Importance

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Abstract

Various embodiments of an improved electronic device for testing or monitoring storage batteries that may be only partially charged are disclosed. The device determines the battery's small-signal dynamic conductance in order to provide either a proportional numerical readout, displayed in appropriate battery measuring units, or a corresponding qualitative assessment of the battery's relative condition based upon its dynamic conductance and electrical rating. The device also determines the battery's terminal voltage in an essentially unloaded condition and utilizes this information to automatically correct the measured dynamic conductance. The automatic correction is performed by the electronic device using information or functions which are tailored for the particular type of battery being tested. By virtue of this automatic correction, the quantitative or qualitative information displayed to the user conforms with that of a fully-charged battery even though the battery may, in actual fact, be only partially charged. If the battery's state-of-charge is too low for an accurate assessment to be made, no information is displayed. Instead, an indication is made to the user that the battery must be recharged before testing.

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First Claim