Cycling (e.g., Discharge/charge Cycle, Etc.) Patents (Class 320/130)
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Patent number: 8344687Abstract: A battery pack updating method updates firmware stored in internal control circuit memory via an update signal sent from a main device that supplies power. When battery pack memory is updated, an AC adapter is connected to the main device, and power is supplied to the main device from the AC adapter. The updating method transmits a charging and discharging blocking signal from the main device to the battery pack control circuit via a communication line. The charging and discharging blocking signal stops discharge from the battery pack rechargeable battery, and stops charging of the rechargeable battery. With rechargeable battery discharging and charging to and from the main device stopped by the charging and discharging blocking signal, the updating method transmits update data from the main device to the battery pack control circuit to update memory.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Nishikawa, Atsushi Kawasumi
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Patent number: 8339104Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle warms up a battery, which is mounted to charge and discharge. A charge/discharge unit is located closer to a battery set than an inverter unit is. When the battery set cannot produce a required output power because of its low temperature, a control unit controls the charge/discharge unit to charge and discharge and also controls a blower to deliver heat transfer medium, which receives heat generated from the charge/discharge unit, to the battery set, so that the battery set is warmed up to produce the required output power at earlier time.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Tamura
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Patent number: 8338034Abstract: Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Sion Power CorporationInventors: John D. Affinito, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Yordan M. Geronov, Christopher J. Sheehan
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Patent number: 8332169Abstract: An apparatus estimates SOH of a battery based on a battery voltage variation pattern. A data storing unit obtains and stores battery voltage, current and temperature data from sensors, at each SOH estimation. A first SOC estimating unit estimates first SOC by current integration using the battery current data. A second SOC estimating unit estimates open-circuit voltage from the voltage variation pattern, and calculates and stores second SOC corresponding to the open-circuit voltage and temperature using correlations between the open-circuit voltage/temperature and SOC. A weighted mean convergence calculating unit calculates and stores convergence value for weighted mean value of ratio of the second SOC variation to the first SOC variation. A SOH estimating unit estimates capacity corresponding to the weighted mean convergence value using correlation between the weighted mean convergence value and the capacity, estimates relative ratio of the estimated capacity to an initial capacity, and stores it as SOH.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Soo Kang, Jee-Ho Kim, Ju-Young Kim, Chang-Gi Jung
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Patent number: 8319476Abstract: Provided are a battery state monitoring circuit and a battery device which can be readily adapted to variation in number of batteries, and has low withstand voltage and a simple circuit configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Sakurai, Kazuaki Sano
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Patent number: 8310205Abstract: A method includes charging a battery to a first percentage of full capacity, where the first percentage of full capacity is above a pre-charge capacity and below the full capacity, monitoring, using a controller, the battery for a predetermined threshold and in response to the battery reaching the predetermined threshold, charging the battery to a second percentage of full capacity, where the second percentage of full capacity is greater than the first percentage of full capacity.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: William Hamburgen
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Patent number: 8305043Abstract: In a voltage detecting apparatus, a voltage controlled oscillator, when an input voltage is applied thereto, outputs a signal with a logical value that is periodically inverted. A detector counts a number of logical inversion of the output signal from the voltage controlled oscillator over an interval between edges of pulses of a pulse signal to thereby generate, based on the counted number of logical inversion, digital data as a detected result of the input voltage. A determiner determines whether a reduction of a time required to detect the input voltage is higher in priority than an increase of a resolution of detection of the input voltage. A variably setting unit variably sets a frequency of the pulse signal based on a result of the determination of whether the reduction of the time required to detect the input voltage is higher in priority than the increase of the resolution of detection of the input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, Hiroshi Tamura
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Publication number: 20120268074Abstract: A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: John Cooley, Riccardo Signorelli, Morris Green, Padmanaban Sasthan Kuttipillai, Christopher Deane, Lindsay A. Wilhelmus
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Patent number: 8279074Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for generating backup power in a wireless communications system such as a wireless communications service base station includes a communications interface, a primary power interface, a generator, rectifiers, and a battery circuit. During normal operation, the communications interface is powered from the primary power interface. During a power outage, the communications interface is powered from either the generator or the battery circuit. A battery circuit monitoring circuit detects and/or predicts loose, corroded, intermittent, high resistance, arcing, open, shorted, and/or the like connections.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.Inventor: Steve Fischer
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Patent number: 8264203Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for determining a reported state of charge (“SOC”) of a battery system, the methods, apparatus, and computer program products including determining the reported SOC according to a first determining method when a previous SOC is greater than a first SOC threshold percentage and less than or equal to 100%; determining the reported SOC according to a second determining method when the previous SOC is greater than a second threshold percentage and less than or equal to the first SOC threshold percentage; and determining the reported SOC according to a third determining method when the previous SOC is greater than or equal to 0% and less than or equal to the second SOC threshold percentage.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Darilek, Erik Lee
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Publication number: 20120200263Abstract: A battery temperature control system, in temperature rise control, sets a maximum chargeable current and a maximum dischargeable current based on detection values of current, voltage, and temperature of a high-voltage battery, and controls charging/discharging power so that the current of the high-voltage battery does not exceed the maximum chargeable current or the maximum dischargeable current. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the high-voltage battery from abnormal heating and promptly raise its temperature according to change in the internal state of the high-voltage battery. In this control, a plurality of electrical equipment is selectively used. The amplitude of charging/discharging is controlled to reduce vibration noise and driving force fluctuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Eiji MASUDA
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Patent number: 8222870Abstract: A battery management system includes a monitoring circuit and a charger. The monitoring circuit is operable for monitoring a battery pack that includes a plurality of cells, and for checking an unbalanced condition of the battery pack in each cycle of a plurality of cycles. The charger is operable for controlling a charging current to the battery pack and for receiving monitoring information from the monitoring circuit, and for adjusting the charging current from a first level in a previous cycle to a second level that is lower than the first level in response to a detection of the unbalanced condition in a current cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: O2Micro, IncInventors: Jiankui Guo, Ruichao Tang, Guoxing Li, Xiaohua Hou, Zhenming Zhang
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Patent number: 8212403Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit for controlling the operation of a backup power supply, wherein the circuit comprises a switch unit, a control unit, and a processing unit; wherein the switch unit is configured to be operably coupled to an external power supply; wherein a first input terminal is configured to be operably coupled to a backup power supply, a second input terminal is configured to be operably coupled to the switch unit, the third and fourth output terminals of the control unit are configured to be operably coupled to an input terminal of the processing unit; the fifth and sixth input terminals of the control unit are configured to be operably coupled to a respective output terminal of the processing unit; and the control unit is configured to turn on and off the backup power supply.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: BYD Company Ltd.Inventors: Xiangjun Dai, Qingfei Zheng, Yaozhong Mi, Aimei Zhou
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Patent number: 8204702Abstract: A method for estimating an operating life for an electrical energy storage system electrically connected to transmit power to a hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring temperature state-of-charge and electric current of the electrical energy storage system, calculating a battery life metric for a time interval based upon the temperature, the state-of-charge, and the electric current discharge, determining a total battery life metric therefrom and determining the remaining operating life of the electrical energy storage system.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Marc B. Center
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Patent number: 8174237Abstract: In a battery system, battery modules (3a, 3b) connected to each other in series respectively include: one or more single cells (3a1 to 3an, 3b1 to 3b-n) connected to one another in any one of series, parallel, and series-parallel; cell voltage switches (7a, 7b) for detecting voltages respectively of the one or more single cells; module monitoring control units (9a, 9b) each for monitoring the detected voltages respectively of the one or more signal cells; and communications level converter circuits (14a, 14b). The battery system includes a master unit (8a) for receiving information on the voltages respectively of the one or more single cells from the module monitoring control units via the communications level converter circuits. One of the communications level converter circuits includes a switch element (Q32) for transmitting a signal of a low-potential battery module to a high-potential battery module.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shinichiro Kosugi, Nobuo Shibuya
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Patent number: 8159195Abstract: The present invention discloses an overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit for use in a charger circuit system, comprising: a power transistor electrically connected between a voltage supply and a battery; an OVP circuit which turns off the transistor when a voltage supply exceeds a threshold value; and a multiplexing circuit electrically connected between an output of the OVP circuit and the gate of the transistor. The present invention also discloses a charger circuit with an OVP function, comprising: a single power transistor electrically connected between a voltage supply and a battery; an OVP control circuit which turns off the power transistor when a voltage supply exceeds a threshold value; and a charger control circuit which controls the gate of the power transistor to determine a charge current to the battery when the voltage supply does not reach the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Richtek Technology CorporationInventors: Chien-Ping Lu, Nien-Hui Kung, Li-Wei Lee, Kwan-Jen Chu, Ying-Hsin Hsing, Chun-Tsung Chen
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Patent number: 8138721Abstract: A battery pack and a charging method for the same. The battery pack automatically regulates the full-charge voltage of a battery according to deterioration of lifespan of the battery. The battery pack includes: a rechargeable battery having a positive electrode and negative electrode; a switching module having a charge switching device and discharge switching device electrically connected to a high-current path of the battery; and a battery management unit electrically connected to the switching module to control the charge switching device and discharge switching device, electrically connected to the battery to measure an open-circuit voltage and a use time of the battery, determining whether the battery is deteriorated with reference to at least one of the open-circuit voltage and the use time of the battery, and setting a full-charge voltage of the battery when the deterioration of the battery is determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jongwoon Yang, Segawa Susumu, Sesub Sim
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Publication number: 20120056590Abstract: Lithium ion batteries can be activated and then cycled to exploit a moderate fraction of the discharge cycling capacity such that the discharge capacity and average discharge voltage stay within initial values for thousands of cycles. The superior cycling performance has been achieved at relatively high discharge rates and for practical battery formats. Lithium ion battery performance can also be achieved with superior cycling performance with partially activated batteries such that good discharge capacities can be exploited for many thousands of cycles before the discharge capacity and average discharge voltage drops more than 20% from initial values. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium rich metal oxide. The activation of the battery can comprise phase changes of the active materials. As described herein, the phase changes can be manipulated to exploit a reasonable fraction of the available high capacity of the material while providing outstanding cycling stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Shabab Amiruddin, Bing Li, Sujeet Kumar
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Patent number: 8125185Abstract: A method for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the step of repeating pulse charging and charging pause, in which a pulse charging time is arbitrarily set between a lower limit value and an upper limit value, the lower limit value being an inverse time Tx of a frequency Fx of the high frequency side at which an imaginary part of an alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a first local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fx, and the upper limit value being an inverse time Ty of a frequency Fy at the low frequency side at which an imaginary part of the alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a second local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fy.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Mitsuhiro Takeno
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Publication number: 20120043940Abstract: Electrode protection in electrochemical cells, and more specifically, electrode protection in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising lithium and a multi-layered structure positioned between the anode and an electrolyte of the cell. A multi-layered structure can include at least a first single-ion conductive material layer (e.g., a lithiated metal layer), and at least a first polymeric layer positioned between the anode and the single-ion conductive material. The invention also can provide an electrode stabilization layer positioned within the electrode, i.e., between one portion and another portion of an electrode, to control depletion and re-plating of electrode material upon charge and discharge of a battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Sion Power CorporationInventors: John D. Affinito, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, Yordan M. Geronov, Christopher J. Sheehan
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Publication number: 20120038316Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for operating a rechargeable battery, the system comprising: current maintaining device for maintaining a predetermined current to the rechargeable battery until the rechargeable battery reaches a predetermined maximum voltage; voltage maintaining device for maintaining a predetermined voltage to the rechargeable battery until a predetermined minimum current is delivered to the rechargeable battery; determining device for determining a cyclical charge value delivered to the rechargeable battery by the current maintaining device and the voltage maintaining device during a cycle; and a correction device for correcting the determining device when charge is not being delivered to the rechargeable battery, on the basis of the charge value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Benjamin ELIAS, Tony NYGARD
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Patent number: 8084995Abstract: An intelligent lithium-battery-activating charging device is connectable between a charging power source and an application electrical device and contains an internal circuit that builds up a charging/discharging mode to correspond the charging power source to a lithium battery accommodated in the application electrical device. After a short time period of charging, which is short enough that the voltage detection circuit inside the application electrical device cannot properly respond, a time period of discharging follows and then discharging is stopped, so that the detection performed by the voltage detection circuit is delayed until the cycles of short time period charging and discharging are completed. If the detection shows the battery is not fully charged, then the charging operation starts again. During the charging process, ions are moved in one direction in one moment and then reversed in the next moment so that built up of deposition on electrodes can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventor: Pei-Lun Wei
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Publication number: 20110313603Abstract: A battery optimization system and method for regulating and discharging a battery so as to optimize the use of the battery in accordance with the user's preference is provided. The battery optimization system includes a power source, a charging/discharging station connecting the battery with the power source, and a controller in communication with the charging/discharging station. The battery optimization system further includes an input operable to provide the user's preferences. The controller is also in communication with the battery and is operable to process battery and power source information along with user input to calculate an optimal charging/discharging cycle. The charging/discharging cycle is configured to charge or discharge the battery so as to optimize the use of the battery based upon the end user's preference.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth P. Laberteaux, Charles E. Gulash
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Patent number: 8046181Abstract: An apparatus estimates SOH of a battery based on a battery voltage variation pattern. A data storing unit obtains and stores battery voltage, current and temperature data from sensors, at each SOH estimation. A first SOC estimating unit estimates first SOC by current integration using the battery current data. A second SOC estimating unit estimates open-circuit voltage from the voltage variation pattern, and calculates and stores second SOC corresponding to the open-circuit voltage and temperature using correlations between the open-circuit voltage/temperature and SOC. A weighted mean convergence calculating unit calculates and stores convergence value for weighted mean value of ratio of the second SOC variation to the first SOC variation. A SOH estimating unit estimates capacity corresponding to the weighted mean convergence value using correlation between the weighted mean convergence value and the capacity, estimates relative ratio of the estimated capacity to an initial capacity, and stores it as SOH.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Soo Kang, Jee-Ho Kim, Ju-Young Kim, Chang-Gi Jung
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Patent number: 8022665Abstract: A bidirectional power converting device coupled between first and second power storage units includes: a coupling circuit including a first winding coupled to the first power storage unit, and a second winding coupled in series to the first winding; first and second switches coupled to the first winding; a capacitor coupled between the first and second switches; a third switch coupled between the second winding and the capacitor; and a fourth switch between the second winding and the second power storage unit. The first, second, third and fourth switches are operable so that an input voltage supplied by one of the first and second power storage units is converted into an output voltage that is to be supplied to the other one of the first and second power storage units.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Hungkuang UniversityInventor: Rou-Yong Duan
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Patent number: 8004242Abstract: A vehicle incorporates a crank battery, a rechargeable auxiliary battery, and an onboard electrical power source separate from the crank battery and the auxiliary battery. A battery charge controller manages a supply of electrical energy to the auxiliary battery to charge the auxiliary battery. The battery charge controller includes a first comparator for monitoring a voltage level of the crank battery, and a second comparator for monitoring a voltage level of the onboard electrical power source. A first switching device electrically couples the crank battery and the auxiliary battery to charge the auxiliary battery when the voltage level of the crank battery exceeds a first voltage threshold, and electrically decouples the crank battery and the auxiliary battery when the voltage level of the crank battery is below the first voltage threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: PH Ingenuities, LLCInventors: Bruce A. Purkey, Dale B. Henningson
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Patent number: 7998609Abstract: In a pre-replacement process, a replacement battery module is provided with a memory effect before being dispatched, by performing at least one of the process of performing a cyclic charge/discharge operation on the replacement battery module while limiting the width of SOC change to an intermediate range, and the process of setting an initial SOC and then letting the replacement battery module stand for a predetermined time in an environment of temperature above normal temperature. This pre-replacement process substantially eliminates the difference between the voltage characteristic of the replacement battery module yet to be used and the voltage characteristic of a battery module having a history of use, thereby achieving a uniform voltage characteristic of a battery pack as a whole.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Takada, Yoshiyuki Nakamura, Koji Otsubo, Kazuo Tojima
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Patent number: 7996098Abstract: Reactive replenishable device management comprises receiving device measurement data from at least one device, updating one or more device usage profiles associated with the at least one device, and if an analysis of the one or more device usage profiles indicates usage of the at least one device is sub-optimal, performing one or more of: controlling at least one of an attribute or an operation of the at least one device, issuing one or more device management recommendations to a user of the at least one device, and issuing one or more user alerts to the user. The at least one device comprises at least one of one or more replenishable devices, one or more replenishers associated with the one or more replenishable devices, and one or more other devices associated with the one or more replenishable devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Aerovironment, Inc.Inventors: Blake Dickinson, Lisa Lei Horiuchi, Nathaniel Jordan Ramer
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Patent number: 7982432Abstract: An electrical energy storage device is monitored by cyclically applying an electrical load thereto and monitoring voltage and current at transient portions of the cyclically applied electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Mutasim A. Salman, Zhenhui Yao
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Patent number: 7973515Abstract: A power management system includes a battery pack having a battery controller and includes an adapter operable for charging the battery pack and powering a system load. The adapter generates a power recognition signal indicative of a maximum adapter power and receives a control signal. The battery controller in the battery pack receives the power recognition signal and generates the control signal to adjust an output power of the adapter according to a status of the battery pack and a status of the system load.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: O2Micro, IncInventors: William Densham, Han-Jung Kao, Liusheng Liu
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Patent number: 7974797Abstract: A method and apparatus is used to confirm the charge amount and degradation state of a battery. Various cycle test battery measurements are conducted at prescribed time intervals until the end of the battery life, and the measured values are used to generate a determination table or determination tables showing relationships between battery charge amount and degradation state. To establish the charge amount and degradation state of a subject battery, the subject battery is measured and the results compared with determination table values. The existing charge amount and the state of battery degradation are estimated in accordance with a determination table location of matching values.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Toyo System Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Shoji
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Patent number: 7965062Abstract: It is made possible to keep a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in a charged state for a long period of time and minimize the degradation of the battery. A method for charging a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a cathode, an anode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, includes: a first charging step of charging the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery at a first current value which increases the voltage of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery; and a second charging step of charging the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery at a second current value which decreases the voltage of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. These two charging steps are repeated alternately.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takashi Kishi, Takashi Kuboki
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Patent number: 7928696Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery, an impact sensor, a processor and a memory. The impact sensor is capable of generating an impact signal in response to a detection of an impact on the battery pack. The processor is capable of generating impact information based on the impact signal, and processor continues to count a number of charging times to the battery after the generation of the impact information. The memory is capable of storing the impact information and the number of charging times. The processor can refer to the memory to deliver a control command to a battery charger so that the battery can only be charged up to an allowable charge capacity smaller than a full charge capacity after an occurrence of an impact when the battery pack is attached to the battery charger. The charging to the battery stops when the number of the counted charging times reaches a predetermined number of allowable charging times that is allowed after the generation of the impact information.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Shigefumi Odaohhara, Mitsuru Ogawa, Takashi Sugawara
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Patent number: 7884574Abstract: An HV-ECU executes refresh-discharging of a battery before the battery is charged from a commercial power source using an AC/DC converter. After the battery is refresh-discharged, the HV-ECU outputs a control signal to the AC/DC converter such that the battery is charged from the commercial power source by the drive of the AC/DC converter.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsumasa Fukumura, Takashi Kawai
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Patent number: 7859225Abstract: An electrical energy storage device is monitored by cyclically applying an electrical load thereto and monitoring voltage and current at transient portions of the cyclically applied electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mutasim A. Salman, Zhenhui Yao
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Patent number: 7834589Abstract: An apparatus and method for discharging a voltage in a battery pack. The apparatus includes a discharge resistance connected to a discharge target battery of plural batteries in the battery pack and discharging a voltage of the discharge target battery, a switching section for connecting the discharge target battery and the discharge resistance, a voltage measuring section for measuring a voltage of the discharge target battery, and a control section for controlling the switching section depending on the measured voltage value of the battery. The method includes measuring a voltage of the discharge target battery, calculating a PWM duty rate of a switching section connecting the discharge target battery and a discharge resistance using the measured voltage value and a value of the discharge resistance, and controlling the switching section based on the duty rate to maintain an energy consumed in the discharge resistance to be constant.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jong Min Park, Do Yang Jung
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Patent number: 7830111Abstract: A power cell system includes a structure that provides multiple power cell locations. The system also includes at least one regenerative power cell, and at least one non-regenerative power cell. The cell locations and power cells are sized and positioned so that each cell location may interchangeably accept either a regenerative power cell or a non-regenerative power cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Marc F. Aiello, Xuan Zhang
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Patent number: 7786734Abstract: Method for treatment, in the form of regeneration, of an accumulator (160) having at least one cell, preferably lead batteries, in which a varying direct current from a power source (130) is applied in intermittent current supply periods, which are interrupted by pauses of substantially less current, preferably current free, the direct current being sufficient to generate gas in the accumulator. During the treatment process, process data is registered, which process data is used in order to control the treatment process.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Bengt Arrestad Fastighets AktiebolagInventor: Bjorn Andersson
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Patent number: 7786706Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery by using a charge power supply that charges the rechargeable battery at constant voltage is provided. A pulse charge operation is performed at a charge process start. The charge process is stopped when current in the pulse charge operation is not greater than a predetermined value and it is determined that the rechargeable battery is in a full-charge state. On the other hand, the rechargeable battery is charged at constant voltage when the current in the pulse charge operation is greater than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Yamashita, Tomoya Fukuda
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Patent number: 7750603Abstract: A regenerative agent for lead battery cells includes, for each liter of aqueous solution 40% of hydrogen peroxide, 1 ml to 70 ml of sulfuric acid with a density of 1 to 1.32 g·cm?3, 0.1 g to 10 g of saccharides in solids and/or aldehydes or their derivatives, 0.1 g to 10 g of sodium and/or potassium bicarbonate and/or at least one hydroxide from the group of alkali metal hydroxides in solids and 0.1 g to 20 g, with an advantage 0.5 g to 2 g, of bisodium dinaphthylmethane disulfonic acid salt. The regenerative agent can also contain 0.1 g to 10 g of peroxoborate an/or tetraborate and/or sodium pyrophosphate in solids.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Akuros s.r.o.Inventor: Jan Mrázek
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Patent number: 7737658Abstract: A battery pack having a secondary battery is disclosed. The battery pack comprises at least one voltage converter; and switching means for switching an operation mode of the voltage converter to one of a charging mode and a discharging mode, in the charging mode, a charging voltage being output to the secondary battery, in the discharging mode, a voltage of the secondary battery being converted into a predetermined discharging voltage and the converted voltage being output.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiromitsu Sennami, Kazuhiko Takahashi, Daiki Misawa, Bunya Sato, Takayuki Aita
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Patent number: 7723958Abstract: Battery charge indication methods, battery state of charge monitoring devices, rechargeable batteries, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, a battery charge indication method includes first determining a state of charge of a battery at a first moment in time using a first method, second determining a state of charge of the battery at a second moment in time using a second method different than the first method, and providing information regarding the state of charge of the battery at the first and second moments in time using information of the first and second determinings.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Darilek
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Patent number: 7711538Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating the operation of a rechargeable battery. A value is obtained for at least one parameter that describes an internal state of the battery. The obtained value is used for calculating a prediction value for a characteristic of the battery that is observable outside the battery. These steps are repeated a multitude of times in order to simulate the operation of the battery over a certain period of time. A difference is detected between a calculated prediction value and a known value of a corresponding characteristic in a corresponding situation. The obtained value of the at least one parameter is corrected before a further prediction value is calculated by an amount that is proportional to the detected difference.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventors: Teuvo Suntio, Robert Tenno, Ander Tenno
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Patent number: 7692401Abstract: An off-board battery cycler is used to condition an on-board battery system used in electric or hybrid electric vehicles. The battery cycler periodically discharges the vehicle's high voltage traction battery to eliminate battery “memory” that can prevent the battery from being fully charged. The cycler also recharges both the high voltage battery and an on-board low voltage battery used to power the vehicle's electrical system. High voltage AC power used in recharging the high voltage battery is switched using contactors physically isolated within the battery cycler, in order to protect operating personnel from coming onto contact with high voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Philip Gonzales, Bijal Patel, Josephine Lee, Majed Mohammed
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Publication number: 20100081053Abstract: A negative electrode for alkaline storage batteries uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy represented by the general formula Ln1-xMgxNiy-a-bAlaMb, having a crystal structure other than CaCu5 type. First to third layers S1 to S3 are formed on the surface of the bulk phase B of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy. The first layer closest to the bulk phase contains oxygen in a greater amount than the second layer located on the first layer, and contains at least one element soluble in an alkaline solution in an amount of 10 atom % or greater. The second layer located on the first layer has a Ni content higher than that of the bulk phase. The third layer located on the second layer has a NiO content higher than the NiO content in the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventor: Jun Ishida
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Publication number: 20100079110Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolytic solution favorably employable for a lithium secondary battery employs a non-aqueous electrolytic solution which comprises a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte which further contains 0.001 to 0.8 weight % of a biphenyl derivative having the formula: in which each of Y1 and Y2 represents hydroxyl, alkoxy, hydrocarbyl, hydrogen, acyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, or halogen, and each of p and q is an integer of 1 to 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Toshikazu Hamamoto, Koji Abe, Akira Ueki
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Patent number: 7679313Abstract: A power cell system includes a structure that provides multiple power cell locations. The system also includes at least one regenerative power cell, and at least one non-regenerative power cell. The cell locations and power cells are sized and positioned so that each cell location may interchangeably accept either a regenerative power cell or a non-regenerative power cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Marc F. Aiello, Xuan Zhang
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Patent number: 7680613Abstract: A Battery Management System (BMS) includes a sensing unit and a Micro Control Unit (MCU). The sensing unit measures a battery current, a battery voltage, and a battery temperature. The MCU determines a State of Charge (SOC) reset point based on the measured battery current and voltage. The BMS determines a battery overcharge state using a current integration result after the SOC reset point is reached. The MCU includes an SOC calculator and a full charge determining unit. The SOC calculator transmits a present current integration value upon detecting the SOC reset point. The full charge determining unit receives the present current integration value, integrates the current using the measured battery current, and determines that the battery is being overcharged when the current integration value reaches a predetermined battery rating capacity.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gye-Jong Lim, Soo-Seok Choi, Young-Jo Lee, Yong-Jun Tae, Han-Seok Yun, Se-Wook Seo, Beom-Gyu Kim, Ho-Young Park
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Publication number: 20100052616Abstract: In a pre-replacement process, a replacement battery module is provided with a memory effect before being dispatched, by performing at least one of the process of performing a cyclic charge/discharge operation on the replacement battery module while limiting the width of SOC change to an intermediate range, and the process of setting an initial SOC and then letting the replacement battery module stand for a predetermined time in an environment of temperature above normal temperature. This pre-replacement process substantially eliminates the difference between the voltage characteristic of the replacement battery module yet to be used and the voltage characteristic of a battery module having a history of use, thereby achieving a uniform voltage characteristic of a battery pack as a whole.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masahiro Takada, Yoshiyuki Nakamura, Koji Otsubo, Kazuo Tojima
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Patent number: 7667350Abstract: A method of controlling an electric power source apparatus, which comprises supplying electric power to an electronic device on which a secondary battery is mounted from a power source apparatus having a fuel cell and an auxiliary power source. Electric power is supplied intermittently to a charging terminal of the electronic device by means of a switch for controlling conduction and interruption of an output terminal of the power source apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuaki Norimatsu, Akihiko Kanouda, Mutsumi Kikuchi