초록 ▼

A battery support unit, such as a defibrillator battery charger, tests a battery having a memory for an error condition. If the battery support unit finds an error condition with the battery, it transmits error data to a mailbox located in the battery's memory. Other battery support units or electro

A battery support unit, such as a defibrillator battery charger, tests a battery having a memory for an error condition. If the battery support unit finds an error condition with the battery, it transmits error data to a mailbox located in the battery's memory. Other battery support units or electronic devices, or even this battery support unit at a later date, can read the error data in the mailbox and take an appropriate action. For example, the battery support unit can read the mailbox and, if it finds error data placed there by itself, another battery support unit, or an electronic device, enable an indicator, such as an indicator that informs a user that maintenance needs to be performed on the battery. When battery maintenance has been selected, the battery support unit reconditions the battery by charging and discharging the battery a predetermined number of times, and also performs additional testing on the battery.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method in a battery support unit for testing a battery having memory, said method comprising the steps of:connecting said battery to said battery support unit;testing said battery for a first error condition, wherein said first error condition indicates a first fault wi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method in a battery support unit for testing a battery having memory, said method comprising the steps of:connecting said battery to said battery support unit;testing said battery for a first error condition, wherein said first error condition indicates a first fault with the battery that may impact its future performance and not that the battery is discharged and needs to be recharged;detecting said first error condition in said battery;transmitting first error data to a mailbox located in said memory of said battery, responsive to detecting said first error condition; anddisconnecting said battery from said battery support unit, said battery capable of connecting to an electronic device.