Cell Or Battery Charger Structure Patents (Class 320/107)
  • Patent number: 10090767
    Abstract: A switching power supply device includes a switching element connected in series with a primary winding of a transformer, to which an input voltage is applied, a switching operation unit configured to obtain an output voltage from a secondary winding of the transformer, and a controller configured to control switching of the switching element. The controller includes an oscillator configured to output a switching control signal of controlling the switching element, a feedback voltage determination circuit, a drive circuit including a comparator and the like, and a pulse width holder configured to hold a pulse width of the switching control signal, when the load is light, at least at a minimum pulse width capable of contributing to supplying the power to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamane
  • Patent number: 10084330
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a secondary battery, a connector that can be detachably connected to multiple different types of devices, control circuitry that controls power supply from the secondary battery and charge of the secondary battery, a detector that outputs the detected state of the secondary battery as secondary battery information, a first memory that stores the secondary battery information, a second memory that stores a recommendation table in which each of multiple conditions predetermined for the state of the secondary battery and a recommended device are associated with each other, a determiner that determines a recommended device from among the devices using the secondary battery information and recommendation table, and an informer that reports information indicating the recommended device determined by the determiner to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shoichi Toya
  • Patent number: 10079943
    Abstract: System and method for detecting anomalies in the recorded consumption of data volume and charging of data services in a communication network is described. Data records for each session may be captured from multiple sources. The data records may comprise parameters indicating usage volume pertaining to services being consumed for each session. Further, the data records may be aggregated and reconciled to detect volume gap in each session. Each session may be categorized into a session category based upon the detection of the volume gap. The data records may further be enriched by tagging each data record with the session category. The data records enriched may then be aggregated across the parameters. Finally, a root-cause parameter for the volume gap pertaining to each session may be identified by computing a total volume, a total volume gap and a probability of gap root-cause for each parameter using the aggregated data records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: CELLOS SOFTWARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Sumudu Prasad Wijetunge, Maheedhar Bose Juvva
  • Patent number: 10079500
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and program products are disclosed for powering a device using a universal serial bus (“USB”) connection. One apparatus includes a processor, and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to: detect a USB connection between a first device and a second device; determine to provide power between the first device and the second device via the USB connection based on information transmitted between the first device and the second device; select a direction to provide power between the first device and the second device based on the information transmitted between the first device and the second device; and control power to be provided between the first device and the second device after determining to provide power and selecting the direction to provide power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: John Weldon Nicholson, Scott Edwards Kelso, Jason A. Matteson
  • Patent number: 10074996
    Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical device including a battery pack, a pressure sensor for measuring a volume change of the battery pack, a voltage sensor in electrical communication with a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery pack, a temperature sensor positioned in a cell of the battery pack, and a battery management system. The battery management system includes a controller in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, the voltage sensor, and the temperature sensor, the controller being configured to execute a program stored in the controller to determine a state of charge percentage of the battery pack based on a pressure reading from the pressure sensor, a terminal voltage reading from the voltage sensor, and a temperature reading from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Anna G. Stefanopoulou, Shankar Narayan Mohan, Youngki Kim, Jason B. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10062934
    Abstract: A system includes a battery module having electrochemical cells and a housing configured to receive the electrochemical cells. The housing includes a first sidewall having a first surface and a second surface. The housing also includes cooling channels extending through the first sidewall of the housing from the first surface to the second surface, where the cooling channels are configured to permit fluid flow through the cooling channels for cooling the electrochemical cells. Each of the cooling channels includes a first cross-sectional area across the first surface of the first sidewall and a second cross-sectional area across the second surface of the first sidewall, where the first cross-sectional area is not equal to the second-cross sectional area. Each of the cooling channels also includes a tapered portion extending between the first-cross sectional area and the second cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Kem M. Obasih, Richard M. DeKeuster, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Stephen D. Cash
  • Patent number: 10062510
