초록 ▼

A battery charger, a method for charging a battery, and a software program for operating the battery charger. The battery charger is capable of charging different types of batteries and capable of operating on alternate sources of AC power. Also, the battery charging circuit will not operate if one

A battery charger, a method for charging a battery, and a software program for operating the battery charger. The battery charger is capable of charging different types of batteries and capable of operating on alternate sources of AC power. Also, the battery charging circuit will not operate if one of the power source, the battery, the power switch means and the control means (including the Microcontroller) malfunctions. In addition, in the battery charging circuit, the battery under charge supplies power to operate the circuit and the Microcontroller.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [8.]8. A method of charging a battery, said method comprising the acts of:providing a battery charger including a battery charging circuit electrically connectable to a power source and to the battery and operable to charge the battery, the circuit including power switch means operable

[ We claim:] [8.]8. A method of charging a battery, said method comprising the acts of:providing a battery charger including a battery charging circuit electrically connectable to a power source and to the battery and operable to charge the battery, the circuit including power switch means operable to provide power from the power source to charge the battery, and a Microcontroller for operating the circuit, the Microcontroller being electrically connected to the circuit and being operable to provide an output signal to the power switch means to control the power switch means;connecting the battery charger to the power source;connecting the battery to the battery charger;electrically connecting the power source, the battery, the power switch means and the Microcontroller so that, when the battery is connected to the circuit, if one of the power source, the battery, the power switch means and the Microcontroller malfunctions, the circuit will not operate to charge the battery;charging the battery;monitoring the circuit to determine when one of the power source, the battery, the power switch means and the Microcontroller malfunctions; andif one of the power source, the battery, the power switch means and the Microcontroller malfunctions, preventing the circuit from charging the battery;wherein the charger is operable to charge a first type of battery and a second type battery, the chemistry of the first type of battery being different from the chemistry of the second type of battery, and wherein said method further comprises the acts of:identifying a type of battery connected to the circuit; andoutputting an identification signal to the Microcontroller, the identification signal being related to the type of battery connected to the circuit;wherein the first type of battery has a first thermistor value, wherein the second type of battery has a second thermistor value, wherein said act of identifying the type of battery connected to the circuit includes sensing a thermistor value of a battery connected to the circuit, and wherein said act of outputting the identification signal to the Microcontroller includes outputting the identification signal related to the thermistor value of the battery connected to the circuit.