USA - O2Micro International Limited (www.o2micro.com) was issued 20 claims under United States patent number 8,164,309 for its Battery Charging System invention with Trickle Charging/Discharging control.

This invention employs the standard charge transistor but enables the transistor to operate in two modes, full current and trickle. Trickle charge of an over-drained battery pack prevents damage and increases battery life.

"The simplicity of the patented battery charging system offers improved reliability and lower battery pack cost," commented Bill Densham, strategic marketing director, O2Micro.