With Charger Stand Or Base Adapted To Hold Battery Pack Patents (Class 320/113)
  • Patent number: 10056642
    Abstract: A battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plurality of battery cells and a thermally conductive film wrapped around each of the plurality of battery cells. Each thermally conductive film is contiguous with six sides of each of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bhaskara Boddakayala, Saravanan Paramasivam, Sai Perumalla, Evan Mascianica
  • Patent number: 10050454
    Abstract: A charger cradle for recharging a rechargeable lighting device is described. The cradle may include two prongs that flex outwards to allow a lighting device to be inserted into the cradle. After the lighting device is fully inserted, the prongs resume a normal position to exert an inward force on the lighting device to secure it in place. The cradle may also include two moveable cradle arms, in lieu of two prongs, to allow a spring mechanism within the device to motivate the moveable cradle arms to grasp a lighting device when the lighting device is inserted into the rechargeable lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Eric Melton, Eric Terberg
  • Patent number: 9722439
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bag with a built in charger for portable electronic devices. The bag includes an interior compartment that is disposed between an interior lining and an exterior of the bag. The interior compartment is adapted to hold a battery unit, which is removably connected to a charging cable and a retractable power cable. The charging cable can be connected to the battery unit via a USB connection, and is adapted to connect to a portable electronic device via a mobile device connection. The retractable power cable can be extended out of the interior compartment through a side opening, and can connect to an electrical outlet via a plug. An electrical connection between the electrical outlet and the plug supplies energy to the battery unit. The energy stored in the battery unit can be used to charge the portable electronic device when an electrical outlet is not readily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 9711980
    Abstract: A charging device for one or more input modules for a touch-screen device is described. The charging device comprises a charging mechanism and portions which are shaped to receive an input module. The charging mechanism comprises a power input and a power output. The power input is configured to receive power from an external power source and the power input is configured to provide power to one or more input modules which are attached to the charging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen E Hodges, Stuart Taylor, John Franciscus Marie Helmes
  • Patent number: 9602639
    Abstract: A protective arrangement for an electronic device includes a flexible cover having a panel and a skirt that form an interior cavity to receive an electronic device; and an adapter fixedly positioned in the flexible cover and having a male plug with connectors extending into the interior cavity of the flexible cover for mating with a female socket of the device and a contactor with contacts adjacent outwardly from the flexible cover and electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug. A docking cradle or external adapter can receive the electronic device and cover. A docking cradle may have a movable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: National Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 9568374
    Abstract: Methods and devices for mounting a sensor are presented herein. A temperature sensor assembly for a capacitor bank is disclosed that includes two opposing substrates, and a plurality of contact temperature sensors attached to each substrate. Each temperature sensor is configured to directly contact a surface of one of the capacitor cans in the capacitor bank and therefrom generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the capacitor can. A biasing member attaches the two substrates together. The biasing member is configured to selectively contract, such that the width of the sensor assembly is less than the gap distance between adjacent sets of tandem capacitor cans and the sensor assembly can insert between the sets of capacitor cans, and expand, such that the width of the sensor assembly is greater than the gap distance and the sensor assembly is tensioned against and thereby secured between the sets of capacitor cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Farago, Marcelo A. Perez, Stewart John Harding
  • Patent number: 9537336
    Abstract: A battery system for a power tool includes two or more battery packs (12), at least one battery holder (14) adapted to detachably engage two or more of the battery packs and a charger (16, 216, 316, 416) adapted to detachably engage the battery holder and to simultaneously electrically communicate with two or more of the battery packs while the at least one battery holder engages both the charger and the battery packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Kosuke Ito, Akira Naito
  • Patent number: 9526912
    Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulation device for the treatment of neurological disorders includes a capacitor and a charging current for charging the capacitor, a magnetic coil delivers a magnetic pulse when the capacitor is discharged through the coil. The magnetic coil has two or more turns which are encapsulated with a plastic material composition for preventing motion between adjacent turns of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Eneura, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Stanley P. Woods, Joseph Paul Fredrick
  • Patent number: 9509155
    Abstract: A remotely monitorable multi-port charging device has a circuit board provided with plural current-detecting elements and a processing unit. A charging portion having plural connecting ports is for connecting and charging multiple electronic devices. The connecting ports are electrically connected the current-detecting elements. A transmission unit is electrically connected to the circuit board. The current-detecting elements serve to detect charging currents of the electronic devices and generate detection signals. The transmission unit receives detection signals, and transmits the signals through wired or wireless transmission to a remote monitoring station. The processing unit performs remote control through the transmission unit, and switch charging states of the electronic devices at the connecting ports. The charging states include a fast charging mode, a slow charging mode, an adjustment mode, a power-saving mode and a mis-connection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Hsu Han
  • Patent number: 9483077
    Abstract: Charge signal simulates a stock charger to connected portable device(s) to trigger a charging cycle. Monitoring charging port(s) for overcurrent and/or electrical short charging conditions allows charge current to be modified when necessary. While attached portable device(s) continue to charge, docking station automatically switches from charger mode to data transfer mode so that other attached devices can use and/or be used by portable device(s). Once data lines, except power line, are switched portable device(s) simultaneously charges and transfers data at same time. To identify proper charge signal, vendor identification (VID) or product identification (PID) may be read from attached portable device(s) and referenced against charging standards. Updatable firmware allows new device configurations and corresponding charge signals to be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LEANCODE L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bernard Thompson, Joshua Henry
  • Patent number: 9438052
    Abstract: Mobile device holder-charger with a rotating three prong plug that allows for use in either horizontal or vertical outlets. There is a bracket to secure the phone. The device can be used on a support surface with a grounded extension cord. There is non-skid material disposed on the bottom. The device is a one piece unit for easy portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Ellen Louise Cole
  • Patent number: 9381058
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base and at least one indicator in communication with the base. The base comprises a housing and at least one slot. The at least one slot is shaped to receive a reusable component from a surgical instrument. The at least one indicator is in communication with the at least one slot. The base is configured to detect at least one characteristic related to the reusable component when the reusable component is placed into the at least one slot. Wherein the at least one indicator is configured to provide a signal to the user regarding the at least one characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Foster B. Stulen, Daniel W. Price, Ashvani K. Madan, John W. Willis, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, David C. Yates, Timothy G. Dietz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Bret W. Smith, Hitesh Jain
  • Patent number: 9325195
    Abstract: An inductively enabled power pack charging system and method includes an integrated circuit for controlling inductive transfer of power to the power pack and managing communication with an external power source. The system may further include an electrochemical cell for storing energy received from the external power supply and magnetic shielding material for guiding magnetic flux away from the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: POWERMAT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Arkady Katz, Amir Ben-Shalom, Arik Rofe
  • Patent number: 9325201
    Abstract: The present invention discloses charging devices for charging energy-storage devices. Charging devices include: an Electro-Magnetic Interference/Radio-Frequency Interference (EMI/RFI) filter for passively suppressing conducted interference present on an alternating-current (AC) power source; optionally, a transformer for transforming power from the AC power source without changing frequency; a rectifier for converting an AC input to a direct-current (DC) output; and a voltage-controlled charger for providing a high-power output having an output voltage and an output current from the AC power source, wherein the output voltage and the output current from the voltage-controlled charger are pulsating DC signals. Preferably, the high-power output has a power-factor value of: greater than about 0.70, greater than about 0.80, greater than about 0.90, greater than about 0.95, or greater than about 0.97.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: StoreDot, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Aronov, Maxim Liberman, Leonid Spindler
  • Patent number: 9287728
    Abstract: A battery pack that can avoid an abnormal condition caused by heat generation associated with water adhesion to a connector part and a function stopping method of the battery pack are provided. A battery controller determines an abnormality and executes an operation of interrupting a charge/discharge path for a battery set formed by a charge/discharge circuit, when a detected temperature of a connector is equal to or more than a first threshold, and also a discharge current is equal to or more than a second threshold and/or a difference between the detected temperature of the connector and a detected temperature of another part (a discharge protection switch, a charge protection switch, and the battery set) is equal to or more than a third threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigefumi Odaohhara, Hiromitsu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9265847
    Abstract: A dual-mode autoclave for sterilizing a battery is disclosed including a controller and an environmental system in operative communication with the controller and configured sterilize a battery contained within the dual-mode autoclave in response to a command from the controller. The environmental system configured to reduce a temperature of the battery to a first, pre-cooled temperature during a first operational phase and configured to increase the temperature of the battery to a second, autoclaving temperature during a second operational phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
  • Patent number: 9263715
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a casing having an opening, an engaging member having a stopper, and a regulating member configured to regulate a movement of the engaging member. The engaging member is supported in a slidable and rotatable manner relative to the casing, and is applied with a biasing force such that the stopper projects from the opening. The regulating member includes a contact portion configured to block a rotation of the engaging member and an operating portion configured to displace the contact portion to release a blocking of the rotation of the engaging member. When the operating portion is a non-operated state, the engaging member is slidable against the biasing force to retract the stopper. When the operating portion is in an operated state, the engaging member is rotatable against the biasing force to retract the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Terufumi Hamano, Akira Teranishi, Hajime Takemura, Keisuke Koitabashi
  • Patent number: 9265168
    Abstract: An electronic device replacement structure (100) includes a housing body (102) and an electronic module (200, 200?). The housing body (102) includes a base (110) and at least one clasping member (120) connected with one side of the base (110). The base (110) is disposed inside the housing body (102), and a first plate (130) is protrudingly disposed on the base (110). The electronic module (200, 200?) is disposed on the base (110) and corresponding to the clasping member (120). The electronic module (200, 200?) includes a casing (210) and a fastening implement (300) connected to the casing (210). The fastening implement (300) has at least one elastic locking element (310) and a second plate (320). The elastic locking element (310) is engaged with the clasping member (120). The second plate (320) protrudes toward the first plate (130) and contacts against the first plate (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignees: GRT TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Chih Lin, Chun-Cheng Lee
  • Patent number: 9261919
    Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed there between. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9252615
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to a universal charger which provides a power supply for the charging of OMTP devices and non-OMTP devices based on whether an OMTP mobile communication device or a non-OMTP mobile communication device is connected. A power charging apparatus is provided for charging a mobile communication device. The power charging apparatus includes a connector for connecting to a charging port of the mobile communication device, and a controller coupled to the connector, the controller configured to determine whether the mobile communication device connected to the connector is a non-OMTP mobile communication device or an OMTP mobile communication device, the controller further configured to charge a non-OMTP mobile communication device when a non-OMTP mobile communication device is connected to the connector, and further configured to charge an OMTP mobile communication device when an OMTP mobile communication device is connected to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: George Chen, Samuel Sentosa
  • Patent number: 9229487
    Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed there between. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9199055
    Abstract: Lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators that operate using an ultra rapid, sub one second, adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials are disclosed. The amount of sieve material utilized is a fraction of that used in conventional portable devices. This dramatically reduces the volume, weight, and cost of the device. Innovations in valve configuration, moisture control, case and battery design, and replaceable sieve module are described. Patients with breathing disorders and others requiring medical oxygen are provided with a long lasting, low cost alternative to existing portable oxygen supply devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Separation Design Group LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Douglas Galbraith, Elise DePetris, David K. Walker
  • Patent number: 9190639
    Abstract: Provided is a protecting case for protecting an electronic device. The protecting case includes a protecting case body portion and a sliding case portion having an auxiliary battery cell embedded therein, the sliding case portion being electrically connected with the electronic device, supplying power to the electronic device, and being inserted into/drawn out from the protecting case body portion by sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Justin Chiwon Kim
  • Patent number: 9172265
    Abstract: A battery charger includes a battery cell, a reference voltage generating section, an A/D converting section including an A/D converter and a control section. The reference voltage generating section includes a first reference voltage circuit generating a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage circuit generating a second reference voltage equal to the first reference voltage. To diagnose the A/D converter, the first reference voltage circuit is used. To diagnose the first reference voltage circuit, a second A/D conversion value obtained by A/D converting a second divided voltage of the second reference voltage via the A/D converter using the first reference voltage is compared with a first reference value obtained by A/D converting a first divided voltage of the first reference voltage via the A/D converter using the first reference voltage when the first reference voltage circuit is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Kita
  • Patent number: 9166438
    Abstract: A wireless charging module includes an antenna and a wireless charger module. An enclosure is configured to fit at least partially within an optical drive bay of an information handling system. The antenna is disposed within a plastic lower portion of the enclosure. The plastic lower portion of the enclosure is configured to enable the antenna to wirelessly receive power from a wireless charging pad. The wireless charger module is disposed within the enclosure, and is configured to provide power to the information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Andrew T. Sultenfuss, Kevin Mundt
  • Patent number: 9118200
    Abstract: To provide a secondary battery pack system that controls battery packs which are connected in parallel without requiring a complex system configuration, a secondary battery pack system of the present invention that supplies power to an electronic device includes a plurality of battery packs each having a controller, a main body side connection circuit which is provided on the electronic device side so as to be connected to the plurality of battery packs, and a main body side discharge control signal line which is provided in the main body side connection circuit. The main body side discharge control signal line and controllers of the plurality of battery packs are connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: NEC ENERGY DEVICES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Nagase
  • Patent number: 9114181
    Abstract: A dual-mode autoclave for sterilizing a battery is disclosed including a controller and an environmental system in operative communication with the controller and configured sterilize a battery contained within the dual-mode autoclave in response to a command from the controller. The environmental system configured to reduce a temperature of the battery to a first, pre-cooled temperature during a first operational phase and configured to increase the temperature of the battery to a second, autoclaving temperature during a second operational phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert B. Stoddard, James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, Eric R. Larson, Duane E. Kerr, William H. Nau, Jr., Anthony B. Ross, John J. Kappus
  • Patent number: 9101112
    Abstract: Survey stakes that include a GPS receiver as well as other electronics are used to define a boundary for a wireless fencing system. A survey stake is placed at each vertex of a containment boundary that will be used for animal confinement. The stakes survey their location by taking repetitive GPS readings and averaging them over time. The location information is transferred to an electronic collar that is to be worn by a monitored animal. That information forms the basis for the boundary definition used by the collar during monitoring operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: PeTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore John Giunta
  • Patent number: 9077018
    Abstract: A battery unit includes: a main accommodation casing that includes a power output terminal; at least one sub-module that is accommodated in the main accommodation casing; and a control unit that is accommodated in the main accommodation casing and controls at least one of charging and discharging of a unit battery, wherein in the sub-module, two or more battery blocks are accommodated inside a sub-accommodation casing so that the terminals of the battery blocks each including a plurality of unit batteries are not exposed and the battery blocks are connected to each other through an electric connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Adachi, Tsutomu Aoyama
  • Patent number: 9071071
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that adaptively charges a battery, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery which includes a transport-limiting electrode governed by diffusion, an electrolyte separator and a non-transport-limiting electrode. During operation, the system determines a lithium surface concentration at an interface between the transport-limiting electrode and the electrolyte separator based on a diffusion time for lithium in the transport-limiting electrode. Next, the system calculates a charging current or a charging voltage for the battery based on the determined lithium surface concentration. Finally, the system applies the charging current or the charging voltage to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Greening, P. Jeffrey Ungar, William C. Athas
  • Patent number: 9041351
    Abstract: A charger includes a loading chamber into which a battery pack is insertably/removably loaded. An insertion opening into which the battery pack is inserted is formed on an upper surface of the main body. The loading chamber is forwardly inclined to a front surface of the main body, and a bottom surface of the insertion opening is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction so that one end of the front surface side is located at a lower end and the other end of the back surface side is located at an upper end. A connector for supplying power is disposed at the upper end side of the bottom surface. Even when the dust, rubbish or fluid entered from the insertion opening drops to the bottom surface, it flows down to the lower end side, so that less dirt adheres to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Haruka Ikegame
  • Patent number: 9041344
    Abstract: A standby battery box for an electric cylinder is electrically connected to a control box for driving the electric cylinder and includes a charge-discharge device and a rechargeable battery. The charge-discharge device includes a protection unit, a power conversion unit, a voltage detection unit, a control unit, a discharge unit, a display unit, and a switch unit. The rechargeable battery is electrically connected to the charge-discharge device. When a startup switch of the switch unit is pressed, the charge-discharge device delivers the electricity of the rechargeable battery into the control box. When a shutoff switch of the switch unit is pressed, the charge-discharge device does not supply power, thereby protecting the standby battery box from being exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TIMOTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsin Wu
  • Patent number: 9041350
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a battery cell array including two or more battery cells, each of which has an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure disposed in a battery case together with an electrolyte in a sealed state, arranged in a lateral direction, a protection circuit module (PCM) connected to an upper end of the battery cell array to control an operation of the battery pack, a pack case in which the battery cell array and the protection circuit module are disposed, and a plate-shaped reinforcing member mounted between the pack case and the battery cell array to increase mechanical strength of the pack case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Seunghyun Bang, Soo Ryoung Kim, Youngsun Park, Chunyeon Kim, Ho Sang Kwon
  • Patent number: 9024570
    Abstract: A charging device is provided. The charging device includes an input interface configured to receive electrical power from a power source and charge a removable energy storage device using the electrical power from the power source. The power source may be a solar panel. The charging device may include multiple input interfaces configured to receive electrical power at different voltages. The charging device may include an output interface configured to provide electrical power to an electrical device connected to the output interface, and the circuit may be configured to provide electrical power to the output interface from at least one of the removable energy storage device and the input interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz, Walker Ford, Joseph R. Atkin
  • Patent number: 9018904
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a wireless battery charger that is mounted within the vehicle, and an electrostatic shield for reducing electromagnetic interference radiated by the wireless battery charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Seyerle, Howard E. Kendall, Laura L Ball, David J. Trzcinski
  • Patent number: 9013141
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A method may include wirelessly receiving power from a near field in a first near field coupling mode region with at least one parasitic antenna coupled to a housing having a chargeable device positioned therein. The method may further include generating an enhanced near field from the near field with the at least one parasitic antenna and wirelessly receiving power from the enhanced near field at an at least one receive antenna coupled to the chargeable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nigel P. Cook, Lukas Sieber, Hanspeter Widmer
  • Patent number: 9000720
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering power to an electrically powered medical device includes a package and an electrical coupling feature. The package comprises an interior portion and a wall. The interior portion of the package is able to hold a sterile, electrically powered medical device having a rechargeable battery. The package is able to maintain sterility of the interior portion of the package. The electrical coupling feature may be in communication with the wall of the package and in further communication with the medical device. The electrical coupling feature may be able to deliver power from an external power source to the medical device to charge the battery of the medical device without compromising the sterility of the package or the sterility of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Foster B. Stulen, Christopher B. Anderson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, Timothy G. Dietz, Ashvani K. Madan, Bret W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8981720
    Abstract: A charging dock includes a base, a charging cable and a retractable wire reel module received in the base. A wall of the base is concaved downward to form a charging space including an opening in a cavity of the base. The charging cable includes a power wire, a charging and a power connector interfaces. The charging interface is received in the base. The power interface is positioned out of the base. The retractable wire reel module includes a guiding shaft positioned, a coil spring member and a sleeve member. The sleeve member rotatably sleeves on the guiding shaft via the coil spring member. The power wire is wound on the sleeve member, the coil spring member is connected with the guiding shaft and the sleeve member. The power wire retracts in the base via the sleeve member driven to rotate by the coil spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Qian Ge, Tai-Shan Zhu, Zhou Chen, Che-Yu Chou
  • Patent number: 8981713
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a charging apparatus using a pad type electrode contact point, the charging apparatus including: a charging plate having a plate shape; and an attaching plate installed on a portable terminal to provide the power to a charging circuit of the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Du Lee, Eung Ju Kim, Sang Hoon Hwang, Jun Ki Min, Chul Gyun Park
  • Patent number: 8981714
    Abstract: A wireless charging system includes a charging pad including a base having a coil. The charging pad includes an electrical connector connected to the coil for supplying power to the coil. The charging pad can be connected by an AC cord to a household AC outlet via the electrical connector. The charging pad can also be connected to a vehicle connector for connecting the charging pad to a vehicle electrical supply. In this manner, the wireless charging pad can be used for both home and vehicle charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Miller, Roy Thorsell
  • Patent number: 8981711
    Abstract: A system for charging portable electronic devices is proposed, which comprises an apparatus (1) for suspending the portable electronic device, which can be connected electrically to a power source and a part (2) for carrying the electronic device, which has means for transferring electrical energy, further comprising means for transferring electrical energy, which can be connected electrically to the electronic device, wherein the part (2) for carrying the electronic device has electrical contact means (9, 10) connected to the means for transferring electrical energy, which by suspending the electronic device by means of the part (2) for carrying the electronic device on the apparatus (1) for suspending the portable electronic device can be connected in an electrically detachable manner to the electrical contact means (6, 8) of the apparatus (1) for suspending the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Quipos Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Aigner, Karl-Heinz Karpf
  • Publication number: 20150061596
    Abstract: Provided is a gripper assembly for battery charging/discharging, which is electrically connected to a battery electrode to apply current during battery charging/discharging operation, the gripper assembly including a first electrode lead gripper including a first electrode gripper body disposed to correspond to a first electrode lead of the battery, and a first contact member coupled to one side of the first electrode gripper body and pressed to contact a surface of the first electrode lead and a second electrode lead gripper including a second electrode gripper body disposed to correspond to a second electrode lead of the battery, and a second contact member coupled to a side of the second electrode gripper body and attached to contact a surface of the second electrode lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ji Won PARK, Myung Hoon KO, Seung Ho NA, Chang Bum AHN
  • Patent number: 8970161
    Abstract: A modulation control scheme for a series-connected dual active bridge (DAB) DC to DC converter in a maximum power point tracking charge controller used in a photovoltaic system controls operation of the converter in a forward direction power flow mode to control charging of a battery bank with electricity produced by the photovoltaic array. The modulation control scheme is also capable of operating the converter in a reverse direction power flow mode to control the flow of electricity from the battery bank to a DC load. The modulation control scheme divides the converter's operating range in each mode into five main cases of minimum root mean square (M-RMS) operating regions and seven main cases of full zero-voltage switching (F-ZVS) operating regions, as well as transition operating regions between adjacent main cases, based on applicable power level and value of voltage differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Carlos Cuadros
  • Patent number: 8963497
    Abstract: A tool discharges one battery pack and a charger simultaneously charges another battery pack to provide for continuous and circular operation of the tool. The ratio of the discharging time to the charging time is approximately 25:35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Dezhong Yang, Qichun Zhang, Haishen Xu, Junya Duan, Hao Du
  • Patent number: 8963496
    Abstract: A lithium battery pack according to the present invention has inherent information stored therein, which comprises a plurality of cells, nominal voltage, maximal voltage of the cells, range of temperature etc. A charging parameter is determined by a charging controller based on an identified data of the cells and the inherent information, and is transmitted to an adapter. A controlled module in the adapter receives the charging parameter through a control terminal and adjusts an AC/DC circuit to output a current with accurate charging voltage to the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chervon Intellectual Property Limited
    Inventor: Dezhong Yang
  • Publication number: 20150042280
    Abstract: The present application is directed in particular to a power adapter, adapted to be connected on the one hand to a power interface of a cordless power tool and adapted to be connected on the other hand to an energy source, in particular mobile energy source, for electrically power the power tool via the power adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joachim Rief, Corinna Mönch, Fritz Laible, Peter Rudolph, Tobias Zeller
  • Patent number: 8952658
    Abstract: An approach is provided in which a battery cartridge aperture is included in a device. The edges of the battery cartridge aperture form a shape that match a selected battery cartridge and indicate a power configuration. The selected battery cartridge is selected from a variety of different battery cartridges with each of the battery cartridges having a unique external shape with each unique external shape corresponding to a different power configuration. The various battery cartridges each have a different configuration of battery cells within the battery cartridge that provide power to the device through electrical contacts. The contacts are affixed within the device with each of the contacts positioned to correspond with electrical contacts from the battery cartridge. In one embodiment, protective covers are provided that cover the contacts with the covers automatically retracting to expose the contacts when the battery cartridge is inserted in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Paul Clarke
  • Publication number: 20150022001
    Abstract: A modular power backup system has a plurality of smart battery packs for storing electrical energy. Each of the plurality of smart battery packs includes a first power and control connector. A battery pack rack defines a plurality of slots for holding the plurality of smart battery packs. Each of the plurality of slots includes a second power and control connector for interconnecting with the first power and control connector of a smart battery pack of the plurality of smart battery packs. First control circuitry associated with the at least one battery pack rack selectively pools electrical energy from the plurality of smart battery packs into one or more electrical energy outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: ESMOND T. GOEI, ANDREW GOEI, U KYAW THU RA, YEN CHIN, HARYADI MAMYO, MOK TIONG TAN, HSIN WOH MAH, RYAN MEJIA
  • Publication number: 20150015205
    Abstract: A charger (40; 240; 340) charges a battery pack (20) that is detachably attachable to a cordless power tool (12). The charger has at least a first side wall (44b) that at least partially defines a battery pack receiving hole (44; 244) shaped to receive and accommodate the battery pack. A charging output element (62; 362) supplies charging power to the battery pack. The battery pack receiving hole has a lateral cross sectional area that decreases downwardly in the vertical direction of the battery pack receiving hole such that gravity causes the battery pack to be guided to a prescribed position within the battery pack receiving hole. In addition, the charging output element is positioned so as to be proximal to a corresponding charging power input element of the battery pack when the battery pack is disposed in the prescribed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Kosuke Ito, Hitoshi Suzuki, Akira Naito
  • Patent number: 8922158
    Abstract: A portable electronic device chargeable via at least one speaker port is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a housing containing: a processing unit, a least one speaker for playing audio signals; a power pack for powering the portable electronic device, including the processing unit; and a charging circuit electrically connected to the power pack for charging the power pack from an external power source. The portable electronic device further comprises at least one speaker port for enabling sound from the at least one speaker to exit the housing, the at least one speaker port enabled to convey power from the external power source to the charging circuit such that the power pack is chargeable via the at least one speaker port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventor: Kwok Ching Leung