Patents by Inventor Steven E. Schulz

Steven E. Schulz 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: 20240042881
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative DC bus charge modules, V2X charging devices, and methods for pre-charging a V2X charging device. An illustrative direct current (DC) bus charge module includes a DC boost converter configured to: apply an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a first voltage level to a DC bus cable with the DC bus cable disconnected from a first DC voltage source; and charge an electrical charge storage device that is electrically connectable to the DC bus cable with an output DC voltage from the DC boost converter and having a second voltage level that is different from the first voltage level with the DC bus cable disconnected from the first DC voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson, Kyle R. Underhill
  • Patent number: 11802919
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative systems for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring, electrical vehicle charging systems, and charge couplers for electrical vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal having a predetermined frequency. A controlled impedance network is configured to attenuate the signal. The controlled impedance network is electrically connectable toward a first end of electrical wiring that terminates at a termination at the first end and that is electrically connectable at a second end to the signal generator to carry the signal. A signal detector is configured to detect the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson
  • Publication number: 20230322085
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controllers, dual power inverter modules, and electric vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller includes one or more processors associated with a first and second power inverter for the drive unit. Computer-readable media for the one or more processors are each configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to a fault associated with an inverter chosen from the first power inverter and the second power inverter, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
  • Publication number: 20230271503
    Abstract: An illustrative dual power inverter module includes a detection circuit configured to detect loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to a controller for a first power inverter and a second power inverter of a drive unit for an electric vehicle. A first backup power circuit is associated with the first power inverter and a second backup power circuit is associated with the second power inverter. Each backup power circuit is configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to low voltage DC electrical power responsive to detection of loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to the controller. Three-phase short circuitry is configured to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to detection of loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to the controller, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
  • Patent number: 11722089
    Abstract: A controller includes a first processor for a first power inverter. Computer-readable media is configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the first processor to: generate a first clock signal and a second clock signal; identify a pulse width modulation method of the first power inverter and a pulse width modulation method of a second power inverter; identify and compare a switching frequency of the first power inverter and a switching frequency of the second power inverter; determine an optimized phase shift between the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to the pulse width modulation method of the first power inverter and the pulse width modulation method of the second power inverter and the switching frequency of the first power inverter and the switching frequency of the second power inverter; and synchronize the optimized phase shift between the first power inverter and the second power inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti
  • Patent number: 11712967
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controllers, dual power inverter modules, and electric vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller includes one or more processors associated with a first and second power inverter for the drive unit. Computer-readable media for the one or more processors are each configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to a fault associated with an inverter chosen from the first power inverter and the second power inverter, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
  • Publication number: 20230182586
    Abstract: A direct current fast charge (DCFC) system and associated method that lower standby power dramatically when the DCFC system is not in operation, and that provide a reset capability for communication needs. The DCFC system utilizes an appropriate load disconnection switch and an associated control and communication circuit, timer circuit, and automatic turn on system. This improves the reliability of the electronics by removing voltage stress during the standby mode. The DCFC system prevents energy waste, and therefore provides a “green” alternative to conventional DCFC systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Ming Li, Yang Liu, Tyler Erikson, Lixiang Wei, Steven E. Schulz
  • Patent number: 11673473
    Abstract: An illustrative dual power inverter module includes a detection circuit configured to detect loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to a controller for a first power inverter and a second power inverter of a drive unit for an electric vehicle. A first backup power circuit is associated with the first power inverter and a second backup power circuit is associated with the second power inverter. Each backup power circuit is configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to low voltage DC electrical power responsive to detection of loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to the controller. Three-phase short circuitry is configured to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to detection of loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to the controller, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
  • Patent number: 11673478
    Abstract: An illustrative drive unit for an electric vehicle includes a first electrical motor, a first axle mechanically couplable to the first electrical motor, a second electrical motor, a second axle mechanically couplable to the second electrical motor, and a dual power inverter module electrically couplable to a source of high voltage DC electrical power. The dual power inverter module includes: a first inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage AC electrical power and electrically couplable to provide the three phase, high voltage AC electrical power to the first electrical motor; a second inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage AC electrical power and electrically couplable to provide the three phase, high voltage AC electrical power to the second electrical motor; and a common controller configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Young Doo, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Henry Huang
  • Publication number: 20230135040
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a direct current (DC) fast charger (DCFC) controller unit includes a controller. The controller includes a processor and computer-readable media. The computer-readable media is configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the processor to: receive a maximum charge time duration to charge at least one battery to a desired state of charge responsive to an increased efficiency charge mode being enabled; determine an amount of energy used in a plurality of charge cycles for charging the at least one battery to the desired state of charge with charge time durations no longer than the maximum charge time duration; select a charge cycle for charging the at least one battery to the desired state of charge with a lowest amount of energy used; and cause the at least one battery to be charged with the selected charge cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti
  • Publication number: 20230070157
    Abstract: A controller includes a first processor for a first power inverter. Computer-readable media is configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the first processor to: generate a first clock signal and a second clock signal; identify a pulse width modulation method of the first power inverter and a pulse width modulation method of a second power inverter; identify and compare a switching frequency of the first power inverter and a switching frequency of the second power inverter; determine an optimized phase shift between the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to the pulse width modulation method of the first power inverter and the pulse width modulation method of the second power inverter and the switching frequency of the first power inverter and the switching frequency of the second power inverter; and synchronize the optimized phase shift between the first power inverter and the second power inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti
  • Patent number: 11575330
    Abstract: An illustrative dual power inverter module includes a DC link capacitor electrically connectable to a source of high voltage direct current (DC) electrical power. A first power inverter is electrically connectable to the DC link capacitor and configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to three phase high voltage alternating current (AC) electrical power and is configured to supply the three phase high voltage AC electrical power to a first electric motor. A second power inverter is electrically connectable to the DC link capacitor and configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to three phase high voltage AC electrical power and is configured to supply the three phase high voltage AC electrical power to a second electric motor. A common controller is electrically connectable to the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The common controller is configured to control the first power inverter and the second power inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti, David Tang, Young Doo
  • Publication number: 20230034739
    Abstract: An illustrative drive unit for an electric vehicle includes a first electrical motor, a first axle mechanically couplable to the first electrical motor, a second electrical motor, a second axle mechanically couplable to the second electrical motor, and a dual power inverter module electrically couplable to a source of high voltage DC electrical power. The dual power inverter module includes: a first inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage AC electrical power and electrically couplable to provide the three phase, high voltage AC electrical power to the first electrical motor; a second inverter configured to convert the high voltage DC electrical power to three phase, high voltage AC electrical power and electrically couplable to provide the three phase, high voltage AC electrical power to the second electrical motor; and a common controller configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Young Doo, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Henry Huang
  • Publication number: 20230031958
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controllers, dual power inverter modules, and electric vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller includes one or more processors associated with a first and second power inverter for the drive unit. Computer-readable media for the one or more processors are each configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to a fault associated with an inverter chosen from the first power inverter and the second power inverter, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
  • Publication number: 20230029680
    Abstract: An illustrative dual power inverter module includes a detection circuit configured to detect loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to a controller for a first power inverter and a second power inverter of a drive unit for an electric vehicle. A first backup power circuit is associated with the first power inverter and a second backup power circuit is associated with the second power inverter. Each backup power circuit is configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to low voltage DC electrical power responsive to detection of loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to the controller. Three-phase short circuitry is configured to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to detection of loss of low voltage DC electrical power supplied to the controller, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
  • Publication number: 20230032091
    Abstract: An illustrative dual power inverter module includes a DC link capacitor electrically connectable to a source of high voltage direct current (DC) electrical power. A first power inverter is electrically connectable to the DC link capacitor and configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to three phase high voltage alternating current (AC) electrical power and is configured to supply the three phase high voltage AC electrical power to a first electric motor. A second power inverter is electrically connectable to the DC link capacitor and configured to convert high voltage DC electrical power to three phase high voltage AC electrical power and is configured to supply the three phase high voltage AC electrical power to a second electric motor. A common controller is electrically connectable to the first power inverter and the second power inverter. The common controller is configured to control the first power inverter and the second power inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti, David Tang, Young Doo
  • Patent number: 11533013
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controllers, dual power inverter modules, and electric vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller includes a first processor for a first power inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti
  • Patent number: 11518258
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative electrical power dispensers for electrical vehicle charging systems, charging systems, and methods of sensing presence of a charge coupler in a holster of an electrical power dispenser. In an illustrative embodiment, an electrical power dispenser for an electrical vehicle charging system includes a housing. A charge coupler is configured to dispense direct current electrical power. A holster is disposed on the housing and is configured to receive the charge coupler therein. A holster sensor is configured to sense presence of the charge coupler in the holster and is further configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of the charge coupler in the holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Tyler J. Erikson
  • Patent number: 11381189
    Abstract: The system determines that a multiphase electric motor is in a low-speed operating range, near stall. The system determines a duty cycle for each phase of the multiphase electric motor. The duty cycle includes a nominal component and a zero-sequence component configured to balance temperature rises of power electronics devices of the motor drive. Power electronics devices can include diodes, IGBTs, or other switches or devices. The system causes each duty cycle to be applied to a corresponding switch of the corresponding phase of the multiphase electric motor to cause current flow in the corresponding phase. The system may determine duty cycles corresponding to a thermal balance between a switch and a diode of a phase and a thermal balance between a pair of like devices of different phases, and then determine which duty cycle is closer to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20220163603
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative systems for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring, electrical vehicle charging systems, and charge couplers for electrical vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for remotely testing continuity of electrical wiring includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal having a predetermined frequency. A controlled impedance network is configured to attenuate the signal. The controlled impedance network is electrically connectable toward a first end of electrical wiring that terminates at a termination at the first end and that is electrically connectable at a second end to the signal generator to carry the signal. A signal detector is configured to detect the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson