Multi-type battery charger control

Abstract

An apparatus for selectively charging a variety of batteries. A battery charging system includes a charging circuit, a processor, and a key, or identification device. The key has a value or code associated with the type of battery to be charged. The processor executes a software program that reads the value associated with the key. The software program charges the battery in a manner required by the battery type associated with the key value. In another embodiment, the program checks for changes to the key, such as when an operator swaps the key during charging.

1 . An apparatus for charging a battery, said apparatus comprising: 
 an identification device for identifying a specified battery type;    a charger circuit including a power conversion circuit and a switch, said power conversion circuit connected to an external power source and having an output connected to said switch, said switch providing a variable duty cycle pulse width regulation output to the battery; and    a processor in communication with said switch, said processor programmed to execute a process for charging a battery, said process including reading said specified battery type identified by said identification device, selecting a charging protocol based on said battery type, controlling said switch to charge the battery in a manner determined by said specified battery type, and monitoring for changes to said identification device;    whereby said apparatus applies said charge to the selected battery type by switching an output of said power conversion circuit with.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said identification device is selected from a group including a plug-in device with a memory storage component in communication with said processor, said memory storage component storing a code corresponding to said specified battery type, and a plug-in device for operating at least one switch in communication with said processor.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said process executed by said processor further includes monitoring a charge state of a battery being charged by said apparatus.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including an isolation circuit between said external power source and the battery.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including a display and control circuit in communication with said processor.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further including a regulator connected between said power conversion circuit and said switch.  
   
   
       7 . A method in a battery charger for charging a battery of a selected battery type, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing for reading a battery type identified by an identification device;    monitoring for a change of said identification device;    providing for selecting a charging protocol based on said battery type;    providing for controlling a switch to charge said battery type in accordance with said charging protocol, said switch receiving power from a power conversion circuit, said switch adapted to connect to a battery.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  further including a step of providing for monitoring a charge state of a battery being charged by said apparatus.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  further including a step of providing for terminating charging if said identification device is changed.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  further including a step of providing for displaying a status of the battery charger.  
   
   
       11 . A system for charging a battery, said system comprising: 
 an identification device for identifying a specified battery type;    a charger circuit including a power conversion circuit and a switch, said power conversion circuit connected to an external power source, said power conversion circuit connected to said switch, said switch providing a variable duty cycle pulse width regulation output to the battery; and    a storage component for storing said specified battery type;    an input/output component for communicating with said identification device; and    a processing component in communication with said switch, said processing component executing a process including 
 reading said specified battery type corresponding to said identification device, and  
 controlling said switch to charge the battery in a manner required by said specified battery type.  
   
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said process executed by said processing component further includes a step of monitoring a charge state of a battery being charged by said apparatus.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said process executed by said processing component further includes a step of monitoring for a change of said identification device, and further including a step of providing for terminating charging if said identification device is changed.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said identification device is selected from a group including a plug-in device with a memory storage component in communication with said processing component, said memory storage component storing a code corresponding to said specified battery type, and a plug-in device for operating at least one switch in communication with said input/output component.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for charging a battery, said apparatus comprising: 
 a means for identifying a specified battery type;    a means for determining if said specified battery type changes;    a power conversion circuit connected to an external power source; and    a means for providing a variable duty cycle pulse width regulation output to the battery.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further including a means for isolating said external power source from the battery being charged.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  further including a means for monitoring a charge state of the battery being charged.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  further including a means for regulating an output from said power conversion circuit.