Patent ID: 7151358
Filing Date: 2006-12-19
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. A circuit for charging batteries, comprising: a DC power source having first and second terminals, the power source being operable to maintain a potential difference between the terminals; the first terminal being a positive terminal; divider means, connected between the first and second power source terminals, for dividing the potential difference into a plurality of smaller potential differences that are applied to the batteries to charge the batteries when the power source is operating; a plurality of diodes that are connected to the batteries in an alternating series, such that diodes alternate with the batteries in the series, the alternating series of diodes and batteries being connected between the first power source terminal and a connection point on the divider means that is remote from the first power source terminal, the anodes of the diodes in the alternating series being oriented toward the first power source terminal so as to permit a flow of current through the alternating series in a direction toward the first power source terminal; first and second voltage output tap terminals; means for connecting the first voltage output tap terminal to the first power source terminal; and means for connecting the second voltage output tap terminal to the connection point on the divider means.