Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a power supply unit including two or more battery cells or battery modules electrically connected to each other, at least one pressure driven switch configured to cause a short circuit in a portion or the entirety of the battery pack upon detecting expansion in volume of the battery cells or the battery modules when the power supply unit malfunctions, a cut-off portion located at at least one series connection region between the battery cells or the battery modules to interrupt electrical connection in the battery pack when the short circuit occurs in the battery pack, and external input and output terminals connected to electrode terminals located at outermost sides of the power supply unit to supply power to an external device.

Abstract: A wireless power transmission system, and a method of controlling power in the wireless power transmission system based on a detection parameter are provided. The method includes transmitting a request signal to a device. The method further includes receiving, from the device, a response signal corresponding to the request signal, the response signal including a parameter of the device. The method further includes generating an operation power based on the parameter of the device, the operation power being used for an operation of the device.

Abstract: A voltage dedicated charger apparatus includes an AC-to-DC converter circuit, a pair of switches, and a controller block. The AC-to-DC converter circuit converts an AC input voltage to a DC output voltage. The pair of switches is operable to isolate a pair of data ports from the AC-to-DC converter circuit. The pair of data ports includes a DP port and a DN port. The controller block includes a monitor circuit, a transceiver, and a control circuit. The monitor circuit monitors the DP and DN ports of the apparatus. The transceiver receives one or more messages form a charge-receiving device and communicate data to the charge-receiving device. The control circuit controls operation of the pair of switches based on a signal from the monitor circuit.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include a barcode reading system, a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging system. The battery charging system may be configured so that, in response to detecting placement of the barcode reader in a charging cradle, the battery charging system delays charging the battery if a charge level of the battery is above a first threshold level.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a memory, a controller, and a communication bus coupled to the memory and to the controller. The controller is configured to send a read-write command and write data to the memory via the communication bus. The read-write command indicates an address of requested data to be read from the memory. The controller is further configured to receive the requested data read from the memory. Communicating the requested data over the communication bus overlaps the write data being stored into the memory.

Abstract: Battery carriers that provide replaceable and exchangeable batteries and systems are provided. One example battery carrier is for batteries used in electric vehicles. The battery carrier includes a housing with a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is configured to receive a battery that is configured for hand-insertion and hand-removal from the battery carrier. Each slot and each battery has a form factor that is dimensioned to at least partially fit within ones of the slots. A plurality of electrical connectors are provided, and each electrical connector is disposed inside respective ones of the slots and each electrical connector is configured to mate with an electrical connector of the battery when present in a slot of the plurality of slots and each electrical connector is configured to provide power transfer between a power source to which the battery carrier is connected and a battery when present in one of the slots.

Abstract: A power storage apparatus, electric device, electric vehicle, and power system are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a power storage apparatus includes a battery block comprising a plurality of battery cells and an isolating unit that enables wireless information transfer regarding battery information of the battery block.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor chip having four sides and being substantially formed in a rectangle, the semiconductor chip including: a first terminal which is located along one side of the four sides of the semiconductor chip and which is to be electrically connected to a solar cell outside the semiconductor chip; a second terminal which is located along the one side of the semiconductor chip and which is to be electrically connected to a secondary cell outside the semiconductor chip; and an interconnection line that electrically interconnects the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A method includes providing battery cells for secondary batteries. The battery cells are charged to a fixed voltage (Vc). The battery cells are laid aside in an open circuit for a preset self-discharge time period (t). A voltage (Vt) is measured after the period t for each battery cell. A voltage difference (?V) is determined for each battery cell, wherein ?V=Vc?Vt. A self-discharge rate (?) is measured for each ?V. A self-discharge current (Ic) is calculated during the period t, wherein Ic is a function of ?. The Ic is curve-fitted to the ?V for each battery cell to obtain an Ic??V equation. The Ic is divided into h number of grades. The Ic??V equation is utilized to determine h number of grades of ?V associated with each grade of Ic. Battery cells are selected having a same grade of Ic and ?V for matching.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing battery overcharge is provided and includes a plurality of holders interposed between cells stacked within a battery to enclose the cells in a stacking direction. An installation space is formed between outer parts of at least two holders that enclose the cells. In addition, a fluid pouch is disposed within the installation space and adjacent to the cells inside the installation space, and contains a fluid therein. A cutting part is disposed within the installation space and has a first end disposed adjacent to the fluid pouch, and has a cutter edge heading between a lead tab and a bus bar at a second end of the cutting part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a high voltage at a battery system. The apparatus in one embodiment includes a supply node configured for direct or indirect coupling to a supply voltage. A converter is coupled between an input node and an output node, wherein the converter is configured to operate in a forward mode or a reverse mode. The converter generates a voltage at the converter output node for charging a battery when operating in the forward mode, wherein a magnitude of the voltage generated at the converter output node is less than a magnitude of the supply voltage. The converter generates a voltage at the converter input node when operating in the reverse mode, wherein a magnitude of the voltage generated at the converter input node is different than a magnitude of a voltage provided by the battery. A control circuit is coupled to and configured to control operation of the converter in the forward mode or the reverse mode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal module (1) of the present invention includes: a backlight (2) (a lighting device) that emits a light; a liquid crystal panel (3) that is struck by a light emitted from the lighting device; and a power transmitting coil (4) that receives a voltage from an AC power supply, generates a magnetic field, and transfers an electrical power to a device to be charged.

Abstract: A mobile cart has a battery assembly, which includes an on-board charger for selectively recharging one or more batteries to ensure constant operation of the powered equipment provided on the cart. The battery assembly possesses a removable battery configuration and is operated by a Battery Control System (BCS). The BCS is an intelligent control system for removable batteries and battery cell packs to provide an improved system of charging and discharging the individual batteries.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a process of powering a portable device through a cable connected between a power supply and a portable device is presented. The method includes applying a time-dependent current variation to one end of the cable in accordance with a spreading sequence, detecting a time-dependent voltage variation at the one end of the cable, the time dependent voltage variation resulting from the applying of the time-dependent current variation, and determining a quantity indicative of an impedance of the cable assembly based on the time-dependent voltage variation and the spreading sequence. Further, an apparatus for monitoring a process of powering a portable device through a cable connected between a power supply and a portable device is presented.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system includes a plurality of battery monitoring devices connected to a battery formed by connecting a plurality of battery cell groups in series, and monitor a state of the battery for the respective battery cell groups, each of the plurality of battery cell groups being of one or a plurality of battery cells connected in series, and a controller that performs wireless communication with the plurality of battery monitoring devices. First identification information portions which are different from each other are set in the plurality of battery monitoring devices in advance, and second identification information corresponding to an order of potentials of the battery cell groups in the battery, to which the battery monitoring devices are connected, is assigned to each of the plurality of battery monitoring devices. The controller stores a relationship between the first and second identification information for each battery monitoring device.

Abstract: In order to provide an electric vehicle drive system capable of promoting improvement in stability of vehicle traveling when stopping a regeneration operation during operation of a regeneration cooperative brake, the electric vehicle drive system, a battery control unit 310, upon detecting that a battery state is an unchargeable state during control of the regeneration cooperative brake, diagnoses whether a battery 300 is chargeable, and upon deciding to be unchargeable from a result of diagnosis, outputs a Fail signal. Then, a rotating electrical machine control unit 210, upon receiving a Fail prediction signal while the regeneration cooperative brake is being controlled, executes loss increase control for increasing an internal loss of a rotating electrical machine 900 and reducing regenerative electric power by a regenerative brake while maintaining torque of the rotating electrical machine 900 at regenerative torque corresponding to regenerative brake force.

Abstract: A wireless power transmitter for transmitting power by wireless to a terminal includes a power conversion unit and a power transmission control unit. The power conversion unit forms a wireless power signal for wireless power transfer using power supplied from a power supply unit. The power transmission control unit regulates a characteristic of the supplied power, based on orientation information of the terminal. A terminal includes a power receiving unit and a control unit. The power receiving unit receives a wireless power signal formed by a wireless power transmitter. The control unit detects whether or not an orientation of the terminal is changed while the wireless power signal is received, and transmits a control message for power regulation to the wireless power transmitter when the change in the orientation of the terminal is detected.

Abstract: Power supply stand output to the portable device is adjusted according to the power adjustment signals. Maximum power supply stand output is limited to a power output threshold value. The portable device compares the power received from the power supply stand to the required power. When the received power is lower than the required power, the portable device sends a power adjustment signal to the power supply stand, which is an increase-power-request signal. When the received power is greater than the required power, the portable device sends a decrease-power-request signal to the power supply stand. The power supply stand adjusts output and limits it to the power output threshold value. When continuous output of increase-power-request signals from the portable device is detected over a preset time period, a foreign object is determined to be on the power supply stand.

Abstract: A method for determining remaining battery service time of a mobile terminal includes determining a plurality of battery usage times, wherein each battery usage time corresponds to a respective predefined battery power level interval. Upon receipt of a request to determine the remaining battery service time, the mobile terminal determines a current battery power level of the mobile terminal and compares the current battery power level with at least one of the plurality of battery usage times and their associated predefined battery power level intervals to determine the remaining battery service time. The remaining battery service time is then displayed on the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling battery charging in an electronic device are provided. The electronic device may include a charging module, a connector, and one or more processors. Upon detecting charging by a power source, the one or more processors control the charging module to perform the charging of a battery cell by a first charging current through a first port of the connector. The one or more processors detect whether a voltage is applied through a second port of the connector, and if so, the one or more processors control the charging module to perform the charging of the battery cell using a second charging current through the first port and the second port of the connector.

Abstract: A power system for a medical cart includes a power supply, a direct current power bus electrically coupled to the power supply, and an electrical output power module electrically coupled to the direct current power bus. The power supply is positioned within the base of the medical cart and outputs direct current electrical power. The direct current power bus is the support of the medical cart, with the base being at one end of the support. The electrical output power module is within the work platform of the medical cart at the other end of the support. The electrical output power module inputs the direct current electrical power from the direct current power bus, and converts the input direct current electrical power to an electrical power output having a different state.

Abstract: Methods, systems and cloud processing are provided for coordinating and processing user input provided to vehicles during use. One example is for processing voice inputs at a vehicle to identify a mood of a user and then modifying or customizing the vehicle response based on the detected mood, physical characteristic and/or physiological characteristic of the user. One example includes a vehicle having an on-board computer for processing voice input. The vehicle having a microphone interfaced with the on-board computer and memory for storing a sample of audio data received from the microphone. The audio data is a voice input directed to the vehicle. A processor of the on-board computer is configured to process the sample of audio data to identify markers in frequency and/or magnitude. The markers are used to define an audio signature for the voice input, and the audio signature is used to identify a voice profile.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication device that operates using a battery as a main power source and a second communication device that communicates with the first communication device. The second communication device includes a second high-speed data communication unit including a second data communication antenna and a second short-range communication unit including a second magnetic-field antenna for short-range communication. The first communication device includes a first short-range communication unit including a first magnetic-field antenna and a first high-speed data communication unit including a first data communication antenna. When an electromotive voltage of the battery lowers, switches are turned OFF and electric power from a power conversion circuit including a rectifying circuit and a DC-to-DC converter is supplied to a communication controller.

Abstract: A charging device may include firmware configured to execute and control charging functions and updating functions performed by the charging device. The firmware includes a first section configured to store instructions associated with the charging functions and a second section configured to store instructions associated with updating the first section. The charging device may also include a charging slot for insertion of one of a rechargeable device and an updating device. The charging device may further include a micro-controller configured to execute instructions stored on the firmware. Responsive to the updating device being inserted into the charging slot, the charging device executes instructions stored in the second section to enter an updating mode and update the firmware.

Abstract: A battery charging system using a charger and a driving control method of the charger thereof are provided which increase a driving time of the charger when an instantaneous power failure of charger input voltage occurs in the battery charging system. Thus, a sufficient time is secured for obtaining and processing more precise information regarding a driving state of the charger and the capacity of a capacitor is decreased compared to the related art.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station charging electric vehicles dynamically responds to power limit messages. The charging station includes a charging port that is configured to electrically connect to an electric vehicle to provide power to charge that electric vehicle. The charging station also includes a power control unit coupled with the charging port, the power control unit configured to control an amount of power provided through the charging port. The charging station also includes a set of one or more charging station control modules that are configured to, in response to receipt of a message that indicates a request to limit an amount of power to an identified percentage and based on a history of power provided through the charging port over a period of time, cause the power control unit to limit the power provided through the charging port to the identified percentage.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a power module, a receptacle connector, a driving switch and a movable stop arm. The power module includes a battery control unit and a cell electrically connected to the battery control unit. The receptacle connector is disposed at the power module and electrically connected to the cell via the battery control unit. The receptacle connector includes an insertion opening. The driving switch is disposed corresponding to the receptacle connector and electrically connected to the battery control unit. A default setting of the driving switch is “switched off”. One end of the movable stop arm is outside of the insertion opening and blocks the same. The movable stop arm is movable toward the driving switch to touch and switch on the same.

Abstract: An authenticator (5, 11) is compatible with a plurality of authentication systems to authenticate an external device connected with a connection terminal (OUT, ID), and the authenticator executes authentication processes by the plurality of authentication systems in order, and permits transfer of electric power between the external device and a secondary battery part (1) when any one of authentication processes is successful.

Abstract: A parent device power transmission unit determines a power to be supplied to a plurality of coils such that the power is proportional to an eigenvector of a real part of an impedance matrix which is based on a mutual inductance of the plurality of coils.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protected system for controlling power transactions for an electric vehicle. Identification modules are incorporated into the vehicle battery management system and box, and integrity sensors of the box and of the battery are connected to a monitoring module. The system comprises a processing module for processing information produced by the battery management system, the vehicle management unit, the integrity monitoring module, and an identification module for identifying devices connected to a bus between the devices. A memory stores data indicative of technical characteristics of the battery, and data concerning events, transactions and energy depending on the information received. A calculation unit determines an energy balance according to the event, transaction and energy data. A communication module transmits a warning in case of an imbalance in the energy balance and a breach in integrity revealed by the data.

Abstract: In a voltage monitoring system, a voltage monitoring module includes an adjusting current control circuit to generate an adjusting current so that the operating current consumed by the voltage monitoring modules reaches a specified value corresponding to a first operation current setting command, and stops generating the adjusting current according to an operating current switching command; and an operating current measurement circuit to measure the operating current according to the operating current measuring command following the operating current switching command; and in which a module control circuit sends a second operation current setting command based on the operating current that was measured, and the adjusting current control circuit generates an adjusting current so that the operating current reaches a specified value corresponding to the second operating current setting command.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a storage battery; a residual quantity detection section that detects an electrical storage residual quantity of the storage battery; a setting member for receiving an input of a user setting including a plurality of options; a permission/prohibition deciding member that decides whether or not selection of each of the options corresponding to the user setting received by the setting member is permitted on the basis of the electrical storage residual quantity detected by the residual quantity detection section; and an indicating member that indicates an option which is prohibited from being selected by the permission/prohibition deciding member and an option which is permitted to be selected by the permission/prohibition deciding member so that each of the option prohibited from being selected and the option permitted to be selected is distinguishable.

Abstract: A system for multiplexing charging of electric vehicles, comprising a server coupled to a plurality of charging control modules over a network. Each of said charging modules being connected to a voltage source such that each charging control module is configured to regulate distribution of voltage from the voltage source to an electric vehicle coupled to the charging control module. Data collection and control software is provided on the server for identifying a plurality of electric vehicles coupled to the plurality of charging control modules and selectively distributing charging of the plurality of charging control modules to multiplex distribution of voltage to the plurality of electric vehicles.

Abstract: A method and system of managing power usage of devices including selectively executing a program application on a plurality of battery powered devices. Battery usage data is generated for a battery in one or more of the devices during execution of the work application. The battery usage data includes the run-time of the battery for the work application being executed. The data is aggregated and stored for the plurality of devices in memory. An application specific battery profile is generated using the stored battery usage data. The application specific battery profile is associated with the work application being run by the client devices.

Abstract: An electric power charge and discharge system for an electronic device having a battery, by which the electronic device can be used for a long period of time. In a wireless communication device including a wireless driving portion including a first battery and a wireless charging portion including a second battery, the first battery is charged by electric power from a fixed power supply and the second battery is charged by using electromagnetic waves existing in an external space. Further, the first battery and the second battery are discharged alternately, and during a period in which the first battery is discharged, the second battery is charged.

Abstract: A system comprising for selecting a portable telemetry device includes a status component, a request component, a selection component and an indication component. The status component is configured to determine a device status for a plurality of portable telemetry devices docked in a charging station. The request component is configured to receive a request to use at least one of the plurality of portable telemetry devices. The selection component is configured to select, in response to the request, a portable telemetry device based on device statuses for the plurality of portable telemetry devices. The indication component is configured to indicate selection of the portable telemetry device to a user.

Abstract: Battery carriers that provide replaceable and exchangeable batteries and systems are provided. One example battery carrier is for batteries used in electric vehicles. The battery carrier includes a housing having a plurality of slots, and each of the slots is configured to receive a battery that is configured for hand-insertion and hand-removal from the battery carrier. Each slot and each battery has a form factor that is dimensioned to at least partially fit within ones of the slots. A plurality of electrical connectors is also provided. Each electrical connector is disposed inside respective ones of the slots and each electrical connector is configured to mate with an electrical connector of the battery when present in a slot of the plurality of slots and each electrical connector is configured to provide power transfer between a power source to which the battery carrier is connected and a battery when present in one of the slots. Further provided is electronics integrated with the battery carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a combination of a receiver unit and a mobile device and/or battery, the device and/or battery capable of being inductively powered and/or charged by the receiver unit, the unit being a component of or electrically connected to the mobile device or battery. The receiver unit comprises a receiver coil and a communication and control system. The receiver coil generally has a planar surface, and the receiver unit is capable of receiving energy from a base unit via an inductive magnetic field and using the energy to power and/or charge the mobile device or batter. The communication and control system in the receiver unit regulates an appropriate power, voltage and/or current value of an output of the receiver unit to charge or power the mobile device or battery.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact, 2) a first switchable current source having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of a first data line, and 3) a control module that detects a connection of a battery module to the interface assembly by way of the first contact, enables the first switchable current source while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, detects a logic level of the first data line while the first switchable current source is enabled and while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, and identifies, based on the detected logic level of the first data line, a battery type associated with the battery module. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, there may be provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first interface including a first voltage terminal and at least one data interface terminal and a second interface including a second voltage terminal and at least one configuration channel terminal, wherein the first voltage terminal is coupled to the at least one configuration channel terminal by at least a pull-up circuitry configured to cause a predetermined voltage at the at least one configuration channel terminal, and wherein the at least one configuration channel terminal is coupled to the at least one data interface terminal to enable communication between the at least one data interface terminal and the at least one configuration channel terminal. Related methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery exchange station and a method of operating the battery exchange station are provided which can solve conventional problems, such as the unavailability of electricity stored in a battery, the difficulties in coping with changes in system operation, and the difficulties in utilizing renewable energy. The battery exchange station and the method of operating the battery exchange station allow for utilization of electricity stored in a battery and improve a system's operation and electricity demand conditions by charging a large-capacity battery with electricity coming from the system and providing the electricity stored in the large-capacity battery to the system.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a power receiving section configured to receive electric power transmitted using a magnetic field or an electric field; and a state informing section configured to inform a device state of the electronic device, by using the electric power received by the power receiving section. When an abnormal state is detected as the device state, the state informing section also informs the abnormal state by using the received electric power. A feed unit includes: a power transmission section configured to perform electric power transmission using a magnetic field or an electric field, to a device to be fed; and a control section configured to continue the electric power transmission by the power transmission section, even when an abnormal state in the device to be fed is detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for accurately calculating battery consumption in a wireless field device. The total current consumed by a radio board associated with a wireless field device can be determined based on the sum of the current consumed as a result of particular events occurring at the radio board. The current consumed by a sensor board of the wireless field device can then be averated with respect to particular type of sensor. The current consumed by the radio board and the current consumed by the sensor board in the wireless field device can be combined to calculate a predictive value indicative of a remaining life of a battery associated with the wireless field device.

