Including Probe Structure Patents (Class 324/437)
  • Patent number: 11726120
    Abstract: An insulation resistance inspection system for a battery module cell pouch for inspecting an insulation resistance state of a cell pouch in the battery module configured by assembling a plurality of battery cells includes: an inspection unit bringing each of a plurality of probe modules into contact with an end surface of the cell pouch to measure an insulation resistance of the cell pouch; an interface unit connected to the inspection unit to receive a signal for the measured insulation resistance of the cell pouch; and a control unit receiving the signal for the insulation resistance of the cell pouch through the interface unit to determine whether the cell pouch is in good condition or in poor condition depending on whether the signal for the insulation resistance of the cell pouch is within a normal range that is a reference of good quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyungmo Kim, Hyunjun Yoon
  • Patent number: 10942207
    Abstract: A system for evaluating battery connection quality in one or more battery modules of a battery assembly includes a battery testing unit having a housing including an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of testing modules are disposed on the lower surface of the housing to communicate with and electrically contact the one or more battery modules of the battery assembly. The plurality of testing modules each include at least one connector extending from a lower surface of the testing module and at least one contact disposed on one or more side surfaces of the testing module. A controller is in electrical communication with the at least one connector and at least one contacts to simultaneously evaluate voltage and resistance measurements of the one or more battery modules of the battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Dietze, Jason A. Lupienski, Robert W. Chalfant
  • Patent number: 9887410
    Abstract: A fusible link includes a current collector element, a battery cell conductor pad, and at least one fusible conductor connecting the current collector element and the battery cell conductor pad. The current collector element can be a current collector conductor pad, a current collector conductor pad and a current collector plate, or a fuse sheet. A battery cell has an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, a separate fusible link is coupled to at least one of the battery cell electrodes. The battery cell conductor pad is electrically and mechanically attached to each battery cell electrode. The fusible conductor opens under excessive current flow, and has sufficient service loop length to allow relative in-plane and out-of-plane motions between the battery cell electrode and the current collector element. The fusible links can be applied to each of a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: OCTILLION ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Peng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150102821
    Abstract: A sensor device for contacting first and second contact points of an electrochemical energy store which are situated inside a housing of the electrochemical energy store includes: a first terminal contact for the electrically conductive connection of the sensor device to the first contact point, a first terminal material on a surface of the first terminal contact corresponding to at least a first contact material on a surface of the first contact point; and a second terminal contact for the electrically conductive connection of the sensor device to the second contact point, a second terminal material on a surface of the second terminal contact corresponding to at least a second contact material on a surface of the second contact point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Fabian Henrici, Mathias Bruendel, Jens Grimminger
  • Patent number: 9007068
    Abstract: A method is provided for current-based detection of an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle, the network having at least: one battery, one pulse-controlled inverter, one d.c. voltage converter, and an intermediate circuit associated with the pulse-controlled inverter. The method includes: detecting magnitudes of each a battery current, a d.c. voltage converter current, and an intermediate circuit current; comparing current magnitudes according to provided equations; and checking based on the comparison of whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded. An alternative method for voltage-based detection of an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle includes: detecting magnitudes of each a battery voltage, a d.c. voltage converter voltage, and an intermediate circuit voltage; comparing voltage magnitudes according to provided equations; and checking based on the comparison of whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Beqir Pushkolli, Ulrich Klein
  • Patent number: 8988065
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a microprobe includes a base and a lever. The base includes a first electrode provided on a surface thereof. The lever is supported by the base and includes a second electrode and a third electrode. The second electrode is connected between the first electrode and the third electrode. The third electrode is formed to project from the second electrode in a first direction in a main surface of the lever. A width of the third electrode in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the main surface defines a width of an electrical contact area when a scanning operation is performed by use of the third electrode in a third direction perpendicular to the main surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yongfang Li, Yasushi Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 8970238
    Abstract: A probe module for testing an electronic device comprises at least two contacts, each contact including a first end portion extending in a first direction along a first line, a second end portion extending linearly in a second direction opposite from the first direction and along a second line, and a third curved portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first line is spaced apart from and in parallel with the second line, and the at least two contacts are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the first line and the second line. Methods for making such a probe module are also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Garcia
  • Patent number: 8957685
    Abstract: An electrical charge detection device for measuring the electrical charge of a dry cell battery comprises electrically conductive arms joined with a rivet pin at their proximal ends with curved tips at their distal ends. The junction formed by the proximal ends has a light source mounted on the planar top surface and is in electrical contact with the pin. The curved tips at the distal ends of the arms are angled to form inward curved prongs that connect with the polar ends of a power source such as a battery. When the arms are squeezed together, one tip contacts the cathode of the battery and the other touches the anode so that any charge in the battery will travel up the arms thereby lighting the bulb. The degree of brightness illuminated by the bulb is indicative of the electrical strength or power remaining therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Gilles Peyrot des Gaschons
  • Patent number: 8917105
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for measuring the material properties of solder balls includes a frame and a chuck base moveable in X, Y, Z dimensions, relative to the frame. A probe tip is fixed to the frame. A measuring device is mounted to the frame and maintains a spacing with relationship to the probe tip and which has an initial, known height above the chuck base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Gardell
  • Publication number: 20140356671
    Abstract: A battery pack, an integrated device for sensing individual battery voltage in a battery pack and a method of forming an integrated voltage-sensing circuit for use in a battery-powered automobile propulsion system. The integrated voltage-sensing circuit includes a busbar, a terminal pin and a voltage-sensing fuse electrically disposed between the busbar and the terminal pin. The construction of the voltage-sensing circuit is such that it forms an integral structure upon being coupled to the modular housing or related structure that may subsequently be secured to a frame that is used to provide support to each battery cell within the battery pack. In one form, the modular housing and voltage-sensing circuit may be secured to the frame during a frame molding process such that upon completion of the molding, the housing and at least a portion of the voltage-sensing circuit are encapsulated within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Evan J. Dawley, Glenn F. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20140333318
    Abstract: An arrangement of an electronic sensor device (3) at a terminal post clamp (1) of a battery. The arrangement comprises: a terminal post clamp (1) of a battery; an electronic sensor device (3); a housing (10), which can accommodate the electronic sensor device (3); and a fastening means, which can connect the housing (10) to the terminal post clamp (1). The fastening means comprises a receptacle (13) and a fastening member (8) that can be inserted at least in sections into the receptacle (13) in a positive locking and/or non-positive locking manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Marco Unterhalt, Katrin Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140327445
    Abstract: A sheet type cell in which a storage layer is sandwiched by layers of a positive electrode and a negative electrode is evaluated. The present invention is characterized in that an electrode probe is brought into contact with a measurement part on an outer surface of at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and quantity of electricity is measured at the measurement part, so as to evaluate the sheet type cell. For example, a charge source and a voltage meter are connected to the electrode probe, and a charge characteristic that changes the sheet type cell from a non-charged state to a fully charged state is detected from a change in a measurement voltage of the voltage meter, so as to make an evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA NIHON MICRONICS
    Inventors: Harutada Dewa, Kiyoyasu Hiwada
  • Publication number: 20140329121
    Abstract: A power supply device has a first monitoring portion monitoring one battery property of plural battery cells constituting a battery block, a second monitoring portion monitoring another battery property, a circuit board having a monitoring circuit monitoring states of the battery cells being connected to the first and second monitoring portions and based on battery property information detected in the first and second monitoring portions and having a rectangular shape in the external appearance, a first connector connecting a first harness extended from the first monitoring portion to the circuit board, and a second connector connecting a second harness extended from the second monitoring portion to the circuit board. The first connector is fixed to one side of the circuit board, and the second connector is fixed to another side crossing the one side of the rectangular outer shape at a position thereof crossing the second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8877025
    Abstract: An electrochemical test cell, containing an anode comprising a metal as an active component; a cathode comprising a porous chemically inert tube containing an active material compatible with the metal of the anode; and an electrolyte; wherein the only metal in contact with the electrolyte is the metal of the anode, is provided. This test cell is useful in a method to evaluate various combinations of materials for suitability as a combination for preparation of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Soo Kim, John Muldoon
  • Patent number: 8797042
    Abstract: A ground fault detection circuit includes: a first switch circuit that connects/disconnects a first path between a positive bus bar and a ground potential section, the positive bus bar being connected to positive electrodes of secondary battery units through a field-effect transistor including a parasitic diode; a second switch circuit that connects/disconnects a second path between a negative bus bar and a ground potential section, the negative bus bar being connected to negative electrodes of the secondary battery units; and a ground fault detection unit that detects a ground fault of the positive bus bar or the negative bus bar based on an electric current flowing through the first path or the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehito Ike, Takayoshi Abe, Tomomichi Nakai, Takeshi Nakashima, Kazuo Ishimoto
  • Patent number: 8742764
    Abstract: To check insulation of a pouch electric cell, probes are contacted to an electrode of a pouch electric cell and an aluminum layer of a pouch of the pouch electric cell, respectively, and then an electric characteristic value between the probes is measured. The probe contacted with the aluminum layer has a contact portion made of conductive elastic material. Also, insulation of the pouch electric cell is determined by comparing the measured electric characteristic value with a reference value. Thus, physical characteristics of an outer periphery of a flexible pouch may be sufficiently exhibited in measuring or checking insulation of a pouch electric cell such as insulation resistance, thereby improving reliability of electric contact and minimizing physical damage or deformation of the pouch electric cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju-Seok Lee, Hey-Woong Park, Ju-Young Kim, John E. Namgoong
  • Patent number: 8680869
    Abstract: AC charging contact mechanisms are provided to charge facilitate testing of mobile devices that have charging contacts on sides of the device. A pin and spring based mechanism is provided to bias a probe against one of the charging contact. A lever based mechanism is also provided which biases a probe against one of the contacts in response to locking the mobile device in a battery emulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Hongjun Jiang, Jefferson Elliot Hea, Mohammad Sepahi, Jun Ni
  • Publication number: 20130229187
    Abstract: A measuring device is used in conjunction with a programmable controller for monitoring electrolyte levels in the battery. According to one implementation, the measuring device is located in a battery and is configured to detect when the electrolyte level in the battery falls below a particular level. The controller is in electrical communication with the electrolyte detection device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive a signal from the electrolyte level detection device indicating when the electrolyte level in the battery has fallen below the particular level; (ii) introduce a wait-period after the signal is received; and (iii) enable an indicator to indicate that the electrolyte level in the battery should be refilled when the wait-period expires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PHILADELPHIA SCIENTIFIC LLC
    Inventors: Duncan Jones, John Worthington
  • Publication number: 20130200903
    Abstract: Battery current sensor comprising a battery post connection clamp portion (2) comprising a tubular clamping body configured to be clamped around a terminal post (3) of a battery (5), and a current sensing portion (16) comprising a magnetic circuit (16) and a magnetic field sensor (18). The magnetic circuit comprises a magnetic core surrounding the tubular clamping body (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Arnaud Labbe, Gérard Lepine, Erick Pauchet
  • Patent number: 8395351
    Abstract: A multimeter includes a main body, two probes extending from the main body, a battery unit arranged in the main body, and a charging system arranged in the main body and configured for charging the battery. The charging system includes a microcontroller with an external input voltage sampling circuit, a battery voltage sampling circuit and a voltage regulator circuit each electrically connected the microcontroller. The microcontroller compares sampled signals from the external input voltage sampling circuit and the battery voltage sampling circuit, and controls the voltage regulator circuit to regulate the external input voltage to be applicable to the battery based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Song-Lin Tong, Qi-Yan Luo
  • Patent number: 8362908
    Abstract: Various mechanisms are described for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. The remote control refrains from transmitting one or more subsequent low battery messages to the controlled device prior to detection of replacement of batteries. The remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Patent number: 8310241
    Abstract: A battery sensor unit including a pole terminal, the terminal being electrically conductively connected to a plate-shaped carrier element and a planar measuring shunt, the shunt including a resistor element and adjoining resistor connections on both sides thereof. The carrier element is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the one resistor connection, and the second free end region of the carrier element is connected electrically insulated to the second resistor connection. A spacer made of an electrically insulating material is provided. The second free end region of the carrier element and the second resistor connection with the sides facing each other are connected to the spacer. Said spacer can be connected with the second free end region of the carrier element and also with the second resistor connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Schimmel
  • Patent number: 8283939
    Abstract: A test probe includes a filtering unit and a contact unit. The filtering unit includes an inductive component, a capacitive component, and an insulation component insulates the inductive component from the capacitive component. The contact unit contacts a test point to get a test signal. The filtering unit filters noise from the test signal. The test probe can be assembled and disassembled easily, and parameters of the filtering unit can be changed by changing structure of each component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 8274255
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a multi-function remote control which is supplied power by a rechargeable battery. The multi-function remote control comprises a micro controller unit (MCU), a residual power display, a button unit, a current detector and a voltage detector. The MCU couples to the rechargeable battery and then charges or discharges the rechargeable battery. The current detector measures the current of the rechargeable battery and correspondingly outputs a current-value signal (Si) to the MCU. The voltage detector measures the voltage of the rechargeable battery and correspondingly outputs a voltage-value signal (Sv) to the MCU. Then, the MCU obtains the residual power of the rechargeable battery by means of analyzing the current-value signal (Si) and voltage-value signal (Sv), and then reveals the corresponding residual power by the residual power display. Whereby, the multi-function remote control might have functions of remote control, charging and revealing residual power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: TPV Electronics (Fujian) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Hong Wu
  • Patent number: 8193771
    Abstract: A battery tester determines a remaining level of charge of a battery mounted within a separate electronic device having an audio jack. The battery tester includes a plug and a circuit having a high impedance input amplifier. At least one electrical contact of the plug is electrically coupled to an input of the high impedance input amplifier. The plug is removably insertable within the audio jack such that the battery of the separate electronic device is electrically connected to the input of the high impedance input amplifier. When electrically coupled to the battery, an output of the high impedance input amplifier provides a signal proportional to the remaining level of charge of the battery, whereby the remaining level of charge of the battery is obtainable by the battery tester without having to remove the battery from the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: NuWave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Damian Coccio
  • Patent number: 8108160
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a state of charge of a battery are provided. A first component of the state of charge is calculated based on a first property of the battery. A second component of the state of charge is calculated based on a second property of the battery. The first component of the state of charge is weighted based on a rate of change of the first property relative to a change of the state of charge. The second component of the state of charge is weighted based on a rate of change of the second property relative to a change of the state of charge. The state of charge is determined based on the first and second weighted components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liu, Michael J. Gielniak, Jian Lin, Brian Koch, Damon R. Frisch, Joseph M. Lograsso
  • Publication number: 20120019256
    Abstract: To check insulation of a pouch electric cell, probes are contacted to an electrode of a pouch electric cell and an aluminum layer of a pouch of the pouch electric cell, respectively, and then an electric characteristic value between the probes is measured. The probe contacted with the aluminum layer has a contact portion made of conductive elastic material. Also, insulation of the pouch electric cell is determined by comparing the measured electric characteristic value with a reference value. Thus, physical characteristics of an outer periphery of a flexible pouch may be sufficiently exhibited in measuring or checking insulation of a pouch electric cell such as insulation resistance, thereby improving reliability of electric contact and minimizing physical damage or deformation of the pouch electric cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Ju-Seok Lee, Hey-Woong Park, Ju-Young Kim, John E. Namgoong
  • Patent number: 8008924
    Abstract: A detecting circuit for detecting a battery having a first and second electrode, includes a contacting portion electrically connecting to the first electrode of the battery, a seesaw electrically connected to the second electrode of the battery, and an actuator electrically connecting to the second electrode of the battery. One end of the seesaw electrically contacts with the contacting portion when the battery have a protection circuit. The actuator is configured for providing power onto another end of the seesaw to separate the contacting portion with the seesaw when the battery has no a protection circuit. The detecting circuit can truly and handily judges whether the detected battery has the protection circuit according to the action of the seesaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuan-Feng Wu
  • Publication number: 20110199092
    Abstract: AC charging contact mechanisms are provided to charge facilitate testing of mobile devices that have charging contacts on sides of the device. A pin and spring based mechanism is provided to bias a probe against one of the charging contact. A lever based mechanism is also provided which biases a probe against one of the contacts in response to locking the mobile device in a battery emulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: HONGJUN JIANG, JEFFERSON ELLIOT HEA, MOHAMMAD SEPAHI, JUN NI
  • Publication number: 20110084819
    Abstract: Handheld charge indicator assemblies, children's ride-on vehicle kits including the same, and methods of determining the state of charge of a battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle. Handheld charge indicator assemblies are sized to be held in the hand of a user and are configured to be selectively interconnected to a battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle and output an output signal representative of a voltage of the battery assembly. Handheld charge indicator assemblies include a body, an electronic circuit housed within the body, an indicator configured to output an output signal representative of an input voltage to the electronic circuit, and a battery connector configured to engage the battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle. In some embodiments, the handheld charge indicator assembly further includes an actuator configured to actuate the electronic circuit to detect the input voltage responsive to a user engaging the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel. Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Bergum, Timothy J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7907060
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. Similarly, the remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R Reams
  • Publication number: 20110050240
    Abstract: A battery measuring clamp, comprising a battery pole clamp 2, a measuring resistor 12 electrically connected to the battery pole clamp 2, and an evaluation circuit which evaluates at least the voltage across the measuring resistor 12, wherein the evaluation circuit is electrically connected to the measuring resistor 12 via at least two measuring contacts 18 and at least two data lines 24 are arranged on the evaluation circuit. A flexible use of such a battery measuring clamp is ensured by the fact that the data lines are arranged in a connection means 26, that a data connector 32 is monolithically connected to a coupling means 28 corresponding to the connection means 26, and that the coupling means 28 and the connection means 26 are plugged together in order to electrically contact the data connector 32 to the data lines 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: AUTO KABEL MANAGEMENTGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Dominik Nentwig, Frank Gronwald, Franz-Josef Lietz
  • Patent number: 7728555
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a state of charge (SOC) compensation method for a vehicle using electrical energy, and a battery management system using the SOC compensation method. To determine the SOC of the battery, charge and discharge current of the battery is used to calculate a first SOC of the battery and a first corresponding voltage, a rheobasic voltage is calculated, an integration error corresponding to a difference between the first voltage and the rheobasic voltage is calculated, a SOC compensation factor is added to the first SOC when the integration error is greater than a first threshold value, and a SOC compensation factor is subtracted from the first SOC when the integration error is less than a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Se-Wook Seo, Han-Seok Yun, Gye-Jong Lim
  • Patent number: 7719289
    Abstract: A measuring device is used to measure the state of oils of fats. Said measuring device comprises a housing, a hollow connecting element which is secured therein and a carrier which is applied to the opposite end of the connecting element, said carrier being used to receive a sensor which can be used to measure an electric property of the product which is to be measured. The sensor is in contact with an evaluation unit by means of at least one electric line which is arranged on a non-conductive carrier, which is arranged in the region of the housing and/or the end of the connecting element which is oriented towards the housing. The measuring device comprises a plurality of carriers which are arranged in a row and which are thermally insulated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Testo AG
    Inventors: Mike Muhl, Juergen Hall
  • Publication number: 20090311919
    Abstract: A clamp that is capable of attaching to a battery post and also to a female receptacle terminal. The clamp includes a post-grasping portion that is capable of attaching to the battery post. The clamp also includes a male plug feature that is configured to fit into a female receptacle terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark E. Smith, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Patent number: 7619419
    Abstract: A wideband differential signal probe includes separate paths to convert a lower frequency component and a higher frequency component of a differential signal to a lower frequency single ended signal and a higher frequency single ended signal which are combined for the probe's output which is commonly input to instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Campbell
  • Publication number: 20090243622
    Abstract: A battery sensor unit including a pole terminal, the terminal being electrically conductively connected to a plate-shaped carrier element and a planar measuring shunt, the shunt including a resistor element and adjoining resistor connections on both sides thereof. The carrier element is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the one resistor connection, and the second free end region of the carrier element is connected electrically insulated to the second resistor. A spacer made of an electrically insulating material is provided. The second free end region of the carrier element and the second resistor connection with the sides facing each other are connected to the spacer. Said spacer can be connected with the second free end region of the carrier element and also with the second resistor connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Schimmel
  • Publication number: 20090237086
    Abstract: A modular heavy load battery test system is provided. The system includes a heavy load module and a battery tester. The heavy load module includes a housing, first and second lengths of high-resistivity, large-gauge wire arranged on respective upper and lower surfaces of a heat-resistant support plate, a switch and at least one cooling fan. The battery tester includes a housing, a microcontroller and a set of battery charging wires. The microcontroller selects the configuration of the first and second wires and provides the control signal to the heavy load module, while the switch selectively connects the first and second wires to the battery tester based upon the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Richard ANDELFINGER
  • Publication number: 20090214936
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a voltage sensing member constructed in a structure in which linear mounting parts are mounted to supporting parts coupled to the bottom of a battery module, conductive sensing parts are mounted on the mounting parts while the conductive sensing parts are in elastic contact with electrode terminals of battery cells, and the sensing parts are electrically connected to a battery management system (BMS). The voltage sensing member according to the present invention is manufactured by a simple assembly process without using a plurality of members for mechanical coupling and electrical connection. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of reducing the manufacturing costs of the voltage sensing member. Also, the voltage sensing member is maintained in elastic and stable contact when external impact or frequent vibration is applied to the voltage sensing member. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of performing stable voltage sensing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Heekook Yang, Juyoung Kim, Jongmoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 7557586
    Abstract: An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery includes test circuitry configured to provide an output based upon a selected test criteria. Additionally, circuitry is provided to assist in balancing batteries used in a string of multiple batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: J. David Vonderhaar, Kevin I. Bertness
  • Patent number: 7532492
    Abstract: An accessory device voltage management system includes an accessory device selectively coupled to a host. The host provides a bulk power supply and a low power supply voltage to the accessory device. The host receives accessory device parameters from the device and determines if the accessory device is a valid and supported device and, if so, sends commands to the accessory device to couple the bulk power supply voltage to a power supply circuit in the accessory device. The power supply circuit in the accessory device generates at least a first regulated voltage output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Dobyns, Michael J. Mende, Richard A. Van Epps, Michael D. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20070279066
    Abstract: A miniaturized battery tester that fits comfortably inside a shirt pocket. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises: first and second battery-test probes, wherein the first battery-test probe is a retractable battery-test probe; a finger grip member for holding the first battery-test probe; a circuit board, wherein the circuit board includes a battery-test circuit, the battery-test circuit includes a plurality of LEDs for displaying voltage; and a housing. The battery-testing circuit is in operable communication with the first and second battery-test probes. The housing having front and rear surfaces with a voltage display integrated into the front surface, the voltage display comprising the plurality of LEDs. The circuit board is less than about 3 cm in width and less than about 8 cm in length. The miniaturized battery tester is between about 1 oz and about 3 ozs in weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: STAN CHISM
  • Patent number: 7049822
    Abstract: A combination battery, light bulb, fuse tester having novel features. In particular, the tester includes a novel probe apparatus including an actuator, a pair of opposed probe arms, each of the probe arms having an electrical contact on an end thereof, the probe arms being adapted such that operation of the actuator biases the ends of the probe arms away from each other to an open position allowing the electrical poles of a battery, light bulb, or fuse to be tested to be contacted by the contacts on the probe arms. Additional features include magnetic probe contacts to facilitate the testing of a battery, light bulb, or fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: HSN Improvements, LLC
    Inventor: Chi Hung Kung
  • Patent number: 6933727
    Abstract: A cable for use with an electronic battery tester includes first and second electrical connections configured to couple to terminals of a battery. A memory is configured to store digital data. Electrical terminals are configured to couple the cable to the electronic battery tester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Krzysztof Jeziorczak
  • Patent number: 6881974
    Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide methods of manufacturing probe cards and test systems which may test microelectronic components using such probe cards. In one specific example, a probe card may be manufactured by forming a plurality of blind holes in a substrate, with each hole having a closed bottom spaced from a back of the substrate by a back thickness. An electrically conductive metal may be deposited on the substrate to fill the holes and define an overburden on the substrate. The metal in each hole may define a conductor. At least a portion of the overburden may be removed to electrically isolate each of the conductors from one another. A portion of the substrate including the back thickness is removed to define an array of pins extending outwardly from a remaining thickness of the substrate, with each pin being an exposed length of one of the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Wood, Trung T. Doan, David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6773938
    Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide methods of manufacturing probe cards and test systems which may test microelectronic components using such probe cards. In one specific example, a probe card may be manufactured by forming a plurality of blind holes in a substrate, with each hole having a closed bottom spaced from a back of the substrate by a back thickness. An electrically conductive metal may be deposited on the substrate to fill the holes and define an overburden on the substrate. The metal in each hole may define a conductor. At least a portion of the overburden may be removed to electrically isolate each of the conductors from one another. A portion of the substrate including the back thickness is removed to define an array of pins extending outwardly from a remaining thickness of the substrate, with each pin being an exposed length of one of the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Wood, Trung T. Doan, David R. Hembree
  • Publication number: 20040018418
    Abstract: A convoluted, bi-metallic test strip is inserted between a battery and an electrical circuit within a flashlight having a nonzero, quiescent, current drain. Squeezing the test strip permits consumers to temporarily test the flashlight. The strip is then removed by consumers after the flashlight has been purchased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Allen
  • Patent number: 6419807
    Abstract: A sensor array for detecting the distribution of fluids having different electrical characteristics, comprising a multilayer structure including a first layer which defines an array of spaced apart sensor electrodes, a second layer separated from the first layer by dielectric material and defining a conductive screen, and a third layer separated from the second layer by dielectric material and defining a series of spaced apart elongate connections, each sensor being connected to a respective connection by a respective conductive path extending through an opening in the conductive screen defined by the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Graham Arthur Davies, Tomasz Dyakowski, Arthur Jerzy Jaworski
  • Patent number: 6297025
    Abstract: A method of observing a physical and chemical property of a tissue or cell by using an apparatus which comprises at least a cell culturing means, an environment conditioning means, an observing means and a comparing means, comprising the steps of (A) culturing the tissue or cell by the cell culturing means, (B) maintaining a first physical and chemical environment around the tissue or cell by the cell culturing means, (C) observing a first physical and chemical property of the tissue or cell in the first physical and chemical environment by the observing means, (D) changing the first physical and chemical environment to a second physical and chemical environment by the environment conditioning means, (E) observing a second physical and chemical property of the tissue or cell in the second physical and chemical environment by the observing means, and (F) comparing the first physical and chemical property of the tissue or cell with the second physical and chemical property of the tissue or cell by the comparing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., LTD
    Inventors: Hirokazu Sugihara, Akihito Kamei, Yasushi Kobayashi, Makoto Taketani, Tadayasu Mitsumata
  • Patent number: 6191591
    Abstract: A cell grading test fixture includes an array of cell sockets electrically interconnected in series so that current through the entire array of cells flows through each of the cells once inserted into the fixture. Associated with each socket is an indicator which indicates to the operator when a cell voltage has fallen to a predetermined level. Each socket of the test fixture includes a spring-loaded switch contact such that upon removal of a cell which has dropped below a threshold voltage, the movable contact engages the contact of an adjacent socket, shorting out the cell location such that the series circuit of cells continues to provide a current path for the remaining cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Moltech Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Ratajczak, Harold T. Coyle, Danny F. Rockett, Julio Delgado