One Cell Or Battery Charges Another Patents (Class 320/103)
  • Patent number: 9407106
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for authenticating a device via an out of band personal area network are disclosed. In one aspect, a wireless charger includes a power transmitter configured to transmit power wirelessly to charge a charging device. The wireless charger further includes an out of band transmitter configured to transmit an authentication request to authenticate the charging device. The wireless charger further includes a receiver configured to receive an authentication response based on the transmitted authentication request. The wireless charger further includes a processor configured to adjust an amount of power wirelessly transmitted to the charging device based on whether the authentication succeeds or fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Brian A. Redding
  • Patent number: 9401608
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for jump starting vehicle batteries in which the service end of each of two jumper cables has a self-adjusting locking clamp, and each jumper cable is segmented into two parts that are joined by a plug and socket configured such that the cable parts cannot be incorrectly joined or will be relatively harmless if incorrectly joined. Auxiliary wiring is provided for recharging free-standing source batteries that are used for jump-starting. The system enhances user safety, simplifies making and breaking of electrical connections, and facilitates the use of back-up batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Chapple
  • Patent number: 9377671
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a waterproof housing for a camera. The waterproof housing includes a front housing and a back cover engaging with the front housing, the front housing forms a receiving cavity for receiving the camera and an opening allowing the camera to enter the receiving cavity, a lens window corresponding to a lens of the camera is formed on the front housing, the back cover covers the opening to enclose the receiving cavity; the waterproof housing further includes a fixing device for fixing the waterproof housing to an outer object and the fixing device is detachably mounted on the front housing. The waterproof housing of the present disclosure is capable of meeting various fixing requirements as well as reducing the manufacturing and using cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN AEE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Xianzhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9379558
    Abstract: A apparatus includes an AC adapter input, a main battery charger coupled to the input to charge a main battery, system logic to execute code stored on storage devices, and an expansion battery connector coupled to the input to provide sufficient current to enable charging of an expansion battery at a rate higher than a maximum charge rate of the main battery charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth Scott Seethaler, Shigefumi Odaohhara, Hiromitsu Yamaguchi, Takumi Imai
  • Patent number: 9368969
    Abstract: An alternating-current power line is wired in a building for supplying alternating-current electricity to an electric load. A bidirectional power converter converts bilaterally between alternating-current electricity and direct-current electricity. A power storage unit is connected to the alternating-current power line through the bidirectional power converter. The power storage unit is charged with electricity from the alternating-current power line and discharges direct-current electricity into the alternating-current power line. A charge-and-discharge unit charges a vehicular power accumulating device with alternating-current electricity supplied from the alternating-current power line through a connecting terminal and discharges electricity outputted as alternating-current electricity from the vehicle to the connecting terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shizuo Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 9362769
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for power supply control as well as an electronic device. The method comprises: detecting that the first device is connected with the second device via the first physical interface, when the first device is in the unconnected state; determining whether the connection between the first and second devices satisfies a first predetermined condition or not, so as to obtain a first determination result; switching the first device from the unconnected state to the first connected state when the first determination result indicates that the connection satisfies the first predetermined condition; obtaining power supply requirement information of the second device that indicates whether the first device is required to supply power to the second device or not; and controlling the power supply to the second device via the first physical interface based on the power supply requirement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: BEIJING LENOVO SOFTWARE LTD., LENOVO (BEIJING) LIMITED
    Inventors: Fei Zhou, Yinsi Yang, Bo Liu, Zhenxin Xi
  • Patent number: 9343911
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying and responding to exceptional charge events of series-connected energy storage elements can include: a first charge imbalance detection system monitoring, using the microprocessor, the energy storage system for a charge imbalance using a first detection modality, said first charge imbalance detection system initiating a reduction of said charge imbalance using a first response modality; a second charge imbalance detection system monitoring, using the microprocessor, the energy storage system for an exceptional charge event of a particular one battery element of the plurality of battery elements using a second detection modality different from said first detection modality; and a remediation system initiating a response to said exceptional charge event using a second response modality different from said first response modality, said response decreasing a risk associated with said exceptional charge event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco LePort, Scott Ira Kohn
  • Patent number: 9344008
    Abstract: A portable power supply apparatus is provided having reduced impedance losses. The portable power supply apparatus is comprised of: a portable housing; a battery system residing in the housing; and an inverter circuit residing in the housing. The battery system generates a direct current (DC) voltage having a magnitude greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired alternating current (AC) voltage. The inverter circuit receives the DC voltage directly from the battery system, converts the DC voltage to an AC output voltage and outputs the AC output voltage to one or more outlets exposed on an exterior surface of the portable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele C. Brotto, Nathan J. Cruise, Erik Ekstrom, Ren Wang, Mehdi T. Abolhassani, William D. Spencer, Rouse Roby Bailey, Jr., Andrew E. Seman, Scott Eshleman
  • Patent number: 9337661
    Abstract: An apparatus including a storage area to store instructions and a controller to control power in a first device based on the instructions. In operation, the controller generates one or more signals to combine power from a first power source and a second power source for a hybrid power operation. The controller is to generate the one or more signals based on a connection state of the first device, multiple connection states of the first device, a charge level of a battery of the first device, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Coakley, Alexander B. Uan-Zo-Li, Jorge P. Rodriguez, Basavaraj B. Astekar, Gary L. Bookhardt
  • Patent number: 9331488
    Abstract: An enclosure design is disclosed to accommodate and support the unique features and capabilities of the Smart and Scalable Power Inverters or Mini-Inverters that have multiple input channels to easily connect to multiple solar PV panels, invert the DC power to AC power, and daisy chain together to generate AC power to feed the power grid or supply power to electrical devices. Further disclosed is a message system using LEDs (light-emitting diodes) mounted on the enclosure to indicate the system status and the status of each input channel of the Smart and Scalable Mini-Inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: CyboEnergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Mulkey, George Shu-Xing Cheng, Manuel Martinez
  • Patent number: 9325202
    Abstract: Provided is a power control device including a power path switching unit, a voltage conversion unit, a characteristic measurement circuit, and a control unit, wherein the power path switching unit forms a path in which an output of the power generating element is connected to the storage element side by connecting the power generating element to the voltage conversion unit, or a path in which the power generating element is directly connected to the storage element side according to the path switching signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Yokoyama, Tomotaka Miyashiro
  • Patent number: 9294142
    Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of being connected to a charger according to an exemplary embodiment includes a notification unit that notifies predetermined information by using at least one of an image, lighting, a sound, and a vibration, a charger detection unit that identifies a charger connected to the mobile terminal, and a control unit that controls the notification unit so that the notification unit provides a different notification to a user according to a type of the charger connected to the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Nakahara
  • Patent number: 9252622
    Abstract: A charging apparatus comprises an estimator unit for estimating the habitual usage start time of a secondary cell on the basis of the usage history of the secondary cell, an allowable charging time calculator unit for calculating the period of time from the charging start time of the secondary cell to the imminent usage start time as allowable charging time, a necessary charge time calculator unit for calculating the charging time necessary to fully charge the secondary cell as necessary charging time, and a charger unit for charging the secondary cell under degradation-suppression charging conditions when the allowable charging time exceeds the necessary charge time. Under the degradation-suppression charging conditions, the charging apparatus performs temporary charging suspension during charging, and charges the secondary cell so that full charge is reached within the allowable charging time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Iida
  • Patent number: 9242559
    Abstract: There is provided an in-vehicle power source device having favorable workability for replacing a fuse that melts down when an overcurrent flows to an electric load. A battery selector switch 51 having a current detecting function, a main relay 52 having current detecting function, a bypass relay 54 for bypassing the battery selector switch 51, and a bypass fuse 53 to melt down when an overcurrent flows to a second electric load 35 are provided. The bypass fuse 53 is deployed outside of a case 58 for storing a second power source 34, the bypass fuse 53 and the second power source 34 are connected in series, and when currents detected by the battery selector switch 51 and the main relay 52 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the battery selector switch 51 and the main relay 52 are turned off and the bypass relay 54 is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ojima
  • Patent number: 9227517
    Abstract: A charging device is provided for an external alternating current voltage source and a motor vehicle equipped with a high-voltage battery, wherein the motor vehicle has a low-voltage battery, a link circuit capacitor and a charging electronics unit with a charging voltage input and a supply voltage input. The charging device is designed such that the vehicle has a bidirectional auxiliary power supply with two interfaces. The first interface of the auxiliary power supply is connected in parallel with the link circuit capacitor and in parallel with the charging voltage input of the charging electronics unit, and the second interface of the auxiliary power supply and the low-voltage battery are connected in parallel with the supply voltage input of the charging electronics unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Griessbach, Robert Wagner
  • Patent number: 9209644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Wenhui Xu, Yaochuan Han, Wei Feng, Qinyao Yang, Wenjin Xia, Shibin Ma
  • Patent number: 9209630
    Abstract: A method and a system for balancing cells of a vehicle battery includes discharging charge from a highest charged cell for a discharge time period dependent on a charge difference between the highest charged cell and a lowest charged cell at a given time. The cells may be charged with the discharge charge during a charge time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Payam Naghshtabrizi, Siamak Hashemi
  • Patent number: 9184616
    Abstract: Disclosed is an add-on communication apparatus attached to an in-cable charging control device integrated with a cable assembly to charge an electric vehicle. The add-on communication apparatus includes a first communication module to make wireless communication with a terminal, a second communication module to make wireless communication with the in-cable charging control device, and a control module. The control module receives a command from the terminal through the first communication module, generates a first control command based on the command, and transmits the first control command to the in-cable charging control device through the second communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Woo Choi
  • Patent number: 9179912
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector that has a shaft coupled thereto that is coupled to a robotic system. A tool mounting portion includes an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. A power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, James R. Giordano
  • Patent number: 9178367
    Abstract: Excess voltage is prevented from flowing through an electric storage cell. Included are an inductor, a first switching device, a second switching device and a control section supplying a control signal to control ON/OFF operations of the first switching device and the second switching device, to the first switching device and the second switching device, where the control section supplies the control signal so that the first switching device and the second switching device repeat ON/OFF operations alternately when a voltage of the first electric storage cell and a voltage of the second electric storage cell are lower than a predetermined value, and the control section supplies a control signal to stop the balance correction apparatus, when at least one of the voltage of the first electric storage cell and the voltage of the second electric storage cell is equal to the predetermined value or larger than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: EVTD Inc.
    Inventor: Fumiaki Nakao
  • Patent number: 9171268
    Abstract: Methods are provide access to cloud services over the Internet for locating and providing access to a shared vehicle of a shared vehicle network. One method includes receiving a request from a user device of a user to locate a vehicle to use for a shared period of time. The method enables providing an option of vehicles within a range of a location identified by the request. Then, detecting proximity of the user device to a selected vehicle proximate to the location identified by the request. The method enables transfer of a user profile of the user to the vehicle. The profile is configured to automatically set one or more user preferences of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving use data of the vehicle while the user profile is set for the vehicle. The user profile is deactivated on the selected vehicle when use of the vehicle is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Patent number: 9122813
    Abstract: System and method for a USB host to determine whether or not a USB device provides power via a USB coupling between the USB host and the USB device. At a first time, it may be determined that the USB device is coupled to the USB host via a USB coupling and does not provide power. Power may be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling. At a second time it may be determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. Power may no longer be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling after it is determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. A battery of the USB host may be charged using power provided by the USB device via the USB coupling based on determining that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SMSC HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Miroslav Oljaca, Timothy J. Knowlton, Xiaoliang Xia
  • Patent number: 9114714
    Abstract: A portable high voltage charging apparatus (HVCA) can be configured to controllably charge a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) traction battery using energy provided by a low voltage (LV) lead acid vehicle battery. An HVCA can include a DCDC converter configured to boost a lower input voltage from the LV battery to a higher output voltage provided to the HV battery. The HVCA can be configured with a traction battery interlock, allowing offline charging of the traction battery. In an example embodiment, an HVCA can be configured to communicate with an HV battery control module via a CAN bus. An HVCA can be configured to transfer energy to the HV battery for a predetermined time period, then automatically stop the transfer process. An HVCA can be configured to receive user input to start and/or stop a charging process. An example embodiment can include a supplemental charger to boost LV battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thanh D. Pham, Tuyen Quoc Tran, Ben A. Tabatowski-Bush, Shane Schulze, Kevin Vander Laan, Jesus Cardosa, Richard Kai Wong
  • Patent number: 9108522
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted controller mounted on a vehicle includes communication state determination unit and a battery charging control unit. The communication state determination unit is configured to determine whether or not vehicle-mounted information equipment performs communication with external charging equipment or an external information device via a charging cable. The battery charging control unit is configured to control, in a case where the communication state determination unit determines that the vehicle-mounted information equipment performs the communication with the external charging equipment or the external information device via the charging cable, a voltage converter so as to charge a low-voltage battery by supplying electric power from a high-voltage battery to the low-voltage battery when a first specific time has elapsed since start of the communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi Iwai
  • Patent number: 9073541
    Abstract: A power source system for a vehicle includes a first power storage device, a second power storage device, a voltage converter, and a controller. The controller is configured to (a) execute a charging control in which the second power storage device is charged by the voltage converter when a parking time of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined period of time, (b) estimate a decrease amount in a state of charge of the first power storage device in a time period from after elapse of the predetermined period of time until a start of the vehicle, (c) set a lower limit of the state of charge based on the decrease amount, and (d) not execute the charging control when the state of charge is lower than the lower limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9067502
    Abstract: A vehicle has a motor serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor, and a temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting the temperature of each of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery. The temperature adjusting mechanism supplies a heat exchange medium for use in the temperature adjustment of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery to each of the assembled batteries. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takurou Nakayama, Akihiro Sato, Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Hirotaka Watanabe, Kenji Kimura, Nobuyoshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9065287
    Abstract: A handheld device includes a capacitive storage device and energy storage cells. The capacitive storage device can be rapidly charged. The energy from the capacitive storage device is used to recharge the energy storage cells over a longer period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Petersen, Robert J. Wood
  • Patent number: 9059633
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an energy harvest system converting an AC source provided by an energy harvester to a desired voltage. The AC source is boosted to the desired voltage by a bi-directional booster converter comprising fourth controllable transistors configured in an H-bridge, and stored by a storage capacitor. The desired voltage is then used to power various loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Yang
  • Patent number: 9041340
    Abstract: Systems and methods for in-vehicle charging of pallet jack batteries are provided. An example system allows using a power source of a host vehicle configured to provide power at voltage levels lower than the operating voltage of the pallet jack battery stack. The system may allow, for example, charging a 24 volts pallet jack battery stack from a 12 volts power source of the host vehicle. The system may further comprise an interconnecting circuit having a plurality of contactors electrically coupling the batteries in parallel for charging and serially for discharging. The system may further comprise a voltage monitoring circuit to detect whether the pallet jack is connected to the host vehicle power source for charging. Based on the detection, the voltage monitoring circuit may reconfigure the interconnecting circuit to electrically couple the pallet jack batteries in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne M Spani
  • Patent number: 9041339
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella
  • Publication number: 20150137736
    Abstract: A device for balancing charge in a battery (2) having a set of electrochemical storage cells (C1, C2, . . . , CR), and a charging means (R1, . . . , Rs) able to recharge a plurality of combinations of at least one cell, in which for each combination of the plurality of combinations, the charging means are arranged in order to simultaneously recharge all the cells of said combination, the plurality of combinations defining a number N strictly higher than one of combination types, each combination type corresponding to a number m of cells in this combination, and the charging means are permitted to function at a number P of power levels, this number P being strictly lower than the number N of combination types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Marc Lucea, Laurent Garnier
  • Publication number: 20150137734
    Abstract: A method of performing power management in a protective case for a mobile computing device is provided. The method includes receiving electrical current from a power source connected to the protective case. The methods also includes commanding the mobile computing device to consume no more than a specified amount of the received electrical current by transmitting a data communication from the protective case to the mobile computing device indicating the specified amount of the received electrical current. The method further includes monitoring an amount of the received electrical current consumed by the mobile computing device and distributing at least a portion of the received electrical current not consumed by the mobile computing device to a rechargeable battery of the protective case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: James J. Wojcik, Adam Benzion, Adam D. Center, Abhishek Joshi
  • Patent number: 9035595
    Abstract: A system and method for charging a rechargeable battery for a vehicle are disclosed. The system may comprise an electrical generation apparatus that is a source of electric charge, a mobile unit to transport a vehicle, and a tie down having an input end and an output end. The tie down may be configured to releasably secure the vehicle to the mobile unit and to provide electrical charge generated by the electrical generation apparatus to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. McCluskey, Reid W. Waitt, Mary H. Bell
  • Patent number: 9035602
    Abstract: A wireless direct contact charger includes (a) a voltage supply; (b) a first plate electrode and a second plate electrode; (c) a polarity detection circuit that detects; and (d) a switching circuit. When the first electrode or the second electrode of the portable device is placed on the first plate electrode or the second plate electrode, the polarity detection circuit detects the polarity of the portable device charging terminals (i.e, whether the first electrode of the portable device is in contact with the first plate electrode, the second electrode of the portable device is in contact with the first plate electrode or any other suitable orientations). Based on the detected polarity, the switching circuit connects the first plate electrode and the second plate electrode to the voltage supply to provide an output voltage to the portable device for charging its battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Silicon Spread Corporation
    Inventor: Tao Jing
  • Patent number: 9035612
    Abstract: In a method for transferring energy between at least two energy storage cells in a controllable energy store that serves to control and to supply electrical energy to an n-phase electric machine, which energy store has n power supply arms which each have at least two series-connected energy storage modules which each include at least one electrical energy storage cell with an associated controllable coupling unit, and are connected to one respective phase of the electric machine, in a charging phase, all coupling units of those energy storage modules which are to be used as an energy source are controlled in such a way that the respectively associated energy storage cells are connected into the respective power supply arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Feuerstack, Erik Weissenborn, Martin Kessler
  • Patent number: 9034494
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery protecting circuit connected in parallel with a nonaqueous secondary battery, the secondary battery protecting circuit including: a first voltage detecting circuit; a second voltage detecting circuit; a switch section; and a heat radiating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Jusuke Shimura, Atsushi Sato, Yoshiaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 9030152
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Houxing Liang
  • Publication number: 20150115871
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to wearable electrical and electronic hardware, software, wired and wireless network communications, and to wearable/mobile computing devices configured to communicate data. More specifically, disclosed are wearable charging devices, platforms and methods directed to charging, for example, wearable communication devices, such as a headset, among other devices. In some embodiments, a wearable device charger includes a rigid shell, which can include a protective cavity dimensioned to receive a housing of a wearable communication device in a nested state. The wearable device charger also can include a component cavity, including a power reservoir configured to store electric charge for transfer to the wearable communication device, and a translatable coupler that can include a connector configured to removably couple to the wearable communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: AliphCorm
    Inventors: Genard Feril, Sarah Wolfe, Joseph J. Kopp, JR., Alejandro Garcia Rubio
  • Patent number: 9018893
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Trock, Jon Spurlin, Michael Ortega, Seth Kazarians
  • Publication number: 20150108940
    Abstract: An electrical energy store device includes at least two energy storage cells, which are interconnected in series in each case with at least one diode to form a neutral point, the charge states of the energy storage cells being balanceable with the aid of leakage currents of the diodes if dissimilar charge states of the energy storage cells are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Philipp ZIPF
  • Patent number: 9013145
    Abstract: The invention concerns a transport and/or storage container with integrated charging function (100) for rechargeable wireless earphones (220, 240), comprising a container housing (110), at least one receiving unit (120, 140) for at least partially receiving a rechargeable wireless earphone (220, 240), and an electrical container charging contact (111) for connecting the transport and/or storage container (100) to an electrical energy source, wherein the receiving unit (120, 140) has an electrical coupling contact (122) cooperating with an electrical earphone charging contact (222) of a rechargeable wireless earphone (220, 240) when it is placed in the receiving unit (120, 140) for recharging and wherein the electrical container charging contact (111) and the electrical coupling contact (122) are in the form of mutually complementary electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Armando Castillo, Sven Wilhelmsen
  • Patent number: 9012764
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including an outer surface and an inner surface. A core electronic component is configured to be provided inside of the housing. A transparent material is provided at the outer surface of the housing. A solar cell is provided on the inner surface of the housing and spaced apart from the transparent material by a predetermined distance. The transparent material is configured to receive light from an external source and direct the light to the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: IXYS Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan Zommer
  • Patent number: 9015512
    Abstract: A portable electronic device that can receive power from an internal power source (such as a battery) and/or a second portable electronic device is described. In order to coordinate the power availability in these portable electronic devices, a power-management mechanism in the portable electronic device (which may be implemented in hardware and/or software) may determine a power state of an internal power source in the second portable electronic device, and may accordingly adjust a power consumption by circuits in the portable electronic device and/or the power received from the second portable electronic device. In this way, the power-management mechanism may approximately synchronize the power consumption in the portable electronic devices and/or the power states of the internal power sources in the portable electronic devices. This approximate synchronization may facilitate concurrent operation of the portable electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg J. Golembeski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9007027
    Abstract: Charging and discharging an energy storage device (ESD) generates heat and may prevent its temperature from dropping to unsafe levels. By monitoring and managing the charge and discharge of an ESD with respect to the periods of time in which demand charges are determined, the heating will have minimal adverse effect on demand charges. ESDs may also exchange energy in a controlled manner for heating purposes and reduce reliance on utility grid-based energy sources. ESD heating may also be made more efficient by offsetting the heating with load shedding during charging periods. Precharging the ESD while heating or preheating the ESD by charging and discharging can prevent new maximum demand levels from appearing and thereby limit increases in demand charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Green Charge Networks LLC
    Inventor: Ronald D Prosser
  • Publication number: 20150097513
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an accessory device usable with a portable electronic device and an aerosol delivery device. The accessory device may include a case configured to receive the portable electronic device and the aerosol delivery device therein. Further, the accessory device may include an interface that provides an electrical connection and/or a data connection between the aerosol delivery device and the portable electronic device. Thereby, the portable electronic device may charge the aerosol delivery device or vice versa and/or data may be exchanged therebetween. A related method and a computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Liberti, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150097514
    Abstract: A smart mobile power device includes an input interface for electrically connecting an external power supply device; a charging circuit unit electrically connected with the input interface; a control unit electrically connected with the charging circuit unit; an electricity storage unit electrically connected with the charging circuit unit and the control unit; a discharging circuit unit electrically connected with the electricity storage unit and the control unit; and an output interface for electrically connecting a hand-held electronic device. A positive power cord, a negative power cord and at least one data transmission cable are connected between the output interface and the hand-held electronic device. The output interface is electrically connected with the discharging circuit unit. The present invention can be used for charge of an electronic product. The input interface and the output interface adopt the common configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Kun-Jung YANG
  • Patent number: 9000715
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
    Inventors: Peter Nøhr Larsen, Michael Gamtofte, Anton Sørensen
  • Publication number: 20150084578
    Abstract: A device includes a battery pack receptacle that removably connects to a battery pack used for a cordless device. A universal serial bus (USB) port is connected to the battery pack receptacle. The battery pack is used as a power source for the USB port. An attachment device is connected to the battery pack receptacle that attaches the battery pack receptacle to a utility bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Ron A. Pickens, Matthew D. Noble
  • Patent number: 8988038
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Wilson Samuel
  • Publication number: 20150077038
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a first device to wirelessly charge a second device. When in a first charging mode, the first device has a first chargeable radius as a charging radius thereof. An external power source is provided to the first device. In response to the external power source providing power to the first device, the first device changes from the first charging mode to a second charging mode. In response to the first device changing to the second charging mode, the charging radius of the first device changes from the first chargeable radius to a second chargeable radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: David TW. Chao, Yao-Huan Chung, Tarek El-Houshy, Eddie HN. Tseng, Yen P. Wang