Charging Station For Electrically Powered Vehicle Patents (Class 320/109)
  • 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: 11966861
    Abstract: An operation planning system that creates an operation plan of a vehicle with a rechargeable battery as a travel energy source includes: a reception unit configured to receive request information including a departure location and a destination from a user; and an operation determining unit configured to determine an operation plan in response to the request information. The operation determining unit is configured to derive a state of charge shortage by which there is a shortage when the vehicle travels in an operation section based on the state of charge of the vehicle and to create the operation plan by allocating a vehicle, which is able to be charged with the derived state of charge shortage until an operation of the vehicle starts, to the operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yu Nagata, Toshihiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11967838
    Abstract: An auxiliary power receiving device includes a power receiving unit, a notification unit, and a notification controlling unit. The power receiving unit receives power from a power transfer signal, which is used to supply power from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device. The notification unit may be provided on a main surface of a plate-shaped member. The notification controlling unit controls a notification performed by the notification unit in accordance with a power reception condition of the power transfer signal at the power receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Sakai, Shinichiro Fuki, Teppei Abe, Shigeo Takeda, Yuki Tokuyama
  • Patent number: 11964579
    Abstract: The present invention includes a cable guide that guide a charging cable out of a rotating chamber; a rotating cylinder that is hollow inside and a form of bottom opened drum; a rotating disk, which has a fan shaped charging cable through hole and is formed from rotating cylinder's open bottom, that rotates the rotating cylinder; a fixed chamber located symmetrically below the rotating disk; a rotating support module, located under the center of the rotating disk, that rotates the rotating disk; a power module that provides torque to the rotation support module. The invention provides ease of shortening and lengthening depending on charging mode and standby mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: DAEYOUNG CHAEVI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Kyo Jung
  • Patent number: 11964582
    Abstract: A system for diagnosing an in-cable control box (ICCB) is installed in a vehicle, electrically connected, at one side thereof, to a low-speed charging cable having the ICCB, electrically connected, at another side thereof, to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) device, and is configured to diagnose the ICCB. The system includes a Control Pilot (CP) data conversion unit configured to receive charging situation data produced from the ICCB; a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication unit configured to receive diagnosis initiating data for the ICCB produced from the OBD device; and a control unit configured to receive the charging situation data from the CP data conversion unit, convert the charging situation data into data recognizable by the OBD device, receive the diagnosis initiating data from the CAN communication unit, and convert the diagnosis initiating data into data recognizable by the ICCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, Yura Corporation Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Jae Jung, Young-Hoo Yoon, Dae-Hwan Kwon
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11962173
    Abstract: A system for use with a direct current fast-charging (DCFC) station includes a controller and battery system. The battery system includes first and second battery packs, and first, second, and third switches. The switches have ON/OFF conductive states commanded by the controller to connect the battery packs in a parallel-connected (P-connected) or series-connected (S-connected) configuration. An electric powertrain with one or more electric machines is powered via the battery system. First and second charge ports of the system are connectable to the station via a corresponding charging cable. The first charge port receives a low or high charging voltage from the station. The second charge port receives a low charging voltage. When the station can supply the high charging voltage to the first charge port, the controller establishes the S-connected configuration via the switches, and thereafter charges the battery system solely via the first charge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lei Hao, Yue-Yun Wang, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Chandra S. Namuduri, Rashmi Prasad, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 11958378
    Abstract: A movable battery replacing platform includes a travel-driving portion used for driving the movable battery replacing platform to move on the ground; a lifting portion mounted on the travel-driving portion, for lifting a battery during the replacement of the battery; and a battery mounting portion mounted on the top of the lifting portion, for placing a battery to be replaced or a replaced battery. The battery mounting porting is provided with a battery replacing device. The device can use an unlocking device to unlock a battery locked on the bottom of an electric vehicle, automatically aligning an unlocking point of a battery locking mechanism and realizing automatic unlocking in the movement. The angle of an upper board relative to the battery unlocking position can be adjusted by a movement actuating device, so that the unlocking point of the battery can automatically fit where the movable battery replacing platform remains still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: SHANGHAI DIANBA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., AULTON NEW ENERGY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY GROUP
