Patent ID: 7471059
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: H02J,H04M

Abstract:
1. A multiple function current-sharing charging system, comprising: a power source interface configured to receive energy from a power source; a power converter connected to the power source and configured to regulate the energy received from the power source and to output charging current; a plurality of power supply interfaces configured for connection to respective rechargeable power supplies; and a charging controller connected to the power converter to receive the charging current and to the plurality of power supply interfaces, and configured to detect connection of a first rechargeable power supply to a first one of the plurality of power supply interfaces, to determine whether a second rechargeable power supply is connected to a second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, and to provide a first charging current to one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and to begin charging the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies while providing the first charging current by providing an available excess power as a second charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies where the second rechargeable power supply is connected to the second of the plurality of power supply interfaces, the available excess power determined based on the first charging current and energy received from the power source, said first charging current greater than said second charging current; wherein the charging controller is further configured to determine whether the charge level of the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies exceeds a threshold and in response provide a third charging current to the one of the first and second rechargeable power supplies and a fourth charging current to the other of the first and second rechargeable power supplies, said third charging current less than said first charging current and said fourth charging current greater than said second charging current.