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).
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Patent number: 12240332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2023Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
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Publication number: 20240042881Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2021Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson, Kyle R. Underhill
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Patent number: 11802919Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler J. Erikson
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Publication number: 20230322085Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
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Publication number: 20230271503Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
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Patent number: 11722089Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti
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Patent number: 11712967Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
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Publication number: 20230182586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Ming Li, Yang Liu, Tyler Erikson, Lixiang Wei, Steven E. Schulz
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Patent number: 11673478Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Young Doo, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Henry Huang
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Patent number: 11673473Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
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Publication number: 20230135040Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti
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Publication number: 20230070157Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti
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Patent number: 11575330Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Steven E. Schulz, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti, David Tang, Young Doo
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Publication number: 20230031958Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
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Publication number: 20230029680Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Silva Hiti, Richard M. Breese
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Publication number: 20230034739Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Young Doo, Steven E. Schulz, Silva Hiti, Henry Huang
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Publication number: 20230032091Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Steven E. Schulz, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti, David Tang, Young Doo
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Patent number: 11533013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Steven E. Schulz, David Tang, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Silva Hiti
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Patent number: 11518258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Kyle R. Underhill, Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Tyler J. Erikson
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Patent number: 11381189Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Steven E. Schulz