With Battery Or Cell Condition Monitoring (e.g., For Protection From Overcharging, Heating, Etc.) Patents (Class 320/136)
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Patent number: 8531154Abstract: A battery system 100 includes an upper-limit electrical quantity setting means (an ECU 120) for setting an upper limit of an electrical quantity (an upper-limit electrical quantity Da) obtainable from a battery pack 110 to a lower value than in a full charge state. This upper-limit electrical quantity setting means 120 sets the upper-limit electrical quantity Da to a value having a difference from the electrical quantity (a full-charge electrical quantity Dmax) obtainable from the full charge state so that the difference is smaller as the deterioration of the battery pack 110 progresses. Further, the battery system 100 includes a charging means (the ECU 120) for charging the battery pack 110 under the condition that the upper-limit electrical quantity Da is an upper limit.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takuichi Arai
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Patent number: 8531159Abstract: A battery management control system includes: a battery, including: a battery cell; a battery cell monitor, detecting information on the battery cell; and a manager, controlling input/output of electric power to/from the battery cell based on the information; and a controller. One of the manager and the controller includes a first map specifying a first upper limit of the electric power and a second map specifying a second limit lower than the first limit. The controller calculates a first electric power value based on the first map and requests the first electric power value. When the manager controls the input/output of the electric power to/from the battery cell based on the first electric power value, and the information satisfies a deterioration determination condition, the manager determines that the battery cell is deteriorated, and the controller calculates a second electric power value based on the second map.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuki Tominaga
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Publication number: 20130229156Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of at least one cell of a battery, used in an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. The battery is connected to a power converter to supply electrical power to an electrical load. The method includes the steps of: controlling the power converter to vary the input impedance of the power converter to draw a varying current from the cell; sensing the voltage across the cell and the current drawn in response to varying the impedance of the power converter; calculating from the sensed voltage and current the complex impedance of the cell; and comparing the calculated complex impedance with information indicative of a correlation between (i) the complex impedance and (ii) information indicative of the condition of the cell, to give an indication of the condition of the cell. The varying current may be actively varied or passively varied.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Nigel Brandon, Paul Mitcheson, Vladimir Yufit, David Howey, Gregory Offer
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Patent number: 8525520Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a voltage pump to determine the status of a battery connected to the voltage pump are provided. The operation of the voltage pump is monitored during at least one monitoring period which corresponds to a period of relatively heavy consistent load. The operation of the voltage pump can be monitored by sampling a control signal that corresponds to the operation of the voltage pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Edwards, Eric Norrod
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Patent number: 8525479Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Gary D. Meyer, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Kevin L. Glasgow, Todd W. Johnson, Karl F. Scheucher
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Patent number: 8525482Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit of a rechargeable battery includes a current detection terminal and an overcurrent return resistor connecting part. A voltage converted from a discharge current of the rechargeable battery is detected at the current detection terminal. The overcurrent return resistor connecting part connects the current detection terminal to overcurrent detection resistors having different resistances in accordance with a level of the voltage detected at the current detection terminal when the voltage detected at the current detection terminal is equal to or greater than a discharge overcurrent detection voltage and a discharge overcurrent state in which an overcurrent flows from the rechargeable battery is detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Takeda
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Patent number: 8525481Abstract: A device is used for measuring an output voltage of a battery. The device includes a detecting circuit, an encoding circuit, a control circuit, and a processing circuit. The detecting circuit is configured for detecting the output voltage of the battery and generating a first signal, a second signal, and a third signal accordingly. The encoding circuit is configured for generating a first code and a second code according to the first signal and the second signal. The control unit is configured for modifying the second code when the third signal indicates that the output voltage is lower than a predetermined value. The processing unit is configured for generating and outputting display control signals according to the first and second codes. The display control signals are used to control a display panel to display information of the output voltage of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tao Wang, Yong-Song Shi
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Publication number: 20130221930Abstract: A camera includes: a battery unit on which a battery is mounted, that can be detachably loaded into the camera and supplies power to the camera; and a function unit that executes camera functions, wherein: as a function of the camera is executed, the function unit transmits information related to the executed function to the battery pack; and the battery unit has a storage unit in which the information related to the camera function is stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicants: Nikon Technologies Inc., Nikon CorporationInventors: Nikon Corporation, Nikon Technologies Inc.
