Charging Station For Electrically Powered Vehicle Patents (Class 320/109)
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Patent number: 10691138Abstract: Communication network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a network of mobile nodes. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide autonomous vehicle network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a dynamically configurable network of autonomous vehicles comprising a complex array of both static and moving communication nodes, including systems and methods for managing fleets of autonomous vehicles to optimize electric budget.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Veniam, Inc.Inventor: Francisco José Antunes Marques Esteves
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Patent number: 10688874Abstract: A vehicular inductive power transfer system includes a power transmission unit and a power receiving unit. The distance between the units and the overall alignment of the units with respect to each other determines the overall efficiency of the energy transfer between the power transmission unit and the power receiving unit. Magnetic fields produced by the inductive power transfer system may exceed allowable standards or regulations for human exposure to electromagnetic fields. An inductive power transfer control circuit autonomously causes an actuator to position at least one of the power transmission unit or the power receiving unit in a three-dimensional space based on one or more measured power transfer parameters. Such positioning may occur while the vehicle is moving or stationary. The control circuit may further autonomously adjust one or more power transfer parameters to maintain magnetic field exposure levels at or below industry standards or governmental regulations.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Robert F. Kwasnick, Suraj Sindia, Songnan Yang, Zhen Yao
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Patent number: 10682916Abstract: In a number of embodiments, an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) connector (120), includes a plurality of charging lines (150, 151) configured to provide electrical charge to an electric vehicle (EV) (140) at least one control line (153, 154) configured to carry signals to control charging of the EV via the charging lines (150, 151) and a detector (170) that detects a thermal event, wherein in response to detecting a thermal event the detector (170) manipulates the at least one control line (153, 154) to alter charging of the EV via the charging lines (150, 151).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: WEBASTO CHARGING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Scott Shumaker
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Patent number: 10682921Abstract: A system for charging one or more batteries of a vehicle may include a charging box mounted to a vehicle to facilitate connection to a charge coupler from under the vehicle. The charge coupler may be configured to provide an electrical connection between an electrical power source and the charging box. A vehicle including the charging box may maneuver to a position above the charge coupler, after which electrical contacts of the charging box and the charge coupler may be brought into contact with one another. The charge coupler and/or the charging box may be configured to provide electrical communication between the electrical power source and the one or more batteries, so that the electrical power source may charge one or more of the batteries. Thereafter, the electrical contacts may be separated from one another, and the vehicle may maneuver away from the charge coupler.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Emrys Booth, Moritz Boecker, Robert Alan Ng, Kyle Matthew Foley, Da Liu, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Patent number: 10680460Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a charging system and a charging method for a terminal, and a power adapter. The charging system includes a power adapter and a terminal. The power adapter includes a first rectification unit, a transformer, a second rectification unit, a sampling unit, and a modulating control unit. The modulating control unit modulates a voltage with a first pulsating waveform according to a voltage sampling value sampled by the sampling unit, such that a voltage with a third pulsating waveform outputted by the second rectification unit meets a charging requirement. The terminal includes a second charging interface and a battery. The second charging interface is coupled to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventors: Jialiang Zhang, Jun Zhang, Chen Tian, Shebiao Chen, Jiada Li, Shiming Wan
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Patent number: 10675979Abstract: An in-cable control box (ICCB) mounted on an electric vehicle (EV) charging cable, which performs conductive charging for an EV as connected to a power outlet and an inlet of the EV, includes at least one processor, a first communication module, a second communication module, and a memory storing instructions executed by the at least one processor. Also, the instructions are configured to cause the first communication module to collect information on an EV by communicating with an electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) of the EV; and cause the second communication module to transmit the information on the EV to a supply equipment communication controller (SECC). As such, it is possible to charge the EV in an economical manner as compared to a standard defining conductive charging process.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Ji Hown Kim, Chang Min Yang, So Jin Lee
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Patent number: 10668818Abstract: A vehicle includes a high-voltage battery, a vehicle-mounted charger, an inlet, a charging ECU that controls the vehicle-mounted charger, and a parking lock mechanism that causes a rotation shaft to enter the rotation capable state or the rotation incapable state. The rotation shaft is provided for a gearbox which transmits driving power to the driving wheels. The charging ECU includes a backup RAM in which lock state information of the parking lock mechanism is written. When the high-voltage battery is to be charged with a charging connector of an external charger being connected to the inlet, the charging ECU uses the information stored in the backup RAM to control the vehicle-mounted charger.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Naoya Sakakibara
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Patent number: 10666084Abstract: An electronic device may be configured to detect an external charging device when the external charging device is initially engaged with, or connected to, the electronic device. The electronic device, or an alert unit operably connected to the electronic device, can produce one or more alerts for the user if the charging device is in an unpowered state. The alert or alerts can be provided to the electronic device engaged with the charging device and/or to another electronic device or alert unit that is in communication with the electronic device that is engaged with the charging device.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventor: Kevin M. Lynch
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Patent number: 10661659Abstract: A fueling system can include an electric vehicle (EV) charging station and a non-charging fueling station for fueling vehicles other than EVs. The EV charging station includes a first control unit, a switching unit, and output connections that can be connected to EVs. The non-charging fueling station includes a second control unit and, for example, a liquid fuel pump. An integrated fuel management system is in communication with the EV charging station and the non-charging fueling station. The switching unit can direct a charging current from an input power supply to an output connection in response to commands from the first control unit that are issued according to a charging procedure. The first control unit can send state information for the EV charging station to the integrated fuel management system. The second control unit can send state information for the non-charging fueling station to the integrated fuel management system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: CYBERSWITCHINGPATENTS, LLC.Inventors: Ronald L. Silorio, Thomas M. Bates, Damon Hahn, Christopher M. Bates
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Patent number: 10666079Abstract: A power conversion apparatus, a method for controlling the same and a vehicle including the same is provided. The power conversion apparatus includes a first power conversion portion having a first end connected to a first battery and a second end selectively connected to at least one of a power-supply portion and a second battery, a second power conversion portion having a first end connected to the first battery and a second end connected to the second battery. The second power conversion portion is configured to provide power supplied from the first battery to the second battery. A switching portion is configured to connect any one of the power-supply portion and the second battery to the first power conversion portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Gibong Son, Hui-Sung Jang, Hyun-Wook Seong
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Patent number: 10654373Abstract: Disclosed herein is a charging apparatus. The charging apparatus includes an alternating current (AC) power input stage receiving at least one AC input power from among a single-phase AC power and a multi-phase AC power. A power factor corrector has a single three-leg half bridge circuit receiving the at least one AC input power through the AC power input stage. A link capacitor is charged through the power factor corrector. A converter connects between the link capacitor and a battery. A first switch connects any one of an AC power input line and a neutral line of the AC power input stage to the power factor corrector. A second switch selectively connects the AC power input stage to the power factor corrector, or the link capacitor. A controller operates the power factor corrector and the switch network based on a received condition of the at least one AC input power.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jongpil Kim, Inyong Yeo, Youngjin Kim, Woo Young Lee
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Patent number: 10654370Abstract: An apparatus for flexible DC fast charging of an electrified vehicle includes a charge receptacle and a vehicle charging controller programmed to establish a wireless communication with a charging station. The apparatus further includes a reconfigurable energy storage system selectively and electrically connected to the charge receptacle. The reconfigurable energy storage system includes a first rechargeable energy storage device selectively and electrically connected to the charge receptacle, a second rechargeable energy storage device selectively connected to the charge receptacle, and a plurality of low-loss switching devices selectively connected to the first rechargeable energy storage device and the second rechargeable energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Thomas W. Nehl, Lei Hao, Michael Harpster, Andrew K. Chandler
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Patent number: 10640000Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a direct-current fault current in an electrical alternating-current circuit, wherein a rectifier unit (14) is connected to an alternating-current network (34) by means of a primary side (13) and provides a direct current on a secondary side (15) and wherein the alternating-current network (34) is protected by means of a fault-current circuit breaker (38), which interrupts the circuit if an alternating-current fault current greater than a specified alternating-current tripping threshold occurs. A direct-current fault current on the primary side (13) is measured and is compared with a specified direct-current tripping threshold. An alternating-current fault current is produced if the direct-current fault current lies above the tripping threshold. The invention further relates to a device (10) for detecting a direct-current fault current and to a charging apparatus (12) comprising such a device (10).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Bernd Eckert, Steffen Eppler
