For Diverse Sizes Of Cells, Batteries, Or Battery Packs Patents (Class 320/110)
  • Patent number: 10243192
    Abstract: A modular case having similarly sized U-shaped sections that enclose energy storage cells and a battery management system. Additional modules can be ganged together to increase the energy storage and output capacity. Removable panels in the sections can be removed for the installation of jacks and a status display. Various charging sources can be coupled to the module including solar, generator and AC mains for charging. An output switch selectively delivers AC mains power when available, and then switches to battery power during periods of AC mains unavailability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bren-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Casebolt, Richard Cecchini, Alan Squillante, Henry Paczkowski, Peter J. Burke, Sai Fung
  • Patent number: 10236927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective case apparatus for a mobile terminal, having a case base body having a baseplate region for covering a rear of the terminal. The baseplate region has an abutment area for abutting the rear of the mobile terminal. The case base body also has side walls that are integrally molded on the baseplate region and are each configured to directly abut a respective narrow side of the mobile terminal and thereby to hold the mobile terminal against the abutment area. The case base body has only three side walls and one short side of the abutment area is without a wall. When the mobile terminal is arranged in the protective case apparatus, a narrow side of the mobile terminal that is arranged on the short side is not covered by the case base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Holger Thiel
  • Patent number: 10191117
    Abstract: To provide a battery pack capable of performing a highly accurate prediction of a remaining power of a battery while being low in cost. A battery remaining power predicting device includes a voltage detection portion which measures a voltage and a temperature of a battery, a computing portion which predicts and calculates a remaining power of the battery, and a controller which controls the computing portion, and has a battery remaining power predicting flow for regressively calculating the battery remaining power, and a secular change estimating flow for estimating a secular change in battery characteristics, using a case where a battery current is in a constant current state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ABLIC INC.
    Inventor: Eiki Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 10193362
    Abstract: A terminal support and a wireless charging device are disclosed. The terminal support includes a base with a placing surface used for placing a terminal; a force generation module; and a control module connected to the force generation module, wherein the control module is configured to control the force generation module to generate a force which acts on the terminal to change a relative position relationship between the terminal and the placing surface. A wireless charging device is further disclosed and the wireless charging device includes the terminal support. The terminal support controls the terminal placed on the base, the terminal and the placing surface are controlled to produce relative movement therebetween, and corresponding control can be performed according to a state parameter of the terminal or an instruction input by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: XI'AN ZHONGXING NEW SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhihua Xiao, Chang Xu, Cuifeng Chen, Zhiyuan Chen
  • Patent number: 10101768
    Abstract: A digital book includes a casing adapted to fold open and shut like a book and having a folding axis, a main part, and a secondary part together forming a book back part. A display unit consists of at least two parts arranged such that when the casing is folded out, the main part and the secondary part are each presented with at least one screen each, like pages of a book. A control unit has means for receiving, storing, processing, and reproducing information, and an operating unit has operating elements for using the digital book as a device for receiving/processing/reproducing information. A supply unit has a receiving opening and a guide and supply pin, by means of each the digital book can be plugged in when the casing is folded shut, for inputting and outputting information, for supplying energy, and for storing the digital book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn Rolus Borgward
  • Patent number: 10098383
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a device for detecting and charging electronic articles, and more particularly for charging batteries in electronic cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 4 B.V.
    Inventors: Ramon Alarcon, David Blau, Christopher Kepner
  • Patent number: 10075002
    Abstract: An electricity storage system comprising: a plurality of cartridges connected together in parallel, each cartridge comprising a plurality of cells connected together, and a circuit for preventing cross current, which restricts the current in each cartridge so as to cause the current to flow in one direction selected from a discharge direction and a charge direction, wherein said cartridges connected together in parallel are simultaneously charged with a direct current voltage converted from a commercial voltage, or said cartridges connected together in parallel are caused to discharge simultaneously so that said electricity storage system outputs a commercial voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaru Heishi, Masashi Kanoh, Mitsuhide Nogami, Akio Shokaku
  • Patent number: 10046658
    Abstract: An electrical cable assembly is provided with an electrical connector sized to be received into an electrical outlet. A cable is in electrical communication with the electrical connector. A lockable connector is in electrical communication with the cable. An adapter receptacle is sized to receive the lockable connector for electrical communication with the lockable connector. The lockable connector is lockable within the adapter receptacle. A vehicle connector assembly is in electrical communication with the adapter receptacle and is sized to be received by a vehicle receptacle to convey current to the vehicle receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Mueller, David A. Hein, Mary Mueller, Aric Henderson Anglin
  • Patent number: 9991730
    Abstract: A charger for a starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) battery is provided. The charger includes a base unit having a pair of terminals that are adapted to engage a pair of conductive terminals coupled to a battery unit to electrically couple the base unit to the battery unit. The charger also includes charging circuitry having power conversion circuitry that is adapted to receive primary power and to convert the primary power to a battery power output compatible with a charging voltage of the battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Christine M. Feuell, Rebecca M. Conway, Julia A. Mazur, James C. Douglass, Kurt R. Dickmann, Feng Xue, William E. Spears, Deborah G. Spanic, Nancy I. Guerra Garcia
  • Patent number: 9923393
    Abstract: An energy storage and power supply system includes a body having a first end and an opposing second end, a battery pack disposed within the body, a first connector disposed at the first end of the body and electrically coupled to the battery pack, the first connector including a male connector configured to receive electrical power to charge the battery pack, a second connector disposed at the opposing second end of the body and electrically coupled to the battery pack, the second connector including a female connector configured to provide a power output from the battery pack, and a collar slidably coupled to the opposing second end of the body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The collar is configured to engage with and thereby retain an accessory when selectively reoriented into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred Lillywhite, Jaremy Butler, Walker Ford, Keyvan Vasefi, Sterling Robison, Michael Roner
  • Patent number: 9912175
    Abstract: A universal battery harvester which harvests energy from a plurality of different batteries and stores the harvested energy in an onboard storage battery under control of a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: 9609385 CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Timothy D. F. Ford
  • Patent number: 9893559
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having at least one solar panel arranged to generate electrical energy for delivery to a battery within the housing, wherein the at least one solar panel is foldable about the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sunbird Engineering Limited
    Inventor: William Harold Pike, II
  • Patent number: 9871484
    Abstract: A power tool system includes a first power tool having a first power tool rated voltage, a second power tool having a second power tool rated voltage that is different from the first power tool rated voltage, and a first battery pack coupleable to the first power tool and to the second power tool. The first battery pack is switchable between a first configuration having a first battery pack rated voltage that corresponds to the first power tool rated voltage such that the first battery pack enables operation of the first power tool, and a second configuration having a convertible battery pack rated voltage that corresponds to the second power tool rated voltage such that the battery pack enables operation of the second power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Andrew E Seman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9853493
    Abstract: A diode is provided in a first supply route for the electric power from an AC adaptor, rectifies the current from the AC adaptor and, at the output side thereof, is connected to a second supply route for the electric power from an AC adaptor. A detecting unit is connected to the input side of the diode in the first supply route and, based on the voltage that is input from the first supply route, detects whether the AC adaptor is connected. A resistance control unit reduces the combined resistance between the ground and the input side of the diode when the temperature of the device, including the diode, is equal to or more than a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Kazuki Komiya
  • Patent number: 9847517
    Abstract: A battery pack for a hand-held power tool includes at least one interface for establishing a mechanical and/or electrical connection of the battery pack to a hand-held power tool and/or a charging device, the interface having a guide arrangement for attaching the battery pack on the hand-held power tool and/or the charging device along a contacting direction y, and at least four contact elements for electrical contacting of corresponding counter-contact elements on the hand-held power tool and/or corresponding counter-contact elements on the charging device. At least two contact elements are thereby situated offset from one another in the direction of the contacting direction y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Florian Schmehl
  • Patent number: 9831695
    Abstract: A device includes a battery pack receptacle that removably connects to one of multiple adapters for an associated battery pack that is used for a cordless device. At least one accessory device is connected to the battery pack receptacle. Power from the associated battery pack is used as a power source for the at least one accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Custom LeatherCraft Mfg., LLC
    Inventors: Ron A. Pickens, Matthew D. Noble
  • Patent number: 9801293
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for energy storage/delivery device mounting. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting plate comprising (i) a plurality of plate mounting features for securing the mounting plate to at least one structure; (ii) a plurality of spatial alignment features for spatially aligning the mounting plate with a second mounting plate; and (iii) at least one energy storage/delivery device mounting feature for mating with a corresponding feature of the energy storage/delivery device to removably mount the energy storage/delivery device on the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Fornage
  • Patent number: 9793721
    Abstract: A system and method for distributed charging of mobile devices. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a secondary coil or receiver associated with a mobile device. When the mobile device is placed in proximity to a base unit having one or more primary coils, each primary coil having a generally planar shape so that when a current is passed through the primary coil a magnetic field is generated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary coil, the perpendicular magnetic field is used to inductively generate a current in the secondary coil or receiver associated with the mobile device, to charge or power the mobile device. In accordance with various embodiments the system can incorporate efficiency measures that improve the efficiency of power transfer between the charger and receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mojo Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Afshin Partovi, Michael Sears
  • Patent number: 9780588
    Abstract: An electronic system may include a charging device and an electronic device. The charging device may include an input port, a charge circuit, a storage, and a connector device. The charging device may receive a direct current (DC) voltage at the input port. The charge circuit may receive the DC voltage and provide a charged voltage to the storage. The electronic device may include a body, a battery, a first pad directly on the battery and a second pad directly on the battery. The battery may receive the DC charged voltage when the electronic device is coupled to the charging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew Keates
  • Patent number: 9768628
    Abstract: A system wearable on a body part of a user. The system includes an electronic device powered by a primary power source, and a circuitry coupled to the electronic device. The system also includes a removable secondary power source configured to charge the primary power source with secondary power when coupled to the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ram Fish, James Schuessler, Frank Settemo Nuovo, Sheldon George Phillips
  • Patent number: 9755446
    Abstract: A mobile charging table and a method of use are configured for ease of mobility and ease of service. The table has a tabletop, a base, a battery powered charging hub, and a battery compartment. The tabletop may be connected to the base by a hinge arrangement permitting tabletop movement between its first and second positions. Movement of the tabletop to its second position exposes an opening of the battery compartment for servicing a battery that supplies power to the charging hub. In the flipped down position, the tabletop extends substantially horizontally to overlie the opening in the battery compartment and to allow user(s) to use the tabletop as a workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Palmer Hamilton, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Allen Schreiner, John Gregory Gardner, Tod Andrew Friske
  • Patent number: 9751418
    Abstract: A charge managing system includes a power receiving device 102 for receiving, from a commercial power supply 1, power to be used for charge, a storage battery 104 for accumulating power to be used for charge, a rapid charger 105 for performing charge to an electric vehicle, and a charge managing server 106 for controlling the rapid charger 105 and calculating a charge capacity of the rapid charger 105. The charge managing server 106 includes a communicating unit 1061 for acquiring information on power that can be used for charge from the power receiving device 102 and the storage battery 104, and rated output information on the rapid charger 105, and a charge-capacity calculating unit 1062 for calculating a charge capacity of the rapid charger 105, based on power that can be used for charge from the power receiving device 102 and the storage battery 104, and rated output power of the rapid charger 105.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Nyu
  • Patent number: 9748780
    Abstract: An electric power tool system comprises a tool main body, a battery pack detachably attached to the tool main body and a first charger that charges the battery pack. The first charger is detachably attached to the tool main body and/or the battery pack. The first charger is capable of charging the battery pack while the battery pack is attached to the tool main body. The first charger is preferably cordless and contains at least rechargeable battery for storing energy to charge the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Takuya Umemura
  • Patent number: 9684036
    Abstract: A device is provided for characterising at least one element for storing energy via a capacitive effect. The device includes a measuring component for measuring the voltage across the terminals of the storing element and another measuring component for measuring the current flowing through the storing element, having response times of the same order of magnitude. The device includes a controller for controlling the measuring component and a calculator for calculating a statistical quantity from the measurements taken. The controller is configured to control the measuring component so that the voltage-measurement period and the current-measurement period overlap temporally by at least 70%, especially 90%, of a total period including the voltage and current-measurement periods. A method is also provided for characterising an element for storing energy via a capacitive effect and to an assembly including at least one element for storing energy via a capacitive effect and a characterising device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: BLUE SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Depond, Karine Lebras
  • Patent number: 9680334
    Abstract: A distribution board includes: a pack housing unit which houses a battery pack and includes a connecting unit; and a charge control unit. The battery pack includes a connecting terminal unit for charge and discharge of power and can supply power to the distribution board and another device different from the distribution board. The connecting unit is connectable to and disconnectable from the connecting terminal unit. The charge control unit converts AC power supplied from a power system into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the battery pack housed in the pack housing unit to charge the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Motoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 9662438
    Abstract: A medical device system is disclosed. The medical device system includes a first medical device and a second medical device. A remote interface including a touch screen is also included. The remote interface is in wireless communication with the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to provide a user interface to the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to receive user input through a touch screen. Also, a charging device is included. The charging device is configured to receive at least the first medical device and the remote interface and the charging device is configured to recharge a first medical device battery and the charging device is configured to recharge an interface battery in the remote interface. The charging device is connected to a personal computer wherein the personal computer provides information to the remote interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Kevin A. Durand, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Larry B. Gray, Gregg W. Rivinius, Gerald M. Guay, Bob D. Peret, Colin H. Murphy, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9660469
    Abstract: A multi-battery charging circuit is described and it includes an electric power detecting unit for detecting remaining amount of electric power of each battery; a charging deciding unit provided with a first amount of electric power threshold and for comparing the remaining amount detected with the first threshold; and a charging unit for charging a plurality of batteries with a first strategy in a first time period, and with a second strategy in a second time period when the remaining amount of electric power of one or more of the batteries is equal to a second amount of electric power threshold, and with a third strategy in a third time period when the remaining amount is equal to a third amount of electric power threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xianxi Li
  • Patent number: 9637093
    Abstract: A system and method for the rapid exchange of batteries in an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle contains a removable battery housed in the vehicle's undercarriage. The electric vehicle moves through the exchange system either by propelling itself or by being propelled by the system. As the vehicle is propelled forward, the removable battery within the vehicle is unlocked from the vehicle and replaced with a charged battery. The charged battery forces the removable battery out of the rear of the vehicle as the vehicle moves forward through the exchange. The vehicle remains powered throughout the exchange process. Once the charged battery is aligned in position under the vehicle and connected to the vehicle through corresponding contacts, the charged battery is located into place in the vehicle's undercarriage and the vehicle is ready for additional driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Peter C. Droste
  • Patent number: 9634506
    Abstract: A multi-battery charging circuit is described and it includes an electric power detecting unit for detecting remaining amount of electric power of each battery; a charging deciding unit provided with a first amount of electric power threshold and for comparing the remaining amount detected with the first threshold; and a charging unit for charging a plurality of batteries with a first strategy in a first time period, and with a second strategy in a second time period when the remaining amount of electric power of one or more of the batteries is equal to a second amount of electric power threshold, and with a third strategy in a third time period when the remaining amount is equal to a third amount of electric power threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xianxi Li
  • Patent number: 9601934
    Abstract: Provided is a charging stand which, with a simple structure, prevents a force applied to a power cord from being transmitted directly to a connecting portion between the charging stand and the power cord. A charging stand 100 comprises a housing 110 having a seat portion 114 for placing an electronic apparatus 300 thereon and a charging mechanism for charging the electronic apparatus 300 when the electronic apparatus 300 is placed on the seat portion 114. A cord winding structure 140 for winding thereon a power cord 220 adapted to be connected to the charging stand 100 is provided at a bottom surface of the housing 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NEC Platforms, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yohei Ikegami
  • Patent number: 9563246
    Abstract: An interface device, a vehicle having the same, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The interface device includes a port unit to which the external device is connected and is configured to transmit a first current transmitted from the multimedia player to the external device. A regulation unit is configured to regulate external power into a second current and a selection unit is configured to switch the first current transmitted to the port unit to the second current based on a mode of the external device. Merchantability is improved since an electronic device within the vehicle is rapidly charged using a USB port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung Jun Park
  • Patent number: 9548577
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 9543783
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery assembly for an electric vehicle is disclosed in the present invention. It includes at least one rechargeable battery module which has a number of rechargeable battery cells linked in series or in parallel for providing power to the electric vehicle, and a management unit, installed with a first program, for managing the rechargeable battery cells; and a charging module for providing power to the rechargeable battery module, including an updating unit connected to the charging module for automatically detecting version of the first program and updating the first program while a newer version is available while electrically connected to the rechargeable battery module. Battery management system of the rechargeable battery assembly can be updated by the updating unit. Therefore, the rechargeable battery module can be applied to different requirements with its best performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Go-Tech Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Wen Soong, Ching-Tsung Hu
  • Patent number: 9484757
    Abstract: A charging/discharging system includes a charging/discharging power unit for applying power to a battery cell, a chamber, a jig unit for holding the battery cell mounted in the chamber, an air conditioning unit for adjusting temperature and humidity in the chamber, and an interface unit for controlling the charging/discharging power unit, and for controlling the air conditioning unit, wherein the charging/discharging power unit, the chamber, the air conditioning unit, and the interface unit are combined as an integrated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Youl Yoon, Sang-Young Jin, Young-Hak Pyo, Ji-Hoon Sim
  • Patent number: 9479002
    Abstract: Battery pack circuits are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a battery pack including a rechargeable battery including a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal coupled to a common terminal, a discharge control switch coupled between the first battery terminal and a first discharging terminal, a charge control switch coupled between the first discharging terminal and a first charging terminal, wherein the battery pack is configured to provide a current to a load coupled between the first discharging terminal and the common terminal, and a processing circuitry configured to charge and discharge the battery by controlling the discharge control switch and the charge control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Hong An, Watson Doh
  • Patent number: 9454888
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for detecting internal cell faults using online and real-time sensing techniques, and providing an accurate and reliable early warning for the incoming failure of battery cells hours or days prior to failure. A system is configured to perform real-time and direct measurement of battery cell parameters of temperature, voltage, and AC impedance through online sensing. These parameters may be simultaneously processed using advanced probabilistic and/or fuzzy logic-based algorithms to provide an early warning for the incoming failure of battery cells in a battery pack. This technology may safeguard the LIB battery packs while allowing them to operate at or near 100% capacity in both transportation and stationary applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Xie, Jie Chen, Lingxi Li, Yaobin Chen
  • Patent number: 9450431
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a rechargeable battery pack configured to provide power to a device that also accepts at least one standard non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery pack comprises a housing for housing at least one battery cell and recharging circuitry. The at least one battery cell and the recharging circuitry is be housed substantially within the housing. The recharging circuitry is coupled with the at least one battery cell. The recharging circuitry is configured to charge the at least one battery cell when the battery pack is inserted into the device that also accepts at least one non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery back further comprises a protection circuit coupled with the recharging circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Gojenola, Paul Rymarz, Lawrence Carlson Tan, McKenzie Robert Keith, William Brian Greger, Alean Daniel
  • Patent number: 9431841
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for device charging. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method, which may include receiving, at a device, a request message to enter into a battery power supply mode; determining, by the device, whether to supply to a bus one of a battery source or a power charger source; and coupling, by the device based on the determining, one of the battery source or the power charger source to the bus to supply power to another device. Related systems, apparatus, and articles of manufacture may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Kai Inha, Juha Reinhold Backman, Pekka Talmola, Pekka E. Leinonen, Miika Tupala
  • Patent number: 9419258
    Abstract: A device includes a battery pack receptacle that removably connects to a particular adapter of multiple adapters for a particular associated battery pack that is used for a cordless device. A universal serial bus (USB) port is connected to the battery pack receptacle. The battery pack is used as a power source for the USB port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Custom LeatherCraft Manuf. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ron A. Pickens, Matthew D. Noble
  • Patent number: 9419446
    Abstract: A battery pack receptacle removably connects to a particular one of multiple battery pack adapters for particular battery packs used for cordless power tool devices. A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle is connected to the battery pack receptacle. The battery pack is used as a power source for the USB receptacle. Each of the multiple battery pack adapters is configured for a different type of battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Custom LeatherCraft Manuf. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ron A. Pickens, Matthew D. Noble
  • Patent number: 9418032
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing device detection and operational mode negotiation entirely over extant high-speed data bus pins or terminals. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatus are disclosed enabling detection, negotiation and serial/video data transfer over USB 2.0 data interface pins in order to consolidate pin count on the interface and associated connector. Existing USB detection mechanisms are also leveraged to the maximum extent so as to eliminate the need for additional detection protocols. This approach allows for smaller connector and parent device form factor, while still maintaining all of the functional capabilities required for that interface. The breadth of USB-capable devices supported by such an interface is also markedly improved over prior art techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jesse L. Dorogusker
  • Patent number: 9413181
    Abstract: There is disclosed a universal power pack, power supply and battery harvesting device. Generally, each comprises a receptacle for receiving at least one battery or battery pack having a different shape and/or nominal output voltage. A controller circuit is provided for regulating the output voltages and/or currents of the battery or batteries with the regulated voltage and current available at an output. The devices allow other devices to be powered or recharged, or batteries to be recharged. In a particular embodiment, a master cell and slave cell are provided wherein the slave cell continues to power attached devices when connection with the master cell is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE FLEWELLING FORD FAMILY TRUST
    Inventor: Timothy D. F. Ford
  • Patent number: 9377514
    Abstract: A secondary-battery maximum-capacity measuring apparatus, includes: a current dependency processing unit configured to convert an inter-terminal voltage and an open cell voltage of a secondary battery into values without depending on a load current based on an amount of change in relative value of a voltage during a time period when a constant current is drawn from the secondary battery; and an error calculation unit configured to compute errors of the inter-terminal voltage and the open cell voltage of the secondary battery, the inter-terminal voltage and the open cell voltage being converted by the current dependency processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Hamano, Ryuuta Tanaka, Masaru Nakagomi, Satoshi Yoshitake
  • Patent number: 9367071
    Abstract: An automobile electronic regulator includes a timing circuit, a signal circuit, a phase shift driving circuit, a pulse oscillation outputting circuit, an electronic switching circuit, and an electronic filtering circuit. An input terminal of the electronic filtering circuit is connected to an output terminal of the electronic switching circuit, for supplying the timing circuit, the signal circuit and the phase shift driving circuit with an accurate and stable voltage. The output terminal of the signal circuit is connected to an input terminal of the phase shift driving circuit via a circuit for accelerating and limiting, for driving and amplifying a phase shift of a signal of a generated rectangular square wave. The phase shift driving circuit supplies the pulse oscillation outputting circuit with a phase shift amplification signal. The pulse oscillation outputting circuit uploads a pulse signal to an automobile-mounted inductive load system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventors: Haoyu Sun, Jianpeng Sun
  • Patent number: 9316781
    Abstract: A linear light source device comprises a wiring substrate in a rectangular shape and having a wiring pattern formed thereon, a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the wiring substrate in a longitudinal direction of the wiring substrate and connected with the wiring pattern on the wiring substrate, and a sealing resin that seals the light emitting elements, wherein the linear light source device is to be arranged on a side surface of a light guiding plate to form a planar light source device, and an external connection terminal is arranged on a surface of the wiring substrate that is opposite to a surface of the wiring substrate where the light emitting element are arranged and in a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the wiring substrate, and connected with the wiring pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Kokubu, Yuhki Ito
  • Patent number: 9306243
    Abstract: Techniques for optimizing battery usage are provided. The techniques include sensing energy level of a battery, comparing the sensed energy level of the battery to a predetermined energy threshold for the battery, and controlling energy flow to and from the battery based on the comparison of the sensed energy level and the energy threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sara H. Basson, Rick Hamilton, Dimitri Kanevsky, Tara N. Sainath
  • Patent number: 9302595
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle having a traction battery with a plurality of cell groups each having a plurality of serially connected battery cells include balancing each cell of each cell group with a corresponding autonomous cell balancing circuit, and coupling a single output associated with each cell group to an associated battery monitoring circuit. An integrated driver and switch circuit adapts the voltage from an associated cell group for powering battery monitoring integrated circuits with a voltage range corresponding to a single cell voltage range to facilitate use of an existing battery monitoring integrated circuit design and subsequent input to a microprocessor-based battery controller. Cell balancing is performed at each cell with a battery monitor circuit associated with each group of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush, Tuyen Quoc Tran
  • Patent number: 9276421
    Abstract: Embodiments include a portable rechargeable battery pack, system, and external adapter that allow the portable rechargeable battery pack to both power a host device though a set of host contacts and provide power through a set of charging contacts. The portable rechargeable battery pack includes a charge protection circuit that prevents an excessive discharge current through the charging contacts and allows high charge current when charging the portable rechargeable battery pack. A discharge circuit allows a low level discharge current through the charging contacts to provide power to other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Weissinger, Jr., Warren B. Albert, Donald L. Flowers, Charles W. Friedli, John E. Herrmann, Viranga L. Wijeratne
  • Patent number: 9263905
    Abstract: An AC digital universal charger is provided, wherein a button spring and a pushing button are provided at a middle part of a pushing cover; a pressure baffle is provided at a front part of the pushing cover; an AA cathode spring, a pressure spring and an AA cathode hardware are provided on the pressure baffle; a positioning bolt is connected to a positioning block; the positioning block and the pressure clasp are mounted to a lower part of the pushing slip cover via an AA cathode connecting screw and an AA cathode connecting hardware; and the clasp bolt is further connected to a lower part of the pushing button by inserting. A battery is positioned and charged by energizing the charger, putting the battery at a battery zone, adjusting the charger buttons, pressing down the pushing button to further press the battery tightly and then releasing the pushing button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN BENMER ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jinhai Pan
  • Patent number: 9240703
    Abstract: A power supply system for EV and a control method thereof are provided, the system including a high voltage battery formed with a plurality of battery cells and generating a power driving source to a motor of the EV, and a low voltage battery generating a power driving source for electrical load, and an OBC (On-Board-Charger) selectively charging a high voltage battery or a low voltage battery using an externally-supplied AC power source based on an output voltage level of the low voltage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Jin Jang