Battery Or Cell Charging Patents (Class 320/137)
  • Publication number: 20150015212
    Abstract: The capacitive welder includes a charging circuit, a welding transformer, a capacitor, a discharging switching element connected in parallel with a primary winding of the welding transformer and the capacitor that are connected in series, a bypass switching element connected in parallel with the primary winding, welding electrodes connected in parallel with a secondary winding of the welding transformer, and a control circuit for bringing the welding transformer into a reset allowing state by allowing a reset current to flow in the primary winding using the input power introduced through the charging circuit without supplying an ON signal to the bypass switching element, and then supplying the ON signal to the bypass switching element such that the capacitor is charged through the bypass switching element by the input power introduced through the charging circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: ORIGIN ELECTRIC COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasuo Kadoya, Kouji Arai, Akio Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20150015191
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a charger (10) for blocking power when charging a battery (21). The charger includes a charging voltage generating unit (15) that generates a charging voltage for charging a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Gang-Won KIM
  • Publication number: 20150015195
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for improved wireless charging pads for charging and/or powering electronic devices. Such pads may not require a power chord for connecting to a main power supply, for example a wall outlet. In contrast, power may be delivered wireless to the foregoing pads through pocket-forming. A transmitter connected to a power source may deliver pockets of energy to the pads which through at least one embedded receiver may convert such pockets of energy to power. Lastly, the pads may power and/or charge electronic devices through suitable wireless power transmission techniques such as magnetic induction, electrodynamics induction or pocket-forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: DvineWave Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Publication number: 20150015210
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an energy storage device comprising at least one electrochemical cell comprising a negative current collector, a negative electrode in electrical communication with the negative current collector, an electrolyte in electrical communication with the negative electrode, a positive electrode in electrical communication with the electrolyte and a positive current collector in electrical communication with the positive electrode. The negative electrode comprises an alkali metal. Upon discharge, the electrolyte provides charged species of the alkali metal. The positive electrode can include a Group IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of the elements, or a transition metal (e.g., Group 12 element).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Ambri, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bradwell, Xingwen Yu, Greg A. Thompson, Jianyi Cui, Alex Elliott, Chia-Ying Lee, Denis Tite
  • Publication number: 20150015194
    Abstract: Configurations and methods of wireless power transmission for charging or powering one or more electronic devices inside a vehicle are disclosed. A transmitter capable of single or multiple pocket-forming may be connected to a car lighter, where this transmitter may include a circuitry module and an antenna array integrated within the transmitter, or operatively connected through a cable. This cable may allow the positioning of the antenna array in different locations inside the vehicle suitable for directing RF waves or pockets of energy towards one or more electronic devices. Transmitter's configuration can be accessed by one or more electronic devices through Bluetooth communication in order to set up charging or powering priorities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Publication number: 20150015211
    Abstract: An add-on communication device attached to a cable installment type charging control device attached to a cable assembly for charging an electric vehicle is disclosed. The add-on communication device includes a first communication unit wirelessly communicating with a terminal device, a second communication unit wirelessly communicating with the cable installment type charging control device, and a control unit. The control unit receives a command from the terminal device through the first communication unit, creates a first control command on the basis on the command, and transmits the first control command to the cable installment type charging control device through the second communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Woo CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150015213
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention includes the use of one or more electric power supply system, or systems, and the electric vehicle, or vehicles, connected thereto, to provide load-based utility grid frequency regulation by varying the amount of power drawn by the vehicle or vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Nelson Brooks, Scott Garret Berman, Nicholas Hammervold
  • Publication number: 20150008873
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a charging system with a charging lock to couple a charging converter and a charging handle. In embodiments, the charging converter may also be coupled to a charging port of an electric vehicle. The charging lock may secure the charging converter and the charging handle while the charging converter is within the charging port charging the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: David W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150008867
    Abstract: Charge pump battery charging is disclosed. Charge pump battery charging can include accumulating charge on a charge storage device. The accumulated charge can be selectively discharged to facilitate recharging a battery. The discharge current can generally be at a higher average current than the charging current. The selective discharge can be based on a determined a discharge time, a determined duty cycle, or monitoring of the accumulated charge on the charge storage device. Control values related to the selective discharge can be updated from remotely located devices. Charge pump battery charging can provide for high current pulsed charging of NiMH battery cells at a low input current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Boris Smychkovich
  • Publication number: 20150008888
    Abstract: This electric charging system (10) of a plurality of electric vehicles (12) comprises, an electric power supply (14) suitable for delivering a maximum electric power, and a plurality of charging points (18). Each charging point (18) is suitable for being connected to an electric vehicle (12) and delivering a plurality of electric power levels. The system (10) comprises, for each charging point (18), a control device (20) for controlling the electric power level delivered. The control devices are connected to each other by communication links (30) and are suitable for controlling the distribution of the maximum power between the charging points as a function of time and the number of electric vehicles (12) connected to the charging points (18) and requiring charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Christian CHEVALLEY, Claude Ricaud
  • Publication number: 20150010783
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method, module and terminal for automatically activating a battery. The module for activating the battery comprises a detection unit, an activation unit and a control unit. The method for activating the battery comprises the following steps: a value of at least one first working parameter and a value of at least one second working parameter of the battery are periodically collected, recorded and uploaded; a key section of the at least one first working parameter is determined and a variation value of the second working parameter corresponding to the key section of the first working parameter is computed; and the variation value of the second working parameter is compared with a preset value, the using state of the battery is determined according to a comparison result, and the battery is activated according to the using state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Zhibin He, Zhongzhi Liu
  • Publication number: 20150008879
    Abstract: A battery charger includes a housing and a plurality of charging ports coupled to the housing. Each charging port is configured to connect a battery pack to the battery charger. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of charging ports. The charging circuit is operable to charge the battery packs connected to the plurality of charging ports in series. The battery charger further includes a skip switch coupled to the charging circuit. The skip switch is operable to skip a battery pack currently being charged and advance to another battery pack connected to the battery charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Schneider, James S. Hull, Jay Rosenbecker, Cole A. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8927125
    Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Imergy Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Majid Keshavarz, Saroj Kumar Sahu, Ge Zu
  • Patent number: 8928285
    Abstract: Stated is a charging-current regulating device for charging an energy storage device for a field device, and for regulating a charging current for the energy storage device, wherein regulating the charging current for the energy storage device takes place in such a manner that a limiting value relating to an input current of the field device is not exceeded. Regulating the charging current may take place in such a manner that energy storage takes place as quickly as possible and without overloading an input protection circuit of the field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Volker Allgaier, Andreas Isenmann, Karl Griessbaum
  • Publication number: 20150002086
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless charging device for charging electronic devices placed within proximity of the transmitter of the wireless charging device. The wireless charging device includes an inductive coupler, a reflected power detector, a power source and a power control system. The inductive coupler is configured to charge at least one electronic device present in the charging area. The inductive coupler takes power form the power source. The inductive coupler is also capable of communicating with electronic devices being charged to exchange a set of information. In addition to notebook PCs, this solution can be extended to desktop and tablet PCs, slates and office furniture as pervasive means of wireless charging multiple devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Gary N. Matos, Ronald W. Gallahan, James J. Walsh, Songnan Yang, Emily B. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20150002079
    Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling charging in a mobile terminal. The method includes, applying a voltage to a charger upon detecting a connection to the charger via a cable; transmitting a signal for requesting charging to the charger, and switching a charging mode; and charging a power that is received from the charger according to the switched charging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Chang-Hoon JEONG, Chul-Kwi KIM
