Patents by Inventor Tyler J. Erikson

Tyler J. Erikson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11904715
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative vehicle charging connectors, vehicle charging connector systems, and vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment a vehicle charging connector includes at least two electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with electrical contacts of a vehicle charge port. At least one controllable electromagnet may be configured to attract the vehicle charging connector to contact a charge port of an electric vehicle. The connector also includes at least one controllable electrically actuated mechanical connector configured to provide mechanical engagement and disengagement between the vehicle charging connector and the charge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler J. Erikson, Trent C. Warnke, Kyle R. Underhill, Sara M. Eslinger
  • Publication number: 20240042881
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative DC bus charge modules, V2X charging devices, and methods for pre-charging a V2X charging device. An illustrative direct current (DC) bus charge module includes a DC boost converter configured to: apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable with the DC bus cable disconnected from a first DC voltage source; and charge an electrical charge storage device that is electrically connectable to the DC bus cable with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level that is different from the first voltage level with the DC bus cable disconnected from the first DC voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson, Kyle R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 11802919
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative systems for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring, electrical vehicle charging systems, and charge couplers for electrical vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal having a predetermined frequency. A controlled impedance network is configured to attenuate the signal. The controlled impedance network is electrically connectable toward a first end of electrical wiring that terminates at a termination at the first end and that is electrically connectable at a second end to the signal generator to carry the signal. A signal detector is configured to detect the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson
  • Patent number: 11518258
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative electrical power dispensers for electrical vehicle charging systems, charging systems, and methods of sensing presence of a charge coupler in a holster of an electrical power dispenser. In an illustrative embodiment, an electrical power dispenser for an electrical vehicle charging system includes a housing. A charge coupler is configured to dispense direct current electrical power. A holster is disposed on the housing and is configured to receive the charge coupler therein. A holster sensor is configured to sense presence of the charge coupler in the holster and is further configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of the charge coupler in the holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Tyler J. Erikson
  • Publication number: 20220163603
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative systems for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring, electrical vehicle charging systems, and charge couplers for electrical vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal having a predetermined frequency. A controlled impedance network is configured to attenuate the signal. The controlled impedance network is electrically connectable toward a first end of electrical wiring that terminates at a termination at the first end and that is electrically connectable at a second end to the signal generator to carry the signal. A signal detector is configured to detect the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson
  • Publication number: 20220144107
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative vehicle charging connectors, vehicle charging connector systems, and vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment a vehicle charging connector includes at least two electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with electrical contacts of a vehicle charge port. At least one controllable electromagnet may be configured to attract the vehicle charging connector to contact a charge port of an electric vehicle. The connector also includes at least one controllable electrically actuated mechanical connector configured to provide mechanical engagement and disengagement between the vehicle charging connector and the charge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Tyler J. Erikson, Trent C. Warnke, Kyle R. Underhill, Sara M. Eslinger
  • Publication number: 20220118869
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative electrical power dispensers for electrical vehicle charging systems, charging systems, and methods of sensing presence of a charge coupler in a holster of an electrical power dispenser. In an illustrative embodiment, an electrical power dispenser for an electrical vehicle charging system includes a housing. A charge coupler is configured to dispense direct current electrical power. A holster is disposed on the housing and is configured to receive the charge coupler therein. A holster sensor is configured to sense presence of the charge coupler in the holster and is further configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of the charge coupler in the holster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Tyler J. Erikson