Power Packs Patents (Class 307/150)
  • Patent number: 8330301
    Abstract: A power apparatus for a high voltage electrical power system, that includes a voltage source converter and a high voltage dc power source including one or more strings having a plurality of dc power source members connected in series, and switches configured to connect and disconnect the strings, where the switches are solid-state switches, each string is subdivided into a plurality of dc power source units each dc power source unit including a plurality of dc power source members connected in series and each dc power source unit is provided with one of the solid-state switches configured to connect and disconnect the dc power source unit, and that all solid-state switches in the string are arranged so that they are turned on and off simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Georgios Demetriades, Falah Hosini, Bertil Nygren, Jan R. Svensson
  • Patent number: 8330300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supplying current to at least one silicon rod (3) during precipitation of silicon with the Siemens process, wherein the device has at least one input (E) suitable and configured for connecting the device to an electric power grid (N) for supplying electric energy, at least one output (A) to which the at least one silicon rod (3) can be connected, at least one AC current regulator (1) which is suitable and configured to supply the at least one silicon rod (3) connected to the at least one output (A) with electric current from the electric power grid (N), wherein the device further includes at least one frequency converter (2) which is suitable and configured to supply the at least one silicon rod (3) connected to the at least one output (A) with electric current from the electric power grid (N), wherein the electric current has a higher frequency than the current provided by the AC current regulator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: AEG Power Solutions B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Wallmeier
  • Patent number: 8324860
    Abstract: The distributed charging system is for charging an energy storage device of an electrical vehicle operated within an operation region where a number of station or parking areas are arranged at intervals. The system contains a plurality of charging stations and fast charging devices where a charging station is provided at each station or parking area and at least a fast charging device is provided at each charging station. When the electrical vehicle is parked at a station or parking area, the electrical vehicle's energy storage device is quickly charged by the fast charging device there. Therefore, there is no additional and dedicated time spent for charging while the capacity, cost, weight, and size of the energy storage device could be reduced, making the electrical vehicle less costly, more compact, and with more extended operation time and distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: EVP Technology LLC USA
    Inventors: James Young, Yaw-Chung Cheng, Hao-Chung Chang
  • Publication number: 20120274155
    Abstract: A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele DeIuliis, Andrew Bert Hodge, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Stanley Carl Ng, Eric W. Anderson, Anthony M. Fadell
  • Patent number: 8294307
    Abstract: An apparatus for voltage controlling used in a portable electronic device includes an HDMI connector, a detector and a voltage selector. The HDMI connector is to establish a connection with an external device. The detector is to detect whether the connection is established by detecting a voltage of a hot plug detect pin of the HDMI connector and to further compare the voltage to a threshold voltage so as to generate a control signal accordingly. The voltage selector is to select one of a first voltage and a second voltage based on the control signal and to further output the selected voltage to a power pin of the HDMI connector. In the apparatus, the control signal orders the voltage selector to select the second voltage if the voltage is not lower than the threshold voltage, and to select the first voltage otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Meng-Che Tsai
  • Patent number: 8288028
    Abstract: A power storing container replacement and charging method and system which allows continuous/uninterrupted power enables a user to continuously use a device without the device being relegated to a wired device for an extended period of time. The method and system includes an apparatus which is able to retain a power storing container for charging, and then receive a device with another power storing container which is replaced with the charged power storing container contained in the apparatus. The system reduces the wait time for a power storing container to charge and encourages use of the device without fear of the draining all the power from the device being unable to use the device for even a short period of time. The system also allows the power storing container in the device to be replaced without the device losing power and without involving any complicated steps from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Jitendra Batra
  • Publication number: 20120256497
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a battery pack and an electronic device. The battery pack includes a battery, a voltage conversion circuit, and a first power port. The electronic device includes a second power port. When the battery pack is connected to the electronic device via the first power port and the second power port, the connection between the battery and the voltage conversion circuit is established, the voltage conversion circuit converts a voltage of the battery to a predetermined voltage and power the electronic device via the first power port and the second power port; when the battery pack does not connect to the electronic device, the connection between the battery and the voltage conversion circuit is cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HSIUNG-WEI SUNG
  • Patent number: 8262244
    Abstract: Furniture components, such as office furniture components, that are configured to include electronic components that transfer electrical power to peripheral electronic devices via wireless technologies, including conductive and inductive technologies. The articles of furniture may include grommet devices received within work surfaces, the grommet devices incorporating or housing the electronics of wireless power systems. The articles of furniture may also include the electronics of wireless power systems physically embedded or integrated within work surfaces in a manner in which the continuous surfaces of the work surfaces are maintained, and the work surfaces may optionally further include lighting or other indication features to indicate the locations of the electronics to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Metcalf, Terry Carroll, Jay M. Henriott, Samial Keith Johnson, Donald Woods
  • Publication number: 20120200175
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying cordless power to a remotely-located load device. A first power supply unit of a portable power supply system is configured to operate in a charge receive mode and/or a charge supply mode. When the first power supply unit is in the charge receive mode, a first energy storage device of the first power supply unit is configured to receive electrical energy via a first switch from one of a second power supply unit or an external power source. When the first power supply unit is in the charge supply mode, the first energy storage device of the first power supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy via a second switch to one of a third power supply unit or a remotely-located load device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: NextArts
    Inventor: Anthony Imperial
  • Patent number: 8227944
    Abstract: A vertical bus circuit includes multiple devices for transmitting signals between the bus devices. The multiple devices share multiple common voltage levels. Each of the devices includes a bus block and two input/output (I/O) devices powered by a first voltage level and a second voltage level of the common voltage levels, respectively. The bus block enables signal transmission between the two I/O devices, and the common voltage levels enable the signal transmission between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc
    Inventors: Guoxing Li, Liusheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8227943
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting a power system to a mobile work station includes coupling a replacement power system with the mobile work station in place of an existing power system, establishing a power link between a power interface and a docking station for a removable battery, and establishing a communication link between a power control system and a detector configured to detect user interaction with a removable battery docked with the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Lee Melvin Harbin, Gary Coonan
  • Patent number: 8229379
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that use multiple DC-DC (direct-current-to-direct-current) regulators and configurable DC-DC regulators with respect to multi-band audio receivers in order to allow for the use of different DC-DC regulator switching clock signals for different audio broadcast bands. The systems and methods disclosed thereby help to alleviate interference problems typically caused by switching devices used in the DC-DC conversion process. The embodiments described are also applicable to switching power supplies run from alternating current (AC) power sources and to Class D amplifiers working with broadcast radios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Ligang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8212389
    Abstract: A capacitor 16 is charged by turning on a switching element 12, and when a relay 18 is operated, by turning off the switching element 12 and turning on a switching element 13, a constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 are series-connected, and a switching element 14 is turned on to cause the series circuit of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 to be connected to a relay coil 20, so that the voltage resulting from addition of the output voltage of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the charging voltage of the capacitor 16 is supplied to the relay coil 20, whereby causing the relay 18 to be turned on, after which the capacitor 16 is gradually discharged by means of the relay coil 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naohisa Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8212390
    Abstract: An adaptive power supply span powers devices used in telecommunications. It includes a power circuit and control circuit that receives power and sense signals therefrom and provides a control signal thereto and distinguishes between a first network interface load having a constant voltage input power requirement and a second network interface unit load having a constant current input power requirement. A voltage control circuit and current control circuit are interconnected together and connected to the power circuit. A control signal from the voltage control circuit and current control circuit extends to the power circuit. The control circuit maintains a fixed output voltage for constant voltage regulation for the first network interface unit load, if the output current remains below a threshold current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Robinson, Jeremy Zoller
  • Patent number: 8212428
    Abstract: Provided is a portable power supply apparatus for generating microwave plasma, capable of minimizing a power reflected from a plasma generation apparatus and improving power consumption of the plasma generation apparatus by generating the plasma by using a microwave having a specific frequency, monitoring the power reflected from the plasma generation apparatus after the generation of the plasma, detecting a changed impedance matching condition, and correcting the frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Postech Academy Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Jun Choi, Jae Koo Lee, Jae Yoon Sim
  • Patent number: 8203237
    Abstract: A portable power generating unit charged by an on-board solar panel is herein disclosed, capable of operating small electrical devices for extended periods of time. A solar cell panel is provided on an adjustable arm which swings up from a rectangular enclosure and is capable of being positioned so as to receive a maximum amount of solar energy. Output power from the solar panel is used to charge an internal battery through a charge controller. Power from the battery is conducted thereto a plurality of ports, each comprising an integral voltage regulator, thereby supplying different standard voltages to the ports. Such features allow the portable power generating unit to be used in an outdoor setting to operate electrical devices where conventional electrical outlets are unavailable. The portable power generating unit further comprises a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a flashing strobe light to locate and rescue a user in an emergency situation if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Scott R. Cowles
  • Patent number: 8198759
    Abstract: A battery pack connection scheme is shown that provides an optimum DC environment for every cell in the pack, such that every cell in the same or similar voltage level in the pack sees exactly the same voltage and current environment. In some examples, a portable pack is provided having a positive load connection terminal and multiple batteries connected in parallel to the terminal. Connections are made with segments preferably have matching impedances, or have matching DC resistances, creating a uniform DC environment. Portable pack designs are provided including chargers and inverters connected in the uniform DC environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Xtreme Power Inc.