  • Publication number: 20150002078
    Abstract: A control circuit for reducing a charging time and a method thereof are provided. The charging device includes an input unit configured to receive a control signal indicating that applied power is process power, and a switch configured to cut off a path between a terminal set and a battery while the process power is applied, when the applied power is the process power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ku-Chul JUNG, KiSun LEE, Chul-Eun YUN, Seung-Su HONG
  • Publication number: 20150002075
    Abstract: A method comprising determining that a charge session event associated with a charge session between an apparatus and a separate apparatus has occurred, determining a separate apparatus identity of the separate apparatus, determining a non-charging operation based, at least in part, on the separate apparatus identity and the charge session event, and causing performance of the non-charging operation is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Apaar Tuli
  • Patent number: 8922171
    Abstract: The present invention suppresses a decrease in the capacity of a lithium ion battery. A polymer forming agent or a sacrificial reducing agent is added to a nonaqueous electrolytic solution. A voltage is then applied to between a battery container and an anode. Thus, lithium ions can be inserted into the anode to recover the capacity of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Shimizu, Katsunori Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140375266
    Abstract: A charging control apparatus (310) controls wireless charging between one charging apparatus (10) and a vehicle (20) which communicates with the one charging apparatus via a communication relay apparatus (30). The charging control apparatus is provided with: an outputting device (320, 330) for transmitting a first signal which is a signal for designating a signal outputted from the one charging apparatuses, to of the one charging apparatuses; a detecting device (320, 330) for detecting a third signal, which is transmitted by wireless communication from the vehicle and which is a signal corresponding to a second signal which is a signal outputted from the one charging apparatus due to the transmitted first signal; and a distinguishing device (310) for correlating the one charging apparatus with the vehicle on the basis of the transmitted first signal and the detected third signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Hirokazu OISHI
  • Publication number: 20140375257
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contact charging system which can transmit the information on the reception state from an electric power receiving device to an electric power transmitting device while performing the electric power reception. The non-contact charging system is configured with an electric power transmitting device which performs electric power transmission at a resonance frequency and an electric power receiving device which performs electric power reception at the resonance frequency. The electric power receiving device includes an adjustment unit which can adjust the resonance frequency; and a receiving-side control unit for adjusting the resonance frequency when a prescribed condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyoji AKIYAMA, Toshiki YAMAHIRA
  • Publication number: 20140375278
    Abstract: An electronic device having a charging function is provided. The electronic device includes a conversion unit for converting an Alternating Current (AC) voltage to a Direct Current (DC), a first charging unit for generating a first charging voltage or current using the DC voltage, and an output unit for providing the DC voltage and the first charging voltage or current to an external device. Various other implementations are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Soo-Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20140375256
    Abstract: A wireless power receiver includes a power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power, and including a direct current (DC)-to-DC (DC/DC) converter, and a power detector configured to detect power detection information from a front end of the DC/DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Hee LEE, Sang Wook KWON, Ki Young KIM, Dong Zo KIM, Bong Chul KIM, Yun Kwon PARK, Jae Hyun PARK, Keum Su SONG, Chi Hyung AHN, Young Ho RYU
  • Publication number: 20140375267
    Abstract: A charging control apparatus (310) controls wireless charging between one charging apparatus (10) and a vehicle (20) which communicates with the one charging apparatus via a communication relay apparatus (30). The charging control apparatus is provided with: an outputting device (320, 330) for transmitting a first signal which is a signal for designating a signal outputted from the one charging apparatuses, to of the one charging apparatuses; a detecting device (320, 330) for detecting a third signal which is transmitted by wireless communication from the vehicle and which is a signal corresponding to a second signal which is a signal outputted from the one charging apparatus due to the transmitted first signal; and a distinguishing device (310) for correlating the one charging apparatus with the vehicle on the basis of the transmitted first signal and the detected third signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Hirokazu OISHI
  • Publication number: 20140375254
    Abstract: The invention provides electronic apparatus includes an antenna, a switch, a power generator, a battery, and a controller. The antenna receives a wireless signal. The switch transports the wireless signal to a first terminal or a second terminal according to a mode selecting signal. The power generator is coupled to the second terminal for receiving the wireless signal. The power generator generates a charging power according to the wireless signal. The charging power is provided to charge the battery. The controller generates the mode selecting signal by detecting the electronic apparatus is in a non-operation mode or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Chih-Chin Su, Chien-Ting Ho
  • Publication number: 20140377664
    Abstract: An all-solid-state lithium battery, thermo-electromechanical activation of Li2S in sulfide based solid state electrolyte with transition metal sulfides, and electromechanical evolution of a bulk-type all-solid-state iron sulfur cathode, are disclosed. An example all-solid-state lithium battery includes a cathode having a transition metal sulfide mixed with elemental sulfur to increase electrical conductivity. In one example method of in-situ electomechanical synthesis of Pyrite (FeS2) from Sulfide (FeS) and elemental sulfur (S) precursors for operation of a solid-state lithium battery, FeS+S composite electrodes are cycled at moderately elevated temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas A. Yersak, Se-Hee Lee, Conrad Stoldt
  • Publication number: 20140375274
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for monitoring environment parameters of critical facilities. A Remote Area Modular Monitoring (RAMM) apparatus is provided for monitoring environment parameters of critical facilities. The RAMM apparatus includes a battery power supply and a central processor. The RAMM apparatus includes a plurality of sensors monitoring the associated environment parameters and at least one communication module for transmitting one or more monitored environment parameters. The RAMM apparatus is powered by the battery power supply, controlled by the central processor operating a wireless sensor network (WSN) platform when the facility condition is disrupted. The RAMM apparatus includes a housing prepositioned at a strategic location, for example, where a dangerous build-up of contamination and radiation may preclude subsequent manned entrance and surveillance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hanchung Tsai, John T. Anderson, Yung Y. Liu
  • Patent number: 8917062
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a charge control circuit for supplying power from an external power source to a first common node and charging a second common node from the first common node. A regulator circuit is coupled between the external power source and the first common node, and a transistor is coupled between the first common node and the second common node. The present invention detects an operation parameter of the transistor and controls an internal voltage source to generate a non-predetermined voltage difference accordingly. When the sum of the voltage at the second common node and the non-predetermined voltage is equal to or higher than the reference voltage, the voltage at the first common node is regulated to a level higher than the voltage at the second common node, and the transistor is in an optimum conductive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Ping Lu, Nien-Hui Kung, Li-Wei Lee, Chia-Hsiang Lin, Chen-Hsiang Hsiao, Ko-Ching Su
  • Patent number: 8917054
    Abstract: A safety guardian operable to facilitate notifying an Electronic Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) system whether a vehicle charging system is ready to accept energy. The safety guardian may be configured to facilitate control of a vehicle interface used to provide a reference voltage to the EVSE reflective of whether the charging system is ready to accept energy. The guardian may control the vehicle interface in the absence of a suitable control signal from the vehicle charging system in order to ensure the EVSE is notified when the vehicle charging system is not ready to accept energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Acena, Youssef Ghabbour
  • Publication number: 20140368154
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a power management apparatus is provided with storage means, discharge plan creation means, discharge instruction means. The storage means stores a discharge amount of a power storage device to a distribution system, correspondingly to a prescribed parameter. The discharge plan creation means, when storable regenerative power is generated, creates a discharge plan to determine a discharge amount of the power storage device, from past data stored in the storage means, of regenerative power amount of a train and the discharge amount of the power storage device to the distribution system. The discharge instruction means outputs a discharge instruction to the power storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yumi HANASHIMA, Miyako Miyoshi, Tatsuhiro Yamaguchi, Koji Otsuji, Kenichi Tanomura, Masayuki Nogi, Jin Kato
  • Publication number: 20140368170
    Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The charging system comprises: a power battery; a charge-discharge socket; a bidirectional DC/DC module having a first DC terminal connected with a first terminal of the power battery and a second DC terminal connected with a second terminal of the power battery; a bidirectional DC/AC module having a first DC terminal connected with the second terminal of the power battery and a second DC terminal connected with the first terminal of the power battery; a charge-discharge control module having a first terminal connected with the AC terminal of the bidirectional DC/AC module and a second terminal connected with the charge-discharge socket; and a controller module connected with the charge-discharge control module, and configured to control the charge-discharge control module according to a current operation mode of the charging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicants: BYD COMPANY LIMITED, SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zheqing Tang, Zhiyong Du, Fu Tang, Jun Zhao, Qiyuan Liang
  • Patent number: 8914173
    Abstract: A method and system for conditioning an energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle, like a high-voltage battery or a fuel cell used for vehicle propulsion. It may be detrimental for a high-voltage battery in a parked vehicle to be exposed to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time. Thus, the method and system may be used to condition such a battery—for example, by heating it up if it is too cold or by cooling it down if it is too hot—so that the performance, durability, lifespan and/or other aspects of the battery are improved. In an exemplary embodiment, the method predicts if the battery will need conditioning the next time the vehicle is parked and, if such conditioning is needed, then the method predicts if the battery has sufficient charge to perform this conditioning. If the charge appears insufficient, then the method operates an energy generator that provides additional charge to the battery in anticipation of the needed conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, David T. Proefke, Clark E. McCall
  • Publication number: 20140361741
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A wireless power transmitter includes a transmit antenna and a controller. The transmit antenna inductively transfers power to a plurality of receiver devices. The controller is operably coupled to the transmit antenna and causes a first one of the plurality of receiver devices to be enabled to receive the power from the transmit antenna and causes at least a portion of the remaining receiver devices to be disabled from receiving the power while the first receiver device is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: William H. Von Novak, III, Stanley Slavko Toncich, Stanton C. Braden, Ian J. Fevrier
  • Publication number: 20140361734
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply method including an initial setting step of performing, by a charging control device, initial setting on a plurality of battery devices each including a secondary cell therein and a charging device performing contactless power transmission to transmit power to the battery devices that are provided in a stacked manner, a power transmission instruction step of providing, by the charging control device, an instruction to start the contactless power transmission from the charging device subjected to the initial setting in the initial setting step to the battery devices, a contactless power transmission step of performing the contactless power transmission from the charging device to the battery devices and a charging completion step of notifying, when charging of the battery devices is completed, the charging control device of completion of the charging by the battery devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamazaki, Masahiro Suzuki, Tetsu Natsume, Yoshihito Ishibashi, Shigeru Tajima, Yoshiaki Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20140361735
    Abstract: A charging system may include a charging apparatus having a controller and a power transmitter. The controller may be configured to determine a device position relative to the controller based on at least one signal received from the device. The controller may also be configured to determine whether the device position is at an optimal position, and provide feedback indicative of the device position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: CELLCO PARTNERSHIP (D/B/A VERIZON WIRELESS)
    Inventors: Yuk Lun Li, Manuel Enrique Caceres, Nanjun Qian
  • Publication number: 20140361729
    Abstract: A charging device adapter includes an adapter receptacle that is positioned proximate a charging device. The charging device is configured to charge a rechargeable device and includes multiple charger output plugs that are conductively coupled to the charger. The adapter receptacle is configured to receive one of the charger output plugs when the rechargeable device includes a quantity of charging receptacles that is less than a quantity of the charger output plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: William F. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20140361750
    Abstract: An on-board charger for charging a battery of an eco-friendly vehicle and a method for charging a battery using the on-board charger are provided. The on board charger reduces an output current ripple by improving a snubber circuit unit of the on-board charger for charging a battery in plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. In addition, the on-board charger for charging a battery of an eco-friendly vehicle reduces a surge voltage generated in a rectifier diode and reduces an output current ripple by arranging two capacitors and three diodes in a transformer secondary rectifier of the on-board charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dae Woo Lee, Byeong Seob Song, Jin Young Yang, Woo Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20140361751
    Abstract: A consumer electronic system for holding and providing power to any number of consumer electronic devices has cradles and each of the cradles has a pair of folding support walls. The pair of folding support walls are separated by a gap, allowing for a device cable to be routed between the two sections so that, when a consumer electronic device is within the cradle and connected to a power port for charging or use (by the cable) the consumer electronic device sits properly. Since the device cable, passes through this gap, the device cable doesn't perturb the consumer electronic device (e.g., allowing for a stable containment of the consumer electronic device at a proper viewing angle).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: DOK SOLUTION LLC
    Inventor: Jack Strauser
  • Patent number: 8907633
    Abstract: An emulation system for charging any arbitrary portable device through a communication port on the portable device. The system includes a receptacle port for communicating with the portable device and a profile database for storing multiple charging profiles. Each charging profile including a set of parameters and at least one exit condition. Further, an emulation module applies a first charging profile to the portable device and monitors the set of parameters associated with the charging profile to identify an associated exit condition. Upon a determination that the exit condition for the first charging profile is met, the emulation module applies a next charging profile to the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Fischbach, Timothy J. Knowlton, James P. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8906523
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system to harvest and store electromagnetic energy is disclosed. The present invention uses, for example, conductive surfaces within the energy storage component itself as a means of electromagnetic energy collection. The surface may be an integral portion of the energy device, such as a charge collection surface within a battery or a capacitor that mainly provides the battery or a capacitor with a necessary function. In another embodiment of the invention a metallic or conductive surface is added to and specifically built into the energy device during manufacturing for the main purpose of collecting electromagnetic energy for the energy device but is otherwise not necessary for the energy storage component. Once the energy is collected, it can be rectified either via rectification components that were built directly into the energy storage component during its manufacture or connected external to the energy storage component but within the energy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Infinite Power Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Brantner
  • Publication number: 20140354214
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a charging station for portable electronic devices. Upon initiating a transaction associated with charging of the portable electronic device by the charging station, the charging station attempts to detect a presence of the portable electronic device in a secure compartment of the charging station, wherein power is supplied to the portable electronic device within the secure compartment. If the presence of the portable electronic device in the secure compartment is detected, the charging station secures a door of the secure compartment. If the presence of the portable electronic device in the secure compartment is not detected, the charging station queries a user of the portable electronic device for input related to a lack of detection of the presence and processes the transaction based on the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jack Standish Phelps, William W. Gridley, Adam Hubbard Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140354228
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate utilizing a communicative infrastructure represented by a telematics unit of an electric vehicle and a telematics service provider (TSP) communicatively coupled to the telematics unit to control an amount of power reserved for a charging event of the vehicle. Specifically, the TSP utilizes information provided by the telematics unit, electrical power utilities, and electrical power metering devices to determine the characteristics of electrical energy available for charging the vehicle. The TSP can utilize the characteristics of the available energy along with additional information, such as charging preferences established by a subscriber of the TSP and vehicle use schedules, to determine an amount of power to reserve for the charging event. The amount of power reserved for the charging event may be determined based on cost, greenhouse gas emissions, a combination thereof, and on other factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Nate Williams, Venkatesh Donthy, Paul H. Pebbles, Justin Roebuck
  • Publication number: 20140354224
    Abstract: A device for the inductive transmission of electrical energy, having at least one induction coil which is connected, or connectible, to a consumer and/or to a rechargeable battery, and having a communications device, which encompasses at least one control unit and is configured to modulate the load of the induction coil. It is provided that the communications device has a DC converter, whose output is connected or connectible to the consumer/the battery, and whose input is connected to the induction coil, the control unit controlling the DC converter for a load modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Mack
  • Publication number: 20140354230
    Abstract: In a vehicle having a battery-powered drive assembly, the charging socket for recharging the battery can be closed by a flap connected to the central locking system of the vehicle. When the charging plug is removed from the charging socket, the lock of the flap is temporarily opened by the control device of the central locking system, such that said flap can be moved into the lockable closed position and is then locked automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Kraeuter
  • Publication number: 20140354234
    Abstract: A control, protection and power management system for an energy storage system, comprises an interface configured to communicate and provide energy exchange with a host power system, a local load, and the energy storage system, and processing structure configured to receive signals from the host power system and the energy storage system, to determine a mode of operation of the energy storage system and to provide control, protection and power management to the energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ecamion Inc.
    Inventors: Himanshu Sudan, Carmine Pizzurro, Reza Iravani, Milan Graovac
  • Publication number: 20140354227
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communication infrastructure represented by a network of telematics units communicatively coupled to a telematics service provider (TSP) to implement procedures designed to curtail the load placed on electricity suppliers by electric vehicles during periods of critically high demand for electricity. The present invention contemplates monitoring charging related information for multiple electric vehicles through the telematics units in those vehicles. The invention further contemplates a request from an energy utility for a response to a critically high demand for electricity and the execution of a demand response program (DRP). The DRPs involve aggregating information from a fleet of the electrically powered vehicles, processing the aggregated information, and issuing instructions to one or more vehicles in the fleet that cause the one or more vehicles to reduce the load they are placing on electricity suppliers through their charging activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Anuj Tyagi, Vijay Vardhan, Venkatesh Donthy
  • Patent number: 8901884
    Abstract: A combined battery charger and battery equalizer for equalizing a first battery bank and charging a second battery bank, respectively includes a buck-boost power converting circuit configured to convert a received electrical voltage into, either a battery equalization voltage, or a battery charging voltage. The buck-boost power converting circuit is connected to an output switch configured to enable output of either the equalization voltage level to a battery equalizer output connector, or the battery charging voltage to a battery charging output connector. A combined battery charging and battery equalization system includes a voltage source connected to a combined battery equalizer and battery charger configured to convert an electrical voltage received from the voltage source into either a battery equalization voltage or a battery charging voltage, and connected to either a positive pole of a starter battery bank or to a voltage reference point of a service battery bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: CTEK Sweden AB
    Inventor: Börje Maleus
  • Patent number: 8901878
    Abstract: A transcutaneous charging device for charging an implant comprising: a power input; a conversion circuit to convert power from said power input to transcutaneously charge said implant; a control; and an indication element; wherein said control is programmed to initiate an indication using said indication element when it is time to charge said implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Impulse Dynamics NV
    Inventors: David Prutchi, Paul Richard Spehr
  • Publication number: 20140349572
    Abstract: A combined inductive power receiving system and method for selectively providing at least one of power and communication reception. The combined inductive power receiving system comprises at least one inductive power receiver module configured to couple with at least one Near Field Communication (NFC) module possibly using a combined communication antenna. The inductive receiver module may comprise a power reception circuit operable to receive power from a secondary inductor and to provide power to an electric load; a selection switch operable to allow transmission of wireless power from the secondary inductor to the power reception circuit; and a matching circuit operable to filter transmission of NFC signals to the NFC reader module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Amir BEN-SHALOM, Yoel RAAB, Rotem SHRAGA, Arye NUDELMAN, Ilya GLUZMAN
  • Publication number: 20140347017
    Abstract: A rapid charging power supply system comprises: a stationary rapid charger (11) for controlling power supplied from a power supply (1) to be a DC power optimum for rapidly charging an on-vehicle electric storage means (85c) equipped in a second electric moving body (53); a power supply switching means (11m) for switching and supplying the DC power from the stationary rapid charger (11) to either a first charging circuit (20A) for supplying the DC power to a first electric moving vehicle (50) or a second charging circuit (20B) for supplying the DC power to the second electric moving body (53); an stationary electric storage means (15) capable of storing DC power charged by the DC power supplied to the side of the first charging circuit (20A) from the stationary rapid charger (11) via the power supply switching means (11m) and used for being directly supplied to at least the first electric moving body (50); and a power feeding control means (12) for stopping power supply to the stationary electric storage means
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Institute for Energy Application Technologies Co.
    Inventor: Tomio Sugano