Patents Assigned to Ample Inc.
  • Patent number: 11858328
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrically and mechanically coupling battery modules to an electric vehicle includes an interface plate and one or more battery trays. The interface plate includes an electrical output that electrically couples the interface plate to the vehicle. The interface plate also includes an electrical input that is electrically coupled to the electrical output. The battery tray is configured to receive a plurality of replaceable battery modules and is releasably mechanically coupled to the interface plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ample Inc.
    Inventors: Ankit Srivastava, Khaled Walid Hassounah, Harsh Jain
  • Patent number: 11332352
    Abstract: A lift for raising or moving loads is disclosed. The lift is autonomous and comprises several parts for sensing and communicating as well as actuating a displacement. In some instances, the lift is moveable and includes optical and other sensors and can furthermore determine one or more vehicle wheel locations to position itself and raise a vehicle up off of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Ample, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Terata Bowers, Thomas Ly, Khaled Walid Hassounah, Ankit Srivastava
  • Patent number: 11125259
    Abstract: Corresponding threaded mechanical fasteners are automatically aligned with an alignment guide. The alignment guide includes a tapered cavity defined in a housing. As the threaded mechanical fasteners are moved towards one another to mate, the tapered cavity in the alignment guide causes the threaded mechanical fasteners to align with each other. The mechanical fasteners can connect a modular rechargeable battery to a battery receptacle in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ample, Inc.
    Inventors: Khaled Hassounah, Ankit Srivastava
  • Patent number: 10359066
    Abstract: Corresponding threaded mechanical fasteners are automatically aligned with an alignment guide. The alignment guide includes a tapered cavity defined in a housing. As the threaded mechanical fasteners are moved towards one another to mate, the tapered cavity in the alignment guide causes the threaded mechanical fasteners to align with each other. The mechanical fasteners can connect a modular rechargeable battery to a battery receptacle in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ample Inc.
    Inventors: Khaled Hassounah, Ankit Srivastava
  • Patent number: 9932019
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ample, Inc.
    Inventor: Khaled Hassounah
  • Patent number: 9868421
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for a robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle. A semi-autonomous portable robot is programmed to interchange depleted rechargeable batteries disposed in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Portable battery pod dispenses batteries to semi-autonomous portable robot for swap. Semi-autonomous portable robot uses navigational sensors to transport battery to predetermined position at the battery interchange location. Battery disposition and configuration data are wirelessly communicated by battery pod to semi-autonomous portable robot. Battery pod is also in electrical communication with vehicle for timely latching and unlatching of battery modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ample, Inc.
    Inventor: Khaled Hassounah
  • Patent number: 9694707
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electric vehicle battery systems with replaceable parallel electric vehicle battery modules are described herein. The electric vehicle battery system includes a plurality of electric vehicle battery modules connected in parallel. Each electric vehicle battery module includes a battery. Each electric vehicle battery module can also include a balancing circuit in electrical communication with a current path from the battery to an electric vehicle battery module output node. Each electric vehicle battery module also may have a current sensor in electromagnetic communication with the current path between the battery and the balancing circuit. The current sensor can be configured to sense a current level between the battery and the balancing circuit. The balancing circuit can be configured to balance the current level sensed by the current sensor of each electric vehicle battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ample Inc.
    Inventor: Louis J. Shrinkle
  • Patent number: 9315113
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electric vehicle battery systems with replaceable parallel electric vehicle battery modules are described herein. The electric vehicle battery system includes a plurality of electric vehicle battery modules connected in parallel. Each electric vehicle battery module includes a battery. Each electric vehicle battery module can also include a balancing circuit in electrical communication with a current path from the battery to an electric vehicle battery module output node. Each electric vehicle battery module also may have a current sensor in electromagnetic communication with the current path between the battery and the balancing circuit. The current sensor can be configured to sense a current level between the battery and the balancing circuit. The balancing circuit can be configured to balance the current level sensed by the current sensor of each electric vehicle battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ample Inc.
    Inventor: Louis J. Shrinkle