Patents by Inventor Steven Schulz

Steven 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).

  • Patent number: 11628732
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controller units, direct current fast charging (DCFC) units, and methods. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller unit includes a controller and a memory configured to store computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the controller to determine status of a power electronics module (PEM) of a direct current fast charging (DCFC) unit, and instruct the PEM to control power quality of a three-phase alternating current (AC) grid power signal in response to the determined status being available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Steven Schulz, Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20230066489
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a dual active bridge converter or other type of DC-DC converter are disclosed herein. An output voltage of the dual active bridge converter is detected. Based at least in part on the output voltage, a first target duty ratio of a primary bridge of the dual active bridge converter and a second target duty ratio of a secondary bridge of the dual active bridge converter are retrieved from a table. Based on the output voltage, a target phase shift between the primary bridge and the secondary bridge is determined. Based on the first target duty ratio, the second target duty ratio, and the target phase shift, a plurality of switch control signals is caused to be provided to respective switches of the primary bridge and the secondary bridge, to switch according to a time-based switching sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Shenli Zou, Maziar Mobarrez, Steven Schulz, Zahra Mohajerani
  • Publication number: 20230037022
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controller units, direct current fast charging (DCFC) units, and methods. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller unit includes a controller and a memory configured to store computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the controller to determine status of a power electronics module (PEM) of a direct current fast charging (DCFC) unit, and instruct the PEM to control power quality of a three-phase alternating current (AC) grid power signal in response to the determined status being available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Steven Schulz, Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20220399819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a dual active bridge converter are disclosed herein. An output voltage of a dual active bridge converter is sensed. Based at least in part on the output voltage, a target intra-bridge phase shift amount between two bridges of the dual active bridge converter is computed. A plurality of switch control signals, which are provided to respective switches of the dual active bridge converter, are caused to switch according to a time-based switching sequence based on the target intra-bridge phase shift amount to compensate for variations in the output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Vishnu Mohan, Younes Sangsefidi, Chia-Chou Yeh, Yang Liu, Steven Schulz
  • Publication number: 20220385090
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controller modules, direct current (DC) fast charging devices, and methods. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller module for a DC-DC converter includes a controller and computer-readable media configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the controller to receive an input voltage Vin to the DC-DC converter, receive an output DC voltage Vo from the DC-DC converter, generate control signals configured to control a charging output of the DC-DC converter responsive to the received input voltage Vin and output voltage Vo, and output the generated control signals to the DC-DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Steven Schulz, Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20220379749
    Abstract: A charge coupler adapted to be coupled to a charging inlet of an electric vehicle, the charge coupler including: a housing including a first portion adapted to be disposed around a first plurality of contacts and a second portion adapted to be disposed around a second plurality of contacts; a conductive member disposed between the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing; and a control system coupled to the conductive member and operable for sensing a break in the conductive member indicating damage to one or more of the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing or that the second portion of the housing is detached from the first portion of the housing. Optionally, the conductive member includes a conductive loop disposed around an inner periphery of the housing, the first plurality of contacts, and the second plurality of contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle Robert Underhill, Steven Schulz, Silva Hiti, Tyler Erikson
  • Publication number: 20220247185
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative apparatuses and methods for performing vehicle-to-vehicle and/or vehicle-to-load charging. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a multi-function DC power unit and an interface unit configured to perform battery recharging between a donor battery-powered device and a receiver battery-powered device. The interface unit is configured to removably receive the multi-function DC power unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Tyler Erikson, Steven Schulz, Kyle Underhill, Silva Hiti
  • Publication number: 20220234472
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative drive unit controllers, drive units, and vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a drive unit controller includes a first component configured to receive heat request and vehicle status information. A second component is configured to initiate a battery heat generation mode responsive to the received heat request and the vehicle status information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Boru Wang, Chia-Chou Yeh, Kang Wang, Dang Dang, Steven Schulz, Silva Hiti