    Inventors: Aeron Hurst, Carlos Coe, Charles Moyer, Grant Randall, Lupe Carranco
  • Patent number: 8179091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: WFK & Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8169186
    Abstract: A system and method for charging an electric vehicle includes identifying vehicle information corresponding to the electric vehicle based on an electronic image of the electric vehicle, retrieving from an electronically stored local database a location of a charging port on the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information, robotically moving a charging connector according to the retrieved location to engage the charging port of the electric vehicle, querying the local database to determine whether a current time corresponds to an energy efficient usage time based on energy efficient usage data received from a power grid, and initiating a charging process upon determining that the current time corresponds to the energy efficient usage time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Interim Designs Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Haddad, Daniel B. Lysak
  • Patent number: 8164219
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body and a power supply module. The main body includes a main circuit, a power input port, and a housing. The housing defines a receiving space at a side surface thereof. The main circuit is disposed in the housing; the power input port is located on a wall surface of the receiving space and is connected to the main circuit. The power supply module includes a shell, a power output port formed on the shell, and a battery, a power modulating circuit and a switch received in the shell. The shell is capable of being detachably received in the receiving space of the housing, and when the shell is received in the receiving space the power output port is connected to the power input port on the wall surface of the receiving space. The power modulating circuit modulates alternating current to direct current suitable for the main circuit. The switch selectively connects the power output port to the battery or the power modulating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mou-Ming Ma, Yi-Yuan Liu, Chien-Chih Kao
  • Publication number: 20120091944
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a low cost, quick, and convenient automobile jump starting system and method. The jump start system comprises an adapter suitable to receive at least one hand held power tool battery. The adapter in certain embodiments comprises conductive metallic spring clips for making electrical connection(s) between the tool battery and the adapter. The adapter further comprises a plurality of connectible gauge wires (serving as booster cables) each having biasing connectors (alligator clips). The distal ends of the gauge wire(s) may be removably connectible to the adapter or may be rigidly fixed to the adapter. The Jump Start Adapter System may also be removably connected to the vehicle battery using biasing connectors or may be hard wired to the vehicle electrical system eliminating the need for biasing connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Chad Rogers
  • Patent number: 8148855
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying cordless power to a remotely-located load device. A first power supply unit of a portable power supply system is configured to operate in a charge receive mode and/or a charge supply mode. When the first power supply unit is in the charge receive mode, a first energy storage device of the first power supply unit is configured to receive electrical energy via a first switch from one of a second power supply unit or an external power source. When the first power supply unit is in the charge supply mode, the first energy storage device of the first power supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy via a second switch to one of a third power supply unit or a remotely-located load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: NextArts
    Inventor: Anthony Imperial
  • Patent number: 8149592
    Abstract: An AC/DC power supply and platform for a military radio has been developed. The apparatus includes a base that supports at least one SINCGARS RT-1523 radio. The base is connected to an AC power supply and at least one DC power supply. The AC supply and DC power supply are configured to switch automatically to the DC power supply should the AC power supply fail. The housing of the platform is sealed from the exterior environment with gaskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Perkins Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank N. Perkins, III, Jeffrey K. Taylor, Bruce C. Weddendorf, Lloyd W. Childs
  • Patent number: 8143745
    Abstract: A power transmission control device provided in a power transmission device included in a contactless power transmission system that transmits power by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil from the power transmission device to a power receiving device so as to supply the power to a load on the power receiving device. The power transmission control device includes a controller that controls the power transmission control device, and a register section. The register section includes a power receiving side information register that stores power receiving side information received from the power receiving device, and a power transmission side information register that stores power transmission side information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Nobutaka Shiozaki, Kota Onishi, Masayuki Kamiyama, Takahiko Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8134333
    Abstract: A battery and ultracapacitor device for use in a vehicle includes a positive electrode, a first negative electrode, a second negative electrode, a first separator disposed between the positive electrode and the first and second negative electrodes, and a controller communicating with the positive electrode, the first negative electrode, and the second negative electrode. A first negative electrode has a first composition and communicates with the first positive electrode. The second negative electrode has a second composition and is adjacent to the first negative electrode and a second separator. The second negative electrode communicates with the positive electrode and the first negative electrode. The first negative electrode comprises a secondary battery negative electrode. The second negative electrode comprises an ultracapacitor negative electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Carl Elder, Xiao Guang Yang, Franco Leonardi
  • Patent number: 8120344
    Abstract: A power supply unit, adapted to provide a predetermined output voltage from its output circuit, compares a feedback voltage associated with the output voltage of the output circuit with a reference voltage so as to control the output circuit. The power supply unit is enabled and disabled in response to an externally supplied operation command signal. The reference voltage is generated by a reference voltage generation circuit, which is operable on the voltage of the operation command signal, and is controllably enabled when the voltage of the operation command signal exceeds a predetermined level, but otherwise disabled. Thus, the reference voltage is stabilized to improve the ripple rejection characteristic of the power supply unit without increasing its current consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taichi Hoshino, Hiroki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20120032531
    Abstract: A power bank apparatus with speaker combines the function of power bank and the function of speaker. The power bank apparatus not only charges the portable electronic apparatuses but also supplies power to the internal speaker. The voice or music of the portable electronic apparatus is amplified by the speaker of the power bank apparatus to improve the quality of the voice or music.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Yu-Hung CHENG
  • Patent number: 8106542
    Abstract: A power source includes a plurality of cells, a positive output, a negative output, a number of positive switches, a number of negative switches, and a number of serializing switches. Each of the cells includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Each of the positive switches is for connecting a corresponding positive electrode to the positive output. Each of the negative switches is for connecting a corresponding negative electrode to the negative output. Each of the serializing switches is for connecting a positive electrode of a corresponding cell to a negative electrode of an adjacent cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Lai
  • Publication number: 20120007446
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inverter that supplies power using a battery pack mounted on a mobile device. The inverter includes a case having a receiving part in which a battery pack is to be received, a control part disposed within the case to convert a voltage of the battery pack into a preset output voltage, and an external terminal disposed outside the case. The output voltage converted by the control part is output through the external terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Huntae Ro
  • Publication number: 20110311842
    Abstract: An electric cell arrangement includes a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series with each other. With a combination of secondary batteries of different types, the electric cell arrangement provides a range of operating voltage and a capacity that is better fit for the need of an electric power consuming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jang-Chung FANG
  • Patent number: 8076796
    Abstract: An adaptive power supply span powers devices used in telecommunications. It includes a power circuit and control circuit that receives power and sense signals therefrom and provides a control signal thereto and distinguishes between a first network interface load having a constant voltage input power requirement and a second network interface unit load having a constant current input power requirement. A voltage control circuit and current control circuit are interconnected together and connected to the power circuit. A control signal from the voltage control circuit and current control circuit extends to the power circuit. The control circuit maintains a fixed output voltage for constant voltage regulation for the first network interface unit load, if the output current remains below a threshold current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Robinson, Jeremy Zoller
  • Patent number: 8067860
    Abstract: The invention is based on an electric device, in particular an electric hand tool, having a removable power supply unit (18, 70, 104), an accommodation region (16, 102, 132, 144, 156) for accommodating the power supply unit (18, 70, 104), and a locking device (20, 76, 114, 134, 146, 154) for locking the power supply unit (18, 70, 104) to the accommodation region (16, 102, 132, 144, 156). It is proposed that the locking device (20, 76, 114, 134, 146, 154) is provided for the purpose of unlocking the power supply unit (18, 70, 104) from a locked state—by means of a force which is exerted on the power supply unit (18, 70, 104) and moves the entire power supply unit (18, 70, 104) in relation to the accommodation region (16, 102, 132, 144, 156).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erhard Hoffmann, Jan Breitenbach, Marcin Rejman
  • Patent number: 8061864
    Abstract: Furniture components, such as office furniture components, that are configured to include electronic components that transfer electrical power to peripheral electronic devices via wireless technologies, including conductive and inductive technologies. The articles of furniture may include grommet devices received within work surfaces, the grommet devices incorporating or housing the electronics of wireless power systems. The articles of furniture may also include the electronics of wireless power systems physically embedded or integrated within work surfaces in a manner in which the continuous surfaces of the work surfaces are maintained, and the work surfaces may optionally further include lighting or other indication features to indicate the locations of the electronics to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Metcalf, Terry Carroll, Jay M. Henriott, Samial Keith Johnson, Donald Woods
  • Publication number: 20110279090
    Abstract: A portable power system for handheld battery-powered device comprises a power source containing a universal, non OEM battery, a power cord connected to the power source forming an electrical connection, and a battery connection adaptor, connected to the power cord, configured to be electrically connected to the handheld battery powered device, permitting users to replace the original equipment battery with a universal battery that can accommodate any similar voltage DC powered handheld device from any manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: DONALD L. BAUER
  • Publication number: 20110278957
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, an apparatus, and a method. A described system includes a portable energy source configured to supply electrical or radiant power and configured to be carried proximate to a first body portion of a health care provider. The system also includes a power-output connector configured to releasably couple with a power-receiving connector connected to a handheld medical device, the power-output connector configured to be carried proximate to a second body portion at a position distal of a shoulder joint of the health care provider. If coupled, the power-output connector and the power-receiving connector are operable to transfer the electrical or radiant power supplied by the portable energy source. The system further includes a connective structure configured to transfer the electrical or radiant power supplied by the portable energy source between the portable energy source and the power-output connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Philip Andrew Eckhoff, William Gates, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Erez Lieberman, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8058752
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the DC/DC converter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: MiaSole
    Inventors: Robert W. Erickson, Jr., Steven Croft, Shawn Everson, Aaron Schultz
  • Publication number: 20110260556
    Abstract: A personal portable power distribution apparatus including a portable central power source, a power management module coupled to receive power from the central power source, and a harness assembly having at least one power supply node for distributing power from the power management module, wherein the power management module is operable to control supply of power through each individual power supply node, each power supply node terminating in a like connector, and an adaptor module is fitted to a power input terminal of an electronic accessory device to adapt the device for operation with the power distribution apparatus by providing a corresponding connector suitable for interconnection with said like connector(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Miles Partridge, John Retelj, Anatoly Kaganov
  • Patent number: 8035342
    Abstract: A power pack arrangement for a laptop computer, wherein an AC/DC adapter is integrated with a battery pack to form one cohesive unit freely insertable into and removable from a laptop computer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Haixin Chai, Philip J. Jakes, Howard Locker
  • Patent number: 8030802
    Abstract: An apparatus for metered supply of a liquid medicament having a power supply which not only allows the primary battery to be replaced without interrupting the insulin supply, but also makes it possible to bridge uncontrolled short-term interruptions in the current supply or voltage supply resulting from bouncing of the battery contacts, while also providing an adequate emergency power reserve is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Stefan Lindegger, Reto Sigrist
  • Patent number: 8018098
    Abstract: A portable solar power supply system and its applying device are disclosed. The power supply system includes a receiving unit, a control block and a storage unit. After the receiving unit receives a solar power, the control block is used for storing the solar power into the storage unit. If a user wants to use a portable information processing device or other portable products, the portable solar power supply system supplies electric power to the device or product and extends the working time without limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Solar Focus Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Jui Lu, Kai-Shen Chen
  • Patent number: 7986059
    Abstract: A charging system comprises circuitry adapted to devices to be charged, including a power receiver module embedded or molded into form-fit case, e.g., gel-skin, that attaches physically and electrically to the device to be charged and that effectively receives power either conductively or inductively from a power delivery surface of a recharging pad on which the devices are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pure Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Publication number: 20110163725
    Abstract: A battery-powered device can be simultaneously coupled to a non-battery power supply and to information signals from a battery. Power contacts on the device are coupled to the power supply, while one or more information contacts on the battery are coupled to corresponding contacts on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Jason Putnam
  • Patent number: 7957769
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display device and a mobile phone wherein if a shock of falling or the like, is added to a housing, the shock is hard to transmit to an end face of the display device are provided. For a shock acting on a housing 11 by falling or the like, since a projection portion 36 having a recess 36a is provided between an inner wall 31 of an accommodation portion 30 and a frame 33, the shock from the inner wall 31 is relieved or absorbed by the projection portion 36, particularly, the recess 36a. Accordingly, if a shock of falling or the like, is added to the housing 11, a display device 40 can be protected from the shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Mochizuki, Hidehiro Yanagibashi
  • Publication number: 20110121665
    Abstract: To solve or mitigate the problem of lacking the “last mile” connection to a power grid, the invention provides a power supply apparatus for supplying electric energy to a plurality of devices. The apparatus comprises a power dock (130) configured to electrically couple to a power pack (110), wherein the power pack is configured to store electric energy; and a plurality of connectors each being configured to supply electric energy from the power dock to one of the plurality of devices (132, 134, 136). By utilizing the power pack, particularly a removable super capacitor (112), accessing power becomes easier for those people living away from power grids or suffering from an unstable power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Chenyang Liu, Hendrikus Albertus Adrianus Maria de Ruijter, Levinus Pieter Bakker
  • Publication number: 20110101794
    Abstract: A portable power supply device comprises a stackable battery housing locating a plurality of batteries therein and an inverter housing locating an inverter therein which is arranged to convert the direct current from the batteries to an alternating current. The inverter housing is readily separable from the battery housing such that one or more battery housings can be readily interchangeable to provide a constant supply of power and to allow a variety of charging configurations of the batteries. First electrical connectors on the battery housing and second electrical connectors on the inverter housing automatically connect the inverter to the batteries upon stacking of the inverter housing on the battery housing. Furthermore charging terminals are mounted externally on the inverter housing for ready access to connect to a charging device in a convenient manner without requiring the housings to be opened or separated form one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Kirk Schroeder, Dion Friesen
  • Patent number: 7932638
    Abstract: An electronic system which includes a power delivery surface that delivers electrical power to an electrical or electronic device. The power delivery surface may be powered by any electrical power source, including, but not limited to: wall electrical outlet, solar power system, battery, vehicle cigarette lighter system, direct connection to electrical generator device, and any other electrical power source. The power delivery surface delivers power to the electronic device wirelessly. The power delivery surface may deliver power via a plurality of contacts on the electrical device conducting electricity from the power delivery surface. The electrical device may be mobile device. Each contact may be shaped to improve power delivery reliability. The power delivery surface may further include circuitry to protect against accidental electrocutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pure Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Publication number: 20110080059
    Abstract: A downsized electric junction box and a power supply device having the same are provided. The electric junction box includes: a box main body including a connector engagement portion to be engaged with a connector and relay mount portions for mounting relays; and a wiring unit received in the box main body including mount portions mounted on a bottom wall of a lower case of the box main body and a plurality of terminal portions positioned inside the connector engagement portion and extending from the mount portions. A terminal positioning portion of the lower case includes a planar wall positioning the terminal portions on a surface thereof, extending walls extending from between the adjacent terminal portions, and parallely-projecting walls each projecting from an end of the extending wall in parallel with the planar wall. The mount portion includes a cutout portion through which the parallely-projecting wall is passed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ikeda, Yoshinobu Furuya
  • Publication number: 20110080058
    Abstract: An electric junction box, having a terminal portion positioned in the connector engagement portion and arranged perpendicular to a direction along which case members attach each other, which can be assembled easily without increasing the number of components and manufacturing cost is provided. Also, a power supply device having the above-described electric junction box is provided. The electric junction box includes: a box main body having a connector engagement portion and an upper case attached to a lower case in an overlapping relationship; and a bus bar received in the box main body. The lower case includes a bottom wall portion, a positioning wall and peripheral walls. The bus bar includes the terminal portion positioned in the connector engagement portion, a positioning plate portion and a mount portion. The peripheral wall includes a cutout portion allowing the positioning plate portion to move into and out from the lower case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ikeda, Yoshinobu Furuya
  • Patent number: 7911757
    Abstract: A travel outlet device is for connecting between an adapter and a power cable. The travel outlet device includes a case, a PCB and at least one power outlet unit. The case is connected with a power input portion and a power output portion. The PCB has a surge-protected circuit and is disposed inside the case. The PCB is electrically connected with the power input portion and the power output portion. The power outlet unit is disposed with the case and electrically connected with the PCB. Accordingly, the travel outlet device can provide the adapter surge-protected function so that users can get more power outlet units to connect to other electric equipments for convenient use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hui Hsu, Ming-Chou Kuo, Yu-Lung Lee
  • Patent number: 7911088
    Abstract: An improved battery, monitoring circuit and method for communicating with the battery is provided. Such batteries and communication methods are particularly useful in UPS systems that use such batteries to provide back-up power to electrical loads. In one aspect, performance, manufacturing, trend and/or other data are stored in non-volatile memory of the battery and are communicated to an external system such as a UPS. In another aspect, a method for communicating via single-wire interface is provided. In one aspect, a same interface is used to communicate with both conventional batteries and improved batteries having increased monitoring capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Srdan Mutabdzija, Eyob Demissie, Francis J. Masciarelli, Michael Falcinelli