With Charger Stand Or Base Patents (Class 320/115)
  • Patent number: 8188714
    Abstract: A system for maintaining a large number of Handheld Electronic Devices is implemented as a carrying case having circuitry configured to connect to the Handheld Electronic Devices to enable the HEDs to be charged and synchronized. The carrying case has a central area configured to hold the circuitry for charging and synchronizing the HEDs, and a pair of divider structures on either side of the central area to hold the HEDs in a protective manner while stored in the carrying case. A grounded protective coating is applied to the interior of the carrying case to dissipate electromagnetic radiation generated by the circuitry and/or HEDs within the carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tad Petrick, Philip Sopicki, John Poremba, Brian Wixted, Jim Fisher, Harrison Yuan, Mike Hansen
  • Patent number: 8188709
    Abstract: A power transmission control device used for a non-contact power transmission system includes an operation mode switching terminal that receives an operation mode switch control signal that switches a mode between an automatic mode and a switch mode, a power transmitting device starting normal power transmission in the automatic mode after installation of a power-receiving-side instrument that includes a power receiving device in an area in which power transmitted via non-contact power transmission can be received has been automatically detected, the normal power transmission supplying power to a load of the power-receiving-side instrument, and the power transmitting device starting the normal power transmission in the switch mode after an operation trigger switch has been turned ON, an operation trigger terminal that receives an operation trigger signal that occurs due to an operation of the operation trigger switch, and a power-transmitting-side control circuit that controls power transmission to the power
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kota Onishi, Masayuki Kamiyama, Nobutaka Shiozaki, Takahiro Kamijo, Minoru Hasegawa, Haruhiko Sogabe
  • Patent number: 8183825
    Abstract: The embodiments relate generally to a docking charger for charging a hand held electronic device. The docking charger has a docking base formed with a reception area. The reception area has a shape and size to support and hold the hand held electronic device in a charging position when the protective cover case is fitted on the hand held electronic device. The docking charger also has a charger adapter formed to be removably fitted in the reception area of the docking base. The charger adapter has an interior chamber shaped and sized to directly support and hold the hand held electronic device in the charging position when the protective cover case is removed from the hand held electronic device. The docking charger has two working positions. In the first working position where the charger adapter is removed from the reception area of the docking base, the reception area is exposed to receive the hand held electronic device fitted with its protective cover case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Shuang Sa
  • Patent number: 8183828
    Abstract: A charging apparatus includes: a charging unit configured to perform a contactless charging operation for a placed external device; a detector configured to detect a position of a placed object; a determining unit configured to determine that the placed object is an external device compatible with the charging unit; and a control unit configured to control the charging unit such that, during the contactless charging operation for an external device compatible with the charging unit, the charging operation for the external device being charged is restricted when an object that is determined by the determining unit not to be an external device compatible with the charging unit, has been placed within a predetermined distance from the charging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8174236
    Abstract: A battery charging device includes a power terminal unit to be connected to a power source and provided with power therefrom, a charging terminal unit to be connected to a power terminal of a battery, and a holding device to be fixed to side faces of the battery when the charging terminal unit contacts the power terminal of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Yong Park, Yong-Beom Kim
  • Publication number: 20120098495
    Abstract: The present application provides a charging system having a charger and a battery. The charging system provides a quick-charging mode and a normal-charging mode. The quick-charging mode may be activated to charge the battery if certain conditions are met and the charging system may also have an indicating device for indicating when the quick-charging mode is finished. More specifically, the charger of the present application provides selective charging modes and provides an ultra-quick charging solution which may be controlled by the changes in the temperature of the battery and which can increase the charging power to quickly provide enough energy to finish a work task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Dezhong Yang, Nanfei Wu, Junya Duan
  • Patent number: 8165643
    Abstract: A charging cradle has a rectangular cradle body defined an upper surface, a front surface and two opposite lateral surfaces thereon. An end of the upper surface adjacent to the front surface is formed with a subjacent surface lower than the upper surface and connecting with the upper surface by a first inclined surface. The upper surface has a receiving chamber extending along a front and rear direction. A charging base having a rotation portion defined a rectangular base mounted in the receiving chamber and rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the two lateral surfaces. A rear end of the rectangular base is extended downwards to form a receiving portion. Two opposite sides of the rectangular base have portions adjacent to a front end thereof extended laterally to form resisting portions, free ends of which extend downwards to form holding plates located at two opposite sides of the cradle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu-Keng Lin
