CA2272382A1 - Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2272382A1 CA2272382A1 CA002272382A CA2272382A CA2272382A1 CA 2272382 A1 CA2272382 A1 CA 2272382A1 CA 002272382 A CA002272382 A CA 002272382A CA 2272382 A CA2272382 A CA 2272382A CA 2272382 A1 CA2272382 A1 CA 2272382A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- battery
- memory
- information
- downloadable
- reader
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/00032—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by data exchange
- H02J7/00036—Charger exchanging data with battery
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/00047—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with provisions for charging different types of batteries
Abstract
A charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory, such as E2PROM. Also disclosed are a battery having a memory for storing information, a power tool having a memory for storing information about the tool, and a reading apparatus for reading the information stored in the memory of the charger, battery and/or power tool.
Description
UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
OBTAINING PRODUCT USE INFORMATION
Cross-Reference to Related Applications The present application is based upon and claims priority under 35 USC ~ 119 and 37 CFR ~1.78 of copending US provisional applications Serial No. 60/089,066, filed on June 12, 1998, and Serial No. 60/087,896, filed on June 3, 1998.
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for obtaining product use information and more particularly, for obtaining use information of components included in a rechargeable battery system.
Background of the Invention Rechargeable battery systems include three main components: (1) a rechargeable battery or battery pack; (2) a charger for charging the battery; and (3) a device powered by the battery, such as portable power tools and certain kitchen and domestic appliances.
Knowledge of how a user actually uses and interacts with each component can provide usefi~l insights, which can in turn be implemented in fixture product designs.
Typically, such information is derived from actual interviews with users, either individually or in groups. However, the information derived from these interviews is usually UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 information relating to the user's perception of his use patterns, which are often subjective and inaccurate.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for obtaining actual product use information.
Summate of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory, such as E2PROM.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described, and will be apparent from, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.
Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention according to the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a circuit schematic diagram of a battery charger according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic diagram of a battery according to the present invention;
OBTAINING PRODUCT USE INFORMATION
Cross-Reference to Related Applications The present application is based upon and claims priority under 35 USC ~ 119 and 37 CFR ~1.78 of copending US provisional applications Serial No. 60/089,066, filed on June 12, 1998, and Serial No. 60/087,896, filed on June 3, 1998.
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for obtaining product use information and more particularly, for obtaining use information of components included in a rechargeable battery system.
Background of the Invention Rechargeable battery systems include three main components: (1) a rechargeable battery or battery pack; (2) a charger for charging the battery; and (3) a device powered by the battery, such as portable power tools and certain kitchen and domestic appliances.
Knowledge of how a user actually uses and interacts with each component can provide usefi~l insights, which can in turn be implemented in fixture product designs.
Typically, such information is derived from actual interviews with users, either individually or in groups. However, the information derived from these interviews is usually UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 information relating to the user's perception of his use patterns, which are often subjective and inaccurate.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for obtaining actual product use information.
Summate of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory, such as E2PROM.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described, and will be apparent from, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.
Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention according to the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a circuit schematic diagram of a battery charger according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic diagram of a battery according to the present invention;
UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic diagram of a cordless tool according to the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a data reader according to the present invention.
Detailed Description The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals designate like parts. All the teachings of the Saar U.S. Patents Nos. 4,388,582 and 4,392,101 are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.
Referring to FIG. 1, a battery 10 is connected to a charger 20. Battery 10 comprises a plurality of battery cells 11 connected in series, which dictate the voltage and storage capacity for battery 10. Battery 10 includes three battery contacts: first battery contact 12, second battery contact 13, and third battery contact 14. Battery contact 12 is the B+ (positive) terminal for battery 10.
Battery contact 14 is the B- or negative/common terminal. Battery contact 13 is the S or sensing terminal. Battery contacts 12 and 14 receive the charging current sent from the charger 20 (preferably from current source 22, as discussed below) for charging the battery 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, the battery cells 11 are connected between the battery contacts 12 and 14. In addition, preferably connected between battery contacts 13 and 14 is a temperature sensing device 15, such as a negative temperature co-e~cient (NTC) resistor, or thermistor, RT. The UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 temperature sensing device is preferably in closer proximity to the cells 11 for monitoring of the battery temperature. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that other components, such as capacitors, etc., or circuits can be used to provide a signal representative of the battery temperature.
Battery 10 may also comprise an identifier as known in the prior art, so that charger 20 can identify the type and capacity of the battery, and charge accordingly.
The charger 20 preferably comprises a controller 21, which in turn includes positive terminal (B+) 16 and negative (B-) terminal 17, which are coupled to battery 10 via battery contacts 12 and 14, respectively. The positive terminal may also act as an input, preferably an a.nalog/digital input, in order for the controller 21 to detect the battery voltage. In addition, the controller 21 may include another input TC, preferably an analog/digital input, which is coupled to the temperature sensing device 15 via the third battery contact 13 (S). This allows the controller 21 to monitor the battery temperature. Controller 21 may include a microprocessor 23 for controlling the charging and monitoring operations. Controller 21 may control a current source 22 that provides current to battery 10. This current may be a fast charging current and/or an equalization current. C~,llrent source 22 may be integrated within controller 21.
A switch SWl may be connected to controller 21 to manually select charging processes or modes, such as a fast charging mode and a refresh mode.
A memory 25 is preferably connected to the controller 21. Preferably, the memory 25 is a non-volatile memory such as E2PROM. Accordingly, controller 21 may read and/or write in memory 25. Controller 21 may store in memory 25 information related to the battery, such as type, capacity, charging process, etc. Similarly, controller 21 may store in memory 25 information related to UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 the charger. For example, controller 21 may store information such as number of NiCd batteries charged, number of NiMH batteries charged, number of times switch SW 1 was on or activated (i. e., the number of times the refresh mode was selected), number of times the charging process was delayed to allow cooling of the battery, etc.
Preferably controller 21 can designate a string of memory slots, or "buckets,"
for storing related information. For example, in order to save information on initial battery temperature, a string of memory slots of memory 25 may be organized into buckets, each bucket representing a range of initial battery temperatures. Accordingly, a bucket may be designated for initial temperatures below 20°C. A second bucket may be designated for initial temperatures between 20° and 30°, and so on.
Accordingly, for example, if a battery 10 with an initial temperature of 43°C is inserted into charger 20, controller 23 would read the bucket corresponding for initial temperatures between 40° and 45°, increase the read value and store the new value in the bucket.
Similar buckets may be established for other information, such as charge termination process, i.e., number of times minus-delta-V was used to terminate charging, number of times temperature change rate was used to terminate charging, etc.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that controller 21 may store in memory 25 any type of desired information, provided the controller 21 receives the proper input. For example, a signal 24 originating from the power supply representative of the voltage received from an outlet or generator, i. e., the mains voltage, may be received by controller 21.
Controller 21 can then determine and store, for example, the number of times the mains voltage was below 90 volts or above 130 volts.
Detailed Description The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals designate like parts. All the teachings of the Saar U.S. Patents Nos. 4,388,582 and 4,392,101 are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.
Referring to FIG. 1, a battery 10 is connected to a charger 20. Battery 10 comprises a plurality of battery cells 11 connected in series, which dictate the voltage and storage capacity for battery 10. Battery 10 includes three battery contacts: first battery contact 12, second battery contact 13, and third battery contact 14. Battery contact 12 is the B+ (positive) terminal for battery 10.
Battery contact 14 is the B- or negative/common terminal. Battery contact 13 is the S or sensing terminal. Battery contacts 12 and 14 receive the charging current sent from the charger 20 (preferably from current source 22, as discussed below) for charging the battery 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, the battery cells 11 are connected between the battery contacts 12 and 14. In addition, preferably connected between battery contacts 13 and 14 is a temperature sensing device 15, such as a negative temperature co-e~cient (NTC) resistor, or thermistor, RT. The UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 temperature sensing device is preferably in closer proximity to the cells 11 for monitoring of the battery temperature. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that other components, such as capacitors, etc., or circuits can be used to provide a signal representative of the battery temperature.
Battery 10 may also comprise an identifier as known in the prior art, so that charger 20 can identify the type and capacity of the battery, and charge accordingly.
The charger 20 preferably comprises a controller 21, which in turn includes positive terminal (B+) 16 and negative (B-) terminal 17, which are coupled to battery 10 via battery contacts 12 and 14, respectively. The positive terminal may also act as an input, preferably an a.nalog/digital input, in order for the controller 21 to detect the battery voltage. In addition, the controller 21 may include another input TC, preferably an analog/digital input, which is coupled to the temperature sensing device 15 via the third battery contact 13 (S). This allows the controller 21 to monitor the battery temperature. Controller 21 may include a microprocessor 23 for controlling the charging and monitoring operations. Controller 21 may control a current source 22 that provides current to battery 10. This current may be a fast charging current and/or an equalization current. C~,llrent source 22 may be integrated within controller 21.
A switch SWl may be connected to controller 21 to manually select charging processes or modes, such as a fast charging mode and a refresh mode.
A memory 25 is preferably connected to the controller 21. Preferably, the memory 25 is a non-volatile memory such as E2PROM. Accordingly, controller 21 may read and/or write in memory 25. Controller 21 may store in memory 25 information related to the battery, such as type, capacity, charging process, etc. Similarly, controller 21 may store in memory 25 information related to UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 the charger. For example, controller 21 may store information such as number of NiCd batteries charged, number of NiMH batteries charged, number of times switch SW 1 was on or activated (i. e., the number of times the refresh mode was selected), number of times the charging process was delayed to allow cooling of the battery, etc.
Preferably controller 21 can designate a string of memory slots, or "buckets,"
for storing related information. For example, in order to save information on initial battery temperature, a string of memory slots of memory 25 may be organized into buckets, each bucket representing a range of initial battery temperatures. Accordingly, a bucket may be designated for initial temperatures below 20°C. A second bucket may be designated for initial temperatures between 20° and 30°, and so on.
Accordingly, for example, if a battery 10 with an initial temperature of 43°C is inserted into charger 20, controller 23 would read the bucket corresponding for initial temperatures between 40° and 45°, increase the read value and store the new value in the bucket.
Similar buckets may be established for other information, such as charge termination process, i.e., number of times minus-delta-V was used to terminate charging, number of times temperature change rate was used to terminate charging, etc.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that controller 21 may store in memory 25 any type of desired information, provided the controller 21 receives the proper input. For example, a signal 24 originating from the power supply representative of the voltage received from an outlet or generator, i. e., the mains voltage, may be received by controller 21.
Controller 21 can then determine and store, for example, the number of times the mains voltage was below 90 volts or above 130 volts.
UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 Similarly, controller 21 may also store into memory 25 the amount of time a battery 10 is connected to charger 20. Such information is useful to determine actual conditions of use, which can then be trusted in designing future chargers.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that any information related to the battery charging process and/or charger may be stored in memory 25 so long as controller 21 receives the proper input and a large enough memory is provided.
In order to analyze the information, it must be downloaded from charger 20.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, such operation may be accomplished by connecting the charger 20 to a reader 50 and/or a computer 53. Reader 50 may have contacts 54, 55 and 56 which connect to the different terminals of charger 20. Reader SO may also have a microprocessor 51 for controlling the communications between charger 20 and reader S0. A memory 52 may also be provided in reader 50 for storing the contents of memory 25, if so desired. This allows the analyst to download the information from charger 20, without carrying a separate computer 53, and then later downloading the contents of memory 52 into computer 53. Reader 50 may also contain enough memory to store the information downloaded from several chargers 20. Reader SO may be connected to the serial or parallel ports of computer 53, for example.
Controller 21 has at least one line for transmitting the contents of memory 25.
Preferably, this line is the TC line. Controller 21 preferably conducts a "data dump" operation, where the information of memory 25 is directly transmitted without further intervention from controller 21.
Controller 21 may send the information to reader 50 after a hand-shaking routine between reader 50 and controller 21 is conducted. Preferably, controller 21 sends the information via the TC line UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 according to a serial communication scheme. Reader 50 then receives the information, stores it into memory 52 andlor sends it to computer 53 for analysis.
FIG. 2 illustrates a battery 30 according to the present invention, where like numerals represent like parts. The main difference between battery 10 and battery 30 is that battery 30 has been equipped with a controller 3 l, preferably connected to terminals 12, 13 and 14. Controller 31 may include a microprocessor 32 for controlling the sensing and memory operations, as discussed below.
A memory 33 is preferably connected to the controller 31. Preferably, the memory 33 is a non-volatile memory such as E2PROM. Accordingly, controller 31 may read and/or write in memory 33. Controller 31 may store in memory 33 information related to the battery, such as temperature, length of charging process, etc., in a manner similar to that explained above.
A bias pull-down resistor 34 may be disposed between terminals 13 and 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the information from memory 33 may be downloaded by connecting the battery 30 to a reader 50 and/or a computer 53. Reader SO
may have contacts 54, 55 and 56 which connect to the terminals 12, 13 and 14 of battery 30.
Reader 50 and controller 31 may conduct a hand-shaking routine to induce controller 31 into transmitting the information stored in memory 33. Such a routine could be as simple as pulling up the bias on the line connected to the sensing terminal 13. Controller 31 would sense the bias pull-up and proceed to transmit the infornlation. Preferably, controller 31 conducts a data dump operation, where the information of memory 33 is directly transmitted without further intervention from controller 31. Controller 31 may send the information to reader 50 according to a serial communication scheme.
Reader 50 then receives the information, stores it into memory 52 and/or sends it to computer 53 for -7_ UT1LTTY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 analysis. Reader 50 may also contain enough memory to store the information downloaded from several batteries 30.
FIG. 3 illustrates a tool 40 according to the present invention. Tool 40 comprises terminals 46 and 48 for receiving power from a battery connected thereto, and tool circuits 41 connected to terminals 46 and 48. Tool circuits 41 may include power regulation circuits, motor circuits, etc. A controller 42 is preferably connected to terminals 46 and 48.
Controller 42 may include a microprocessor 43 for controlling the sensing and memory operations, as discussed below.
Controller 42 may also be connected to a terminal 47 to be used for transmitting information, as discussed below. A bias pull-down resistor 45 may be disposed between terminals 47 and 48.
A memory 44 is preferably connected to the controller 42. Preferably, the memory 44 is a non-volatile memory such as EZPROM. Accordingly, controller 42 may read and/or write in memory 44. Controller 42 may store in memory 44 information related to the tool 40, such as tool temperature, length of use, number of times the tool has been turned on, etc., in a manner similar to that explained above. Controller 42 receives the desired information from the tool circuits 41.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the information from memory 33 may be downloaded by connecting the tool 40 to a reader SO and/or a computer 53. Reader SO may have contacts 54, SS
and 56 which connect to the terminals 46, 47 and 48 of battery 30.
Reader 50 and controller 42 may conduct a hand-sha(~ing routine to induce controller 42 into transmitting the information stored in memory 44. Such a routine could be as simple as pulling up the bias on the line connected to the terminal 47. Controller 42 would sense the bias pull-up and proceed to transmit the information. Preferably, controller 42 conducts a data dump operation, where _g_ UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 the information of memory 44 is directly transmitted without further intervention from controller 42.
Controller 42 may send the information to reader 50 according to a serial communication scheme.
Reader 50 then receives the information, stores it into memory 52 and/or sends it to computer 53 for analysis. Reader 50 may also contain enough memory to store the information downloaded from several tools 40.
In order to provide more accurate use information, it is preferable that memories 25, 33 and 44 are pre-programmed with identification codes or serial numbers that are downloaded by reader S0. Using the pre-programmed identification code, computer 53 can then better analyze the downloaded information by disregarding old information, comparing use between downloads, etc.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the use information can also be used to detect instances of abuse.
Persons skilled in the art may recognize other alternatives or additions to the means or steps disclosed herein. However, all these additions and/or alterations are considered to be equivalents of the present invention.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that any information related to the battery charging process and/or charger may be stored in memory 25 so long as controller 21 receives the proper input and a large enough memory is provided.
In order to analyze the information, it must be downloaded from charger 20.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, such operation may be accomplished by connecting the charger 20 to a reader 50 and/or a computer 53. Reader 50 may have contacts 54, 55 and 56 which connect to the different terminals of charger 20. Reader SO may also have a microprocessor 51 for controlling the communications between charger 20 and reader S0. A memory 52 may also be provided in reader 50 for storing the contents of memory 25, if so desired. This allows the analyst to download the information from charger 20, without carrying a separate computer 53, and then later downloading the contents of memory 52 into computer 53. Reader 50 may also contain enough memory to store the information downloaded from several chargers 20. Reader SO may be connected to the serial or parallel ports of computer 53, for example.
Controller 21 has at least one line for transmitting the contents of memory 25.
Preferably, this line is the TC line. Controller 21 preferably conducts a "data dump" operation, where the information of memory 25 is directly transmitted without further intervention from controller 21.
Controller 21 may send the information to reader 50 after a hand-shaking routine between reader 50 and controller 21 is conducted. Preferably, controller 21 sends the information via the TC line UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 according to a serial communication scheme. Reader 50 then receives the information, stores it into memory 52 andlor sends it to computer 53 for analysis.
FIG. 2 illustrates a battery 30 according to the present invention, where like numerals represent like parts. The main difference between battery 10 and battery 30 is that battery 30 has been equipped with a controller 3 l, preferably connected to terminals 12, 13 and 14. Controller 31 may include a microprocessor 32 for controlling the sensing and memory operations, as discussed below.
A memory 33 is preferably connected to the controller 31. Preferably, the memory 33 is a non-volatile memory such as E2PROM. Accordingly, controller 31 may read and/or write in memory 33. Controller 31 may store in memory 33 information related to the battery, such as temperature, length of charging process, etc., in a manner similar to that explained above.
A bias pull-down resistor 34 may be disposed between terminals 13 and 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the information from memory 33 may be downloaded by connecting the battery 30 to a reader 50 and/or a computer 53. Reader SO
may have contacts 54, 55 and 56 which connect to the terminals 12, 13 and 14 of battery 30.
Reader 50 and controller 31 may conduct a hand-shaking routine to induce controller 31 into transmitting the information stored in memory 33. Such a routine could be as simple as pulling up the bias on the line connected to the sensing terminal 13. Controller 31 would sense the bias pull-up and proceed to transmit the infornlation. Preferably, controller 31 conducts a data dump operation, where the information of memory 33 is directly transmitted without further intervention from controller 31. Controller 31 may send the information to reader 50 according to a serial communication scheme.
Reader 50 then receives the information, stores it into memory 52 and/or sends it to computer 53 for -7_ UT1LTTY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 analysis. Reader 50 may also contain enough memory to store the information downloaded from several batteries 30.
FIG. 3 illustrates a tool 40 according to the present invention. Tool 40 comprises terminals 46 and 48 for receiving power from a battery connected thereto, and tool circuits 41 connected to terminals 46 and 48. Tool circuits 41 may include power regulation circuits, motor circuits, etc. A controller 42 is preferably connected to terminals 46 and 48.
Controller 42 may include a microprocessor 43 for controlling the sensing and memory operations, as discussed below.
Controller 42 may also be connected to a terminal 47 to be used for transmitting information, as discussed below. A bias pull-down resistor 45 may be disposed between terminals 47 and 48.
A memory 44 is preferably connected to the controller 42. Preferably, the memory 44 is a non-volatile memory such as EZPROM. Accordingly, controller 42 may read and/or write in memory 44. Controller 42 may store in memory 44 information related to the tool 40, such as tool temperature, length of use, number of times the tool has been turned on, etc., in a manner similar to that explained above. Controller 42 receives the desired information from the tool circuits 41.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the information from memory 33 may be downloaded by connecting the tool 40 to a reader SO and/or a computer 53. Reader SO may have contacts 54, SS
and 56 which connect to the terminals 46, 47 and 48 of battery 30.
Reader 50 and controller 42 may conduct a hand-sha(~ing routine to induce controller 42 into transmitting the information stored in memory 44. Such a routine could be as simple as pulling up the bias on the line connected to the terminal 47. Controller 42 would sense the bias pull-up and proceed to transmit the information. Preferably, controller 42 conducts a data dump operation, where _g_ UTILITY PATENT DOCKET NO. P-US-TN-1379 the information of memory 44 is directly transmitted without further intervention from controller 42.
Controller 42 may send the information to reader 50 according to a serial communication scheme.
Reader 50 then receives the information, stores it into memory 52 and/or sends it to computer 53 for analysis. Reader 50 may also contain enough memory to store the information downloaded from several tools 40.
In order to provide more accurate use information, it is preferable that memories 25, 33 and 44 are pre-programmed with identification codes or serial numbers that are downloaded by reader S0. Using the pre-programmed identification code, computer 53 can then better analyze the downloaded information by disregarding old information, comparing use between downloads, etc.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the use information can also be used to detect instances of abuse.
Persons skilled in the art may recognize other alternatives or additions to the means or steps disclosed herein. However, all these additions and/or alterations are considered to be equivalents of the present invention.
Claims (36)
1. A charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising:
a current source for providing current to the battery;
a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery; and a memory connected to the controller for storing use profile information.
a current source for providing current to the battery;
a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery; and a memory connected to the controller for storing use profile information.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the memory stores use profile information about operation of the charging apparatus.
3. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the stored information comprises at least one of the group consisting of number of batteries charged, number of batteries of a first type charged, number of batteries of a second type charged, number of times specific charging processes were selected, number of times specific charging termination processes were used, number of times charging process was delayed to allow cooling of the battery, and main voltage.
4. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the stored information is downloadable.
5. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the stored information is downloadable into a computer.
6. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the stored information is downloadable into a reader apparatus.
7. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the memory stores use profile information about the battery.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the stored information comprises at least one of the group consisting of battery type, battery capacity, charging process, initial temperature and connection time.
9. The apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the stored information is downloadable.
10. The apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the stored information is downloadable into a computer.
11. The apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the stored information is downloadable into a reader apparatus.
12. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the memory stores use profile information about battery type.
13. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the information is downloadable into a computer.
14. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the information is downloadable into a reader apparatus.
15. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the memory is non-volatile.
16. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the memory comprises an E2PROM memory.
17. A battery comprising:
a memory for storing use profile information about the battery.
a memory for storing use profile information about the battery.
18. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the stored information comprises at least one of the group consisting of battery type, battery capacity, charging process, initial temperature and connection time.
19. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the information is downloadable.
20. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the information is downloadable into a computer.
21. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the information is downloadable into a reader apparatus.
22. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the memory stores use profile information about initial temperature.
23. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the memory is non-volatile.
24. The battery of Claim 17, wherein the memory comprises an E2PROM memory.
25. A power tool comprising a memory for storing use profile information about the tool.
26. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the stored information comprises at least one of the group consisting of tool temperature, length of use, and number of times tool has been turned on.
27. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the stored information is downloadable.
28. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the stored information is downloadable into a computer.
29. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the stored information is downloadable into a reader apparatus.
30. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the stored information comprises length of use.
31. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the memory is non-volatile.
32. The power tool of Claim 25, wherein the memory comprises an E2PROM memory.
33. A reader for uploading information from at least one of a charger, a battery and a power tool having a memory for storing use profile information, the reader comprising:
terminals for contacting the at least one of the charger, the battery and the power tool; and a processor connected to the terminals for controlling uploading of information.
terminals for contacting the at least one of the charger, the battery and the power tool; and a processor connected to the terminals for controlling uploading of information.
34. The reader of Claim 33, further comprising a memory connected to the processor for storing the information.
35. The reader of Claim 33, wherein the information is downloadable into a computer.
36. The reader of Claim 33, wherein the processor analyzes the information.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US8789698P | 1998-06-03 | 1998-06-03 | |
| US60/087,896 | 1998-06-03 | ||
| US8906698P | 1998-06-12 | 1998-06-12 | |
| US60/089,066 | 1998-06-12 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2272382A1 true CA2272382A1 (en) | 1999-12-03 |
Family
ID=26777502
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002272382A Abandoned CA2272382A1 (en) | 1998-06-03 | 1999-05-20 | Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US6218806B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0963026A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2272382A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (52)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1982798A3 (en) | 2000-03-16 | 2008-11-12 | Makita Corporation | Power tool |
| DE10015398A1 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2001-10-11 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Electrical device, especially hand-held tool, has connection point for transfer of information via information link for evaluation in power supply unit |
| CA2344024C (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2006-08-01 | Zip Charge Corporation | Charging apparatus, charging method, charging system, and recording medium onto which is recorded a charging method |
| US6342774B1 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2002-01-29 | Motorola, Inc. | Battery having user charge capacity control |
| SE523813C2 (en) * | 2001-07-05 | 2004-05-18 | Jonas Oegren | Battery charger, portable device, computer software product and computer-readable backup media |
| DE10203512B4 (en) * | 2002-01-30 | 2021-09-02 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Hand machine tool with an electric drive, a switching device and a battery unit |
| US7823279B2 (en) * | 2002-04-01 | 2010-11-02 | Intel Corporation | Method for using an in package power supply to supply power to an integrated circuit and to a component |
| US7054696B2 (en) * | 2002-07-18 | 2006-05-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | System and method for data retrieval in AC power tools via an AC line cord |
| JP4212333B2 (en) * | 2002-10-29 | 2009-01-21 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Batteries, equipment, and chargers |
| JP4329369B2 (en) * | 2003-03-20 | 2009-09-09 | パナソニック電工株式会社 | Power tool usage support method and apparatus |
| DE10319010B4 (en) * | 2003-04-25 | 2009-01-02 | Ivoclar Vivadent Ag | light polymerization |
| US20060113956A1 (en) * | 2003-05-07 | 2006-06-01 | Bublitz Scott D | Battery charger and assembly |
| JP4269769B2 (en) * | 2003-05-07 | 2009-05-27 | ソニー株式会社 | Battery pack and electronic device |
| US7330129B2 (en) * | 2003-07-16 | 2008-02-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | System and method for data retrieval in AC power tools via an AC line cord |
| US7227335B2 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2007-06-05 | Makita Corporation | Method and apparatus for diagnosing the condition of a rechargeable battery |
| US7270910B2 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2007-09-18 | Black & Decker Inc. | Thermal management systems for battery packs |
| FR2862558B1 (en) * | 2003-11-20 | 2006-04-28 | Pellenc Sa | POWER AUTONOMOUS POWER PORTABLE TOOL |
| DE102004031601A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-02-09 | Hilti Ag | Battery pack for electric hand tool |
| US7317297B1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2008-01-08 | National Semiconductor Corporation | Battery temperature sensor pin used as communication channel |
| WO2006104929A2 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2006-10-05 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool accessory identification system |
| US7656125B2 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2010-02-02 | Boston-Power, Inc. | Method and device for controlling a storage voltage of a battery pack |
| US20070145129A1 (en) * | 2005-12-27 | 2007-06-28 | Perkin Gregg S | System and method for identifying equipment |
| US20070173090A1 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-26 | Johnson Todd W | Battery pack |
| DE102006017193A1 (en) * | 2006-04-12 | 2007-10-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for tightening a screw connection and screwing tool |
| TWI426678B (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2014-02-11 | Boston Power Inc | Electronics with multiple charge rate, battery packs, methods of charging a lithium ion charge storage power supply in an electronic device and portable computers |
| US8966308B2 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2015-02-24 | Dell Products L.P. | System and method for clock domain management |
| JP2011502329A (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2011-01-20 | ゼットパワー・インコーポレイテッド | Charger and method for charging a silver-zinc battery |
| US8308355B2 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2012-11-13 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Cycle counting |
| WO2010030875A1 (en) * | 2008-09-12 | 2010-03-18 | Boston-Power, Inc. | Method and apparatus for embedded battery cells and thermal management |
| US9318917B2 (en) * | 2009-04-09 | 2016-04-19 | Sony Corporation | Electric storage apparatus and power control system |
| WO2010135260A2 (en) * | 2009-05-18 | 2010-11-25 | Boston-Power, Inc. | Energy efficient and fast charge modes of a rechargeable battery |
| KR20120060820A (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2012-06-12 | 보스톤-파워, 인크. | Large scale battery systems and method of assembly |
| WO2011028703A2 (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2011-03-10 | Boston-Power, Inc. | Safety and performance optimized controls for large scale electric vehicle battery systems |
| JPWO2011030522A1 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2013-02-04 | パナソニック株式会社 | Power control device |
| JP5432761B2 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2014-03-05 | 株式会社マキタ | Electric tool powered by multiple battery packs |
| JP5461221B2 (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2014-04-02 | 株式会社マキタ | Electric tool powered by multiple battery packs |
| CN102946929B (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2016-02-24 | 赛诺菲-安万特德国有限公司 | There is cartridge module and the delivery device of shared retention mechanism |
| TWI536702B (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2016-06-01 | Ｚ動力能源有限責任公司 | Method and apparatus for recharging a battery |
| CN103282165B (en) * | 2010-11-04 | 2015-12-09 | 英格索尔-兰德公司 | There is the cordless power tools of general purpose controller and tool identification and battery identification |
| JP5796741B2 (en) * | 2011-05-19 | 2015-10-21 | 日立工機株式会社 | Electric tool |
| US9577450B2 (en) | 2011-07-24 | 2017-02-21 | Makita Corporation | Charger for hand-held power tool, power tool system and method of charging a power tool battery |
| EP2735076A2 (en) | 2011-07-24 | 2014-05-28 | Makita Corporation | Adapter for power tools, power tool system and method for wirelessly communicating maintenance information therefor |
| JP6382104B2 (en) | 2011-07-24 | 2018-08-29 | 株式会社マキタ | Power tool system |
| CN103367823B (en) * | 2012-04-09 | 2017-02-22 | 华为终端有限公司 | Charging method of battery and mobile terminal |
| WO2014005097A1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2014-01-03 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Digital chain-of-custody |
| WO2014110477A2 (en) | 2013-01-11 | 2014-07-17 | Zpower, Llc | Methods and systems for recharging a battery |
| JP6474950B2 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2019-02-27 | 株式会社マキタ | Electric equipment system |
| JP6344709B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2018-06-20 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Battery pack and electric device including the battery pack |
| JP2016015813A (en) * | 2014-07-01 | 2016-01-28 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Charging apparatus for electric power tools and charging system for electric power tools |
| US10547189B2 (en) | 2015-04-29 | 2020-01-28 | Zpower, Llc | Temperature dependent charge algorithm |
| DE102016209822A1 (en) * | 2016-06-03 | 2017-12-07 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Battery pack for a hand tool and / or a charger |
| DE102020216381A1 (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2022-06-23 | Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung | Method for documenting operating data of a handheld power tool |
Family Cites Families (59)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3679955A (en) * | 1971-06-07 | 1972-07-25 | Gen Electric | Control system for compensating for dimensional errors due to cutting tool wear in an automatic machine tool |
| CH535456A (en) * | 1971-08-13 | 1973-03-31 | Agie Ag Ind Elektronik | Circuit arrangement with at least one feed motor for machine tools |
| JPS5642806A (en) * | 1979-09-18 | 1981-04-21 | Fanuc Ltd | Sequence control system for numerical control machine tool |
| US4716354A (en) | 1985-11-12 | 1987-12-29 | Norand Corporation | Automatic voltage regulator means providing a dual low power responsive and output-voltage-controlling regulator signal particularly for a plural source battery powered system |
| US5278487A (en) | 1988-03-15 | 1994-01-11 | Norand Corporation | Battery conditioning system having communication with battery parameter memory means in conjunction with battery conditioning |
| US5619117A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1997-04-08 | Norand Corporation | Battery pack having memory |
| US4455523A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1984-06-19 | Norand Corporation | Portable battery powered system |
| US4709202A (en) * | 1982-06-07 | 1987-11-24 | Norand Corporation | Battery powered system |
| US4885523A (en) | 1988-03-15 | 1989-12-05 | Norand Corporation | Battery conditioning system having communication with battery parameter memory means in conjunction with battery conditioning |
| US5463305A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1995-10-31 | Norand Corporation | Fast battery charging system and method |
| US4553081A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1985-11-12 | Norand Corporation | Portable battery powered system |
| US4737702A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1988-04-12 | Norand Corporation | Battery charging control system particularly for hand held device |
| US4961043A (en) | 1988-03-15 | 1990-10-02 | Norand Corporation | Battery conditioning system having communication with battery parameter memory means in conjunction with battery conditioning |
| DE3329971A1 (en) * | 1983-08-19 | 1985-03-07 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | CONTROL AND OPERATING DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRIC HAND TOOL |
| US4845419A (en) | 1985-11-12 | 1989-07-04 | Norand Corporation | Automatic control means providing a low-power responsive signal, particularly for initiating data preservation operation |
| GB2215148B (en) * | 1988-02-18 | 1992-04-08 | Fenner Co Ltd J H | A monitoring system |
| US5057383A (en) | 1990-03-30 | 1991-10-15 | Anton/Bauer, Inc | Battery system |
| US5142128A (en) | 1990-05-04 | 1992-08-25 | Perkin Gregg S | Oilfield equipment identification apparatus |
| US5154242A (en) * | 1990-08-28 | 1992-10-13 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Power tools with multi-stage tightening torque control |
| US5136620A (en) | 1990-12-31 | 1992-08-04 | Eaves Stephen S | Battery charge cycle counter |
| US5590058A (en) | 1991-04-29 | 1996-12-31 | Trw Inc. | Battery monitor for unobstrusive installation with a battery connector |
| US5181859A (en) | 1991-04-29 | 1993-01-26 | Trw Inc. | Electrical connector circuit wafer |
| US5341503A (en) * | 1992-04-16 | 1994-08-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Battery operated computer having improved battery gauge and system for measuring battery charge |
| KR950002762B1 (en) | 1992-05-20 | 1995-03-24 | 금성통신주식회사 | Battery-charging recognizing method |
| US5284719A (en) | 1992-07-08 | 1994-02-08 | Benchmarq Microelectronics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for monitoring battery capacity |
| JP3371146B2 (en) | 1992-08-18 | 2003-01-27 | ソニー株式会社 | Battery and battery charging method |
| US5592069A (en) | 1992-10-07 | 1997-01-07 | Dallas Semiconductor Corporation | Battery charger |
| US5349535A (en) | 1992-10-20 | 1994-09-20 | Digicomp Research Corporation | Battery condition monitoring and recording system for electric vehicles |
| US5459671A (en) | 1993-02-19 | 1995-10-17 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Programmable battery controller |
| EP0746895B1 (en) | 1993-03-05 | 2000-08-30 | Motorola, Inc. | Battery with a memory for storage of charging methods |
| FR2704982B1 (en) * | 1993-05-06 | 1995-06-09 | Alsthom Cge Alcatel | ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. |
| FR2705835B1 (en) | 1993-05-24 | 1995-06-30 | Accumulateurs Fixes | Method for controlling the charge of nickel-sealed batteries and charger using this method. |
| US5425375A (en) | 1993-09-09 | 1995-06-20 | Cardiac Pathways Corporation | Reusable medical device with usage memory, system using same |
| US5637968A (en) * | 1993-10-25 | 1997-06-10 | The Stanley Works | Power tool with automatic downshift feature |
| JP2929921B2 (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1999-08-03 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Electronic device, battery management device, and battery management method |
| US5608306A (en) | 1994-03-15 | 1997-03-04 | Ericsson Inc. | Rechargeable battery pack with identification circuit, real time clock and authentication capability |
| US5565759A (en) | 1994-12-15 | 1996-10-15 | Intel Corporation | Smart battery providing battery life and recharge time prediction |
| US5600230A (en) | 1994-12-15 | 1997-02-04 | Intel Corporation | Smart battery providing programmable remaining capacity and run-time alarms based on battery-specific characteristics |
| US5572110A (en) | 1994-12-15 | 1996-11-05 | Intel Corporation | Smart battery charger system |
| US5541489A (en) | 1994-12-15 | 1996-07-30 | Intel Corporation | Smart battery power availability feature based on battery-specific characteristics |
| US5742845A (en) * | 1995-06-22 | 1998-04-21 | Datascape, Inc. | System for extending present open network communication protocols to communicate with non-standard I/O devices directly coupled to an open network |
| JP3515859B2 (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 2004-04-05 | 株式会社リコー | Battery charge processing device and battery charge processing system |
| US5717307A (en) * | 1996-07-24 | 1998-02-10 | Motorola, Inc. | Apparatus and method for identifying the type and brand of a battery for a portable device |
| DE29616261U1 (en) * | 1996-09-19 | 1998-01-29 | Koscheck Mathias | Device for portable network cash registers |
| US5903462A (en) * | 1996-10-17 | 1999-05-11 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Computer implemented method, and apparatus for controlling a hand-held tool |
| US5918201A (en) * | 1996-10-25 | 1999-06-29 | Gpx Corporation | System and method for monitoring tool cycles |
| DE69730413T2 (en) * | 1996-11-21 | 2005-09-08 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | BATTERY CONTROL SYSTEM AND BATTERY SIMULATOR |
| US6018381A (en) * | 1997-01-30 | 2000-01-25 | Eastman Kodak Company | Method for calibrating a photofinishing system and components for use in such a method |
| US6021332A (en) * | 1997-04-01 | 2000-02-01 | Motorola, Inc. | Multi-mode radiotelephone having a multiple battery arrangement |
| JP3322611B2 (en) * | 1997-08-06 | 2002-09-09 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Machine tool thermal displacement calculator and storage medium |
| US5945806A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-08-31 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Variable-voltage programmable battery module |
| US5933353A (en) * | 1997-09-16 | 1999-08-03 | New Focus, Inc. | Method and apparatus for computer aided machining |
| US6173350B1 (en) * | 1997-10-17 | 2001-01-09 | Eveready Battery Company Inc. | System and method for writing data to a serial bus from a smart battery |
| US5917305A (en) * | 1997-12-11 | 1999-06-29 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Battery control architecture with standardized language |
| US6025699A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 2000-02-15 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Self discharge of batteries at high temperatures |
| US6002240A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-12-14 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Self heating of batteries at low temperatures |
| US5982147A (en) * | 1998-01-15 | 1999-11-09 | Micron Electronics, Inc. | System for displaying a status condition of a battery |
| US6189106B1 (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 2001-02-13 | Gateway, Inc. | Method and apparatus for operating an electronic device at an optimal power mode based upon a scheduled event |
| US6005367A (en) * | 1998-07-14 | 1999-12-21 | Centurion International, Inc. | Smart power system |
-
1999
- 1999-04-15 US US09/292,165 patent/US6218806B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-05-20 CA CA002272382A patent/CA2272382A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-03 EP EP99304316A patent/EP0963026A3/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2001
- 2001-02-13 US US09/782,539 patent/US7138785B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0963026A2 (en) | 1999-12-08 |
| US20010010455A1 (en) | 2001-08-02 |
| US6218806B1 (en) | 2001-04-17 |
| US7138785B2 (en) | 2006-11-21 |
| EP0963026A3 (en) | 2000-12-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6218806B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information | |
| US6504341B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for identifying and charging batteries | |
| EP2256898B1 (en) | Battery packs and charging thereof | |
| US5867006A (en) | Battery charger | |
| US4553081A (en) | Portable battery powered system | |
| RU2141155C1 (en) | Method and device for determining type of external power supply | |
| US5771471A (en) | Charge regulator for a radio telephone | |
| CA2272943C (en) | Apparatus for charging batteries | |
| CA2642153A1 (en) | Power supply for battery powered devices | |
| US20070069690A1 (en) | Battery charger and power reduction system and method | |
| WO2000045494A1 (en) | A method and an apparatus for storing and communicating battery information | |
| WO1995004396A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for dynamically charging a battery | |
| JPH09322420A (en) | Charge time operation method and battery pack | |
| US5617008A (en) | Method, apparatus, and communication device for charging a charge storage device which is momentarily connected to a fixed load | |
| AU683534B2 (en) | Tracking external power supply | |
| US20070035274A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information | |
| JPH11187587A (en) | Charge control circuit | |
| JP2000032678A (en) | Device for obtaining product utilization information | |
| CA2146773C (en) | Charge regulator for electronic device and associated method | |
| Freeman | Battery management tackles alternative battery technologies in advanced portable systems |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |