Patents Examined by Tessema Kebede
  • Patent number: 10919405
    Abstract: A universal charging system is provided. In one example embodiment, the universal charging system includes a charging adapter configured to be mounted on a light electric vehicle (LEV), a charging station, and a processor configured to control charging of the LEV. The charging adapter may have electrical contacts for docking with a charging station and a charging interface for supplying power from the charging station to a battery of the LEV. The charging station may have at least one docking unit for receiving the charging adapter of the LEV. The at least one docking unit may have further electrical contacts for connecting to the charging adapter of the LEV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Swiftmile, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Edward Moravick, Colin Roche, Leandro Vera, Douglas Ralph Schaller, George Pontis
  • Patent number: 10906416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact apparatus (11) and to a charging contact unit (12) for a rapid-charging system for electrically driven vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, and to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a stationary charging station, wherein the contact apparatus serves to form an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and the stationary charging station comprising a charging contact unit, wherein the contact apparatus can be arranged on a vehicle, wherein the contact apparatus comprises a contact device (14), wherein the contact device can make contact with the charging contact unit, wherein the contact apparatus or the charging contact unit comprises a positioning device (15), wherein the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact unit by means of the positioning device, wherein the positioning device has a pantograph or a swing arm (19), by means of which the contact device can be positioned in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SCHUNK TRANSIT SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Wilfried Weigel, Lothar Schneider, Matthias Domes, Viktor Thielmann, Timo Staubach, Sven Klausner
  • Patent number: 10833515
    Abstract: An automatic charging device for an AGV on an automated container terminal and a charging method using the same are disclosed. The automatic charging device comprises a vehicle-mounted device and a ground device. The vehicle-mounted device comprises RFID read-write coils, a charging connector buffer device, a charging connector, a power measuring module, a vehicle charging controller and a vehicle-mounted wireless module. The ground device comprises an RFID label array, a power panel, a conductive groove, a pressure sensor, an electromagnet, a ground charging controller and a ground wireless module. The hook shaped charging plug, the charging connector buffer device and the power panel with the electromagnet improve success rate of connection between the power supply and the plug, and improve AGV working efficiency. RFID technology is used for positioning the charging region with high reliability. The pressure sensor and the safety cover ensure safety of the charging process and prevent electric leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventors: Lin Zhai, Jianxin Chu, Fan Wang
  • Patent number: 10819121
    Abstract: A charging circuit and a mobile terminal are provided. The charging circuit is coupled between a charging interface and a battery. The charging circuit includes a first circuit, a magnetic coupling element, and a second circuit connected in series between the charging interface and the battery. The first circuit is configured to receive a first current from the charging interface and convert the first current to a second current with magnitude and/or direction changed. The charging interface is a universal serial bus interface and the first current is a direct current. The magnetic coupling element includes a first coil and a second coil, the first coil is connected with the first circuit, the second coil is connected with the second circuit, and the first coil and the second coil are separated from each other to disconnect a direct current path of the charging circuit when the first circuit fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Jialiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10801900
    Abstract: An example battery inspection aid includes a label having a temperature responsive portion that indicates temperature changes and a strain responsive portion that indicates positional changes. An example method of inspecting a battery includes detecting changes in a temperature of a battery from a temperature responsive portion of a label, and detecting changes in a strain of the battery from a strain responsive portion of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Poirier
  • Patent number: 10784693
    Abstract: A charging device includes a case, a first connector, a first communication device, a processing device, and a driving device. The first communication device is configured to communicate with a second communication device of an electrical device and send a control signal to the processing device after communicating with the second communication device. The processing device is configured to output a driving signal to the driving device after receiving the control signal. The driving device is configured to provide a pushing force to push the first connector to extend from the case to couple to a second connector of the electrical device after receiving the driving signal. The first connector is further configured to charge the electrical device after couple to the second connector. A charging system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Cloud Network Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuang-Wei Tseng, Yu-Ching Chien, Yu-Wen Chen, Kuang-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 10784695
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that prevent or limit undesirable transient currents that may occur during a connector insert extraction and may damage electrical components connected to the connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 10742050
    Abstract: Simplified interfaces for charging and communication between accessories and docking stations. One example may provide an interface for charging and communication between an accessory and docking station where data and a charging voltage are provided over the same pins. An accessory may determine that it is in a powered docking station by receiving a charging voltage. The accessory may determine that it is in an unpowered docking station by providing a voltage to the unpowered docking station, where the unpowered docking station uses the voltage to power an oscillator. The oscillator signal may be received by the accessory, which may use the presence of the signal to determine that it is in an unpowered docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Daniel S. Naito, Kirill Kalinichev, Jahan C. Minoo, James L. McPeak, Jason W. Brinsfield
  • Patent number: 10711757
    Abstract: A battery pack including a battery, a sensor, a controller, and a self-discharge circuit. The battery includes at least one battery cell connected between a pair of external terminals. The at least one battery cell is used for an engine-start attempt. The sensor detects a temperature of the battery. The controller compares the temperature of the battery with a reference temperature value and outputs a self-discharge signal when the temperature of the battery is lower than the reference temperature value. The self-discharge circuit is connected between the pair of external terminals in parallel with the battery and performs self-discharge the battery based on the self-discharge signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sangkyou Kim, Sejin Ji, Woonseong Baek, Hyeoncheol Jeong
  • Patent number: 10703219
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle traction battery charge setpoint strategy is disclosed which enables the adjustment of the maximum battery State of Charge (SOC) setpoint used for battery charging from an electric utility grid. Based on knowledge of the upcoming route and related driving behavior, the vehicle calculates a setpoint less than the maximum battery SOC charging setpoint so that when the vehicle begins operation, it can utilize regenerative braking and historical driving behavior to allow the battery charge to be maximized during the trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Johannes Geir Kristinsson, Fling Tseng
  • Patent number: 10690725
    Abstract: A battery pack management system adjusts the relative state-of-charge of respective battery blocks in a battery pack to equalize (i.e., align, balance or otherwise make similar) the peak battery block voltages (i.e., maximum or “upper peak” battery block voltages when the battery pack is being charged and/or minimum or “lower peak” battery block voltages when the battery is being discharged). Upon detecting an anomalous battery block that exhibits outlier upper and lower peak voltages, the battery pack management system adjusts the relative state of charge of respective battery blocks to center their respective upper and lower peak voltages between operating limits, thus maximizing the operating margin of the battery pack as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Diamond, Gabriel Risk, Stanley Hu, Albert Shih-Young Liu, Martin Helliwell
  • Patent number: 10673257
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a homopolar generator charger with an integral rechargeable battery. A method is provided for converting rotational kinetic energy to electrical energy for charging one or more battery cells. The method can include rotating, by a shaft, a rotor in a magnetic flux field to generate current, wherein the rotor comprises an electrically conductive portion having an inner diameter conductive connection surface and an outer diameter conductive connection surface, and wherein a voltage potential is induced between the inner and outer diameter connection surfaces upon rotation in the magnetic flux field. The method can also include selectively coupling the generated current from the rotating rotor to terminals of the one or more battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Premergy, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Edward Botts
  • Patent number: 10661662
    Abstract: The battery charger (1) for electric vehicles comprises a container (2), a first power unit (3) housed inside said container (2), connectable at input to an external power supply line (L) and connectable at output to a battery (B) of an electric vehicle (V), and an electronic control unit (4) housed inside the container (2) and operatively connected to the first power unit (3), and a second power unit (6) housed inside the container (2), operatively connected to the electronic control unit (4), connectable at input to at least an external power supply line (L) and connectable at output to the battery (B) of the electric vehicle (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Meta System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cesare Lasagni
  • Patent number: 10637300
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, wireless chargers combined with wireless interrogators. The wireless chargers can transmit power wirelessly, while also wirelessly interrogating a nearby transponder, such as an RFID tag. The wireless chargers with wireless interrogators can also be programmable to allow user-implemented rules operable in response to an interrogation. Such rules can impose restrictions upon whether wireless charging is allowed to take place. Such rules can also be used to select a power-transmitting protocol that is particularly suited for the electronic device being charged. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Power Forward, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel B. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 10625612
    Abstract: A charge plate receiver assembly for an electric vehicle includes an inductive charge plate receiver and a swing arm pivotally secured to a mounting surface. The charge plate receiver is pivotally secured to the swing arm such that the charge plate receiver travels along an arc defined by a length of the swing arm when the assembly moves between a retracted position and a deployed position. When retracted, the charge plate receiver may retract into a cavity, defined by under-body components. The charge plate receiver has a planar surface and the planar surface is generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the vehicle in the retracted position and parallel with the horizontal plane of the vehicle in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Michael Cyr, Raymond C. Siciak, Michael Reibling
  • Patent number: 10622821
    Abstract: A charging apparatus for a mobile terminal includes: a control chip connected with the USB interface; a current detection circuit connected with the power supply circuit; a voltage detection circuit connected with the power supply circuit; an analog to digital converter (ADC) connected with the current detection circuit, the voltage detection circuit, and the control chip respectively, the current detection circuit and the voltage detection circuit are configured to provide the control chip with the current value of the current output current and the voltage value of the current output voltage respectively through the ADC; a power adjusting circuit connected with the control chip and the power supply circuit respectively, configured to adjust an output power of the power supply circuit based on the control of the control chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Shebiao Chen, Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 10615625
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for wireless charging. The system includes an intelligent management device and a wireless charging transmitter. The intelligent management device is configured to: receive a wireless charging request from the mobile terminal; generate a wireless charging instruction according to the first location information of the mobile terminal and the charging location information of the wireless charging transmitter; and send the wireless charging instruction to the wireless charging transmitter. The wireless charging transmitter is configured to: receive the wireless charging instruction; determine a transmitting direction according to the direction information in the wireless charging instruction; and transmit a wireless energy wave in the transmitting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhijie Li, Wei Sun, Dan Zhu
  • Patent number: 10615611
    Abstract: A battery charging and discharging apparatus includes power converters connected in series and configured to convert respective output voltages of batteries corresponding to the power converters. Each of the power converters may include direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converters connected in parallel. The apparatus may further include a controller configured to control magnitudes of respective output voltages of the power converters based on respective states of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Jinyong Jeon, Taejung Yeo, Seong Chon Choi, Soon Ryung Lee, Bong Yeon Choi
  • Patent number: 10608291
    Abstract: A battery system is described. The battery system includes a power controller having sensors monitoring the state of predetermined sections of battery modules within battery packs and sends signals to a switching network to connect a bi-directional DC/DC converter to a first predetermined group of battery modules of the plurality of predetermined groups of battery modules at a first instant of time responsive to a first measurement of a first predetermined section of battery modules, and a second predetermined section of battery modules of the plurality of predetermined groups of battery modules at a second instant of time responsive to a second measurement of a second predetermined group of battery modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Spiers New Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Junger, Bryan Schultz
  • Patent number: 10604018
    Abstract: A method for charging a battery of a vehicle uses a battery charging station that provides an electric current at a first DC voltage. The electric current that is output by the battery charging station at the first DC voltage is supplied to a charger of the vehicle, The electric current at the first DC voltage is converted within the charger into a second electric current at a second DC voltage that is required for charging the battery of the vehicle, and then is supplied to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Spesser