  • Patent number: 11291154
    Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: BAYER CROPSCIENCE LP
    Inventors: Greg A. Reineccius, Steven Schulz
  • Publication number: 20190075712
    Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Greg A. REINECCIUS, Steven SCHULZ
  • Patent number: 10165723
    Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience LP
    Inventors: Greg A. Reineccius, Steven Schulz
  • Publication number: 20160076477
    Abstract: A dual-mode fuel injector has an internal part containing a variable volume chamber space which fills with fuel at common rail pressure and a plunger which is operable to force fuel out of the variable volume chamber space and to be injected out of the nozzle through the injection orifices at amplified pressure greater than common rail pressure. The plunger and the internal part have respective surfaces which come into mutual abutment during filling of the variable volume chamber space with fuel at common rail pressure and which, when in mutual abutment, create a seal which seals fuel in the variable volume chamber space against escape from the variable volume chamber space past the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William Yunbiao Shen, Keith Steven Schulz, Erik Jordan Hansen
  • Publication number: 20150014427
    Abstract: A control valve of a fuel injector includes a generally cylindrical control valve housing having an axis, and a control valve body disposed within the control valve housing. An inlet throttle passage is in fluid communication with the control valve housing and is oriented to be generally tangential to the control valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William Yunbiao Shen, Yan Tan, Qursheed Hussain Mohammed, Keith Steven Schulz
  • Publication number: 20140302228
    Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Greg A. REINECCIUS, Steven Schulz
  • Publication number: 20120205469
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel intensification section and a needle control section. The fuel intensification section has an inlet and an outlet. The fuel intensification section receives fuel at a first pressure at the inlet and provides fuel at one of the first and second pressures at the outlet. The second pressure is greater than the first pressure. The needle control section has an injector needle and an injector needle control valve. The injector needle has a first position and a second position. The injector needle is disposed in the second position to allow fuel to flow from the fuel injector to the internal combustion engine. The injector needle control valve controls movement of the injector needle. All of the fuel that flows from the fuel injector to the internal combustion engine passes through the fuel outlet of the fuel intensification section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: William Yunbiao Shen, Keith Steven Schulz, Joseph Angelino
  • Publication number: 20110027479
    Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Greg Reineccius, Steven Schulz
  • Publication number: 20070216341
    Abstract: PWM methods and apparatus are provided for loss minimized control of AC motors taking into consideration inverter non-linear limitations. The method comprises providing a voltage to the AC motor based on a switching cycle, adding a duty cycle of a zero vector to each phase leg of the switching cycle when a duty cycle of a first phase leg of the switching cycle is less than a minimum duty cycle, and subtracting the duty cycle of the zero vector from each phase leg of the switching cycle when a second duty cycle of a second phase leg is greater than a maximum duty cycle. The minimum duty cycle and maximum duty cycle indicate distortion regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Slobodan Gataric, Brian Welchko, Steven Schulz, Silva Hiti, Steve West
  • Publication number: 20070216344
    Abstract: A dynamic pulse width modulation (PWM) selection device automatically switches between discontinuous PWM (DPWM) control methods. The PWM selection device comprises a PWM control module. The PWM control module determines a desired pulse width of a switching control signal according to a desired output signal. The PWM control module controls an actual pulse width of the switching control signal according to the desired pulse width and a first PWM control method. A selection module determines whether the desired pulse width exceeds a pulse width threshold. The selection module selects a second PWM control method when the desired pulse width exceeds the pulse width threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Welchko, Steven Schulz, Silva Hiti
  • Publication number: 20070133242
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for modifying a pulse width modulation signal controlling a voltage source inverter. The method comprises the steps of determining a duty cycle of the signal, clipping the duty cycle when a modulation index is greater than a minimum modulation index and less than a maximum modulation index, clipping the duty cycle when the modulation index is greater than or equal to the maximum modulation index, and transmitting the duty cycle to the voltage source inverter. The minimum modulation index indicates a distortion range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Welchko, Steven Schulz, Silva Hiti
  • Publication number: 20060097688
    Abstract: A method of starting a permanent magnet machine. A machine stator voltage in a stationary reference frame is sensed. An initial speed of a rotor of the machine is estimated based on the sensed voltage, and state variables of control algorithms are initialized based on the estimated initial speed. This method can provide smooth startup and/or restart at any speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Nitinkumar Patel, Steven Schulz, Thomas O'Meara