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

Battery charging system having means for distinguishing between primary and secondary batteries

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7143719

This patent describes a battery charging system adapted to distinguish a rechargeable battery type from a nonrechargeable battery type, both the types being of substantially similar size, the system comprising, in combination: a rechargeable battery having first and second external load terminals for delivery electrical energy; indicia means on the rechargeable battery for providing an indication distinguishing the rechargeable battery from a non-rechargeable battery; a charging device including a battery charging circuit having a first non-charging mode and a second charging mode. The circuit has first and second charging contacts arranged for engagement with the first and second external load terminals respectively when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger. The first and second charging contacts are engageable by one of a pair of load terminals of a non-rechargeable battery; and enabling means in the charging device for sensing the presence of the indicia means on the rechargeable battery and in response thereto enabling the charging mode, whereby the charger will be enabled to deliver charge current only by batteries of the rechargeable type.

Assignee:
General Electric Co., Gainesville, FL
Patent Number(s):
US 4628243
OSTI ID:
7143719
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English