Patent ID: 7782022
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. A method for determining in detection circuitry disposed between a power source and a rechargeable battery whether the power source can source a predetermined peak charging current to charge the rechargeable battery, wherein the power source has an output voltage, the method comprising the steps of: in a first controlling step, controlling, in the detection circuitry, the application of a charging current sourced by the power source and provided to the rechargeable battery so that the charging current increases from an initial charging current toward said peak charging current in a predetermined manner; monitoring the power source output voltage to determine whether the power source output voltage decreases below a predetermined threshold voltage as said charging current increases from said initial charging current toward said peak charging current; in the event the charging current reaches the peak charging current and said monitoring step has not produced an indication that said power source output voltage has dropped below said predetermined threshold voltage, in a second controlling step, controlling, in the detection circuitry, the sourcing of charging current from said power source to said rechargeable battery at said peak charging current; and in the event the monitoring step results in an indication that said power source output voltage has dropped below said predetermined threshold voltage before said charging current has reached said peak charging current, in a third controlling step, controlling said detection circuitry so as to discontinue sourcing of said charging current from said power source to said rechargeable battery.