Patents by Inventor Sten Corfitsen
Sten Corfitsen 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).
-
Publication number: 20220371452Abstract: The invention relates to an electric vehicle (1) comprising an electric motor (2), at least one built-in battery module (3) for powering the motor (2), a control circuit (4) for receiving driver inputs and direct power from the built-in battery module (3) to the motor (2). The vehicle further comprises at least one horizontally placed compartment (5), each compartment (5) configured to receive a single swappable battery module (8), said control circuit (4) configured to enable a swappable battery module (8), when such swappable battery module (8) is provided to the compartment (5), to charge the built in battery module (3) and optionally in addition assist the built-in battery module (3) powering the motor (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2020Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 11465897Abstract: Provided is a device for automatic refueling of a vehicle that includes a nozzle having a flexible filler pipe with an open end. The filler pipe is inserted, with the open end first, into the tank pipe to deliver fuel through the open end into the tank pipe. An axial pressure is applied to the filler pipe to insert the filler pipe into the tank pipe. The filler pipe includes an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material, and an outer metal coil or a series of metal rings. The metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in parallel to and outside of the inner fuel pipe. The metal coil is arranged to run in and along a recess in the surface of the inner fuel pipe and the metal rings are disposed in a series of annular recesses in the surface of the fuel pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 11077764Abstract: The invention is characterised in that the device comprises a first (120), a second (130) and a third (110) elongated element; a first moving unit (140), pivotally connected to a first end of the first elongated element; a second moving unit (150), pivotally connected to a first end of the second elongated element; a cable connecting unit (160), pivotally connected to a second end of the first elongated element and to a second end of the second elongated element; and a control unit (170), in that the third elongated element is arranged to be fixedly mounted at a parking space, in that both moving units are arranged to be controlled by the control unit to be displaced in either direction along the third elongated element, in that such displacement causes the cable connecting unit to be displaced in relation to the third elongated element, and in that the cable connecting unit is arranged to connect the cable to the vehicle by pressing a connecting means (162) against a corresponding connector of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Publication number: 20200361761Abstract: A device for automatic refueling of a vehicle. The device includes a nozzle including a connecting means and a flexible filler pipe with an open end. The filler pipe is configured to be inserted via an axial pressure applied to the filler pipe at a location spaced from the open end, with the open end first, into the tank pipe to deliver fuel through the open end into the tank pipe. The filler pipe includes an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material, and an outer metal coil or a series of metal rings. The metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in parallel to and outside of the inner fuel pipe, and the metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in and along a recess in the surface of the inner fuel pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventor: Sten CORFITSEN
-
Publication number: 20200001734Abstract: The invention is characterised in that the device comprises a first (120), a second (130) and a third (110) elongated element; a first moving unit (140), pivotally connected to a first end of the first elongated element; a second moving unit (150), pivotally connected to a first end of the second elongated element; a cable connecting unit (160), pivotally connected to a second end of the first elongated element and to a second end of the second elongated element; and a control unit (170), in that the third elongated element is arranged to be fixedly mounted at a parking space, in that both moving units are arranged to be controlled by the control unit to be displaced in either direction along the third elongated element, in that such displacement causes the cable connecting unit to be displaced in relation to the third elongated element, and in that the cable connecting unit is arranged to connect the cable to the vehicle by pressing a connecting means (162) against a corresponding connector of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventor: Sten CORFITSEN
-
Patent number: 9873409Abstract: Device for battery replacement in a vehicle with a storage space for a battery, which device includes a battery transporting device which is installed at least partly above ground and which is associated with a width direction and a horizontal depth direction which is perpendicular to the width direction, wherein the device is arranged to sense a position of the storage space. The transporting device includes a first pushing device and a second pushing device, which first pushing device displaces the second pushing device and which second pushing device supports the battery, the first pushing device is displaceable in the depth direction, and the second pushing device, in relation to the first pushing device, is both displaceable in the width direction and pivotable in relation to the supporting plane of the first pushing device. Also disclosed is a method for battery replacement using such a device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Publication number: 20170076290Abstract: Method for making payments from a vehicle (180) in connection to the delivery of goods and/or services to the vehicle (180) in question at a station (110). The method comprises to register a user (183) as well as the vehicle, including a registration number, and to associate the user with the vehicle in a central data base (151); when the user drives the vehicle up to the station, to identify the vehicle by a visual readout of a license plate on the vehicle; to receive a confirmation from the user, the confirmation being input via a mobile communication device of the user; and allowing the delivery of the said goods and/or services and charging the user using a payment channel (160) specified for the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventor: Sten CORFITSEN
-
Publication number: 20160251213Abstract: Nozzle for use in a device for automatic refuelling of vehicles, which nozzle in turn comprises a connecting means and a flexible filler pipe (100) with an open end (110), which filler pipe is arranged to, after the connecting means has been positioned in connection to an orifice of a tank pipe of the vehicle, be pressed, by an axial pressure applied to the filler pipe at a location spaced from the open end, with the open end first, into and down into the tank pipe and then to deliver the said fuel from a pump device, through the said open end and into the tank pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2014Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventor: Sten CORFITSEN
-
Publication number: 20160221543Abstract: Device for battery replacement in a vehicle with a storage space for a battery, which device includes a battery transporting device which is installed at least partly above ground and which is associated with a width direction and a horizontal depth direction which is perpendicular to the width direction, wherein the device is arranged to sense a position of the storage space. The transporting device includes a first pushing device and a second pushing device, which first pushing device displaces the second pushing device and which second pushing device supports the battery, the first pushing device is displaceable in the depth direction, and the second pushing device, in relation to the first pushing device, is both displaceable in the width direction and pivotable in relation to the supporting plane of the first pushing device. Also disclosed is a method for battery replacement using such a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventor: Sten CORFITSEN
-
Patent number: 9352728Abstract: Method for battery replacement in a vehicle (110), which vehicle is equipped with a storage space (150;200;300;400) for a battery (120,122;220;320;420;620), where an opening (151;204;304;404) into the storage space exists under the vehicle, wherein the vehicle assumes a first and a second predetermined position in relation to first and second battery transport devices (130;140) that bring a battery out from the vehicle and a battery into the vehicle. The transport devices are installed at least partly above ground (100) and beside the positions, and in that the batteries are brought along a respective path (121,123) running from the storage space, under a side beam (112) of the vehicle and up to a respective position above ground and beside the vehicle. A device for automatic battery replacement and a storage device for use in a vehicle are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 9227601Abstract: The vehicle includes a horizontally placed compartment for one or several batteries lying parallel to each other, a robot includes a transport plane that can be extended and withdrawn in one direction, and displaced along two mutually perpendicular directions relative to the one direction. The vehicle takes up a predetermined location relative to the robot close to the cover, the robot determines via an optical element the position of the battery in the compartment, and displaces the transport plane to a predetermined position relative to the battery. A withdrawal member attaches to the battery and withdraws it from the compartment to the transport plane. The robot transports the battery to a charging station, and transports a charged battery from a store of charged batteries to the transport plane. A displacement element inserts the battery at a predetermined position into the compartment, and the cover is closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Publication number: 20150129337Abstract: Method for battery replacement in a vehicle (110), which vehicle is equipped with a storage space (150;200;300;400) for a battery (120,122;220;320;420;620), where an opening (151;204;304;404) into the storage space exists under the vehicle, wherein the vehicle assumes a first and a second predetermined position in relation to first and second battery transport devices (130;140) that bring a battery out from the vehicle and a battery into the vehicle. The transport devices are installed at least partly above ground (100) and beside the positions, and in that the batteries are brought along a respective path (121,123) running from the storage space, under a side beam (112) of the vehicle and up to a respective position above ground and beside the vehicle. A device for automatic battery replacement and a storage device for use in a vehicle are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Publication number: 20130104361Abstract: The vehicle includes a horizontally placed compartment for one or several batteries lying parallel to each other, a robot includes a transport plane that can be extended and withdrawn in one direction, and displaced along two mutually perpendicular directions relative to the one direction. The vehicle takes up a predetermined location relative to the robot close to the cover, the robot determines via an optical element the position of the battery in the compartment, and displaces the transport plane to a predetermined position relative to the battery. A withdrawal member attaches to the battery and withdraws it from the compartment to the transport plane. The robot transports the battery to a charging station, and transports a charged battery from a store of charged batteries to the transport plane. A displacement element inserts the battery at a predetermined position into the compartment, and the cover is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 6663173Abstract: An arrangement pertaining to aircraft seats (1) includes a seat cushion (2) and a backrest (3), with a number of aircraft seats (1A-D) juxtaposed. The seat cushions (2) of the juxtaposed aircraft seats (1A-D) can be raised or lowered to form a long, generally continuous bed surface, and a further bed section (9) which is normally located beneath the seat cushions or hoisted into the cabin ceiling structure can form a further bed section (9).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Mega Technology ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 6279624Abstract: Automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, is effected by a fuelling robot. An optical sensor is disposed adjacent the fuelling robot and is adapted to detect optically the position of the fuel-tank flap of a vehicle parked for fuelling purposes, relative to the rest position of the robot head. The sensor is also adapted to detect the position of the orifice of the fuel-tank filler pipe relative to the position of the robot head. A computer receives position signals from the sensor and guides a robot-carried opening device into abutment with the fuel-tank flap to open the flap, and to effect docking of a fuelling nozzle within the fuel-tank filler pipe orifice.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 6276407Abstract: A system for automatically fuelling vehicles, primarily automobiles, that includes a sensor to detect the presence of a person in proximity to the fuelling system. A fuelling robot includes a robot head that can be moved relative to the robot to enable the robot head to be brought by a positioning system from a rest position to a predetermined position in relation to the fuel-tank pipe of the vehicle. The robot head is provided with electrically conductive sheet-metal elements that are connected to an oscillating electric circuit. A sensing circuit senses a change in the frequency of the oscillating circuit that results from a change in the capacitance between the sheet-metal elements, such as when a person is near the fuelling robot. The sensing circuit activates an alarm in response to a predetermined frequency change, to warn a person who is too near the fuelling robot.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 6269848Abstract: Automatic refuelling of vehicles, primarily cars, is effected by a fuelling robot. An optical sensor is disposed adjacent the fuelling robot and is adapted to detect optically the position of the fuel-tank flap of a vehicle parked for fuelling purposes, relative to the rest position of the robot head. The sensor is adapted to sense a code that is optically readable and that is carried by the vehicle. A computer is adapted to guide a robot-carried opening device into abutment with the fuel-tank flap, to open the flap, to effect docking of a fuelling nozzle in accordance with a movement plan, and also to carry out those movements in a reverse order and thereby close the fuel-tank flap when fuelling has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 5829495Abstract: An adapter for automatically fueling automotive vehicles, primarily cars, wherein a robot which includes a robot head that is movable in relation to the robot and can via a positioning system be docked with the adapter (3). The adapter is intended to be fastened to the upper orifice of the fuel-tank pipe (2) and includes a conical part.The present invention is characterized in that the adapter (3) includes a base part (13) and an adaptation funnel (14), wherein the base part (13) is intended to be fastened to the fuel-tank pipe (2), and wherein the base part has an opening (16); in that the adaptation funnel (14) projects out from the base part (13); in that the adaptation funnel (14) is rotatable relative to the base part about the longitudinal axis (17) of the base part, thereby enabling the adapter (3) to be positioned correctly on the fuel-tank pipe (2) in a rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 5758701Abstract: A docking arrangement for the automatic fueling of automotive vehicles, primarily cars, where a robot is provided including a robot head that can be moved in relation to the robot and positioned in relation to an adapter (3), the adapter being arranged for fastening to the upper orifice of the fuel-tank pipe (2) of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Autofill Patent ABInventor: Sten Corfitsen
-
Patent number: 5671786Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic fuelling of vehicles. A robot head that carries a fuel filler tube is movable to enable it to be brought into position to engage with a vehicle fuel-tank pipe. The robot head carries an opening device for opening a fuel-tank cover plate of a vehicle. The positioning of the robot head is effected by a positioning system that includes a transceiver unit carried by the robot head and that preferably operates at microwave frequency. A passive transponder is carried by the vehicle and includes a simple code which the transponder is intended to modulate on a signal transmitted by the transceiver and is reflected by the transponder. The signal received by the transceiver from the transponder is decoded and is used to access a robot head movement plan that corresponds with that code, to automatically steer the robot head to the fuel tank pipe and thereby enable the vehicle to be fuelled.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Inventor: Sten Corfitsen