Abstract: A cable management system for an overhead EVSE employs a lever-latch on the EV connector. A controller and motor mechanism is employed to lower the connector to an ADA compliant position or a pre-established height which is typically four feet. For an overhead system which employs a shuttle which slides along a track, the connector may then be grasped to pull the shuttle to a selected position along the track. The latch is depressible to extend the service cable to the connector so that the connector may be positioned and connected at the EV inlet. When the connector is unlatched from the EV inlet, the latch may be depressed to retract the connector to the pre-established height or ADA position. The latch requires a force of less than 5 lbs. for activation.

Abstract: A multiple EVSE installation employs a power sharing system for EVSE pairs which share a common circuit breaker. When only one EVSE is connected to an electric vehicle for charging, the connected EVSE is allowed to charge at full capacity. When a second EV connects to the second EVSE of the pair, while the first EVSE is charging, a controller senses the latter event and issues commands to both EVSE units to limit their current so that the rated circuit breaker capacity is not exceeded. The controller continuously monitors the charging of each of the EVSE units and sends commands to adjust the supply of current to each EVSE accordingly.

Abstract: A system involves the use of one or more sensor pins which generate a binary output to determine the position of the tire on the sensor module, and if the depth of the tire tread meets the recommended depth for safe operation. The vehicle drives over two linear sensor modules, one for the driver side tires and the other for the passenger side tires. As the tires pass over the sensor modules, the sensor pins on/off status is recorded and analyzed to determine whether the tires are centered on the module and whether the depth of the threads meet or exceed the recommended depth for safe operation. When both front and rear tires have passed over the sensor modules, the tire statuses will be displayed on a tire status indicator, and a receipt with the tire status will be printed for the vehicle. When used with fleet management systems, the vehicle identification and the tire statuses will also be sent to a data center for further processing.

Abstract: An overhead cable management for charging an electric vehicle employs a reel which receives a cable with an EV connector. A drive assembly employs a bi-positionable clutch and a gear assembly which sequentially engages a drive gear for the reel to unwind the cable from an overhead position to an ADA height, allow the cable and connector to be extended to connect with the EV and to wind the cable until a locked home position is obtained. The cable management is incorporated into an EVSE which is ceiling mounted, or an EVSE which is mounted to a pole or a wall. Numerous modules and features are optionally employed in connection with the operation of the cable management.

Abstract: A system for coiling an electrical cable employed for charging an electric vehicle employs a cable management system. The cable management system has a drive assembly which has a drive mode that retracts the cable and release mode which allows for the cable to be extended. The installation employs a drum having a cylindrical sidewall. The drive assembly drives the cable downwardly into a drum so that the cable progressively engages the sidewall to form a vertical coiled configuration. A clutch assembly cooperates with the drive assembly to provide the automatic retracting and extending operations and also locks the vehicle connector at the end of the electrical cable in an extended position as well as a retracted home position.

Abstract: An electric charging system for charging electric vehicles is particularly adapted for use in a parking garage. Parking spaces in the garage are fixed with a charging station so that the vehicles may be charged while they park at the garage. The power cable which connects to charge the vehicle battery is suspended at a height generally above the vehicle and is automatically retractable. Information concerning the power charge is automatically transmitted to the payment station at the exit gate. A point of sale (POS) module is mounted for communication with the power cable. The point of sale (POS) module and the connector are easily accessible and the connector is positionable for ease of connection with the vehicle terminal. A retractor for extending and retracting an overhead power cable employs a drive wheel and a clutch which are electronically controlled.

Abstract: A connection line protection system employs unique identifiers on outlets and inlets. A connector connects a selected outlet with a selected inlet. The connector mounts at opposing ends an identifier that identifies the connector. A scanner is employed to scan in tandem a first identifier of the outlet and a connector identifier and a second identifier of the inlets and the identifier of the connector. The readings are compared with a schedule to determine whether the connector is properly mounted and connected between a selected outlet and a selected inlet. The identifiers include RFIDs and barcodes. The identifiers are preferably angularly spaced around the outlets, inlets and the couplers of the connector. The identifier may be affixed by snap rings mounting barcode labels or RFID buttons.

Abstract: A multiple EVSE installation employs a power sharing system for EVSE pairs which share a common circuit breaker. When only one EVSE is connected to an electric vehicle for charging, the connected EVSE is allowed to charge at full capacity. When a second EV connects to the second EVSE of the pair, while the first EVSE is charging, a controller senses the latter event and issues commands to both EVSE units to limit their current so that the rated circuit breaker capacity is not exceeded. The controller continuously monitors the charging of each of the EVSE units and sends commands to adjust the supply of current to each EVSE accordingly.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing installation employs multiple fuel islands with fuel dispensers and multiple fuel/travel lanes. The installation employs a communication/controller system for automatically identifying a vehicle, and upon authorizing the vehicle, allowing fuel to be dispensed to said vehicle, determining the quantity of fuel dispensed to the vehicle and securing the dispenser when the vehicle leaves a detection zone. The detection system employs RFID tags placed at both the driver side and the passenger side of the vehicle. Generally oppositely oriented antennas define a detection zone for each of the lanes. A light indicates whether the vehicle is authorized for receiving fuel.

Abstract: A power cable which connects to charge the battery power supply of an electric vehicle is suspended at a height generally above the vehicle and is automatically retractable. The operation of the power cable is automatically managed to provide a slack-free condition of the cable when the cable is moved in the extending and the retracting directions. The cable connector is easily accessible and the connector is positionable for ease of connection with the vehicle battery charging terminal. The cable management system for extending and retracting the overhead power cable employs a drive mechanism and a clutch assembly which are electronically controlled.

Abstract: An EVSE controller system controls the supply of power to multiple charging stations for charging electric vehicles. A controller is interposed in a power line for controlling the flow of power to each charging station. An authorization station receives input from a vehicle operator for authorizing the supply of power at a given charging station. A vehicle detector is employed to automatically sense the presence of an electric vehicle at the charging station and to automatically terminate power supply to the charging station upon departure of the electric vehicle. Both level 1 and level 2 EVSE are operated by the controller system.

Abstract: A modular gate system for a vehicle travel lane employs a plurality of various modules to control the traffic flow and to sense and monitor the vehicles traversing the travel lane. The power and communication for the modules are provided by power and communication lines enclosed in a conduit which is mounted to an elevated rail.

Abstract: A level detector mounts to a tank containing a liquid. The detector transmits and receives ultrasonic pulses. The pulses are processed by a microprocessor which periodically measures the liquid level of the tank. When the liquid level reaches a pre-established level, a cell phone automatically transmits data to a remote location. A schedule for emptying the tank is generated by a server at the remote location. A service man uses the schedule to visit the tank location and empty the tank. In addition, a portable charger/calibrator is mounted to the level detector to charge the power supply of the detector and calibrate the liquid level.

Abstract: A tester connects with the connector of electrical vehicle service equipment (EVSE). The tester simulates the battery supply of an electric vehicle to test whether the EVSE is properly operating without requiring that the electric vehicle be present. In one embodiment LEDs are employed to indicate whether the EVSE meets specifications. In a second embodiment various measurements of voltage levels and signals are provided to allow for a more detailed analysis of the performance characteristics of the EVSE. Ground fault, proximity sensor, and re-closure tests are also undertaken.

Abstract: A valet EVSE system employs a plurality of outlet stations which are configured with an electrical outlet and brackets for receiving a portable EVSE unit. The portable EVSE unit is configured to removably mount to the brackets and draw power from the electrical outlet. In one embodiment a given station is adapted to receive and supply power to two portable EVSE units. A housing is provided with a pivoted cover for securing the plug of the EVSE unit with the outlet disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A security enclosure is adapted to receive and secure portable charging equipment for supplying power from a standard outlet to charge an electric vehicle. The security enclosure is mounted to a wall and houses the portable charging equipment. The equipment connects with an outlet mounted on the wall. In a locked condition, the enclosure secures the portable charging module and has an access opening which allows the power cord to extend exteriorly of the enclosure for charging the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A power share module is employed to sense the power usage of an electric utility at a residence and to selectively provide power to an EVSE for charging an electric vehicle. If the power drawn by the utility such as an electric dryer or a range is above a certain threshold, power is not supplied to the EVSE. When power is less than the threshold, the power sharing module allows power to be supplied to the EVSE.

Abstract: A locator system employs personal communicators which are carried on or worn in a holster by drivers. The communicators are employed to automatically transmit data for determining the identity of the driver, the identity of the vehicle and date and time stamps when the vehicle enters and exits various detection zones. In one embodiment the detections zones are defined by Bluetooth signals.

Abstract: A system for identifying an electric vehicle connected to electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) and which involves RF communication exploits the OBDM of the electric vehicle as well as the auto-CAM system. Power is applied from the EVSE to supply electric power and the flow of current to the battery charger is detected. The VIN and a power-on signal is then transmitted by RF to the EVSE transceiver. Power is removed from the EVSE to the electric vehicle. A VIN and a power-off signal is transmitted to the EVSE and processed to confirm the identity of the connected electric vehicle. Power is then re-applied to the EVSE to charge the battery power supply.