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Patent number: 10644439Abstract: A plug-in connector part for connection to a mating plug-in connector part includes: a housing which has a plug-in portion for plug-in connection to the mating plug-in connector part; at least one contact element arranged on the plug-in portion and for electrically contacting an associated mating contact element of the mating plug-in connector part; a thermal conductor line connected to the at least one contact element; and a cooling body arranged in the housing and thermoconductively connected to the at least one contact element via the thermal conductor line in order to dissipate heat from the at least one contact element.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT E-MOBILITY GMBHInventors: Thomas Fuehrer, Robert Babezki
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Patent number: 10640001Abstract: A wireless power transfer (WPT) method for an electric vehicle (EV) may include a vehicle controller or a vehicle assembly (VA) controller connected to the vehicle controller performing communications, for charging of a battery of the EV, with a ground assembly (GA) controller of a charger connected to a primary coil or a primary pad located outside the EV; and connecting the battery to a field winding of a driving motor of the EV before starting the WPT. The battery is charged by a power magnetically induced at the field winding from the primary coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Bum Sik Kim, Jin Hwan Jung, Hyeon Uk Kim, Ki Young Jang, Gyu Yeong Choe
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Patent number: 10637260Abstract: An apparatus for controlling charging of a battery includes a battery unit including a battery, a first relay connected with the battery, and a second relay interposed between the first relay and a rapid charging port to charge the battery with charging power from a rapid charger connected with the rapid charging port, if the first relay and the second relay are controlled to be on. The apparatus includes a charging controller that controls the first relay and the second relay to be on or off and to determine a welding state of the second relay, if the rapid charger is connected with the rapid charging port, to control charging of the battery in a charging sequence corresponding to the welding state of the second relay.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Young Chan Byun
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Patent number: 10625610Abstract: A charging device for a motor vehicle with a high-voltage battery, wherein the charging device includes a supply unit that is designed to supply a transmission voltage (UT), and a connecting apparatus that is designed to connect the supply unit to the motor vehicle to charge the high-voltage battery, wherein the transmission voltage is a contact-safe transmission voltage (UT). The motor vehicle includes a converter unit that converts a contact-safe transmission voltage (UT) to a high-voltage charging voltage (UHV) for charging the high-voltage battery. When a charging arrangement formed from the charging device and the motor vehicle is operated, the connecting apparatus is automatically connected to the connector device and the contact-safe transmission voltage (UT) is converted to the high-voltage charging voltage (UHV) in order to charge the high-voltage battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Martin Dehm
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Patent number: 10618411Abstract: An IPA-ECU recognizes a position of a power transferring unit by image recognition based on image information from a camera incorporated in a vehicle. Then, the IPA-ECU performs guidance control such that the vehicle is guided to the power transferring unit based on a result of the image recognition (first guidance control). A resonant ECU estimates a distance between the power transferring unit and a power receiving unit based on an electric power feeding condition from the power transferring unit to the power receiving unit. When the power transferring unit comes under a body of the vehicle, an HV-ECU performs guidance control of the vehicle such that a position of the power receiving unit is adjusted to a position of the power transferring unit based on distance information from the resonant ECU (second guidance control).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinji Ichikawa
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Patent number: 10618418Abstract: A charging system for an electrified vehicle includes a charging component and a phase change material positioned relative to the charging component and configured to absorb heat from the charging component. The charging component may include a vehicle inlet assembly, a charge cord, a charge connector, a high voltage cable, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Turik, Christian Hines, Bridget J. Volinski
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Patent number: 10618510Abstract: A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system employs an improved integrated propulsion device, a drive system and battery management system that is operable to be used in the commercial vehicle business. The vehicle system is operable to provide optimal performance for particular fleet applications by taking into consideration driving patterns and load demands. The vehicle system also provides a drive for auxiliary equipment for work vehicles and driver selectable driving modes for when a vehicle encounters different driving demands.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: INVENTEV, LLCInventor: David J. Stenson
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Patent number: 10611255Abstract: A device for charging an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a charging inlet for receiving charging information and power from electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE); a control module for determining a charging mode on the basis of the charging information, and outputting a control signal according to the determined charging mode; and a charging unit for charging a battery of the electric vehicle according to the control signal from the control module.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Kwang Seob Shin, Do Hyeong Kim, Hyoung Dong Kim, Myoung Kyu Rhee, Myung Keun Lim, Soo Bum Cho, Jeong Jae Jo, Yong Hyun Han
