Employing "jumper" Cable Patents (Class 320/105)
  • Patent number: 10288663
    Abstract: A portable current injection test apparatus for injecting a predetermined amount of current through an electrical conductor includes an encasement which houses a first transformer having primary and secondary windings, the secondary winding coupled to a pair of output terminals, and a variable transformer having primary and secondary windings and a control switch. The variable transformer's primary winding is electrically coupled to a power source and its secondary winding is electrically coupled to the primary winding of the first transformer. The variable transformer switch manually controls power output at the secondary winding of the first transformer. First and second probes are connected to the output terminals and their distal ends are configured to inject the predetermined amount of current through the electrical conductor. A short circuit condition is defined across the secondary winding of the first transformer while the predetermined amount of current is injected through the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Muruganandham Shanmuganathan, Saad M. Shammari
  • Patent number: 10279689
    Abstract: The present invention is a battery rescue activating reset device, used for powering a preset battery, the reset device including: a power supplier, a control circuit, an anode connection line, a cathode connection line and a connection line used for resetting. The control circuit includes an electric switch used for switch the power supplier to power the battery, when the anode connection line is connected to the anode end of the battery, or the cathode connection line is connected to the cathode end of the battery, then the connection line used for resetting is connected to both the anode end or the cathode end of the battery, and when the anode connection line is not connected to the anode end of the battery, or the cathode connection line is not connected to the cathode end of the battery, then meanwhile the connection line used for resetting is not connected to the anode end or the cathode end of the battery, making the electric switch closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Yi-Fan Chang
  • Patent number: 10250056
    Abstract: A jump-start kit includes a control unit with a safety circuit and a portable power bank. The power bank and control unit are capable of jump-starting a 12 V car battery as well as charging at least one 5 V portable electronic device. The safety circuit includes a jump-start relay operatively connecting a power supply of the portable power bank to positive and negative jumper cable jacks, a microprocessor, and a voltage input analyzer of the control unit to enable or disable the jump-start relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Halo International SEZC Ltd.
    Inventors: Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10230200
    Abstract: A cord retractor for selectively retracting or extending an electrical cord includes a casing having a casing body and a casing lid carried by the casing body. The casing lid is selectively deployable between closed and open positions. A first cord aperture and a second cord aperture are formed in the casing. A rotatable drum is arranged inside the casing. A coil spring engages the drum for rotation. An electrical cord can be wound on the cord drum and selectively extended from the casing through the second cord aperture as the coil spring resists rotation of the cord drum and tends to retract the cord into the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Laura Tomasko
  • Patent number: 10220835
    Abstract: In a vehicle, a first energy storage device has a first direct current (DC) operating voltage; and a second energy storage device has a second DC operating voltage. The second DC operating voltage is greater than or less than the first DC operating voltage the first DC operating voltage. A switch is connected between the first and second energy storage devices. A fault diagnostic module, while an internal combustion engine of the vehicle is shut down, diagnoses that a fault is present when a voltage of the first energy storage device is less than a predetermined DC voltage. The predetermined DC voltage is less than the first DC operating voltage. A switch control module closes the switch when the fault is diagnosed. A starter control module, when the fault is diagnosed, applies power to a starter from the second energy storage device via the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Jorgensen, Bob R. Powell, Jr., Robert S. Conell, Mark W. Verbrugge
  • Patent number: 10211658
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an enclosure for a charging station is provided having a peripheral casing configured to retain a charging cable on an upward facing surface of the peripheral casing between a front user interface side and a charging station mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Webasto Charging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Holden Alexander Bonwit, Greg A. Petrie
  • Patent number: 10181735
    Abstract: A portable electrical power unit includes a housing defining an interior region that receives a power source, such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor, and one or more electrical connectors that are accessible at or through outer surfaces of the housing. The housing includes a substantially flat base for resting atop generally horizontal surface, and may include a power switch for selectively energizing the outlets. Optionally, a charging indicator provides a visual indication of the current capacity or charge level of the onboard power source. The power unit may receive or convey electrical power via direct-contact electrical terminals or via inductive power transmission, and may include additional features such as a location-detecting circuit operable to detect and generate a signal in the event that the power unit is moved out of a predefined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Thomas A. Petersen, Jorge A. Givaudan, Elizabeth A. Wirgau
  • Patent number: 10141755
    Abstract: A portable charger capable of jump starting a 12 V car battery includes a charger battery, a jump start circuit operatively electrically connected with the charger battery and with an ignition power outlet, and a microcontroller for coordinating safety functions to establish or interrupt the operative electrical connection of the jump start circuit with the ignition power outlet. The ignition power outlet comprises a positive power socket, a negative power socket, a positive sensing socket and a negative sensing socket. The sensing sockets are electrically isolated from the power sockets, and the microcontroller senses voltage across the sensing sockets and is configured to interrupt the operative electrical connection of the jump start circuit to the ignition power outlet until proper voltage is sensed across the sensing sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Halo International SEZC Ltd.
    Inventors: Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10110055
    Abstract: A fast charging high energy storage capacitor system jump starter is described. The jump starter apparatus incorporates a method of using reserve energy from a depleted electrical system such as an automobile battery or using energy from another energy source, combined with a fast charging high energy capacitor bank to enable the rapid and effective way to jump start a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Mathew Inskeep
  • Patent number: 10087904
    Abstract: A compact battery charger for charging a battery comprising: a microprocessor; a set of terminals operatively coupled to said microprocessor and configured to electrically couple with an automotive battery; and an internal lithium ion battery, wherein the internal lithium ion battery is a lithium ion battery, wherein a single-ended primary-inductor converter may be configured to receive an input voltage of 5 VDC to 20 VDC and output a predetermined DC charge voltage to said internal lithium ion battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Brian F. Butler, Linh Nguyen, Patrick Clarke, Shenzhong Zhu, Xiao Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 9974539
    Abstract: A method of operating a medical device comprises electrically connecting a power device to the medical device. The method further comprises sensing at least one characteristic of the medical device with the power device. The method further comprises adjusting or maintaining one or more characteristics of an electrical connection feature of the power device according to the at least one observed characteristic such that the electrical connection feature of the power device is operationally compatible with an electrical connection feature of the medical device. The method further comprises operating the power device according to an operational profile associated with the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9954207
    Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a starter battery for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine in a battery pack arrangement with one or more lithium based cells. The invention includes a solid state switching configuration for high powered battery systems for protecting against over-charging, over-discharging and short circuiting of batteries, especially starter batteries for internal combustion engines. The invention is also useful as a Deep Cycle battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Koebler
  • Patent number: 9937805
    Abstract: Disclosed are a battery charging system and method. The battery charging system according to the present invention includes a first connector connected to both ends of a battery of a charging providing car; a second connector connected to both ends of a battery of a charging target car; a converter configured to convert a voltage transmitted from the battery of the charging providing car through the first connector and transmit the converted voltage to the battery of the charging target car through the second connector; and a controller connected to each of a battery management system (BMS) of the charging providing car and a BMS of the charging target car to control a voltage conversion ratio of the converter based on a state information on each of the batteries transmitted from each of the BMSs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventor: Sun Jong Lee
  • Patent number: 9876375
    Abstract: A jumper cable which includes a receptacle mounted on, near or within a battery casing. The receptacle may include a socket having a pair of circular contacts on the inner circumference thereof electrically connected to battery terminals. The device may also include a cable having a plug on each end configured to mate with the receptacle socket. Such a plug may include a larger-diameter ring for engaging the upper contact and a smaller-diameter ring for engaging the lower contact when the plug is inserted into the socket. Accordingly, if a battery needs recharging, a plug is inserted into the receptacle associated with the dead battery and the opposing plug is inserted into a receptacle associated with a charged battery to establish electrical interconnection there between. Alternatively, an adapter having a socket and electrical clamps for grasping battery terminals may be used when a receptacle is not connected to one of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Jesse Green
  • Patent number: 9871392
    Abstract: A portable battery booster for providing a compact, light, and energy efficient battery to jump start a vehicle. The portable battery booster generally includes a housing, a battery means adapted to be received by the housing, a pair of cable means, each of the cable means having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end electrically connected to the battery means and the distal end detachably connected to a discharged battery of the vehicle. The battery is generally comprised of one or more batteries having the type of primary lithium-metal, rechargeable lithium-ion, and/or lithium-polymer and more specifically preferably comprised of lithium iron phosphate for fast charging, small size, and high performance. The battery may also be connected to one or more supercapacitors, an internal CPU, DC/DC converter, etc. to increase performance. The cable means includes jaws that detachably connect to the housing in a flush and sleek manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Durando, Fred Allen, Steve Simon, Necdet Ergul
  • Patent number: 9673652
    Abstract: A fast charging high energy storage capacitor system jump starter is described. The jump starter apparatus incorporates a method of using reserve energy from a depleted electrical system such as an automobile battery, combined with a fast charging high energy capacitor bank to enable the rapid and effective way to jump start a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Mathew Inskeep
  • Patent number: 9662991
    Abstract: An apparatus provides supplemental power to an engine. The apparatus includes a pair of conductive leads for connecting the supplemental power to an engine electrical system, one or more batteries connected in parallel with one or more capacitors, a relay connected to the conductive leads, a shunt cable connecting the batteries and capacitors to the relay and a switch for controlling the relay to selectively apply electrical power to the engine electrical system. The apparatus includes safety features to reduce the risk of injury to the operator and damage to the apparatus and/or engine electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: F.D. Richardson Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis D. Richardson, Richard L. Henderson, John A. Fox, Russell W. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 9627905
    Abstract: A jumper cable includes a receptacle mounted on, near or within a battery casing. The receptacle may include a socket having a pair of circular contacts on the inner circumference thereof electrically connected to battery terminals. The device may also include a cable having a plug on each end configured to mate with the receptacle socket. Such a plug may include a larger-diameter ring for engaging the upper contact and a smaller-diameter ring for engaging the lower contact when the plug is inserted into the socket. Accordingly, if a battery needs recharging, a plug is inserted into the receptacle associated with the dead battery and the opposing plug is inserted into a receptacle associated with a charged battery to establish electrical interconnection therebetween. Alternatively, an adapter having a socket and electrical clamps for grasping battery terminals may be used when a receptacle is not connected to one of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jesse Green
  • Patent number: 9628972
    Abstract: An emergency communications system, such as an automotive emergency communications system, may include a primary battery, such as a starter battery of a vehicle, an emergency communications control unit electrically and mechanically connected to the primary battery, and a mounting device to mount the emergency communications control unit within a close distance of the primary battery. The close distance may be a distance equal or less than ten centimeters, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas Gerdes
  • Patent number: 9573482
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a travelable information display unit that displays before a discharge, regarding motor-driven movable bodies of a discharge source and a discharge destination driven by using electric power of batteries, information about places to which the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source can move using electric power of the battery left after the discharge by assuming, when information about a discharge amount discharged from the battery of the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source toward the motor-driven movable body of the discharge destination that receives power supply is input, a case in which the discharge amount is discharged from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihito Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 9566868
    Abstract: The present invention provides computer-controlled electric battery charging systems and methods for charging a battery of a roaming electric vehicle, the system comprising an electric vehicle comprising at least one battery, a master charger vehicle comprising a master battery module and a control system in communication with the at least one electric vehicle and the master charger vehicle to enable the master charger vehicles to reach the electric vehicle, wherein the master battery module is adapted to charge the at least one battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NATION-E LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel Jammer
  • Patent number: 9433113
    Abstract: Provided is a charger, wherein capability of storing codes connected to the charger is improved. The charger is provided with: a housing case for housing therein a charger body; a wind-around recess section that is formed on the outer circumference of the housing case, and around which a first code to be connected to the charger body can be wound; and a plug recess section that is formed on the housing case, and that is for storing a plug to be connected to the front end of the first code. A housing section that is opened in the upper direction, and that houses therein a second code to be connected to the charger body, is formed on the housing case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuro Takeno, Takashi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9404978
    Abstract: An arrangement of an electronic sensor device (3) at a terminal post clamp (1) of a battery. The arrangement comprises: a terminal post clamp (1) of a battery; an electronic sensor device (3); a housing (10), which can accommodate the electronic sensor device (3); and a fastening means, which can connect the housing (10) to the terminal post clamp (1). The fastening means comprises a receptacle (13) and a fastening member (8) that can be inserted at least in sections into the receptacle (13) in a positive locking and/or non-positive locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Marco Unterhalt, Katrin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9263907
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provides supplemental power to an engine. The method and apparatus includes a pair of conductive leads for connecting the supplemental power to an engine electrical system, one or more batteries connected in parallel with one or more capacitors, a relay connected to the conductive leads, a shunt cable connecting the batteries and capacitors to the relay and a processor for controlling the relay to selectively apply electrical power to the engine electrical system. The method and apparatus includes safety features to reduce the risk of injury to the operator and damage to the apparatus and/or engine electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: F.D. Richardson Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis D. Richardson, Richard L. Henderson, John A. Fox, Russell W. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 9235940
    Abstract: An in-vehicle charger includes a charger that charges a device to be charged including a wireless key of a keyless entry device, a controller connected to the charger, and a detection unit connected to the controller and that detects an installation state of the device to be charged relative to the charger. The controller turns on power supply to the charger and controls the keyless entry device to perform first communication verification when the installation state of the device to be charged relative to the charger is detected by the detection unit. The controller turns on the power supply to the charger when it is determined that the communication verification of the keyless entry device has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Izumi Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 9194357
    Abstract: A method for jump starting a vehicle comprising causing a control unit to set a reference voltage by choosing a point from a chart plotting voltage across a starting battery versus time during a vehicle start; determining whether the voltage across a starting battery of the vehicle is less than the reference voltage; closing a switch if the determination is positive, thereby causing an external power source to supply high current to the starting battery; adding the high current and current from the starting battery to obtain a total current; and supplying the total current to a starter motor of the vehicle so as to start the vehicle. An apparatus for thus jump starting a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Yung-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 9086194
    Abstract: An LED clip light assembly includes a battery, an electrically conductive clip member operatively associated with the battery, and at least one LED connected with the clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William A. Eibner, Joseph A. Hoffman, Delony L. Langer-Anderson, Cristin E. Moran
  • Patent number: 9045053
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a travelable information display unit that displays before a discharge, regarding motor-driven movable bodies of a discharge source and a discharge destination driven by using electric power of batteries, information about places to which the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source can move using electric power of the battery left after the discharge by assuming, when information about a discharge amount discharged from the battery of the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source toward the motor-driven movable body of the discharge destination that receives power supply is input, a case in which the discharge amount is discharged from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihito Ishibashi
  • Publication number: 20150130401
    Abstract: Extendable jumper cables for transferring electrical energy from a charged battery to a discharged battery include a first short cable having a clamp end that detachably connects to the charged battery, and a plug end that detachably connects to a cooperating plug end of a second short cable. The second short cable includes a clamp end that detachably connects to the discharged batter. The plug ends include cable connection fittings that allow the first and second cables and to be connected together to form typical jumper cables. The plug ends further include respective plugs that cooperate to receive corresponding plugs of an extension cord to increase the length of the extendable jumper cables to electrically connect the batteries together when the distance separating the batteries is greater than the combined length of the first and second short cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Robert A. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20150130400
    Abstract: A Portable automotive battery jumper pack with detachable backup battery. The invention is configured to be user friendly with a flexible compact design. The invention will be used in the portable, automotive electronics area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Mathew Inskeep
  • Patent number: 9007015
    Abstract: A handheld device for jump starting a vehicle engine includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack and a microcontroller. The lithium ion battery is coupled to a power output port of the device through a FET smart switch actuated by the microcontroller. A vehicle battery isolation sensor connected in circuit with positive and negative polarity outputs detects the presence of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs. A reverse polarity sensor connected in circuit with the positive and negative polarity outputs detects the polarity of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs, such that the microcontroller will enable power to be delivered from the lithium ion power pack to the output port only when a good battery is connected to the output port and only when the battery is connected with proper polarity of positive and negative terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The NOCO Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Lewis Nook, William Knight Nook, James Richard Stanfield, Derek Michael Underhill
  • Patent number: 8963481
    Abstract: Charging service vehicles and methods using modular batteries are disclosed. The service vehicles are vehicles having electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, and removably mounted battery modules or battery module connection points. The battery modules are connected to the EV charging equipment as a source of electrical energy. Some embodiments disclose integrating the EV charging equipment with the vehicle, recharging modules through a distribution grid connection, the manner of discharging the batteries, modes of connecting and disconnecting the modules, the size and weight of the modules, quick-disconnectability of modules, control and monitoring of the modules and charging equipment, and/or ways of connecting modules to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Green Charge Networks
    Inventors: Ronald D. Prosser, Stephen R. Taddeo, Stephen P. Israel, Carl J. Allendorph
  • Patent number: 8952653
    Abstract: An intelligent eco-friendly starter battery includes pre-heating plates attached to lithium polymer cells thereof, a battery cell sensor module capable of sensing the temperature of the lithium polymer cells and controlling the pre-heating plates to pre-heat the lithium polymer cells to a predetermined temperature, a battery charging control circuit consisting of a plurality of power sensors and a battery charger for sensing the power level of each lithium polymer cell and charging each lithium polymer cell, a protection circuit assembly consisting of a field effect transistor, a relay and a controller for battery over-current and overheat protection, a transmitter receiver circuit and an antenna for transmitting the data sensed by the battery cell sensor module to a remote controller or external display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Chih Hsing Lee
  • Publication number: 20150015183
    Abstract: A battery electric vehicle jumper cable includes a first battery electric vehicle electrical plug adapted for connection to a standard charging port interface on a first battery electric vehicle; a second battery electric vehicle electrical plug adapted for connection to a standard charging port interface on a second battery electric vehicle; and an electrical cable establishing electrical communication between the first battery electric vehicle electrical plug and the second battery electric vehicle electrical plug. An electrical power transfer system for battery electric vehicles and a battery electric vehicle jump starting method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8901877
    Abstract: A vehicle battery charger including a base unit configured to store various cables and clamps are provided. A battery charging cable and pair of battery terminal clamps coupled to the charging cable may be stored in a compartment formed in the base unit when not in use, the clamps secured to pegs mounted within the compartment and a cover closing over the compartment. A grid power cable that provides electrical power to the battery charger may be wrapped around a channel formed in the base unit and secured in the channel with a retainer when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Daryl Charles Brockman, Julie Christine Roberts, Gerald Jay Demirjian, Timothy Corcoran Repp
  • Patent number: 8836273
    Abstract: A power reception control device provided in a power reception device of a non-contact power transmission system includes a power-reception-side control circuit that controls an operation of the power reception device, and a power supply control signal output terminal that supplies a power supply control signal to a charge control device, the power supply control signal controlling power supply to a battery. The power-reception-side control circuit controls a timing at which the power supply control signal (ICUTX) is output from the power supply control signal output terminal. The operation of the charge control device is compulsorily controlled using the power supply control signal (ICUTX).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Yoda, Takahiro Kamijo, Kota Onishi, Masayuki Kamiyama, Nobutaka Shiozaki
  • Publication number: 20140139175
    Abstract: A pocket jumper includes a power assembly and a detachable connector for detachably connecting to a vehicle battery. The power assembly includes a rechargeable battery pack and an on/off switch being switched between an “off” position and an “on” position. When the on/off switch is switched at the “off” position, the detachable connector is connected to the vehicle battery that no electrical connection is formed between the battery pack and the vehicle battery. When the on/off switch is switched at the “on” position, the detachable connector is connected to the vehicle battery to electrically connect the battery pack with the vehicle battery with an intention of jump starting the vehicle. Therefore, the pocket jumper prevents any sparking when the detachable connector is connected increasing the safety when compared to conventional vehicle jump starter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jose A. Gonzalez
  • 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: 8643375
    Abstract: A circuit system is disclosed. The system comprises a master circuitry, at least one slave circuitry which has a battery sensor for checking battery status of a power supply battery and a shut down mechanism for controlled shut down upon detection of low battery by the battery sensor, and a battery sensor manipulation circuit controlled by the master circuitry. The battery sensor manipulation circuit is arranged to manipulate sensed battery status for the battery sensor of at least one of the at least one slave circuitry to force the controlled shut down of the at least one of the at least one slave circuitry upon provision of a shut down control signal from the master circuitry. A method of controlling power management of such a circuit system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: ST-Ericsson SA
    Inventor: Jens Thorvinger
  • Patent number: 8643324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable auxiliary power-source device for a vehicle, and more specifically to a portable auxiliary power-source device which incorporates a rechargeable battery and is able to temporarily charge while the vehicle's battery is discharging, and is able to effect ignition of the vehicle and charge portable, personal digital devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: N Navi Solution
    Inventor: Chang Eun Yeo
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8624557
    Abstract: Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Joseph Flack
  • Patent number: 8610396
    Abstract: A battery boost apparatus is described. The battery boost apparatus monitors that amount of voltage in the vehicle battery and the current flowing to the vehicle battery to determine an existence of a fault condition. If a fault condition exists, a vehicle battery is cutoff from the boost battery and the charge of the boost battery is maintained until the fault condition is remedied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Murray D. Hunter, David M. Shaver
  • Patent number: 8604747
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a portable battery charging apparatus. The portable battery charging apparatus includes a main body, wheels attached to a base portion of the main body, a battery charger disposed within the main body, and an electrical functional unit disposed within the main body that has a function other than battery charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sears Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Peter Flemming
  • Publication number: 20130314024
    Abstract: A jump-starting arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has an engine control unit and a starter for an internal-combustion engine. The motor vehicle is equipped with at least two partial onboard power systems, which are mutually coupled by way of at least one electric separator element. Each partial onboard power system, respectively, is equipped with at least one rechargeable electric energy accumulator. The two partial onboard power systems each have a jump-starting base, and the respective jump-starting bases are galvanically separated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut PROEBSTLE, Holger WITT
  • Patent number: 8593104
    Abstract: A reserve power source for charging a device, such as a depleted power source or a vehicle. The reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power, such as a thermal battery or a liquid reserve battery; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; and a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power. The reserve power source can also include a cable connected to each of the pair of terminals for connecting outputting the produced power to the depleted power source and/or conditioning circuitry for conditioning the produced power prior to output at the terminals. The reserve battery can also include a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, where the stop is selectively removable when activation is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Publication number: 20130293184
    Abstract: A jumper cable includes a receptacle mounted on, near or within a battery casing. The receptacle may include a socket having a pair of circular contacts on the inner circumference thereof electrically connected to battery terminals. The device may also include a cable having a plug on each end configured to mate with the receptacle socket. Such a plug may include a larger-diameter ring for engaging the upper contact and a smaller-diameter ring for engaging the lower contact when the plug is inserted into the socket. Accordingly, if a battery needs recharging, a plug is inserted into the receptacle associated with the dead battery and the opposing plug is inserted into a receptacle associated with a charged battery to establish electrical interconnection therebetween. Alternatively, an adapter having a socket and electrical clamps for grasping battery terminals may be used when a receptacle is not connected to one of the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jesse Green
  • Publication number: 20130175973
    Abstract: A system for charging power source of a recipient electric vehicle using an accelerated charge flow from a power source of a donor vehicle, the system comprising; recipient power source provided with an accessible recipient charge receptacle; donor power source provided with an extendable donor charge receptacle adapted to resiliently engage the recipient charge receptacle; a pack controller, in each donor and recipient vehicle, electrically connected to the acceptor and donor power sources and adapted to combine the functions of a battery pack protection circuit, battery charger, current and voltage regulator, a data monitor and a communication circuit associated with the charge transfer from the donor to acceptor vehicle facilitating regulated and informed power transfer; and a buck-booster electrically connected to the recipient and donor receptacles of the battery in each vehicle, configured to balance relative electrical potentials of the donor to the recipient vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: TATA TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD
    Inventor: Tata Technologies Pte Ltd
  • Publication number: 20130154544
    Abstract: A secondary battery state detecting apparatus for detecting a state of a secondary battery installed in a vehicle is provided, which includes a current detecting unit that detects an electric current flowing to the secondary battery, a voltage detecting unit that detects a voltage of the secondary battery, and a determining unit that determines, in a case where an external device is directly connected to terminals of the secondary battery and the secondary battery is charged or discharged without passing through the current detecting unit, whether or not an irregular charging-discharging has occurred, in accordance with a change in a current value and a voltage value detected by the current detecting unit and the voltage detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: Furukawa Automotive Systems Inc., Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Furukawa Automotive Systems Inc.
  • Patent number: 8446125
    Abstract: A vehicle power charger includes a generally cylindrically-shaped body portion suitable for plugging into a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle, a spring-loaded metal contact pin for engagement with electrical contacts inside the receptacle, and an oblong end portion formed at an angle to the cylindrically-shaped body portion including a cavity that holds and protects one or more USB ports, and a cavity cover that slides, rotates or flips between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Mkhitarian