Patents by Inventor Josef V. Soltys

Josef V. Soltys has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5594318
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging the traction battery of an electric vehicle are provided. Charging energy is delivered from a charging station at a predetermined voltage and at a delivery frequency in the range of from 10 kHz up to 200 kHz, The charging energy is transferred to the vehicle through an inductive coupler, having a primary side connected to the charging station and a secondary side mounted within the vehicle. A rectifier is mounted in the vehicle and interposed between the secondary side and the battery. When the vehicle is connected to a charging station, it is interrogated to determine the nature of the charge controller that is on board the vehicle; and logic decisions invoking the particular mode for charging the vehicle are made depending on the nature and type of charge controller that is on board the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Norvik Traction Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys
  • Patent number: 5548200
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging the battery of an electric vehicle are provided. When the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, it is interrogated to determine the nature of the charge controller that is on board the vehicle; and logic decisions invoking the particular mode for charging the vehicle are made depending on the nature and type of charge controller that is on board the vehicle. Thus, delivery of charging energy to the battery in the vehicle may be entirely under the control of a charge controller on board the vehicle; or if the control module in the vehicle is less sophisticated then delivery of charging energy will be under the control of a charging module within the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Norvik Traction Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys
  • Patent number: 5477125
    Abstract: A battery charge is provided which automatically controls the charging process independent of individual battery construction or temperature. Control of the charging process is achieved by periodically interrupting the charging current, determining resistance-free voltage of the battery in fixed intervals after interruptions of current, and comparing the resistance-free voltage with a reference voltage. Reference voltage is automatically determined for each recharging subject by analyzing the change in resistance-free voltage with respect to time during an initial, constant current period to locate certain characteristic points indicative of the onset of overcharge. The charging current is reduced as necessary, so that the resistance-free voltage does not exceed the reference voltage and significant overcharge is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignees: Inco Limited, Norvik Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor A. Ettel, Jan Hohercak, Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys, Douglas Charles
  • Patent number: 5396163
    Abstract: A charger for rechargeable cells or batteries utilizes a mechanism whereby resistance-free voltage is continually monitored during periodic current-off intervals in the charging process and compared to an independent reference voltage to prevent overcharge. After a certain degree of charge has been obtained, the current is gradually reduced to a finishing charge. Several means are provided for terminating the finishing charge while avoiding overcharge. Another embodiment of a charger provides for measurement of the resistance-free voltage during the current-off period after sufficient time is allowed for the recombination of any oxygen which may have been produced during charging, thus taking into account inherent variations in cells of the same type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignees: Inco Limited, Norvik Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys, Victor A. Ettel
  • Patent number: 5204611
    Abstract: Circuits are provided whereby rechargeable batteries and cells are charged very fast by a controlled current, and substantially at a rate never exceeding the ability of the battery or cell to accept current--i.e., to convert electrical current to stored chemical energy. The resistance free terminal voltage of the battery or cell is detected during an interval when the charging current is interrupted, and compared against an independent reference voltage to control the charging current when a difference between the reference voltage and the sensed resistance free terminal voltage exists. The reference voltage may be altered at any instant in time, as a function of the ambient temperature, or the internal temperature or pressure of the battery, as a function of the charging current when it is within a predetermined range, or if a particular change in the value of the charging current occurs over a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Norvik Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys