US20120091029A1 - Battery disposal unit - Google Patents
Battery disposal unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120091029A1 US20120091029A1 US13/320,591 US201013320591A US2012091029A1 US 20120091029 A1 US20120091029 A1 US 20120091029A1 US 201013320591 A US201013320591 A US 201013320591A US 2012091029 A1 US2012091029 A1 US 2012091029A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- battery
- testing device
- storage container
- disposal unit
- disposal
- 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
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
- G01R31/385—Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/4285—Testing apparatus
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
- B65F1/14—Other constructional features; Accessories
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F2240/00—Types of refuse collected
- B65F2240/108—Batteries
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/36—Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
- G01R31/385—Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables
- G01R31/387—Determining ampere-hour charge capacity or SoC
- G01R31/388—Determining ampere-hour charge capacity or SoC involving voltage measurements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the present invention concerns battery disposal. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns the provision of a battery disposal unit in which exhausted batteries may be stored.
- the present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.
- the present invention provides a battery disposal unit comprising: a battery testing device, and a battery storage container, wherein the battery testing device is at least partially integrated with the battery storage container.
- a user may test a battery with the battery testing device, and if the battery is exhausted place it for disposal in the battery storage container.
- the battery disposal unit may be suitable for individual consumer use.
- the battery disposal unit may be sized such that it may be stored in a consumer's home.
- the battery disposal unit may be sized such that it is suitable for public use.
- the battery disposal unit may be located at a public location such as a post office, supermarket, or council property.
- At least partially integrating the battery testing device with the battery storage container may increase the convenience and ease of use of the battery disposal device. The partial integration may be such that the external surface of the battery testing device sits approximately flush with the external surface of the battery storage container.
- the battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test batteries of a plurality of different sizes.
- the battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test some or all of the following battery sizes, AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D, PP3 (9 Volt) and button/watch batteries.
- the battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test batteries of a plurality of different chemistries.
- the battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test some or all of the following battery chemistries, Alkaline, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium.
- the battery testing device may be so shaped and arranged that a user is required to hold a battery up to the battery testing device in order that the battery is tested.
- the battery testing device is shaped such that a user is required to actively secure the battery in the battery testing device.
- this may prevent batteries from becoming stuck in the battery testing device. Additionally, this may provide the advantage of preventing the battery testing device becoming overloaded by the accidental testing of more than one battery at a time.
- the battery testing device comprises a printed circuit board assembly.
- the battery testing device may comprise a battery condition indicator.
- the battery condition indicator may comprise at least three indicators including, “fully charged”, “low charge”, and “no charge”.
- the battery condition indicator may include more than three indicators in order to increase the accuracy of the indication of the battery condition.
- a simplified version of the battery testing device may include only one or two condition indicators.
- the condition of the battery indicated may depend on the level of voltage measured by the battery testing device.
- the battery testing device may measure the impedance or resistance of a battery being tested.
- the battery condition indicator may indicate the condition of the battery in dependence on where in a range of predetermined values the measured values of voltage, impedance or resistance lie.
- the battery condition indicator provides a visual or aural indication of the condition of the battery.
- the battery condition indicator may include three LEDs corresponding to at least three battery conditions. The three LEDs may be red, amber and green.
- the battery condition indicator may comprise a speaker arranged to emit beeps in order to indicate the condition of a battery being tested.
- the battery testing device may be powered at least partially by the battery under test.
- the battery testing device may be wholly powered by the battery under test.
- a battery testing device there is no need for such a battery testing device to include a power supply in addition to the battery being tested.
- Such a feature simplifies the battery testing device as there is no need to monitor the battery testing device and change the battery when it is low.
- the battery disposal unit is to promote safe disposal and recycling of batteries and to be environmentally friendly, it is preferred that it does not use an additional battery.
- the battery storage container may include a lid.
- the lid may be screw fit, snap fit or push fit.
