Storage Battery Or Accumulator-type Source Patents (Class 307/48)
  • Patent number: 7690343
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a supply of power to a load are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Frank Anthony Doljack
  • Patent number: 7683584
    Abstract: A power source switching apparatus is provided. The example power source switching apparatus may include a voltage adjuster outputting a first power source voltage having a voltage level, corresponding to the output voltage of a battery, during an external power source mode where the battery is being charged, the first power source voltage based at least in part on the external power source and the output voltage of the battery, a controller outputting a first control signal and a second control signal, the first control signal enabled if the battery is operating in the external power source mode and the second control signal is enabled if the battery is not operating in the external power source mode, a first switch outputting the first power source voltage if the first control signal is enabled and a second switch outputting the output voltage of the battery if the second control signal is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Sang Choi
  • Publication number: 20100060080
    Abstract: A power source device includes first and second rechargeable batteries, a load circuit, a first step-up converter converting voltage between a first node to which the first battery is connected and a second node to which the load circuit is connected, a second step-up converter converting voltage between a third node to which the second battery is connected and the second node, and a charge/discharge unit transmitting power received from an external power source. Preferably, the power source device further includes a first system main relay, a second system main relay, and a controller controlling the first and second system main relays and the first and second step-up converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Sawada, Yoshinori Fujitake
  • Patent number: 7675194
    Abstract: A power supply device for powering equipment from at least one network supplying AC and at least one battery supplying DC, the power supply device comprising: a first branch that is connected to the main network and that comprises a transformation member for transforming the AC voltage into an equivalent DC voltage; a second branch that is connected to the battery and that comprises a voltage booster for raising the DC voltage supplied by the battery to an output voltage close to the DC voltage equivalent to the AC voltage; the first branch and the second branch being connected by a switch member to a converter arranged to transform the DC voltage equivalent to the AC voltage of the network into at least one DC voltage for powering the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventor: François Guillot
  • Publication number: 20100045112
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes first and second electrical energy sources configured to supply current to an output, and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of the current being drawn at the output, to compare the output current with a reference current level, and to regulate the voltage provided by the one of the first or second electrical energy sources such that: when the output current is lower than or equal to the reference current level, the first energy source supplies current equal to the output current; and, when the output current exceeds the reference current level, the first energy source supplies current equal to the reference current level and the second energy source supplies the remaining current required by the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Elena Batallier Planes, Jesus Angel Oliver Ramirez, Oscar Garcia Suarez
  • Patent number: 7667350
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power source apparatus, which comprises supplying electric power to an electronic device on which a secondary battery is mounted from a power source apparatus having a fuel cell and an auxiliary power source. Electric power is supplied intermittently to a charging terminal of the electronic device by means of a switch for controlling conduction and interruption of an output terminal of the power source apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Norimatsu, Akihiko Kanouda, Mutsumi Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20100019568
    Abstract: An energy supply system for an aircraft comprises at least one fuel cell and at least one energy storage device, wherein the fuel cell, of which there is at least one, is coupled to the energy storage device, of which there is at least one, such that the energy storage device can be charged by means of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Henning Stolte, Harald Gründel
  • Patent number: 7638898
    Abstract: A power supply for use with a tissue stimulating prosthesis, such as a cochlear implant. The power supply system comprises a first battery cell, a second battery cell, at least a third battery cell and a switch. The first and second battery cells are electrically connected in series to provide power to components of the prosthesis, while the third battery cell is configured to be selectively electrically connected in parallel with either the first or second battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Seligman Peter
  • Publication number: 20090313896
    Abstract: A hydrogen production and distribution system which may exploit pre-existing energy infrastructure such as offshore hydrocarbon production facilities, sewage treatment plants, and natural gas pipelines. The offshore facilities and sewage treatment plants may have wind turbines, photovoltaic elements, and wave powered generators to generate electricity, which is then stored in batteries. Electrical power is drawn from the batteries to electrolyze water. Hydrogen collected from electrolysis is conducted to consumers through a system using the natural gas pipelines and optionally, tank trucks formerly used to deliver propane gas. A master computerized control system controls the hydrogen production and distribution system, and is isolated from public communications channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Cameron Glidewell
  • Publication number: 20090273316
    Abstract: A recharging system for recharging a rechargeable battery of a mobile device such as a headset is disclosed. The recharging system includes a rechargeable system battery, a first connector configured to connect the recharging system to the mobile device, a second connector configured to connect the recharging system to a source of electrical power, and a controller configured to direct electrical power as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7605492
    Abstract: A power supply system is provided that can operate with energy storage units of varying voltages and temperatures, that can correct voltage and temperature deviations, and that can continue to provide power when an energy storage unit is inoperable. A power supply system is also provided that can recondition an energy storage unit during vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Elder, Michael Degner
  • Patent number: 7598706
    Abstract: A battery with a battery balancing assembly that regulates the discharge of battery cell charge and a method of evenly discharging battery cells, the battery comprising a plurality of cells. The balancing assembly includes switches disposed between the cells such that the switches may configure the cells in a normal configuration and a balance configuration, wherein in the normal configuration the plurality of cells may be connected to an electronic device and wherein in the balance configuration the plurality of cells are connected to a balancing circuit. The balancing circuit serving to balance the charge in the plurality of cells prior to the recharging of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roy Donald Koski, Paul Daniel Lindquist
  • Publication number: 20090236911
    Abstract: The solar powered direct current (DC) load system is a reliable, versatile and user friendly system; it uses solar energy and rechargeable battery powering at least one type of DC load which are: a type of water pump and a type of at least one LED; the system comprises a battery discharge control circuit and a battery output circuit for DC load (FIG. 1), at least one rechargeable battery source (42-F1) which is protected by a preset voltage that limits the lowest discharge level, the circuits in the FIG. 1 are able to combine the circuits in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which enable operations of the day time and night time DC load to synchronize the day and night cycles; FIG. 4 is a combination system which incorporates circuits in the FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to create a water pumping system combined an illumination system which can turn on and off automatically; FIG. 4a with a switch and additional LEDs in addition to the FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is a combination system that incorporates circuits in the FIG. 1 and FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Min Carroll
  • Patent number: 7592716
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, an information handling system (“IHS”) includes a processor. The IHS also includes a power rail coupled to the processor. The power rail supplies power, from a power adapter, to the processor. The IHS further includes a battery, that in response to a voltage fall on the power rail, supplies supplemental power to the power rail. In a second embodiment, an IHS includes a processor. The IHS also includes a power rail coupled to the processor. The power rail supplies power, from a power adapter, to the processor. The IHS further includes a battery, that in response to a voltage rise on the power rail, suppresses or sinks power supplied by the power adapter to the power rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Guangyong Zhu, John J. Breen, David Jose Toland
  • Publication number: 20090230773
    Abstract: Power is provided to a scanning device. Power supplied by an attached bus is used to power the scanning device when power requirements for the scanning device can be met by the power supplied by the attached bus. Power is drawn from a rechargeable battery to supply power to the scanning device when power requirements for the scanning device cannot be met by the power from the attached bus. When the scanning device is in a stand-by mode, the power from the attached bus is used to recharge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Electronic Document Technology Pte. Ltd.,
    Inventors: Hin Leong Tan, Chang-Ming Liu, Cheng-Hsien Chang
  • Publication number: 20090206667
    Abstract: An electrical power source including a free-piston Stirling engine driving an alternator to supply power through a bus to a user load and controlled by an engine/alternator controller. A bidirectional DC/DC converter is connected between a battery and the bus. The stroke of the engine piston is modulated between a maximum and a minimum stroke to maintain the bus voltage at a design nominal bus voltage (V1), and charge the battery if it is not charged, when and so long as the bus voltage does not fall below a design nominal bus voltage (V1). The Stirling engine is operated at its maximum piston stroke, and the battery is charged if it is not charged, when the bus voltage is in the range between the design nominal bus voltage (V1) and a design minimum battery charging bus voltage (V2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventor: Ezekiel S. Holliday
  • Publication number: 20090206657
    Abstract: A super capacitor energy storage supplementing a battery providing power to a direct current bus including charge and discharge converters is disclosed. A bank of super capacitors may be charged by a battery with a pulse-width modulation controller and an electromagnetic interference filter. The bank of super capacitors may be controllably connected to the direct current bus through an isolating transformer implemented as a isolated boost converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: IVAN VUK, Hassan Ali Kojori, Ileana Rusan
  • Publication number: 20090195074
    Abstract: An energy supply and storage system for a rig power supply system is disclosed for a rig power supply system of the type having a power generator coupled to rig loads and motors via a bus. The energy supply and storage device is a power supply in parallel with the rig motors and adapted for receiving energy generated by the generator in excess of demand. The energy storage system is in communication with the power supply for receiving and storing the excess energy, with the power supply being adapted to draw energy from the storage system when the rig motor demand exceeds the capacity of the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Edward R. Buiel
  • Patent number: 7560832
    Abstract: A power supply includes a power source having first and second terminals. A circuit is coupled to the source and is operable to maintain a first quantity between the terminals within a predetermined range of values until a second quantity between the terminals has a predetermined value. Such a power supply provides the ability to delay activating a load until the current that the supply can provide is at a level acceptable for proper load function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Steenson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090174255
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator assembly for controlling fuel injection of a large combustion engine, especially a diesel engine, including an electric motor (6) acting on a control shaft (8) arranged to control the fuel injection and actuator control means (2,3) provided with an electric power supply (4,5) for controlling the electric motor (6). According to the invention the actuator assembly is provided with backup power in the form of capacitor power (12) arranged to provide power for the actuator control means (2,3) in case of loss of power or power failure of the electric power supply (4,5) so as to enable the actuator control means (2,3) to control the electric motor (6) to drive the control shaft (8) to a predefined safe position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Wärtsilä Finland OY
    Inventors: Tommy Dahlberg, Jonas Åkerman, Johan Pensar, Silvio Casini
  • Publication number: 20090166114
    Abstract: Under the same target voltage, a basic duty ratio depending on a target ON time is set, and prior and subsequent duty ratios before and after upper arm switching devices or lower arm switching devices are driven with the basic duty ratio are set as a basic duty ratio+? and a basic duty ratio??, respectively. Gate drive signals, having the basic duty ratio and the prior and subsequent duty ratios, are supplied to the upper arm switching devices or to the lower arm switching devices, in order to turn on the upper arm switching devices or the lower arm switching devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi TAGUCHI, Hibiki SAEKI, Yasushi KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20090115252
    Abstract: An electronic system includes a plurality of primary power sources operable for powering a load and charging a secondary power source, and a power management unit coupled to the plurality of primary power sources and the secondary power source. The power management unit is operable for selectively directing power of each of the primary power sources to the load according to a power requirement of the load. The power management unit is further operable for directing power of the secondary power source to the load if the power requirement of the load exceeds a total power capacity of the plurality of primary power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Eftimie Caraghiorghiopol, Constantin Spiridon, Tzu-Ching Yang
  • Publication number: 20090110214
    Abstract: A circuit to supply power to a load incorporates a first power source, a second power source that may be detachable, a power converter and at least one capacitor (capacitive element), where the first power source is capable of powering the load when charged, where the second power source is not capable of powering the load, but the second power source is capable of trickle-charging the first power source at a time when the first power source is not powering the load, where the power converter may impose a limit on a flow of current through the power converter, and where the at least one capacitor may cooperate to temporarily support a flow of additional current that circumvents the power converter at a time when the load attempts to draw a relatively greater amount of current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Roman N. Litovsky, Hal P. Greenberger
  • Publication number: 20090079265
    Abstract: A power supply having a plurality of selectively electrically connectable power cells configured to supply power to a load. The power supply comprises a plurality of power cells electrically connected in series and an auxiliary power cell electrically connected in parallel with one of said plurality of power cells. A control is configured to selectively electrically connect said auxiliary cell in parallel with whichever one of said plurality of power cells has a lower power delivery capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Peter Seligman
  • Publication number: 20090069950
    Abstract: An electric power control apparatus outputs output from a power generation apparatus to a power system has a power converter that converts power output from the power generation apparatus and a power storage apparatus that stores output from the power generation apparatus or output from the power converter as well as discharges stored electric power as necessary detects an amount of electric power generated at the power generation apparatus within a predetermined time period, sets an output pattern of the electric power control apparatus in a next predetermined time period based on the amount of electric power of each predetermined time period, and controls the output of the electric power control apparatus in accordance with the output pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Kurokami, Nobuyoshi Takehara
  • Patent number: 7498689
    Abstract: A power supply device for vehicles is disclosed, which device includes a backup unit to the power supply as an auxiliary power supply employing a capacitor unit formed of plural capacitors. The auxiliary power supply includes a power supply section allowing the capacitor unit to power an electronic controller, and a compulsory operating section for operating the power supply section. An operating status of the power supply section is monitored even when a battery operates normally, so that the power supply device for vehicles with higher reliability and improved safety is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Mitani, Toshihiko Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7495194
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a plurality of heating means that heat a heated object, a temperature measuring means that measures temperatures of some of the plurality of heating means, a heated object information storing means that stores, in a coordinate manner, heated object identification names, target heating temperatures at the heating means, and sets of heating ratios respectively assigned to the heating means, a heating information storage means that defines a relationship between temperatures during heating of the heating means up to the target heating temperatures and heating intensities at the temperatures, a heated object identification name obtaining means that obtains one of the heated object identification names, a heated object information reading-out means that reads out one of the target heating temperatures and one of the sets of heating ratios respectively assigned to the plurality of heating means, corresponding to the heated object identification name from the heated object information st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Asano Laboratories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takai, Yasuyoshi Ohashi, Kazushi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090045679
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a storage component, a voltage stabilizer circuit with an input configured to receive an input voltage and an output configured to provide an output voltage, and a load. The load is coupled to the output of the voltage stabilizer circuit. The integrated circuit is operable in a first and second operating state. In the first operating state, the storage component receives an input voltage and in the second operating state the input voltage is provided to the input of the voltage stabilizer circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: QIMONDA AG
    Inventor: Maksim Kuzmenka
  • Patent number: 7463500
    Abstract: An electrical DC-to-AC power conversion apparatus is disclosed that is primarily intended for use with solar photovoltaic sources in electric utility grid-interactive applications. The invention improves the conversion efficiency and lowers the cost of DC-to-AC inverters. The enabling technology is a novel inverter circuit topology, where throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed a maximum of 1½ times instead of 2 times as in prior-art inverters. The AC inverter output configuration can be either single-phase, split-phase or poly-phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Xantrex Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick West
  • Patent number: 7456604
    Abstract: An electric power control apparatus outputs output from a power generation apparatus to a power system has a power converter that converts power output from the power generation apparatus and a power storage apparatus that stores output from the power generation apparatus or output from the power converter as well as discharges stored electric power as necessary detects an amount of electric power generated at the power generation apparatus within a predetermined time period, sets an output pattern of the electric power control apparatus in a next predetermined time period based on the amount of electric power of each predetermined time period, and controls the output of the electric power control apparatus in accordance with the output pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kurokami, Nobuyoshi Takehara
  • Publication number: 20080276892
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a supply of power to a load are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Anthony Doljack
  • Publication number: 20080231117
    Abstract: A power supply topology according to one embodiment includes a first path coupled to a controllable DC power source, a second path coupled to a rechargeable battery, and a third path coupled to a system load, the three paths coupled to a common node. The topology may further include a unidirectional switch coupled to the first path and a selectively unidirectional switch coupled to the second path. The topology may further include a power management control circuit including a wake up circuit having a comparison circuit and an output decision circuit. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: O2MICRO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Constantin Bucur, Vlad Popescu-Stanesti, Marian Niculae, Daryl Nees
  • Publication number: 20080224541
    Abstract: There is provided a power control method for secondary batteries constituting, in a grid connection system supplying electric power to a power system by combining a power generator where output power fluctuates with a power storage compensator, the power storage compensator and compensating fluctuation of output power of the power generator. The method includes the steps of: dividing the secondary batteries into a “constant power control” group and a “demand responsive” group, and distributing predetermined constant input-output power out of power to be input and output provided to all the secondary batteries in order to compensate fluctuation of output power of the power generator to the “constant power control group” and the remaining input-output power to the “demand responsive” group to control input-output power of the secondary batteries respectively depending on the belonging groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro FUKUHARA
  • Publication number: 20080203816
    Abstract: Provided is a technology where a voltage capable of driving a mobile device, to which a power supply apparatus is connected, is automatically detected. The power supply apparatus, for supplying power to the device connected, includes a power supply, a voltage conversion unit which varies a voltage inputted from the power supply to a predetermined voltage and outputs the varied voltage to the device, an ammeter which measures an output current value of the power supply apparatus, and a control unit which controls the voltage varied by the voltage conversion unit. The control unit boosts the voltage outputted from the power supply in stages and detects, by detecting a change in the output current value, that the output voltage of the power supply apparatus boosted by the voltage conversion unit has reached a voltage capable of driving the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Goro Fujita
  • Patent number: 7408272
    Abstract: The invention concerns a portable device for electric power supply comprising: connection means (8) for connecting an appliance (1) to be powered; and a power supply circuit (6; 16) supplying in output a supply voltage for the appliance when the circuit is selectively connected to a mains supply or to a low-voltage electric power source. It may also comprise a battery (10). In that case, the circuit (6, 16) can charge the power storage means when the circuit is connected to an appropriate electric power source, the connection means ensuring power supply to the appliance (1) from the power storage means (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventor: Didier Marquet
  • Publication number: 20080179955
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a first input terminal to which a first DC supply voltage of a fuel cell system having a controllable supply voltage is provided; a second input terminal to which a second DC supply voltage of a rechargeable secondary battery is provided; a DC voltage conversion circuit which receives the first and second DC supply voltages from the first and second input terminals, and supplies a current of a desired voltage to a load; a charging circuit which receives the first DC supply voltage from the first input terminal, and supplies a DC supply voltage for charging to the second input terminal; and a control circuit which determines a desired value of the first DC supply voltage in accordance with a value of the second DC supply voltage of the secondary battery, and provides the determined desired value to the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Nakashima, Satoshi Kazama, Koichi Yokota
  • Publication number: 20080179887
    Abstract: A hybrid system using a wind-power generator and a battery energy storage system includes a unit to set a system constant output value, a unit to control power generated from the wind-power generator, a unit to gradually change an output target value between an output constant operation and a regulation control operation, and a control unit to secure a charged ampere-hour of a battery in the output constant operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Hironari Kawazoe, Motoo Futami, Youji Ikeda, Yoshiaki Sato
  • Patent number: 7405952
    Abstract: A power supply device has first and second terminals, a transformer, a switching element and an auxiliary power supply element. The first and second terminals receive input power having an input voltage. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding has a pair of winding terminals. One of the pair of winding terminals is connected to the first terminal. The switching element is connected between the second terminal and the other of the pair of winding terminals of the primary winding. The auxiliary power supply element feeds electric power to the transformer when the input voltage decreases to or less than a predetermined value. The auxiliary power supply element has a capacitor and a second switching element for storing energy from the primary winding into the first capacitor during a normal operation of the power supply device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Uematsu
  • Patent number: 7391184
    Abstract: One or more charger regulation tasks (e.g., one or more of those tasks typically performed by charger regulator circuitry of a separate battery charging apparatus) are integrated within a battery system (e.g., a battery pack of a portable information handling system) by utilizing component/s common to the battery system (e.g., microcontroller and FET components).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Shiguo Luo, John J. Breen, Ligong Wang
  • Publication number: 20080143186
    Abstract: An energy buffer device supplies energy to a consumer in an aircraft, and an electrical system for an aircraft. In one example, the device includes an energy feed device, an energy storage device and an energy supply device. The energy supply device may have line with a larger cross-sectional area than a corresponding line of the energy feed device. With the use of an energy buffer device, power may be switched on only for a short period of time. In addition, in case of a voltage breakdown in an on-board network, energy may be stored in an energy storage device. Supply of energy may thus occur over a short time at correspondingly high power, without placing a load on an on-board network or a generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Bodo Wisch, Lars Rowold
  • Patent number: 7362601
    Abstract: A power supply device includes two input ports, two output ports, a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a switch device, and a controller. The switch device includes a switching element connected in series with the primary winding, and a capacitor. The controller switches the switching element to energize the transformer and charge the capacitor. When an AC power failure such as instantaneous interruption occurs, energy stored in the capacitor is discharged to flow through the primary winding. Accordingly, the transformer is energized to maintain generating an output power from the power supply device for a certain time period. The capacitor is provided on a primary side of the transformer, generally higher voltage side, in the power supply device, so that a smaller capacitance of the capacitor can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Uematsu
  • Patent number: 7216246
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus according to the invention can be powered by a fuel cell unit and secondary battery unit. Power supply management utility executed by a CPU displays the states of use of the fuel cell unit and secondary battery unit. If a predetermined operation is performed in response to the displayed states, using a pointing device, the power supply management utility permits various types of setting related to the use of the fuel cell unit and secondary battery unit to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akihiro Ozeki, Takashi Fujimoto, Kenji Hibi, Koji Nakamura, Hideo Kumagai, Ryoji Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 7208894
    Abstract: The present invention is an electric vehicle power system that uses multiple permanent magnet motor/generators connected in series or parallel and multiple battery step switching. Motor, torque and speed are controlled by steps in series connection and then in parallel connection. Smooth acceleration, regeneration and current control are provided by delaying stepping from one battery step to the next until the next step is fully engaged. Transients are limited to the effect of one battery step by using rectifier shunt switching. Multiple motors provide acceleration torque at low speed in series connections and at cruising speeds in parallel connection. Regenerative deceleration is provided in the opposite manner. Battery depletion is averaged by flipping ends of a battery bank. Controls are provided with normal foot controls and a speed setter. A separate deceleration pedal or lever may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: John L. Earle
  • Patent number: 7196286
    Abstract: A heating device of the invention comprises a heater, a main power supply, and an auxiliary power supply. The heater includes a main heating element which generates heat with power supplied from the main power supply, and an auxiliary heating element which has a resistance different from a resistance of the main heating element and generates heat with power supplied from the auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply is provided to supply to the auxiliary heating element a current that is different from a current supplied from the main power supply to the main heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Kishi, Susumu Matsusaka, Takashi Fujita, Eriko Konno
  • Patent number: 7183728
    Abstract: A motor drive system includes a multi-output dc power source providing three or more output potentials, and a switching circuit including switching devices connected, respectively, with the output potentials of the multi-output power source. A controller determines a command apply voltage representing a desired voltage to be applied to the motor, and further determines a plurality of command share voltages corresponding to supply voltages of the multi-output dc power source, from the command apply voltage. The controller produces a pulsed voltage by driving the switching devices in accordance with the command share voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kitajima, Kantaro Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 7157808
    Abstract: A power supply control system for use with a tissue stimulating prosthesis, such as a cochlear implant. The power supply control system comprises a first battery (31), a second battery (32), at least a third battery (33), and a switching system (36). The first and second batteries (31, 32) are electrically connected in series to provide power to the prosthesis, while the third battery (33) is electrically connectable through the switching means (36) in parallel with either the first battery (32). The third battery (33) is electrically connected by the control system in parallel with whichever one of said first battery (31) or said second battery (32) has lowest voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Peter Misha Seligman
  • Patent number: 7112897
    Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a first capacitor component, a second capacitor component, and a switch component. The first capacitor component, the second capacitor component, and the switch component cooperate to maintain an input voltage to a target circuit at or above a cut-off voltage of the target circuit until a power circuit is able to maintain the input voltage of the target circuit at or above the cut-off voltage of the target circuit. The switch component serves to control a flow of current from the first capacitor component to the second capacitor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice LeRoy Strong, III
  • Patent number: 7095213
    Abstract: A multifunctional complex power supply device has an anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit with a rechargeable battery connected in conjunction with a solar battery, a generator and a microphone. A first switch is mounted between the solar battery and the anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit, a second switch is between the generator and the anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit, and a third switch is between the microphone and the anti-countercurrent and voltage-regulation circuit. When using the power supply device, one of the switches is selected and the solar battery, generator or sound sounds input into the microphone can charge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Yuan-Lin Weng
  • Patent number: 7088065
    Abstract: A drive unit of the invention comprises a motor that can input/output motive power to/from a drive shaft, a drive circuit that performs drive control of the motor, a fuel cell that is connected to the drive circuit without the intervention of a voltage converter such that electric power can be output, a charge/discharge portion that is connected to the fuel cell in parallel and to the drive circuit such that electric power can be output and that has at least one capacitor whose voltage in a fully charged state is higher than an inter-open-terminal voltage of the fuel cell, a diode that is installed between the fuel cell and the charge/discharge portion such that electric power can be output only in a direction from the fuel cell to the charge/discharge portion, and a drive control portion that controls the drive circuit such that drive control of the motor is performed on the basis of required motive power to be transmitted to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro Ishikawa, Hiroshi Yoshida, Hitoshi Sato
  • Patent number: RE40663
    Abstract: A dynamic battery array of individual discrete cells, controllably interconnected for instantaneous dynamic configuration into a plurality of individual power buses having different electrical power output characteristics, each of which is tailored to supply the electrical power required at the instant by a particular electrical load within a circuit. Preferably the cells are fungible and randomly available so that at any given instant any given cell can be poweringly associated with a particular electrical load. The dynamic battery array, consisting of discrete cells lends itself to mounting on physically flexible substrates such as credit cards. The programmable array employs low resistance switch arrays for dynamically and instantaneously forming individual power networks or power buses between selected power cells and individual electrical loads in electrical circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: DeNovo Research, LLC
    Inventor: Martin S. Silverman