Abstract: A self-aligning inductive charging system for automatically mating a charge probe to a charge port without operator interaction to charge propulsion batteries of an electric vehicle. A charge station includes a power source, a charge probe coupled to a slidable alignment mechanism, and a charge port disposed in the electric vehicle that is coupled to its propulsion batteries. The charge probe comprises a plurality of aligning plates disposed at predetermined locations around the periphery thereof. The slidable alignment mechanism comprises a plurality of vertical slide mechanisms, a plurality of horizontal slide mechanisms coupled between the plurality of vertical slide mechanisms, and a plurality of lateral slide mechanisms coupled to the plurality of horizontal slide mechanisms and to the charge probe.

Abstract: A weatherized curb-side battery charging system that provides a mechanism for transferring electrical power to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery. The battery charging system includes a housing that is typically located at the side of a street on the curb, or at a battery charging station, for example. A retractable charging device is coupled to a power supply and mates with a receptacle device disposed in the vehicle. A variety of charging devices that may be employed in the battery charging system are disclosed. Electronic circuitry controls power supplied to the vehicle from the power supply of the charging system. In addition, an interface circuit is provided that allows a user to enter a code to use the system and that provides an identification for billing purposes, or a credit card type key that activates the system and performs the same functions. A fan is provided for cooling purposes that causes an air flow through the system.

Abstract: A hand-held inductive charger having concentric windings for transferring electrical power across a dielectric medium using magnetic induction. The charger comprises a removable primary coil assembly having a housing with a primary core disposed therein, and a primary winding protruding from the primary core. An electrical cable coupled to the primary winding that is adapted to couple power thereto from a power source. A secondary coil assembly having a receptacle housing is also provided, and a secondary core is disposed in the receptacle housing, and first and second concentric secondary windings are disposed in the secondary core. The first and second concentric secondary windings are coupled to a battery of an automobile. The first and second concentric secondary windings have a gap therebetween that is adapted to receive the primary winding therein. The primary and secondary coil assemblies form a transformer when their respective windings are mated.

Abstract: A weatherized curb-side battery charging system that provides a mechanism for transferring electrical power to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery. The battery charging system includes a housing that is disposed on a wall or is slidably attached to a track mounted to a ceiling, for example A retractable charging device is coupled to a power supply and mates with a receptacle device disposed in the vehicle. A variety of charging devices that may be employed in the battery charging system are disclosed. Electronic circuitry controls power supplied to the vehicle from the power supply of the charging system. In addition, an interface circuit is provided that allows a user to enter a code to use the system and that provides an identification for billing purposes, or a credit card type key that activates the system and performs the same functions. A fan is provided for cooling purposes that causes an air flow through the system.