초록 ▼

An improved battery charger and reconditioner employs a charging sequence calling for a discharge pulse to be applied substantially immediately before a charging pulse to effectively lower the impedance of the subject battery and to thereby more effectively charge the battery at a lower voltage leve

An improved battery charger and reconditioner employs a charging sequence calling for a discharge pulse to be applied substantially immediately before a charging pulse to effectively lower the impedance of the subject battery and to thereby more effectively charge the battery at a lower voltage level. The apparatus and method of the invention enhances the current receiving properties of the battery to lower thermal properties associated with charging and to more efficiently and more rapidly charge a subject battery. The charging sequence reconditions a battery by applying the improved sequence so as to rejuvenate an otherwise damaged battery. The invention also provides a method and means for formatting a battery and for removing dendritic formations which occur in a battery. Further, methods for aborting battery charging and for detecting abnormal conditions are also provided by the present invention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for rapidly charging a battery by a battery charger having an input connected to a source of power, the battery charger providing alternating charge and discharge pulses to the battery, the charging process comprising the steps of:a) partially discharging the ba

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A process for rapidly charging a battery by a battery charger having an input connected to a source of power, the battery charger providing alternating charge and discharge pulses to the battery, the charging process comprising the steps of:a) partially discharging the battery by means of a discharge pulse substantially immediately prior to a charge pulse to lower the impedance and the voltage of the battery prior to the charge pulse being delivered to the battery;b) substantially immediately after partially discharging the battery, supplying the charge pulse to the battery, the charge delivered to the battery during the charge pulse being greater than the charge drained from the battery during the discharge pulse, the ratio of the duration of the charge pulse to the discharge pulse being greater than 10 to 1.c) waiting a rest period after the charge pulse of step b) and prior to applying a subsequent discharge pulse to the battery to allow the battery to at least partially stabilize; and d) repeating the above steps.