초록 ▼

A battery charging apparatus and method permits the recharging of the batteries of a seismic streamer depth control device or bird without access to the interior of the bird. In a preferred embodiment, a battery pack includes a coil within the bird that is capable of receiving a charging field from

A battery charging apparatus and method permits the recharging of the batteries of a seismic streamer depth control device or bird without access to the interior of the bird. In a preferred embodiment, a battery pack includes a coil within the bird that is capable of receiving a charging field from a charging unit by inductive coupling. The coil provides power to a regulated power supply comprising a voltage regulator and rectifier, and direct current is provided to charge battery cells. Thus, the batteries within the bird a charged by induction from outside the casing of the bird. Alternatively, the battery pack may be detached from the rest of the bird, but the battery pack remains scaled against the elements. The battery pack may include an electrical connector which attaches to the main body of the bird, and the electrical connector includes one or more pins for charging purposes. When the battery pack is detached from the main body of the bird and placed in a storage rack, the electrical connector of the battery pack mates with an outlet and the battery pack is charged through the regulated power supply.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A rechargeable battery module for a depth control device, the module comprising:a. a first battery cell;b. a regulated power supply coupled to the battery cell and capable of developing one or more regulated charging voltages;c. a coil which serves as the secondary coil of a recharg

[ I claim:] [1.] A rechargeable battery module for a depth control device, the module comprising:a. a first battery cell;b. a regulated power supply coupled to the battery cell and capable of developing one or more regulated charging voltages;c. a coil which serves as the secondary coil of a recharging transformer; andd. a water-tight shell around the battery cell, the power supply, and the coil.