries; anda plurality of first contacts disposed in the predetermined number of the plurality of openings, the plurality of first contacts being electrically connectable to a plurality of second contacts of the respective one of the plurality of the battery adapters, wherein the plurality of first contacts connect each of the plurality of battery adapters to a charging circuit of a battery charger.