- the lid is arranged to be removable to allow easy emptying of the battery storage container.
- the lid may include an aperture through which batteries may be passed.
- the lid may include a security seal to prevent tampering with the contents of the battery storage container.
- the invention also provides a method of sorting batteries suitable for disposal using a battery disposal unit comprising a battery testing device arranged to receive a test battery, the battery testing device integrated with a battery storage container, the method comprising the following steps:
- the battery testing device determines whether the battery is suitable for disposal, placing the battery into the battery storage container.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery disposal unit according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 shows a front view of a battery disposal unit according to the first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 shows a side view of the battery disposal unit according to the first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of an example battery testing device which may form part of the first embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 1 to 3 show alternative views of a battery disposal unit 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- the battery disposal unit 2 comprises a cylindrical battery storage container 4 and a battery testing unit 6 that is integrated into part of the sidewall of the battery storage container 4 .
- the battery storage container 4 includes a screw-on lid 8 .
- the battery storage container 4 is made from a blow-moulded plastics material and the screw-on lid 8 is made from an injection-moulded plastics material.
- the screw-on lid 8 includes a central aperture 10 through which batteries may be placed in the battery storage container 4 .
- the battery testing device 6 comprises a moulded section including a number of recesses 12 .
- the battery testing device 6 is bonded to the battery storage container by adhesive.
- the battery testing device 6 may be associated with the battery storage container 4 by a snap/click fix or mechanically attached using clips or screws.
- Each of the recesses 12 is shaped such that it can receive a particular sized battery, for example, AAA, AA, C, D, or PP3 (9 Volt). Additionally, the recesses 12 are shaped such that when a battery is placed in a suitable recess, there are two contacts (not shown) that connect the battery under test to a testing circuit (see FIG. 4 ). In this embodiment of the invention, the recesses 12 are arranged to engage with an inserted battery such that in order to the battery to remain in place, the battery requires holding by a user testing the battery.
- the battery testing device 6 also includes a battery condition indicator 16 which is activated when a user holds a battery in a recess 12 .
- the battery condition indicator lights a green LED when a battery is fully charged, an amber LED when a battery is low charge, and red when a battery is no charge. The condition of the battery is judged on the voltage measured by the testing circuit.
- the user may drop the exhausted battery through the aperture 10 into the battery storage container 6 . Once the battery storage container 6 is full, it may be collected or taken to the relevant dropping-off spot to be sent to a battery disposal and/or recycling plant. Alternatively, the batteries in the battery storage container may be emptied into a separate storage container prior to being transported to the chosen disposal and/or recycling plant. If a user tests a battery and the amber or green LEDs are activated, the user does not drop the battery into the storage container 6 and may go on to use the battery until the battery is exhausted.
- the battery testing circuit may be arranged such that a fully charged battery lights the red, amber; and green LEDs; a battery with a useful amount of charge remaining lights the red and the amber LEDs; and a battery with an exhausted charge lights only the red LED.
- the battery disposal unit is sized for individual or small office use.
- the battery disposal unit will conveniently sit on a desk or shelf.
- the battery disposal unit may be sized for public use, such as in a supermarket or post office. Such a battery disposal unit may be considerably larger in order to reduce the frequency at which the unit must be emptied.
- FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a battery testing device suitable for use as the battery testing device 6 as described for FIGS. 1 to 3 .
- FIG. 4 shows a battery testing circuit 100 which is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB).
- the circuit 100 includes 10 comparators, 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , and 120 .
- the circuit 100 also includes a reference voltage source 122 connected to the positive input of each comparator.
- the reference voltage source 122 may be a battery of the same or similar type to the battery under test.
- a plurality of resistors 124 , 126 , 128 , 130 , 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 , 140 , 142 are arranged in series such that they act as a voltage divider, reducing the voltage applied to the positive inputs of successive comparators.
