Pulse Modulation Patents (Class 320/141)
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Patent number: 8222869Abstract: A charging circuit includes a pulse generator and a controller coupled to the pulse generator. The pulse generator is used to generate a plurality of pulses to control a charging switch. The controller is used to control a pulse density of the plurality of pulses. A charging current flowing through the charging switch can be adjusted according to the pulse density.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: O2Micro, IncInventor: Guoxing Li
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Patent number: 8193777Abstract: The present invention aims to quickly charge a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a heat-resistant layer between a negative electrode and a positive electrode. A method according to the present invention for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a heat-resistant layer between a negative electrode and a positive electrode is provided with a step of performing pulse charge on the secondary battery, a step of detecting a change amount of a cell voltage associated with a change in the concentration polarization of the non-aqueous electrolyte as a polarization voltage, and a step of terminating the pulse charge when the polarization voltage increases to or above a predetermined threshold value. According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly charge the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the heat-resistant layer between the negative electrode and the positive electrode at such a borderline level as not to cause overcharge.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Takuya Nakashima
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Patent number: 8188703Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes: an energy harvesting unit for converting energy from a natural energy source into an electrical power signal; a power point tracking unit including a current tracing module capable of detecting a current of the electrical power signal, and a boundary control module; a microcontroller including a voltage detecting module capable of detecting a voltage of the electrical power signal, and a computing module for determining a maximum power point with reference to the voltage and the current of the electrical power signal, the boundary control module generating a switch control voltage signal with reference to the maximum power point; a storage unit capable of storing energy; and a pulse frequency modulation regulator for converting the electrical power signal into an intermediate signal with reference to the switch control voltage signal for subsequent storage of energy of the intermediate signal in the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Chien-Ying Chen, Pai-Hsiang Chou
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Patent number: 8179100Abstract: A technique for dynamically adjusting an output voltage of forward converter circuits for a battery charging operation is provided. The technique allows for varying voltage at the charging battery by manipulating the duty cycles of two forward converter circuits. Method and systems allow for increasing synchronized duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits in response to a changing battery charge state that requires a higher voltage output then changing a phase shift between the duty cycles in response to further increases in output voltage demand. The methods and systems also allow for setting a phase shift between duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits based on battery rating and then altering pulse width in response to changing battery charge state.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Bernard J. Vogel
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Patent number: 8169194Abstract: A method of applying pulsation energy to an online battery backup system including the steps of (1) sampling at least one voltage sampling circuit to monitor a float voltage drop across the terminals of each battery unit within a plurality of battery units; (2) selecting from among the plurality of battery units the unit having the greatest float voltage drop; (3) operating a pulse generation circuit to apply pulsation energy across the terminals of only the selected battery unit; and (4) ceasing to operate the pulse generation circuit in response to a predetermined trigger. A generally corresponding method may be performed on each battery cell within the plurality of battery units. Also, battery pulsation systems for an online battery backup system including means for applying pulsation energy across the terminals of only a selected battery unit or a selected battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Roger Altman
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Patent number: 8169193Abstract: A circuit for dissipating injected parasitic charge includes a circuit stage, a pulse generating circuit and a switch. The circuit stage has an input node and an output node that injects a parasitic charge when switched OFF to the output node. The pulse generating circuit can generate a pulsed signal having an input for receiving a control signal. The control signal indicates the circuit stage is switching OFF, and has an output for outputting a pulsed signal in response to the control signal at the input. The pulsed signal can have a predetermined duration. The switch can be configured to be actuated by the pulsed signal output by the pulse generating circuit, and has a terminal connected to the output node of the circuit stage and a terminal connected to circuit to substantially dissipate the injected parasitic charge.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Padraig Liam Fitzgerald, Nigel James Hayes
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Patent number: 8169184Abstract: A self-adaptable recharger includes a control circuit connected to a power-supply circuit, a current-sampling circuit and a pulse-based recharge circuit. The control circuit includes a microprocessor. The pulse-based recharge circuit includes parallel recharge branches each under control of a pin of the microprocessor. The microprocessor receives voltage-related and current-related signals from each of the recharge branches and compares the same with basic data stored therein to determine the types of batteries. The microprocessor calculates time-related changes in the voltage-related and current-related signals and a voltage difference between positive and zero pulses to determine the recharge status and correct recharging curves accordingly. The microprocessor determines the highest recharge voltage, a positive slope of voltage, a zero gain of voltage, a negative gain of voltage and a capacity gain to determine an energy level in each of the batteries and stops the recharge when the battery is full.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventors: Shiqing Li, Qinghai Wang
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Patent number: 8148940Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional vehicle charger and the charging process of the same. The vehicle charger includes an enclosure defining the vehicle charger. The enclosure includes a USB port disposed thereon, a power plug corresponding to a vehicle power outlet on one end, and a wire connected with a power terminal at the other end. The power terminal, the USB port, and the power plug are connected to a charge monitor circuit. Thus the vehicle charger can be connected with various electrical appliances for charging by insertion of the power terminal on the wire into a socket of a Li-ion battery and by a connecting wire that connects the USB port to electric appliances with USB functionality. Thereby, power is supplied by various output ends when the vehicle charger is inserted into a power outlet in vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventor: Yun-Zhao Liu
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Patent number: 8148949Abstract: A system for charging a high voltage battery includes a low DC voltage battery, a DC-to-AC converting circuit, a controller, an AC-to-DC converting circuit and a high DC voltage battery. The low voltage battery outputs a low DC voltage signal. The DC-to-AC converting circuit receives the low DC voltage signal to convert into a chopped DC voltage signal. The DC-to-AC converter outputs a high AC voltage signal corresponding to the chopped DC voltage signal. The controller controls a duty cycle of the chopped DC voltage signal. The AC-to-DC converting circuit converts the high AC voltage signal into a high DC voltage signal. The high voltage battery charges using the high DC voltage signal. A method for charging a high voltage battery is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Oliveira, Curt D. Gilmore
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Patent number: 8143863Abstract: A circuit for controlling a current flowing through a battery includes a driver and a filter coupled to the driver. The driver can generate a pulse signal in a first operating mode and generate a first signal in a second operating mode to control the current through the battery. The filter can filter the pulse signal to provide a filtered DC signal to adjust an on-resistance of a switch in series with the battery based on a duty cycle of the pulse signal in the first operating mode. The filter can receive the first signal and provide a second signal to drive the switch in a linear region in the second operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: O2Micro, IncInventor: Guoxing Li
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Patent number: 8143845Abstract: A battery charger may be configured to charge a battery by way of a charging cable. A DC gain of a voltage control loop of the battery charger may be limited to a predetermined value to compensate for voltage drop on the charging cable. For example, a DC gain of an error amplifier on the voltage control loop may be limited to a predetermined value for cable voltage drop compensation. The error amplifier may use a reference signal that is generated as a function of the error signal. The DC gain of the error amplifier may be limited by connecting a resistor to form an RC circuit on an output node of the error amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Hangseok Choi
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Patent number: 8134342Abstract: The autonomous system comprises an intermittent power source delivering a direct current. A supercapacitance is connected in parallel with the battery and the power source respectively via a first switch and a second switch. Charging of the battery comprises pulsed current charging managed by a control circuit. During a current pulse, the amplitude of the current and the amplitude of the voltage increase at the terminals of the battery are measured. The dynamic internal resistance of the battery is determined from said amplitudes. A maximum acceptable current threshold is determined according to a maximum voltage threshold, to said dynamic internal resistance and to the no-load voltage at the battery terminals. At the next current pulse, the value of the charging current is limited by controlling the closing time of the second switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Antoine Labrunie, Arnaud Delaille, Sylvie Genies
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Patent number: 8129953Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to regulate an input voltage to provide a regulated output power. The regulated output power may include a smooth direct current (DC) component and an undesired alternating current (AC) component, the smooth DC component being an average of the regulated output power. A buck regulator module of the present invention regulates the smooth DC component to approximate a reference voltage. The buck regulator module additionally replicates the undesired AC component embedded within the regulated output power. A replicated undesired AC component is combined with the regulated output power to reduce the undesired AC component embedded within the output power.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Rosario Pagano
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Patent number: 8132026Abstract: To provide a power storage device for regularly supplying power to a mobile electronic device, in which charging of a battery by a power feeder can be simplified and even when power stored in the battery is not enough, power can be regularly supplied to the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device includes an antenna circuit which receives power supply via radio signals, a battery which stores power, and a power supply control circuit which includes a switch circuit for intermittently supplying power to a load. Power supply to the load is intermittently controlled by controlling the switch circuit, which is provided in the power supply control circuit for controlling the supply of power stored in the battery, using a signal from a low-frequency-signal generating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Koyama
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Patent number: 8129954Abstract: A battery charging and pulsating system including a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a charger electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the charger including a controller, a pulsator electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the pulsator including a controller, and a voltage measuring circuit electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the voltage measuring circuit being adapted to measure a voltage across the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, wherein the controller of the pulsator is adapted to activate the pulsator when the measured voltage is at least one of (1) at or below a predetermined threshold voltage and (2) at or above a predetermined gassing voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Daniel C. Biggs, Jr.
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Patent number: 8093866Abstract: The management method comprises a charging phase and may comprise an optional prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery. Comparison of the absolute value of the slope of the voltage at the battery terminals with a full-charge threshold at the end of each period, when a pulsed current is applied, is used as end-of-charging criterion in the charging phase and/or as full-charge criterion in the phase of estimating the state of charge. The charging phase by pulsed current is interrupted when the slope reaches the full-charge threshold. This same comparison constitutes the criterion for estimating the necessity for going to a charging step after the prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Fathia Karoui, Elisabeth Lemaire, Christine Lefrou
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Patent number: 8072188Abstract: This power supply device includes a series circuit of a first switching element and a second switching element connected in parallel with a DC power supply unit, and a smoothing filter circuit which includes a series circuit of an inductor and a smoothing capacitor connected in parallel with the second switching element. The power supply device also includes a control unit and a drive circuit for generating first and second PWM pulses by respectively driving the first and second switching elements ON and OFF, and for creating a dead time between those switching pulse signals. And this control unit changes the frequency of the switching pulse signal according to the pulse width of either the first PWM pulses or the second PWM pulses.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Sansha Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Yorinobu, Shigeru Okamoto, Hajime Katsushima
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Patent number: 8058844Abstract: A system for balancing the charge level of a plurality of electrically coupled battery units. The system configuration may utilize an architecture and/or methodology that is more appropriate for lower power applications. In particular, the present invention, in accordance with at least one embodiment, may provide a battery balancing system that implements low loss charge balancing circuits in a compact configuration suitable for a multitude of applications, such as smaller cell battery balancing. The charge balancing circuits may be incorporated within each battery unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Aeroflex Plainview, Inc.Inventor: George Altemose
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Patent number: 8022672Abstract: The present invention discloses a charger control circuit and a charger control method for controlling a charger having a transformer, the transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding. The charger control circuit comprises: a power switch coupled to the primary winding; a switch control circuit controlling the operation of the power switch; and a detection circuit which generates a signal according to a voltage at a node between the power switch and the primary winding, and supplies the signal to the switch control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Richtek Technology CorporationInventors: Chung-Lung Pai, Shih-Hui Chen
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Patent number: 8008887Abstract: A portable solar cell charger and methods of charging electronic devices using the same are disclosed. A portable solar cell charger comprises at least one solar cell plate holding a plurality of solar cells; a film with reformed surface formed on the solar cell plate; a power control part supplying a load side with power after perceiving a voltage required from the load side; and a case holding the solar cell plate and the power control part. A method of charging an electronic device using a solar cell charger comprises perceiving a voltage required from a load side using a microprocessor; converting the perceived voltage using D/A converter; comparing the converted voltage with a voltage from a solar cell plate; integrating signals from a comparator and a pulse generator; adjusting the voltage from the solar cell plate; and supplying the voltage from the solar cell plate into the load side.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Soleitec Co., Ltd.Inventor: Man Geun Lee
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Patent number: 8004240Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventor: Jeffrey B. Samstad
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Patent number: 8004248Abstract: Various systems and methods for battery charging are disclosed herein. As just one example, a battery charger is disclosed that includes a current feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated current control output, and a voltage feedback loop that has a pulse width modulated voltage control output. In addition, the battery charger includes a transition circuit with a digital phase/frequency detector. The digital phase/frequency detector is operable to detect a duty cycle difference between the pulse width modulated current control output and the pulse width modulated voltage control output. Further, the transition circuit is operable to transition between application of a substantially current charge control to a charging node to application of a substantially constant voltage to the charging node based at least in part on the difference in duty cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Valerian Mayega, Percy E. Neyra, Brett E. Smith
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Patent number: 7982431Abstract: A detection circuit that reduces circuit scale. A plurality of current amplifiers respectively generate a plurality of detection signals corresponding to current flowing to a plurality of resistors. An error amplifier coupled to the plurality of current amplifiers compares the plurality of detection signals with a plurality of reference signals, respectively, to generate an error signal based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventors: Masatoshi Kokubun, Takashi Matsumoto, Hidenobu Ito
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Patent number: 7977922Abstract: A battery charger includes one or more channels for independently charging one or more batteries at different current levels. The battery charger also includes multiple modes for each channel for charging a battery with a continuous current or a pulse current. The battery charger supplies charging current by holding the charging voltage at a set value.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventors: Ralph C. Collins, Greg N. Pierce
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Patent number: 7898222Abstract: The present invention relates to battery chargers. A first controller can be configured to set, when a first power supply is coupled to a first port, a current produced by a variable current source at a safe rate to charge a battery. An ammeter can be configured to measure, when the battery is coupled to a second port, the current flowing into the battery. The first controller can be configured to increase, after a passing of a quantifiable amount of time, the current produced by the variable current source by a quantifiable amount of current. The first controller can be configured to continue iteratively to increase, after the passing of the quantifiable amount of time, the current produced by the variable current source by the quantifiable amount of current until the safe rate is near or at a highest safe rate to charge the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Chun-Sheng Huang, Hann-Wen Lin
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Patent number: 7839124Abstract: To simplify charging of a battery in a power storage device which includes the battery. Further, to provide a wireless power storage device which can transmit and receive information without the task of replacing a battery for drive power supply, which becomes necessary when the battery depletes over time, being performed. An antenna circuit, a battery which is electrically connected to the antenna circuit via a rectifier circuit, and a load portion which is electrically connected to the battery are provided. The battery is charged when an electromagnetic wave received by the antenna circuit is input to the battery via the rectifier circuit, and discharged when electrical power which has been charged is supplied to the load portion. The battery is charged cumulatively, and the battery is discharged in pulses.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Takeshi Osada
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Patent number: 7834592Abstract: A circuit includes a pulse transformer having primary and secondary windings. An oscillating waveform is applied to the primary winding to induce an oscillating waveform at the secondary winding. A transistor in series with a first resistor is coupled between the secondary winding and the ground. An R-C network formed by a second and a third resistor and a capacitor is coupled to a base junction of the transistor. The R-C network causes a slow, tapered linear pinch off of the transistor's conductance to enable the circuit to output a triangular waveform, which is characterized by a relatively short linear rise time followed by a substantially long linear fall time. The R-C network is coupled to the secondary winding via a first and a second diode, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: PulseTech Products CorporationInventors: Pete Ward Smith, James Earl Huffman, David Lee Sykes, Clyde Ray Calcote
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Patent number: 7834587Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at to least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventor: Jeffrey B. Samstad
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Publication number: 20100264879Abstract: Battery chargers, electrical systems, and rechargeable battery charging methods are described. According to one aspect, a battery charger includes charge circuitry configured to apply a plurality of main charging pulses of electrical energy to a plurality of rechargeable cells of a battery to charge the rechargeable cells during a common charge cycle of the battery and to apply a plurality of secondary charging pulses of electrical energy to less than all of the rechargeable cells of the battery during the common charge cycle of the battery to charge the less than all of the rechargeable cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Khoon Cheng Lim, Lap Wai Chow
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Patent number: 7804278Abstract: In one embodiment, a battery management system includes a charger controller for controlling a charging current of a battery according to a status of a load which is powered by the battery, and a counter coupled to the charger controller for determining a charging time according to such status. Advantageously, a first charging current is selected when the load is off. A second charging current that is less than the first charging current is selected when the load is on. Furthermore, a frequency of the counter is set to a first frequency when the load is off. The frequency is set to a second frequency that is less than the first frequency when the load is on.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: O2Micro International Ltd.Inventors: Stefan Maireanu, Chun Lu, Jianping Xu, Xiaohua Lei, Zhitong Lei, Yongqiang Yu
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Patent number: 7782019Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman
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Patent number: 7759900Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: American Power Conversion CorporationInventor: Jeffrey B. Samstad
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Patent number: 7719236Abstract: A portable electrical device may include a DC to DC converter coupled to a common node, a load coupled to the common node, and a controller configured to control the DC to DC converter. The DC to DC converter may be configured to provide a charging current to a rechargeable battery from an adapter when the controller operates said DC to DC converter in a first adapter supply mode. The DC to DC converter may be configured to provide a battery supply current to the load via the common node when the controller operates the DC to DC converter in a second adapter supply mode. The adapter supply current and the battery supply current may add together at the common node to simultaneously provide a load supply current to the load in the second adapter supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventor: Alexandru Hartular
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Publication number: 20100066309Abstract: The autonomous system comprises an intermittent power source delivering a direct current. A supercapacitance is connected in parallel with the battery and the power source respectively via a first switch and a second switch. Charging of the battery comprises pulsed current charging managed by a control circuit. During a current pulse, the amplitude of the current and the amplitude of the voltage increase at the terminals of the battery are measured. The dynamic internal resistance of the battery is determined from said amplitudes. A maximum acceptable current threshold is determined according to a maximum voltage threshold, to said dynamic internal resistance and to the no-load voltage at the battery terminals. At the next current pulse, the value of the charging current is limited by controlling the closing time of the second switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUEInventors: Antoine Labrunie, Arnaud Delaille, Sylvie Genies
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Patent number: 7679335Abstract: A battery charger includes one or more channels for independently charging one or more batteries at different current levels. The battery charger also includes multiple modes for each channel for charging a battery with a continuous current or a pulse current. The battery charger supplies charging current by holding the voltage at a set value.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventors: Ralph C. Collins, Greg N. Pierce
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Patent number: 7674556Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte; the positive electrode active material is LiNi1-y-zMnyCozO2, wherein y and z satisfy 0<y?0.5, 0?z?0.5, and 0<y+z?0.75; and an upper limit voltage for charging the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is 4.25 to 4.70 V. It is possible to obtain a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary with high capacity, high reliability, and long life by properly setting the composition of a composite oxide of lithium which is a positive electrode active material and the charging conditions of the battery using this composite oxide of lithium as a positive electrode active material as described above.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kensuke Nakura, Takafumi Oura, Mitsuhiro Takeno, Shuji Tsutsumi, Kazuhiro Okamura
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Patent number: 7656128Abstract: A battery charging and pulsating system including a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a charger connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery, the charger including a controller, a pulsator connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery and a filter positioned between the charger and the pulsator to filter signals received from the pulsator.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Daniel C. Biggs, Jr.
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Patent number: 7656129Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Won-Door CorporationInventors: Kevin D. Banta, D George Field, E. Carl Goodman
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Patent number: 7633266Abstract: The present invention discloses a transformer used in a charger circuit, in which the input side of the transformer is connected to an AC input and PWM control circuit of the charger circuit, the output side of the transformer is connected to a constant current and/or constant voltage control circuit of the charger circuit. The AC input, PWM control circuit, the constant current and/or constant voltage control circuit are coupled through an optical coupling element, wherein the transformer includes a main output winding and an auxiliary output winding, and the auxiliary output winding is used to supply power for the optical coupling element and the constant current and/or constant voltage control circuit. The present invention further provides a high performance charger circuit adopting the transformer described above for improving electromagnetic compatibility, conversion efficiency and short circuit characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing LimitedInventors: Shu-Zhuang Lu, Chao-Qun Sun
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Patent number: 7629774Abstract: A device for reducing the output current of a primary switched battery charger, which charger includes an input DC power circuit, a high frequency transformer and control unit for modulating the DC input power. The device includes elements for measuring pulse ratio of switch pulses on the output side of the charger, elements for measuring peak value of output voltage, elements for differentially amplifying the signals measured and elements for integrating voltage/current of the differentially amplified signals, wherein the integrated voltage/current is used for modulating the input DC power in order to reduce the output current.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Creator Teknisk Utveckling ABInventor: Peter Nordlöf
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Publication number: 20090256521Abstract: A charging control device includes a control unit and a monitoring unit. The control unit performs at least one of controlling charging to a rechargeable battery and monitoring a state of a rechargeable battery, while outputting a state signal which indicates an operation state of the control unit. The monitoring unit determines whether or not the operation state of the control unit is a predesignated specified operation state based on the state signal outputted from the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATIONInventors: Tatsuki Mori, Toru Yamada, Shinichi Hira, Hitoshi Suzuki
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Publication number: 20090251106Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATIONInventor: Jeffrey B. Samstad
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Patent number: 7592777Abstract: A current mode charger controller for controlling a DC to DC converter. The current mode charger may include a first error amplifier having an output coupled to a common node. The first error amplifier may be configured to compare a first signal representative of a charging current provided to a rechargeable battery with a maximum charging current and provide a current control signal in response to the comparison. The current mode charger controller may further include an internal compensation network coupled to the common node, and a comparator configured to compare an inductor current signal representative of an inductor current through an inductor of the DC to DC converter with a compensation signal. The need for any external compensation for the current mode charger controller may be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventors: Chun Lu, You-Yuh Shyr, Alexandru Hartular, Constantin Bucur
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Patent number: 7583061Abstract: A PWM controller includes a short circuit mode circuit which has input ends connecting simultaneously to a power supply input end and an output end of an output driving circuit, and an oscillator which has a temperature compensation circuit that includes a medium value multi-transistor resistor of a negative temperature coefficient and a well resistor of a positive temperature coefficient. The invention also provides a charger circuit which includes the PWM controller set forth above and a constant voltage/current control circuit coupling with the PWM controller through a transformer. A system adopting the PWM controller circuit and charger circuit of the invention does not need a voltage stabilization diode now equipped in many conventional designs. The invention provides an improved short circuit protection and eliminates low frequency harmonic waves.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing LimitedInventors: Shu-Zhuang Lu, Tao Peng
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Patent number: 7564222Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for fast-charging a secondary battery and to a device for carrying out said method. Fast charging is achieved by converting a DC supply voltage into a pulsating voltage which is transmitted to the secondary battery to be charged. The pulsating voltage is lead to the battery in intervals of about 10 microseconds with pauses in between of about 100 microseconds and up to 10 milliseconds.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventors: Franc Hercog, Karel Flisar
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Patent number: 7560902Abstract: A duty cycle controller apparatus for producing a duty cycle signal for controlling switching of switches of a battery charger having an AC input for receiving power and an output for supplying power to charge a battery in response to switching of the switches, while maintaining a high power factor at the AC input. The duty cycle controller apparatus includes a current command signal generator having a plurality of signal inputs for receiving a plurality of signals representing a plurality of operating conditions of the charger, a plurality of current command outputs and a processor operably configured to generate a plurality of current command signals at the current command outputs in response to respective sets of operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Xantrex InternationalInventor: Thomas Michael Unger
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Patent number: 7550948Abstract: Circuitry for charging a battery includes a switch for coupling the power source to the battery. The switch is turned on and off in accordance with a periodic control signal including a plurality of periods. Each period includes a first duration during which the control signal is in a first state and a second duration during which the control signal is in a second state. The switch is turned on when the control signal is in the first state to couple the power source to the battery, and turned off when the control signal is in the second state to decouple the power source from the battery. Since the switch is periodically turned off while the battery is being charged, the average amount of heat generated by the switch is reduced, thereby preventing excessive thermal emission from the battery charging circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, Scott J. Davidson
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Patent number: 7545120Abstract: In a method and system for converting an alternating current (AC) input to a direct current (DC) output, an AC-DC adapter includes a rectifier module operable to receive the AC input and generate a first DC output. The AC-DC adapter includes a buck converter module operable to receive the first DC output and generate the DC output responsive to a control signal. A controller module, included in the AC-DC adapter is operable to receive a first feedback signal input indicative of a target voltage required by a load and a second feedback signal input indicative of the DC output to generate the control signal. The controller module adjusts the control signal responsive to the first and second feedback signal inputs so that the DC output is maintained to be within a predefined range of the target voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: John J. Breen, Brent A. McDonald
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Patent number: 7541781Abstract: A battery protection system is provided for a rechargeable battery. The system has a switch module that selectively interrupts battery current based on a control signal, a battery voltage sensor that senses battery voltage, a battery temperature sensor that generates a battery temperature signal, and a control module that generates said control signal based on said battery temperature signal and said battery voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Cobasys, LLCInventor: Paul Gamboa
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Patent number: 7541778Abstract: A method for charging a battery at a battery charger comprising connection means for connection to the terminals of a battery to be charged, means for detecting a voltage over the terminals of a connected battery, and control means. The method comprises the steps of initiating a burst cycle, wherein a plurality of consecutive voltage burst are applied to a connected battery to be charged, each burst successively lowering the internal resistance of the battery and initiating a charging cycle to charge the connected battery when said burst cycle has been terminated. Furthermore, a method for maintenance charging a battery at a battery charger including detecting a voltage over the connected battery; maintaining the voltage over the battery at a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time; monitoring a battery capacity parameter when said predetermined period of time has elapsed; and applying at least one voltage pulse if said parameter falls below a predetermined threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Creator Teknisk Utveckling ABInventor: Borje Maleus