    Abstract: A container for a portable, rechargeable direct current storage device, having the following features: a housing with a housing underside with a housing set-down surface, a housing upper side, housing side walls and a housing interior, and also electrical anode and cathode contacts, wherein the housing underside has formed in it, on mutually opposite edges, set-back guide means, which extend in the direction of the housing upper side from a set-down plane defined by the housing set-down surface. The anode contact and the cathode contact can be arranged on the housing, in one or more of the set-back guide means, at a distance of at least five millimeters from the set-down plane, wherein that region of the respective housing side wall which is adjacent to the anode contact and the cathode contact terminates at a distance of at least five millimeters from the set-down plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: GreenPack Mobile Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Constien
  • Patent number: 10054982
    Abstract: A computer cart has removable electrical connector management system which may be removed from the computer cart to install electrical connectors and then reinserted into the computer cart to facilitate wiring of the cart. A numbering system is implemented to uniquely identify corresponding electrical and physical characteristics of the cart to facilitate maintenance of computers stored within the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Petrick, Matthew Petrick, Chris Brandel
  • Patent number: 10056779
    Abstract: The application discloses a power source adaptor for charging directly and a mobile terminal, where the power source adaptor for charging directly is timed to communicate with a mobile terminal which is a charging object, in the UART communication mode to obtain a change in voltage of a battery in the mobile terminal, adjusts dynamically a volt value of charging voltage output by the power source adaptor for charging directly according to the varying voltage of the battery, and charges directly the battery in the mobile terminal using the charging voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignees: HISENSE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., HISENSE USA CORPORATION, HISENSE INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ermeng Hu, Xintao Zhang, Jianmin Pi, Wenjuan Du
  • Patent number: 10046659
    Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter is provided. The apparatus comprises an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in the first bridge mode. The controller is configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Roman Bucher, Marcel Fischer, Hans Peter Widmer
  • Patent number: 10050478
    Abstract: A receiver for a wireless charging system, capable of receiving power energy using non-contact type magnetic induction, includes a coil capable of receiving the power energy and a part for generating a predetermined output power from the power energy received by the coil, a portable terminal, an NFC coil further provided outside of the coil, and a ferrite sheet further provided at the coil and the NFC coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KTHEPOWER INC.
    Inventors: Si-Han Kim, Gi-Yong Na
  • Patent number: 10050453
    Abstract: A power adapter has an adapter housing, AC to DC power conversion circuitry disposed within the adapter housing, a positive power contact and a negative power contact disposed on the adapter housing and operatively connected with the power conversion circuitry, AC wall outlet prongs mounted in one of the faces and operatively connected with the power conversion circuitry, a DC power connection interface connected by a cable to the adapter housing, wherein the cable operatively connects the DC power connection interface with the power conversion circuitry; and a magnet disposed in the first face of the adapter housing. The magnet and the power contacts of the power adapter mate with corresponding magnet and power contacts of a battery unit, which also includes a battery housing and an electrolyte disposed within the battery housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: HALO INTERNATIONAL SEZC LTD.
    Inventors: Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10040371
    Abstract: A charging system includes a vehicle (200) that receives electric power with which a storage battery (240) is charged, from an inlet (226), and a power feeding apparatus (100) that supplies the electric power to a power-feed-side connector (126) connected to the inlet (226). The power feeding apparatus (100) and the vehicle (200) share a temporary signal pattern given to a control signal, through communication via communication units (130, 270), separately from communication established by connection between the inlet (226) and the power-feed-side connector (126). The vehicle (200) specifies the power feeding apparatus (100) as a destination of wireless communication, as the apparatus connected to the inlet (226), based on matching of a temporary signal pattern detected from the control signal, with the shared temporary signal pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi Iwai
  • Patent number: 10044207
    Abstract: A universal power delivery cable includes a first connector, a second connector, and a power delivery controller. The first connector is used for coupling a host, wherein the host has a power delivery function. The second connector is used for coupling an electronic device. When the first connector is coupled the host, the second connector is coupled the electronic device, and the electronic device does not have the power delivery function, the power delivery controller makes the electronic device imitate to have the power delivery function. After the power delivery controller makes the electronic device imitate to have the power delivery function, the host charges the electronic device according to a specification of the power delivery function and a specification of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: eEver Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Min Hsu, Shao-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 10044204
    Abstract: The application discloses a power source adaptor for charging directly, where the power source adaptor for charging directly is timed to communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal which is a charging object, to obtain a change in voltage of a battery in the mobile terminal, adjusts dynamically a volt value of charging voltage output by the power source adaptor for charging directly according to the varying voltage of the battery, and charges directly the battery in the mobile terminal using the charging voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignees: HISENSE MOBHE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., HISENSE USA CORPORATION, HISENSE INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ermeng Hu, Wenjuan Du, Liangliang Xu
  • Patent number: 10034527
    Abstract: A luggage system employing a telescopically-extendable handle and rechargeable power supply assembly. The assembly includes a pair of spaced apart telescopic guide tubes for supporting a pair of telescopically-extendable rods joined to a handle structure. A base housing component is mounted in an aperture formed in the rear housing portion, and has a top surface. A battery module casing is mounted to and beneath the base housing component, and disposed substantially in the same plane as and between the pair of spaced apart telescopic guide tubes. A rechargeable DC battery power module is contained in the battery module casing, and provides a DC battery recharging port and a set of DC power supplying ports. Each such port is directly accessible through the top surface of the base housing component. A power port cover panel is hinged to the base housing component and has a closed configuration and an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: JRSK, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Korey, Jennifer Rubio, Bret Recor, Seth Murray, Charles Weber, Ahyoung Park
  • Patent number: 10033228
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing wireless charging are disclosed. One of the disclosed apparatuses is a wireless power transmitter which can receive charging power from a wireless power transmitter. When the wireless power transmitter detects a transition from a Stand Alone (SA) mode to a Non Stand Alone (NSA) mode, it generates a message that includes address information used to re-connect with the wireless power transmitter and transmits the message to the wireless power transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyung-Woo Lee, Kang-Ho Byun, Ho-Seong Lee, Hee-Won Jung
  • Patent number: 10020672
    Abstract: A network of participating geographically diverse organizations or locations that offer a bluetooth/wifi aggregated enhanced wireless charging system to charge personal digital assistants is provided. The enhanced wireless charging system includes a bluetooth charging outlet device that charges the personal digital assistant, and a bluetooth charging USB plug-in device. The bluetooth charging outlet device includes a function button that turns the bluetooth charging outlet device ON or OFF, ventilation slots that maintains air flow in the bluetooth charging outlet device to avoid overhearing The bluetooth charging USB plug-in device is coupled with the personal digital assistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: Donte Pitchford
  • Patent number: 10010633
    Abstract: A sterilization system consisting of a mobile emitter, a sensing subsystem and a data logging subsystem is described. The emitter has one or more UV emitting lamps or devices. The sensing system comprises at least one remote UV sensor and at least one door sensor. The door sensor comprises a safety shut off door detector and may contain an emergency stop detector and arming detector to protect people from being exposed to UV energy. The system has a remote control for starting, stopping and setting system parameters which include but are not limited to: treatment time, dosage, room size, room number, unit number, floor, facility name, operator name, operator identification number, password, default dosage values, dosage, and patient identification number. The number of treatments per unit of time can be maximized because of the use of incident light measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Steriliz, LLC
    Inventor: Sam Trapani
  • Patent number: 10014711
    Abstract: In a case where a mobile terminal charging device stops charging due to a decrease of charging efficiency, the cause thereof is, for example, that the mobile terminal is slightly moved on the upper surface of the installation plate, due to the vibration and inertia resulting from the driving of the automobile. In such a case, the mobile terminal charging device moves the charging coil to a portion corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal which is detected by the detector, using a drive unit, and thereafter resumes charging, in a condition that the position of the mobile terminal which is detected by the detector and the position of the charging coil are separated from each other by the second set distance or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Iwabuchi
  • Patent number: 10014696
    Abstract: A system includes: connectors electrically connected to storage battery packs respectively; at least one of a discharger that discharges electric power of the storage battery packs through the connectors and a charger that charges the storage battery packs through the connectors; an information holder that holds identification information of the connectors; a receiver that receives information of the storage battery packs and the identification information of the connectors connected to the storage battery packs, which the storage battery packs receive from the information holder, respectively from the storage battery packs through wireless communication; and a storage that stores the received information of the storage battery packs and the received identification information of the connectors connected to the storage battery packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Yutaka Iwahori
  • Patent number: 10014517
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus relating to three-dimensional battery structures and methods of manufacturing them are disclosed and claimed. In certain embodiments, a three-dimensional battery comprises a plurality of non-laminar, three-dimensional electrodes including a plurality of cathodes and a plurality of silicon anodes; and an electrolyte solution in fluid contact with the plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrolyte solution comprises a selected one of lithium (bis)trifluoromethanesulfonimide (LiTFSI), LiClO4, LiCF3SO3, and LiBOB. In certain embodiments, a three-dimensional battery comprises a plurality of electrodes including a plurality of cathodes and a plurality of silicon anodes, wherein either the plurality of cathodes or the plurality of silicon anodes are non-laminar, three-dimensional electrodes; and an electrolyte solution in fluid contact with the plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrolyte solution comprises a salt selected from LiTFSI, LiClO4, LiCF3SO3, and LiBOB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ENOVIX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert M. Spotnitz, Venkat Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 10000132
    Abstract: A present location of a host vehicle is determined. A processor detects that the host vehicle is connected to a charging station. A predetermined setting associated with the present location is accessed. A charging indicator light that indicates that the vehicle is connected to a charging station in accordance with the predetermined setting is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Roberts, William Najib Mansur, Mark Douglas Malone, Beth Ann Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 10003204
    Abstract: Compact and portable station for charging multiple mobile devices is described, embodiments of the station include: a rectangular housing comprising one or more removable battery packs comprising rechargeable battery cells, a divider plate, a main charging board configured as a charge and cell balancing circuit board, and a plurality of cord cartridges housing retractable cords, and a faceplate (interface) configured with interface ports, configured to enable charging of up to eight (8) connected electronic devices from the battery packs simultaneously. In another embodiment, the charging station further comprises a front panel display configured to display operating status information, such as battery charge level and power status. The unit is intended for use in public places for customer convenience and offering businesses advertising space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Clark
  • Patent number: 9997933
    Abstract: A charging device can include an input interface for receiving electrical power from a power source and an output interface for outputting electrical power to a mobile electronic device. The charging device can include a supplemental battery. A bypass electrical pathway can couple the input interface to the output interface to pass electrical charge from the power supply through the charging device to the mobile electronic device. A charging electrical pathway can couple the input interface to the supplemental battery. A discharge electrical pathway can couple the supplemental battery to the output interface. The bypass electrical pathway can include a voltage modifier configured to modify the voltage output by the output interface. The charging device can be configured to empirically determine the power capacity of the power supply. The charging device can monitor temperatures and/or battery health information, which can be used to reduce current or disable the charging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: mophie, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Huang, Vannin Gale, Kerloss Sadek
  • Patent number: 9998611
    Abstract: A method, a device and a system for implementing quick charging are provided. The method includes: a mobile terminal and a connected adapter respectively switching signal lines which extend into a charging interface to be connected with charging lines; and the adapter charging the mobile terminal with a set high-order power mode. The present disclosure uses the existing signal lines to thicken the charging lines, thereby the charging current is increased and the purpose of implementing quick charging is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Zhang, Yunan Zhang, Pan Ji, Lei Feng, Weishan Sun
  • Patent number: 9989968
    Abstract: A going back and charging system for a sweeping robot and a method for controlling the same are provided. The system includes: a charging station, configured to emit infrared signals to divide an area in front of the charging station into six different signal regions; six infrared receiving tubes; and a going back and charging control device, configured to control the six infrared receiving tubes to be turned on if the sweeping robot needs to be charged, to control the sweeping robot to walk toward the middle near field region if any one of the six infrared receiving tubes receives an infrared signal emitted from the charging station, and to control the sweeping robot to continue to walk until the sweeping robot docks with the charging station successfully if the fifth infrared receiving tube and the sixth infrared receiving tube receive an infrared signal of the middle near field region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: JIANGSU MIDEA CLEANING APPLIANCES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qiang Shen, Luokun Shen
  • Patent number: 9982336
