Battery adaptor to facilitate reconditioning in a smart charger
This invention includes an adaptor that facilitates reconditioning and charging of non-smart batteries in smart chargers. The adaptor includes a mechanical and electrical interface to the host-side of a non-smart battery, thereby bypassing any protection diode. The adaptor further includes at least one memory device that identifies the adaptor to a smart charger as an adaptor. Upon insertion, the smart charger reads the memory device in the adaptor begins the reconditioning process. The reconditioning process includes discharging the non-smart battery to a predetermined voltage stored memory device. The smart charger then waits a predefined period and begins charging the non-smart battery, preferably at a constant current. Charging is terminated at a V-peak inflection. Upon completion of charging, the smart charger may trickle charge for a time, and then indicates charge is completed.
1. An adaptor for charging a non-smart battery in a smart charger, comprising:
a. a first set of electrical contacts for coupling to the smart charger;
b. a second set of electrical contacts for coupling to the non-smart battery;
c. at least one memory device coupled to at least one of the first set of electrical contacts;
d. data stored within the at least one memory device, the data including instructions to recondition the non-smart battery; and
e. a resistor coupled to one of the first set of electrical contacts, wherein the resistor has an impedance value corresponding to a thermistor impedance when the thermistor is between 5 and 45 degrees Centigrade;
wherein when the adaptor is coupled to the non-smart battery and inserted into the smart charger, the smart charger reconditions the non-smart battery.
2. The adaptor of claim 1 , wherein when the reconditioning of the non-smart battery is complete, the smart charger commences charging the non-smart battery.
3. The adaptor of claim 2 , wherein the charging of the non-smart battery terminates when the smart charger detects a V-peak inflection.
4. The adaptor of claim 3 , further comprising an alternate memory device.
5. The adaptor of claim 4 , further comprising a voltage reference coupled to the at least one memory device.
6. The adaptor of claim 1 , wherein the data stored within the at least one memory device includes instructions for a smart charger to execute a method, the method comprising the following steps:
a. recondition the non-smart battery by discharging the battery to a predetermined voltage;
b. charge the battery; and
c. terminate charge current once a V-peak inflection occurs.