Patents Examined by Tarikh Rankine
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Patent number: 9859734Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply circuit and a power supply method. The power supply circuit comprises: a charge control unit, a battery and battery protection unit, a voltage stabilizing unit and a voltage boosting unit; the voltage boosting unit comprises: a consumption reducing module for, at the moment of turning on or turning off a power device in the voltage boosting unit, enabling an electric current flowing through the power device to be zero. The present invention, by arranging the consumption reducing module, enables an electric current flowing through the power device to be zero at the moment of turning on or turning off the power device in the voltage boosting unit, which realizes zero current turn-on or turn-off of the power device, and reduces consumption of the electric energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiaoyan Han, Qingmeng Wang, Kunkun Fang
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Patent number: 9831690Abstract: The invention provides a method for balancing the electrical voltages of at least two electrical accumulator units that are connected in series. According to the invention, one accumulator unit is connected to the winding of a coil in order to excite the coil, and the other accumulator unit is charged by the excited coil by the subsequent connection of the winding to the other accumulator unit. In addition, the invention provides a corresponding electrical accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Stefan Butzmann
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Patent number: 9797960Abstract: A battery charge management method and device operable to perform that method. The battery charge management method comprises the steps of determining charge delivered to or from a battery based on Coulomb counting and updating an estimated battery state of charge based on the amount of delivered charge and measuring the battery current. Then comparing the updated estimated battery state of charge with a predetermined state of charge value of less than 100%, such that each predetermined state of charge value being associated with an expected battery current for that predetermined state of charge value. The method also includes modifying the updated estimated battery state of charge when the updated estimated state of charge is greater than the predetermined state of charge value and the measured battery current is greater than the expected battery current associated with the predetermined state of charge.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: PowerOasis LimitedInventors: Stephen Barrett, Peter William Dale Bishop, Graham Ronald Johnson
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Patent number: 9796287Abstract: A discharging apparatus for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The discharging apparatus comprises: an AC charging interface; a charging connection device, configured to transmit an AC output from the AC charging interface to another electric vehicle; an instrument, configured to send a discharging preparation instruction; a controller, configured to detect whether the charging connection device is connected with the AC charging interface, and if yes, to emit a PWM wave and to switch to an external discharging mode; a battery manager, configured to control an external discharging circuit in a high-voltage distribution box of the electric vehicle to be connected after the controller switches to the external discharging mode; a power battery, configured to provide a DC via the external discharging circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignees: SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D COMPANY LIMITED, BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Wei Wang, Hongjun Wang, Zhen Li, Ming Liu
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Patent number: 9770991Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for charging a battery. The system, for example, includes, but is not limited to a first interface configured to receive a voltage from an AC voltage source, a matrix conversion module comprising a plurality of switches electrically connected to the first interface and configured to provide a charging voltage to the battery, and a controller communicatively connected to the matrix conversion module, wherein the controller is configured to: determine a voltage of the battery, determine an angle of the AC voltage source to initiate charging of the battery based upon the voltage of the battery, and control the plurality of switches to provide the charging voltage to the battery between the determined angle of the AC voltage source and a subsequent zero-crossing of the AC voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Milun Perisic, Ray M. Ransonm, Lateef A. Kojouke
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Patent number: 9773610Abstract: An antenna arrangement for transmitting energy is described. The antenna arrangement includes a planar array of two or more rectangular loop antennas, adapted to transmit energy at low frequencies via non-radiative resonant coupling and at high frequencies via radiative coupling. The low frequencies correspond to a wavelength with half of the wavelength being larger than the longest rectangular loop antenna dimension and the high frequencies correspond to a wavelength with half of the wavelength being approximately equal the longest rectangular loop antenna dimension. The antenna arrangement also includes a feeding network connected to the planar array, which includes a phase shifting means for providing a phase difference between signals at the high frequencies to be transmitted by different rectangular loop antennas of the planar array, whereby the amount of phase difference is related to the distance of the rectangular loop antennas to a focal point in the near-field of the planar array.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Stichting IMEC NederlandInventor: Hubregt Jannis Visser
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Patent number: 9764650Abstract: A DC voltage source, for example an AC/DC converter, has an output producing a controllable DC voltage for a DC charging station to charge the battery of an electric vehicle. A voltage balancing unit is connected between the output of the converter and the output terminal of the DC charging station. The voltage balancing unit has a controllable switch by which the connection between voltage source or converter and battery can be made or broken as desired. The switch is controlled as a function of the voltage on the input and output side of the voltage balancing unit to the effect that the switch breaks the connection before and while the battery is being connected to the DC output terminal, and makes a connection only when the voltage on the input side of the voltage balancing unit corresponds substantially to the voltage on the output side of the voltage balancing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Markus Böhm, Nicholas Demetris Cherouvim, Johannes Reinschke, Johnannes Starkl
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Patent number: 9764701Abstract: A motor vehicle energy storage device includes a first electrical energy store characterized by a first characteristic voltage curve defining the open-circuit voltage of the first energy store depending on the relative charge state and by a first characteristic resistance curve defining the internal resistance of the first energy store relevant for a charge process of the energy store, and a second electrical energy store connected in parallel and characterized by a second characteristic voltage curve defining the open-circuit voltage of the second energy store depending on the relative charge state and by a second characteristic resistance curve defining the internal resistance relevant for a charge process of the second energy store.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Lamp, Andreas Stoermer, Marcus Hafkemeyer
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Patent number: 9755453Abstract: A cell controller in a battery-monitoring device that monitors an assembled battery having a single cell group or a plurality of cell groups, each made up with a plurality of battery cells connected in series, includes: a startup terminal to which a first discharge resistor is connected and a startup voltage is applied; and a cell-balancing unit that executes cell balancing operation in order to adjust charge levels of the plurality of battery cells during a time period through which the startup voltage remains equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage, wherein: the startup voltage is applied for a predetermined length of time by a first timer unit that includes a passive element capable of accumulating electric energy and capable of discharging electric energy to the startup terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Tomonori Kanai, Akihiko Kudoh, Hikaru Miura, Mitsuo Noda, Mutsumi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 9746525Abstract: A battery system monitoring device that monitors a battery system provided with a cell group having a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other, including: a first control device that monitors and controls states of the plurality of battery cells of the cell group; a second control device that controls the first control device; a temperature detection unit that measures a temperature in the vicinity of the first control device; and a plurality of voltage detection lines, for measuring an inter-terminal voltage of the battery cell, which connect each of a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery cell and the first control device. The first control device includes a balancing switch, which performs balancing discharge of the battery cell for each of the battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Akihiko Kudo, Mutsumi Kikuchi, Tomonori Kanai, Tatsumi Yamauchi, Akihiro Machida
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Patent number: 9748795Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric machine, a generator generating a first AC output current, an internal combustion engine driving the generator, and a first electric plug-in charging device. When the engine is started, the generator supplies the battery with charging power. The first plug-in charging device is geometrically configured to be connectable with single phase AC power mains to supply the battery with charging power in a vehicle deactivated state. The first plug-in charging device is configured for a maximum electric power voltage load of 240 volts and a maximum current strength of 32 amperes. A second electric plug-in charging device is integrated into the vehicle. A DC charging station is connectable to the second charging device in the deactivated state so the DC charging station is usable either exclusively or simultaneously with the single phase AC power mains for charging the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Merten Jung, Patrick Mueller, Robert Griessbach, Thomas Schimanek, Christian Hieber
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Patent number: 9728996Abstract: A high efficiency charging apparatus, includes a power supply which is a source for supplying electricity for charging; a speed setting unit setting an oscillating frequency and outputting an electrical self-oscillating signal having a frequency corresponding to the oscillating frequency; a switching unit having a plurality of switches which are driven by the electrical self-oscillating signal supplied from the speed setting unit; and a power transmitting unit supplying a current from the power supply to a capacitor multiple times according to a drive state of the plurality of switches of the switching unit and discharging the current charged in the capacitor at one time to supply the discharged current to the battery. The charging apparatus improves charging efficiency and reduces a charging time of a lead or nickel battery used in a vehicle or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Run EnergyInventor: Suk-ho Jang
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Patent number: 9718374Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The charging system comprises: a power battery; a charge-discharge socket; a bidirectional DC/DC module having a first DC terminal connected with a first terminal of the power battery and a second DC terminal connected with a second terminal of the power battery; a bidirectional DC/AC module having a first DC terminal connected with the second terminal of the power battery and a second DC terminal connected with the first terminal of the power battery; a charge-discharge control module having a first terminal connected with the AC terminal of the bidirectional DC/AC module and a second terminal connected with the charge-discharge socket; and a controller module connected with the charge-discharge control module, and configured to control the charge-discharge control module according to a current operation mode of the charging system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignees: SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D COMPANY LIMITED, BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Zheqing Tang, Zhiyong Du, Fu Tang, Jun Zhao, Qiyuan Liang
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Patent number: 9715204Abstract: A discharge circuit unit for minimizing standby power occurring in a standby mode and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The discharge circuit unit is connected to an input line of alternating current (AC) power and discharges a capacitive element for reducing noises. The discharge circuit unit includes a discharge circuit including first and second resistance units connected in series to discharge the capacitive element in response to a discharge control signal generated when an input of the AC power is interrupted, and a detection circuit that detects whether the input of the AC power is interrupted, and includes third and fourth resistance units connected in series so as to generate the discharge control signal when it is detected that the input of the AC power is interrupted. Each of the first to fourth resistance units includes at least one of a resistor and a switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jin Ha Kim
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Patent number: 9705342Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a battery equalizing circuit, which comprises a first battery unit, a second battery unit, a current detecting resistor, an equalizing inductor, a first control switch, a second control switch and a feedback control circuit. The first battery unit is connected in series with the second battery unit. The first battery unit, the current detecting resistor, the equalizing inductor and the first control switch are electrically connected with each other to form a first circuit loop. The second battery unit, the current detecting resistor, the equalizing inductor and the second control switch are electrically connected with each other to form a second circuit loop. The feedback control circuit is connected in parallel with the current detecting resistor to detect a voltage drop across the current detecting resistor, and switch between the first and the second circuit loop so as to make an equalizing current substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: DONGGUAN CELLWISE MICROELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jianhua Zhao
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Patent number: 9702939Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for charging or maintaining a battery that includes power conversion circuitry configured to provide output power for charging or maintaining the battery. The system also includes electrical conductors coupled to the power conversion circuitry and configured to be coupled to the battery for charging or maintaining the battery. Additionally, the system includes control circuitry coupled to the power conversion circuitry and configured to monitor charging or maintaining of the battery. The control circuitry is further configured to determine whether the battery may be defective or failing based upon the output power and a time threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Daryl C. Brockman, Joseph E. Liedhegner
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Patent number: 9673653Abstract: A vehicle includes a high voltage traction battery for providing propulsion energy to the vehicle. A battery control module controls the operation of the battery, and also commands cell balancing out of or between cells of the battery to maintain a relative equilibrium of charge across a plurality of the cells. The battery control module is in communication with an interactive display in the vehicle or a communication device outside of the vehicle. A user can define a time period in which the vehicle is to enter a hibernation mode. During the hibernation mode, the battery control module inhibits cell balancing in the battery. Upon expiration of the user-defined time period, the battery control module enables cell balancing.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Edward Loftus
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Patent number: 9620983Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for detecting a location of an adjacent ultrasonic receiver of a battery powered device relative to a charging surface of a contactless charger. The charging surface may include an ultrasonic array of transmitter sub arrays, wherein one or more of the transmitter sub arrays may be selectively activated based on the location to focus an ultrasonic beam on the adjacent ultrasonic receiver. In one example, a movement of the adjacent ultrasonic receiver may be detected and the focus of the ultrasonic beam is adjusted in response to the movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Abdelmoneum, Paul J. Gwin, Rashed Mahameed, Mark E. Sprenger
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Patent number: 9618544Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying a reference voltage within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, an assessment of a reference voltage is made via a band-gap voltage of a microcontroller. The system and method may be particularly useful determining whether or not the reference voltage has drifted from a desired voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: A123 Systems LLCInventors: John H. Floros, Paul W. Firehammer
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Patent number: 9610851Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing body that is configurable to provide a number of electrical connection options, such as bottom and rear corded options as well as direct wired options. In another aspect, a mounting installation of the electric vehicle charging apparatus is provided. In yet another aspect, a housing body having a first front cavity and a second front cavity is provided. An inner cover covers the second front cavity, and a maximum amperage set switch is operable to set a maximum charge amperage for the electric vehicle charging apparatus. Methods of configuring the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.Inventors: John DeBoer, John Quentin Cowans, Timothy Biedrzycki