Patents Examined by Tynese V McDaniel
  • Patent number: 10680457
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses implementing hybrid symmetric and asymmetric control for soft switching in wireless power transfer applications are provided. An apparatus for wirelessly transferring charging power is provided. The apparatus comprises a wireless power coupler. The apparatus comprises driver circuit. The apparatus comprises a control unit configured to instruct a driver circuit to drive the wireless power coupler with a first voltage waveform when transferring wireless charging power less than a first amount. The first voltage waveform includes a positive portion having a first duration and a negative portion having the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Felix Weidner, Martin Pavlovsky
  • Patent number: 10668828
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for inductively charging a vehicle. The inductive charging system includes multiple inductive coils for receiving a wireless transferred power. The inductive charging system includes a power electronics circuit that converts the wireless transferred power to a DC current and one or more power storage devices for storing the electrical energy by charging the one or more power storage devices using the DC current. The inductive charging system includes one or more motors configured to move the vehicle using the electrical energy. The inductive charging system includes an electronic control unit that is configured to control at least one of an amount of the electrical energy that is stored in each of the one or more power storage devices or an amount of the electrical energy that is distributed to the one or more motors to move the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Wang, Ercan M. Dede
  • Patent number: 10647209
    Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging system includes an EVSE charging station that is configured to switch a power source between a first power source and a second power source based on a time of use or real-time energy pricing data from a utility. Switching additionally and/or optionally may be based on at least one of charging information and metering information. The first power source may be a renewable source and the second source may be the power grid. In this way, a smart electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charging station may manage and optimize energy supply from a grid and a renewable source when charging an electric vehicle (EV) with the smart the EVSE charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Harry Price Haas, Sesha Devasena Yeruva, Celia Dayagi
  • Patent number: 10594144
    Abstract: A method of charging an electronic device and an electronic device includes a charger receiving first information from the electronic device; determining a charge state of the electronic device according to the first information, generating a first instruction if the charge state of the electronic device is determined to be abnormal, and adjusting the power supplied to the electronic device based on the first instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao Ma, Leiyu Wang
  • Patent number: 10587127
    Abstract: There is provided a charging device including a charging voltage providing unit configured to provide a maximum charging voltage for an electricity storage unit, wherein the electricity storage unit includes a plurality of battery cells, and wherein the maximum charging voltage satisfies an equation (1) below: Maximum Charging Voltage=Total Battery Voltage+(Fully Charged Voltage?Maximum Cell Voltage)*n (1) wherein n represents a total number of the battery cells connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Sugeno, Hisato Asai, Eiji Kumagai, Noritoshi Imamura, Koji Umetsu
  • Patent number: 10581284
    Abstract: A wireless charging system and method are provided, that are capable of simultaneously charging multiple mobile devices, providing high power transfer efficiency for multiple mobile devices located at any position and orientation, and minimizing electromagnetic radiation from a transmitting (TX) coil and a receiving (RX) coil. The method and structure reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) radiation by shunting in-phase currents flowing in a wireless power transmitting unit (TX unit) and a wireless power receiving unit (RX unit) of a wireless charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Khripkov, Konstantin Pavlov, Mikhail Makurin, Nikolay Olyunin, Do-won Kim, Vladimir Arkhipenkov
  • Patent number: 10576835
    Abstract: A second energy storage has a second capacity deterioration factor which has a fluctuation with respect to a state of charge larger than a fluctuation of a first capacity deterioration factor. Circuitry is configured to control a converter to discharge one of the first energy storage and the second energy storage to charge another of the first energy storage and the second energy storage alternately when first temperature of the first energy storage and second temperature of the second energy storage are equal to or lower than a temperature threshold. The circuitry is configured to determine which of the first energy storage and the second energy storage is controlled to be discharged first based on the state of charge of the second energy storage, before the circuitry starts controlling the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Oguma, Yoshihiro Ito, Daijiro Takizawa
  • Patent number: 10581253
    Abstract: The integration of the auxiliary power module (APM) functionality into non-dissipative balancing hardware of a high voltage battery or supercapacitor pack enables a more cost-effective non-dissipative balancing system while maintaining a similar complexity in topologies. The system uses state-space equations and three control problems to balance high-voltage energy storage elements and charge low voltage energy storage elements. Two optimization based controllers are employed to optimize both balancing and charging simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: ENEDYM INC.
    Inventors: Matthias Preindl, Ali Emadi
  • Patent number: 10523053
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for inductively charging a sport ball. An embodiment operates by transmitting from a resonant circuit a calibration signal in response to detecting a charging base, and transmitting from the resonant circuit a charging state in response to receiving power at the resonant circuit. Another embodiment operates by transmitting from a resonant circuit a presence signal, receiving at the resonant circuit a calibration signal from a second resonant circuit in response to transmitting the presence signal, and transmitting from the resonant circuit power to the second resonant circuit in response to receiving the calibration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Ian M. Munson, Charles S. Mauro, Jr., Carl B. Van Wormer, James D. Seymour
  • Patent number: 10505375
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an energy storage system, the energy storage system including at least two battery modules electrically coupled in parallel to each other. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of a maximum power capability of each of the respective battery modules; assigning a power threshold limit for the at least two battery modules of the energy storage system corresponding to the lowest maximum power capability received from the battery modules; and providing a charge current to the at least two battery modules, the charge current having a current level being proportional to the power threshold limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Hanna Bryngelsson, Niklas Legnedahl, Peter Ahlqvist
  • Patent number: 10471837
    Abstract: A high-voltage charge booster is provided for charging a direct current traction battery at a direct current charging pillar. The high-voltage charge booster has a converter (14) for transforming the first voltage level into the second voltage level if the first voltage level differs from the second voltage level. A bypass (16) bypasses the converter (14) or connects through a power stage if the first voltage level corresponds to the second voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Herke, Daniel Spesser
  • Patent number: 10466303
    Abstract: A state-of-charge estimation device and a state of charge estimation method are provided that estimate a state of charge in a battery having a large polarization, requiring a long time for depolarization, and having a large charge/discharge hysteresis in its SOC-OCV characteristics. The state-of-charge estimation device includes a voltage measuring unit which measures a closed circuit voltage in a battery, a charge estimation unit which estimates a state of charge in a charge mode by referring to charge mode information that associates a closed circuit voltage with a state of charge in the battery, and a discharge estimation unit which estimates a state of charge in a discharge mode by referring to discharge mode information that associates a closed circuit voltage generated by use of a discharge pattern of the battery with a state of charge in the battery by use of the measured closed circuit voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Kenji Nishigaki, Masashi Kidono, Takahiro Tsuzuku, Hiroyuki Nomura
  • Patent number: 10459037
    Abstract: A state-of-charge estimation device includes a transition estimation unit, when a transition from a charge mode to a discharge mode starts, which starts current integration by use of a measured current and obtains a second state of charge by use of a first state of charge at the start of the transition and a current integration value, so as to estimate that the second state of charge is a state of charge upon transition until a target state of charge is reached that is determined by a current integration value obtained for a predetermined time period after the start of the transition, and/or when a transition from a discharge mode to a charge mode starts, which starts current integration by use of a measured current and obtains a sixth state of charge by use of a third state of charge at the start of the transition and a current integration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Kenji Nishigaki, Masashi Kidono, Takahiro Tsuzuku, Hiroyuki Nomura
  • Patent number: 10439451
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a charging circuit and a control device. The control device is configured to set a charging current value by increasing the charging current value over time while a voltage of a battery of the charging circuit increases so that a load resistance value of the charging circuit is constant in a constant-resistance charging mode, at the time of continuing charging of the battery. The control device is configured to initiate the constant-resistance charging mode based on a determination by the control device that an SOC of the battery or the voltage of the battery is at or above a predetermined threshold value, or based on an input from a user. The control device is configured to initiate a constant-power control charging mode in which charging power of the charging circuit is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusaku Amari, Tomoaki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10404092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system, apparatus and method for facilitating wireless charging of one or more battery-powered devices. In accordance with the aspects of the system, apparatus and method, one or more first charging coils present in a charging device may generate and emit magnetic flux in response to power supplied to the charging device. Further, a battery cell of one or more battery-powered devices, embedded within the charging device, may include a second charging coil. The second charging coil may receive the magnetic flux emitted based upon a resonant coupling formed between the one or more first charging coils and the second charging coil. The magnetic flux received may induce an electric current within the one or more battery-powered devices. The electric current induced may be utilized for simultaneously charging the battery cell of the one or more battery-powered devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Kwan Hang Mak
  • Patent number: 10388994
    Abstract: A battery state detection device (1) includes a shunt resistor (7) and a battery post terminal (4). The shunt resistor (7) includes a second conductor part (12) in the shape of a flat plate. The battery post terminal (4) includes a battery post connecting part (20) for connection to a battery post, and a shunt resistor connecting part (22) for connection to the second conductor part (12) of the shunt resistor (7). The shunt resistor connecting part (22) is in the shape of a flat plate. The second conductor part (12) of the shunt resistor (7) and the shunt resistor connecting part (22) of the battery post terminal (4) are connected to each other by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignees: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD., FURUKAWA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Tanigawa, Fumitaka Iwasaki, Norihito Motosugi, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10381854
    Abstract: A battery charging system has a switching circuit and a control circuit. The switching circuit has a first switch, and the control circuit has a plurality of analog control loops and a digital control unit. Each of the analog control loops provides a loop control signal based on a corresponding feedback signal, a corresponding reference signal and a slope compensation signal. The digital control unit provides a switching control signal to control the first switch based on the plurality of analog control loops and a time period control signal, and the digital control unit turns ON or turns OFF the first switch automatically in response to one of the plurality of analog control loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Chengdu Monolithic Power Systems co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Xu, Qiming Zhao, Xiaoqing Li
  • Patent number: 10381875
    Abstract: A method and system for providing wireless power transfer through a metal object is provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power via a magnetic field is provided. The apparatus includes a metal cover including an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion is configured to form a loop around the inner portion of the metal cover. The outer portion is configured to inductively couple power via the magnetic field. The apparatus includes a receive circuit electrically coupled to the outer portion and configured to receive a current from the outer portion generated in response to the magnetic field. The receive circuit is configured to charge or power a load based on the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Seong Heon Jeong, Mei-Li Chi, Curtis Gong, David George Fern, Francesco Carobolante
  • Patent number: 10369892
    Abstract: In a coil unit of a device for inductive transmission of electrical power with a cover, a base and a coil arranged between the cover and base. During operation of the device, the cover faces another coil unit and the base faces away from it. At least one support element, which mechanically supports the cover on the base, is arranged between the cover and the base. At least one cavity is formed between the cover and the support element by protrusions on the cover and/or on the support element, whereby the cover lies on the support element, and/or at least one cavity is formed between the base and the support element by protrusions on the support element and/or on the base, whereby the support element lies on the base. Sensors or elements for magnetic flux guidance can be arranged protected from mechanical load in such a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: IPT TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Felix Cordes, Niklas Endler
  • Patent number: 10363835
    Abstract: A railroad system includes a first vehicle and a second vehicle. The first vehicle includes a drive-part, an inverter, an electric storage device, and a control part. The control part controls feasibility of charge or discharge of the electric storage device based on a detection value of any of a charge accumulation amount of the electric storage device, a distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, or a voltage value of a power line. When it is assumed that the detection value when charge or discharge of the electric storage device is switched from an allowable state to a prohibited state is a first set value, and the detection value when charge or discharge of the electric storage device is switched from a prohibited state to an allowable state is a second set value, the first set value and the second set value are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Takafumi Domoto