Charging Station For Electrically Powered Vehicle Patents (Class 320/109)
  • Patent number: 12046844
    Abstract: A liquid-cooled charging system for a vehicle is configured to dissipate heat generated during charging (including fast-charging) of an electrically-powered vehicle. The liquid-cooled charging system includes a charging assembly having an interface assembly configured to support a charging plug of a charging station and an energy transfer assembly configured to electrically couple the charging station to the battery of the vehicle during charging. Components of the charging assembly and energy transfer assembly also define a fluid circuit. A coolant system of the liquid-cooled charging system is fluidly connected to the fluid circuit, allowing coolant to flow through the fluid circuit to dissipate heat from the charging assembly components during charging of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Donald Cole, Max Daniel McVety
  • Patent number: 12046934
    Abstract: A charging post controller with various functional modules connected by a PCB, and a charging post thereof. The controller includes a monitoring unit (1), a direct-current main loop unit (2) and a mounting and fixing unit (3), wherein the monitoring unit (1) comprises a PCB (11) and an electronic circuit forming electrically connected functional modules (4), and the functional modules (4) are mounted on the mounting and fixing unit (3), to form a laminated arrangement structure among the monitoring unit (1), the direct-current main loop unit (2) and the mounting and fixing unit (3). A charging post using the controller has a relatively high degree of integration, relatively small overall volume and relatively low comprehensive cost, and is relatively easily promoted and applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: SICHUAN INJET NEW ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shaode Liu, Xiaofa Chen, Gang Huang
  • Patent number: 12043137
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a plurality of charging stations accommodatable under a ground surface. The power supply system comprises a determination unit that determines a power supply facility available for supplying power to a target vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits, to the target vehicle, guidance information for guiding the target vehicle to the determined charging station by automatic driving. The target vehicle is guided to the available charging station by automatic driving. The user can reach the available charging station without searching for it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeki Kinomura
  • Patent number: 12046914
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Henrik Nielsen
  • Patent number: 12043139
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present application provide a low-voltage power transmission system, a DCDC converter and a control method, a device and a medium, relating to the field of battery power. The control method includes: acquiring a charging signal; acquiring a vehicle start signal; acquiring an enabling signal; when each of the charging signal, the vehicle activating start signal, and the enabling signal is at a low level, and no communication message sent by a battery management system (BMS) is received, determining that a vehicle is in a power-off state and enters a sleep mode; when a duration of the sleep mode reaches a preset duration, performing self-awakening, and outputting, to the BMS, an awakening signal for awakening the BMS and making the BMS enter a working mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited
    Inventors: Xiao Wang, Zhimin Dan
  • Patent number: 12043128
    Abstract: An apparatus for conductive charging has a vehicle part fixed on a vehicle and a fixed robot part movable relative to the vehicle part the parts being fittable together for charging. Respective sets of vehicle and robot contacts are provided in housing the robot and vehicle parts. The robot contacts in the robot part are recessed in the housing of the robot part and the vehicle contacts are nonmovably mounted in the housing of the vehicle part. A robot base carries the robot contacts of the robot part. A contact tab extends from the robot base. A vehicle base carries the contacts of the vehicle part and is formed by a plurality of base sections surrounding a cylindrical sleeve. A contact spring extends from between two of the base sections of the vehicle base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignees: HIRSCHMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH, BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
    Inventors: Marco Weiss, Werner Jaeger, Bernhard Hoess, Manfred Holzmann, Alexander Ewald
  • Patent number: 12044538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for recommending a charging station, the method includes: determining, based on personal preference information of a user of an electric vehicle, a specific area reachable by the electric vehicle and suitable for charging the electric vehicle, when receiving a request for searching for a charging station for the electric vehicle; recommending a suitable charging station located in the specific area to the electric vehicle for charging. A suitable charging station may be recommended to the electric vehicle for charging with the method and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Xin Zhang, Ning Duan, Wei Sun, Hang Gao, Weidong Liu
  • Patent number: 12036883
    Abstract: An adapter for converting a dumb charger into a smart charger comprises a first input interface for interconnecting the adapter with a first charging connector of the dumb charger. A second input interface interconnects the adapter with a second charging connector of an electric vehicle. A wireless communications interface provides wireless connectivity to the adapter. Control circuitry interconnects the first input interface with the second input to provide a power connection for selectively providing a charging signal from the first input interface to the second input interface responsive to commands received over the wireless communications interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Power Hero Corp.
    Inventor: Esmond Goei
  • Patent number: 12036886
    Abstract: An electrical system can include a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter. The DC-DC converter is connected to the RESS and configured to connect to a DC charging station. The DC-DC converter is configured to selectively connect the RESS to the DC charging station such that a charging current is selectively provided to the RESS during a recharging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Lei Hao, Samantha Gunter Miller, Chengwu Duan
  • Patent number: 12037021
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine that it has an amount of power remaining projected to be needed to reach a recharging point by autonomously traveling with predefined systems disabled. The vehicle may disable the predefined systems and travel towards the recharging point. Subsequent to the disabling, the autonomous vehicle may determine that it no longer has the amount of power remaining projected to be needed to reach the recharging point. The vehicle may then communicate with a server and request assistance. The vehicle may then travel to an instructed rendezvous point with a second autonomous vehicle, the rendezvous received from the server. The two vehicles may then communicate to allow the first vehicle to leverage a capability of the second autonomous vehicle, responsive to the first and second autonomous vehicles being within communication range, allowing the first vehicle to reach the recharging point via the leveraging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Lei, Arpita Chand, Somak Datta Gupta, Vladyslav Slyusar, Jayanthi Rao
  • Patent number: 12040636
    Abstract: A charging system is provided herein. The charging system includes an alternating current (AC) power source, opening/closing rectifying units composed of rectifying circuits and opening/closing circuits, and a control device. The rectifying circuits are connected to modules formed by dividing a battery into the modules. The rectifying circuits supply direct current (DC) electric power obtained by rectifying AC electric power supplied from the AC power source to the modules. The opening/closing circuits switch between connection and disconnection between the AC power source and each of the modules. The control device controls connection and disconnection of the opening/closing circuits in accordance with a state quantity of at least one of an output voltage of the AC power source and an input voltage of the rectifying circuits or a state quantity associated with at least one of the output voltage and the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasumichi Onuki
  • Patent number: 12036882
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a recharging station including a landing pad, a rechargeable component coupled to the landing pad, and a power delivery unit configured to deliver power from a power supply unit or power storage unit to the recharging component. Rechargeable component includes a plurality of charging units placed at predetermined spacings from one another. The plurality of charging units allows for the electric aircraft to land in any orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Jake Pill, Cole William Hanson
  • Patent number: 12037821
    Abstract: A system for a replenishment door of a vehicle includes a body having a port and defining a latch aperture, a door pivotably attached to the body with a hinge, a system controller, and a latch assembly. The door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The latch assembly is configured for securing the door to the housing in the closed position. Further, the latch assembly includes a housing and a light source disposed within the housing, the light source being configured to project light through the housing, and the system controller being configured to control an intensity of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Constantin Mahler, Thomas Lechner-Watzlik
  • Patent number: 12036889
    Abstract: An energy supply system includes at least one energy supply vehicle and an information processing apparatus. The at least one energy supply vehicle is configured to be able to supply energy to at least one target vehicle that is subject to energy supply. The information processing apparatus is configured to manage operation of the at least one energy supply vehicle. The information processing apparatus is configured to create an operation schedule including a supply schedule for supplying energy to the at least one target vehicle, based on a travel plan for the at least one target vehicle and information on a remaining energy amount that are received from the at least one target vehicle, and transmit the created operation schedule to the at least one energy supply vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Aya Sato, Kuniaki Jinnai, Taiki Yamashita, Eduard Vandersmitte, Gunnar Heinisch, Jake Morrow
  • Patent number: 12036879
    Abstract: A method of managing energy service for a plurality of assets of different types connected to a plurality of grid connection points includes determining, by a respective asset, a quantity of the energy service to be realized by the respective asset during a connection event; responsive to the respective asset being of a first type; detecting a grid connection point identifier that identifies an associated grid connection point associated with the respective asset of the first type used for the connection event; and sending, by the respective asset, connection event information, wherein the connection event information includes at least one of: the determined quantity of the energy service and an asset identifier, responsive to the respective asset not being of the first type; or the determined quantity of the energy service and the detected grid connection point identifier, responsive to the respective asset being of the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: The AES Corporation
    Inventors: John Christopher Shelton, John Michael Zahurancik
  • Patent number: 12030671
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for effector reboot on an electric aircraft during flight. An effector controller may perform a power on built-in test on boot. An effector controller may selective perform an additional built-in test (ABIT) on boot based on instructions from a flight controller. The flight controller may use flags to indicate the necessity of an ABIT on boot. The effector controller may not perform an ABIT during flight. A backup controller may be used to send standard commands to an effector controller but may not sent an ABIT command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Woodall, Timothy Gerard Richter, Michael John Shaw
  • Patent number: 12027899
    Abstract: An example integrated circuit includes: (i) a processing subsystem configured to control operation of the integrated circuit, (ii) a waveform generator, operatively coupled to the processing subsystem, configured to generate radio frequency (RF) power transmission signals using an input current, (iii) a first digital interface that couples the integrated circuit with a plurality of power amplifiers that are external to the integrated circuit, and (iv) a second digital interface, distinct from the first digital interface, that couples the integrated circuit with a wireless communication component that is external to the integrated circuit. The processing subsystem is configured to: receive, via the second digital interface, an indication that a receiver is within transmission range of a transmitting device controlled by the circuit, and in response to receiving the indication: provide, via the first digital interface, the RF power transmission signals to at least one of the plurality of power amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Cesar A. Johnston, Brian Bosso
  • Patent number: 12024041
    Abstract: A system for electrical charging of a first vehicle by a second vehicle includes a network access device to communicate with a first source that includes at least one of the first vehicle or a mobile device associated with a user of the first vehicle. The system further includes a processor coupled to the network access device that is designed to receive a charge request from the first source via the network access device, the charge request requesting access to a source of electrical energy for charging the first vehicle. The processor is further designed to identify an available vehicle that is available to be used as the source of electrical energy for charging the first vehicle. The processor is further designed to control the network access device to transmit available vehicle information corresponding to the available vehicle to the first source in response to receiving the charge request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Masashi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 12017556
    Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) charging method which considers the EVs heterogeneity, taking into account the absence of any information about future arrivals and departures, and of the amount of time any charging will take. The method further considers both switch on and off possibilities and not an arbitrarily small minimum charging power. In order to achieve all these objectives, the invention defines novel metrics and uses them to construct a dedicated optimization problem. As the charging power is discontinuous, the minimum charging power not being arbitrarily small, the optimization problem is mixed integer by nature. Further, because the mixed-integer optimization is difficult to perform in real-time, the invention proposes a heuristic for reducing the number of integer variables, thus reducing the complexity of the problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jagdish Prasad Achara, Cong Wang, Mario Paolone, Roman Rudnik, Jean-Yves Le Boudec, Lorenzo Enrique Reyes Chamorro
  • Patent number: 12017552
    Abstract: A charging device for a motor vehicle having a device input interface and a device output interface, wherein the charging device comprises a plurality of charging modules to which an input voltage can be provided by a respective module input interface and the device input interface, wherein a respective voltage rectifier of the respective charging module is configured to convert the input voltage into an output voltage provided at a respective module output interface, wherein the module output interfaces are connected in parallel with the device output interface, wherein a charging module removed from the charging device can be used separately from the charging device as a charger in order to charge the energy storage device of the motor vehicle or a further motor vehicle from the power source or a further power source, wherein the respective charging module comprises a control device which is configured on the one hand, to detect at least one operating parameter of the respective charging module and/or to re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Tobias Graßl
  • Patent number: 12018955
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting electric vehicle charging options that include determining a current geo-location of an electric vehicle and determining a current state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle. The system and method also include determining at least one charging station that is within a remaining distance that the electric vehicle is capable of traveling based on the current geo-location of the electric vehicle and the current state of charge of the battery of the electric vehicle. The system and method further include presenting a charging station map user interface that pin points the current geo-location of the electric vehicle and the at least one charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eri Izumi Maeda, David Wong Cun, Satoru Shinzaki
  • Patent number: 12015129
    Abstract: A vehicle battery charger and a vehicle battery charging system are described and illustrated, and can include a controller enabling a user to enter a time of day at which the vehicle battery charger or system begins and/or ends charging of the vehicle battery. The vehicle battery charger can be separate from the vehicle, can be at least partially integrated into the vehicle, can include a transmitter and/or a receiver capable of communication with a controller that is remote from the vehicle and vehicle charger, and can be controlled by a user or another party (e.g., a power utility) to control battery charging based upon a time of day, cost of power, or other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher B. Austin
  • Patent number: 12012225
    Abstract: A device and a method for introducing a drone to an area of interest are presented. The delivery system may include a housing, a drone, either a timer or a receiver, a lock mechanism, and a biasing mechanism. The housing further includes a pair of parts with or without subparts. At least one sensor is attached to the drone. The timer or the receiver is secured to the housing and communicable with the lock mechanism to control function thereof. The lock mechanism is adapted to releasably secure the parts or the subparts. The drone is enclosed within the housing in a CLOSED configuration when the lock mechanism is locked. The biasing mechanism separates the parts or the subparts to an OPEN configuration when the lock mechanism is unlocked. The drone is introducible to the area of interest in the CLOSED configuration and separable from the housing in the OPEN configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph W. Warwick, Jason T. Erdreich
  • Patent number: 12012012
    Abstract: A assembly for authenticated communication of data during recharge of an electric aircraft is presented. The assembly includes a charging connector, wherein the charging connector is configured to mate with an electric aircraft port of the electric aircraft, and a computing device communicatively connected to the charging connector. The computing device is configured to establish a communication link with an electric aircraft, receive an authentication datum from the electric aircraft, verify the authentication datum as a function of an authentication module, and transmit an aircraft update datum to the electric aircraft as a function of the verification of the authentication datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Hoekje List, Vincent Moeykens
  • Patent number: 12005806
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic control of a configuration of electrical circuits are provided. An example system includes a plurality of electric power sources and a plurality of switches configured to connect and disconnect some of the electric power sources. The system may include a controller coupled to the switches. The controller may be configured to enable and disable the switches to cause a change in a configuration of the connections between the electric power sources. The electric power sources can include at least one generator and at least two batteries. The controller can be further configured to cause a change in the configuration to connect the two batteries in series to a load for discharging and connect the two batteries in parallel to the generator for recharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Premergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Edward Botts, Lanier M. Davenport, Andrew L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 12005804
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a plurality of charging stations accommodatable under a ground surface. The power supply system comprises a determination unit that determines a power supply facility available for supplying power to a target vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits, to the target vehicle, guidance information for guiding the target vehicle to the determined charging station by automatic driving. The target vehicle is guided to the available charging station by automatic driving. The user can reach the available charging station without searching for it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeki Kinomura
  • Patent number: 12007241
    Abstract: A server includes a processor to acquire a current position of a moving body used by a user, a remaining battery level of a rechargeable battery of the moving body used by the user, and a first destination of the user, and in a case where a new second destination different from the first destination is input, set, for the moving body, a charging travelling route passing a charging path capable of charging the battery on a way from the current position to the second destination based on the remaining battery level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sugimoto, Kotoru Sato, Kumiko Katsumata, Shun Ota, Takahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 12006159
    Abstract: A system includes a storage facility configured to store drones. The system may also include at least one robotic element configured to move the drones to and from the storage facility and a conveyor configured to move the drones to a launching area. The at least one robotic element may include an articulating arm configured to move a first drone from the storage facility to the conveyor, in response to identifying that the first drone is selected for a flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: X, David A. Newell
  • Patent number: 12005793
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems, vehicles, and methods to switchably provide electric power to a battery system and an external system, such as another battery system, from a single charging system or other source of electric power. In an illustrative embodiment, a charging input coupling couplable to an electric power source; a charging output coupling; a battery system coupling couplable to a rechargeable battery system; and an electric switching device electrically couplable to the charging input coupling, the charging output coupling, and the battery system coupling, and configured to selectively operate in an operating mode including at least one of a first mode and a second mode, wherein: in the first mode, the electric switching device directs the electric power to a the battery system coupling, and in the second mode, the electric switching device directs the electric power to the charging output coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, L.L.C
    Inventors: Tyler Erikson, Kyle Underhill, Tyler Jennings Bennett, Trent Warnke
  • Patent number: 12005792
    Abstract: A system includes an automatic charging device. The automatic charging device includes a movable arm configured to connect a charging plug head in electric communication with a vehicle inlet of an electric vehicle. The system includes a current detector configured to be in electrical communication with the automatic charging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: ABB E-MOBILITY B.V.
    Inventors: Gregory Cole, Ali Ugur, Will Eakins
  • Patent number: 12001983
    Abstract: A power storage device management system includes a storage device configured to store power storage devices that are removably mounted on an electric power device using electric power and a server device communicatively connected to the storage device. The server device includes a first storage unit storing identification information of a power storage device shared by a plurality of users among the power storage devices as storage identification information. The storage device includes a second storage unit storing the storage identification information received from the server device and a determiner configured to determine whether or not reception of the power storage device is possible on the basis of the storage identification information stored in the second storage unit when the power storage device has been received from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuniaki Ikui
  • Patent number: 11999251
    Abstract: A charging station assembly capable of generating and delivering a conditioned airflow while charging a battery of a vehicle. The temperature and flow rate of this conditioned airflow may be controlled based on the ambient conditions and battery status. The conditioned airflow may be directed toward an outside heat exchanger of a refrigerant system of the vehicle to enhance capacity. The conditioned airflow may also be routed to a battery pack for direct cooling or heating through additional ventilation system. In hot ambient conditions, the charging station provides cool air to facilitate battery cooling. In cold ambient conditions, the charging station provides hot air to facilitate battery heating. This charging station assembly shifts the load from the vehicle refrigerant system to the charging system, thereby improving battery thermal management capability, while eliminating the need for an oversized refrigerant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jing He, Henry Huang
  • Patent number: 11999257
    Abstract: A battery device receives a state of charge (SOC) a SOC setting range, charge at least one battery pack, estimates a SOC based on state information of the at least one battery pack, monitors whether the estimated SOC reaches a charging reference value corresponding to an upper limit of the SOC setting range, and stops charging when it is confirmed through a result of the monitoring that the estimated SOC reaches the charging reference value. The SOC setting range may be determined based on driving information of a vehicle, and may be within a SOC limiting range in which degradation of battery cells included in the at least one battery pack is the lowest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventor: Hyeok Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11993169
    Abstract: Provided are electric vehicle charging systems (EV charging systems) and methods of operating such systems for charging electric vehicles (EVs). A system, which may be referred to as electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), comprises one or more EV charging ports (e.g., charge handles) for connecting to EVs. The system may include various features to identify specific EVs. The system also includes a grid connector for connecting to an external power grid and, in some examples, to monitor the power grid conditions (e.g., voltage, AC frequency). The system also includes a system controller, configured to control the power output at each EV charging port based on, e.g., vehicle charging requirements and/or available grid power. The system can also include an integrated battery, serving as a backup and/or an addition to the power grid. Furthermore, in some examples, the system includes a solar connector (e.g., with an integrated inverter) for connection to an external solar array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Intrinsic Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Broc William TenHouten, David Brian TenHouten, Eahab Nagi El Naga, Kenneth James Goodstein, Kurt Jason Mitts, Michael Karl Lee
  • Patent number: 11993168
    Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) receives, from an electric vehicle (EV) connected to the EVSE, one or more electric vehicle (EV) operator-specific parameters that are specific to an EV operator, where the one or more EV operator-specific parameters affect charging service for the EV at the EVSE, and where the one or more EV operator-specific parameters are received automatically as a result of the EV being connected to the EVSE. The EVSE applies the one or more EV operator-specific parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: CHARGEPOINT, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Rodine
  • Patent number: 11993164
    Abstract: A vehicle on-board electrical system having an AC voltage charging connection, a rechargeable traction battery, which is designed as a high-voltage rechargeable battery, and a power factor correction filter. The power factor correction filter connects the AC voltage charging connection directly to the rechargeable traction battery. The operating voltage range of the rechargeable traction battery is within the output voltage range of the power factor correction filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Gabriel Marzahn, Martin Götzenberger, Manuel Brunner, Franz Pfeilschifter
  • Patent number: 11993173
    Abstract: Battery management techniques for a vehicle include a set of sensors configured to measure a set of parameters of a battery of the vehicle and a controller configured to control recharging of the battery to a first target state of charge (SOC) corresponding to optimized battery life when a mileage of the vehicle is less than a threshold mileage corresponding to an expected transport period of the vehicle, wherein controlling the recharging of the battery to the first target SOC prevents battery malfunctions and thereby reduces vehicle warranty costs for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the vehicle, and control recharging of the battery to a second target SOC determined by a cost-based optimization technique when the mileage of the vehicle reaches the threshold mileage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Basil M Khaja, Joseph B Adams, David R Pedro, Rohit V Koli, Leo Bauer
  • Patent number: 11987144
    Abstract: An example operation includes one or more of receiving, at a charging station, a first amount of energy from a transport at a first level and at a time and providing, at the charging station, a second amount of energy to the transport at a level less than the first level at another time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Norman Lu, Maximilian Parness
  • Patent number: 11987143
    Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle includes a connector suspended on a flexible cable and an adapter having a plug at a first end and an adapter port at a second end opposite the first end. The plug is removably disposed in a charging port of the vehicle and the adapter port extends outward from the vehicle. The connector is movable along a plurality of axes perpendicular to one another into a mated position with the adapter port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Westfalia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Labell, David Matthew Weder, Ian Todd
  • Patent number: 11987146
    Abstract: A power management system includes a plurality of power storages and a server. The server includes a selector that selects at least one of the plurality of power storages, a scheduler that makes a schedule for the selected power storage, and a request processor that requests a user of the selected power storage to control at least one of external charging and external power feed in accordance with the made schedule. The server obtains desire information that indicates a desire level (priority on battery life/priority on an incentive) and carries out at least one of selection of the power storage and making of the schedule based on the obtained desire information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Tsuchiya, Toru Nakamura, Shigeki Kinomura, Hidetoshi Kusumi, Hironobu Kitaoka
  • Patent number: 11981217
    Abstract: A system for a drive energy store of a hybrid or electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a receiver which is designed to receive state information of the drive energy store, the state information specifying whether a defect is present or imminent in the drive energy store; and a charging controller, which is designed to adjust a maximum charging voltage and/or a maximum state of charge for a charging process of the drive energy store by a recovery mechanism and/or a load point shift and/or an external charging station to a reduced value if the state information indicates that the defect is imminent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Friegel, Robert Lustig, Bernhard Sessner, Hubertus Welsch
  • Patent number: 11984750
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a battery management system including a reception unit configured to receive a start signal and a completion signal of job from another battery management system, a transmission unit configured to transmit the start signal and the completion signal of job by broadcast, a storage unit configured to store a time table including a job code of a plurality of jobs to be executed, a priority of corresponding job, and an execution time and period of corresponding job, a synchronization unit configured to execute synchronization of a job execution time using the received start signal or the received completion signal of job and the time table, and a job execution unit configured to execute a job using the time table stored in the storage unit and a time calculated by the synchronization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Hyun Kwon, Chan Ha Park
  • Patent number: 11979047
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include a switching module for a charger includes a support member, a first busbar coupled to the support member, the first busbar being configured to conduct electrical current, and a second busbar coupled to the support member, the second busbar being configured to conduct electrical current. The switching module also includes a first switch coupled to the first busbar and configured to move a first contactor. The switching module further includes a second switch coupled to the second busbar and configured to move a second contactor. The switching module also includes a third switch coupled to the first busbar and configured to move a third contactor. Further, the switching module includes a fourth switch coupled to the second busbar and configured to move a fourth contactor, the third and fourth switches being configured to electrically connect and disconnect the first and second busbar with at least a second power dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Warren Merritt, Thomas Hahn Kim, Jason Huang
  • Patent number: 11975618
    Abstract: A high-voltage charging arrangement (2) is provided for charging a traction battery (20) of an electric vehicle at a DC charging station (4). The DC charging station (4) has a first voltage (Vin) and the traction battery (20) has a second voltage (Vout). At least one DC-DC converter (10) has a first conduction path (12) with a converter (16) for transforming the first voltage (Vin) into the second voltage (Vout) and a second conduction path (14) has a bypass (18) for bypassing the converter (16). A control device (26) communicates with the DC charging station (4) is possible. An input element (28) is provided for selecting a conduction path (12, 14) and is connected to the control device (26) for control purposes. A method also is provided for performing a charging process for a traction battery (20) of an electric vehicle at a DC charging station (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: David Dallinger, Sven Toepler, Leonie Weidenmann, Jana Schilling, Pavithra Rao Kasargod Pattanshetty, Wolf-Georg Rampf
  • Patent number: 11975441
    Abstract: A gripper device for an object and a changing robot having such a gripper device. The gripper device includes a housing having an inner contour that is a negative contour adapted at least partly to the contour of an object. Also disclosed is a charge plug for a transportation vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Stephan Herold, Daniel Schütz, Kristin Fondahl, Annika Raatz, Serhat Ibrahim, Julius Ibenthal, Felix Bartling
  • Patent number: 11975619
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controller units, direct current fast charging (DCFC) units, and methods. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller unit includes a controller and a memory configured to store computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the controller to determine status of a power electronics module (PEM) of a direct current fast charging (DCFC) unit, and instruct the PEM to control power quality of a three-phase alternating current (AC) grid power signal in response to the determined status being available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Steven Schulz, Ming Li
  • Patent number: 11975628
    Abstract: Techniques for charging a battery associated with a vehicle are discussed herein. A dense charging station for charging the battery may have lanes arranged in parallel, and each of the lanes may have sequential charging locations. A vehicle utilizing the charging station may position itself at the first available charging location, being receiving energy, and determine if a subsequent charging station becomes available in the lane, and then position itself at the subsequent charging location, once available. Multiple charging stations may be required to maintain a threshold power state for individual vehicles in a fleet of vehicles providing a service for a geographic region. A charging coordinator may determine when a battery of a vehicle does not satisfy a threshold power state and requires a recharge. Additionally, the charging coordinator may determine a candidate charging station from among multiple charging stations associated with the geographic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventor: Vamsi Krishna Pathipati
  • Patent number: 11971443
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system is provided. In some embodiments, the electric vehicle charging system can comprise an electric vehicle comprising a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) booster that boosts a first voltage to a second voltage of a battery of the electric vehicle, and a first insulation monitoring device (IMD) comprising an active symmetrization circuit. In various embodiments, the electric vehicle charging system can further comprise an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a second IMD and an output voltage comprising the first voltage, wherein the first IMD is communicatively coupled to the second IMD, and wherein the first IMD adjusts a third voltage on a negative side of insulation resistance of the electric vehicle to a fourth voltage on a negative side of insulation resistance of the electric vehicle supply equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ustun Saglam, Narendar Rao Gannamaneni
  • Patent number: 11964575
    Abstract: A control apparatus is used for an electric electric vehicle. The electric vehicle charges a storage battery with electric power that is supplied while traveling in a power supply lane that is a travelling road on which contactless power supply is able to be performed. The control apparatus for the electric vehicle includes a charging control unit and a range changing unit. The charging control unit controls charging of a storage battery of an electric vehicle such that a charge amount of the storage battery falls within a target range that is a preset range. The range changing unit changes at least one of an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the target range based on a state of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomomi Hase
  • Patent number: 11964576
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a wireless charger that wirelessly receives power from an external source, cameras, LEDs, a speaker, and at least one controller programmed individually or in combination to, when the wireless charger is receiving power from the external source, process images from at least one of the cameras and operate the LEDs and the speaker based on detection of an object within the images. The controller may change the color of the LEDs and/or sound emitted by the speaker in response to whether the object is detected within a first zone farther from the vehicle or a second zone nearer the vehicle. The LEDs and cameras may be positioned on external side mirrors, front, rear, and/or underbody portions of the vehicle. The speaker may be external to the vehicle cabin and provide an audible signal when operating the vehicle in electric mode at low speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Mackenzie, Jonathan Barker