- the battery under test is arranged such that the positive terminal of the battery under test is connected to the circuit 100 at point 144 (SIG IN). It will be appreciated that there may be a plurality of connection points (not shown) arranged such that a plurality of different types of battery may be tested by the circuit 100 .
- the voltage of the battery is applied to the negative inputs of each of the comparators, via a resistor 146 and a buffer 148 .
- Each comparator is arranged to provide an output to an LED, 150 , 152 , 154 , 156 , 158 , 160 , 162 , 164 , 166 , 168 , connected to that comparator.
- the LEDs act as the battery condition indicator 16 as described above. In this case, the LEDs are all the same colour and act as a bar display of charge. In alternative embodiments, the LEDs may be different colours, such as red, amber, and green, and/or arranged such that only a single LED is activated in dependence on the charge remaining in the battery under test. If the voltage applied to the negative input of a comparator is greater than the voltage applied to the positive input of that comparator, the comparator is arranged to provide an output to the associated LED, thus lighting that LED. If the voltage applied to the negative input of a comparator is less than the voltage applied to the positive input of that comparator, the comparator is arranged such that it does not provide an output to the associated LED, and that LED remains unlit.
- the circuit can be used to indicate the charge levels remaining in the battery under test. If a battery under test is at full charge, the voltage applied to the negative inputs of each of the comparators is greater than the reference voltage applied to the positive inputs of each of the comparators. Therefore, all of the LEDs will be powered and it will be clear to a user that the battery under test has full charge.
- the reference voltage is greater at each of the comparators and none of the LEDs will be powered. This indicates to a user that the battery under test is completely depleted and they can place it in the associated battery storage container for disposal.
- the circuit 100 includes a mode select amplifier 170 via which may be used to control the mode of operation of the circuit 100 .
- the LEDs may be lit in series as a bar display (as described above) or a single LED may be lit to indicate the level of charge of a battery under test.
- each LED indicates approximately 10% of the charge available in a fully charged battery. Therefore, when 10 LEDs are lit, there is 100% charge in the battery under test. When 5 LEDs are lit, there is 50% charge available in the battery under test and so on. It may not be necessary to have such sensitive readings and alternative embodiments of the invention may include only 3 comparators and associated LEDs. In certain embodiments, there may be only one or two comparators arranged to simply show a user whether or not a battery contains any useful level of charge or if it should be disposed of in the battery storage container.
- the battery condition indicator could be a speaker arranged to emit a number of noises depending on the condition of a battery.
- the battery condition indicator could be a single light source that is lit when the battery contains a useable amount of charge.
- the battery disposal unit may be cuboid rather than cylindrical depending on where the battery disposal unit is going to be located.
- the lid of the battery storage container may be push or snap fit.
- the lid of the battery storage container may be fastened to the storage container by mechanical attachments such as clips or screws.
- the battery testing device may be integrated into the battery storage container by a snap fit connection or mechanical attachment such as screws.
Abstract
The present invention concerns battery disposal. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention concerns the provision of a battery disposal unit in which exhausted batteries may be stored. The battery disposal (2) unit comprises a battery testing device (6) and a battery storage container (4). The battery testing device is at least partially integrated with the battery storage container.
Description
- The present invention concerns battery disposal. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns the provision of a battery disposal unit in which exhausted batteries may be stored.
- Many modern devices are battery powered. While in some cases rechargeable batteries are used, single use batteries are still common. Careless disposal of batteries in general waste can cause environmental problems as the batteries can contaminate land-fill areas. Additionally, governments are increasingly introducing legislation concerning the disposal of waste, including disposal of batteries. For example, the European Batteries and Accumulators Directive 2006 will mean that retailers will have to provide battery recycling facilities if they sell over a certain amount of portable batteries. At present, there is no easy way for a consumer to check whether or not a battery is ready for disposal along with an easy disposal method for exhausted batteries. It is common for many consumers to have a number of batteries stored at home, some of which may be exhausted and some of which may still include a usable quantity of charge. As well as disposal of exhausted batteries it is desirable not to dispose of usable batteries.
