One Cell Or Battery Charges Another Patents (Class 320/103)
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Patent number: 8452490Abstract: An electronic circuit configured to operate in any of a plurality of charging and heating modes for two batteries, a primary battery and a secondary battery. The electronic circuit includes a plurality of switch and diode pairs in a stacked configuration. The stacks of switch and diode pairs are connected to an inductor, to a plurality of mode control switches, and the two batteries. The mode control switches are used to set the modes, which include a charging mode, a self-heating, a power exchange-heating mode, and a direct power transfer mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Control Solutions LLCInventors: Konstantin Lakirovich, Brett Walach
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Patent number: 8450979Abstract: An adapter including an associated battery capable of powering an electronic device. The power adapter typically includes the battery as an integral component that is connected to a plug or other interface capable of mating with a power source, such as a wall socket. Thus, the adapter battery may provide power either to operate the device or charge a battery within (or otherwise associated with) the device even if the adapter is not connected to a power source.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Duncan Kerr, David Robbins Falkenburg, Michael Nugent
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Patent number: 8450964Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a control circuit includes a comparator circuit that compares a solar cell voltage and a battery voltage and responsively activates a charging control signal if the solar cell voltage is greater than the battery voltage. If the solar cell voltage is not greater than the battery voltage, the comparator circuit deactivates the charging control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventors: Alexandra-Oana Petroianu, Gabriel Codrin Aungurencei
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Publication number: 20130127399Abstract: A system and method may identifying an overcharged cell from among a plurality of cells of a battery pack. An undercharged cell may be identified from among any of the plurality of cells of the battery pack. A switch may be operated to connect the overcharged cell to the undercharged cell via a direct current (DC)-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may be operated to transfer charge from the overcharged cell to the undercharged cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xidong TANG, Lei HAO, Xiaofeng MAO, Jyh-Shin CHEN
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Publication number: 20130127398Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a battery heating circuit, wherein: the battery comprises a first battery E1 and a second battery E2, the heating circuit comprises a first switch unit 10, a second switch unit 20, a damping component R1, a damping component R2, a current storage component L1, a current storage component L2, a switching control module 100 and a charge storage component C; the first battery, the damping component R1, the current storage component L1, the first switch unit 10 and the charge storage component C are connected in series to form a first charging/discharging circuit; the second battery, the damping component R2, the current storage component L2, the charge storage component C and the second switch unit 20 are connected in series to form a second charging/discharging circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: BYD Company LimitedInventor: BYD Company Limited
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Publication number: 20130127397Abstract: A system has a primary unit (1) and a number of secondary units (16), which may be stored in receiving slots in the primary cleaning unit (1) or be coupled to the primary unit. The primary and secondary units are configured as movable cleaning or grounds maintenance units capable of performing at least one cleaning or grounds maintenance operation. The primary unit (1) is powered by a power source (2), which also powers the secondary unit (16) or charges a power source (17) in the secondary unit (16). Each unit has a communications module (13, 25) capable of communicating with each other and/or a remote location. At least one of the units (1, 16) may include one or more proximity or near-field sensors and/or one or more sensor for sensing the performance of the unit (1, 16).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: NILFISK-ADVANCE A/SInventor: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
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Publication number: 20130119791Abstract: An electric power tool includes a main body provided with a drive unit and a power supply pack detachably attached to the main body and provided with a power supply unit serving as a power source for the drive unit. A first power supply pack in which a secondary battery is used as the power supply unit and a second power supply pack in which an electric double-layer capacitor is used as the power supply unit are selectively used as the power supply pack to be attached to the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Panasonic Corporation
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Patent number: 8440338Abstract: A battery assembling body capable of preventing a temperature rise of a battery while preventing an inflow of foreign matters. The battery assembling body (12) includes a housing (15) which contains batteries (2a, 2b, 6), a side frame (17) which is used to detachably fit the housing (15) to a lower frame of a vehicle, a ventilation hole (18c) located upper part of the housing (15), and a ventilation space (24a, 24b) which is formed between the housing (15) and the batteries, and the ventilation space (24, 24b) is in communication with the ventilation hole (18c).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Sato, Eisuke Komazawa, Takeshi Fujino, Mitsuaki Hirakawa
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Patent number: 8441227Abstract: A portable terminal includes a cover movably coupled to a body, a first solar cell on the body; and a second solar cell on the cover. The first and second solar cells may be oriented in the same or different directions. When oriented in the same direction, both solar cells may receive light when the cover is opened relative to the body. The solar cells output voltages for simultaneously charging a battery when the cover is opened and when voltages from the first and second solar cells exceed a predetermined reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Byung-Sung Choi, Won-Ho Choi
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Publication number: 20130099723Abstract: A method for balancing multiple battery cells which are grouped into multiple battery modules includes: obtaining cell parameters of the battery cells, respectively; calculating an average cell parameter for each of the battery modules according to the cell parameters; identifying a donator module and a receiver module from the battery modules based upon the average cell parameter; and transferring energy from the donator module to the receiver module to balance the battery cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: O2MICRO INC.Inventor: O2Micro Inc.
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Patent number: 8427097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Elena Batallier Planes, Jesus Angel Oliver Ramirez, Oscar Garcia Suarez
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Patent number: 8427098Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to stabilizing energy provided by an energy source, and more particularly to systems and methods for using multiple types of energy storage devices to selectively capture and provide energy. An energy source provides energy, and the energy storage devices selectively capture energy provided by the energy source in excess of an immediate energy requirement of a load and selectively provide energy when the immediate energy requirement of the load exceeds the energy provided by the energy source.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLCInventors: Randy Moore, Ron Nowlin, Viet Vu, Michael Parrot, Jeff Dermott, Gregory Miller, Kevin E. Ames, Charles W. Huddleston
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Patent number: 8419644Abstract: The present application discloses a cordless charger for a wearable patient monitor. When a patient (10) is diagnosed with a heart condition, or suspected heart condition, they are prescribed a patient monitoring system. The system includes monitors (12) that the patient (10) wears to collect the data of interest. Each day, the patient swaps the monitor (12) he or she is wearing with a fully charged monitor (12) from a cordless charger (14). In this manner, a fresh monitor (12) is always available for monitoring the patient (10). The cordless charger (14) includes a battery (50) that powers the processes of the charger and recharges batteries (34) of the monitors (12). Data from the monitors can be either offloaded to the charger memory (70), or transmitted to a remote database (32) via the patient's Bluetooth enabled cellular phone (30) or other like device.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Jacco C. Eerden
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Publication number: 20130088184Abstract: A battery device utilizing oxidation and reduction reactions to produce electric potential includes a battery jar unit, an electrocatalytic unit, a buffer battery unit, and a rectifying and charging unit. The battery jar unit includes a salt solution as electrolyte, an anode formed of a metal not chemically reacting with the electrolyte, and a cathode formed of an electrically conductive carbon material having breathing pores, so that the carbon material breathes air and releases negative hydroxide ions when the air dissolves in the electrolyte. The electrocatalytic unit provides an electrochemical damping effect that catalyzes generation of electricity in the battery jar unit, and the rectifying and charging unit converts the generated AC current into DC current and charges the same to the buffer battery unit, so that an electricity-generating battery based on electrical resonance effect is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Fu-Tzu HSU, Chieh-Sen TU
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Publication number: 20130088186Abstract: An exemplary charger is to charge an electronic device, which includes one first contact. The charger includes a housing, a lithium battery, a circuit board. The housing includes a top cover and a bottom cover attached to the top cover. The top cover defines at least one through hole. The lithium battery is fixed in the housing. The lithium battery is electrically connected to the circuit board. The circuit board includes a second contact. The second contact passes through the through hole and is external to the top cover. When the at least one first contact contacts the at least one second contact, an electrical connection is created between the electronic device and the charger, the charger charges the electronic device through the lithium battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: FANG-KENG HSIEH
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Publication number: 20130088185Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a battery backup system having a docking connector with reserve battery cells to power a device when a main battery is not present during battery swap out or depletion. In one embodiment, the reserve batteries are high discharge rate batteries to provide power to the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Loren W. Rapoport, Zachary M. Gaubert
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Publication number: 20130082638Abstract: The present invention discloses a charging system, and the system comprises: a base which charges a mobile terminal or an own base battery and is connected with the mobile terminal and a base charger respectively; a mobile terminal control module which controls the base to charge the base battery after fully charging the mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal control module is located in the mobile terminal and connected with the base. A charging method is also disclosed by the present invention, and adopting the system and the method of the present invention can improve the charging efficiency and prevent the over-discharge of the base battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: ZTE CORPORATIONInventor: Houxing Liang
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Publication number: 20130082639Abstract: Presented here is an electrical system for a vehicle having an electrical load. The electrical system includes a primary energy source, a rechargeable redundant energy source coupled to the primary energy source via a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a control unit. The fourth switch is coupled between the electrical load and the second switch, and is coupled between the electrical load and the third switch. The control unit operates the first switch to facilitate charging of the rechargeable redundant energy source with the primary energy source, operates the second switch and the third switch in concert to selectively provide operating power from either the primary energy source or the rechargeable redundant energy source to the fourth switch, and operates the fourth switch to provide the operating power to the electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: JAMES C. O'KANE, RICHARD J. LANGE
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Patent number: 8410749Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power supply device includes a fuel cell, a battery, a switch, and a controller. The fuel cell supplies electric power to an electronic device provided with a built-in battery. The battery is charged with electric power supplied from the fuel cell and supplies electric power to the electronic device. The switch switches the battery between charge mode and discharge mode. The controller controls the switch to switch the battery between the charge mode and the discharge mode. The controller calculates integrated discharge electric power and integrated discharge amount of the battery and, when the integrated discharge electric power reaches predetermined discharge electric power, switches the battery from the discharge mode to the charge mode. The controller calculates integrated charge amount of the battery and, when the integrated charge amount reaches the integrated discharge amount, switches the battery from the charge mode to the discharge mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Katsuya Oto
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Publication number: 20130076298Abstract: A portable power charger having an internal rechargeable battery is provided with a power connection port than can act in a power input mode when the charger is connected with an external power source via the power connection port and in a power output mode when at least one electronic device is connected to the charger via the power connection port. The power charger may be connected with both an external power source and an electronic device via the power connection port at the same time, wherein the charge supplied from the external power source recharges the charger and any electronic device connected to the charger. The charger also can automatically turn on if a connector cable is connected to the power connection port with either an external power supply or an electronic device connected at the other end of the cable to supply or draw power through the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein
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Publication number: 20130076136Abstract: A charger for recharging the batteries of a portable electronic device even when no external power source is available. A battery or cell is installed within the charger, and when no access is available to a fixed power source into which the charger can be plugged, the internal battery or cell can be used to recharge the electronic device. The internal battery can be a primary battery or a secondary battery. In the latter case, the internal battery can be maintained in a charged state by means of circuitry which, when the charger is plugged into the external power source, charges the internal battery as well as the battery of the electronic device. The external power source can be either an AC power wall socket, in which case the charger includes AC/DC voltage conversion circuits, or a car lighter socket, or the DC output of a conventional wall charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: TECHTIUM LTD.Inventors: Dror MANOR, Amnon SAAR, Guy WEINSTEIN, Daniel BREITING, Hans VERCOULEN
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Publication number: 20130076297Abstract: [Problem] To provide a charging system that levels the amount of grid power that is used, and that is capable of reducing power rates, even if charging has been frequently conducted without limiting the time zones in which charging is conducted. [Solution] A charging system is provided with: a storage unit that is charged by consuming grid power supplied by a power company, and that supplies the stored power through discharge; and a charging unit that charges batteries by consuming power supplied by grid power and the storage unit. Power companies set a power rate that is higher the greater the maximum value of the amount of power supplied for each unit of time is. Furthermore, at least a single charge carried out by the charging unit is carried out over two units of time, and the storage unit supplies power to the charging unit in at least one unit of time other than said two units of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Suyama, Toshiya Iwasaki, Atsushi Shimizu, Hirotsugu Murashima, Jun Yamasaki
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Patent number: 8405360Abstract: The energy-efficient fast charging method is applicable to an energy-efficient fast charging device having a power conversion module and at least a fast chargeable energy storage device. The power conversion module obtains and converts an input power from an external power source, and produces an internal DC power. The method contains the following steps. First, whether an external energy storage device is connected is detected. Then, if the presence of the external energy storage device is not detected, the internal fast chargeable energy storage device is charged by the internal DC power output from the power conversion module. Otherwise, the external energy storage device is charged by the internal DC power output from the power conversion module and the stored power of the fast chargeable energy storage device simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: EVP Technology LLC USAInventors: James Young, Yaw-Chung Cheng, Hao-Chung Chang
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Patent number: 8401712Abstract: A control method of the present invention is a control method for distributed power sources which systematically controls a plurality of distributed power sources having different responsive capabilities for a load disturbance. The distributed power sources include an electricity storage device. The control method of the present invention includes: obtaining a component to be compensated for using a power source having a responsive capability equal to or lower than that of the electricity storage device based on a difference value between a remaining capacity of the electricity storage device and a target remaining capacity; and compensating for the component to be compensated for using the power source having a responsive capability equal to or lower than that of the electricity storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Shimizu Corporation, The University of TokyoInventors: Eisuke Shimoda, Shigeo Numata, Toshihiro Yamane, Jumpei Baba
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Patent number: 8400101Abstract: In order to more rapidly warm up a battery device in a power supply equipped with a fuel cell and a battery device, a fuel-cell-mounted vehicle driving system for driving and controlling a rotating electric machine installed on a vehicle comprises an inverter connected to the rotating electric machine; a power supply circuit having a battery device, a voltage converter, and a fuel cell; and a power supply control device for controlling the power supply circuit. The power supply control device includes an FC output voltage setting module for setting the output voltage of the fuel cell, an OCV avoidance module for, when an FC output voltage is set, avoiding a voltage around an OCV, a battery warm-up control determination module for determining whether the battery device is under warm-up control or not, and an OCV avoidance release module for, when the battery device is under the warm-up control, releasing the OCV avoidance.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Michio Yoshida, Takeshi Maenaka
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Publication number: 20130057198Abstract: Adjacent battery cells connected in devices are balanced by closing a first circuit to charge an energy storage device from a first battery cell and thereafter simultaneously opening the first isolated switch and closing a second isolated switch to cause the energy storage device to charge a second battery cell. A circuit includes an isolated switch that operates simultaneously to balance battery cells connected in series, and a battery system balances battery modules connected in series, the battery module including battery cells connected in series. The battery cells and modules can be balanced by hierarchical balancing of modules of the battery pack and component cells of the modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Boston-Power, Inc.Inventor: Mark Gerlovin
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Patent number: 8390244Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing an operator of a portable infusion device continue to operate the device after the primary battery source becomes depleted. The invention contemplates providing a secondary, rechargeable battery in addition to the primary battery, to allow the infusion device to operate even in the instance of a sudden drop in primary battery voltage. The apparatus includes a housing accommodating a syringe, where the syringe contains a liquid to be infused. Also included is a motor, a drive system operatively connected to the motor, where the drive system advances a piston of the syringe in order to expel the liquid from a barrel of the syringe. A power source is in electrical contact with and supplies power to the motor. The power source includes a primary battery module, and a rechargeable battery module, wherein the primary battery source supplies power to the rechargeable battery module. The result is a fail-safe system of alerting the user of low or critical battery conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Nipro Healthcare Systems, LLCInventors: Richard Wooley, Roy Morgan, Colin Jackson
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Patent number: 8390145Abstract: A battery isolator unit is disclosed for controlling a switching means having a first contact for connection to a terminal of a first battery, a second contact for connection to a corresponding terminal of a second battery, and an actuating input for biasing a switch element of the switching means switch in a closed position. The battery isolator unit includes a sensing circuit and a switch controller. The sensing circuit periodically determines a first and second value attributable to terminal voltage values of the first battery and the second battery respectively. The switch controller is responsive to detecting a predetermined condition of the first battery and/or the second battery to provide to the actuating input a control signal having a characteristic for biasing the switch element to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Redarc Technologies Pty LtdInventor: John Wayne Harding
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Publication number: 20130049675Abstract: An output connector 20 includes a power supply terminal portion 20A? and a data terminal portion 20A?. The power supply terminal portion 20A? can supply a current required for a battery-driven device connected to the output connector 20. The data terminal portion 20A? can switch the terminal voltage of this data terminal portion 20A? between different voltages based on a current which is drawn by the battery-driven device through the power supply terminal portion 20A?. A power supply control circuit can detect the current value of current which is drawn by battery-driven devices so that the battery pack can switch the data terminal portion based on the detected data between the different voltages. Therefore, even single battery pack can supply electric power to a plurality of types of battery-driven devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Sadao MINAMI
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Publication number: 20130049676Abstract: A quick charging device includes a battery capable of quickly charging a battery for power, the battery for power being a load, a high-capacity battery having a higher electrical capacitance than the battery, and a controller configured to, when the battery for power is charged, connect the battery and the high-capacity battery in series to add power of the high-capacity battery to power of the battery, and supply the battery for power with the power obtained through the addition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: JFE ENGINEERING CORPORATIONInventors: Hirofumi Ishikawa, Atsushi Tamura, Takahiro Shimamura, Masato Imaizumi, Takashi Imai
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Publication number: 20130043827Abstract: A portable charger is provided for charging one or more electronic devices simultaneously from a rechargeable internal battery. To accommodate multiple electronic devices, a portable charger unit is combined with multiple connectors for connecting to more than one electronic device, as necessary. For example, the charger unit can include at least one power output for connection to electronic devices via connectors or charging cables, including a squid connector providing multiple connection interfaces adaptable to a variety of electronic devices. Alternatively, the charger unit can include two or more connector cables connected to the charger unit and stored within the charger housing for connection to electronic devices when needed. An adapter unit is provided for connection to the charger unit for recharging the internal battery of the charger unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Nathan Daniel Weinstein, Garold C. Miller
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Publication number: 20130038270Abstract: An output power controller in a system having two or more secondary batteries connected in parallel. A battery ECU transfers all the stored electric charge from one secondary battery to another secondary battery when battery temperature and state of charge (SOC) are so low that an output power requirement cannot be satisfied. The SOC of the secondary battery increases by the transfer of the stored electric charge and output power sufficient for the output power requirement can be obtained. Further, the secondary batteries are heated by thermal energy generated by the transfer of the stored electric charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Endo, Hiroaki Takeuchi, Yukihiro Minezawa
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Publication number: 20130038269Abstract: A handheld mobile electrical assembly that includes a handheld mobile electrical device. The handheld mobile electrical device has a main body with a display, a plurality of inputs and a battery pack that powers the display and inputs. The battery pack has an exterior surface with an electrically conductive section that mates with an electrically conductive section of a carrying container that has its own separate battery pack such that the handheld mobile electrical device charges while within the carrying container. The carrying container is then recharged once the batteries in the battery pack of the carrying container run low without the need to shut off the handheld mobile electrical device that remains fully charged.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventor: Steven Stilts
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Patent number: 8373391Abstract: Systems devices and methods for flash charging a portable device with a charging device. The portable device may be a ruggedized hand-held controller. In some examples, the portable device includes a capacitive power supply which comprises one or more capacitors, e.g. supercapacitors. In use, the capacitive power supply may receive charge, store the charge, and provide power to power-using components of the portable device, when needed. In some examples, the system includes a charging device, such as a docking station. The charging device may couple to the portable device to charge the portable device. The charging device may include a capacitive power supply, which may comprise one or more capacitors, such as supercapacitors. In some cases, the system flash charges the capacitive power supply within the portable device, via the capacitive power supply of the charging device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Esterline Technologies CorporationInventors: Kevin Allen, Terry Peterson, Joe C. Fielding
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Patent number: 8368346Abstract: Disclosed is a portable charger device that includes a chamber to hold at least one rechargeable charging battery, and at least one controller. The controller is configured to determine a first charging current level to apply to the at least one rechargeable charging battery such that the at least one rechargeable charging battery achieves a first predetermined charge that is reached within a first period of time of 15 minutes or less, apply to the at least one rechargeable charging battery a first charging current substantially equal to the determined first charging current level, determine a second charging current to apply to the one or more external rechargeable batteries, and apply to the one or more external rechargeable batteries a second charging current substantially equal to the determined second charging current level, the second charging current being drawn from the at least one rechargeable charging battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: David C. Batson, Leslie J. Pinnell
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Publication number: 20130026969Abstract: A tube-structured battery to be inserted into a living body is provided. The tube-structured battery includes: a biofuel battery part which generates electric energy by using biofuel in the blood passing through an internal space of the tube structure; a transformer circuit part which adjusts a voltage or current density by using the generated electric energy; and a secondary battery part which is charged with the electric energy by using the adjusted voltage or current density to store the electric energy, wherein the tube-structured battery is inserted into the living body or a blood vessel of the living body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation Gyeongsang National UniversityInventors: Ki-Won Kim, Tae-Hyeon Nam, Jou-Hyeon Ahn, Hyo-Jun Ahn, Gyu-Bong Cho, Jung-Pil Noh, Chang-Joon Kim, Mei-Yu Zhang, Se-Kyo Chung, Dong-Woo Kang, Kwon-Koo Cho, Ho-Suk Ryu
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Publication number: 20130026971Abstract: A collection, charging and distribution machine collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machine employs electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The machine determines a first number of devices to be rapidly charged, employing charge from a second number of devices identified to sacrifice charge. Thus, some devices may be concurrently charged via current from the electrical service and current from other devices, to achieve rapid charging of some subset of devices. The devices that sacrifice charge may later be charged. Such may ensure availability of devices for end users.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Gogoro, Inc.Inventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Matthew Whiting Taylor, Huang-Cheng Hung
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Publication number: 20130020982Abstract: An apparatus comprising a charge equalizing system for batteries has two accumulator stages in series. Each stage has a charging device having an inductance for storing energy, and first and second diodes. The first diode's anode links to a negative pole of the accumulator stage. Its cathode links to the inductance's first end. The second diode's cathode links to a positive pole of the accumulator stage; its anode links to the inductance's second end. A first controlled switch links to a battery's negative pole and to the second diode's anode. A second controlled switch links to the battery's positive pole and to the first diode's cathode. A control device controls the charging devices. The control device closes the switches of a charging device associated with the accumulator stage to be charged so that the inductance stores energy, and opens the switches to transfer the energy to the associated accumulator stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventors: Sylvain Mercier, Daniel Chatroux, Julien Dauchy, Eric Fernandez
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Patent number: 8358100Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a USB dedicated charger identification circuit includes a USB D+ port, a USB D? port, a first circuit conforming to a first identification protocol, a second circuit conforming to a second identification protocol, and logic selectively coupling one of the first circuit and the second circuit to the USB D+ port and the USB D? port. In an alternate embodiment set forth by way of example and not limitation, a method to provide USB charger identification includes providing a first USB charger identification at a USB D+ port and a D? port. Next, it is detected if the first USB charger identification was inappropriate. Then, if the first USB charger identification was inappropriate, a second USB charger identification is provided at the USB D+ port and the D? port.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Helfrich
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Publication number: 20130015808Abstract: A charging control method of a master device receiving an operating power from an auxiliary battery device or an internal battery, the auxiliary battery device including a battery having a first power supply and a first power supply output port for outputting the first power supply, is provided. The method includes converting a second power supply to the first power supply upon detecting the second power supply at an input port of the master device in order to provide the converted first power supply as an operating power of the master device and/or a charging power of the internal battery, and detecting a connection with the auxiliary battery device upon detecting the first power supply at the input port in order to provide the first power supply as the operating power of the master device and/or the charging power of the internal battery without voltage drop.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.Inventor: Hyangbok LEE
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Patent number: 8350528Abstract: A balancing method for a battery pack includes balancing battery cells near an end of discharge. A deep discharge of the battery cells can be prevented without using an overdischarge control unit. One battery cell balancing method includes: a balancing check condition determination step for determining whether or not a maximum voltage out of voltages of the battery cells is smaller than a reference voltage; a balancing start condition determination step for determining whether or not a residual capacity difference or voltage difference between the individual battery cells exceeds a reference value; a balancing time calculation step for calculating a balancing time for discharging the battery cell that exceeds the reference value; and a balancing operation step for discharging the selected battery cell when the battery cells are under charge or are at rest or when a discharge current of the battery cells is smaller than a reference current.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jongwoon Yang, Segawa Susumu, Inkyu Park, Yonguk Kim
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Publication number: 20130002191Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for wirelessly charging the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes searching for a wirelessly rechargeable mobile terminal; receiving, upon finding a wirelessly rechargeable mobile terminal, power state information from the found rechargeable mobile terminal; setting the mobile terminal as one of a power supplying terminal and a power receiving terminal based on the received power state information; and performing a power charging operation with the found rechargeable mobile terminals according to the setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Hee-Won Jung, Joon-Ho Park, Eun-Tae Won, Jun-Ho Koh
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Publication number: 20120326654Abstract: A storage battery has at least battery banks, switching units, a charging terminal, a discharging terminal and a battery management unit. The battery banks form a bank structure. Each switching unit electrically connects a group of the battery banks with either the charging terminal or the discharging terminal, and disconnects the group of the battery banks from the charging terminal or the discharging terminal. The battery management unit instructs the switching units to electrically and simultaneously connect one or more battery banks to the charging terminal during charging, and to electrically and simultaneously connect one or more battery banks to the discharging terminal during discharging.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicants: CAPTEX CO., LTD., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Akira ITO, Mitsuru Fujita, Kenichi Tanaka, Yukitsugu Sakaguchi
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Publication number: 20120319486Abstract: The invention is related to a battery backup system comprising a power cell array, a controller, and a power inverter. The power cell array may include power cells and a charger to provide electrical power to the power cells. The power cells may include a battery for storing and discharging electrical power, a control input, and a feedback output connected to the controller. The controller may control the operational state of the power cells between a charge state and a power state. The controller may also include a feedback input, and a control output connected to the power cells. The power inverter may convert electrical power discharged from the power cell array to drive the charger and a load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: James Allen Polasek
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Publication number: 20120313570Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte includes: a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte salt, an overcharge controlling agent capable of generating a redox reaction at a prescribed potential, and at least one member selected from the compounds (1) to (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Yuko Ohtaniuchi, Tadahiko Kubota
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Publication number: 20120306432Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention disclose a battery heating circuit, wherein: the battery comprises a battery E1 and a battery E2. For example, the heating circuit comprises: a first charging/discharging circuit, which is connected with the battery E1, and comprises a damping component R1, a current storage component L1, a first switch unit 1 and a charge storage component C, all of which are connected in series to each other; and a second charging/discharging circuit, which is connected to the battery E2, and comprises a damping component R2, a current storage component L2, a second switch unit 2 and the charge storage component C, all of which are connected in series with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Wenhui XU, Yaochuan HAN, Wei FENG, Qinyao YANG, Wenjin XIA, Shibin MA
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Publication number: 20120299530Abstract: A power management method and an electronic system using the same are provided. The electronic system includes a display device and an auxiliary device, and has dual batteries and two subsystems. By detection and control mechanisms of the subsystems, the electronic system may allow the display device to maintain in a full power state, in the case where the external power is available or the power of the auxiliary device is sufficient. On the other hand, the auxiliary device may apply to the display device, such as a notebook computer, and the battery time may also be extended since the computer has two batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Chih-Wan Hsu, Nung-Te Huang, Yi-Wen Chiu, Hsi-Ho Hsu
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Patent number: 8319375Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed, including a first plurality of power supply units configured to supply working voltages from a battery to a second plurality of loads, a large-capacitance capacitor configured to charge electric charges from the battery, a third plurality of switching means for connecting the large-capacitance capacitor to the second plurality of loads selectively, control means for switching the third plurality of switching means corresponding to the load presently driven, and discharge means, in a case where the output voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor is higher than the operating voltage of the second load when the capacitor is switched from a first load to a second load, for discharging the charges stored in the capacitor according to the monitoring result by a voltage monitoring means so that the voltage of the capacitor decreases to the operating voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.Inventor: Hirotada Taniuchi
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Patent number: 8319471Abstract: A system and method for digital management and control of power conversion from battery cells. The system utilizes a power management and conversion module that uses a CPU to maintain a high power conversion efficiency over a wide range of loads and to manage charge and discharge operation of the battery cells. The power management and conversion module includes the CPU, a current sense unit, a charge/discharge unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, a battery protection unit, a fuel gauge and an internal DC regulation unit. Through intelligent power conversion and charge/discharge operations, a given battery type is given the ability to emulate other battery types by conversion of the output voltage of the battery and adaptation of the charging scheme to suit the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Solaredge, Ltd.Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella
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Patent number: 8319472Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing a jump-start without the use of external equipment. The apparatus comprises a first battery electrically coupled to a starter motor for an engine, the first battery providing power to start the engine; a second battery; a power converter electrically coupled to the first battery and electrically coupled to the second battery; and a controller communicatively coupled to the power converter. The controller may be configured to determine a low battery condition of the first battery such that the first battery has insufficient power to start the engine, and when the low battery condition occurs, to direct the power converter to supply power from the second battery to the first battery to thereby allow the engine to be started.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James C. Gibbs, Carlene M. Sienkiewicz, Daryl A. Wilson, Matthew J. Klemmer