Patents Examined by Arun C Williams
  • Patent number: 11211651
    Abstract: The quietness requirement level of a charging point is determined based on the position information on the charging point where an in-vehicle battery is fast charged by an external power supply. For an air conditioner that cools the in-vehicle battery through a drive power of an electric compressor when the in-vehicle battery is charged, an upper limit of a rotation speed of the electric compressor is set in such a way that the upper limit of the rotation speed of the electric compressor is set lower when the in-vehicle battery is charged by the external power supply at a charging point where the quietness requirement level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value than when the in-vehicle battery is charged by the external power supply at a charging point where the quietness requirement level is lower than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kohji Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 11203265
    Abstract: System and method of controlling power distribution from a charging source to an electric vehicle having a battery. The system includes a plurality of switches selectively connectable between the charging source, the battery and a thermal circuit. A controller is configured to control operation of the plurality of switches to provide multiple settings for the electric vehicle. The controller is configured to select from the multiple settings based on part on a trigger signal from a mobile application. The multiple settings include an external power mode, a charging mode, a discharging mode and a mixed charging and conditioning mode. The mixed charging and conditioning mode allows charging of the battery concurrently with thermal conditioning of at least one of the battery and a cabin of the vehicle. The mixed charging and conditioning mode enables a power split between a thermal conditioning power (PT) and a charging power (PC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, David J. Brooks, Jun-Mo Kang, Donald K. Grimm
  • Patent number: 11198373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a charging device for charging energy stores of vehicles, preferably electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, wherein the charging device is connected to an Internet-enabled server. In a method step, at least one receiver vehicle with a flat or partially charged battery communicates its charging demand to the charging device. Furthermore, in a method step at least one donor vehicle with an at least partially charged battery communicates its readiness to charge to the charging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Nonnenmacher, Helmut Randoll, Holger Leege
  • Patent number: 11201490
    Abstract: Provided are a charging method, a terminal, and a non-transitory computer storage medium. The method includes the following. A charging voltage is detected in applying flash fast charging (FFC) to a terminal. Whether to end the FFC is determined according to the charging voltage. FFC is ended and a standing duration is recorded, where the standing duration is indicative of time which has elapsed after charging of a terminal is ended. A preset safe current is applied to the terminal, when the standing duration is longer than or equal to a preset threshold duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Chen Tian
  • Patent number: 11190075
    Abstract: A drive system to be applied to a vehicle is provided which includes a chargeable and dischargeable electric storage device, and in which the electric storage device is capable of being charged by power supply from an external power supply outside the vehicle. The drive system includes a rotating electrical machine, an inverter connected to the rotating electrical machine, a converter configured to transform a power supply voltage of the electric storage device and output the transformed power supply voltage to the inverter, and charging wirings which are capable of being electrically connected to the external power supply. The charging wirings are connected to connection points between the inverter and the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryotaro Okamoto, Tsubasa Sakuishi
  • Patent number: 11183861
    Abstract: An external battery device is implemented which can detachably engage with a smartwatch to thereby enable seamless battery replacement and smartwatch battery replenishment without having to remove the smartwatch from a user's wrist. The external battery device can be a bezel that aesthetically fits in a cut-out around a perimeter of the smartwatch's face and locks in place using, for example, a male-female connection mechanism. The external battery device includes a casing that functions as the bezel for the watch. The casing includes a channel inside which a rechargeable battery is positioned. The male connectors of the external battery device extend downward from a hole in the casing to engage with corresponding female receptacles on the smartwatch. In typical implementations, two different shapes of the male and female connection mechanisms may be used to provide a consistent manner in which the user connects the external battery device to the smartwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Charles DeMaio
  • Patent number: 11183884
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for are provided for a wireless power receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-Ram Lee, Yu-Su Kim, Se-Ho Park, Seung-Woo Han
  • Patent number: 11180051
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller and a display. The controller is configured to calculate a capacity retention (a degree of deterioration) based on measurement data of a main battery. The controller estimates an upper limit value and a lower limit value of an error (range) of the calculated capacity retention. The controller calculates a capacity retention range including the upper limit value Wu and the lower limit value. The controller has the display show the calculated capacity retention range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuki Kubo, Junta Izumi, Yoshihiro Uchida, Masaki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 11177673
    Abstract: A charging apparatus supplies power from a source to an electronic device with proper electrical polarity. The apparatus includes a base having a first magnetic member coupled to the source and corresponding to negative power and a second magnetic member coupled to the source and corresponding to positive power, and a charging case having a pair of metallic members coupled to an input of a bridge rectifier, a plug coupled to an output of the bridge rectifier by a first wire corresponding to negative power and a second wire corresponding to positive power. The plug connects to the electronic device and the charging case is maneuvered to engage the first metallic member with one of the magnetic members on the base and engage the second metallic member with the other magnetic member on the base. This connection supplies power from the source to the electronic device with proper electrical polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Frank Dale Boxberger
  • Patent number: 11173804
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a charging station or a system for adjustment of electric vehicle (EV) charging timing, power, or location in coordination with the electrical grid (V1G) or vehicle to grid bidirectional power flow (V2G) selection may include a memory, a processor, and a charge controller or controller. The memory may receive a profile associated with an electric vehicle (EV). The profile may be indicative of a V1G/V2G charging schedule preference for the EV. The processor may determine a presence of the EV and the charge controller may control charging of a battery of the EV by selecting V1G or V2G based on the profile and in accordance with the V1G/V2G charging schedule preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Tsubokura, Satoru Shinzaki, David Wong Cun
  • Patent number: 11155183
    Abstract: A method of controlling a battery includes controlling a latching relay unit in response to vehicle state information, and converting a battery system of a vehicle into either a high-voltage battery system or a low-voltage battery system according to control of the latching relay unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Hu Yoon
  • Patent number: 11152602
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating and extending the expected cell cycling lifetime for produced lithium ion cells. Methods comprise monitoring charging and/or discharging peak(s) during formation cycles of the cells, which are defined with respect to dQ/dV measurements during the formation cycles, and ending the formation process once the charging and/or discharging peaks disappear, optionally deriving the expected cell cycling lifetime by comparing the monitored peaks to specified thresholds that are correlated to the lifetime. The methods may be implemented by controller(s) at the battery, device and/or factory levels, which may be operated in combination. Formation processes and/or cell operation schemes may be adjusted accordingly, to avoid excessive dQ/dV rates and increase thereby the cell cycling lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: StoreDot Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Grunwald, Leonid Krasovitsky, Dmitry Voyevodin
  • Patent number: 11152649
    Abstract: A battery pack includes: a first switch connected between a first end of a battery and a first output terminal; a second switch including a first terminal and a second terminal which are connected to a second end of the battery, and a third terminal and a fourth terminal which are connected to a second output terminal, wherein the first terminal and the third terminal are electrically connected when the second switch is turned off, and the second terminal and the fourth terminal are electrically connected when the second switch is turned on; a pre-charge resistor connected between the third terminal of the second switch and the second output terminal; and a controller configured to control the second switch such that the second switch is turned on if a precharging period of time elapses after the first switch is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dukjung Kim
  • Patent number: 11148548
    Abstract: An electric vehicle parking energy supply system includes at least one electric power control unit that is connected with at least one electric power generation system, a parking tower having multiple vehicle carrying platforms that are movable in multiple axes for receiving electric vehicles to park thereon, multiple power buses, a power charging control unit arranged on each vehicle carrying platform for connection with and charging the electric vehicle, and at least one electric vehicle charging management center. The power charging control unit controls bidirectional electric energy supply for supplying working power required by the parking tower, the vehicle carrying platforms, and the power buses and selling extra power back to a commercial power supply. The power buses are arranged longitudinally to each correspond to one side of a predetermined location of each of the vehicle carrying platforms of the parking tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Electric Energy Express Corporation
    Inventor: Ling-Yuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 11152655
    Abstract: An inductive heater assembly that includes an adapter portion and a coil portion. The adapter portion includes a first adapter support portion and a second adapter support portion. The first adapter support portion is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the inductive heater assembly to a power source device. The first adapter support portion includes a first adapter terminal block configured to engage a complementary terminal block of the power source device. The second adapter support portion is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the inductive heater assembly to the power tool battery pack. The second adapter support portion includes a second adapter terminal block configured to engage a complementary terminal block of the power tool battery pack. The coil portion is supported by the adapter portion. The coil portion includes a coil housing and one or more inductive coil windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randolph H. McHugh, Gareth Mueckl, Tauhira Hoossainy
  • Patent number: 11152614
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric drive component; a lithium titanate oxide battery pack comprising LTO battery cells; and a range extender. The range extender has a first state to deliver power to the electric drive component, a second state to charge the LTO battery pack, a third state to deliver power to the electric drive component and charge the LTO battery pack, and a fourth state in which it does not deliver power outward. The electric drive component has a first state to receive power delivered from the LTO battery pack, a second state to receive power delivered from the range extender, a third state to receiver power delivered from the LTO battery pack and the range extender, a fourth state to recover braking energy to charge the LTO battery pack, and a fifth state in which it does not receive power and does not recover the braking energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Benjamin Yeung
  • Patent number: 11146079
    Abstract: Equalization of the state of health of multiple serial strings of battery cells connected in parallel to a common direct current bus in an energy storage system utilized with a utility-sized renewable energy system or other system where optimum operational battery health is a requirement, and in particular is provided by a separate bi-directional DC-to-DC converter in each serial string that controls the charge and discharge of the multiple serial strings of battery cells to maximize efficiency of the stored energy and also provides galvanic isolation between the direct current bus and the multiple serial strings of battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Alencon Acquisition Co., LLC
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Zekeriya Dereli, David Luksenberg, Hanan Fishman
  • Patent number: 11146098
    Abstract: A precharge control apparatus starts precharge of a capacitor. The precharge is determined to be completed when a set time has elapsed since a voltage difference between a battery voltage and a capacitor voltage detected by a voltage sensor becomes equal to or less than a set voltage. The set voltage is based on a maximum error obtained by adding maximum values of detection errors of the battery voltage and capacitor voltage by the voltage sensor. The set time is based on a time from when the voltage difference becomes twice the maximum error to when the voltage difference becomes equal to or less than a withstand voltage of a main contactor, under states where the precharge causes the capacitor voltage to increase with a time constant when a resistance value of a resistor and a capacitance of the capacitor each are largest within an allowable error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kohei Saito
  • Patent number: 11139614
    Abstract: An auto-eject apparatus for ejecting a charging cord from a communication device after the battery is substantially charged. The auto-eject apparatus serves to provides a connector that ejects a proximal end of a charging cord that is attached to a communication device after the battery of the communication device is substantially charged. A processor component operatively connects to the pins. The processor component runs a software program that detects when the battery is finished charging. The software program may be a battery monitoring program. After detecting a full charge, the software program triggers two pins in the apparatus to mechanically eject the proximal end of the charging cord. The pins axially extend and retract in relation to the housing, such that axially extending the pins urges the connector to disengage from the communication device A linkage assembly articulates between the processor component and the pins to axially displace the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Khaled Waleed Alobaidan
  • Patent number: 11135936
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method using temperature data to protect battery health during bidirectional charging in conjunction with monetization activities. The method includes receiving temperature data and determining anticipated energy needs of a building. The temperature data includes at least the temperature of one or more electric vehicle batteries or information required to determine the temperature of the one or more electric vehicle batteries while the anticipated energy needs are relative to ambient air temperature. The method includes determining an amount of discharge of the one or more electric vehicle batteries required to offset the anticipated needs of the building by a predetermined amount and determining based on the temperature data whether discharging the one or more electric vehicle batteries would be harmful to the health of the one or more electric vehicle batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: FERMATA, LLC
    Inventors: David Lee Slutzky, John Parsons Wheeler