초록 ▼

A rechargeable battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the service run time of the battery. The controller may extend the service run time of a rechargeable battery, for example, by ending the discharge cycle at the optimal discharge depth in order to maximize the number and e

A rechargeable battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the service run time of the battery. The controller may extend the service run time of a rechargeable battery, for example, by ending the discharge cycle at the optimal discharge depth in order to maximize the number and efficiency of charge cycles. The controller may also control the charge cycle of each electrochemical cell of a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery. Each individual cell preferably has a built-in controller that controls the discharge and charge cycles of that cell. In addition, the rechargeable battery may also include a remote charging system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A rechargeable battery useful with a device having a cut-off voltage and an external charger that supplies a charging current, the rechargeable battery comprising:(a) a container having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;(b) a rechargeable electrochemical cell di

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A rechargeable battery useful with a device having a cut-off voltage and an external charger that supplies a charging current, the rechargeable battery comprising:(a) a container having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;(b) a rechargeable electrochemical cell disposed within said container, said cell having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a cell voltage measured across said positive electrode and said negative electrode of said cell, and a nominal voltage; and(c) a controller electrically connected between said electrodes of said cell and said terminals of said container to create an output voltage measured across said positive terminal and said negative terminal of said container, said controller is adapted to end a discharge cycle of said cell by electronically disconnecting said electrodes of said cell from said terminals of said container and to control the charging current of the external charging circuit to charge said cell during a charge cycle.