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Patent number: 10614712Abstract: The server is configured to communicate with a plurality of power-supplying vehicles and a plurality of power-receiving vehicles. The server is configured to notify, to matched vehicles (candidate power-receiving vehicle and candidate power-supplying vehicle), a candidate gathering location list including respective pieces of information of a plurality of parking areas owned by third parties different from users of the matched vehicles, so as to make an inquiry to the users of the matched vehicles to select one of the plurality of parking areas included in the candidate gathering location list. The server is configured to determine a gathering location for the matched vehicles using the respective pieces of information of the parking areas selected by the users of the matched vehicles, and is configured to transmit the information of the parking area of the determined gathering location to the matched vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Mizutani, Daiki Kaneichi, Hirotaka Karube, Jun Kondo, Kenichi Komuro
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Patent number: 10611265Abstract: A charging plug for an electrically driven vehicle has a feed line for electrically connecting the charging plug to a charging infrastructure. The charging plug includes power contacts, a signal contact, a rectifier, and a control and protection device. The power contacts and signal contact electrically connect the charging plug to the vehicle. The rectifier is connected to the feed line and to the power contacts for converting an alternating current obtained by the feed line into a direct current that is delivered by the power contacts to the vehicle in a charging process. The control and protection device is connected to the feed line, to the power contacts and to the signal contact for matching the charging process to the vehicle by means of the signal contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Daniel Spesser
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Patent number: 10604019Abstract: A method for communicating between an electric vehicle and a charging station for electrically charging at least one energy storage device of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is connected to the charging station during the charging process by a lockable mechanical coupling between a terminal of charging cable connected to the vehicle and a terminal of the charging station. Charging current is fed from the charging station through the charging cable. Information is transferred in the course of the charging process based on a communication between the electric vehicle and the charging station. The information includes a signal transmitted from the electric vehicle to the charging station for locking and/or unlocking the mechanical coupling. The signal triggers the locking and/or unlocking of the mechanical coupling between the terminal of the charging cable and the terminal at the charging station.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joerg Heuer, Martin Winter
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Patent number: 10604956Abstract: A modular tire service station for servicing vehicle tires includes a first pre-configured service module and a second pre-configured service module that is proximate the first module. A customer area is disposed in at least one of the first module and the second module, a tire storage area is disposed in at least one of the first module and the second module, and a tire service area is disposed in at least one of the first module and the second module.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Ryan Douglas Hartschuh, Justin Marcus Beck
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Patent number: 10604023Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Robert Dean King, Robert Louis Steigerwald
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Patent number: 10608465Abstract: A device (2) forming an interface between an auxiliary power supply system (1) and a power generation module (3) in a rail vehicle, the power generation module (3) being designed to charge a first type of auxiliary power supply system with electrical energy, includes elements of connection to the power generation module (3) and to a second type of auxiliary power supply system (1), the second type of auxiliary power supply system differing from the first type of auxiliary power supply system, and the interface device (2) includes interface elements designed for the operation of the second type of auxiliary power supply system (1) in combination with the power generation module (3).Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURSInventor: Philippe Aubin
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Patent number: 10601263Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless charging are provided. Transmission power transmitted from a wireless power transmitter is received at a power receiver of a wireless power receiver. A battery of the wireless power receiver is charged with the received transmission power. It is determined whether the battery is fully charged. A packet from a communication unit of the wireless power receiver is transmitted to the wireless power transmitter when the battery is fully charged. An auxiliary charge of the battery is performed by receiving strength-reduced transmission power from the wireless power transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung-Bum Park, Se-Ho Park, Young-Min Lee
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Patent number: 10596912Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle and a notification system therefor are provided. The electrically driven vehicle includes a high-voltage battery and an inlet, a charging connector of an external power source is connected to the inlet, and power can be supplied from the external power source to the high-voltage battery. The electrically driven vehicle includes a battery heater unit heating the high-voltage battery by using power supplied from the external power source; and a charging ECU detecting an alighting preparing operation of a user, acquiring an environmental temperature at a time of detection in accordance with detection of the alighting preparing operation, and causing a meter panel to display a message prompting a driver to connect the charging connector to the inlet when the acquired environmental temperature is equal to or lower than an output decline temperature set for the high-voltage battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoya Sakakibara
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Patent number: 10589633Abstract: A battery system includes a housing, a battery array inside the housing, a first wiring path that bypasses the battery array, and a second wiring path electrically connected to the battery array. The battery system is adapted to charge a battery pack of an electrified vehicle using AC power, DC power, or both.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Kevin Layden, John Paul Gibeau, Kendrick J. Taylor, Yuling Zhao
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Patent number: 10589631Abstract: An installation for charging electric cars includes the following features: charging columns, direct-current lines, rectifiers, three-phase alternating-current lines, a single-phase alternating-current line and a cooling arrangement. The direct-current lines electrically connect the charging columns to the rectifiers. The three-phase alternating-current lines electrically connect the rectifiers to a medium-voltage transformer. The single-phase alternating-current line electrically connects the medium-voltage transformer to the cooling arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Manuel Groß, Volker Reber, Stefan Götz
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Patent number: 10583750Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, and to remove overall peak demand, a dealership energy management system may include bi-directional charging devices that may be associated with inventory vehicles and output devices that may be associated with customer vehicles. Inventory may be processed and associated with days stored at the dealership. The inventory vehicles may be charged up to 60% during off-peak hours to provide charge to incoming customer vehicles during peak hours. The inventory vehicles may discharge down to 40%, while providing charge to the customer vehicles, before another vehicle within the inventory is selected to provide charge. Inventory vehicles may be charged and discharged based on the days stored at the dealership as well as whether those vehicles have been discharged below a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: John Moon, Ryan D. Harty, Jeremy Whaling, Annika Elise Nordlund-Swenson
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Patent number: 10585828Abstract: Serial communication verification and safety control is disclosed. A multi-part system such as a battery management system can include distributed or subsidiary components for determining status of various parts of the system with the components in serial or point-to-point communication with a collective main controller. A safety controller can be implemented to passively be coupled to the serial or point-to-point communication between the main controller and the subsidiary units. The safety controller can monitor and verify the communication between the main controller and the subsidiary units and send a safety command or verification indicator in another line of communication separate from the communication bus between the main controller and the subsidiary units.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: FARADAY & FUTURE INC.Inventors: Anil Paryani, Omourtag Alexandrov Velev
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Patent number: 10583749Abstract: A battery system, in particular for a motor vehicle, to a power supply comprising the battery system for an electric machine, in particular a vehicle drive, and to a method for charging the battery system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Tim Schmidt, Mikel Fauri, Hermann Dibos
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Patent number: 10581038Abstract: An autonomous mobile cleaning robot includes a cavity along a bottom portion of the robot, and a drive configured to support the robot above a floor surface. The drive is configured to propel the robot along the floor surface. The robot further includes a first electrical terminal disposed in the cavity and connected to electrical circuitry of the robot, a battery assembly, and a dovetail joint. The battery assembly includes a battery housing, a battery contained within the battery housing, and a second electrical terminal mounted to the battery housing and configured to engage with the first electrical terminal. The dovetail joint includes a vertically extending projection portion and a vertically extending socket portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Rogelio Manfred Neumann, Daniel E. C. Grande
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Patent number: 10580311Abstract: Example embodiments can help to more efficiently charge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a plurality of UAVs that provide delivery services. An example method includes: determining demand data indicating demand for item-transport services by the plurality of UAVs during a period of time; determining battery state information for the plurality of UAVs, wherein the battery state information is based at least in part on individual battery state information for each of two or more of the UAVs; based at least in part on (a) the demand data for item-transport services by the plurality of UAVs, and (b) the battery state information for the fleet of UAVs, determining respective charge-rate profiles for one or more of the UAVs; and sending instructions to cause respective batteries of the one or more of the UAVs to be charged according to the respectively determined charge-rate profiles.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Wing Aviation LLCInventors: Jim Schmalzried, Jesse Blake
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Patent number: 10576832Abstract: An electrical connecting device for a charging cable is for charging an electric vehicle. The electrical connecting device includes a network-side first connecting element for electrically connecting the connecting device to an electrical supply network and a charging-cable-side second connecting element for connecting the connecting device to a network-side connector of the charging cable. The first connecting element includes at least two contact elements, each connected in an electrically conductive manner to one of at least two contact elements of the second connecting element; and a first temperature sensor, used for temperature monitoring and which is electrically connected to the second connecting element via a communication cable. The second connecting element has a further contact, connectable to a corresponding further contact of the network-side connector of the charging cable to transmit a signal of the temperature sensor to the charging cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Fuchs, Alexander Mundry, Gerald Noerl, Christian Riembauer
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Patent number: 10569658Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a bi-directional inverter of a vehicle. The bi-directional inverter may include an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) inverter configured to receive AC power from a power grid and generate DC power on a DC bus operatively coupled to a vehicle battery. The bi-directional inverter may also include a DC to AC inverter configured to receive DC power from the DC bus and generate AC power delivered to the power grid. The bi-directional inverter may also include an energy management system operatively coupled to the AC to DC inverter and the DC to AC inverter and configured to selectively operate the bi-directional inverter in a charging mode or a generation mode. Additionally, the bi-directional inverter may include a power line communications (PLC) coupler configured to transfer electronic data between the energy management system and a power plant network through the power grid.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North of AmericaInventor: Jesus Manotas, Jr.
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Patent number: 10571948Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and devices relating to the provision of system-wide coordinated control voltage regulation support in power transmission and distribution networks using multiple inverter based power generation or absorption facilities, which are coupled to the power transmission and distribution networks for minimizing transmission and distribution line losses and for performing Conservation Voltage Reduction. The invention uses a novel control method of inverter based Distributed Generators as Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) in a way that provides a dynamic voltage regulation/control with the inverter capacity remaining after real power generation or absorption, thereby decreasing system line losses and performing Conservation Voltage Reduction.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Rajiv Kumar Varma
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Patent number: 10574073Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling power supply are provided. The electronic device includes a first transmission port, a second transmission port, a switching power circuit and a control unit. The first transmission port is connected to a first external device, and the second transmission port is connected to a second external device. The switching power circuit is coupled to the first transmission port, the second transmission port and the power storage unit. The control unit controls the switching power circuit according to the voltage level of the first detecting pin of the first transmission port and the voltage level of the second detecting pin of the second transmission port, so as to make the first external device and the second external device to transmit power to the power storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ASUS GLOBAL PTE. LTD.Inventors: Wei Han, Xiao-Feng Zhou, Ching-Ji Liang
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Patent number: 10569666Abstract: A vehicle is provided to obtain reliable time information via communication with a server without separate hardware. The vehicle includes a communicator that is configured to receive authentication information from a server and a charging port that is electrically connected to a charger. The charging port is configured to receive time information of the charger from the charger. A controller is then configured to derive time information of the vehicle based on the time information of the charger and reference time information included in the authentication information and adjust the time of at least one processor disposed within the vehicle to be synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Chung Hi Lee, HyeonSoo Kim, TaeSun Roh, DonHyoung Lee
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Patent number: 10566734Abstract: A system for facilitating electrical connection of a first electrical unit comprised in a first object with a second electrical unit comprised in a second object is disclosed. The system may include a base unit configured to be attached to the first object. Further, the base unit may include a base body and a base conductive pad disposed in a mid-region of the base body. Further, the system may include a first magnet, a second magnet and a third magnet disposed in the base body. Further, the system may include a holder unit configured to be attached to the second object, including a holder body. Further, the system may include a holder magnet disposed in the holder body. Further, the holder unit may include a moving guide, including a guide body, and a guide conductive pad. Further, the moving guide may include a guide magnet disposed in the guide body. The holder may be mounted on a mobile device that travels over the base unit. In one position the magnets act to repel movement of the moving guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: ROBOTEQ, INCInventor: Cosma Pabouctsidis
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Patent number: 10562406Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and methods for autonomous charging of an autonomous vehicle. Specifically, the present disclosure describes an autonomous vehicle subsystem configured to evaluate vehicle charge, identify possible charging stations, interact with a user to confirm a charging station, navigate to the selected charging station, and initiate and receive of a charge from a charging port at the charging station. User interaction may be vehicle-driven or user-driven.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Colby S. Williams, Scott L. Frederick
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Patent number: 10559980Abstract: A wireless power system for powering a television includes a source resonator, configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and at least one television component attached to at least one device resonator, wherein the at least one device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from the source resonator via the oscillating magnetic field when the distance between the source resonator and the at least one device resonator is more than 5 cm, and wherein at least one television component draws at least 10 Watts of power.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Andre B. Kurs, Andrew J. Campanella, Aristeidis Karalis, Katherine L. Hall, Morris P. Kesler
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Patent number: 10554759Abstract: A cloud system that includes one or more servers for communicating with vehicles and processing information received from vehicles and processing information sent to vehicles is disclosed. One method includes receiving data from a computing device associated with a vehicle. The data is for a user account, and the data is received over one or more sessions. The user account has a user profile with a plurality of settings and metadata captured from use of the vehicle. Processing, by a learning engine, the metadata captured from use of the vehicle during the one or more sessions of use of the vehicle to identify learned patterns sensed from the vehicle. Sending a recommendation to the user account associated with the vehicle. The recommendation is based in part on the learned patterns from the vehicle. The recommendation is configured to identify a setting or action for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2019Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Emerging Automotive, LLCInventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
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Patent number: 10549946Abstract: A cable retractor is disclosed and includes a housing. A spool is disposed within the housing and is mechanically coupled to the housing and rotatable about an axis. A spring mechanism is operatively attached to the spool and is configured to urge the spool to rotate in a first rotational direction about the axis. An electrically operated rotation regulator is operatively attached to the spool and is configured to, when activated, prevent the spool from rotating in the first rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Albert Pedoeem, Kriss Replogle
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Patent number: 10547966Abstract: Location based services to users of electric vehicles (114) are facilitated. Users that are in possession of a wireless communication device (116) may receive RF signals in the form of beacons (109) transmitted by an EVSE (102). The information contained in the signals may be used to facilitate for the user when the user wishes to take advantage of different services (132,134,136), nearby the EVSE (102) as well as further away from the EVSE (102).Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Zaptec ASInventors: Kjetil Næsje, Brage W. Johansen, Vegard Valebjørg
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Patent number: 10547131Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical connection apparatus for coupling to a corresponding connecting device and for transmitting electrical energy. The electrical connection apparatus includes at least one power contact arranged in a housing of the apparatus and connected to the housing, and at least one temperature sensor for determining a temperature of the power contact. The apparatus further includes a printed circuit board arranged in the housing of the electrical connection apparatus between the power contact and a retaining section of the housing, with the printed circuit board being clamped between the power contact and the retaining section by means of a spring-force apparatus arranged between the power contact and the retaining section. The printed circuit board is thermally coupled to the power contact directly or by means of the spring-force apparatus. The at least one temperature sensor is arranged on the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT E-MOBILITY GMBHInventors: Ralf Feldner, Carsten Garth, Tanja Gebhardt
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Patent number: 10538173Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle battery charging control system, which is capable of increasing efficiency of power delivered to an electric device and a low-voltage battery to improve fuel efficiency, by connecting a low-voltage DC-DC converter (LDC) to an AC power source instead of a high-voltage battery upon charging a low-voltage battery of a vehicle to prevent power delivery efficiency of an on-board battery charger (OBC) from being reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Hui Sung Jang, Gi Bong Son, Hyun Wook Seong
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Patent number: 10536026Abstract: Present embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a zero-footprint charging station for use with vehicles having quick-charge batteries. The disclosed embodiments enable the “quick-charge” power conversion equipment to disappear entirely into a passenger station structure. The passenger station structure may include a structural component of a bus stop (or other vehicle station) that is designed to accommodate passengers waiting to board the bus (or other transportation vehicle). By housing the power conversion electronics within a larger structure that serves a purpose at the vehicle station, the system may enable larger amounts of power electronics to be incorporated into a relatively strong and stable structure conforming to a desired size for the area (e.g., bus stop).Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Toshiba International CorporationInventors: Richard Robert Gerhold, Mark Douglas Rayner