For Battery Pack Patents (Class 320/112)
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Patent number: 8742724Abstract: A battery pack for power tool includes a battery, a monitoring circuit, and a sleep mode switching unit. The battery includes at least one battery cell. The monitoring circuit is operated by receiving power supply from the battery. The sleep mode switching unit switches the battery pack to a sleep mode by stopping at least a part or all of operations of the monitoring circuit when the monitoring circuit detects a discharge end state where a discharge current from the battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined set current value, and the monitoring circuit further detects at least one of a voltage stable state where a voltage change amount in the battery cell is within a predetermined stable range of voltage change amount and a temperature stable state where a temperature change amount in the battery is within a predetermined stable range of temperature change amount.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Tadahiko Kobayakawa, Tomoo Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8733470Abstract: An electric machine tool may include an interface via which the electric machine tool can be mechanically and electrically connected to a battery pack. A coupling apparatus may be provided, which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the electric machine tool via the interface. The coupling apparatus may include a first battery interface for connection to a first battery pack and a second battery interface for connection to a second battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolf Matthias, Rainer Glauning
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Patent number: 8738309Abstract: A method of repairing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and a battery test result for each of the batteries tested are obtained and stored in a database. A plurality of replacement batteries are tested and test results for each of the replacement batteries are stored in the database. The battery test results from the database are retrieved and used to create a refurbished battery pack. An apparatus includes a database for storing test results.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
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Patent number: 8723526Abstract: An internal resistance testing device includes an excitation source and a battery pack, an adjustable resistance R, a sampling unit, and a control unit. The excitation source and the battery pack form a loop circuit. The adjustable resistance R may be located at the loop circuit formed by the excitation source and the battery pack. The sampling unit samples the voltage between two sides of the battery pack, the voltage between two sides of the adjustable resistance R, and the value of the adjustable resistance R. The control unit calculates internal resistance of the battery pack according to the signal value collected by the sampling unit. The internal resistances of different voltage-ranges the battery pack are determined by adjusting the value of the adjustable resistance R to cause the actual excitation voltage to be equal to the range voltage of the sampling unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.Inventors: Xiaofeng Shen, Junna Peng
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Patent number: 8723479Abstract: A battery pack, a charger, and a charging system. The battery pack includes a rechargeable battery, and a protection circuit to control charging and discharging of the battery, wherein the protection circuit includes a micom to output an operating state signal representing an operating state of the micom and a malfunction transferring unit to transfer information on whether the battery is malfunctioning based on the operating state signal. Accordingly, when an error is detected by the protection circuit of the battery pack, charging is stopped, and thus the battery pack may be stably charged.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Beom-Gyu Kim, Susumu Segawa, Eui-Jeong Hwang, Se-Sub Sim, Jong-Woon Yang, Han-Seok Yun, Jin-Wan Kim
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Patent number: 8716979Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically isolating an ambulatory medical device for infusing treatment materials into a patient when the medical device is connected to a peripheral device via an active communication cable. In one embodiment, the ambulatory medical device includes first circuitry controlling infusion of a medicament to the patient by a fluid conduit connectable to the patient and second circuitry controlling communications when an active communication cable is connected to the medical device. The first and second circuitry are electrically isolated using a pair of first and second isolation transceivers, where the first pair of isolation transceivers communicate a control signal and the second pair of isolation transceivers are giant magneto-resistive (GMR) transceivers that communicate at least one data signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.Inventors: Michael Welsch, Michael Treppa, Russell Kuenzi, Ronald Dohmen
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Patent number: 8704483Abstract: A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
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Patent number: 8704485Abstract: A battery pack system is disclosed. The battery pack system includes a plurality of battery pack modules that are each configured to be concurrently and removably attached to a base. Each battery pack module includes batteries arranged in a plurality of parallel groups that are connected in series. Each parallel group includes a plurality of batteries connected in parallel. Additionally or alternately, the base has electronics that connect the battery pack modules in a plurality of system parallel groups that are connected in series. Each system parallel group includes a plurality of battery pack modules connected in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Quallion LLCInventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, Taison Tan
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Publication number: 20140103876Abstract: A battery pack and a method of controlling the same. The battery pack includes: a first battery module that includes at least one battery cell; a second battery module that includes at least one battery cell electrically connected to the first battery module; a charge/discharge control unit that breaks or connects a charge/discharge path of each of the first battery module and the second battery module; a first battery management unit that controls the first battery module; and a second battery management unit that generates a signal for controlling switches included in the charge/discharge control unit by referring to a state of the second battery module, wherein the first battery management unit and the second battery management unit are connected in parallel to the charge/discharge control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Bong-Young KIM, Ki-Ho SHIN
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Patent number: 8698790Abstract: A power driver for applying a voltage necessary for driving a gate driver for a display panel includes a first booster, a voltage selector, and a second booster. The first booster receives a voltage from a battery and generates a first voltage. The voltage selector selects one of the first voltage and a second voltage generated outside the power driver and applied to the display panel. The second booster receives an output of the voltage selector and generates a voltage necessary for the driving of the gate driver.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wook Lee
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Patent number: 8686683Abstract: A charge clip having a main body and plug received through an aperture therein includes a cradle for holding a personal electronic instrument (PEI) thereon. The plug is inserted into a wall outlet and the main body is selectively rotationally moveable with respect to the plug so that the main body is maintained in a vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the wall outlet. The plug includes at least one rib that is selectively engageable with at least one notch formed in the aperture, preventing rotational movement of the main body with respect to the plug. The plug further includes an AC/DC conversion circuit that converts standard AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for charging the PEI. The charge clip further includes at least one USB port in electrical communication with the AC/DC conversion circuit that receives a USB plug in electrical communication with the PEI.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Audiovox CorporationInventors: Henry Dale Caskey, David Anthony Benedetti
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Patent number: 8687334Abstract: A controller 43 turns on a semiconductor switch 41 in a normal mode, and turns off the semiconductor switch 41 in a sleep mode. A bypass resistor 5 is connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch 41. A resistance value of the bypass resister 5 is so large as that in the sleep mode, a dark current is supplied to an electronic device 3 via the bypass resistor 5, and if an electric wire downstream of the bypass resistor is short-circuited, an electric current more than a permissive current is prevented from flowing to the electric wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Keisuke Ueta, Akinori Maruyama, Yoshihide Nakamura, Yoshinori Ikuta, Hideo Suganuma
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Patent number: 8684106Abstract: A battery pack 10 includes a housing 11, a group of cells 12, a board 13, a plurality of second terminals 14, and a cover 15. An opening 16c is formed in the housing 11. The board 13 has a terminal arranging part 13A. A plurality of the second terminals 14 are arranged on the terminal arranging part 13A of the board 13. The cover 15 has a plate-like shape, and covers an area of the board 13 which is positioned between the terminal arranging part 13A and the opening 16c.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hanawa, Kousei Yokoyama, Keita Saitou
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Patent number: 8686689Abstract: A battery assembly includes a bare cell; a protection circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell and having a first terminal portion; a holder case between the bare cell and the protection circuit module, the holder case having a second terminal portion, a terminal connection portion connected to the second terminal portion and an insulating support, wherein the protection circuit module is coupled to the holder case such that the first terminal portion is electrically coupled to the terminal connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-Joo Lee
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Patent number: 8679662Abstract: A battery gas discharge system is provided having a floorpan with an outlet and a fastener aperture. The outlet and the fastener aperture are laterally spaced from each other. The system also includes a battery module with a base for resting upon the floorpan. An attachment aperture and a vent aperture are formed through the base. The attachment aperture and the vent aperture are laterally spaced from each other. A gas discharge mechanism defines a passageway for gas discharge between the battery module and the vent aperture. The gas discharge mechanism includes a vent port that is coupled to the vent aperture and sized for receiving discharged gas. The vent port is adapted for mating with and forming a seal about the outlet by securing the base to the floorpan during assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Patrick Daniel Maguire, Sarav Paramasivam, Hari Addanki
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Patent number: 8679657Abstract: A battery pack that can prevent an electrical short of a lead tab that electrically connects a battery cell and a protective circuit module. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, a protective circuit module electrically connected to the battery cells, a case including a lower case in which the battery cells and the protective circuit module are mounted, and an upper case coupled to the lower case, a cell tab electrically connected to electrode terminals of the battery cells and extending to the outside of the case, a protective circuit electrically connected to the protective circuit module and extending to the outside of the case, and a connection tab formed at the outside of the case and electrically connecting the cell tab and the protective circuit tab.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sangil Yi
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Patent number: 8670799Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Simon Book, Martin George Albert Guthrie, Jonathan Quinn Brubacher, Herbert Anthony Little
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Patent number: 8664917Abstract: The present disclosure includes an adapter and associated method of use for mobile unit (MU) charging and communication that enables multiple connector types to be utilized with a single charger or charging station. The adapter enables standardization of a connector scheme on newer MUs while maintaining compatibility with current or older MU devices. Specifically, the adapter resides between the MU and a charging device or station. The adapter may include various connector features mimicking connectors of various different MUs, thus allowing it to interface with a device of a different connector design. Advantageously, the adapter enables enterprises to deploy various cradles throughout facilities and achieves universal connections for a plurality of different MUs. In an exemplary embodiment, the adapter provides connectivity between various MUs and their associated cradles and a hook and pivoting latching system.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ian Jenkins, Hoon Lim, Wen-Tsia Liu, Richard Martin
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Publication number: 20140055093Abstract: A charger of the present invention may include a plurality of battery connection parts to which battery packs can be connected to charge, with each battery connection part having an indicator. The indicators may be configured such that when charging is expected to be completed more quickly in a first battery connection part compared to a second battery connection part, the indicator of the first battery connection part is displayed differently from the indicator of the second battery connection part.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Tomoo MURAMATSU, Yasuhiro TABUCHI
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Publication number: 20140055092Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery to propel the vehicle. The traction battery includes a plurality of cells that are each selectively connected to a resistor. A controller or controllers are provided that are configured to control the charging and discharging of the cells. The controller or controllers command the battery or a selected group of cells of the battery to discharge in response to a fault or triggering condition. The discharge enables the battery or the group of cells to achieve a state of charge of approximately zero or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: John Paul Gibeau
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Patent number: 8659264Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Brandon, II, Jason M. Barr, Peter F. Hoffman, David A. Furth, Rachel P. Devereaux, Mandy R. Iswarienko
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Patent number: 8653790Abstract: An electrical combination. The electrical combination comprises a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a hand held power tool, a control component, and a semiconducting switch. The transfer of power from the battery pack to the hand held power tool is controlled by the control component and the switch based on one of a battery pack state of charge and a respective state of charge of one of a plurality of battery cells. A discharge current of the battery pack is regulated based on the switch being controlled into one of a first state and a second state by the control component to selectively enable the transfer power from the plurality of battery cells to the hand held power tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
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Patent number: 8643335Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes: a plurality of power supply units; a positive polarity coupling portion; and a negative polarity coupling portion; each of the power supply units is provided with: battery units; first relays connected in series to the battery units, capable of disconnecting electrical connection between the battery units and any one of the positive polarity coupling portion and the negative polarity coupling portion; resistor elements having one ends which are connected to the battery units between the battery units and the first relay; a resistor coupling portion; and a second relay connected to the resistor coupling portion, capable of disconnecting electrical connection between the resistor coupling portion and any one of the positive polarity coupling portion and the negative polarity coupling portion which is connected to the first relays, the second relay having fewer in number than the number of the power supply units.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Arakawa, Yasumichi Ohnuki
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Patent number: 8643500Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a cell balancing circuit. The apparatus may include a floating capacitor charged with voltage of a battery cell, a cell balancing circuit for discharging the floating capacitor, a voltage measuring unit for measuring the battery cell voltage of the charged floating capacitor and a residual voltage of the discharged floating capacitor, and a control unit for determining an abnormality in the cell balancing circuit based on the residual voltage of the discharged floating capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Hoon Lee, Dal-Hoon Lee, Jee-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 8633674Abstract: A universal charger includes a portable charger housing, an universal charging arrangement, and an energy input device. The universal charging arrangement includes a charging circuitry for managing electricity charging of the rechargeable battery, and a plurality of charging terminals movably provided in the battery compartment of the portable charging housing, wherein the charging terminals are adapted to move in the battery compartment to accurately and adjustably align with the battery terminals of the rechargeable battery. The energy input device is electrically connected with the charging circuitry, which is capable of charging a wide variety of electronic devices by acquiring power through a convention USB port.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: ADA (Hong Kong) LimitedInventor: Hung Hi Law
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Patent number: 8629656Abstract: A battery pack includes one or more cell blocks in which one or more secondary battery cells are connected in series and/or in parallel, and a control section for measuring a voltage of the one or more cell blocks to detect an abnormality of a cell block on the basis of a measurement result. The control section calculates a time differential of the voltage for the one or more cell blocks on the basis of the measured voltage, extracts a first time differential which is maximum and a second time differential which is minimum from the time differentials of the voltage for the one or more cell blocks, and determines that a cell block corresponding to the second time differential is abnormal in a case where a difference between the first time differential and the second time differential is less than a prescribed value.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shoichi Nishiyama, Masaru Hiratsuka, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Takehiko Tanaka
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Patent number: 8624552Abstract: One aspect according to the present invention includes a battery pack and a shock absorbing device interposed between a battery cell holder and a case body and capable of keeping the battery cell holder and the battery cells not to directly contact with an inner surface of the case body.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Tsuyoshi Murayama, Hideyuki Taga, Kazutoshi Ogino, Hidekazu Hayashi, Hitoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8624553Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery temperature adjusting system including: a battery unit having a heating pad; a leading wire connected to the battery unit; and a current induction unit surrounding the leading wire, wherein the current induction unit is electrically connected to the heating pad. The battery temperature adjusting system according to the present invention generates the induced current by applying the current induction unit surrounding the leading wire connected to the battery unit, and increases the temperature of the battery unit by supplying the induced current to the heating pad, thereby obtaining a desired battery output in a low-temperature region even without the use of an external power source.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Seung Su Cho, Seung Don Choi, Dae Sik Choi, Chang Moon Jeong, Hong Sin Kim, You Rim Yoon
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Patent number: 8618772Abstract: A transportable electrical energy storage system includes an electrical energy storage unit, an electrical energy storage unit management system operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit, an AC/DC rectifier operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system, and a DC/DC converter operably associated with the electrical energy storage unit management system. The system further includes at least one bi-directional adapter operatively associated with the electrical energy storage unit and a case for protecting the electrical energy storage unit, the electrical energy storage unit management system, the AC/DC rectifier, the DC/DC converter, and the at least one bi-directional adapter.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Toby D. Thomas, James C. Copp, David L. Hoelscher, Lloyd K. Farris
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Publication number: 20130341923Abstract: A battery pack includes a rechargeable battery module and a battery management system for controlling charging and/or discharging of the battery module. The battery module may include a substantially linear charging and discharging voltage-time profile within at least part of the charging and discharging cycle of the battery module, and the battery management system may be configured to calculate a state of charge of the battery module by using linear charging and/or discharging characteristics of the battery module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Ri-A JU, Hyun KIM, Suk-Kyum KIM, Seung-Min KIM
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Publication number: 20130335026Abstract: A method and device for regulating charging and discharging current through a battery pack. Two or more battery packs are connected in parallel to an inverter, such that the inverter can use grid power to charge the battery packs or the battery packs can provide AC power through the inverter. A current balancing circuit device is placed in series with each battery pack and is used to regulate the current through the battery pack so that none of the battery packs is excessively charged or discharged. The current balancing circuit includes two field effect transistors (FETs) arranged in series and in opposite directions, where one FET controls charging current and the other controls discharging current. The balancing circuit also includes a current sensor, and uses proportional-integral control to provide a signal to the FETs such that the actual current flowing through the circuit is regulated to a target current value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Chandra S. Namuduri, Peter T. Karlson, Daniel G. Foisy
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Patent number: 8610407Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile device comprising a voltage supervisor and reset (VSAR) module configured to detect an input voltage, start a timer set to a predetermined time period responsive to detecting the input voltage, and output a low signal responsive to detecting the input voltage. The mobile device also comprises a battery charger module configured to receive the input voltage, receive the low signal, output a power signal, and charge a battery. The mobile device also comprises a processing module configured to receive the power signal, and attempt enumeration responsive to receiving the power signal, wherein the VSAR module is further configured to output a high signal to the battery charger module when the timer expires and enumeration has not been completed.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Dusan Veselic, Alexei Skarine
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Patent number: 8610396Abstract: A battery boost apparatus is described. The battery boost apparatus monitors that amount of voltage in the vehicle battery and the current flowing to the vehicle battery to determine an existence of a fault condition. If a fault condition exists, a vehicle battery is cutoff from the boost battery and the charge of the boost battery is maintained until the fault condition is remedied.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventors: Murray D. Hunter, David M. Shaver
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Patent number: 8604749Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of batteries; a circuit unit for controlling charging and discharging operations of the plurality of batteries; a case for containing the plurality of batteries and the circuit unit, and comprising an assembly of at least two sub-cases; and a submersion checking unit formed on a coupling portion between the at least two sub-cases. By using the battery pack, it is possible to rapidly cope with the submersion by easily checking the submersion of the battery pack, and to easily find the cause of functional deterioration or a malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: No-Hyun Kwag, Kyung-Won Seo, Watson Doh
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Patent number: 8593104Abstract: A reserve power source for charging a device, such as a depleted power source or a vehicle. The reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power, such as a thermal battery or a liquid reserve battery; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; and a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power. The reserve power source can also include a cable connected to each of the pair of terminals for connecting outputting the produced power to the depleted power source and/or conditioning circuitry for conditioning the produced power prior to output at the terminals. The reserve battery can also include a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, where the stop is selectively removable when activation is desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
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Patent number: 8593106Abstract: A dual-chargeable battery pack in a power supply is disclosed. The dual-chargeable battery pack comprises a main body provided with an electrical energy storage device, a first connecting device and a second connecting device. The first connecting device comprises a first charging terminal set and a first power output terminal set, wherein the first charging terminal set is configured to receive an input of a first power for outputting to the electrical energy storage device. The second connecting device comprises a second charging terminal set which is configured to receive an input of a second power for outputting to the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy storage device is configured to output the electrical energy accumulated therein as a third power through the first power output terminal set. The second power is different than the first power.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Solarfocus Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuan-Jui Lu, Kai-Shen Chen
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Publication number: 20130307479Abstract: An energy storage device and methods for controlling the same are disclosed. The energy storage device can include a connector to or from which at least one battery pack is attached or detached, a power converter that converts external input power into DC power in a charge mode, and a switching unit that performs a switching operation such that the DC power converted by the power converter is charged in a first battery pack attached to the connector in the charge mode. Energy storage device can also include a controller that controls the switching unit to turn off electrical connections between the energy storage device and the first battery pack and a second battery pack for a predetermined off period when the first and second battery packs are attached to the connector. Accordingly, when a battery pack is attached or detached, a surge of inrush current may be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sanghun Kim
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Publication number: 20130307478Abstract: A system and method for providing energy management and maintenance of a high energy battery pack that does not require installation of the battery pack into an operational EV. A secondary service port is provided to enable certain maintenance operations while by-passing battery pack interlocks and protection mechanisms used when the battery pack is installed into an operating environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventors: Brian Stuart Boggs, Joseph Michael Darragh, Mark D. Goldman
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Patent number: 8582294Abstract: An electrical power supply device for a motor vehicle, which includes a tray made of a heat-conducting material, in which there is positioned at least one ultra-high capacity energy storage unit liable to emit heat, the tray including at least one housing to accommodate at least one electrical energy storage unit with the presence of a heat-conducting layer made of a heat conducting adhesive or a heat-conducting resin interposed without clearance between the storage unit and the interior face of the wall of the associated housing so as to conduct the heat emitted by the unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques MoteurInventors: Fabien Guerin, Roger Abadia, Patrick Rondier
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Patent number: 8575893Abstract: A portable lighting device that is lightweight and features a space-efficient design includes a body containing a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The body includes a pair of pivot arms that are spaced from one another. A lamp assembly includes a lamp assembly housing containing a light source that is powered by the Li-ion battery. The lamp assembly housing is pivotally connected to each of the pair of pivot arms and positioned there between. A handle includes a gripping portion that is spaced from the body so that a gripping space is defined between the gripping portion of the handle and the body. A removable bumper pad is positioned on the bottom of the body. The portable lighting device features recesses on opposite sides that are engaged by corresponding tabs on a charging rack. This prevents non-compatible lighting devices from being positioned on the charging rack.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Koehler-Bright-Star, Inc.Inventors: John Devaney, Mark Dirsa
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Patent number: 8569998Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery unit including rechargeable batteries, a sensing board, the sensing board configured to process status information detected from the batteries, and a harness wire, the harness wire connecting the batteries and the sensing board so that the status information can be transmitted to the sensing board.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyung-Sub Shim
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Publication number: 20130278216Abstract: A power supply including: a power supply circuit for receiving an external power and a battery power, and for outputting a power including at least one of the external power or the battery power to a load; and a battery pack coupled to the power supply circuit, the battery pack including a plurality of batteries, which are arranged into a plurality of battery groups including a first battery group and a second battery group, and configured to provide the battery power. Where, the battery pack is configured to selectively supply a power of the first battery group or a power of the second battery group as the battery power to the power supply circuit according to at least one of a status of the external power, a status of the load, a status of the first battery group, or a status of the second battery group.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Seung-Hyun Son, Chan-Jae Lee, Gon-Jin Chung, Bo-Ra Choi, Sin-Young Park
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Patent number: 8564242Abstract: A rechargable battery with an internal microcontroller. The microcontroller contains a memory in which data regarding the environment to which the battery is exposed are stored. These data are read by a processor integral with the charger used to charge the battery. If these data indicates the battery may have been subjected to a harsh environment, such as being exposed to an excessive temperature, the charger performs a fulle state of health evaluation of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Brey Daniel Hansford, Don Malackowski
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Patent number: 8564243Abstract: A charging module comprises a power supply device and at least one adapter, wherein a first and second magnetic attraction components, which are attracted to each other, are respectively disposed to a coupling place between the adapter and the power supply device. While in use, the power supply device is electrically connected to an electronic product through the adapter. Power from the power supply device is delivered to the electronic product, and attraction of the first and second magnetic attraction components is utilized to retain the junction effect between the adapter and the power supply device. The electronic product can be separated from the power supply device by slightly imposing forces. The electronic product can be quickly taken by a user without influencing the operation of the electronic product.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Tennrich International Corp.Inventors: Shih-Hui Chen, Chin-Tien Lin
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Patent number: 8552729Abstract: A state monitoring unit monitors a state of an assembled battery in which unit cells are connected in series. The state monitoring unit includes a plurality of voltage monitoring devices and a controller. The controller transmits a common voltage measurement command to the voltage monitoring devices connected in a daisy-chain scheme. Each of the voltage monitoring devices measures the voltage of the corresponding unit cells in response to the command that is received from the controller or the adjacent voltage monitoring device at a leading end of the communication channel, and transmits the command to the adjacent voltage monitoring device at a termination of the communication channel. When received the measured voltage from the adjacent voltage monitoring device at the termination, the voltage monitoring device transmits it with the own measured voltage. The controller determines the abnormality in reception state based on the number of received, measured voltages.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Masashi Sekizaki, Satoshi Ishikawa, Kimihiro Matsuura
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Patent number: 8552877Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a housing having an external surface including a user interface region. A battery cell within the housing is characterized by a charging status, a state of charge, and a state of health. A processor disposed within the housing determines and/or stores the charging status as well as one or more of the state of charge and the state of health of the battery cell. The user interface region provides a plurality of visual components configured to provide a plurality of visual cues relating to the charging status, the state of charge, and the state of health of the battery cell. The plurality of visual components may include a persistent display, an on-demand display, and an input component. The input component may be used to select the manner in which the visual cues are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Martin, William Bang, Mark Palmer, Christopher Paul, Quintin Morris
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Patent number: 8547066Abstract: An apparatus for powering an electric hand-held power tool device by an output voltage includes at least two connectors for connecting the apparatus to at least two batteries. At least two switches, and a command circuit of the switches, are provided. The command circuit is arranged for commanding the powering of the electric hand-held power tool device by using the battery which presents the highest open circuit voltage if the output voltage is higher than the open circuit voltage of each of the other batteries. And, by using the battery which presents the highest open circuit voltage and at least one other battery if the output voltage is lower than the open circuit voltage of the other battery, the battery which presents the highest open circuit voltage and the at least one other battery being connected in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Felco Motion SAInventors: Thierry Bieler, Laurent Cardoletti, Simon Tinguely, Christian Koechli, Christian Fleury
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Patent number: 8545039Abstract: A lamp base having an electrical device recharging receptacle configured to receive a plug from a recharging device for a portable rechargeable electronic device. The receptacle is configured as a standard automobile cigarette lighter receptacle. The receptacle includes standard cigarette lighter receptacle electrical contacts that are connected to a voltage and current conversion circuit for receiving standard household voltage and converting it into standard automotive voltage and current. An adapter receptacle is provided in the lamp base with securable replacement electrical and mechanical connection mechanism, wherein the conversion circuit provides a voltage and current to the adapter receptacle. A replaceably securable USB adapter plug comprising a second conversion circuit for converting the voltage and current provided to the adapter receptacle into a standard USB voltage and current.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Bharat Patel
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Patent number: 8547061Abstract: A wireless hotpoint device includes a main body having a circuit board and a battery arranged therein. The circuit board includes a first control unit, a second control unit connected to the first control unit, and a wireless transmission unit connected to the second control unit. The first control unit controls an input voltage of an external power supply and an output voltage of a battery power of the battery, and informs the second control unit to turn on. The second control unit enables a wireless access via the wireless transmission unit or an access via the Ethernet, and enables a router mode or a network service mode. With these arrangements, the wireless hotpoint device not only enables data access via local or wireless networks, but also supplies electric power for charging other electronic products connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Gigastone America CorpInventor: John Wong
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Patent number: RE44557Abstract: A tradesworker's radio has a weather and impact resistant features to enable a tradesworker to use the radio under adverse working conditions, such as construction or other work sites. Louvered grills covering moisture resistant loudspeakers are angled downward to protect the speakers from direct splash in case the radio is left outdoors in a heavy downpour. A layer of felt-like material is interspersed between the louvered grills and the loudspeaker cones to offer improved moisture resistance. A non-telescoping antenna of the rubber covered spring type material folds neatly into recess when not in use. The controls include waterproof pushbuttons for on/off, volume adjustment, a weather channel, AM/FM selection and tuning. Elastomeric blocks are bonded to the interior of the housing and the blocks have bonded threaded studs, which are used to shock mount the radio circuit board to the inside of the housing. This circuit board is treated with a conformal coating to improve its moisture resistance.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Joseph Domes