For Battery Pack Patents (Class 320/112)
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Patent number: 8405348Abstract: A charging circuit includes a battery pack provided with one or more secondary batteries and a battery charger for charging the secondary batteries, the battery pack being detachably attachable to the battery charger. The charging circuit further includes a control unit for performing a charging control, a monitoring unit for detecting charged voltage of the secondary batteries to determine completion of charging, a storage unit storing charging data for use in the charging control of the control unit and determination of the charging completion of the monitoring unit and a changing unit for changing the charging data. The monitoring unit and the storage unit are arranged in the battery pack, and the changing unit and the control unit are arranged in the battery charger.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Power Tools Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Kawai, Masaaki Sakaue
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Publication number: 20130069594Abstract: Disclosed is a battery pack including: a plurality of cell modules including a plurality of battery cells; and a battery management system for transmitting a control signal on charging to at least one of the plurality of cell modules based on state information of a battery cell transmitted by the cell modules, and controlling a current supplied to the cell modules by an external charger based on the state information, wherein the cell modules are charged to a predetermined capacity of the battery cell in connection with the external charger, and are charged to full capacity of the battery cell individually according to the control signal so the battery pack is fully charged very quickly without a cell balancing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Eun-Ey Jung
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Patent number: 8400109Abstract: A flashlight charger includes a bottom plate provided with a pressing element and an electrically conducting part fixedly connected to a top plate that partially covers the pressing element and the electrically conducting part. A flashlight to be charged is aligned and connected with the flashlight charger and then pushed backward relative to the flashlight charger to allow the charging terminals at one end of the flashlight charger to make good electrical contact with the corresponding charging ends of the flashlight while the flashlight is securely fastened with the flashlight charger. When charging is completed, the flashlight can be removed from the flashlight charger rapidly and conveniently. The flashlight charger features good and stable electrical contact in use.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Day Sun Industrial Corp.Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
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Patent number: 8390254Abstract: A charging apparatus for laptop computer with multiple-batteries is used in a first battery unit and a second battery unit. The charging apparatus comprises a micro controller unit; a first charging switch unit electrically connected to the micro controller unit; a second charging switch unit electrically connected to the micro controller unit; and a charging unit electrically connected to the first charging switch unit and the second charging switch unit. The micro controller unit controls the charging unit charging the first battery unit and the second battery unit via controlling the first charging switch unit and the second charging switch unit. The charging apparatus charges multi-batteries simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Winmate Communication Inc.Inventors: Yeh-Shen Lin, Yi-Feng Tung, Ku-Ching Lu, Yun-Chin Lin
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Patent number: 8384349Abstract: A battery monitoring system for electric power tool includes a battery pack for electric power tool and an auxiliary power source. The battery pack has a battery and a monitoring circuit. The battery is provided with at least one battery cell. The monitoring circuit is operated by electric power supplied from the battery, and monitors a status of the battery. The auxiliary power source outputs electric power allowing the monitoring circuit to operate. The monitoring circuit is configured such that, when the monitoring circuit is unoperational with the electric power of the battery due to a decrease in a voltage of the battery, the monitoring circuit becomes operational by the electric power supplied from the auxiliary power source.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Tadahiko Kobayakawa, Tomoo Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8385986Abstract: A mobile terminal and power source controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which power consumption can be efficiently controlled in a low power mode. The present invention includes calculating a remaining power level of a power supply unit, if the calculated remaining power level is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference, entering a power saving mode, if the power saving mode is entered, activating a basic operation related module, if the power saving mode is entered, comparing a power consumption level required for a designated operation execution to the calculated remaining power level, and if the remaining power level is equal to or higher by a predetermined level or more than the power consumption level as a result of the comparing step, outputting designated operation execution possibility indication information.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Bong Soo Kim
