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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Apparatus and method for charging a battery in a vehicle

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6502863

A charging system is provided for a battery or batteries located within a motor vehicle. In one form, induction energy generating means is disposed within or adjacent to the floor of a garage or a driveway on which a motor vehicle may be parked and retained for a period of time. Induction energy receiving means located within the motor vehicle converts induction energy transmitted thereto from the induction energy generating means in the floor or driveway and generates electrical energy which is either directly applied to charge a battery of the motor vehicle or to a charging unit supported by the motor vehicle. Operation of the induction energy generating means may be effected by means of a manually operated switch supported adjacent the floor or driveway or by a device sensing the presence of the motor vehicle and/or a discharged battery located therein. In another form, when the battery and the motor vehicle is fully charged, a signal is generated by signal generating means sensing such charge and located within the motor vehicle which signal is transmitted by shortwave or as a sonic wave signal to a receiver which shuts off the induction energy generating means so as to conserve charging energy. In yet another form, charging current terminals located at the parking location and adapted to make contact with terminals of the motor vehicle when the vehicle is properly parked so as to provide charging electrical energy for the battery of the vehicle. Direct line communication, so established between the vehicle and a control means at the parking location, is employed to permit a sensor on the vehicle to signal such control means and terminate the application of charging current when the battery or batteries of the vehicle are fully charged.

Assignee:
EDB-83-049873
Patent Number(s):
US 4347472
OSTI ID:
6502863
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English