- The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.
- The present invention provides a battery disposal unit comprising: a battery testing device, and a battery storage container, wherein the battery testing device is at least partially integrated with the battery storage container.
- Advantageously, a user may test a battery with the battery testing device, and if the battery is exhausted place it for disposal in the battery storage container. The battery disposal unit may be suitable for individual consumer use. For example, the battery disposal unit may be sized such that it may be stored in a consumer's home. Alternatively, the battery disposal unit may be sized such that it is suitable for public use. For example, the battery disposal unit may be located at a public location such as a post office, supermarket, or council property. At least partially integrating the battery testing device with the battery storage container may increase the convenience and ease of use of the battery disposal device. The partial integration may be such that the external surface of the battery testing device sits approximately flush with the external surface of the battery storage container.
- The battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test batteries of a plurality of different sizes. The battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test some or all of the following battery sizes, AA, AAA, AAAA, C, D, PP3 (9 Volt) and button/watch batteries. The battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test batteries of a plurality of different chemistries. The battery testing device may be arranged such that it is possible to test some or all of the following battery chemistries, Alkaline, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium.
- The battery testing device may be so shaped and arranged that a user is required to hold a battery up to the battery testing device in order that the battery is tested. Preferably, the battery testing device is shaped such that a user is required to actively secure the battery in the battery testing device. Advantageously, this may prevent batteries from becoming stuck in the battery testing device. Additionally, this may provide the advantage of preventing the battery testing device becoming overloaded by the accidental testing of more than one battery at a time.
- Preferably, the battery testing device comprises a printed circuit board assembly. The battery testing device may comprise a battery condition indicator. The battery condition indicator may comprise at least three indicators including, “fully charged”, “low charge”, and “no charge”. The battery condition indicator may include more than three indicators in order to increase the accuracy of the indication of the battery condition. Alternatively, a simplified version of the battery testing device may include only one or two condition indicators. The condition of the battery indicated may depend on the level of voltage measured by the battery testing device. Alternatively or additionally, the battery testing device may measure the impedance or resistance of a battery being tested. The battery condition indicator may indicate the condition of the battery in dependence on where in a range of predetermined values the measured values of voltage, impedance or resistance lie. Preferably, the battery condition indicator provides a visual or aural indication of the condition of the battery. The battery condition indicator may include three LEDs corresponding to at least three battery conditions. The three LEDs may be red, amber and green. The battery condition indicator may comprise a speaker arranged to emit beeps in order to indicate the condition of a battery being tested.
- The battery testing device may be powered at least partially by the battery under test. The battery testing device may be wholly powered by the battery under test. Advantageously, there is no need for such a battery testing device to include a power supply in addition to the battery being tested. Such a feature simplifies the battery testing device as there is no need to monitor the battery testing device and change the battery when it is low. Also, as one aim of the battery disposal unit is to promote safe disposal and recycling of batteries and to be environmentally friendly, it is preferred that it does not use an additional battery.
- The battery storage container may include a lid. The lid may be screw fit, snap fit or push fit. Preferably, the lid is arranged to be removable to allow easy emptying of the battery storage container. The lid may include an aperture through which batteries may be passed. The lid may include a security seal to prevent tampering with the contents of the battery storage container.
- The invention also provides a method of sorting batteries suitable for disposal using a battery disposal unit comprising a battery testing device arranged to receive a test battery, the battery testing device integrated with a battery storage container, the method comprising the following steps:
- inserting a battery for test into the battery testing device, and
- if the battery testing device indicates that the battery is suitable for disposal, placing the battery into the battery storage container.
- It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery disposal unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a front view of a battery disposal unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of the battery disposal unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of an example battery testing device which may form part of the first embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 1 to 3 show alternative views of abattery disposal unit 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Thebattery disposal unit 2 comprises a cylindricalbattery storage container 4 and abattery testing unit 6 that is integrated into part of the sidewall of thebattery storage container 4. Thebattery storage container 4 includes a screw-onlid 8. Thebattery storage container 4 is made from a blow-moulded plastics material and the screw-onlid 8 is made from an injection-moulded plastics material. The screw-onlid 8 includes acentral aperture 10 through which batteries may be placed in thebattery storage container 4. Thebattery testing device 6 comprises a moulded section including a number ofrecesses 12. Thebattery testing device 6 is bonded to the battery storage container by adhesive. In alternative embodiments of the invention, thebattery testing device 6 may be associated with thebattery storage container 4 by a snap/click fix or mechanically attached using clips or screws. Each of therecesses 12 is shaped such that it can receive a particular sized battery, for example, AAA, AA, C, D, or PP3 (9 Volt). Additionally, therecesses 12 are shaped such that when a battery is placed in a suitable recess, there are two contacts (not shown) that connect the battery under test to a testing circuit (seeFIG. 4 ). In this embodiment of the invention, therecesses 12 are arranged to engage with an inserted battery such that in order to the battery to remain in place, the battery requires holding by a user testing the battery. In order to make it easy for a user to hold a battery in arecess 12, there are removedsections 14 located adjacent to therecesses 12. Thebattery testing device 6 also includes abattery condition indicator 16 which is activated when a user holds a battery in arecess 12. Depending on the condition of the battery, the battery condition indicator lights a green LED when a battery is fully charged, an amber LED when a battery is low charge, and red when a battery is no charge. The condition of the battery is judged on the voltage measured by the testing circuit. - If a user tests a battery and the red LED is activated, the user may drop the exhausted battery through the
aperture 10 into thebattery storage container 6. Once thebattery storage container 6 is full, it may be collected or taken to the relevant dropping-off spot to be sent to a battery disposal and/or recycling plant. Alternatively, the batteries in the battery storage container may be emptied into a separate storage container prior to being transported to the chosen disposal and/or recycling plant. If a user tests a battery and the amber or green LEDs are activated, the user does not drop the battery into thestorage container 6 and may go on to use the battery until the battery is exhausted. - In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the battery testing circuit may be arranged such that a fully charged battery lights the red, amber; and green LEDs; a battery with a useful amount of charge remaining lights the red and the amber LEDs; and a battery with an exhausted charge lights only the red LED.
- In this particular embodiment, the battery disposal unit is sized for individual or small office use. The battery disposal unit will conveniently sit on a desk or shelf. In alternative embodiments, the battery disposal unit may be sized for public use, such as in a supermarket or post office. Such a battery disposal unit may be considerably larger in order to reduce the frequency at which the unit must be emptied.
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FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of a battery testing device suitable for use as thebattery testing device 6 as described forFIGS. 1 to 3 .FIG. 4 shows abattery testing circuit 100 which is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Thecircuit 100 includes 10 comparators, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120. Thecircuit 100 also includes areference voltage source 122 connected to the positive input of each comparator. Thereference voltage source 122 may be a battery of the same or similar type to the battery under test. A plurality ofresistors circuit 100 at point 144 (SIG IN). It will be appreciated that there may be a plurality of connection points (not shown) arranged such that a plurality of different types of battery may be tested by thecircuit 100. The voltage of the battery is applied to the negative inputs of each of the comparators, via a resistor 146 and abuffer 148. Each comparator is arranged to provide an output to an LED, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, connected to that comparator. The LEDs act as thebattery condition indicator 16 as described above. In this case, the LEDs are all the same colour and act as a bar display of charge. In alternative embodiments, the LEDs may be different colours, such as red, amber, and green, and/or arranged such that only a single LED is activated in dependence on the charge remaining in the battery under test. If the voltage applied to the negative input of a comparator is greater than the voltage applied to the positive input of that comparator, the comparator is arranged to provide an output to the associated LED, thus lighting that LED. If the voltage applied to the negative input of a comparator is less than the voltage applied to the positive input of that comparator, the comparator is arranged such that it does not provide an output to the associated LED, and that LED remains unlit. - In such a way, the circuit can be used to indicate the charge levels remaining in the battery under test. If a battery under test is at full charge, the voltage applied to the negative inputs of each of the comparators is greater than the reference voltage applied to the positive inputs of each of the comparators. Therefore, all of the LEDs will be powered and it will be clear to a user that the battery under test has full charge.
- If a battery under test is partially depleted, the voltage applied to, for example, negative inputs of
comparators LEDs - If a battery under test is completely depleted, the reference voltage is greater at each of the comparators and none of the LEDs will be powered. This indicates to a user that the battery under test is completely depleted and they can place it in the associated battery storage container for disposal.
- The
circuit 100 includes a modeselect amplifier 170 via which may be used to control the mode of operation of thecircuit 100. For example, the LEDs may be lit in series as a bar display (as described above) or a single LED may be lit to indicate the level of charge of a battery under test. - In the
circuit 100 as described above, there are 10 LEDs which provides an accurate measure of charge available in a battery under test. The circuit is arranged such that each LED indicates approximately 10% of the charge available in a fully charged battery. Therefore, when 10 LEDs are lit, there is 100% charge in the battery under test. When 5 LEDs are lit, there is 50% charge available in the battery under test and so on. It may not be necessary to have such sensitive readings and alternative embodiments of the invention may include only 3 comparators and associated LEDs. In certain embodiments, there may be only one or two comparators arranged to simply show a user whether or not a battery contains any useful level of charge or if it should be disposed of in the battery storage container. - The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above battery testing circuit is given by way of example only. There are many circuits that could be suitable for testing a battery and the invention is not limited to a battery testing circuit as described above.
- Additionally, whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.
- For example, the battery condition indicator could be a speaker arranged to emit a number of noises depending on the condition of a battery. Alternatively, the battery condition indicator could be a single light source that is lit when the battery contains a useable amount of charge. The battery disposal unit may be cuboid rather than cylindrical depending on where the battery disposal unit is going to be located. The lid of the battery storage container may be push or snap fit. Alternatively, the lid of the battery storage container may be fastened to the storage container by mechanical attachments such as clips or screws. The battery testing device may be integrated into the battery storage container by a snap fit connection or mechanical attachment such as screws.
- Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.
Claims (13)
1. A battery disposal unit comprising:
a battery testing device, and
a battery storage container, wherein the battery testing device is at least partially integrated with the battery storage container.
2. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is arranged to test batteries of a plurality of different sizes.
3. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is arranged to test batteries of a plurality of different chemistries.
4. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is so shaped that a user is required to hold a battery up to the battery testing device in order that the battery is tested.
5. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device comprises a battery condition indicator.
6. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the battery condition indicator comprises at least three indicators including representations of “fully charged”, “low charge”, and “no charge”.
7. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is powered at least partially by the battery under test.
8. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery testing device is wholly powered by the battery under test.
9. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the battery storage container includes a lid.
10. A battery disposal unit as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the lid includes an aperture shaped to allow batteries to pass through.
11. (canceled)
12. A method of sorting batteries suitable for disposal using a battery disposal unit comprising a battery testing device arranged to receive a test battery, the battery testing device integrated with a battery storage container, the method
comprising the following steps:
inserting a battery for test into the battery testing device, and
if the battery testing device indicates that the battery is suitable for disposal, placing the battery into the battery storage container.
13. A battery disposal unit comprising:
a battery testing device, and
a battery storage container, wherein the battery storage container is integrated into the battery storage container,
the battery testing device being arranged such that a user may insert a battery into the battery testing device, and the battery storage container being arranged such that a user may remove a battery from the battery testing device and place it into the battery storage container.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0920022.1 | 2009-11-13 | ||
GB0920022A GB2475321B (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2009-11-13 | A battery disposal unit |
PCT/GB2010/002062 WO2011058304A1 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-10 | A battery disposal unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120091029A1 true US20120091029A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
Family
ID=41509433
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/320,591 Abandoned US20120091029A1 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-10 | Battery disposal unit |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120091029A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2499695A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010317782A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2475321B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011058304A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140015512A1 (en) * | 2012-07-11 | 2014-01-16 | Jordi Hernandez Creus | Diagnostic Device, Apparatus and Method |
US20180100771A1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-04-12 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Testing device for a battery |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105173483B (en) * | 2015-06-04 | 2017-06-06 | 华北电力大学 | Battery recovery device |
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US4360780A (en) * | 1981-10-30 | 1982-11-23 | Skutch Jr William G | Dual voltage battery tester |
US4439736A (en) * | 1981-05-13 | 1984-03-27 | Cable Electric Products, Inc. | Battery testing system |
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DE8420769U1 (en) | 1984-07-11 | 1984-08-30 | Friedrich Hofmann oHG Städtereinigung, 8541 Büchenbach | Collecting device for old batteries |
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ES2277534A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-07-01 | Cervic, S.A. | Container for recycling used electrical batteries has at least two interior compartments in one of which recovery bag may be retained |
TWM308264U (en) * | 2006-09-21 | 2007-03-21 | Guan-Cheng Luo | Battery recycling device |
-
2009
- 2009-11-13 GB GB0920022A patent/GB2475321B/en active Active
-
2010
- 2010-11-10 EP EP10788115A patent/EP2499695A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-11-10 US US13/320,591 patent/US20120091029A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-11-10 AU AU2010317782A patent/AU2010317782A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-11-10 WO PCT/GB2010/002062 patent/WO2011058304A1/en active Application Filing
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US4033110A (en) * | 1975-12-22 | 1977-07-05 | Bulova Watch Company, Inc. | Solid-state electronic watch assembly |
US4439736A (en) * | 1981-05-13 | 1984-03-27 | Cable Electric Products, Inc. | Battery testing system |
US4360780A (en) * | 1981-10-30 | 1982-11-23 | Skutch Jr William G | Dual voltage battery tester |
US4514695A (en) * | 1982-09-03 | 1985-04-30 | Lau Chester P K | Pocket battery tester |
US5376887A (en) * | 1992-09-28 | 1994-12-27 | Saubolle; Malcolm C. | Battery tester with apertures for plural types and sizes of cells |
US5830596A (en) * | 1993-05-03 | 1998-11-03 | Morgan Adhesives, Inc. | Method for producing battery tester label and resulting label and battery assembly |
US5544784A (en) * | 1995-05-26 | 1996-08-13 | Motorola, Inc. | Rechargeable battery vending machine |
US6618644B2 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2003-09-09 | Hewlett-Packard Company, Lp. | Battery recycling |
US8203345B2 (en) * | 2007-12-06 | 2012-06-19 | Midtronics, Inc. | Storage battery and battery tester |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140015512A1 (en) * | 2012-07-11 | 2014-01-16 | Jordi Hernandez Creus | Diagnostic Device, Apparatus and Method |
US10359452B2 (en) * | 2012-07-11 | 2019-07-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Diagnostic device, apparatus and method |
US20180100771A1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-04-12 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Testing device for a battery |
US10564045B2 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2020-02-18 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Testing device for a battery |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2475321A (en) | 2011-05-18 |
WO2011058304A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
EP2499695A1 (en) | 2012-09-19 |
AU2010317782A1 (en) | 2012-06-14 |
GB0920022D0 (en) | 2009-12-30 |
GB2475321B (en) | 2011-09-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SUPAC LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MORGAN, ANDREW N.;REEL/FRAME:027232/0345 Effective date: 20111115 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |