One Cell Or Battery Charges Another Patents (Class 320/103)
  • Patent number: 8723475
    Abstract: A voltage-detecting circuit includes a flying capacitor; a first switch circuit allowing plural electric cells connected in series, so that polarity of voltage across electrodes of the flying capacitor charged by one of the electric cells is opposite to polarity of voltage across the electrodes of the flying capacitor charged by an adjacent one of the electric cells; a second switch circuit discharging the flying capacitor; an output circuit outputting a signal depending on the voltage across the flying capacitor; a shield arranged around the flying capacitor electrodes to substantially equalize parasitic capacitances between the shield and each of the electrodes; and a voltage-controlling circuit equalizing voltage between one of the electrodes of the flying capacitor and the shield when charging the flying capacitor, with voltage between another one of the electrodes of the flying capacitor and the shield when discharging the flying capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Nishizawa, Takashi Takeda
  • Patent number: 8723642
    Abstract: A wireless charging apparatus and system according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless charging service through authentication so as to efficiently control charging rights with respect to a plurality of electronic devices, which desire to receive the wireless charging service using a shared wireless charging apparatus, resulting in allowing a user to get a stable wireless charging service and proposing a new benefit creation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jinmoo Park, Inchang Chu, Jaesung Lee
  • Patent number: 8723474
    Abstract: An electric vehicle energy system is provided. The electrical vehicle energy system includes an electrical control unit used for producing the electric vehicle mode according to the external input signals. The electrical vehicle energy further includes an energy storage system used for producing a motor control signal according to an electric vehicle mode. The power loop structure includes at least a first power module and a second power module. The structure further includes at least a first detector and a second detector used for producing a first detecting signal and a second detecting signal according to the first power module and the second power module. The power loop structure further includes an energy storage controller used for producing the plurality of switch control signals according to the electric vehicle mode, the first detecting signal and the second detecting signal through a control area network by a voltage-difference hysteresis operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi-Hsien Chiang, Wu-Yang Sean
  • Publication number: 20140125270
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer (102) controlled machine used in battery manufacturing and/or testing which discharges one or more batteries and uses some or all of the energy from said batteries to simultaneously charge one or more other batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: Easy Field Corporation, Peak Power & Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Chieh Luo, Derek Justin Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20140117921
    Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments provide device-to-device charging. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving, by a first device, a user's selection of a charging criterion for balancing stored charges in the first device's own battery and in a second device's rechargeable battery; determining, by the first device, that recharging of the second device's rechargeable battery is required; computing, by the first device, an amount of charging required for the second device's rechargeable battery, in order to satisfy the user's selected charging criterion; and transmitting, by the first device, power provided by the first device's own battery, to the second device, for charging the second device's rechargeable battery until the present level of stored battery charge in the second device's rechargeable battery reaches the computed amount of charging required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Riku Suomela
  • Publication number: 20140117922
    Abstract: A portable power tool adapter device used to power and charge an electronic device. The power tool adapter device may include an adapter housing with mechanical fittings configured to mate with various power tool battery types, a charger board circuit for controlling various functions of the adapter device, a DC-to-DC step down converter and regulator for converting the high voltage from the power tool to a low voltage, specialized battery input connectors for electrically connecting the battery to the charger board circuit, heat vents for dissipating heat generated by the charger board circuit, a regulator feedback circuit for maintaining output voltages at desired levels, and a multi-pin input/output connector for charging the power tool battery and supplying multiple output voltages when connected to an external connector module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Lam Pham
  • Patent number: 8711571
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of players, and provides a portable multimedia player includes a housing; an integrated circuit module received in the housing for playing multimedia; a storage device interface electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, and configured to connect to an external storage device; and a male HDMI connector electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, configured to be connected to a female HDMI of an external display device. The multimedia function of the external display device is expanded by connecting the male HDMI 11 to the female HDMI of the external display device. The portable multimedia player is connected to the display device without any corresponding interface cable, such that it affords convenient using to users and beautiful appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Netcom Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huabo Cai, Keshun Lin, Min Qin
  • Patent number: 8710793
    Abstract: A system for converting energy at a first voltage to a second voltage, including at least one source of voltage, a discharge switch, a variable capacitor, and a collection mechanism, connected in parallel, a charge switch between the discharge switch and the source, a transfer switch between the variable capacitor and the collection mechanism, and a controller to execute a control such that: a) during a first operation, the charge switch is closed to charge the variable capacitor, while the discharge switch and the transfer switch remain open; b) during a subsequent operation, the discharge switch is closed for a short instant while the charge switch remains open, allowing at least partial discharge of the variable capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat à l' énergie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventor: Ghislain Despesse
  • Patent number: 8710794
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Loren W. Rapoport, Zachary M. Gaubert
  • Publication number: 20140103858
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile charging device for at least one electrically operable tool device, which comprises at least one battery that can be charged by the mobile charging device. In order to further simplify the operation of an electrically operable tool device, the mobile charging device comprises an energy storage device for the storage of electrical energy that can be used to charge the battery of the electrically operable tool device, independently of the mains supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Klaus Bertsch, Stefan Mayer, Peter Roth
  • Publication number: 20140103859
    Abstract: An electric storage system includes a first electric storage apparatus and a second electric storage apparatus each performing charge and discharge, a first relay and a second relay, and a controller. The first relay enables the charge and discharge of the first electric storage apparatus in an ON state and disables them in an OFF state. The second relay enables the charge and discharge of the second electric storage apparatus in an ON state and disables them in an OFF state. The first electric storage apparatus and the first relay are connected in parallel to the second electric storage apparatus and the second relay. The controller switches each of the first relay and the second relay from the ON state to the OFF state after the controller allows a circulating current flowing between the first electric storage apparatus and the second electric storage apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Nishi
  • Publication number: 20140103857
    Abstract: A topology is described in which each pair of cells in a string shares a single inductor. Switches permit the single inductor to selectively charge one or the other of the cells. In a variant of the topology, the inductor together with additional switches permit selectively charging multiple cells simultaneously (even one or both cells simultaneously in a pair of cells), drawing upon either an external energy source or upon one or multiple other cells in the string. In this way the number of inductors is minimized while providing isolation among the charging circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Sendyne Corp.
    Inventor: Victor Marten
  • Publication number: 20140103860
    Abstract: A power converter including: a transformer in which first and second voltages are induced; a full-bridge circuit including parallel-connected first and second arms each including series-connected FETs; and a control circuit, wherein, within a given time period for which a voltage V2 is the first voltage, the control circuit performs control so that FETs in at least one arm are on for an on time period, and, when Pon, PX, PS, ?, and ? respectively denote a duration of the on time period, a duration of the given time period, a duration of a time period from the end of the on time period to a time point of transition from the first to second voltage, a rise time of a body diode of each FET, and a fall time of the body diode, Pon>(?/?)PS, 0?PS<?, and Pon+PS?PX are satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Kominami, Hideki Nakata, Satoshi Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 8698449
    Abstract: A charger for a portable device includes a USB detector connected to a data pin to detect the effective resistance on the data pin before a USB transceiver is enabled, to identify USB or adapter plug in and control a charging current for a battery accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Wei Lee, Nien-Hui Kung, Kwan-Jen Chu, Ying-Hsin Hsing
  • Publication number: 20140097787
    Abstract: A battery management system (BMS) for actively balancing the voltages and capacities of battery cells in a serial battery pack is provided. The BMS uses an array of synchronized voltage monitors to detect underperforming cells in the battery pack, and employs high speed parallel energy transfers to actively balance the voltages and capacities of cells which exceeds a preset threshold limit against the average voltage and capacity of the remaining cells in the battery pack as an integrated unit. The BMS works both in charging and discharging operations, and is particularly useful for improving the overall performance of the battery packs in applications which require frequent high energy output rate, deep discharging, and fast charging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20140099526
    Abstract: An accessory for a hand-held electronic device includes a protective case and a battery. The electronic device is insertable into the protective case. The battery may be utilized to provide auxiliary power to the electronic device. The battery may be replaceable without having to remove the electronic device from the protective case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: The Code Corporation
    Inventors: George Powell, Ryan Hoobler, Ming Lei, Garrett Russell, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 8692506
    Abstract: Charging apparatus 10 includes secondary battery 13 used for buffering, rectifier 11 that supplies direct current power to secondary battery 13 used for buffering, DC-DC converter 14 connected to driving battery 3 in electric vehicle 2 via charging cable 4, switching control circuit 12, and isothermal wind generator 16 that adjusts the temperature of secondary battery 13 used for buffering from outside of secondary battery 13 used for buffering. Switching control circuit 12 switches charging apparatus 10 between a first mode in which power supplied by rectifier 11 is accumulated in secondary battery 13 used for buffering and a second mode in which driving battery 3 is charged with the power supplied by secondary battery 13 used for buffering. Secondary battery 13 used for buffering includes at least one cell in which a battery element with a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate that are laminated therein is sealed with an outer cover film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Saito, Kazuaki Utsumi
  • Patent number: 8692507
    Abstract: A multiple stage battery system has significantly improved battery life in hybrid and electric motorized vehicle. At least two segments of battery packs are charged and discharged with two different battery management strategies, one handles transient energy needs and the other copes with cruise energy needs. The primary segment of battery are charged and discharged within a controlled State of Charge (SOC) range at a set point, it stores relatively less energy but supplies relative high impulse current during charge and discharge. The secondary segments have larger energy capacity, and are charged and discharged at constant current mode in deep cycling, near complete full charge and full discharge. These two segments of batteries could be different type of chemistry, i.e. NiMH, NiCD and Li-ion. This results in longer overall battery life and higher usable capacity for high power battery operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jack Yajie Chen
  • Patent number: 8692508
    Abstract: A battery voltage monitoring device for efficiently equalizing cell voltages of a plurality of battery cells connected in series through a direct charge transfer between mutually distant battery cells. The device includes a charge-transfer circuit configured to perform a direct charge transfer from a first battery cell to a second battery cell that is fifth or higher adjacent to the first battery cell. This can eliminate charge-transfer losses that would occur during sequential charge transfers between adjacent battery cells, which leads to an efficient charge transfer between mutually distant battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20140091749
    Abstract: A switch-controlled energy cycling apparatus having two or more energy storage units; a control board that controls the status of each of the energy storage units and selectively cycles each between an inactive state, an active-discharging state, providing energy to a load outside of the apparatus, and an active-recharging state; and at least one sensor configured to monitor the apparatus and, at a first time period, sets the first energy storage unit to the active-discharging state and the second energy storage unit to the active-recharging state, where energy is also delivered to and recharges the second energy storage unit. At a second time period, the board automatically and in response to receiving a signal sent from the sensor indicating that one of the sensed values has reached a preprogrammed set point, cycles the charging state of the first and second energy storage units to different charging states according to a looping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Paul M. Nevins
  • Publication number: 20140091748
    Abstract: Various embodiments herein provide methods and apparatus for conditioning a battery. The conditioning may be undertaken to restore charge capacity or power capability, especially when practiced on a battery having a lithium negative electrode and/or a positive electrode having a conversion material. In one embodiment, the conditioning method includes applying a substantially constant current or power until a conditioning voltage is reached, where the conditioning voltage is higher than the maximum voltage used during normal cycling. The method further includes continuing to charge the battery at the conditioning voltage until a maximum conditioning charge is reached. Next, the method includes discharging the battery to about the maximum charge voltage prior to using the battery in an end use. Also provided is a conditioning apparatus that is configured to perform the conditioning method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: QuantumScape Corporation
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Patent number: 8686682
    Abstract: An auxiliary power supply (150) includes an auxiliary battery (152), power supply circuitry (154), and a connector (108b). The power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output which provides electrical energy for powering the electrical circuitry (102) of a battery powered device (100) and for recharging a battery (104) associated therewith. In one embodiment, the power supply circuitry (154) supplies an output current which is a function of the charge state of the auxiliary battery (152) and a load current presented by the electrical circuitry (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon S. Eager, Peter F. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140084843
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20140083997
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a cover assembly for a portable electronic device. According to one embodiment, a first cover element includes a first attachment feature and is formed to cover a first part of a rear surface of a portable electronic device, while a second cover element is formed to cover a second part of the rear surface of the portable electronic device and includes a second attachment feature configured to mate with the first attachment feature. Furthermore, the first attachment feature of the first cover element and the second attachment feature of the second cover element are configured to engage along a common edge so as to form a secure attachment in which the first cover element and second cover element cover the entire rear surface of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric CHEN, Ki Bok SONG, Hui Leng LIM
  • Publication number: 20140077752
    Abstract: Predictive battery pack cell balancing apparatus and methods are presented in which active bypass current switching is controlled according to initial balancing bypass current values to balance the cell depth of discharge (DOD) values by the end of a charging/discharging time period, and according to continuous balancing bypass current values representing an amount of bypass current needed to maintain a present relationship of the cell DOD values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yevgen Pavlovich Barsukov, Yandong Zhang, Jason Michael Battle, Konstantin Galburt
  • Publication number: 20140077753
    Abstract: The power supply including the protection sleeve, power supply also including a battery charging module and engaging means, the battery charging module and engaging means is fixed, the engaging means is fixed with protection sleeve with fixed, the battery charging module includes a bottom cover and the bottom cover with isolation plate fixed, and a circuit board and a battery, the battery and circuit board connector, a cavity in the bottom cover, the battery and circuit board located in the cavity, the isolation plate is disposed above the circuit board and the battery, the circuit board provided with a terminal, top of the terminal with a terminal cover, the terminal cover the isolation plate fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Meichan Wen
  • Patent number: 8674663
    Abstract: A system (1-2) for efficiently transferring harvested vibration energy to a battery (6) includes a piezo harvester (2) generating an AC output voltage (VP(t)) and current (IPZ(t)) and an active rectifier (3) to produce a harvested DC voltage (Vhrv) and current (Ihrv) which charge a capacitance (C0). An enable circuit (17) causes a DC-DC converter (4) to be enabled, thereby discharging the capacitance into the converter, when a comparator (A0,A1) of the rectifier which controls switches (S1-S4) thereof detects a direction reversal of the AC output current (IPZ(t)). Another comparator (13) causes the enable circuit (17) to disable the converter (4) when the DC voltage exceeds a threshold (VREF), thereby causing the capacitance be recharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Vadim V. Ivanov
  • Patent number: 8674653
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a power conversion unit, a load amount detector, a charge detector that detects whether or not a battery is being charged, a switching frequency setting unit, and a switching controller. The load amount detector detects a load amount of the power conversion unit. The switching frequency setting unit sets a switching frequency of a switching element based on the load amount when the charge detector detects that the battery is not being charged, and sets the switching frequency of the switching element to a predetermined value when the charge detector detects that the battery is being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hachiya, Yusaku Ido, Yasumichi Omoto
  • Publication number: 20140070757
    Abstract: Introduced are a cell balancing integrated circuit which may be realized including a small number of switches or diodes, an energy non-consumption type cell balancing system including the cell balancing integrated circuit, and an energy non-consumption type cell balancing method. The energy non-consumption type cell balancing system includes a battery pack, a cell balancing circuit, and a plurality of inductors and capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SILICON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ju Pyo HONG, Yong Goo Kim, Chol Ho Kim, Moon Young Kim, Jun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20140070758
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for power supply control as well as an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: BEIJINH LENOVO SOFTWARE LTD., LENOVO (Beijing) LIMITED
    Inventors: Fei Zhou, Yinsi Yang, Bo Liu, Zhenxin Xi
  • Publication number: 20140062383
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a balancing apparatus includes: bi-directional switches that are respectively connected to cells that are connected in series, a controller configured to measure voltages of the cells, and a multiwinding transformed connected to the bi-directional switches. The bi-directional switches are configured to control a flow of an electric current bi-directionally. The controller is configured to select a number of the cells for balancing based on the measured voltages of the cells. The controller is configured to turn on and turn off the bi-directional switches that are connected to selected cells based on the measured voltages. The multi-winding transformer is configured to transfer energy between the cells when the bi-directional switches connected to the selected cells are turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-jung YUN, Tae-jung YEO, Jang-pyo PARK
  • Patent number: 8663105
    Abstract: An ingestible apparatus produces and processes physiological signals representative of a physiological parameter. The apparatus measures the physiological parameter from within the body of a living entity. The apparatus includes a physiological transducer circuit to sense the physiological signals, a processor to process the physiological signals in response to the physiological transducer circuit, and a transmitter that transmits the processed signals during transmission intervals which are alternated with idle intervals. The apparatus further includes a capacitor-based circuit, including at least one capacitor, to accumulate sufficient charge during one of the idle intervals to supply power to the transmitter during one of the transmission intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Malaurie, Yvan Olivier Jean Ghislain Droinet, Marc-Herve Stodel
  • Patent number: 8664912
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for alerting a low battery charge condition in a jump-starter. In an embodiment, the system is portable. The system includes a first battery. The first battery is configured to provide a first battery voltage across a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the first battery. The system also includes a voltage comparison circuit that is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery. The voltage comparison circuit is configured to compare a reference voltage to the first battery voltage. The system includes an alert circuit electrically connected to the voltage comparison circuit and configured to generate an output signal for a speaker. The system also includes a switch configured to toggle between an enabled state and a disabled state. In an embodiment, the switch includes a stopper tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Old World Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Olsberg
  • Patent number: 8664918
    Abstract: A plurality of current control MOS transistors and a plurality of current detection systems are provided, each of the current detection systems including a current detection transistor current-mirror connected to the current control MOS transistor and a current-voltage converter connected in series to the current detection transistor. The current detection systems are switched between one another for operation in response to the intensity of a charging current flowing through the current control transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Yoshikuni, Tomomitsu Ohara
  • Publication number: 20140055080
    Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a power receiving unit that includes a rectifier, receives AC power, and converts the AC power into DC power, a power storage device that has DC power stored therein, a DC/DC converter that can execute a bidirectional power-flow control including a control of charging to the power storage device and a control of discharging from the power storage device using an output of the rectifier, and a control unit that controls operations of the power receiving unit and the DC/DC converter. In the charging apparatus, an output voltage of the rectifier is set different from an output voltage of the DC/DC converter that is applied to an output terminal of the rectifier when the power storage device is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Syuji Ishikura, Keita Hatanaka, Hidetoshi Kitanaka, Yasushi Matsumura
  • Publication number: 20140055078
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SILICON SPREAD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tao Jing
  • Publication number: 20140055079
    Abstract: A battery pack includes: a cell module including a plurality of battery cells; an antenna connected to each of the battery cells; and a waveguide installed at one side of the cell module and having the antenna housed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Jung Woo LEE
  • Patent number: 8657174
    Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. The handle also comprises a power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Yates, James R. Giordano, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20140049208
    Abstract: Described is an energy share pack comprising a housing, at least one energy storage component within the housing, at least one energy conversion component within the housing, and a connection point for connecting to more than one of energy users, energy sources and other energy share packs simultaneously for sharing energy. The energy share pack may have an energy generation component for generating harvestable energy, and two or more ports of any combination of the following types: bidirectional power port, bidirectional USB port, unidirectional output power port, and unidirectional input power port. The share pack ports may operate simultaneously at different voltage levels, and at least one port may be bi-directional. Furthermore, the share packs may have an integrated display for providing information on the energy share pack in which the display is integrated and information about other energy share packs connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: PANACIS INC.
    Inventors: Steve Carkner, Len Donais, Eric Lanoue
  • Publication number: 20140049207
    Abstract: An energy power depositing/charging management system and method is provided. When energy is deposited in an energy storage station from an onboard power storage device of a vehicle, a vehicle energy management unit manages reductions in the remaining stored energy level of energy in the onboard power storage device. The vehicle energy management unit and a storage station energy management unit manage increases in the energy remaining amount of deposited energy in the energy storage station, thereby allowing for charging up to the remaining amount of deposited energy of energy identified with an ID for the vehicle in the energy storage station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TOMOAKI NAKAGAWA, TAKAYUKI KATO, JUNYA NOGUCHI, SHINJI TAKUNO, YUSAKU AMARI, ATSUSHI HIROSAWA, HIROYUKI ABE
  • Patent number: 8653789
    Abstract: A battery charger including a converter unit, a terminal adaptor, a cable, a battery, and/or multiple power connectors. A terminal, such as an electronic device, can be connected to the converter unit using the cable or directly to the converter unit without the cable. The converter unit determines when to draw power from an external power and when to cease drawing power from the external power source by detecting a power enablement condition or a power disablement condition. The power disablement condition occurs when the terminal is fully charged, the terminal is disconnected from the converter unit, and/or a charge time of the terminal exceeds the predetermined charge time threshold. The power enablement condition occurs when the terminal is initially connected to the converter unit and/or the terminal needs to be charged. The battery supplies power to components of the converter unit and/or the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: George Chen, Harry Mkhitarian, Samuel Sentosa, David P. Su
  • Patent number: 8653785
    Abstract: A method of managing power distribution between a portable computing device (PCD) and a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. Further, the method may include determining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. The method may also include monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Kevin Collopy, Manjit Singh Gill, Ronald J. Tessitore, Luis Pineda
  • Publication number: 20140042957
    Abstract: An energy storage cell for a multi-cell energy storage device is disclosed. The energy storage cell comprises a cell information storage device adapted to store cell information regarding the energy storage cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Ghiath AL-KADI, Matheus Johannus Gerardus LAMMERS
  • Patent number: 8648565
    Abstract: A charging system of a vehicle for charging a vehicle-mounted power storage device includes a charger configured to receive electric power from a power supply external to the vehicle for charging the power storage device, a charging power sensing portion for sensing charging power supplied to the power storage device, and a charging control device for performing control on the charger by generating a power command value for the charger based on a target value. The charging control device detects a difference between charging power sensed by the charging power sensing portion and the target value and determines presence/absence of abnormality of the charger based on the detected difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 8648573
    Abstract: A charger for a portable device includes a USB detector connected to a data pin to detect the effective resistance on the data pin before a USB transceiver is enabled, to identify USB or adapter plug in and control a charging current for a battery accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Wei Lee, Nien-Hui Kung, Kwan-Jen Chu, Ying-Hsin Hsing
  • Publication number: 20140035512
    Abstract: An external power supply apparatus of an electric vehicle, includes: a battery; an inverter configured to convert DC power of the battery to AC power and configured to output the AC power; a first outlet socket disposed in the electric vehicle and through which an output of the inverter is supplied; a relay connected downstream from the first outlet socket as viewed from the inverter; a charging port connected downstream from the relay as viewed from the inverter and exposed to the outside of the electric vehicle; an adapter including a second outlet socket and being to be connected to the charging port; and, when it is detected that the adapter is connected to the charging port, a controlling unit setting the relay to an ON state to allow the output of the inverter to be supplied through the charging port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto KAMACHI
  • Publication number: 20140035511
    Abstract: A battery case for charging a mobile device received therein includes a housing having a back portion with a generally planar inner surface and an outer surface, and a side wall extending upwardly from the back portion. A battery is disposed within the housing, and a charging connector is stored within the housing in a stored configuration and in electrical communication with the battery. The charging connector includes a flexible tether having a proximal end connected to the housing and a distal end having an adaptor for mating with a connector of the mobile device. The charging connector has an outer surface and a lower surface, where the charging connector lower surface is bounded by a plane of a lower end of the battery case in the stored configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Roman S. Ferber, Hing Wah Tsang
  • Publication number: 20140028243
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a device for retaining an electronic device as well as for methods for using the device for the purpose of doing the same. In various instances, the electronic device includes a housing and the retaining device is adapted for interfacing with the housing of the electronic device. The housing may be a separate unit from the electronic device or part of the electronic device itself. In various instances, the housing is a separate unit from the electronic device, within which the electronic device is fitted. In certain instances, the housing for the electronic device is adapted for protecting the device from one or more of shock, liquid, dust, snow, and the like. The electronic device may be any suitable electronic device, such as a computer, mobile computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, telephone, personal digital assistant, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Rayner
  • Patent number: 8638061
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Moore, Ron Nowlin, Viet Vu, Michael Parrot, Jeff Dermott, Gregory Miller, Kevin E. Ames, Charles W. Huddleston
  • Patent number: 8637176
    Abstract: A starter battery and case assembly includes a rechargeable battery contained within a battery box and a lid constructed to releasably engage the battery box. An electrical connector is electrically attached to the battery. The battery and battery box define an upper surface with upwardly extending upper edges and the lid is constructed to extend over and downwardly around the upper edges of the battery box and to enclose the upper surface and the upper edges. The lid includes a handle for conveying the assembly. A mating electrical connector carried by the lid is positioned to engage the electrical connector of the battery with the lid engaged. Two opposite polarity cables are connected to the battery through the mating electrical connector and adapted to be connected to a remote electrical system. A recharge cord is attached to the battery and adapted to be attached to a source of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: James Wurth