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Publication number: 20130221925Abstract: A power management system includes: a first power source that includes a first storage cell; a second power source that includes a second storage cell; a power load that is driven with first power output by the first power source and second power output by the second power source; and an integrated control device that controls the first power and the second power such that a first cell temperature of the first storage cell is substantially the same as a second cell temperature of the second storage cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
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Publication number: 20130207616Abstract: A battery system, a method of controlling the battery system, and an energy storage system including the battery system are disclosed. The method of controlling the battery system includes steps of selecting one of the plurality of batteries by using a multiplexer; measuring a voltage of the selected battery; and calculating a charging capacity of the battery based on the measured voltage. Accordingly, cell balancing may be efficiently performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventor: Kyung-Sub Shim
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Publication number: 20130207610Abstract: A cell balancing system includes comparators coupled to battery cells. The Kth comparator of the comparators compares a cell voltage for the Kth battery cell of the battery cells with a reference threshold. A result of the comparison includes information useful for identifying a subset of the battery cells that have reached the reference threshold. The cell balancing system also includes a controlling logic circuit, coupled to the comparators, that selects a battery cell from the subset of the battery cells and turns on a corresponding switch to discharge the selected battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: John HULL, Guoxing LI, Constantin BUCUR
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Patent number: 8508191Abstract: Effective scheduling of battery charge and discharge activities, by making the most of battery characteristics, can extend the battery pack's operation-time and lifetime. A system and method for scheduling battery activities is disclosed. This framework dynamically adapts battery activities to load demands and to the condition of individual battery cells, thereby extending the battery pack's operation-time and making them robust to anomalous voltage imbalances. The scheduling framework includes two components. An adaptive filter estimates the upcoming load demand. Based on the estimated load demand, a scheduler can determine the number of parallel-connected battery cells to be discharged. The scheduler also effectively partitions the battery cells in a pack, allowing the battery cells to be simultaneously charged and discharged in coordination with a reconfigurable battery circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Hahnsang Kim, Kang G. Shin
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Publication number: 20130200700Abstract: A battery module includes a battery block and a printed circuit board. The battery block includes a plurality of laminated battery cells. A detection circuit and an amplification circuit are mounted on the printed circuit board. In the battery block, a bus bar is attached to electrodes of the two battery cells in close proximity to each other so that the plurality of battery cells are connected in series. The bus bar attached to one of the electrodes of the battery cell at one end of the battery block is used as a shunt resistor for current detection. The detection circuit detects a voltage between both ends of the shunt resistor, which has been amplified by the amplification circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazumi Ohkura, Yoshitomo Nishihara, Yutaka Miyazaki, Yasuhiro Asai
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Publication number: 20130200855Abstract: In one embodiment, a discharge control system for a vehicle includes an energy storage device supported by the vehicle, a switch, a first load selectively connectable to the energy storage device by the switch, a memory in which program instructions are stored, and a controller operatively connected to the switch and the memory and configured to execute the program instructions to control the switch to a condition in which the energy storage device is operatively connected to the first load based upon a predetermined rate of heat generation of the energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
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Patent number: 8502505Abstract: A battery-driven device extends an operating time of a battery (a secondary battery). A battery control unit included in the battery drive-device stores therein one or more voltage thresholds, and detects a sharp voltage drop that occurs immediately after the start of discharging of a battery that is fully charged, based on the current and voltage of the battery and the stored voltage thresholds. Upon detecting a sharp voltage drop, the battery control unit decreases power consumption of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Kanzaki, Masayoshi Tojima
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Patent number: 8502504Abstract: Model-based battery fuel gauges that connect across a rechargeable battery and track the per-cent state of charge of the battery. The model based fuel gauges provide a measure of the open terminal voltage of a battery, even when the battery is powering a load, to provide the state of charge information. Analog and digital implementations of the battery model fuel gauges may be used, and incorporated into a battery powered device in various ways, including constantly powered implementations and implementations that are turned on and off with the battery powered device. Various exemplary embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventor: Jason Allen Wortham
