Battery charging system including means for distinguishing between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries

Patent · Tue Mar 18 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5503888

Hodgman, J S; Mullersman, F H

A battery charging system adapted to distinguish a rechargeable battery type from a non-rechargeable battery type is described, both types being of substantially similar size and having first and second external load terminals for delivering electrical energy. The system consists of: a battery charging circuit having a first non-charging mode and a second charging mode, the circuit having first and second charging contacts arranged for engagement with the first and second external load terminals respectively of when a battery is connected to the contacts; sensing means for sensing the value of at least one parameter common to both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, the value for a rechargeable battery differing from the value for a non-rechangeable battery; enabling means responsive to the sensing means for disabling the charging circuit when the value is indicative of a non-rechargeable battery.

• Assignee: General Electric Co., Gainesville, FL
• Patent Number(s): US 4577144
• OSTI ID: 5503888
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250903* -- Energy Storage-- Batteries-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
BATTERY CHARGERS
BATTERY CHARGING
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRIC MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIPMENT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
SIZE