Abstract: A method detecting a battery capacity of a secondary battery, in which charging mode includes first mode including only ON state, and second mode including ON state and OFF state, the method includes: charging mode selection process of selecting the charging mode; internal resistance calculation process calculating internal resistance of secondary battery when ON state and OFF state are switched; remaining capacity calculation process calculating remaining capacity of secondary battery; remaining capacity variation amount calculation process calculating variation amount of remaining capacity from most recent full charge capacity calculation time; charged electricity amount calculation process of calculating amount of charged electricity in accordance with integrated value of current that flowed from point of time at which most recent full charge capacity is calculated; and full charge capacity detection process of detecting full charge capacity of secondary battery based on variation amount of remaining capac

Abstract: An electronic device sends a wireless signal to a charging station indicating that charging of a battery of the electronics device is to commence. The electronic device generates a profile representing characteristics of the battery during charging. The electronic device sends a wireless signal to the charging station indicating the first type of charging is to be applied to the battery. The electronic device responds to a determination that charging of the battery is to continue by determining a second type of charging to be applied to the battery. The electronic device determines whether charging of the battery is to continue. In response to a determination that charging of the battery is not to continue, the electronic device sends a wireless signal to the charging station indicating that charging of the battery is to cease.

Abstract: A device authenticates accessories by detecting that an accessory is attached to the device, determining a unique identification (ID) for the accessory, determining, based on the unique ID, if the accessory has been paired to the device, and in response to determining that the accessory has been paired to the device, enable use of the accessory by the device. In response to determining the accessory has not been paired to the device, the devices performs a secondary authentication process on the accessory.

Abstract: The present invention serves to reduce the costs associated with the overall life cycle of storage batteries by performing support so that a plurality of batteries are transferred between and used at a plurality of facilities. This storage battery transfer support device comprises: a collection unit that collects battery information representing the status of each battery used at a plurality of facilities; a battery information storage unit that stores the battery information collected by the collection unit; and a deterioration prediction unit that, on the basis of the battery information stored in the battery information storage unit, predicts deterioration of storage batteries that have been transferred between and used at a plurality of facilities.

Abstract: A contactless power supply device supplying electric power in a contactless manner to a power receiving device mounted on a moving object includes: a bottom plate structuring an installation face; a power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate to supply electric power to a power receiving coil included in the power receiving device; and a cover attached to the bottom plate so as to cover the power transmitting coil disposed on the bottom plate. A layer of air is formed between the power transmitting coil and the cover.

Abstract: System and method for applying a reverse energy flow for measuring one or more electrical characteristics of a DC power source, such as a solar panel. Applying reverse current and voltage to a DC power source and measuring selected resultant current and voltage enables monitoring of electrical characteristics of the source, and when done periodically, enables monitoring of the performance of the source over time, including whether performance has become affected by a hardware failure or damage, or whether the source has become disconnected due to a faulty or failed connector or theft.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a charging mode information receiving unit configured to receive, from each of a plurality of power receiving apparatuses each including a secondary battery, charging mode information indicating whether each of the power receiving apparatuses requests normal charging of the secondary battery or fast charging of the secondary battery, wherein the fast charging charges faster than the normal charging, a power supply order determination unit configured to determine a power supply order of the power receiving apparatuses based on the charging mode information, and a power supply unit configured to wirelessly supply power to the power receiving apparatuses in the order determined by the power supply order determination unit.