(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0130298 A1
`Krieger et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`US 2004O130298A1
`
`(54) MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED
`BOOSTER APPARATUS WITH POLARITY
`PROTECTION
`
`(76) Inventors: Michael Krieger, Miami Beach, FL
`(US); Bruce Randolph, Ft. Lauderdale,
`FL (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`VENABLE, BAETJER, HOWARD AND
`CIVILETTI, LLP
`P.O. BOX 34385
`WASHINGTON, DC 20043-9998 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/315,061
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 10, 2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/357,146, filed on Feb.
`19, 2002. Provisional application No. 60/369,839,
`filed on Apr. 5, 2002.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................... H02.J 7/04
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 320,165
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is
`provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
`polarity protection circuit is comprised of Solid-State
`devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical
`devices, Such as Solenoids are included in the polarity
`protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electri
`cally connected to the battery to be charged and to the
`boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents
`current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is
`achieved.
`
`
`
`34
`
`36
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`NOCO Ex. 1005
`Page 1
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 2004/0130298A1
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`Fig. 1
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`36
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`
`Fig. 2
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`36
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`NOCO Ex. 1005
`Page 2
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2004/0130298A1
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`Frequency
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`NOCO Ex. 1005
`Page 3
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 2004/0130298 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Charger
`
`W
`
`
`
`Woltage
`Regulator
`
`Compressor
`
`78
`76 Note Sensor
`
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`NOCO Ex. 1005
`Page 4
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`US 2004/0130298 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED BOOSTER
`APPARATUS WITH POLARITY PROTECTION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application claims priority from U.S. Provi
`sional Application Ser. Nos. 60/357,146 filed Feb. 19, 2002
`and 60/369,839 filed Apr. 5, 2002, the contents of both of
`which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002 The present invention relates to a booster device
`used for boosting a depleted battery and in particular to
`microprocessor control of the booster apparatus and a polar
`ity protection circuit.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003. It is well known that when an engine of an auto
`mobile is not able to be started due to insufficient electric
`power, a battery of the automobile can be jump Started by
`power from a battery of another automobile or from a battery
`in a booster device to thereby start the engine.
`0004) To boost the battery of the automobile which is of
`insufficient electric power by power from another battery,
`the two batteries must be connected through a pair of electric
`wires. For example, the positive terminal of the depleted
`battery should be connected to the positive terminal of the
`boosting battery. The negative terminals of the two batteries
`should be connected in a corresponding manner.
`0005 Making this connection, however, can be very
`dangerous if the batteries are connected incorrectly. A bat
`tery has a Small internal resistance, and there is a voltage
`difference between a battery with sufficient electric power
`and a battery with insufficient electric power. Current will
`thus flow between the two batteries as Soon as a connection
`is made. When the two batteries are connected correctly,
`which means that terminals of corresponding polarities are
`connected respectively as described above, a large current
`passes through the electric wires. When the two batteries are
`connected erroneously, a current which passes through the
`electric wires is 10 to 20 times larger than the current
`existing on the electric wires when the batteries are correctly
`connected. Additionally, incorrect connection may result in
`one or both of the batteries being short-circuited. Under Such
`conditions, one or both of the batteries may be damaged, and
`in Some cases, an explosion, fire and damage to the vehicle
`or to a person may result.
`0006 Thus, there is a need for a device, which can be
`used to ensure that the connection of the two batteries is
`made correctly and in a Safe manner. The device should
`minimize any risk resulting from incorrect connection
`between the two batteries and from a short-circuit of one or
`both of the batteries.
`0007. The failure of an engine of an automobile to start
`due to insufficient electric power, in addition to being due to
`a battery with insufficient power, may also be due to a bad
`alternator that has failed to replenish the charge on an
`otherwise good battery. With a bad alternator, even if the
`battery is replaced, the new battery does not accumulate
`electric charge, and its charge is Soon drained out again. A
`bad alternate r needs to be replaced in order to prevent
`
`recurring low battery problems. Detecting a bad alternator,
`however, is not an easy task to an inexperienced perSon.
`0008 Also, other simple tasks such as checking the air
`preSSure of a tire, checking for freon gas leakage, and
`inflating a tire to a proper preSSure can often be difficult to
`those without the necessary experience and know-how. It
`would also be convenient to know the State of the charge of
`the jump Starter battery itself, as well as the State of charge
`the depleted battery before and after a jump start.
`0009. There is therefore a need for a self-contained jump
`Starter System that can be used as a jump starter, tester, and
`diagnostic System for a vehicle to assist in performing
`vehicle diagnostics and minor vehicle repairs. There is also
`a need for a portable, Self-contained jump starter System of
`the above type that is rugged, has a minimum number of
`components, is user friendly to people who are not experi
`enced with automobiles, provides Self-testing and vehicle
`diagnostics, and is relatively inexpensive So as to be afford
`able by a large number of consumers.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0010) A polarity protection circuit is provided. According
`to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit
`is comprised of Solid-State devices. Preferably no mechani
`cal or electro-mechanical devices, Such as Solenoids are
`included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity
`protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to
`be charged (depleted battery) and to a boosting battery or
`other power Source. The polarity protection circuit prevents
`current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is
`achieved. The polarity protection circuit is described below
`in the context of a battery booster device, but it can be used
`in conjunction with any charging or boosting device.
`0011 Typically, a battery booster device comprises a pair
`of cables connected at one end to a built-in battery or other
`power Source arranged in a portable box. The other ends of
`the cables are connected to a pair of alligator clamps. The
`built-in battery provides a DC power source for boosting a
`depleted battery. When the clamps are connected to the
`depleted battery, current flows from the built-in battery of
`the battery booster device to the depleted battery. As men
`tion above, a polarity protection circuit is provided in the
`booster device and prevents current flow between the bat
`teries unless a proper polarity connection between the two
`batteries is achieved.
`0012. In a further embodiment, the battery booster device
`may also comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessor
`can be used as part of a polarity protection circuit. It may
`also perform additional detection and control functions, Such
`as detecting a bad alternator, detecting a freon leak, and
`detecting low tire preSSure and controlling an air compressor
`to address the low tire pressure. In connection with this, the
`booster device may further include a display and/or other
`notification devices, Such as a visual or audio indicator.
`0013 In another embodiment of the invention, a polarity
`detection circuit is provided. The circuit comprises: cables
`for connecting a boosting battery to a depleted battery, a
`polarity Sensing circuit coupled to the boosting battery for
`providing an enable Signal when a correct polarity connec
`tion is made between the boosting battery and the depleted
`battery; and a Solid State Switch coupled to the polarity
`
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`US 2004/0130298 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`Sensing circuit, the Solid State Switch permitting current flow
`between the boosting battery and the depleted battery when
`it receives the enabling Signal.
`0.014.
`In another exemplary embodiment, a booster appa
`ratus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a boosting
`battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a
`first cable coupled to the positive terminal of the boosting
`battery and having a clamp for connection to a terminal of
`a depleted battery; a Second cable coupled to the negative
`terminal of the boosting battery and having a clamp for
`connection to another terminal of the depleted battery; a
`Solid State Switch arranged in Series with one of the cables,
`a polarity Sensing circuit coupled between the first cable and
`the Second cable, the polarity Sensing circuit providing an
`enable signal to place the Solid State Switch in a conducting
`State when a correct polarity connection is made between the
`boosting battery and the depleted battery.
`0.015. In a further embodiment, a booster apparatus com
`prises: means for providing power; means for connecting the
`means for providing power to a depleted battery; means for
`detecting polarity of the connection between the means for
`providing power and the depleted battery and for generating
`an enable signal when correct polarity is detected; and at
`least one field-effect transistor (FET) having a control elec
`trode and being coupled to the means for detecting polarity,
`the control electrode receiving the enable Signal and turning
`the FET on to allow current flow between the means for
`providing power and the depleted battery.
`0016. In another embodiment, a jump starter system
`comprises: a boosting battery having positive and negative
`terminals, a pair a battery cables having first ends connected
`to the positive and negative terminals, respectively, of the
`boosting battery and Second ends adapted for connection to
`positive and negative terminals of a depleted battery, a
`Semiconductor Switch connected electrically with one of the
`terminals of the boosting battery and the battery cable
`respectively connected thereto, a polarity Sensing circuit
`coupled to the battery cables and producing a first Signal
`only when the battery cables connect the positive terminal of
`the boosting battery to the positive terminal of the depleted
`battery and the negative terminal of the boosting battery to
`the negative terminal of the depleted battery; and a micro
`processor coupled to the Semiconductor Switch and the
`polarity Sensing circuit and being responsive to the first
`Signal from the polarity Sensing circuit for activating the
`semiconductor Switch to enable a current flow between the
`boosting battery and the depleted battery.
`0.017. In another embodiment, a computer-readable infor
`mation Storage medium for use with a computer controlling
`a jump Starter System, comprising a first battery having
`positive and negative terminals, a pair a battery cables
`having first ends connected to the positive and negative
`terminals, respectively, of the first battery and Second ends
`adapted for connection to positive and negative terminals of
`a depleted battery in a vehicle, the computer-readable infor
`mation Storage medium Stores computer-readable program
`code for causing the computer to perform the Steps of:
`checking for a rapid rise in Voltage after the vehicle has been
`Started; indicating the alternator is working properly if the
`rapid rise in Voltage is present, and indicating the alternator
`is not working properly if the rapid rise in Voltage is not
`present.
`
`0018. In another embodiment, a computer-readable infor
`mation Storage medium for use with a computer controlling
`a jump Starter System, comprising a first battery having
`positive and negative terminals, a pair a battery cables
`having first ends connected to the positive and negative
`terminals, respectively, of the first battery and Second ends
`adapted for connection to positive and negative terminals of
`a depleted battery, the computer-readable information Stor
`age medium Stores computer readable program code for
`causing the computer to perform the Steps of measuring a
`charge rate of the battery; determining an amount of time the
`battery has been receiving a current; measuring a Voltage of
`the battery; and detecting an overtime fault if the charge rate
`is greater than a predetermined current, the battery has been
`receiving a current longer than a predetermined amount of
`time, and the Voltage of the battery is greater than or equal
`to a predetermined Voltage.
`0019. In another embodiment, a computer-readable infor
`mation Storage medium for use with a computer controlling
`a jump Starter System, comprising a first battery having
`positive and negative terminals, a pair a battery cables
`having first ends connected to the positive and negative
`terminals, respectively, of the first battery and Second ends
`adapted for connection to positive and negative terminals of
`a depleted battery, the computer-readable information Stor
`age medium Stores computer-readable program code for
`causing the computer to perform the Steps of measuring a
`charge rate of the battery; determining an amount of time the
`battery has been receiving a current; measuring a Voltage of
`the battery; and detecting a shorted cell battery fault if the
`charge rate is greater than a predetermined current, the
`battery has been receiving a current more a predetermined
`amount of time, and the Voltage of the battery is less than or
`equal to a predetermined Voltage.
`0020. In another embodiment, a computer-readable infor
`mation Storage medium for use with a computer controlling
`a jump Starter System, comprising a first battery having
`positive and negative terminals, a pair a battery cables
`having first ends connected to the positive and negative
`terminals, respectively, of the first battery and Second ends
`including clamps adapted for connection to positive and
`negative terminals of a depleted battery, the computer
`readable information Storage medium Stores computer-read
`able program code for causing the computer to perform the
`Steps of: measuring a Voltage at the clamps, indicating a bad
`battery fault if no Voltage is detected at the clamps, and
`proceeding with a jump starting operation if a Voltage is
`detected at the clamps.
`0021. In another embodiment, a computer-readable infor
`mation Storage medium for use with a computer controlling
`jump Starter System, comprising a first battery having posi
`tive and negative terminals, a pair a battery cables having
`first ends connected to the positive and negative terminals,
`respectively, of the first battery and Second ends adapted for
`connection to positive and negative terminals of a depleted
`battery, the computer readable information Storage medium
`Stores computer-readable program code for causing the
`computer to perform the Steps of measuring a charge current
`of the battery; determining an amount of time the battery has
`been receiving current; measuring a Voltage of the battery;
`and detecting an open cell battery fault if the charge current
`is less than a predetermined current, the battery has been
`
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`
`receiving current more a predetermined amount of time, and
`the Voltage of the battery is greater than or equal to a
`predetermined Voltage.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`0022 FIG. 1 is a circuit schematic that illustrates a
`polarity protection circuit according to a preferred embodi
`ment of the invention;
`0023 FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic that illustrates a
`polarity protection circuit according to another preferred
`embodiment of the invention;
`0024 FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic that illustrates a
`polarity protection circuit according to another preferred
`embodiment of the invention;
`0.025
`FIG. 4 is a circuit schematic that illustrates a
`polarity protection circuit according to another preferred
`embodiment of the invention;
`0.026
`FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic that illustrates a
`microprocessor controlled booster System according to
`another embodiment of the invention; and
`0.027
`FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic that illustrates a
`microprocessor controlled booster System according to
`another embodiment of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`0028 FIG. 1 illustrates a battery booster device includ
`ing a polarity protection circuit according to an exemplary
`embodiment of the invention. A boosting battery 2 with a
`positive terminal 4 and a negative terminal 6 is provided in
`the booster device. The positive terminal 4 of the boosting
`battery 2 is coupled to one of a pair of alligator clamps 8, 10
`to be connected to a battery to be charged 11 (depleted
`battery) via a wire or battery cable. The negative terminal 6
`of the boosting battery 2 is connected to the other of the
`alligator clamps 8, 10 to be connected to the battery to be
`charged 11 via a wire or battery cable.
`0029. A Switch 12 is coupled to one of the wires or
`battery cables to be connected to the depleted battery 11. The
`Switch 12 is activated to complete a boosting circuit between
`the boosting battery 2 and the depleted battery 11 only when
`a correct polarity connection between the batteries is
`attained. In the embodiment shown, the Switch 12 is
`arranged between the negative terminal 6 of the boosting
`battery 2 and the alligator clamp 10 intended to be connected
`to the negative terminal of the depleted battery 11. The
`Switch 12 is thus a current handling device and part of the
`boosting circuit. Of course, other locations of the Switch in
`the boosting circuit are possible.
`0030 The Switch 12 is preferable a solid state device,
`Such as a transistor, diode, field effect transistor (FET), etc.
`FIG. 1 represents the Switch 12 as a number FETs 12a-12d
`connected in parallel with each other. The FETs 12a-12d are
`preferably high power, very low on-resistance types. The
`number of FETs provided depends upon the current flow in
`the circuit and the type of FET used. Control electrodes
`14a-14d of the FETs 12a-12d are electrically connected to
`the negative terminal 6 of the boosting battery through a
`resistor 36. This arrangement maintains the FETs 12a-12d in
`an off or non-conducting State when there is no Voltage at the
`
`clamps, preventing current flow from the boosting battery 2
`to clamps 8, 10 and to the depleted battery 11.
`0031. The Switch 12 is activated by a polarity sensing
`circuit 16 to allow current flow from the boosting battery 2
`to the depleted battery 11. The polarity sensing circuit 16 is
`coupled to the boosting battery 2 and to the depleted battery
`11 when the clamps 8, 10 are connected to the depleted
`battery 11. The polarity Sensing circuit 16 Senses the polarity
`of the connection between the boosting battery 2 and the
`depleted battery 11 and provides a Signal indicating the State
`of the connection. The Signal from the polarity Sensing
`circuit 16 is provided to the Switch 12. When a proper
`polarity connection is signaled, the Switch 12 completes the
`boosting circuit and permits current flow to the depleted
`battery 11.
`0032). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the polarity
`Sensing circuit comprises an opto-isolator 16. The opto
`isolator 16 comprises a phototransistor 22 and a light
`emitting diode (LED) 26. A collector 23 of the phototrans
`istor 22 and an anode 27 of the LED 26 are electrically
`connected to the positive terminal 4 of the boosting battery
`2. The emitter 24 of the phototransistor 22 is electrically
`connected to control electrodes 14a-14d of the FETs 12a
`12d comprising the Switch 12 via resistor 34. The cathode 28
`of the LED 26 is electrically connected to one of the
`electrodes of the FETs 12a-12d through resistor 30 and
`diode 32. The other of the electrodes of the FETs 12a-12d is
`electrically connected to the negative terminal 6 of the
`boosting battery 2.
`0033. During operation of the battery booster device
`depicted in FIG. 1, the FETs 12a-12d are initially held in a
`non-conducting State via resistor 36. The opto-isolator 16
`only turns on when it is properly biased as a result of a
`correct polarity connection being made between the boost
`ing battery 2 and the depleted battery 11. When the LED 26
`is properly biased, phototransistor 22 in the opto-isolator 16
`turns on. Current flow through phototransistor 22 biases the
`control electrodes of the FETs 12a-12d into a conducting
`state, enabling current flow through the FETs 12a-12d to the
`depleted battery 11. More specifically, when the depleted
`battery 11 is properly connected to the boosting battery 2 as
`shown in FIG. 1, the LED 26 and diode 32 are forward
`biased. Current thus flows through these diodes and resistor
`30. Resistor 30 is provided to regulate the amount of current
`that flows through the opto-isolator 16. The current flow
`through LED 26, resistor 30 and diode 32 activates the
`phototransistor 22, turning it on. When the phototransistor
`22 is turned on, current flows through the phototransistor 22,
`resistor 34 and to the control electrodes of the FETs 12a-12d.
`The control electrodes of the FETs 12a-12d are activated in
`response to this current, and the FETs 12a-12d are turned on
`into a conducting State. The boosting circuit is now closed,
`and current can flow from the boosting battery 2 through the
`FETs 12a-12d to the depleted battery 11. The re is no need
`for any mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, as the
`FETs are the current handling devices.
`0034. When an improper polarity connection is made
`between the boosting battery 2 and the depleted battery 11,
`as shown in FIG. 2, the LED 26 in the opto-isolator 16 and
`diode 32 are reversed biased. Diode 32 prevents current flow
`from the depleted battery 11 in a reverse direction. Thus,
`there is essentially no current flow through the LED 26,
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`diode 32 and resistor 30. Consequently, the phototransistor
`22 in the opto-isolator 16 is in a non-conducting State. In
`turn, the FETs 12a-12d of the Switch are in a non-conducting
`State, and there is essentially no current flow from the
`boosting battery 2 to the depleted battery 11, preventing a
`potentially dangerous situation.
`0035. Once a properpolarity connection is made between
`the batteries, the depleted battery 11 is charged or the vehicle
`is jump Started. The alligator clamps 8, 10 are then discon
`nected from the battery to be charged 11. When the clamps
`are disconnected, diode 26 is no longer forward biased and
`no current flows therethrough, turning the phototransistor 22
`in the opto-isolator off, which in turn, turns the FETs
`12a-12d off. The boosting circuit is then, in effect, reset,
`preventing short-circuits or a reverse polarity connection
`being made after a proper polarity connection is made. In a
`further embodiment, described below in conjunction with
`FIG. 3, the battery booster device can be provided with a
`disable Switch that interrupts the boosting circuit to ensure
`the Safe disconnection of the clamps from the depleted
`battery 11 or a microprocessor or other circuitry can be
`programmed to detect when the depleted battery is discon
`nected.
`0036 Turning now to FIG.3, another embodiment of the
`present invention is described. The embodiment shown in
`FIG. 3 operates in a similar manner to the embodiment
`described above in regard to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 differs from
`FIG. 1 in that FIG. 3 includes a frequency generator and a
`frequency detector. The frequency generator and frequency
`detector are used to detect disconnection of the clamps 8, 10
`from the depleted battery 11 or other interruption of the
`boosting circuit. The frequency generator 37 is adapted to
`inject a Signal of a particular frequency into the boosting
`circuit. A frequency detector 38 is adapted to detect the
`frequency injected into the boosting circuit by the frequency
`generator 37. The frequency generator 37 and frequency
`detector 38 are preferably arranged on opposite Sides of
`depleted battery 11. When the depleted battery 11 is con
`nected with proper polarity, a path exists for the frequency
`injected by the frequency generator 37 to travel through the
`circuit. The frequency detector 38 detects the injected fre
`quency, and the battery boosting process proceeds normally.
`When the clamps 8, 10 are removed from the depleted
`battery 11 or the circuit is otherwise interrupted, current flow
`is Stopped, and the frequency detector 38 no longer detects
`the frequency injected by the frequency generator 37. The
`frequency detector is adapted to then turn FETs 12a-12d to
`a non-conducting State, resetting the boosting circuit. This
`prevents short circuits or a reverse polarity connection being
`made after a proper polarity connection has been estab
`lished.
`0037 FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the
`present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4
`includes many of the same elements described above in
`connection with FIGS. 1-3. These same elements are labeled
`with the same reference numbers in all the figures. The
`circuit shown in FIG. 4 operates in a manner similar to that
`described above in regard to FIGS. 1-3, and only the
`differences are described in detail below.
`0038. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4
`includes an indicator 40 for indicating when a proper
`polarity connection between booster battery 2 and depleted
`
`battery 11 is established. The indicator 40 may provide a
`Visual or audio indication to a user that a proper polarity
`connection has or has not been established. The indicator 40
`illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a resistor 41 and an LED 42.
`When the alligator clamps 8, 10 are connected to the
`depleted battery 11, the resistor 41 and LED 42 are con
`nected across the terminals of the depleted battery 11. If the
`alligator clamps 8, 10 are connected to depleted battery 11
`with an incorrect polarity, LED 42 is forward biased and is
`illuminated indicating an incorrect connection. However,
`essentially nothing else occurs in the boosting circuit. The
`opto-isolator 16 prevents any other current flow. For
`example, the LED26 in the opto-isolator 16 and diode 32 are
`reversed biased, preventing current flow in a reverse direc
`tion. Thus, there is no current flow through these diodes and
`resistor 30. Consequently, the phototransistor 22 in the
`opto-isolator 16 remains off. In turn the FETs 12a-12d
`remain in a non-conducting State and there is no current flow
`from the boosting battery 2 to the depleted battery 11.
`0039. If the alligator clamps 8, 10 are connected to the
`depleted battery 11 with a proper polarity the LED 42 is
`reverse biased and is not illuminated. The opto-isolator 16 is
`turned on, and the boosting circuit is completed as described
`above in connection with FIG. 1.
`0040. In Some instances during the jump-starting process,
`the Voltage of the boosting battery 2 may drop to low levels,
`for example, 2 volts or lower. In Such instances, the Voltage
`of the boosting battery 2 may become insufficient to main
`tain the FETs 12a-12d in a conducting State. Thus, a means
`for maintaining the FETs 12a-12d in a conducting State is
`provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, this means
`comprises a diode 44 and a capacitor 46 arranged in Series
`with each other and connected acroSS the terminals 4, 6 of
`the boosting battery 2. An anode of diode 44 is coupled to
`the positive terminal 4 of the boosting battery 2. The
`collector of the phototransistor 22 in the opto-isolator 16 is
`coupled between the diode 44 and the capacitor 46. The
`combination of the diode 44 and the capacitor 46 provides
`a high level of gate Voltage that is required to keep the FETs
`12a-12d in a conducting State even if the boosting battery's
`Voltage decays to a low level.
`0041. The embodiment of FIG. 4 also includes a means
`for interrupting the current flow to the depleted battery 11
`after a proper polarity connection has been established. This
`means for interrupting allows for Safe removal of the alli
`gator clamps 8, from the depleted battery 11. The means for
`interrupting in the illustrated embodiment includes a com
`bination of capacitor 48, resistor 50, Switch 52 and transistor
`53. These elements are used to turn the FETs 12a-12d into
`a non-conducting State to allow for Safe removal of the
`alligator clamps 8, 10. For example, Switch 52 is coupled to
`one of the cables attached to one of clamps 8, 10. Resistor
`50 and capacitor 48 are coupled to the other of the cables and
`connected in series with Switch 52. Switch 52 may be a
`momentary Switch that when depressed, charges capacitor
`48 through resistor 50. The charging of capacitor 48 turns
`transistor 53 into a conducting state. The current flow from
`phototransistor 22 in the opto-isolator 16 is thus short
`circuited across the control electrodes of the FETs 12a-12d,
`turning the FETs 12a-12d into a non-conducting State. Thus,
`the connection between the two batteries 2, 11 is open
`circuited and the alligator clamps 8, 10 can be safely
`removed from depleted battery 11.
`
`NOCO Ex. 1005
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 2004/0130298 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`Further, an indicator for indicating it is safe to
`0.042
`remove the alligator clamps from the depleted battery 11
`may also be provided. In FIG. 4, the indicator includes LED
`54, resistor 56 and transistor 58 coupled in series between
`the cables. A control electrode of the transistor 58 is coupled
`to Switch 52. When switch 52 is depressed, transistor 58 is
`turned on by the current flow through the Switch 52. Current
`thus flows through the transistor 58 and resistor 56, illumi
`nating LED 54. Illuminated LED 54 indicates it is safe to
`remove the alligator clamps 8, 10 from the depleted battery
`11.
`Referring now to FIG. 5, an example of a micro
`0.043
`processor controlled jump starter System according to an
`embodiment of the invention is described. The micropro
`ceSSor 60 can be programmed to perform essentially all of
`the control functions needed for operation of the jump
`Starter. A display 64 and an input device 66 may be coupled
`to the microprocessor 60 to enable an operator to receive
`information from and input information into the micropro
`cessor 60, respectively.
`0044. By way of a feedback circuit or other means, the
`microprocessor 60 can monitor the Voltage and/or current
`being supplied to the depleted battery 11 from the booster
`battery 2, the Voltage and/or current of the battery 11 and can
`detect short circuits or other faults, as described in more de
`tail below. A resistive divider may be used to provide the
`Voltage and current measurements to the microprocessor's
`A/D input. A visual or audio indication of the faults is given,
`for example on display 64. A Scrolling message describing
`the fault, a representative code, or other message may be
`displayed.
`0.045. In this embodiment, microprocessor 60 is used to
`control the Switch 12. Opto-isolator 16 is coupled to clamps
`8, 10 via resistor 62. Such that LED 26 is forward biased
`when a correct polarity connection between the boosting
`battery 2 and the depleted battery 11 is made. When forward
`biased, LED 26 turns on phototransistor 22. The collector 23
`of the phototransistor 22 is coupled to a Supply Voltage via
`internal circuitry in the microprocessor 60. When the pho
`totransistor 22 is on, a first signal of a first voltage is present
`at the collector 23 and is sensed by the microprocessor 60.
`When the phototransistor 22 is off, a second signal of a
`Second Voltage is present at the collector 23 and is Sensed by
`the microprocessor 60. The microprocessor 60 p