Patents Examined by Arun C Williams
  • Patent number: 11979044
    Abstract: Methods and devices for wired charging and communication with a wearable device are described. In one embodiment, a symmetrical contact interface comprises a first contact pad and a second contact pad, and particular wired circuitry is coupled to the first and second contact pad to enable charging as well as receive and transmit communications via the contact pads as part of various device states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: SNAP INC.
    Inventors: Russell Douglas Patton, Jonathan M Rodriguez, II, Stephen Andrew Steger
  • Patent number: 11979112
    Abstract: A system, method, and solar photovoltaic (PV) network for solar PV variability reduction with reduced time delays and battery storage optimization are described. The system includes a Moving Regression (MR) filter; a State of Charge (SoC) feedback control; and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The MR filter, SoC feedback control and BESS are configured to provide smoothing of solar PV variabilities. The MR filter is a non-parametric smoother that utilizes a machine learning concept of linear regression to smooth out solar PV variations at every time step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Muhammad Khalid, Miswar Akhtar Syed
  • Patent number: 11973362
    Abstract: A charging cable is configured to rotate freely while attached to a cable plug on a chargeable device. The plug has contact pads separated by an insulator, and the matching cable head has pins for contacting the pads of the plug. There may be a ‘deadzone’ position where one or more pins of the cable head rest of the separator and do not make contact with the charge pads on the cable plug. The examples include pins in the cable head for redundant charging paths that are complimentary such that only one of the power paths will be on at any given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventor: Shaheen Moubedi
  • Patent number: 11964587
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power control device for a hybrid vehicle that can allow power generation by a generator connected to a low-voltage battery regardless of a charging rate of the low-voltage battery. The hybrid vehicle includes: a motor (21) that can be coupled to a drive wheel (18) of the vehicle; a generator (22) that can be coupled to an internal combustion engine (11); a first secondary battery (21) connected to the motor (21); a second secondary battery (32) that is connected to the generator (22), and a voltage of which is lower than that of the first secondary battery (31); and a converter (33) that steps up a DC voltage received from the second secondary battery (32) and can output the stepped-up DC voltage to the first secondary battery (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Yukawa
  • Patent number: 11967450
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing component at least partially defining an internal volume and including a wall. A component can be disposed within the wall and at least partially surrounded by a material forming the housing. A battery can be disposed in the internal volume and electrically connected to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Eric X. Zhou
  • Patent number: 11958376
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method using temperature data to protect battery health during bidirectional charging in conjunction with monetization activities. The method includes receiving temperature data and determining anticipated energy needs of a building. The temperature data includes at least the temperature of one or more electric vehicle batteries or information required to determine the temperature of the one or more electric vehicle batteries while the anticipated energy needs are relative to ambient air temperature. The method includes determining an amount of discharge of the one or more electric vehicle batteries required to offset the anticipated needs of the building by a predetermined amount and determining based on the temperature data whether discharging the one or more electric vehicle batteries would be harmful to the health of the one or more electric vehicle batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: FERMATA ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: David Lee Slutzky, John Parsons Wheeler
  • Patent number: 11942871
    Abstract: A system includes a transformer, a first controller, a discharge circuit to discharge an external capacitor based on an undervoltage threshold, and a second controller. The second controller is coupled to the discharge circuit, and is also coupled to receive a rectified Ac voltage and to receive control signals from the first controller. The second controller includes a gate driver to turn on a primary field effect transistor (FET). The second controller also includes a startup controller coupled to the gate driver. The startup controller is configured to increase a duty cycle of the primary FET based on whether a control signal is received from the first controller. The startup controller is also configured to determine a current duty cycle of the primary FET and to turn off the primary FET based on whether the voltage of the AC-DC converter is above an undervoltage threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Rashed Ahmed, Pavan Kumar Kuchipudi, Myeongseok Lee, Murtuza Lilamwala
  • Patent number: 11938830
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging and wireless power alignment of wireless power antennas associated with a vehicle. A wireless power charging apparatus includes an antenna including first and second orthogonal magnetic elements for detecting a horizontal component of a magnetic field generated from a second charging base antenna. A processor determines a directional vector between the antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Nigel P. Cook, Lukas Sieber
  • Patent number: 11938835
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell generator, a rechargeable energy storage circuit, an auxiliary load, a converter circuit, and a switch circuit. The fuel cell generator is operable to generate electrical power in a stack output signal. The auxiliary load is powered by the rechargeable energy storage circuit while in a first mode, and powered by a local signal while in a second mode. The converter circuit is operable to convert the stack output signal into a plurality of recharge signals while in the first mode and in the second mode, and convert the stack output signal into the local signal while in the second mode. The switch circuit is operable switch the plurality of recharge signals to one or more electric vehicles, and switch the local signal to the auxiliary load while in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan B. Martin, Matthew C. Kirklin, Margarita M. Mann, William H. Pettit, Charles E. Freese, V
  • Patent number: 11929468
    Abstract: A battery charging method includes: charging a battery with a charging current; and changing the charging current in response to a current change event occurring during the charging of the battery, wherein the current change event occurs when the battery reaches a threshold voltage at which an anode potential of the battery reaches a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju Wan Lim, Duk Jin Oh, Myunghoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11916427
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery module and a power arrangement method. The battery module includes a battery unit, an energy storage element, a switch, a functional circuit and a control unit. The energy storage element is coupled to the battery unit. The switch is coupled to the energy storage element. The functional circuit is respectively coupled to the battery unit and the energy storage element. The control unit is respectively coupled to the functional circuit and the switch, configured to control the functional circuit to cause the energy storage element to be coupled to the battery unit so that the battery unit charges the energy storage unit, or configured to control the functional circuit to cause the energy storage element to be decoupled with the battery unit so that a discharge path is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yung-Ping Tong, Yu-Kang Lo
  • Patent number: 11912143
    Abstract: The invention enables efficient wireless power transfer, and charging of devices and batteries, in a manner that allows freedom of placement of devices or batteries in one or multiple dimensions. Provided is a base unit for wireless power transfer or charging through a time varying magnetic field. The unit typically includes a magnetic material or layer that guides magnetic flux generated by a charger coil as to create a preferential path for returning magnetic flux from a receiver coil in one or multiple dimensions. The receiver may include a magnetic core having a magnetic permeability exceeding 1 with copper Litz wire around a ferrite core. With power receivers proximate to the base unit, the base unit coil may inductively generate a current in receiver coils or receivers associated with the power receivers. Uni-directionally or bi-directionally wireless communication protocols include NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, and etc. control and optimize power transfer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Mojo Mobility Inc.
    Inventor: Afshin Partovi
  • Patent number: 11909225
    Abstract: A wireless charging transmitter includes at least two transmit coils and at least two transmit circuit units; wherein the at least two transmit coils are configured to simultaneously transmit electric energy to an external receive coil, the at least two transmit coils are coupled such that orientations of magnetic fields generated by currents on the at least two transmit coils are not parallel and form a first angle, a coupling coefficient between the at least two transmit coils is less than a predetermined threshold and each of the transmit circuit units is electrically connected to each of the transmit coils and configured to supply a current to the transmit coil. Therefore, the current on each of the transmit coils in the wireless charging transmitter generates a corresponding magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Halo Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yueguo Hao, Songnan Yang
  • Patent number: 11902732
    Abstract: A wireless charger inductively charges devices of various shapes and/or types, such as with multiple bend radii. Smartphones, headphones, key fobs, and other wireless devices may be laid atop the wireless charger. The wireless charger has flexible and pliable features that conform to the shape of the wireless device. The flexible and pliable features maintain a conformal relationship with the wireless device laid atop the wireless charger. The flexible and pliable features increase the efficiency of inductive power transfer and can reduce charge times and/or reduce heat generated due to thermal losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Jonathan C. Giffen, Gregory L. Henderson, Mikaela M. Noe, Stefanie Marie Thompson
  • Patent number: 11872901
    Abstract: Described herein are vehicle charging systems, each comprising a recharge vehicle and a work vehicle configured to form an electrical connection and charge the work vehicle battery from the recharge vehicle battery. In some examples, this charging is performed at 500 kW or more or even at 1,000 kW or more. Furthermore, the connection and/or charging can be performed while both vehicles are moving (e.g., the recharge vehicle moving in front of the work vehicle). The recharge vehicle comprises one or more DC-DC converters, configured to boost a first voltage (V1) of the recharge vehicle battery to a second voltage (V2) of the work vehicle battery. It should be noted that these voltages vary depending on the state of charge of these batteries. In some examples, each DC-DC converter utilizes a combination of immersion, conductive, and convective cooling for different components of the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: DIMAAG-AI, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Wright, Max Chapman, Sean McLean
  • Patent number: 11876393
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for a portable power case are disclosed. The portable power case is comprised of at least one battery and at least one PCB. The portable power case is operable to supply power to a transceiver. The portable power case is operable to be charged using a DC power source (e.g., solar panel, wind turbine, water turbine). A plurality of portable power cases, DC power sources, and transceivers are operable to form a mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LAT ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Laura Thiel, Giancarlo Urzi, Carlos Cid
  • Patent number: 11855556
    Abstract: A power providing device is provided. The power providing device includes a first energy harvester element configured to generate power in response to an external energy signal being received, a connection switching element configured to switch a connection between the first energy harvester element and a second energy harvester element; and a first rectifier comprising one or more path switching elements configured to change a rectification path in response to the switching of the connection switching element, wherein the first rectifier is connected to the first energy harvester element to rectify the power generated by the first energy harvester element along the rectification path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeunhee Huh, Sang Joon Kim, Seungchul Jung
  • Patent number: 11855456
    Abstract: A method of controlling charging of a plurality of batteries and an electronic device to which the same is applied are provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a plurality of batteries arranged in the housing, a power management module that controls the plurality of batteries, a plurality of current limiting ICs that limits a maximum intensity of a current flowing into each of the plurality of batteries, and at least one processor operationally connected to the plurality of batteries, the power management module and the plurality of current limiting ICs. The at least one processor may set a total charging current output from the power management module, set an individual charging current flowing into each of the plurality of batteries in proportion to a total capacity of each of the plurality of batteries, and recalculate the individual charging currents when the total charging current changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youngmi Ha, Duhyun Kim, Seungbeom Kang, Kyounghoon Kim, Byungwook Kim, Kwanbae Son, Sungjoon Cho, Hansol Choi
  • Patent number: 11855480
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a rechargeable battery for a light electric vehicle. More specifically, this disclosure describes a rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery holster that may be used to removably couple the rechargeable battery to a light electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Neutron Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Durkee, Andrew Titus
  • Patent number: 11845543
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling infinite wireless charging of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are provided. A UAS detects sources of power and wirelessly charges itself by collecting ambient electromagnetic energy from a power infrastructure. A UAS in accordance with features and aspects described herein is autonomous, may always be wirelessly charged (e.g., with high induced voltage), and can make use of weak energy. Moreover, various charging techniques can be used, such as in-flight, trickle, perching, and/or parking. Dynamic flight is supported using multi-angle MIMO coils. Additionally or alternatively, faster charging can be achieved with a supercapacitor and slower charging can be achieved with a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama
    Inventor: Nathan Seongheon Jeong