  • Patent number: 8164303
    Abstract: A charging socket has a base and a holding body covering the base. The holding body has an opening receiving recess, and a first holding plate. A gear element has a ring-like body mounted in the base. The ring-like body has gear teeth at an outer periphery thereof, and a connecting portion connected with the base by a connecting spring for forcing the ring-like body to rotate. A swingable arm pivoted to the base has a ratchet tooth engaged with the gear teeth for stopping the ring-like body from being pulled by the connecting spring to rotate. A movable element has a basic plate slidably received in the receiving recess, and a second holding plate. A side of the basic plate is connected with a rack parallel to a sliding direction of the movable element and is lower than a bottom of the basic plate, engaging with the gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu-Keng Lin
  • Patent number: 8164304
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a charger (104) and a portable appliance such as a flashlight (102). The flashlight includes first and second flashlight electrical contacts. The charger includes first (122a) and second (122b) flashlight supports or jaws that support the flashlight in a flashlight receiving region of the charger (104). The flashlight supports (122) include a tapered surface that varies a dimension of the battery receiving region as a function of a longitudinal position of the flashlight supports (122). The charger (104) also includes a light source (120) that indicates when the flashlight (102) has been correctly inserted in the charger (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Gardner, Angelo Kotsis, Michael S. Squires, Timothy Rugendyke
  • Publication number: 20120096207
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an operating mode setting method for a portable device. The method includes: connecting the portable device to a dock; acquiring an ID of the dock; and changing an operating mode of the portable device to a first mode corresponding to the ID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: I O INTERCONNECT, LTD.
    Inventor: Johnny Chen
  • Patent number: 8159182
    Abstract: A contactless power transferring coil unit is provided. The contactless power transferring coil unit includes a flat coil, a magnetic film, and a leaking flux detecting coil. The flat coil is formed by winding a conductive wire into a spiral on a substantially flat plane. The magnetic film is disposed so as to cover one entire flat surface of the flat coil. The leaking flux detecting coil is disposed in a periphery outside an outer edge of the flat coil and the magnetic film and detects leaking magnetic flux from the flat coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc., Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Kuniharu Suzuki, Katsuya Suzuki, Manabu Yamazaki, Kota Onishi, Kentaro Yoda, Yoichiro Kondo, Mikimoto Jin, Takahiro Kamijo, Haruhiko Sogabe
  • Patent number: 8159184
    Abstract: An automotive power supply system comprises a battery module that includes serially connected battery groups each constituted with serially connected battery cells, integrated circuits each disposed in correspondence to one of the battery groups, a control circuit, a transmission path through which the integrated circuits are connected to the control circuit and a relay circuit via which an electrical current is supplied from the battery module. In response to a start signal instructing an operation start and received via the transmission path, each integrated circuit measures terminal voltages at the individual battery cells in the corresponding battery group and executes an abnormality diagnosis. If abnormality diagnosis results provided by the integrated circuits indicate no abnormality, the control circuit closes the relay, enabling supply of electrical current from the battery module and subsequently, the control circuit receives measurement results from the integrated circuits via the transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Emori, Youhei Kawahara, Kei Sakabe, Mutsumi Kikuchi, Tatsumi Yamauchi, Akihiko Kudo
  • Patent number: 8154244
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for managing power in an electronic device to enhance battery performance. One aspect includes automatically accelerating discharge of a battery below a threshold prior to recharging the battery. Another aspect includes measuring power requirements of modular components to create an order for use in power distribution. For example, a modular component with a highest power requirement might be charged first. In another example, power might be transferred first from a modular component with a lowest power requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Gorham, Geoffrey S. Martin
  • Patent number: 8154248
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a power tool can have a data terminal that provides a signal that is indicative of whether the voltage is below a threshold and can serve as both a pre-charge signal for a charger and as a stop-discharge signal for a power tool. A charger can include a power supply circuit and a voltage detection circuit. A charger control module can receive a signal indicative of the voltage of the battery pack and determine a pre-charge time based on the voltage and can monitor a change in the voltage of the battery pack during the pre-charge operation and stop the pre-charge operation based on the change in voltage and the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Keith D. Flaharty, Fugen Qin, Steven J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8143848
