Patent ID: 6844705
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for charging a battery to a nominal battery voltage comprising: a first input terminal coupled to a reference voltage; a second input terminal coupled to a DC power source referenced to said reference voltage; a first output terminal coupled to said reference voltage, and configured to be coupled to a first terminal of said battery; a second output terminal configured to be coupled to a second terminal of said battery; a controlled current flow path coupled between said second input terminal and said second output terminal; and a control circuit which is operative, in response to said DC power source being coupled to said second input terminal, to cause said controlled current flow path to provide a first substantially constant current therethrough from said DC power source to said battery and thereby charge said battery until said battery is charged to said nominal battery voltage and, in response to a constant voltage output of said DC power source transitioning to a value that limits said available charging current to a value less than a programmed constant charging current, and thereby causing a reduction in current flow through said controlled current flow path, to increase the current flow drive to said controlled current flow path for a limited time interval, and thereafter to allow said controlled current flow path to gradually reduce current flow therethrough as said battery voltage remains at said nominal battery voltage.