Electrical Distribution Type (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.24)
  • Patent number: 11794747
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling at least one actuator of a vehicle, the actuator being configured to apply a torque on at least one wheel of the vehicle, wherein the applied torque is determined by a control function associated with a control bandwidth, the method comprising configuring the control function to control the applied torque to reduce a difference between a first parameter value related to a current rotational speed of the wheel and a second parameter value related to target rotational speed of the wheel; obtaining data indicative of a current operating condition of the vehicle; setting the control bandwidth of the control function in dependence of the current operating condition of the vehicle; and controlling the actuator using the control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Adithya Arikere, Leo Laine, Ray Sidhant, Leon Henderson, Mattias Åsbogård, Johan Lindberg
  • Patent number: 11043706
    Abstract: The disclosed battery management system generally includes at least one bi-directional balancing circuit and a power supply including a first battery module and a second battery module, each having at least one battery cell. The balancing circuit may be configured to transfer excess charge from one or more battery cells of the first battery module to one or more battery cells of the second battery module. By redistributing the level of charge within one or more battery cells, the balancing circuit can cause the overall charge of a power supply to last longer by taking advantage of excess charge found within one or more battery cells. Additionally, the balancing circuit may be connected to a bus bar that may be utilized to power additional accessories within a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Artisan Vehicle Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Huff, Kyle Hickey, Michael E. Kasaba
  • Patent number: 10778128
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a continuously variable transmission, a power generator, a transmission driving device, an output-side speed detector, and electric power load device, and a controller. The electric power load calculation device detects current values and current values of respective phases of three-phase alternating current generated by the power generator, calculates electric power load of the power generator based on the detected values, and executes filtering by attenuating a higher harmonic of a set frequency when calculating the electric power load of the power generator. The controller executes feedback control of calculating and outputting a gear change command to the transmission driving device so an output-side rotational speed detected by the output-side speed detector becomes equal to an output-side target rotational speed corresponding to the set frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Goi, Kenichi Nakashima, Satoshi Otsuki, Kazushige Sugimoto, Masaaki Higashi
  • Patent number: 10442425
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a propelling device, which consists of a pair of right and left front wheels and a pair of right and left rear wheels, an engine configured to drive one of the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, an electric motor configured to drive the other of the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, a battery configured to supply electric power to the electric motor, and a controller configured to control the electric motor. The controller performs regeneration control at constant current value to charge the battery with regenerative power of the electric motor at a constant current value regardless of rotation speed of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Miyashita, Yukifumi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 10118605
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, a rear drive unit electric machine, an integrated starter/generator, and a transmission are described. In one example, charging of an electric energy storage device may be allocated between the rear drive unit electric machine and the integrated starter/generator to increase charge stored in the electric energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10112605
    Abstract: A method for enforced discharge of a hybrid vehicle is aimed at discharging a voltage formed in a high-voltage system of a hybrid vehicle to safely remove risk factors due to high voltage when enforced discharge is requested. The method includes determining whether enforced discharge is requested, speed-controlling a motor connected to an engine so as to transmit power to the engine to reduce speed of the motor to zero revolutions per minute, stopping the engine connected to the speed-controlled motor when the enforced discharge is requested, and performing enforced discharge control for enforced-discharging a voltage of a high-voltage system when the engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Hee Jung, Hyun Min Park
  • Patent number: 10071721
    Abstract: A control method and apparatus of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The control method includes determining whether the speed of a motor exceeds a first threshold value, when supply of power to a battery is cut off and thus the hybrid vehicle is driven by an engine. The speed is then adjusted to be the first threshold value or less, when the speed exceeds the first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dae Ro Park, Jin Woo Cho, Seung Ho Lee, Hyun Min Park, Hae Seung Lee, Ji Yeol Park
  • Patent number: 9917482
