Patents Examined by Duc M Pham
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Patent number: 11764575Abstract: A battery load management system and methods of managing a battery load, e.g., in a vehicle, may be directed to a converter that steps down electrical power from an input voltage to a reduced voltage. An electrical bus in electrical communication with the converter may be configured to supply electrical power received from the converter at the reduced voltage to a plurality of electrical loads. A controller may be configured to detect a load shed trigger, and in response to the detection select one or more low-priority loads included in the plurality of electrical loads. The controller may also be configured to reduce electrical power consumption by the one or more low-priority loads.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Tae Hoon Park, Tylynn Haddow
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Patent number: 11764552Abstract: A distributed energy resources compartment for an electrical panel is pre-wired for installation of a photovoltaic system for a residence. The compartment is mounted on a back plate in the interior of an electrical cabinet. A pre-wired connection within the compartment is configured to connect to a solar circuit breaker within the electrical cabinet, connected as a back-feed circuit breaker to an electrical panel. An opening on a backside of the compartment adjacent to the back plate of the electrical cabinet, is configured to receive connections within the compartment from a solar inverter, through the back plate of the electrical cabinet when the solar inverter is mounted to the back plate of the electrical cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Phillips
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Patent number: 11753107Abstract: A control integrated structure of an electrically assisted bicycle includes a battery management system, a controller and a motor. The battery management system includes a battery assembly and an analog front end. The analog front end is electrically connected to the battery assembly. The controller includes a micro controller unit and a driver. The micro controller unit is electrically connected to the analog front end. The driver is electrically connected to the micro controller unit. The motor is electrically connected to the driver and controlled by the driver. The micro controller unit of the controller is directly electrically connected between the analog front end of the battery management system and the driver, thereby enabling the micro controller unit to control the motor via the driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Hyena Inc.Inventor: Hsin-Yi Fang
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Patent number: 11757308Abstract: A wireless laser power transfer system includes, in part, a transmitter and a receiver that form a wireless link. The transmitter, includes, in part, a first communication system, at least a first source of laser beam, and a controller adapted to vary power and direction of the laser beam and further to modulate the laser beam. The receiver includes, in part, a communication system adapted to establish a wireless link with the first communication system, at least a first photo-voltaic cell, and a controller adapted to demodulate and detect the power of the modulated laser beam received by the first photo-voltaic cell from the first source of laser beam. The system optionally includes at least a second source of laser beam controlled by the transmitter controller. The system optionally further includes a second photo-voltaic cell. The transmitter controller is further adapted to cause the second laser beam to strike the second photo-voltaic cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Behrooz Abiri, Aroutin Khachaturian, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
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Patent number: 11752875Abstract: A power source system includes a first power source, a second power source, a Direct Current to Direct Current converter, a first load including a vehicle control device configured to perform predetermined control regarding at least one of traveling, steering, and braking of the vehicle regardless of a driving operation performed by a driver of the vehicle, and an electric actuator as a control target of the vehicle control device, and connected to the first path so as to be supplied with power from the first power source, and a power source control device configured to control an operation of the Direct Current to Direct Current converter such that power is supplied to the first path from the second power source in a case where the predetermined control is performed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shu Nakayama, Isao Yoneyama, Tomohiro Usami, Yasuharu Terada
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Patent number: 11752874Abstract: A power source system includes a first power source, a second power source, a Direct Current to Direct Current converter, a first load including a vehicle control device configured to perform predetermined control regarding at least one of traveling, steering, and braking of the vehicle regardless of a driving operation performed by a driver of the vehicle, and an electric actuator as a control target of the vehicle control device, and connected to the first path so as to be supplied with power from the first power source, and a power source control device configured to control an operation of the Direct Current to Direct Current converter such that power is supplied to the first path from the second power source in a case where the predetermined control is performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shu Nakayama, Isao Yoneyama, Tomohiro Usami, Yasuharu Terada
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Patent number: 11745593Abstract: A vehicle electrical system for a vehicle includes a power source, two low-voltage buses, two power-distribution boxes each electrically connected to the power source and to one of the low-voltage buses and positioned to control electrical flow from the power source to that low-voltage bus, and two low-voltage batteries each electrically connected to one of the power-distribution boxes and arranged to supply electricity to one of the low-voltage buses via that power-distribution box. Each power-distribution box is programmed to perform a test on its low-voltage battery, the tests being isolated from the other low-voltage battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Adel Awad Alla, Sami Dagher, Mathew A. Boesch
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Patent number: 11750009Abstract: An apparatus may include a power rail, a subassembly, an additional subassembly, and an interface coupling the subassembly to the additional subassembly. The subassembly may include a load, an energy-storing component, a charger having an output coupled to the energy-storing component, and a reverse-current limiter having a first terminal coupled to the energy-storing component. The additional subassembly may include an additional energy-storing component, an additional charger having an output coupled to the additional energy-storing component, and an additional reverse-current limiter having a first terminal coupled to the additional energy-storing component. The power rail may cross the interface and may couple the load, an input of the charger, a second terminal of the reverse-current limiter, an input of the additional charger, and a second terminal of the additional reverse-current limiter. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLPInventors: Gene R. Obie, Xiaobei Li, Sam Sarmast, Karthik Kadirvel, Jason Howard
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Patent number: 11735938Abstract: A power assembly module provides multiple interfaces for accessing a battery. A power input of the power assembly module can receive power from a variety of external sources. Photovoltaic panels, car batteries, or any other suitable DC power source can be used to charge the battery within the power assembly module. A switch provided on a housing of the module allows for activation or deactivation of power delivery from the battery, at outputs of the power assembly module. In some embodiments, the power assembly module includes a single power output that provides power from the battery using a cabled connector. Additionally, the power assembly module includes a power distribution element that provides power from a standard plug outlet for powering certain appliances that receive power using a standardized electric plug terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Inventor: Alberto Gallo
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Patent number: 11728651Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for optimizing loading of battery inverters. A system may include a plurality of inverters configured to output power to a load; a switching system connected to the plurality of inverters; a plurality of energy storage units selectively coupled to the plurality of energy storage units by the switching system; and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine a required power for the load; determine a number of the plurality of inverters to provide the required power; determine a switching position for the switching system based on the determined number of the plurality of inverters, the switching position corresponding to power delivery by a set of the plurality of inverters; and send a control signal to the switching system to connect one or more of the plurality of energy storage units with the set of the plurality of inverters.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2023Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: 8ME NOVA, LLCInventors: Finbar Sheehy, Gautham Ramesh
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Patent number: 11718199Abstract: A vehicle, in particular a logistics vehicle, includes a frame and a housing component secured in place thereon. An insert part on the housing component is insertable into a space region of the vehicle, and a first or a second energy store module is situated on the insert part and a DC/DC converter which is electrically connected to the energy store module.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Christopher Blickle
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Patent number: 11712970Abstract: The invention relates to an electric or hybrid means of transport comprising a high voltage bus and a low voltage bus. The high voltage bus is for delivering energy to at least one propulsion motor. The low voltage bus is for delivering energy to parts operating at low voltage. The electric or hybrid means of transport is equipped with a solar panel, the panel comprising groups of solar cells connected to a primary bus of an associated distributed maximum power point tracker. The distributed maximum power point tracker having a secondary bus to exchange energy with other distributed maximum power point trackers. The secondary bus of at least one of the distributed maximum power point tracker is connected to the low voltage bus, thereby eliminating the need for a DC/DC converter between the high voltage bus and the low voltage bus.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: ATLAS TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING B.V.Inventor: Tom Kooijman
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Patent number: 11712943Abstract: A climate control system for use in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The climate control system includes a variable speed electric load, a controller configured to determine a load of the variable speed electric load, and a battery pack voltage configurator circuit. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit includes a first battery bank providing a first voltage and a first current, a second battery bank providing a second voltage and a second current, and a plurality of switches. The controller is configured to control the plurality of switches based on the determined load of the variable speed electric load. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit is configured to provide an output voltage and an output current to drive the variable speed electric load. The output voltage and the output current vary in magnitude based on the control of the plurality of switches.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Marcelo Andrade Dias, Ryan Wayne Schumacher
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Patent number: 11715982Abstract: A wireless power transmission method executed by a power transmitter comprising multi-coils, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: detecting a second power receiver while transmitting power to a first power receiver; determining at least one primary coil adequate for power transmission; by using the determined at least one primary coil, determining whether the second power receiver supports a shared mode protocol; and if the second power receiver supports the shared mode protocol, transmitting power to the first and second power receivers according to the shared mode protocol, wherein the shared mode protocol may be a protocol for simultaneously managing information exchanges between the power transmitter and multiple power receivers.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Yongcheol Park
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Patent number: 11712978Abstract: This disclosure presents a portable load bank apparatus, system, method of control, and method of manufacture. A portable load bank apparatus may comprise one or more of a vehicle, a load bank, a set of batteries, a set of battery chargers, one or more processors, and/or other components. The load bank may be configured to perform a load test of an external power source. The processor(s) may be configured to cause one or more battery chargers in the set of battery chargers to direct an amount of a power output received by the load bank from the external power source to the set of batteries. The set of batteries may be used to provide electrical energy to one or more of an electric motor of the vehicle, one or more other electric vehicle, and/or other sources that may need electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventor: Shelby Kenneth Campbell Tyne
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Patent number: 11710957Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for redundant control of active fuses for battery pack safety is provided, comprising a battery; an electrical load coupled to the battery via a fuse capable of being activated by an electrical signal; a sensor configured to sense a short circuit condition at the electrical load and output an analog sensor signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to sample the analog sensor signal and output a digital sensor signal; a microcontroller configured to detect the short circuit condition at the electrical load based on the digital sensor signal, and, during normal operation, to output a first electrical signal to activate the fuse after detecting the short circuit condition at the electrical load; and an analog circuit configured to operate independently of the microcontroller to receive the analog sensor signal and output a second electrical signal to activate the fuse after receiving the analog sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Archer Aviation, Inc.Inventors: Anvin Joe Manadan, Rohan Gupta, Ross Johnstal
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Patent number: 11707995Abstract: Connection and control concepts for battery packs in a high voltage battery assembly are provided. Parallel, modular configurations permit improved safety, voltage balancing, and redundancy, improving operation and reliability of an associated high voltage electrical vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Nikola CorporationInventors: Umran Ashraf, Michael Corona, T. Neil McLemore, Varoujan Sarkissian
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Patent number: 11699902Abstract: Techniques for distributing electrical power to a plurality of electrical loads can include coupling an existing group of electrical loads to a common power source through a load management system, measuring an aggregate group current drawn by at least the existing group of electrical loads and comparing the measured aggregate group current to an aggregate group current threshold value. When the measured aggregate group current exceeds the aggregate group current threshold value, increase a number of subgroups of the existing group, using subgroups that are formed without requiring information about individual current associated with the individual electrical loads, sequentially apply power to individual subgroups during non-overlapping time periods, sequentially measure at least a corresponding current drawn by the individual subgroups while power is applied to the subgroups, and sequentially comparing the measured current to a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventor: William Dale Tischer
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Patent number: 11695284Abstract: A switch detection circuit includes a controller, a first DC isolation module, a second DC isolation module, and a signal conditioning module connected to the controller. The controller is connected to a first end of an external switch via the first DC isolation module and the signal conditioning module is connected to a second end of the external switch via the second DC isolation module. The controller is configured to output a pulse signal, and transmit the pulse signal to the second DC isolation module via the first DC isolation module and the external switch. As a current flowing out from the second DC isolation module, the signal conditioning module outputs a feedback signal to the controller and the controller counts according to the feedback signal and detects the working state of the external switch according to the count value.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN POWEROAK NEWENER CO., LTDInventors: Geng Qin, Jianhua Lei, Qi Jiang, Hua Zhang, Xiangzhu Yin
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Patent number: 11695293Abstract: A power system provides power from a power source to a load via a distribution bus, and includes a DC-DC converter coupled in parallel with a network of switching elements coupled between an output terminal of the power source and the distribution bus. A controller is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the DC-DC converter and each of the switching elements to enable the power source to power the load via the distribution bus. The switching elements may be transistors, and the diodes may be parasitic body diodes of the transistors. The power source may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. An output voltage level from the battery may be regulated by the controller as a function of operation of the DC-DC converter and a number of the activated or deactivated transistors.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: LiTech Laboratories, LLCInventors: Alexei Tikhonski, Robert L. Myers, James P. Novak