    Abstract: A video game controller charging system is provided. The video game controller charging system includes a base; at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to at least one video game controller while it is being charged; and at least one DC port on the base configured to couple to and provide DC power to a power input port of the at least one video game controller. The video game controller charging system may also include a current detector, a charging status indicator, at least one docking bay, and/or an AC-to-DC converter adapted to convert externally supplied power to the DC power provided to the power input port of at least one video game controller. The base of a charging station may include a recess having at least one electrical contact and a power input for connection to a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Navid
  • Patent number: 8143850
    Abstract: The invention is a device and system for providing power to a portable electronic device. A battery unit includes a rechargeable battery and is configured to be removably secured to a portable electronic device to provide power thereto. A base unit is configured to receive and charge one or more battery units, either alone or with the battery units secured to portable electronic devices. The battery unit includes a battery charge indicator, which can be a visible signal. An optical bath is defined through the base unit to transmit the visible signal of the battery unit to a base unit battery charge display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Teknocreations, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120062178
    Abstract: A flashlight charger is disclosed, wherein a bottom plate provided with a pressing element and an electrically conducting part is 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
  • Publication number: 20120062179
    Abstract: A power socket with charging interface is provided, wherein the power socket comprises at least one power hole, at least one charging interface and a holding arm, which holding arm being slidably disposed on the main body of the power socket, and one fixed end of the holding arm and one side of the power socket together constituting a containing slot for accommodating a portable electronic device, in which the holding arm may inwardly or outwardly slide so as to adjust the position of the fixed end. Since the width of the containing slot is adjustable, the power socket is allowable for placement of portable electronic devices of various sizes and specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHOU KUO
  • Patent number: 8134470
    Abstract: A remote control system relating to a remote control and a base charger. A rechargeable battery contained within the remote control is charged when rested within a charging position of the base charger. Once a user removes the remote control from the charging position, the remote control doubles as a portable hazard detector that operates in a sustained manner for as long as the rechargeable batter has power. This means that the remote control will emit an alert noise if a hazard such as smoke or high level of carbon monoxide is detected by internal sensors located within the remote control. The base charger also has sensors and an alert speaker to inform the user of a potential hazard. In addition, the base charger is in communication with the remote control so that a user can locate a missing remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Milton L. Agurs
  • Publication number: 20120049784
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a handheld data capture device. The apparatus includes a cradle configured to accommodate a handheld data capture device detachably settled therein. The apparatus also includes an energy reservoir installed in the cradle, a charging interface, and a port operative to charge at least the energy reservoir with a current-limited host. The charging interface on the cradle is operative to charge the handheld data capture device with at least the energy reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Klicpera
  • Publication number: 20120049800
    Abstract: A method of operation of a power supply system includes: providing a source voltage with a power source; generating a device voltage with the source voltage; monitoring the source voltage and the device voltage; and supplying the device voltage to a mobile device with the device voltage controlled by a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CLEVX, LLC
    Inventors: Simon B. Johnson, Lev M. Bolotin
  • Patent number: 8125194
    Abstract: A control system of a laptop computer storage system comprises a plurality of receptacles for charging one or more laptop computer batteries. A first switch may be provided for coupling the receptacles to a power source via a current limiter having an impedance that initially limits a current inrush and then decreases with temperature. A second switch may be provided for coupling the receptacles to the power source via a low impedance path. A controller may be provided and configured to activate the first switch to limit an initial current inrush while charging energy storing components associated with the laptop computer's power supply and then activate the second switch to allow each laptop coupled to the receptacles to at least partially charge its battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120043937
    Abstract: A charger includes a pouch sized to receive an electronic device therewithin. A charger circuit and at least one battery are disposed within the pouch for recharging a battery of the electronic device. Electrical contacts are mounted for access within the hollow interior of the pouch and/or on the exterior surface thereof. At least one contact assembly is provided and has a set of mating contacts and a power socket. Audio and visual annunciation is also provided for annunciating power levels of the electronic device. The charger may also include a cradle and another socket for charging a hands-free accessory operating on a Bluetooth wireless protocol. The charger may additionally include fasteners or hollow sleeves for adjusting the usable portion of the hollow interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: JAMAAL WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8120319
    Abstract: A set battery control circuit includes: a voltage detection portion that detects a terminal voltage across each secondary battery in a set battery formed by connecting a plurality of secondary batteries in series; a discharge portion that discharges the plurality of secondary batteries; and an imbalance reduction processing portion that performs imbalance reduction processing at set timing preset as timing at which terminal voltages across the plurality of secondary batteries become voltages at or below a cut-off voltage of discharge preset as a voltage at which discharge is to end in such a manner that a secondary battery having a terminal voltage higher than a lowest voltage, which is a lowest terminal voltage among the terminal voltages across the plurality of secondary batteries detected by the voltage detection portion, is discharged by means of the discharge portion so that a difference among the terminal voltages across the respective secondary batteries is lessened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Nakatsuji
  • Patent number: 8115451
    Abstract: A power supply for charging multiple devices that can be adapted to receive and charge practically any type of portable electronic device includes a base that receives an AC wall voltage and converts the wall voltage to DC voltage. The base includes at least two docking cavities that can simultaneously, physically and electrically couple the base to two portable electronic devices such that the devices are supported by the dock while they are being charged. The devices are supported so that there displays are visible and their controls are accessible. Adapters can also be inserted into the docking cavities to reconfigure the cavity to physically support a different type of device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8111034
    Abstract: A solar-powered charger includes a solar collector configured to generate electrical energy when exposed to light, a connector coupled to the solar collector to provide a pathway for discharging the electrical energy to an external device and a casing comprising a surface configured to dissipate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Better Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Fowler
  • Patent number: 8111042
    Abstract: A power delivery system wirelessly deliver electric power and a communication signal to a target device. The power delivery system includes a power transmitting unit having a power source operable to source alternating current power and a sending resonant coupling component operable to couple the alternating current power to a coil for wireless power transmission by a non-radiated magnetic field at a target resonant frequency. The power transmitting unit is capable of dynamically tuning the wireless power transmission to the target resonant frequency wherein the target resonant frequency is specified dynamically. A communication module couples to the power transmitting unit and is operable to couple the communication signal to the non-radiated magnetic field. Operations may include target device authentication, target resonant frequency information communication, billing, and device management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8111041
    Abstract: A power reception device transmits authentication information (e.g., start code, manufacturer ID, product ID, rated power information, and resonance characteristic information) to a power transmission device before starting normal power transmission by a non-contact power transmission system. The power transmission device performs instrument authentication based on the received authentication information, and regulates the maximum transmission power is regulated to conform to a power-reception-device side rated power. The power transmission device then performs normal power transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Kota Onishi, Kentaro Yoda, Haruhiko Sogabe, Takahiro Kamijo, Kuniharu Suzuki, Hiroshi Kato, Katsuya Suzuki, Manabu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8104653
    Abstract: An air breathing battery apparatus is connected to the hollow tubing of a backpack frame to provide an uninterrupted, water-resistant, light-weight power supply during extended remote operations in the field. Air breathing power sources are connected to the hollow tubes of the backpack assembly to provide a constant uninterrupted air supply in a relatively small package that fits easily into the backpack frame with only negligible added weight. The positioning of the air breathing power source in a backpack composed of hollow tubing also protects the battery from inclement weather or when the user is in water, for example, while fording a river or stream, to permit the uninterrupted use of the electronics powered by the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Fee Chan Leung
  • Patent number: 8106626
    Abstract: A battery charging station, for a robot, includes a base, two side-walls barriers, a stop, a supporting arm, a charging connector, and a transmitter. The side-walls barriers are separately mounted on the base. The stop is mounted on the back of the base to form a docking space together with the barriers and the base. The supporting arm is cantilever mounted on the stop by one free end thereof with the other end extending into the space over the docking space. The charging connector is mounted on the free end of the supporting arm and is configured for providing an electrical connection between the robot and a power source. The transmitter is positioned on the upper surface of the supporting arm and is configured for emitting signals for the robot to locate the re battery charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiong Li, Kim-Yeung Sip
  • Publication number: 20120019208
    Abstract: A charging station for portable electronic devices includes a base having a substantially vertical and forward facing wall and a plurality of suction cups secured to the wall to temporarily secure the portable electronic devices to the wall in a position that the portable electronic devices can be viewed and operated while recharging. The suction cups can be secured in a plurality of laterally spaced-apart positions so that multiple portable electronic devices can be secured side-by-side for recharging or more than one suction cup can secure a larger portable electronic device. The suction cups can also be secured in a plurality of vertically spaced apart positions so that the suction cup can engage the portable electronic device at a selected height or so that more than one suction cup can secure the portable electronic device. The charging station also organizes mail, keys, wallets, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Doug Clouser
  • Patent number: 8102147
    Abstract: Disclosed are a wireless multi-charger system capable of saving the total charging time of a large number of wireless power transmission devices since one wireless multi-power transmission device includes a plurality of the wireless power transmission devices so that a large number of the wireless power transmission devices can be charged with electricity, and preventing the damage of the wireless power transmission devices and the wireless multi-power transmission device although foreign substances are put on charger blocks that are not charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Chun-Kil Jung
  • Patent number: 8099138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device comprising a receiving system for receiving a mobile telephone (30, 30?) provided with a device fort the wireless transmission of data and voice signals. Said holding device comprises a housing (1), an interface for a handsfree device, and a device for controlling the charging of a battery of the mobile telephone (30, 30?). The aim of the invention is to provide a holding device which enables different mobile telephones (30, 30?) to be held and operated. To this end, the receiving system can be adjusted in such a way as to receive different-sized mobile telephones (30, 30?), the holding device has an electrical output with an electrical power that can be used for charging the battery, and the device for controlling the charging is arranged in a cable (9) which is used specifically for the mobile telephone (30, 30?) and can be connected to the output on one end thereof and to the mobile telephone (30, 30?) on the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bury Sp.z.o.o.
    Inventor: Roman Piekarz
  • Publication number: 20120007555
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing electricity to a portable electronic device comprising: a wall plate that surrounds and attaches to an electrical wall receptacle, a charging cradle with a platform for supporting a portable electronic device; a male charging connector coupled to an opening slot in the charging cradle's platform, wherein the charging connector is insertable into a female charging port of a portable electronic device; and a transformer circuit coupled to the male charging connector, wherein the transformer circuit transforms a receiving electricity to an output electricity having an output voltage, an output current and an output wattage wherein the output electricity is within a range sufficient for charging the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Hans Bukow
  • Publication number: 20120007619
    Abstract: A multi-functional precious stone testing apparatus includes a portable housing, a testing unit, and an indication unit. The portable housing includes a hand-held casing and a probe casing extended from a front end of the hand-held casing. The testing unit includes a conductive probe having a testing end portion extended out of a tip end of the probe casing for contacting a testing object to determine a conductivity of the testing object. The indication unit includes a LED light unit received in the hand-held casing for illuminating the testing end portion of the conductive probe during testing, wherein the LED light unit is positioned away from the tip end of the probe casing for preventing heat generated from the LED light unit being transmitted toward the conductive probe to affect an accurate measurement for the conductivity of the testing object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Xiuling Zhu, Gary Bruce Peckham
  • Publication number: 20120004000
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a body having a battery configured to be mounted on a cradle, a first connection port disposed at one surface of the body to be electrically connected to power supply terminals of the cradle if the body is mounted on the cradle, a second connection port disposed at another surface different from the one surface of the body to be covered by at least part of the cradle if the body is mounted on the cradle, and a power supply path for electrically connecting the battery to the first and the second connection port respectively to charge the battery if power is supplied to the first and the second connection port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Byungsung CHOI
  • Patent number: 8085158
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus that enables a remaining battery capacity to be checked without requiring the battery to be loaded into the electronic apparatus. In this electronic apparatus, a battery lid closes a battery chamber that accommodates a battery. An opening/closing detection device detects opening/closing of the battery lid. An acquisition device acquires battery information of the battery when the opening/closing detection device detects that the battery lid opens. A storing device stores the battery information acquired by the acquisition device. A display device displays the battery information that is stored in the storing device, and displays the battery information of a battery that is not accommodated in the battery chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8085159
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus that enables a remaining battery capacity to be checked without requiring the battery to be loaded into the electronic apparatus. In this electronic apparatus, a battery lid closes a battery chamber that accommodates a battery. An opening/closing detection device detects opening/closing of the battery lid. An acquisition device acquires battery information of the battery when the opening/closing detection device detects that the battery lid opens. A storing device stores the battery information acquired by the acquisition device. A display device displays the battery information that is stored in the storing device, and displays the battery information of a battery that is not accommodated in the battery chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8080975
    Abstract: The teachings relate to a power supply for a portable electronic device. The power supply comprises a modular hybrid-charger assembly operably connected to a device holder. The modular hybrid-charger assembly comprises a rechargeable internal battery connected to a port operable to function as a tetherless connection to a portable electronic device, a power management engine embodied in a computer readable medium, and an untethered solar energy source. The device holder comprises a framework operable to receive, hold, and release the portable electronic device; and an alignment mechanism that facilitates a mating of the portable electronic device with the hybrid-charger assembly. The modular hybrid-charger assembly can comprise a form factor that is interchangeable and operable with each of several different device holder form factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: iPowerUp, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry S. Bessa, Martin Cox, Donald K. Moore
  • Publication number: 20110304301
    Abstract: A portable phone charger for shutting off standby power is provided, in which a standby power shut-off unit is provided at a predetermined position within a jack, and brings one contact point and the other contact point of an AC power cable into contact or separates the contact points from each other to shut off standby power from the portable phone charger, and a controller measures current flowing through the portable phone charger, determines whether standby power is generated in the portable phone charger by comparing the measured current with a reference current, and supplies power to the standby power shut-off unit to separate the one contact point from the other contact point, upon sensing the standby power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Chang Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8072183
    Abstract: A charging accessory for a portable electronic device having a device input connector includes a main charger body portion having a power supply connection to an AC wall outlet that receives an AC power supply voltage. Power conversion circuitry converts the AC power supply voltage to a DC power supply voltage. A device connector is electrically coupled to the DC power supply voltage and configured to couple the DC power supply voltage to the device input connector of the portable electronic device. The main body also has a battery pack connector that is electrically coupled to the DC power supply voltage. The battery pack connector couples to a battery pack through a charging body connector that electrically connects to the battery pack connector and receives the DC power supply voltage when the battery pack is mounted on the main charger body portion. A rechargeable battery in the battery receives the DC power supply voltage to recharge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110279081
    Abstract: A system for recording writing performed on a surface includes a rechargeable stylus, a rechargeable eraser, and a charging station for one or both of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser. Each of the rechargeable stylus and the rechargeable eraser includes a pair of charging rings. The charging rings are disposed so as to contact a corresponding pair of charging contacts on a receptacle on the charging station for the stylus or the eraser. The receptacle, charging contacts, and charging rings cooperate to charge rechargeable stylus or the rechargeable eraser when the stylus or eraser is placed into the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Cacioppo, Hector Padilla, Manuel Perez, Timothy Higgins
  • Patent number: 8058841
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a retractable overhead charging cord dispenser which has multi-positioning capability to provide plug-in electric power to PHEVs parked at various positions in a garage or the like. An illustrative embodiment of the retractable overhead charging cord dispenser includes an arm assembly, a cord guide arm carried by the arm assembly, a cord storage device provided in the arm assembly and a retractable charging cord extendable from the cord storage device and extending through and protruding from the cord guide arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bala Chander, Ted James Miller, David W Schultz, Dale Gilman
  • Patent number: 8058837
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a footwear housing is disclosed. The footwear housing includes a charging station that can be used to charge a battery in the footwear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Michael R. Friton, Tinker L. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 8054036
    Abstract: A power transmission device performs power-saving power transmission that transmits a small amount of power as compared with normal power transmission when the power transmission device has detected that a battery of a load has been fully charged so that the operation of a charge control device (charge control IC) of the load is maintained, thereby enabling recharging due to a charge management function of the charge control device. Since the load state of a power reception device increases when recharging has started, the power transmission device detects an increase in the load state and changes power transmission from power-saving power transmission to normal power transmission. When the power reception device has been removed during power-saving power transmission, the power transmission device detects that the power reception device has been removed, and stops continuous power transmission so that unnecessary power consumption does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Kota Onishi, Kentaro Yoda, Takahiro Kamijo, Haruhiko Sogabe, Kuniharu Suzuki, Hiroshi Kato, Katsuya Suzuki, Manabu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8054042
    Abstract: A modular power supply that can be adapted to receive and charge practically any type or number of portable electronic devices includes a power converter that receives an AC wall voltage and converts the wall voltage to DC bus voltage. Each charging module has a pair of conductive rails and magnets positioned around the exterior of the module. The power converter has a connector that is physically and electrically coupled to a charging module through a pair of magnets and conductive rails such that the DC bus voltage is applied to the conductive rails of the module. Each charging module has a dock that physically couples to a portable electronic device and supplies a charging voltage produced from the DC bus voltage to the device. Additional charging modules can be physically and electrically coupled together by simply placing the modules adjacent one another through the interaction of the module's conductive rails and magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Mark David Rowan, David Arnold Owens
  • Patent number: 8050723
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body and a solar cell module. The main body has electric components. The solar cell module is mounted in the main body. The solar cell module is configured for supplying electric energy to the electric components of the main body. The solar cell module includes a solar cell, a cell cover and a light diverging lens. The solar cell has a light-absorbing surface. The cell cover faces the light-absorbing surface. The cell cover defines a through hole therein. The light diverging lens is engaged in the through hole. The light diverging lens faces toward the light-absorbing surface and is configured for diverging light transmitted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bor-Yuan Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20110255275
    Abstract: A portable lighting device that is lightweight and features a space-efficient design includes a body containing a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The body includes a pair of pivot arms that are spaced from one another. A lamp assembly includes a lamp assembly housing containing a light source that is powered by the Li-ion battery. The lamp assembly housing is pivotally connected to each of the pair of pivot arms and positioned there between. A handle includes a gripping portion that is spaced from the body so that a gripping space is defined between the gripping portion of the handle and the body. A removable bumper pad is positioned on the bottom of the body. The portable lighting device features recesses on opposite sides that are engaged by corresponding tabs on a charging rack. This prevents non-compatible lighting devices from being positioned on the charging rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: JOHN DEVANEY, Mark Dirsa
  • Patent number: 8035339
    Abstract: A power supply device capable of reducing noise intruding into connecting terminals for signal input or output will be provided. A cradle device 3 has a case 18; a positive supply terminal 21P and a negative power supply terminal 21N exposed from the case 18; a charger 52 provided inside the case and setting the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21 at constant potentials being different from each other; an input terminal 21S exposed from the case 18 and arranged between the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21N adjacent to the positive power supply terminal P and the negative power supply terminal 21N; and an amplifier 51 provided inside the case 18 and operating based on a signal input into the input terminal 21S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 8030892
    Abstract: A phone charging stand includes a casing and a cover. The casing has a socket on one surface to hold a phone, and a first universal serial bus (USB) connecting port on another surface of the casing is used to connect a wireless dongle having a USB interface. The cover is pivotally connected to one end of the casing. The cover can be rotated toward the socket to be attached to the casing to hold the phone. The cover can also be rotated toward the another surface of the casing to support the charging stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Ting-Yuan Fang, Bellring Sheng, Jung-Chung Wang, Yi-Rui Lin