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Publication number: 20130043839Abstract: A system and method for digital management and control of power conversion from battery cells. The system utilizes a power management and conversion module that uses a CPU to maintain a high power conversion efficiency over a wide range of loads and to manage charge and discharge operation of the battery cells. The power management and conversion module includes the CPU, a current sense unit, a charge/discharge unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, a battery protection unit, a fuel gauge and an internal DC regulation unit. Through intelligent power conversion and charge/discharge operations, a given battery type is given the ability to emulate other battery types by conversion of the output voltage of the battery and adaptation of the charging scheme to suit the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: SOLAREDGE LTD.Inventor: Solaredge Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130044002Abstract: A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack includes a housing, a charging circuit positioned within the housing, and a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The first charging port is configured to support the first battery pack and defines a first connection axis along which the first battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit. The battery charger also includes a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack. The second charging port defines a second connection axis along which the second battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit. The first connection axis is angled relative to the second connection axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Scott Schneider, Christian Coulis, James S. Hull, Jay Rosenbecker, Scott D. Bublitz
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Patent number: 8378625Abstract: A device for mounting a mobile electronic device to an alternating current charger is provided. The mount allows the user to charge a mobile electronic device with the alternating current charger provided by the original equipment manufacturer of the mobile electronic device. The mount also protects the mobile electronic device from damage.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: James Robert Gourley
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Patent number: 8369904Abstract: The invention relates to a cell phone battery pack and a method of providing backup battery power to a cell phone. The cell phone battery pack is configured to be positioned within a cell phone. The battery pack includes a first battery, a second battery and a means to allow switching between the first battery and the second battery for powering the cell phone. The first battery and the second battery may differ in one or both of size and capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventors: Gary Bennis, Elizabeth Lang, Hannah Bennis
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Publication number: 20130025893Abstract: An adapter for an electric power tool couples battery packs with the electric power tool. The adapter is provided with a voltage regulator circuit interposed between the battery packs and the electric power tool. The voltage regulator circuit regulates a supply voltage from the battery packs to the electric power tool to a level corresponding to a rated voltage of the electric power tool. The voltage regulator is capable of raising the supply voltage higher than nominal voltages of the battery packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoyuki Ota, Shinichi Hira, Tadashi Makihara
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Patent number: 8358108Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating a charge cycle for a battery pack left in a battery charger. The battery pack includes a battery control unit which is operable to place the battery pack in a sleep mode after a predefined period of inactivity. The battery charger in turn is operable to deliver a charging signal to the battery pack in response to the battery pack entering a sleep mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Seman, Jr., Daniel J. White
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Patent number: 8354823Abstract: A charger includes a base, a frame, a cover, and at least one spring. The base defines a groove. The frame defines at least one positioning member. The cover is capable of moving between a latched position and a unlatched position. The cover includes a latching tab and at least one limiting protrusion. The at least one spring provides a rebound force to the frame. When the cover is in the latched position, the latching tab is received in the groove, the at least one positioning member engages the at least one limiting protrusion, and the at least one spring is compressed by the frame. When the cover moves to the unlatched position, the latching tab disengages from the groove, the at least one positioning member disengages from the at least one limiting protrusion, causing the frame to be ejected upwardly by the at least one spring.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dai-Wei Shao
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Patent number: 8349480Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure, a retaining piece, and a battery. The enclosure defines a battery space. The retaining piece is located at a side of the enclosure. The retaining piece can move elastically along a first direction. The battery is laid in the battery space and adapted to move along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. The retaining piece is adapted to move from a compressed state to an ejected state. The battery pressed the retaining piece in the compressed state. The battery is moved into the battery space along the second direction and is blocked by the retaining piece.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Po-Ching Chiang, Cheng-Hsiu Du
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Publication number: 20130002200Abstract: When maximum cell voltage remains at or below a maximum current control voltage (4200 mV), which is below the start-full-charge detection voltage (4210 mV), three consecutive times with 250 ms periodicity, set current is increased one level (128 mA). When maximum cell voltage is higher than the start-full-charge detection voltage three consecutive times with 250 ms periodicity, set current is reduced. When maximum cell voltage is higher than the start-full-charge detection voltage and charging current remains below 384 mA two consecutive times with 250 ms periodicity, the rechargeable battery is determined to be fully-charged.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Masayuki KOBAYASHI, Tomomi Kaino
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Publication number: 20130002199Abstract: Techniques for charging a rechargeable battery having at least one rechargeable cell are described. A battery charger applies a constant current to charge the rechargeable cell and periodically measures a value of voltage of the rechargeable cell. The value of voltage is tracked over a time period required to charge the rechargeable cell to have the measured value of voltage be substantially equal to a crossover value of voltage for the rechargeable cell. A constant voltage is applied substantially equal to the crossover voltage for a second period of time, with the second period of time selected based on the tracked time period. The charging is terminated after the second period of charging time has elapsed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Ran Hu, Elik Dvorkin, Robert Pavlinsky
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Patent number: 8342278Abstract: Structures of a supporting mechanism for a power source in a vehicle can include a seat portion and a fixing portion. The seat portion can be attached to a body of the vehicle. The fixing portion can extend from the seat portion. One or more stackable power sources can be accommodated within and secured by the fixing portion. The power source supporting mechanism can be easily mounted in available space in or on or otherwise associated with the vehicle, enabling the power source supporting mechanism to be readily adaptable to various different kinds of vehicles. The vehicles may be motorcycles, for example.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Oohashi
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Patent number: 8344685Abstract: A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
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Patent number: 8344693Abstract: A rotationally rechargeable electrical apparatus includes an electronic device with a back, a center of mass and a battery. An electrical generator at the back of the device has a rotor secured to the device and a stator having a flat contact surface extending parallel to the back of the device. The rotor and stator are rotatably connected together so that they can rotate relatively about an axis that extends perpendicular to the contact surface and passes through the center of mass. A voltage regulating circuit is connected electrically between the generator and the battery so that when the apparatus is placed on a support so that the contact surface frictionally engages the support and the device is spun about the axis, the generator produces an electrical output that is conditioned by the regulator circuit to charge the battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Bobby Lee Budziszek, Collin James McMaster
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Publication number: 20120317743Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Brett Reed, Markus Allemann, Doug Rukavina, Mark Reindle, Norm Siegel, Jack W. Gee, II, Jamie Horvath, Mark Butts
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Publication number: 20120313582Abstract: In a hand tool having at least one integrated battery cell, a pen-shaped tool housing is provided, and the battery cell is connectable to a charger for charging, which is designed to charge removable battery packs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventor: Jan BREITENBACH
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Publication number: 20120313562Abstract: A battery control device is connected to a plurality of battery cells. The battery control device includes a voltage value calculator, a communicator, and a voltage value updater. The voltage value calculator calculates, based on a current flowing through a plurality of battery cells, a voltage of each battery cell. If the battery control device is connected to a charge control device, the communicator receives information relating to a voltage of each battery cell, which has been detected by a voltage detector in the charge control device, from the charge control device. The voltage value updater updates the voltage calculated by the voltage value calculator based on the voltage information received by the communicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroya Murao, Shinya Kataoka, Mika Kirimoto
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Patent number: 8330426Abstract: Each of a battery charger and a battery pack has a microcomputer. The respective microcomputers mutually perform data communication while the battery pack is being charged by the battery charger, and confirm an operational state of the microcomputer of the communication counterpart (mutual operation confirmation) based on a result of the data communication. When an abnormality of one of the microcomputers is detected, the other microcomputer executes a predetermined process for stopping charging.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Suzuki, Tadahiko Kobayakawa, Tomoo Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8330416Abstract: A thin and compact battery module capable of suppressing an increase in temperature of the battery in the battery module when the battery is charged. The battery module 20 includes a power circuit 21 having a heat-generating multilayer inductor 21A, a resin layer 22 in which the power circuit 21 is embedded, and a secondary cell arranged on the top face of the resin layer 22. The resin layer 22 has multiple recesses 22A in a portion that is in contact with the secondary cell 23.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., LtdInventor: Shinji Goma
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Publication number: 20120299545Abstract: When a voltage applied to a first capacitor connected to an output of a power generator in parallel is equal to or larger than a threshold, a starter signal output from a monitoring circuit to a control circuit is set from a low level to a high level. The control circuit self-starts, and a first switch arranged between the power generator and a cell balancing circuit is turned ON. Electric power for equalizing an output voltage of each of a plurality of rechargeable batteries of a battery pack is supplied from the power generator to the battery pack via the cell balancing circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventor: Mamoru Kuraishi
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Publication number: 20120293124Abstract: An object of the invention is to make the charging power as high as possible in a battery charging control system for selectively charging a plurality of batteries having different voltages with energy generated by an alternator. To achieve the object, the battery charging control system according to the invention includes an alternator having a variable generation voltage and a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages, wherein maximum generation power defined as the highest power that the alternator can generate and maximum charging power defined as the highest power that each battery can accept are obtained, and a battery for which the charging power is highest is selected to be charged based on a comparison of the maximum generation power and the maximum charging power.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takuya Hirai, Yuichi Shimasaki, Yoshinori Futonagane
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Patent number: 8314590Abstract: A secondary battery includes a battery case configured subject to the configuration of a conventional 9V or 1.5V battery and a battery body and a battery charger mounted in the battery case. The battery charger controls the battery body for charging and voltage output, and provides a USB socket as charging interface and positive and negative electrodes as discharging interface. Thus, the secondary battery is connectable to a USB plug of a cell phone battery charger or computer for charging, and can be installed in an electric product like a conventional battery cell to provide DC power to the electric product. Under the provision of current detection function and voltage adjusting function, the 1.5V secondary battery can be connected in series or in parallel with one or a number of micro resistor-provided virtual batteries to output a voltage subject to its linking arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Hercules Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Roger Chen
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Patent number: 8314589Abstract: A battery pack is constructed with a rechargeable battery, a protection circuit part that protects the battery when the battery is charged and discharged, and a switching unit that turns on or off a power source of the protection circuit part. Also, the battery pack may be constructed with a rechargeable battery, a protection circuit part that protects the battery when the battery is charged and discharged, and electric wiring lines constructed so that the power source of the protection circuit part may be turned on and off. When the battery pack is not connected to a charger or a load by the switching unit or the electric wire lines, the power source of the circuit is blocked to prevent the battery pack from being shorted and to reduce the idle power. When the battery pack is connected to the charger or the load, the power source is applied to the circuit so that the circuit operates.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jonghwa Hur
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Publication number: 20120286732Abstract: A battery pack can include a temperature sensor that can provide an output that is indicative of a temperature associated with the battery pack. A battery management unit can directly measure the temperature sensor when the battery pack is by itself or engaged with a tool. A charger can directly read the temperature sensor when the battery pack is engaged with the charger. Thus, the temperature sensor can be shared by the battery pack and the charger. The battery pack can utilize a same terminal that provides access to the temperature sensor to indicate a stop-charge signal. The charger can read the stop-charge signal on the same terminal used to directly access the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Steven J. Phillips
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Publication number: 20120274281Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for managing a battery pack by reflecting a degradation degree of secondary cells, selecting the secondary cell having a maximum disparate voltage value among calculated disparate voltage values as a degraded cell in the current charging cycle, and updating the information on the degraded cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventor: Cheol-Taek KIM
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Publication number: 20120274280Abstract: An intelligent rechargeable battery pack having a battery management system for monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack is described. The battery management system includes a memory for storing data related to the operation of the battery, and the battery management system is also configured to communicate the data related to the operation of the battery to other processors for analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.Inventors: Sean Yip, David Mack
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Publication number: 20120274279Abstract: An intelligent rechargeable battery pack having a battery management system for monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack is described. The battery management system includes primary and secondary protection circuits for monitoring the charging and discharging of the battery. Individual battery cells forming the battery pack are connected by a main bus to a connector for connection to a battery charger or a device to be powered, and the main bus may be interrupted by a switch controlled by the battery management system to prevent damage to the battery during charging or discharging of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: ZOLL CIRCULATION, INC.Inventors: Orlando Banos, David Deam, Richard Smith
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Patent number: 8299760Abstract: A battery charger includes: a circuit board including terminal portions provided to be exposed to the outside from an insertion portion, in which a secondary battery is inserted, and electrically connected to the secondary battery; a power circuit portion obtaining a voltage from an external power source and supplying a charging current to the secondary battery; a temperature detection unit detecting a battery temperature of the secondary battery; a charging control switch turning on/off the charging current; and a controller controlling the power circuit portion or the charging control switch based on a voltage and a current of the power circuit portion and the battery temperature, wherein the temperature detection unit is provided in a part of the circuit board opposed to the insertion portion at a distance from electronic components constituting the power circuit portion and the controller based on a heat generation temperature of the electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Mitsugu Sato
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Publication number: 20120262118Abstract: A dual-chargeable battery pack in a power supply is disclosed. The dual-chargeable battery pack comprises a main body provided with an electrical energy storage device, a first connecting device and a second connecting device. The first connecting device comprises a first charging terminal set and a first power output terminal set, wherein the first charging terminal set is configured to receive an input of a first power for outputting to the electrical energy storage device. The second connecting device comprises a second charging terminal set which is configured to receive an input of a second power for outputting to the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy storage device is configured to output the electrical energy accumulated therein as a third power through the first power output terminal set. The second power is different than the first power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Yuan-Jui LU, Kai-Shen CHEN
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Patent number: 8288031Abstract: A battery disconnect unit for selectively coupling a battery pack to a load is provided. The unit includes a base portion that holds first and second contactors, a pre-charging relay, and a charging relay, thereon. The unit further includes a circuit board having first, second, third and fourth bus bars disposed thereon. The first and second bus bars are coupled to first and second terminals, respectively, of the first contactor. The first bus bar is further coupled to the battery pack, and the second bus bar is further coupled to the load. The third and fourth bus bars are coupled to third and fourth terminals, respectively, of the second contactor. The third bus bar is further coupled to the battery pack, and the fourth bus bar is further coupled to the load.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Bob Matejek, Mark Niedzwiecki, Greg Phillips, Hee Kook Yang, Bryan Symons, Bob Merriman
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Patent number: 8289002Abstract: A mother board adapted to rapidly charge a handheld multimedia device including a controller, a rapid charging initiation unit, a connection port coupled to the handheld multimedia device, and a switching unit. The rapid charging initiation unit provides a first voltage ranging from 3.2 V to 11 V and a second voltage ranging from 2.7 V to 0.6 V. A voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage ranges from 0.5 V to 0.8 V. The switching unit is coupled to the controller, the rapid charging initiation unit, and the connection port for determining whether the connection port is coupled to the controller or the rapid charging initiation unit. When the connection port is coupled to the rapid charging initiation unit, the first and the second voltage are sent to the handheld multimedia device through the connection port for activating a rapid charging function.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hou-Yuan Lin, Chen-Shun Chen, Tse-Hsine Liao, Kuei-Min Chen
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Publication number: 20120256590Abstract: A battery pack includes a casing having an opening, an engaging member having a stopper, and a regulating member configured to regulate a movement of the engaging member. The engaging member is supported in a slidable and rotatable manner relative to the casing, and is applied with a biasing force such that the stopper projects from the opening. The regulating member includes a contact portion configured to block a rotation of the engaging member and an operating portion configured to displace the contact portion to release a blocking of the rotation of the engaging member. When the operating portion is a non-operated state, the engaging member is slidable against the biasing force to retract the stopper. When the operating portion is in an operated state, the engaging member is rotatable against the biasing force to retract the stopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: MAX CO., LTD.Inventors: Terufumi HAMANO, Akira Teranishi, Hajime Takemura, Keisuke Koitabashi
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Patent number: 8283888Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) includes a power receiver (2) and an electronic apparatus main body (3). The power receiver (2) includes a power receiving coil (11) having a spiral coil, a rectifier (12) and a secondary battery (13). The electronic apparatus main body (3) includes an electronic device (14) and a circuit board (15). A magnetic foil (16) is arranged in at least one position between the spiral coil (11) and one of the secondary battery (13), the rectifier (12), the electronic device (14) and the circuit board (15).Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Inoue, Takao Kusaka, Masaharu Suzuki
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Patent number: 8285327Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Simon Book, Martin George Albert Guthrie, Jonathan Quinn Brubacher, Herbert Anthony Little
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Patent number: 8283897Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method of handling a device charging state for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connected mobile electronic device comprising the steps of sensing a presence of a bus voltage; sensing an enumeration acknowledgement signal between the device and a USB host; and transmitting a signal to instruct the device to enter the device charging state.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Dusan Veselic, Alexei Skarine
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Publication number: 20120253328Abstract: A portable presentation unit for sterilizing, charging, and testing components of a cordless surgical instrument is disclosed including a battery charger unit configured to recharge a battery pack of the cordless surgical instrument, a testing unit configured to test at least one of the battery pack or a reusable transducer/generator unit of the cordless surgical instrument, and a sterilization unit configured to sterilize at least one of the battery pack or the transducer/generator unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LPInventors: James S. Cunningham, William J. Dickhans, Russell D. Hempstead, John J. Kappus, Duane E. Kerr, Eric R. Larson, William H. Nau, JR., Anthony B. Ross, Robert B. Stoddard
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Patent number: 8278877Abstract: One aspect according to the present invention includes a battery pack and a shock absorbing device interposed between a battery cell holder and a case body and capable of keeping the battery cell holder and the battery cells not to directly contact with an inner surface of the case body.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Tsuyoshi Murayama, Hideyuki Taga, Kazutoshi Ogino, Hidekazu Hayashi, Hitoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8278876Abstract: A battery pack may include at least one battery cell, a switch having an ON resistance dependent on a temperature of the switch, a thermistor having a resistance varying with changes in the temperature, and battery state monitoring circuitry. The battery state monitoring circuitry may be configured to monitor a voltage drop across the switch caused by a current flowing through the switch and the resistance of the thermistor to correlate the voltage drop to the current level. A cordless electrical device including the battery pack, and an associated method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.Inventors: Constantin Bucur, Marian Niculae
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Patent number: 8278781Abstract: Upon detecting an external signal which instructs to stop discharge, an input voltage equal to or less than a set value for the prevention of overdischarge, or an output voltage equal to or more than a set value for the prevention of output of an overvoltage, a control unit (12) stops discharge to a load (40) by opening a switching element (4b) of a step-down unit (11b). Upon detecting that an external signal is reset or an input voltage equal to or more than a set value larger than the set value for the prevention of overdischarge, the control unit (12) resumes discharge to the load (40) by setting the switching element (4b) in a switching operation state or short-circuiting it.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Akira Yamashita, Takahisa Shodai, Akihiro Miyasaka, Riichi Kitano
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Patent number: 8278869Abstract: To provide a battery system that can detect connecting locations of a plurality of battery packs with a simple structure, the battery system includes a plurality of terminal blocks 21 to 24 to which the plurality of battery packs 11 to 14 are connected. Each battery pack includes a first battery power supply terminal 15, a second battery power supply terminal 18, and a battery ID terminal 17. A power supply voltage is applied between the first and second battery power supply terminals 15, 18, and the battery ID terminal 17 divides the power supply voltage into a first voltage to be applied between the first battery power supply terminal 15 and the battery ID terminal 17, and a second voltage to be applied between the second battery power supply terminal 18 and the battery ID terminal 17, when the battery pack is connected to the terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kunihiko Hori
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Patent number: 8278881Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of an onboard energy storage system of a plug-in vehicle using a remote command center, such as a vehicle telematics service. An embodiment of such a method involves the transmission of a charge request for the onboard energy storage system to a remote command center associated with the plug-in vehicle. In response to the charge request, a charge command is received from the remote command center. The charging of the onboard energy storage system is regulated in accordance with the received charge command, which may be a charge enable command or a charge disable command.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: George R. Woody, Brian A. Welchko
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Patent number: 8274256Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J Brandon, II, Jason M Barr, Peter F Hoffman, David A Furth, Rachel P Devereaux, Mandy Iswarienko
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Publication number: 20120235642Abstract: A system includes housing having a positive terminal and a negative terminal and one or more energy storage devices disposed therein. One system includes a first energy storage device that operates at a first state of charge level and a second energy storage device that operates at a second state of charge level. The second state of charge level is greater than the first state of charge level.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Ou Mao, Qi Zhang, Thomas M. Watson, Junwei Jiang
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Patent number: 8269458Abstract: A battery pack can include a temperature sensor that can provide an output that is indicative of a temperature associated with the battery pack. A battery management unit can directly measure the temperature sensor when the battery pack is by itself or engaged with a tool. A charger can directly read the temperature sensor when the battery pack is engaged with the charger. Thus, the temperature sensor can be shared by the battery pack and the charger. The battery pack can utilize a same terminal that provides access to the temperature sensor to indicate a stop-charge signal. The charger can read the stop-charge signal on the same terminal used to directly access the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Steven J. Phillips
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Patent number: RE43783Abstract: A secondary cell featuring a transient rise in temperature once charged to saturation is coupled and thereby forms a composite structure with a charging assembly by mutual engagement of conductive contacts provided on either part. The force of union generated by the coupling compresses a thermosetting prestressed means which is a spring or other prestressed element the coupling brings the contacts into conduction to initiate charging. The stress is released once charging in the secondary cell reaches its saturation, followed by cutoff of the charging current to the secondary cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Inventor: Tai-Her Yang