    Abstract: A hybrid drive module including: a torque converter with a cover, an impeller and a turbine; a rotor for an electric motor; a hub non-rotatably connected to the rotor and the cover and including a circumferential surface and a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the circumferential surface; and an end plate disposed between the plurality of protrusions and the rotor and engaged with the end plate and the rotor. The plurality of protrusions is formed of a material forming the hub and restrains the end plate and the rotor, with respect to the hub, in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patrick M. Lindemann, Markus Steinberger, Matthew Payne
  • Patent number: 9688264
    Abstract: A vehicular system includes a crankshaft, a drive shaft, a plurality of electromagnetic machines mechanically coupling the crankshaft to the drive shaft, a power controller electrically coupled to the plurality of electromagnetic machines and configured to control current and/or voltage provided to, or received from, each electromagnetic machine of the plurality of electromagnetic machines, a supervisory controller communicatively coupled with the power controller and configured to establish an operational mode for the power controller, and a storage device electrically coupled to the power controller to store energy captured by the power controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan, University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer
    Inventor: Bogdan I. Epureanu
  • Patent number: 9669716
    Abstract: An energy charge controller for controlling electrical energy of a vehicle includes an estimation module and a control module. The estimation module includes a driver behavior judgment unit, a charge curve adjustment unit and an energy charge evaluation unit. The driver behavior judgment unit is configured to generate and output a driving mode signal. The driving mode signal is evaluated to generate a brake charging target datum by the charge curve adjustment unit. The brake charging target datum and a vehicle speed are evaluated to generate a chargeable braking energy value by the energy charge evaluation unit. The control module is configured to store a plurality of situational conditions, and select and output one of the situational conditions to the vehicle by comparing the chargeable braking energy value and a recoverable storage power value from an energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Chien-An Chen, Po-Hsu Lin, Chin-Feng Tsai
  • Patent number: 9083194
    Abstract: A battery charging system includes a first battery unit for storing electric power to be supplied to a driving system of a train, and a second battery unit for storing electric power to be supplied to the first battery unit. A control unit calculates electric power consumption from the first battery unit. And a battery charging unit supplies electric power to the first battery unit from the second battery unit based on the electric power consumption calculated by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Takeru Koga, Masayuki Nogi, Hirotoshi Kawai, Satoshi Koizumi
  • Patent number: 9017203
    Abstract: A gear-train for transferring torque from multiple power sources includes first, second, and third input members, and an output member. The first and second input members rotate about a first axis, the third input member rotates about a second axis, and the output member rotates about a third axis. The gear-train additionally includes a first gear-set connected to the first input member. The gear-train also includes a second gear-set connected to the second input member. The gear-train additionally includes an intermediate shaft that rotates about a fourth axis. Furthermore, the gear-train includes a third gear-set connected to the intermediate shaft. In the third gear-set, first member is connected to the intermediate shaft and to the third input member, second and third members are set coaxially relative to the intermediate shaft and configured for asynchronous rotation with each other, and the third member is also connected to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
  • Publication number: 20150014073
    Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle includes: an engine (2); a compound motor (3) having a first rotor and a second rotor that are differentially rotatable with each other; and an automatic transmission (4A) that delivers power output of the engine (2), which is input via the compound motor (3), to an output shaft (33), in which the first rotor is connected to an input side of a gear pair that corresponds to an even shift speed and the second rotor is connected to an input side of a gear pair that corresponds to an odd shift speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Murakami, Takahiro Shiina, Tadashi Fujiyoshi, Takao Watanabe, Eiji Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8855880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for displaying braking information such as energy dissipation braking information and regenerative braking information. The present invention can be an automobile including an energy dissipation braking system, a regenerative braking system, an energy dissipation braking sensor, a regenerative braking sensor, an energy conversions system, an energy storage unit, an energy storage sensor, a processor, an engine, and/or a display. The processor, energy dissipation braking sensor, and/or the regenerative braking system can acquire and analyze energy dissipating braking data and regenerative braking data in an automobile to determine appropriate braking information for display to a user on the display. Such braking information can include, for example, an energy efficiency rate, and/or an application percentage of the energy dissipation braking system and/or the regenerative braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Rowker, Avernethy Francisco
  • Patent number: 8760001
    Abstract: A supply circuit is provided for the electrical supply of a vehicle. Here, a battery for generating a battery supply voltage and a step-up converter for generating an intermediate voltage from the battery supply voltage are provided. A temporary store is supplied from the intermediate voltage and serves for storing electrical energy. A step-down converter for generating a first consumer voltage for supplying a first consumer from the intermediate voltage and a second step-down converter for generating a second consumer voltage for supplying a second consumer from the intermediate voltage are provided. A control circuit serves to control the step-up converter, the first step-down converter and the second step-down converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Detlev Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8746382
    Abstract: A method of priming a common bus of a machine having an engine, a generator and an auxiliary power source is provided. The method may determine an operational state of the auxiliary power source, operate the engine at a predetermined idle speed if the auxiliary power source is determined to be inoperative, and enable the generator to regulate the common bus in response to the predetermined idle speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson Wai, Thuong Le, Timothy Goldammer
  • Patent number: 8606444
    Abstract: A machine includes a power system having a prime mover drivingly connected to an electric generator, a power line operably connected to the electric generator, and a first electrical energy storage device operable to exchange electricity with the power line. The power system may also include a second electrical energy storage device and power-system controls. The power-system controls may include a power regulator and at least one information processor configured to receive information related to at least one operating parameter of the power system and control the power regulator based on the received information, including selectively controlling the power regulator to receive electricity from the second electrical energy storage device and supply the electricity to the first electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Andris
  • Patent number: 8590648
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train for a vehicle has an internal combustion engine, first and second electric machines and a transmission that are mechanically connected to one another to drive at least one axle of the vehicle. The internal combustion engine (1) and the first electric machine (2) are provided on an input shaft of the transmission (3), and the second electric machine (4) is provided on an output shaft (6) of the transmission or on an axle of the vehicle. The maximum power and/or the maximum torque of the internal combustion engine are/is substantially larger than the power or torque that can be transmitted by the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Poschmann, Martin Roth, Klaus Bastian, Marco Fleckner
  • Patent number: 8556009
    Abstract: A “super fuel efficient”, safe, low-cost and yet high performance 4-wheeled vehicle is configured with motorcycle wheels and tires having continuous radius tires and of outside diameter (20-26 inches). A special configuration of the invention permits a 4-wheeled vehicle to naturally camber while engaging a corner, or while maneuvering on a slope. Integration of a “short-cycling”, low storage mass hybrid drivetrain into the vehicle, and further, an exhaust heat energy recovery system, secures the efficiency opportunity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley Wayne Bartilson
  • Patent number: 8427083
    Abstract: A four-stage power distribution system (100) includes (i) a first stage (110) having an inverter (112) that provides power to a frequency drive (114) and an electric motor (116) controlled by the frequency drive; (ii) a second stage (120) having a flywheel (122) driven by the motor; (iii) a third stage (130) having an alternator (132) driven by the motor (116) and connected to the flywheel, and a rectifier (134) that receives current from the alternator and generates a direct current; and (iv) a fourth stage (140) having a charge control switch (142) that receives power from the rectifier, and a plurality of power storage devices such as batteries (144A-144C). A master control switch (150) controls the charge control switch to transition the plurality of batteries individually between a charging configuration and a load configuration. One or more of the battery(ies) in the load configuration provides power to the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Momentum Power, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Warmenhoven
  • Patent number: 8397855
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive electric vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a chassis and a power system. The power system comprises batteries, an electric motor, a DC-DC converter and an electric motor controller which are electrically connected, and the chassis comprises a frame, a transmission/transfer case, a drive shaft, a front axle assembly as well as a rear axle assembly. The transmission/transfer case, the front axle assembly and the rear axle assembly are mounted on the frame. The transmission/transfer case is connected with the rear axle assembly directly and with the front axle assembly via the drive shaft. Under the control of the electric motor controller, the electric motor is driven to rotate by the batteries, whereby a power is transferred from the motor to the transmission/transfer case, and a part of the power is transferred to the rear axle assembly with the other part transferred to the front axle assembly via the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignees: Guangdong Greenwheel EV Power Train System Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Changwen Liu, Xiaojing Liu, Sen Feng
  • Patent number: 8294392
    Abstract: An arrangement for supplying power to a system includes a first electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a first coupled system of machines and a second electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a second coupled system of machines. The first and second coupled system of machines are constructed to receive mechanical power or mechanical energy or to supply mechanical power or mechanical energy. The arrangement further includes a first kinetic energy storage device having a first electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the first electric drive unit, and a second kinetic energy storage device having a second electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the second electric drive unit. The first kinetic energy storage device is coupled to the second kinetic energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Krejtschi, Elmar Schäfers
  • Patent number: 8179067
    Abstract: An electric energy exchange system between at least one motor-generator system and at least one storage member determining a continuous storage voltage between two branches of a bus circuit on which are connected in parallel a DC/DC converter, a filtering capacity, and a DC/AC converter connected on at least one motor-generator system. The system includes at least one thyristor connected as a bypass on the positive bus between the storage member and the output of the converter-voltage raiser to short-cut the converter, and a thyristor priming device to, based on the required voltage at the filtering capacity, determine at least in discharge the shorting of the converter-voltage raiser with direct passage of the current through the thyristor as long as the voltage of the filtering capacity, which is substantially equal to the storage member voltage, is sufficient for the electric machines to provide requested torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Serge Loudot, Gareth Pugsley
  • Patent number: 8167063
    Abstract: A power plant 1 for driving driven parts DW and DW includes a prime mover 3, and first and second generator-motors 20, 30. The first generator-motor 20 is comprised of a first stator 22, a first rotor 21 formed by magnets, and a second rotor 23 formed by soft magnetic material elements and disposed between the first stator 22 and the first rotor 21. The second generator-motor 30 is comprised of a second stator 32, a third rotor 31 formed by magnets, and a fourth rotor 33 formed by soft magnetic material elements and disposed between the second stator 32 and the third rotor 31. The first and fourth rotors 21, 33 are mechanically connected to the driven parts DW and DW, and the second and third rotors 23, 31 are mechanically connected to an output shaft 3a of the prime mover 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Abe, Shigemitsu Akutsu
  • Patent number: 8140244
    Abstract: In an apparatus for evaluating fuel-saving driving of a vehicle, a detecting unit detects a starting point and an end point of a deceleration area; a storage unit stores therein deceleration value information representing a deceleration value per unit time tolerated for safely decelerating from a predetermined traveling speed to a predetermined deceleration completion speed; a calculating unit calculates an actual traveling distance during a time period from detection of the starting point until detection of the end point; an acquiring/calculating unit acquires the deceleration value corresponding to the traveling speed at the detected starting point from the storage unit, and calculates a tolerance deceleration traveling distance based on the traveling speed and the deceleration value; and a judging unit judges the timing of the starting point based on a result of comparison between the actual traveling distance and the tolerance deceleration traveling distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo
  • Patent number: 8118121
    Abstract: A rechargeable automobile electric power system and method modifying a front-wheel drive automobile through installation of the system is disclosed. The system is designed as a unit meant to replace the rear axle of a front-wheel drive vehicle. The system comprises: an axle assembly configured to replace the existing unpowered rear axle of a front-wheel drive automobile, an electric motor powered by rechargeable batteries which drives the axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Edak, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Vargas
  • Patent number: 8100206
    Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Arthur Kressner, Christopher C. Hoyes, Anthony F. Barna
  • Patent number: 8056660
    Abstract: A vehicle can ensure an engine torque the driver desires even though the load torque of a generator with respect to the engine varies, and in particular can restrain occurrence of such a risk that an engine stall occurs when a load to the engine is large upon, for example, engagement of a clutch. A controller predicts a load torque of the generator with respect to the engine in future several hundred milliseconds at maximum from the present time, in view of a magnetic field voltage and a speed of the generator at the present time, and controls the engine in accordance with the predicted load torque in order to prevent the output torque of the engine from being insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Norikazu Matsuzaki, Masaru Ito, Shin Fujiwara, Tatsuyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7982323
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus 2 for generating electrical charge from a motive power source 3. The apparatus 2 comprises an alternator 3a and a worm drive assembly 4 connectable to the motive power source 3. The worm drive assembly 4 comprises a drive shaft 14 a worm gear 20; and, a worm wheel 32 configured so as to mesh with the worm gear 20 and as is further arranged so as to be operatively associated with the alternator 3a. During use, rotation of the drive shaft 14 by the motive power source 3 effects generation of electrical charge by the alternator 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Seghezzi
  • Patent number: 7971665
    Abstract: A motor vehicle having a hybrid drive and a method for idle-speed control of a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle are provided. The hybrid drive includes an internal combustion engine having an engine management system, and at least one speed-controlled electric machine which is coupled to a drive shaft of the internal combustion engine during idling. During idling, the internal combustion engine is controlled by the engine management system in open or closed loop as a function of power demands of an electrical system of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Tumback, Dieter Hoetzer, Nicole Weber
  • Patent number: 7921945
    Abstract: A vehicle has an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a electric traction motor (ETM) coupled by a standard transmission through a differential to drive traction wheels. A control system receives sensor signals including speed sensors, a load sensor, and an incline sensors. The control system processes the speed signals to generate indicator signals corresponding to speed of the ETM, the vehicle speed, the shifting gears and the speed of the transmission output shaft. One or more displays present indications of when the speed of a shifting gear corresponding to the speed of the ETM matches the speed of the vehicle thus the speed of the transmission output shaft. An operator may shift, without clutching, from neutral and to a next shifting gear when there is an indication that the speed of the next shifting gear matches the speed of a shifting collar coupled to the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Clean Emissions Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Warner Olan Harris
  • Patent number: 7908064
    Abstract: A preferred input torque for a hybrid powertrain is determined within a solution space of feasible input torques in accordance with a plurality of powertrain system constraints that results in a minimum overall powertrain system loss. System power losses and battery utilization costs are calculated at feasible input torques and a solution for the input torque corresponding to the minimum total powertrain system loss is converged upon to determine the preferred input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Anthony H. Heap, Gregory A. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7870916
    Abstract: A power management system is disclosed. Embodiments of the power management system may be configured for use with an electric generator that produces AC or DC voltage from an energy source, which may be intermittent or fluctuating. One embodiment of the power management system includes an energy storage reservoir configured to be electrically coupled to the electric generator. The energy storage reservoir includes at least one ultracapacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. The power management system also includes an electronic controller configured to control storage in the reservoir of energy generated by the electric generator and to control power usage from the reservoir and the generator. The electronic controller is configured to control energy storage and power usage in response to one or more control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott J. Carter
  • Patent number: 7854282
    Abstract: A highly energy efficient automobile that provides payload, safety and performance capacities similar to a comparable vehicle of a given vehicle class. The current invention is ideal for short to medium range urban and suburban driving. The current invention incorporates components in a unique and novel way, in which these components combine to form a system that produces an automobile that reduces overall air pollution while encouraging the commercialization of alternative energy sources. The current invention features an lightweight, low rolling resistance, digitally controlled and direct-drive electric propulsion system. A lightweight spaceframe with a suspension system provides a structure for mounting a low-aerodynamic-drag body system and other components. An intelligent power and thermal management system coupled with a removable auxiliary power module supplies the electrical energy required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: International Humanities Center
    Inventors: David Warren Lee, Roeland M. M. Hogt
  • Patent number: 7835831
    Abstract: A power-down control method of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle includes determining an operation mode when a key-off command is input. If the mode is a fuel cell mode, the method includes: converting a low voltage DC-DC converter connected to an auxiliary battery to a boost mode; maintaining a driving state of a high voltage part, powered by voltage from the auxiliary battery and boosted by the low voltage DC-DC converter; subsequently stopping operation of a fuel cell stack and turning off the high voltage part; and subsequently turning off the low voltage DC-DC converter. If the mode is a hybrid mode, the method includes: maintaining a driving state of the high voltage part, powered by voltage from a super capacitor; subsequently stopping operation of the fuel cell stack and turning off the high voltage part; subsequently turning off the DC-DC converters; and subsequently cutting power of the super capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Jin Chung, Ho Sung Kang, Sang Hoon Lee, Soon Il Jeon, Kyu Il Lee, Nam Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20100187027
    Abstract: The connecting bolts 5 are inserted through the connecting cylinders 21 to hold a plurality of battery holders 20 in the stacked configuration and form a battery block 2. The battery holder 20 connecting cylinders 21 are disposed at a plurality of locations on the perimeter of the battery block 2, and are disposed in straight-lines to form rows of partial-stack connecting cylinders 4 on battery holders 20 stacked in two levels or more, but not on the entire stack of battery holders 20. Connecting bolts 5 are inserted through each row of partial-stack connecting cylinders 4 to hold the connecting cylinders 21 that make up each row of partial-stack connecting cylinders 4 in a stacked configuration, and retain the battery holders 20 in a stacked configuration as a battery block 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi KOMAKI
  • Patent number: 7736266
    Abstract: A vehicle's active electrically controlled non-step speed change mechanism includes an internal combustion engine, a dynamo (motor-generator), a power allotment unit and an active electrically controlled non-step speed changer to control vehicle able to run in the best condition notwithstanding its speed, roadway condition or load thereby achieving the aim of fuel saving and minimizing the environmental contamination due to excess discharge of exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: National Taipei University of Technology
    Inventors: Kuohsiu David Huang, Kei-Lin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7699127
    Abstract: A hydrogen fill inlet structure for a fuel cell vehicle includes a hydrogen cylinder for filling hydrogen gas from a hydrogen fill inlet. A fuel cell is provided for generating electrical power utilizing hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cylinder. A motor is provided for generating propulsive power for supply to a drive wheel based on electrical power generated from the fuel cell. The hydrogen fill inlet is separate from a source port of the hydrogen cylinder, and is installed in the vicinity of the source port. The hydrogen fill inlet structure may be installed within the diameter of the hydrogen cylinder as viewed axially along the tank. In addition, a cover member is provided for covering the hydrogen cylinder. A lid is installed on a section in proximity to the source port and hydrogen fill inlet of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Junya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100078234
    Abstract: A hybrid electric work vehicle having an electric traction motor driven power take off used in conjunction with a control system that monitors the hydraulic system for pressure deltas and trend vectors, and that has learning capabilities, is provided for use with a vehicle for operation on the ground. The system is usable for both open center and closed center hydraulic systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E. Bissontz
  • Patent number: 7673714
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system including, an internal combustion engine, a torque converter including a lockup clutch the torque converter having an input and an output, the input coupled to the internal combustion engine, an electric energy conversion device coupled downstream of the torque converter output, and a control system for adjusting torque output of the hybrid propulsion system, the control system adjusting the torque output of the electric energy conversion device during a torque converter lockup clutch engagement transition event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Andrew Silveri
  • Patent number: 7661495
    Abstract: A drive unit for motor vehicles with hybrid drive and a drive train in a longitudinal arrangement, between the internal combustion engine and the first axle, comprising a housing piece, a through driveshaft, an electric motor, surrounding the through driveshaft with a first clutch before the electric motor and a second clutch thereafter, whereby a second axle is also to be driven with minimal space requirement. A first electric motor is thus physically combined with the first clutch, surrounding a second electric motor and the through driveshaft and is connected to the second axle by means of a third clutch, an offset gear and a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Zöhrer, Konstantin Erjawetz, Peter Pichler
  • Patent number: 7658247
    Abstract: A power management system is disclosed. Embodiments of the power management system may be configured for use with an electric generator that produces AC or DC voltage from an energy source, which may be intermittent or fluctuating. One embodiment of the power management system includes an energy storage reservoir configured to be electrically coupled to the electric generator. The energy storage reservoir includes at least one ultracapacitor and at least one rechargeable battery. The power management system also includes an electronic controller configured to control storage in the reservoir of energy generated by the electric generator and to control power usage from the reservoir and the generator. The electronic controller is configured to control energy storage and power usage in response to one or more control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott J. Carter
  • Patent number: 7654349
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Kathi S Lee, Del C Schroeder, Robert G Malcolm, Kenneth Hartwig, Lewis Charles Eanes, Sr., William W Doolittle, III
  • Publication number: 20090315359
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: rotatable wheels; a rotary electric machine that generates power for driving the wheels; a battery that supplies electric power to the rotary electric machine and that is fixed to the vehicle; and a detachable battery that supplies electric power to the rotary electric machine, that is detachable from the vehicle and that is arranged at a center in a width direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoto Suzuki, Shinji Ichikawa, Wanleng Ang, Kenji Murasato
  • Publication number: 20090236159
    Abstract: A control system for a drive unit of a hybrid vehicle, which is capable of preventing an uncomfortable feeling, when a vehicle is driven by a power of an electric motor. The control system includes an electric motor, another power unit other than the electric motor, and a transmission, including a speed change inhibiting mechanism for inhibiting a speed change operation of the transmission in case the vehicle is run by a power of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shibata, Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio