System and method for recharging a battery exposed to a harsh environment

Abstract

A rechargable battery with an internal microcontroller. The microcontroller contains a memory in which data regarding the environment to which the battery is exposed are stored. These data are read by a processor integral with the charger used to charge the battery. If these data indicates the battery may have been subjected to a harsh environment for an excessive period of time, the charger performs a complete state of health evaluation of the battery.

Description

RELATIONSHIP TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATION [0001] This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Sec 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 60 / 729,338 filed 21 Oct. 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention is related to a system and method for recharging a battery. More particularly, this invention is related to a system and method for both charging a battery and evaluating the state of health of the battery. This invention is further related to a system and method for obtaining data from the power consuming devices to which a battery is connected. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A battery often energizes a powered surgical tool used in an operating room to perform a surgical procedure. The use of a battery eliminates the need to provide a power cord connected to an external power source. The elimination of the power cord offers several benefits over corded surgical tools. Surgical personnel using this type of tool do not have to concern themselves with either steril...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] This invention relates to a new and useful battery and battery charging system. The battery is designed for use in a harsh environment such as in a hospital where the battery is autoclave sterilized. The battery and battery charging system of this invention are further designed to record and transmit data about the devices the battery is used to energize.

[0017] The battery of this invention is also configured to foster uniform dissipation of the heat generated by the cells internal to the pack. This minimizes the temperature imbalance of the cells. The minimization of the temperature imbalance reduces the electric imbalance between the cells. The reduction of this electrical imbalance results in a like reduction in the extent to which the cells, if electrically imbalanced, adversely affect battery performance. The battery of this invention is further constructed to have a fuse that will regularly open when a defined amount of current flows through the fuse. The battery of this invention is also economical to manufacture and occupies a relatively small surface area.

Problems solved by technology

The repetitive exposure to this environment causes a battery cells' ability to store electric charge to degrade.

Unfortunately, this information alone does not provide a complete measure of the battery state of health.

For example, this information alone does not provide information if the stored energy is sufficient to power the device to which the battery is attached for the time required to perform the surgical procedure.

This means that, during the performance of a procedure, if the battery's stored energy appreciably depletes, the procedure is interrupted to replace the battery.

This increases the overall time takes to perform the procedure.

In the event a bearing assembly internal to a tool of this type malfunctions, tool temperature will start to rise.

A disadvantage of the above-mentioned system is that it requires the addition of a wireless communications system into the operating room.

The expense of providing such a system limits the locations where they are installed.

However, the cells internal to the battery pack can generate significant amounts of heat.

This uneven thermal loading of cells can result in an electrical imbalance of the cells.

If the cells become so imbalanced, both the immediate utility of the battery to supply energy at a particular time and its useful lifetime may diminish.

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