    Inventors: Jianping Zhang, Chunhua Huang, Junqiao Zhou, Minghou Zhu, Xiaodong Li, Rui Zou, Shiyong Di
  • Patent number: 11958377
    Abstract: A vehicle diagnosis system, an apparatus therefor, and a method therefore are provided. The vehicle diagnosis system includes a wireless charging station that transmits a message including information related to a supportable service type and information related to a vendor of a supportable vehicle and a vehicle that identifies the message and connect a diagnosis session for diagnosing and reprogramming the vehicle. The diagnosis session is performed when a connection for a wireless charging session of the vehicle is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, YURA CORPORATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Sun Oh, Kwang Hae Ye, Ji Heon Kwon, Joon Hyuk Eom, Jae Hwan Na, Yong Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 11958380
    Abstract: Dynamic allocation of power modules for charging electric vehicles is described herein. The charging system includes multiple dispensers that each include one or more power modules that can supply power to any one of the dispensers at a time. A dispenser includes a first power bus that is switchably connected to one or more local power modules and switchably connected to one or more power modules located remotely in another dispenser. The one or more local power modules are switchably connected to a second power bus in the other dispenser. The dispenser includes a control unit that is to cause the local power modules and the remote power modules to switchably connect and disconnect from the first power bus to dynamically allocate the power modules between the dispenser and the other dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ChargePoint, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Quattrini, Jr., Peter Vaughan, David Baxter, Carl F. Hagenmaier, Jr., Patrick Kien Tran, Craig T. Matsuno, Gary A. Eldridge, Pasquale Romano
  • Patent number: 11951859
    Abstract: A navigation server includes a processor. The processor is configured to derive one of a first route and a second route as a route from a place of departure to a destination of a vehicle in accordance with a remaining level of a travel battery of the vehicle. The first route includes a first road provided with a first non-contact electric power feeder. The second route includes a second road provided with a second non-contact electric power feeder that is different in electric power feed capability from the first non-contact electric power feeder. The processor is configured to output the derived route as a recommended route to a terminal associated with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ayano Kimura, Hikaru Shiozawa, Toshiya Hashimoto, Chuya Ogawa, Yuta Maniwa
  • Patent number: 11951869
    Abstract: The present solution preserves an amount of charge sufficient to reach a nearest or most convenient charger in a battery of a vehicle during a prolonged vehicle disuse. The solution can include a data processing system that can identify an inactive state of a battery and determine that the vehicle should enter an energy reservation mode. The data processing system can identify a vehicle charger and determine, based on a location of the vehicle and the charger, an amount of energy needed for the vehicle to reach the charging unit. The data processing system can determine a power reservation threshold for the first battery and modify, based on the power reservation threshold, a level of energy provided by the first battery to the second battery to maintain at least the first amount of amount of energy in the first battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Viglucci, Tae Hoon Park, Tyler Jennings Bennett, Mansi Tandon
  • Patent number: 11952152
    Abstract: A system for data communication for an electric aircraft is disclosed. The system may include a charging connector configured to mate with at least an electric aircraft port of the electric aircraft. The charging connector may be further configured to charge at least a battery pack of the electric aircraft, wherein the charging connector may include a housing configured to house at least a component of the charging connector and a pin configured to connect conductors. The system may include a computing device communicatively connected to the charging connector, wherein the computing device is configured to establish a data connection with the electric aircraft. The computing device is further configured to receive data over the data connection from the electric aircraft at a data transfer rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventors: Richard Donnelly, Charles Camron Guthrie
  • Patent number: 11945328
    Abstract: In a power transmission and distribution system, each charging and discharging apparatus includes a communication unit configured to receive information on charging and discharging requirement amounts of at least one other charging and discharging apparatus. In each charging and discharging apparatus, according to an average agreement calculation of a multi-agent system, agreement values obtained by dividing, by the number of agents, a total of charging requirement amounts and a total of discharging requirement amounts of all charging and discharging apparatuses, respectively, is calculated using own charging and discharging requirement amounts and information on the charging and discharging requirement amounts of the other charging and discharging apparatus acquired by the communication unit, and a limit amount on a charging execution amount or a discharging execution amount of each charging and discharging apparatus is controlled based on the agreement values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 11949252
    Abstract: A contactless device includes an impedance matching and filter circuit connected to an antenna and being on the one hand operable for contactlessly communicating with a second device via the antenna, and on the other hand operable for contactlessly charging a rechargeable power supply of a third device via the antenna. A method of control includes modifying the impedance matching and filter circuit of the contactless device depending on whether the contactless device carries out the contactless communication or carries out the contactless charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventors: Anthony Tornambe, Nicolas Cordier
  • Patent number: 11949075
    Abstract: The present application describes power tier management for a battery of a light electric vehicle. In examples, a power tier of a battery may have an associated threshold power and time to exert a battery energy over the time of the power tier. Power tiers may be adjusted to lengthen or shorten an overall battery life and remaining battery life of the battery of the light electric vehicle. In an aspect, a processor may control or limit power to specific components and/or functions of the light electric vehicle to stay within or enter a determined power tier. Information may be received and processed by the processor to determine and apply one or more power tiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Neutron Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Madjid Nakhjiri, Dave Butler
  • Patent number: 11942800
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to wireless power transfer (WPT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongsang Yun, Chihyun Cho, Yusu Kim
  • Patent number: 11938834
    Abstract: An information processing method for use in a computer includes: acquiring a charging state and a deterioration state of a battery; determining an upper limit of the charging state of the battery based on the deterioration state; determining a charging plan of the battery based on the upper limit of the charging state determined and the charging state; and outputting the charging plan determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kawamoto, Hiroaki Urabe, Naoyuki Harada
  • Patent number: 11938831
    Abstract: An integrated fuel management system can include a switching unit coupled to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, a computer system, a first electronic unit, and a second electronic unit. The first electronic unit can be coupled to the switching unit and operable for providing state information for the EV charging station to the computer system. The second electronic unit can be coupled to a fueling station for types of vehicles that use fuel and operable for providing state information for the fueling station to the computer system. Further, the computer system can be operable for displaying the state information for the EV charging station and for displaying the state information for the fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: CyberSwitchingPatents, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Silorio, Thomas M. Bates, Damon Hahn, Christopher M. Bates
  • Patent number: 11938832
    Abstract: A charging station with multiple plugs and a circuit for the charging station are provided. The circuit comprises a power distribution unit, a control unit, one AC/DC unit and multiple DC/DC units. The AC/DC unit is connected with an input end of each DC/DC unit via a bus; an output end of each DC/DC unit is connected to a corresponding charging plug port via the power distribution unit; and the control unit is configured to detect an output voltage of each of the DC/DC units, and control the power distribution unit to operate according to the output voltage of each of the DC/DC units and a power requirement of a charging plug port, to cause at least one of the DC/DC units to be connected to the charging plug port to achieve power distribution of the charging plug port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huali Zhang, Xiangfa Liu
  • Patent number: 11932128
    Abstract: A charge/discharge device includes an electrical energy storage device, an electric power receiver, an electric power generator, electric power outputters, and a controller. The electric power receiver receives a charging power from a charger for charging an electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 11932133
    Abstract: A system and method for the overcurrent protection in an electric vehicle is illustrated. The system comprises an electric vehicle charging port that includes an AC pin, a DC pin, a sensor, and a controller. The electric vehicle charging port also includes a protection circuit, wherein the protection circuit is configured to control a transmission of power through the electric vehicle charging port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BETA Air, LLC
    Inventor: Herman Wiegman
  • Patent number: 11937082
    Abstract: A secure electric vehicle (EV) charger and system incorporating thereof is provided. One embodiment includes an EV charger. The EV charger includes a processor, a low power short range point-to-point communication system, and a memory containing an authentication software application. The processor is configured by the authentication software application to receive an authentication request from a mobile device via the low power short range point-to-point communication system, send encrypted EV charger access credentials to the mobile device, receive a digital token from the mobile device, verify the digital token, and initiate a charging session based upon a command contained within the digital token. The digital token may be encrypted using a public key and may be self-authenticating without use of an internet connection thus enabling secure charging without the presence of an internet connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: EVE Energy Ventures Inc.
    Inventor: Nikhil Srinath Bharadwaj
  • Patent number: 11936318
    Abstract: Charging system and method using a motor driving system are proposed. The charging system includes a battery, an inverter to which D.C. power stored in the battery is applied, including a plurality of legs each including two switching elements, a motor including a plurality of coils of which first ends are respectively connected to connection nodes of the switching elements of each of the plurality of legs, and second ends are connected to each other to form a neutral point, and an inverter driving part configured to control switching of the switching elements, so that switching speeds of the switching elements are different for each mode of a motor driving mode and a charging mode so as to change magnitude of charging voltage supplied to the neutral point of the motor and to output the charging voltage to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ji Woong Jang, Sang Cheol Shin, Yoo Jong Lee, Ki Jong Lee, Ho Tae Chun
  • Patent number: 11932131
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an electric vehicle charging monitoring device and an electric vehicle charging monitoring method. According to an embodiment, a device comprises: a current measurement device configured to measure an electrical current flowing from an electrical input to an electrical output and a computing device electrically coupled to the current measurement device, configured to: monitor a number of charging sessions based on the electrical current flow from the electrical input to the electrical output; compare the number of charging sessions to a first preconfigured value; and detect abnormal current flow based on the charging session comparison. A device, a method, and a computer program product are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Liikennevirta Oy / Virta Ltd
    Inventor: Jussi Ahtikari
  • Patent number: 11936006
    Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes, among other things, a cover of a battery array, a holder attached to the cover, and a circuit board held by the holder in a position where the circuit board is spaced from the cover. The holder is configured to communicate thermal energy between the circuit board and the cover. A method of securing a circuit board of a traction battery pack includes, among other things, holding a circuit board with a holder, and attaching a holder that is holding the circuit board to a cover of a battery array. The circuit board held by the holder is held in a position where the circuit board is spaced from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Roberts, Francisco Fernandez-Galindo, Aqil Hamid, Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush, George Albert Garfinkel
  • Patent number: 11926412
    Abstract: A transmit charging coil is driven to wirelessly transfer energy to a receiving charging coil. The wireless energy transfer can be adjusted in response to detecting the receive charging coil. Navigation of an un-manned vehicle may be adjusted in response to the wireless energy transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: WiBotic Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Waters
  • Patent number: 11926230
    Abstract: Ease of connecting to a robot in a charging station is increased. A charging station includes a base having an upper face up on which a wheel rides, and a power supply terminal to be connected to a charging terminal of a robot. The upper face of the base is such that a target position is set in a far side region, while a reference entrance line that connects an entrance side specific position and the target position is set, and the upper face of the base includes an inverted face of a three-dimensional curved form that provides an entering wheel with a gravitational component that acts toward the reference entrance line side. The power supply terminal is connected to the charging terminal in a state wherein the wheel has arrived at the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: GROOVE X, INC.
    Inventors: Kaname Hayashi, Daijiro Kato, Tomoaki Yokoyama, Yuichi Onda, Naoshi Hatori
  • Patent number: 11926243
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller, responsive to an interval exceeding a predefined threshold and a predicted net loss in energy, charges the traction battery such that the traction battery acquires energy in an amount at least equal to the predicted net loss in energy. The interval defines a confidence level that a predicted net change in energy stored by the traction battery will occur as a result of use of the vehicle between a current charge location of the vehicle and a next charge location of the vehicle. The amount is based on the interval such that the amount increases as the interval decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. O'Gorman, Devang Bhalchandra Dave, Farshad Harirchi
  • Patent number: 11926238
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for charging a battery comprising a first charging device configured to communicate with at least one second charging device, the first charging device and the at least one second charging device configured to charge the battery, and comprising a first controller configured to control the first charging device, wherein the first controller determines the number of the at least one second charging devices by communicating with a second controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MINE MOBILITY RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Somphote Ahunai, Wen Wu Pan, Cao Kai Zheng, Gang Liu, Jian Hua Li, Xiao Meng Deng, Zhao Hui Peng
  • Patent number: 11927939
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for providing customized electric vehicle (EV) chargers. In one embodiment, a device is disclosed that includes a processor, a memory electrically coupled with the processor, a display electrically coupled with the processor, and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a mounting arrangement for securing the device to an EV charger. The device also includes a first communication interface electrically coupled with the processor. The first communication interface is configured for direct connection to the EV charger. The device further includes a second communication interface electrically coupled with the processor. The second communication interface is configured for connection to an internet protocol (IP) network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: IoTecha Corp.
    Inventor: Kimberly Sarubbi
  • Patent number: 11919408
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus controls a vehicle having a service power supply used to provide a service and a driving power supply used for traveling. The information processing apparatus has a storage unit configured to store service-related information concerning the service provided by the vehicle, and a controller configured to select any of a first mode, in which the service power supply and the driving power supply are independently used, and a second mode, in which the service power supply and the driving power supply are shared, based on the service-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Matsutani, Aya Sato, Yasuki Nakagawa, Shigeru Inamori, Fuminori Matsuoka, Taro Hasegawa, Masaki Nanahara, Misaki Sato, Motoki Maekawa, Hiroki Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 11919416
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an EV charging system includes: a plurality of first converters to receive and convert grid power at a distribution grid voltage to at least one second voltage; a high frequency transformer coupled to the first converters to receive the at least one second voltage and output at least one high frequency AC voltage; and a plurality of port rectifiers coupled to a plurality of secondary windings of the high frequency transformer, each of the port rectifiers comprising a unidirectional AC-DC converter to receive and convert the at least one high frequency AC voltage to a DC voltage. At least some of the port rectifiers may be coupled in series to provide at least one of a charging current or a charging voltage to at least one dispenser to which at least one EV is to couple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Resilient Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Keister, Lyle T. Keister, Mehdi Abolhassani
  • Patent number: 11920938
    Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous electric vehicles may be automatically recharged by routing the vehicles to available charging stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A charge level of the battery of an autonomous electric vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a recharging threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to recharge may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a charging station, recharge the battery, and return to its starting location in order to recharge when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Blake Konrardy, Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Scott Farris
  • Patent number: 11919343
    Abstract: A breakaway mitigation system is provided for addressing breakaway between a tractor and a trailer unit of a truck. The breakaway mitigation system can include a spool assembly, a sensor, and a controller. The spool assembly has a spool body configured to deploy a length of a tether coupled with the spool body and configured to couple with an energy source supply conduit and to retract the length of the tether. The energy source supply conduit is configured to convey a source of energy for use by a motor or by a fuel cell. The sensor is configured to detect the length of the tether that has been deployed. The controller is configured to receive an input corresponding to the detected length and to implement a countermeasure when the detected amount exceeds a threshold value. Mitigation can be provided by a coupler that decouples under a load over a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: Hexagon Purus North America Holdings Inc., Agility Fuel Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ethan J. McKibben, Jordan C. Foster, Chris Forsberg, Andrew Taylor Gordon, Momchil Yordanov, Adam Attila Bosze, Aaron Heffelfinger
  • Patent number: 11921513
    Abstract: A moving robot includes: a boundary signal detector configured to detect a proximity boundary signal generated in a proximity boundary area in which a portion of a first travel area and a portion of a second travel area are proximal to each other; and a controller configured to define a proximity boundary line based on the proximity boundary signal, and control the travelling unit such that the body performs a homing travel which indicates travelling along the proximity boundary line. The moving robot may be included in a system that includes boundary wires to define the first and second travel areas. The system may further include a docking unit to dock with and charge the moving robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaehoon Lee, Jongjin Woo, Dongseong Kim, Dongkyun Nam
  • Patent number: 11912248
    Abstract: An energy module exchange system may include an enclosure with one or more storage racks configured to store and charge energy modules; an opening in the enclosure; and a robotic arm configured to retrieve the energy modules from the storage racks and pass them through an opening in the enclosure for exchange with an electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SynCells, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard O'Hora
  • Patent number: 11912145
    Abstract: This disclosure describes charging systems for electrified vehicles. Exemplary charging systems may employ a multi-voltage charging circuit that supports charging of a traction battery pack at both a first voltage level during a first charging condition and a second, different voltage level during a second charging condition. Higher voltage levels may be experienced during the second charging condition as compared to the first charging condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Mackenzie, Jonathan Barker, Thomas J. Coupar
  • Patent number: 11912147
    Abstract: A system may mitigate leakage currents in non-isolated charging stations for electric vehicles. The system may include a bank of one or more parallel capacitors per phase electrically coupled to an AC voltage source, wherein a neutral point of the one or more parallel capacitors is electrically coupled to a DC ground; a bank of one or more inductors per phase electrically coupled to the one or more parallel capacitors, wherein each inductor is in series with and downstream from one capacitor; a rectifier electrically coupled to and downstream from the one or more parallel inductors, wherein the rectifier converts the AC voltage source to a DC voltage for supply to a battery; a DC bus electrically coupled to the rectifier; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to mitigate leakage currents by controlling a voltage of at least one of the bank of one or more parallel capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, Longmax Corporation LTD.
    Inventors: William-Michael Eull, Liwei Zhou, Weizhong Wang, Gangqi Cen, Matthias Preindl
  • Patent number: 11904714
    Abstract: A method for establishing an electrical connection of a vehicle contact unit of a vehicle which is at least in part electrically powered, to a ground contact unit of an electric charging infrastructure is provided. The ground contact unit has a plurality of electrical contact surfaces, at least two of which have to be contacted by the vehicle contact unit for charging the vehicle battery. The method includes the step of detecting, with the aid of at least one camera on the vehicle, at least one of the electrical contact surfaces and/or at least one insulation surface surrounding the electrical contact surfaces, for establishing an electrical connection. Further provided are a vehicle connection device for electrically connecting a vehicle contact unit of a vehicle which is at least in part electrically powered, to a ground contact unit of an electric charging infrastructure, and a vehicle having a vehicle connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventors: Hermann Stockinger, Manuel Laublaettner
  • Patent number: 11904711
    Abstract: Provided are a charging device and a vehicle capable of reducing the amount of noise flowing into a quick-charging facility. The pair of charging lines connecting the quick-charging facility (20) to an onboard battery (30) are referred to as quick-charging lines, and each of these quick-charging lines is provided with a relay (16-1, 16-2). Each relay (16-1, 16-2) is used to switch the current flowing in the respective quick-charging line on and off, the current being switched on during quick-charge and being switched off during normal charging. Each quick-charging line has a Y-capacitor (17) connected thereto closer to a QC port (15) than the respective relay (16-1, 16-2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuhei Chizuwa
  • Patent number: 11901745
    Abstract: The power transmitter (101) providing power to a power receiver (105) comprises a communicator (309) communicating with the power receiver (105) and a negotiator (305) negotiating a guaranteed power level with the power receiver (105) prior to a power transfer phase. The guaranteed power level is a minimum power level guaranteed by the power transmitter (101) throughout the power transfer phase. During the power transfer phase, a determiner (307) dynamically determines an available power level based on the prevailing operating parameters. The available power level is one that can currently be provided but is not guaranteed. The power controller (309) is arranged to, during the power transfer phase, increase the power level above the guaranteed minimum level in response to power control messages, and to reduce the power level regardless of the power control messages in response to a detection that the power level exceeds the available power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Andries Van Wageningen, Antonius Adraan Maria Staring
  • Patent number: 11901522
    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: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher B. Austin
  • Patent number: 11902726
    Abstract: A method of operating a battery powered telemetric device configured with a processor, a sensor to measure data to indicate the contents or usage of a product within an asset generating sample data, data storage, at least one battery and a transmitter, includes keeping in the data storage at least one instance of previous data samples represented in a previously transmitted packet, awakening the telemetric device at variable time intervals programmed according to pre-determined user-defined characteristics so that the sensor provides sample data to the data storage to indicate the contents or usage of the product within the asset wherein the telemetric device is otherwise asleep to minimize battery drain, storing all the sample data since the transmission of the previously transmitted packet and the kept at least one instance of previous data samples represented in the previously transmitted packet in the data storage as all the stored sample data, transmitting a packet including representations of the conten
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SILICON CONTROLS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Julien Dominique Rivals, John Richard Haddy
  • Patent number: 11890957
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods described herein relate generally to autonomous mobile units carrying a modular configurable battery system that may attach and power mobile units in transportation systems. A method can include determining charge levels, current positions, and transport speeds for an electric vehicle (EV), identifying one or more EVs in need of charging, and mobilizing a Mobile Charging Station (MoCS) to deliver one or more external batteries. A processor, with a memory including computer program code, can be configured to receive current charge level data for mobile battery-powered entities, identify one or more EVs to be charged and the proximity of both MoCS and physical battery stations, and send charging instructions to the EVs. A routing and charge transaction scheduling algorithm can be used to optimize the route of one or more battery-powered entities and to schedule charge transactions between the EV and MoCS and/or the battery station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Prabuddha Chakraborty, Swarup Bhunia, Christopher M. Vega
  • Patent number: 11890960
    Abstract: Configuring chargers at a charging site is provided. A data processing system can include a processor coupled with memory and configured to identify a configuration. The configuration can indicate a plurality of chargers coupled with a first line of an electrical panel to conduct power at a first phase and a second line of the electrical panel to conduct power at a second phase different than the first phase. The one or more processors can cause, based on the configuration and operational characteristics associated with one or more of the plurality of chargers, a controller to deliver power to a charger of the plurality of chargers via the first line and the second line based on the power capacity of the electrical panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jaivardhan S. Bhati, Lingxiao Ma, Siqing Lee, Cecilia An Zhou, Yixin Cao, Bryan Duc Duong
  • Patent number: 11884177
    Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) charging system includes a plurality of electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) units, a plurality of associated EV charging stations, electrical power distribution wires or cables for distributing electrical power from the plurality of EVSE units to the plurality of EV charging stations, and an EVSE communications bus. Each EVSE unit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a solid-state switch that control whether electrical current is able to flow to an associated EV charging station and connected plug-in EV (PEV) load. The MCUs communicate over the EVSE communications bus and, as PEVs charge, plug into, and unplug from the plurality of EV charging stations, reallocate or reapportion an available supply current among the plurality of EVSE units while also dynamically adjusting one or more circuit protection attributes also provided by the EVSE units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Atom Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Ryan Kennedy, Denis Kouroussis
  • Patent number: 11884168
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a power electronic energy conversion system comprising a first energy storage device configured to store DC energy and a first voltage converter configured to convert a second voltage from a remote power supply into a first charging voltage configured to charge the first energy storage device. The apparatus also includes a first controller configured to control the first voltage converter to convert the second voltage into the first charging voltage and to provide the first charging voltage to the first energy storage device during a charging mode of operation and communicate with a second controller located remotely from the power electronic energy conversion system to cause a second charging voltage to be provided to the first energy storage device during the charging mode of operation to rapidly charge the first energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Robert Louis Steigerwald
  • Patent number: 11884164
    Abstract: A system for controlling charging of a battery of an eco-friendly vehicle includes: an on-board charger (OBC) mounted in the vehicle, setting a required charging current based on available charging current information received from a power supply unit supplying power for charging the battery, transmitting the required charging current to the power supply unit, and converting the power supplied from the power supply unit to charge the battery; and a controller determining whether charging of the battery is completed, and when it is determined that charging of the battery is abnormally terminated in a state where charging is not completed, changing the required charging current to charge the battery based on first information supplied from the power supply unit upon abnormal termination of charging and based on second information supplied from the power supply unit upon normal completion of charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Kyu Beom Ko