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Patent number: 8502506Abstract: An apparatus may be configured to provide electrical power while incorporated in an armored garment. The apparatus may include a plate having a footprint that corresponds to a plate of body armor, a plurality of energy storage cells carried by the power plate, and a port carried by the plate. The port may be configured to output power stored in the plurality of energy storage cells from the apparatus. The apparatus may also include one or more processors configured to enhance functionalities of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: BAE Systems Aerospace & Defense Group Inc.Inventors: Michael McElroy, Valent Horvatich, Joseph Wesley Coltman, III, Daniel Furth, Kenneth Sego, Jr., Kenneth Lee Von Der Ahe, Eric Hoenes
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Publication number: 20130193929Abstract: A battery with a converter including at least two electrochemical energy converters provided to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and to supply electrical energy particularly to a consumer has the energy converters electrically connected to one another. The converter arrangement includes two configuration connectors of different polarity at which a configuration voltage is present, and the configuration voltage corresponds to the electrical voltage of the converter. Two battery connectors of different polarity are also included and make the electrical connection to the consumer. The battery connectors are electrically connected to the configuration connectors The battery also includes a device connected at least indirectly to the configuration connectors which can be converted from a first state into a second state. In the first state, the configuration connectors are electrically insulated from one another and in the second state they are electrically connected to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Li-Tec Battery GmbHInventor: Li-Tec Battery GmbH
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Publication number: 20130187616Abstract: A battery based power supply assembly is disclosed. The system comprises a discharge initiating device and a plurality of battery modules electrically connected with one another. Each of the battery modules comprises a plurality of battery cells, a discharge load connected in series with the battery cells, a switch coupled between the battery cells and the discharge load, a temperature sensor, and a controller adapted for placing the switch in its electrically connected state upon being driven by the discharge initiating device. The invention further provides a safe method of draining the energy from the power supply assembly disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Chia-Ming Chuang, Richard J. Biskup
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Patent number: 8493030Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with operation of an energy storage system (ESS) connectable to an electric power system. The charging-discharging schedule of the ESS can be determined through application of a time-dependent forecast of ESS and power system states based on historical data. Exemplary embodiments can include ESSs which have been historically activated with a certain periodicity, for example, for power system load leveling, frequency regulation, arbitrage, peak load shaving and/or integration of renewable power generation.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Andrew Paice, Alexandre Oudalov, Thomas von Hoff
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Patent number: 8487587Abstract: A battery pack for a mobile device, a method for processing fault notifications for a mobile device, and a mobile device for processing fault notifications are described. The battery pack comprises a housing, at least one battery cell within the housing, and a memory accessible by an application of the mobile device, the memory having stored thereon identifying information for identifying at least one of the battery pack and battery cell. Notifications are sent to mobile device including fault parameters for identifying at least one battery pack and/or battery cell affected by a fault. If the identifying information is within the fault parameters, displaying a fault notification on the display of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventor: Martin Guthrie
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Patent number: 8489264Abstract: A battery measuring device includes a temperature measuring unit which measures temperature T1 of a secondary battery, a resistance measuring unit which measures an AC resistance value and a DC pulse resistance value of a first discharging period of the secondary battery at the temperature T1, and an estimating unit in which an electric resistance Re1 and a reaction resistance Rc1 of the secondary battery at the temperature T1 are considered as, Re1=AC resistance value Rc1=DC pulse resistance value of the first discharging period?AC resistance value, and which estimates at least an internal resistance of the secondary battery using the temperature T1, electric resistance Re1 and reaction resistance Rc1.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tomokazu Morita, Norio Takami, Hiroki Inagaki
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Publication number: 20130175999Abstract: Systems and methods for de-energizing battery packs in vehicles that receive at least a portion of their motive power from electricity generated from a battery are provided. By way of example, one embodiment includes a battery de-energizer that is configured to electrically couple to a port or receptacle, such as the service disconnect receptacle, on the vehicle and discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery pack. Another embodiment includes a battery management unit (BMU) designed to monitor one or more sensors to determine if a crash has occurred. If a crash is determined, the BMU electrically couples a battery de-energizer circuit to the battery pack to discharge the electrical energy stored in the battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY LLCInventor: Johnson Controls Technology LLC
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Publication number: 20130175994Abstract: The present invention provides a battery residual amount measurement system including: a current detection section that defects a current value of current discharged from a battery that is an object of measurement: a first storage section that stores reference undischargeable amounts that are determined in advance in accordance with ambient temperatures of the battery and current values of current discharged from the battery; and a calculating section that when a discharging operation is carried out at the battery, acquires, from the first storage section, the reference undischargeable amount that corresponds to an ambient temperature of the battery and the current value detected by the current detection section, and calculates a battery residual amount on the basis of a undischargeable amount that is calculated and computed on the basis of the acquired reference undischargeable amount and a nominal battery capacity of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
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Patent number: 8482258Abstract: This invention is a method and device for monitoring and storing data regarding the “life history” of a battery with which it is associated and interpreting the data to create an accurate record of use and abuse patterns. A manufacturer's specified life expectancy, measured in battery cycles, is established for the battery under normal use, and then the actual use of the battery is monitored and stored. Complete cycles, partial cycles, and operation of the battery outside of acceptable specifications are automatically derived into a value in units equivalent to a number of battery cycles, and this derivation is compared with the manufacturers life expectancy, and adjustments to the manufacturers life expectancy are made so that a more accurate and up-to-date estimation of battery life can be evolved over the life of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Philadelphia Scientific LLCInventors: Duncan Jones, John Worthington
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Patent number: 8482261Abstract: A semiconductor device which can operate normally even when the communication distance is extremely short, and which stores excess electric power which is not needed for circuit operation of the semiconductor device when a large amount of electric power is supplied thereto. The following are included: an antenna; a first AC/DC converter circuit which is connected to the antenna; a second AC/DC converter circuit which is connected to the antenna through a switching element; a detecting circuit which controls operation of the switching element in accordance with the value of a voltage output from the first AC/DC converter circuit; and a battery which stores electric power supplied from the antenna through the second AC/DC converter circuit. When the switching element is operated, electric power supplied from outside is at least partly supplied to the battery through the second AC/DC converter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Kato, Kazuma Furutani
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Patent number: 8482256Abstract: A portable power system which contains a battery, which is intended for use as a power source for charging the batteries of portable electronics devices or for powering other electrical systems. It contains a USB connection for power input and a myriad of adapters for connecting the power system with the proprietary connectors of portable devices, as well as a screen to output system information to the user. The power system also contains a microcontroller which controls internal systems, input and output current and voltage, such that the power system may operate with any portable device as well as any type of USB port.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Ecosol Technologies Inc.Inventors: Zuohang Zhu, Andrew C. Kular
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Patent number: 8482257Abstract: Provided are a battery state monitoring circuit with a small number of terminals and a battery device including the battery state monitoring circuit. An output of an overcharge detection circuit (12) is an open-drain output to a charge control terminal (18), and an input terminal of a voltage detection circuit (11) is connected to the charge control terminal (18), to thereby share a charger detection terminal and a charge control terminal.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Sakurai, Shohei Tsukamoto, Kazuaki Sano
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Patent number: 8482259Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator device for displaying a battery charge status of an electronic battery powered user terminal device, which is adapted to provide a plurality of applications to a user. The user terminal device comprises a plurality of electric components performing the applications, a battery supplying power to the electric components and a power supply control deactivating the electric components of individual applications at a predetermined battery charge status respectively. The indicator device comprises a detection device for detecting the battery charge status of the user terminal device and a display for displaying the battery charge status. A charging state arrangement is provided for determining and displaying an application-specific battery charge state of at least one of the applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Vodafone Holding GmbHInventor: Frank Mueller
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Publication number: 20130169235Abstract: Systems and methods to detect particular levels of remaining battery capacities. A ratio of changes in battery output voltage over changes in battery capacity (?V/?C) is calculated. Detected rises in the value of this ratio are used to detect that a battery has a remaining capacity level that is near depletion. In a certain temperature range, the ?V/?C ratio is used to provide an indication that the battery is approaching a low remaining capacity state. In another temperature range, an increase in the ?V/?C ratio indicates that the battery has reached a mid-range remaining capacity level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Joseph PATINO, Marco PULIDO
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Publication number: 20130169236Abstract: A facility which operates according to galvanic principles, such as in particular a lithium-ion accumulator, and a method for monitoring and controlling an electric operating condition of the facility. The facility comprises at least one galvanic cell and an operating management system for monitoring and controlling the electric operating condition of the facility and for monitoring a representative temperature of the facility. The operating management system is designed to control the electric operating condition of the facility as a function of the temperature. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Tim SCHAEFER, Andreas Gutsch
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Publication number: 20130169234Abstract: A system and method of use including a controller responsive to a deviation in absolute value or relative slope and operable to terminate a discharge operation in an energy storage device is provided. The absolute value or relative slope is determined at sampling frequency based upon a combination of measured operating parameters, for example, potential and current. Any deviation in the absolute value or relative slope indicates that a threshold limit in the available energy of the system has been reached, for example when active materials in the device are at a point of depletion, indicating a need to cease the discharge operation. The system and method operate on a real-time basis, providing instantaneous SOH information with regard to the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Christopher James Chuah, Roger Bull, James Sudworth, Vincent Boccanfuso, David James
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Patent number: 8476865Abstract: A device controls charging a battery with power supplied from a power supply located outside of a vehicle through a charge cable. The device includes a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer. The first microcomputer is configured to turn on a charge mode signal upon detecting a change in a pilot signal output through the charge cable, and to turn off the charge mode signal when a charge completion signal output from the second microcomputer is turned off. The second microcomputer is configured to charge the battery through the charge cable when the charge mode signal is turned on, and to turn off the charge completion signal when the charging is complete. When the charge completion signal is turned on at the time of the first microcomputer turning off the charge mode signal due to sudden fluctuations, the charge mode signal is turned on again.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takehito Iwanaga, Ryuichi Kamaga
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Patent number: 8476864Abstract: A battery monitor for monitoring operations of a battery, such as but not limited to monitoring operations of a vehicle battery. The battery monitor may be configured to monitor current flow and battery temperature. The battery monitor may be connected to a cable used to electrically connect the battery to a number of electronic devices so that the battery monitor is located away from the battery. The battery monitor may include a processing element grounded directly to a negative pole of the battery to facilitate isolating the processing element from noise created by the electronic devices connected to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Antoni Ferre Fabregas, Jose Gabriel Fernandez Bañares
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Publication number: 20130165847Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventor: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
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Patent number: 8471531Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) is provided with a backup power supply that has an adjustable reserve power level that is based on a user's input and/or is configured to notify a user if a battery included in the UPS needs to be replaced. In one embodiment of the present invention, the UPS (or a circuit included therein) estimates a remaining life (ERL) of the battery by considering various battery conditions, including, but not limited to, a predetermined battery life expectancy, whether the battery is being used to power a load, and battery temperature. If it is estimated that the ERL is low, or below a predetermined threshold, then the UPS (or a circuit included therein) is configured to notify a user that the battery needs to be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.Inventor: Jon Roepke
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Patent number: 8471529Abstract: A by-pass circuit for a battery system that disconnects parallel connected cells or modules from a battery circuit or controls the current through the parallel connected cells or modules. If a cell has failed or is potentially failing in the system, then the by-pass circuit can disconnect the cell or module from other cells or modules electrically coupled in parallel. If a cell or module has a lower capability than another cell or module, then the by-pass circuit can control the current to the cell or module to maximize the performance of the system and prevent the system from creating a walk-home condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven J. Vance, John T. Guerin, Andrew H. Leutheuser, John C. Mentzer
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Publication number: 20130154543Abstract: A method and apparatus provides supplemental power to an engine. The method and apparatus includes a pair of conductive leads for connecting the supplemental power to an engine electrical system, one or more batteries connected in parallel with one or more capacitors, a relay connected to the conductive leads, a shunt cable connecting the batteries and capacitors to the relay and a processor for controlling the relay to selectively apply electrical power to the engine electrical system. The method and apparatus includes safety features to reduce the risk of injury to the operator and damage to the apparatus and/or engine electrical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Francis D. Richardson, Richard L. Henderson, John A. Fox, Russell W. Sherwood
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Publication number: 20130154572Abstract: An integration control device of a power storage system obtains pieces of status information of power storage devices from control devices of unit modules, compares the obtained pieces of status information with one another, and performs driving control of an electrical load based on a worst value of the pieces of status information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Satoshi Ito
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Publication number: 20130154571Abstract: A power control system includes a power control unit, a processing unit, and a power storage unit. The power storage unit supplies power to an electronic device when the electronic device experiences a sudden power failure from an external power source. The power control unit obtains a discharge voltage, a discharge current value and a discharge temperature of the power storage unit. The processing unit determines whether a protection voltage of the power storage unit should be changed or not according to the discharge temperature and the discharge current value. The power control system controls operation of the power storage unit according to a comparison between the discharge voltage and the protection voltage. The disclosure further provides a power control method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: KUEI-CHIH HOU, YUEH-NU HSIEH
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Patent number: 8462498Abstract: A portable data terminal includes a housing; a controller operating software and supported by the housing; a battery well formed in the housing; a male connector disposed in the battery well comprised of a plurality of male contacts; a battery pack for seating in the battery well having a female connector comprised of a plurality of female contacts for electrically mating with corresponding male contacts to electrically connect the battery pack with the male connector when the battery pack is seated in the battery well, such that when the battery pack is unseated from the battery well and disconnected from the male connector, a signal male contact is electrically unmated from it's corresponding signal female contact to initiate a shut down procedure before other male contacts are electrically unmated from their corresponding female contacts, such that the other male/female contact pairs continue to provide power to the portable data terminal until shut down of the portable data terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Kirk Burmeister, Sherri Reed, Eric Linn
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Patent number: 8456136Abstract: A method and apparatus for battery gauging in a portable terminal are provided. In the battery gauging method, it is determined in a low-power mode whether a listening interval occurs for detecting the presence of a received signal. The remaining battery capacity is detected if the listening interval occurs. An interrupt signal is transmitted to the second processor, operating in a low-power mode, if the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to a threshold. Upon receipt of the interrupt signal, the second processor wakes up to interrupt the power of the portable terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin-Kyu Kim, Dong-Yoon Oh
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Patent number: 8456321Abstract: A circuit is for checking the voltage of a battery. The circuit includes a regulator component, a pnp type transistor, an npn transistor, a diode, and an alarm. The circuit activates an alarm when the voltage of the battery is less than a preset value.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
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Patent number: 8456135Abstract: A high voltage output monitoring device and system of a power battery comprises a monitoring module, a control module and a central processor module, wherein the monitoring module carries out high voltage output monitoring, pre-charge monitoring and relay switching times monitoring; the control module controls a relay switch; the central processor module carries out processing and analysis of monitor signals, packs relay state signals, sends the packed relay state signals to a battery management system (8), prognosticates a relay health condition, sends alarming signals to the battery management system (8), judges the pre-charge state, controls a high voltage system to be opened or closed, receives the control of the battery management system, and forces the high voltage system to be opened or closed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bing Liu
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Patent number: 8456132Abstract: A secondary battery system that is light in weight and low in cost is provided, which comprises a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series. A plurality of first diodes each has an anode connected to a negative electrode of the corresponding secondary battery. A plurality of second diodes each has a cathode connected to a positive electrode of the corresponding secondary battery. A plurality of capacitors is each connected to a junction portion between the cathode of the first diode and the anode of the second diode. An alternating current power source is commonly connected to the junction portions through the capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Kinoshita, Yoshio Shimoida
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Publication number: 20130134945Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a battery heating circuit, comprising a switch unit 1, a switching control module 100, a damping component R1, an energy storage circuit, and an energy superposition unit; the energy storage circuit is configured to connect with the battery to form a loop, and comprises a current storage component L1 and a charge storage component C1; the damping component R1, the switch unit 1, the current storage component L1, and the charge storage component C1 are connected in series; the switching control module 100 is connected with the switch unit 1, and is configured to control ON/OFF of the switch unit 1, so as to control the energy flowing between the battery and the energy storage circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: BYD Company LimitedInventor: BYD Company Limited
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Publication number: 20130134946Abstract: A power control apparatus includes: a control unit that controls discharged power of a first battery and discharged power of a second battery; and a power acquisition unit that acquires a total power to be supplied from the first and second batteries to a load device connected to the first and second batteries. The control unit: in a first period, changes the discharged power of the first battery according to a change in the acquired total power, and changes the discharged power of the second battery toward a first direction in which the discharged power of the second battery approximates the discharged power of the first battery; and, in a second period after the first period, changes the discharged power of the second battery according to the change in the acquired total power, and changes the discharged power of the first battery toward a second direction opposite the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Masayuki Nakahara, Tatsuto Kinjo, Takahiro Kudoh, Yoshikatsu Ito
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Patent number: 8450975Abstract: In a battery pack, undesired current consumption is reduced during a shipping period to extend the charge keeping time of the battery pack. The battery pack includes at least one of battery cells, a charge switch, a discharge switch, and a microcomputer for controlling the charge switch and the discharge switch in accordance with a voltage of the battery cells. The battery pack has a shipping mode where the battery pack is shut down during the shipping period.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jinwan Kim
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Patent number: 8450977Abstract: A driving circuit for an N-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) transistor can include a charge pump unit and a driver coupled to the charge pump. The charge pump can receive a source voltage and output an output voltage higher than the source voltage, where the source voltage is applied to a source terminal of the NMOS transistor. The driver receives the output voltage of the charge pump unit and converts the output voltage to a driving voltage operable for conducting the NMOS transistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.Inventors: Marian Niculae, Alexandru Hartular, Dan Simion, Guoying Yi
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Patent number: 8450978Abstract: Monitoring a state of a rechargeable battery involves repeatedly obtaining at least one measured value related to the battery during discharge of the battery; repeatedly calculating the state of the battery during discharge of the battery based on a previously calculated state of the battery, the measured value and at least one parameter of the battery; before the state of the battery passes a threshold value, updating the parameter of the battery at a first rate; after the state of the battery passes the threshold value, updating the parameter of the battery at a second rate, faster than the first rate; and correcting the state of the battery in response to each update of the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Yevgen P. Barsukov, Jinrong Qian, Peter Fundaro, Ming Yu