    Abstract: The embodiments of the embodiments of the Nanostructure Lithium Ion Battery are comprised of a multi-layer coaxial assembly formed over a cylindrical core. The multilayers are each comprised of sublayers in order as follows: a copper sublayer with nano “chicken wire” embedded in the copper sublayer for current collection, a nanostructured aluminum substrate sublayer, a nanostructured cathode sublayer, an electrolyte sublayer, a nanostructured anode sublayer, and a copper interlayer sublayer. The nanobatteries are arranged in layered stacks of nanocells. The nanocells stacks are comprised of a plurality of individual octagonal shaped multilayer nanocells. Each nanocell stack is electrically connected to an array of other nanocells stacks via electrode contacts. A lower copper bus serves as the anode current collector and an upper copper bus serves as the cathode current collector. Pass-throughs connect to the appropriate cathode layers in the multilayer nanocell stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Frontier Electronic Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Lloyd Neal Salsman, Brady Andrew Whisenhunt
  • Patent number: 9985463
    Abstract: A controller of a mobile terminal charging device compares a resonance frequency or a resonance voltage of each of a plurality of foreign object detection coils with a reference resonance frequency or a reference resonance voltage of each foreign object detection coil, stored in a memory, corresponding to a position of a charging coil. The controller performs a safety operation on the basis of a comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Seki, Yuto Yamanishi, Ken Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 9985459
    Abstract: A wirelessly chargeable device, such as a smartphone, and a wireless-charging device are provided. The wirelessly chargeable device and the wireless-charging device comprise holding means for generating an attractive force between the wirelessly chargeable device and a charging surface of the wireless-charging device, so as to prevent displacement of the wirelessly chargeable device when placed on the charging surface, and processing means operative to release the wirelessly chargeable device from the charging surface in response to determining that a user intends to remove the wirelessly chargeable device from the charging surface. Advantageously, the wirelessly chargeable device may to be placed on a charging surface which is substantially vertical when in operation, effectively eliminating the need for manually securing the wirelessly chargeable device in order to prevent the wirelessly chargeable device from falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Matthew John Lawrenson, Lars Andersson, Till Burkert, Julian Charles Nolan, Jacob Ström
  • Patent number: 9979213
    Abstract: An animated battery charging assembly provides a charging dock for dual purposes of charging a battery for an electrical device, and providing an entertaining indicator of a power level for the battery during the charging through the use of an animated model that articulates in correlation to the power level of battery. The charging dock charges a battery for an electrical device. The charging dock also supports an attached model that depicts a character, like a fictional or real character capable of animation, audio, and illumination. A fan cools the electrical device during charging, and enhances an animation effect of the animated model. An amount of energy remaining in the battery of the electrical device during charging is depicted as a power level. The model articulates limbs, garment, and accessories in correlation to power level. Software communicates the power level pertinent to the animated model for an appropriate articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Kidakarn
  • Patent number: 9979147
    Abstract: A multi-functional USB hub includes a casing including U-shaped first openings, grooved rails alternating with the first openings, grooves each being inward of a corresponding grooved rail, each groove having a T-shaped cross-section and communicating with the corresponding grooved rail, and second, third, and fourth openings on a front end; a cover including inverted U-shaped openings, grooved rails alternating with the inverted U-shaped openings, and transverse top troughs, each interconnecting two opposite grooved rails and communicating therewith so that the casing and the cover are fastened together; a PCB in the casing and the cover and including USB ports on either side, each USB port being in both the first opening and its corresponding inverted U-shaped opening, LEDs on either side and alternating with the USB ports; and inverted U shaped sliding members, each including two vertical parts on two sides respectively, a horizontal part, and two inner slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 9973015
    Abstract: A battery cell (10) with two battery cell terminals (11, 12) which are contactable from inside and/or outside the battery cell (10), and an electrochemical part (20) comprising at least one separator. Upon the achievement of a predefined temperature, the at least one separator is at least partially impermeable to ions which can be generated in the electrochemical part (20). The battery cell (10) has a rapid discharge unit (30), which is connectable between the battery cell terminals (11, 12) and which, in a switched-in and consequently activated state, has a predefined resistance value. The predefined resistance value is selected such that, with the rapid discharge unit (30) switched-in, the at least one separator achieves the predefined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Lithium Energy and Power GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hideki Masuda, Yutaro Katsumata, Marcel Wilka, Marco Friedrich, Stephan Leuthner, Cornelius Liebenow, Yuji Ashida, Shunsuke Mizutani, Daisuke Konishi, Shinya Kitano
  • Patent number: 9960626
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Farhi, Wasath Viraja Mudalige, Christopher R. Paul
  • Patent number: 9958904
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wearable computing device (WCD) in the form of a ring that can be worn on the finger of a human user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Motiv Inc.
    Inventors: Curt C. von Badinski, Michael J. Strasser, Peter Twiss
  • Patent number: 9960622
    Abstract: A battery charger comprises: a housing having at least one cradle; a connector port for receiving at different times electrical plug connectors having different contact configurations; electrical receptacles in the connector port for receiving at different times electrical plug connectors associated with different electrical power supplies, plural electrical receptacles having different contact configurations; the plural electrical receptacles being closely adjacent such that an electrical connector inserted into one electrical receptacle physically prevents an electrical connector from being inserted into the other electrical receptacle; and an electrical circuit coupling electrical power received at the electrical receptacles to the at least one cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Ziegenfuss, Jon C. Zeisler, Raymond L. Sharrah, Thomas D. Boris
  • Patent number: 9954373
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for a power receiver circuit. A power receiver circuit may include power generating elements that may generate alternating current. The power receiver circuit may include group circuits that may connect power generating elements in parallel to combine the alternating current from the power generating elements into a single alternating current. The power receiver circuit may include rectifier circuits which may include rectifier channels connected to the group circuits and may include a rectifier that may generate direct current from alternating current. The power receiver circuit may include a step down converter connected to rectifier circuits that may convert direct current to direct current of a target voltage level. An output switch and linear regulator may be connected to the step down converter, and a microcontroller may be connected to the linear regulator and the output switch and may control the output switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: uBeam Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Bolus
  • Patent number: 9944338
    Abstract: A collapsible electric scooter, including a base frame enclosing an electric power source, a front assembly rotatably secured to the base frame, where the front assembly includes at least one motorized wheel secured to a front riser with a handle bar, a seat assembly removably secured to the base frame; and a rear assembly rotatably secured to at least one axle of the base frame, where the rear assembly includes at least one rear wheel and at least one rear axle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Mayer Behar
  • Patent number: 9941711
    Abstract: A method is provided for managing the level of charge of at least two batteries respectively powering a first and a second device. The devices are able to cooperate physically with one another via a modular interface, and the method includes a step of transferring energy from one of the batteries to the other of the batteries, the transferring step being implemented as a function of a level of charge of at least one of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: INGENICO GROUP
    Inventor: Pierre Lacroix
  • Patent number: 9935489
    Abstract: A portable device is provided. The portable device includes a power receiving unit configured to receive a first energy or a second energy from a wireless power transmitter, the first energy being used to perform a communication function and a control function, the second energy being used to charge a battery, and the wireless power transmitter being configured to wirelessly transmit a power, a voltage generator configured to generate a wake-up voltage from the first energy, or to generate a voltage for charging the battery from the second energy, a controller configured to perform the communication function and the control function, the controller being activated by the wake-up voltage, and a communication unit configured to perform a communication with the wireless power transmitter based on a control of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam Yun Kim, Sang Wook Kwon
  • Patent number: 9934046
    Abstract: A method for dynamically modifying a mobile device. The method includes a computer processor identifying a plurality of profiles on a mobile device. The method further includes a computer processor receiving one or more inputs on the mobile device. The method further includes a computer processor identifying at least one trigger that corresponds to the received one or more inputs, wherein the at least one trigger is associated with at least one profile of the plurality of profiles. The method further includes a computer processor determining if the at least one trigger activates a response, based at least in part, on data included in the at least one profile that is associated with the at least one trigger. The method further includes a computer processor responding to the determination that the at least one trigger activates a response and applying the response to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajaram B. Krishnamurthy, Daniel A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9935486
    Abstract: A wireless charging device capable of charging an electronic device is provided. The wireless charging device includes a supporting component, a stage and at least one electrical transmitter. The stage is used to carry the electronic device and is swingingly disposed on the platform through the supporting component. The electrical transmitter is movably disposed in the stage. When the electronic device is placed on an end of the stage which is relatively away from the supporting component, the stage swings in relative to the platform by using the supporting component as a fulcrum, and the stage is inclined to the platform. As a result, the electrical transmitter moves toward the electronic device due to gravitational pull, and thereby aligns with an electrical receiver in the electronic device so as to wirelessly charge the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Feng Huang, Yung-Ching Chu
  • Patent number: 9929576
    Abstract: A method, device and adaptor for dynamically adjusting charging current of the adaptor to achieve thermal protection and fast charging. The method includes the steps of: checking whether the adaptor is capable of providing a target current for a battery connected to a charger device, and generating a check result; and according to the check result, making the adaptor to adjust a charging voltage provided by the adaptor from a first voltage to a second voltage so as to adjust the charging current supplied by the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Lung Lee, Chih-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 9917472
    Abstract: A method and controller for controlling scheduled charging of an electric vehicle. A charging start time is scheduled in the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is connected to a charger by means of a control line. A standby signal is transfers on the control line, and the charger enters into a charging standby mode. A charging control switch of the electric vehicle is then turned on (and subsequently off) for a first time at every first period so that the charger stays in the charging standby mode. At the scheduled charging start time, the charging control switch is turned on and left on so that the charger starts charging the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Kil Baek
  • Patent number: 9917292
    Abstract: A battery cell includes a first electrode terminal, a second electrode terminal spaced from the first electrode terminal, and at least one sub terminal coupled to one of the first electrode terminal or the second electrode terminal. The at least one sub terminal includes at least one convex area and at least two concave areas. Each of the convex area and the at least two concave areas to establish an electrical connection with an electrode terminal of adjacent battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung SDI., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Kim, Jin-Man Jeoung, Sumihito Ishida
  • Patent number: 9912177
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus and methods for balancing charge in a plurality of cells in a battery. In one example apparatus, the primary winding of the transformer may be coupled to a bus, and the secondary winding may be coupled to a cell of the plurality of cells in the battery. The apparatus also includes a switch coupled to the primary winding of the transformer and one or more control circuits coupled to the switch. The control circuit may be configured to control the first switch based on a voltage at a first terminal of the primary winding to control transfer of power between the cell and the bus via the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: William Henry Von Novak, Linda Irish
  • Patent number: 9908435
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Proterra Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Hill, Michael Walker, Joshua Goldman, John Horth
  • Patent number: 9912023
    Abstract: A battery pack for an electric vehicle is disclosed. The battery pack includes an upper tray, a first busbar attached to the upper tray, a lower tray, and a second busbar attached to the lower tray. The battery pack also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in the upper and lower trays, and a cooling duct mechanically connecting the lower tray to the upper tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: THUNDER POWER NEW ENERGY VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Francesco Mastrandrea, Peter Tutzer
  • Patent number: 9912165
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for a power receiver circuit. A power generating mechanism may include power generating elements that may generate alternating current signals. Rectifier circuit may include rectifiers that may generate a direct current signal from an alternating current signal, and diodes. Group circuits that may connect groups of rectifier circuits in electrical circuits to combine the direct current signals from the rectifier circuits in a group into a single direct current signal. A step down converter may be connected to the group circuits. The step down converter may convert a direct current signal to a direct current signal of a target voltage level. An output switch may be connected to the step down converter. A linear regulator may be connected to the step down converter. A microcontroller may be connected to the linear regulator and the output switch and may control the output switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: uBeam Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Gao, Jonathan Bolus
  • Patent number: 9899852
    Abstract: A power bank charging system is provided and includes a power pin and a data transmission pin through which a charging current is provided to a power bank device, so as to increase a total charging current of the power bank device and thus shorten a charging time of the power bank device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Ta-Sung Hsiung