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Abstract

A method of fast charging batteries by means of precise analysis of the profile of the variation with time of a characteristic of the battery which is indicative of the variation in stored chemical energy as the battery is charged. The method specifically comprises analyzing the profile for the occurrence of a particular series of events preferably including one or more inflection points which precisely identify the point in time at which the application of a fast charge rate should be discontinued. Additional methods of analysis provide for termination or control of the charging current upon the occurrence of other events such as limiting values on time, voltage or voltage slope or a negative change in the level of stored energy. Apparatus for performing these methods comprises a suitable power supply and a microcomputer for analyzing the profile and controlling the power supply.

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