Battery Or Cell Charging Patents (Class 320/137)
  • Publication number: 20140247004
    Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments provide device-to-device charging. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method comprises accessing, by an apparatus, parameters relating to power loss in wirelessly charging a rechargeable battery, when the battery is located in a device to be powered by the rechargeable battery; and transmitting, by the apparatus, to a wireless charger, the accessed parameters relating to power loss when the apparatus is associated with the device to be powered by the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Juhani Valdemar KARI, Petri Martti VUORI
  • Publication number: 20140239891
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery and a charge plate electrically connected with the battery. The vehicle also includes a control system that causes an association signal to be repeatedly transmitted during a battery charge procedure to maintain charging of the battery via the charge plate, and in response to an object being detected in the vicinity or predicted to enter the vicinity of the charge plate, causes the transmission of the association signal to be interrupted to stop charging of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond MARTIN, Erick Michael LAVOIE
  • Publication number: 20140239880
    Abstract: An electrical system, an input apparatus and a charging method for the input apparatus are provided. The input apparatus includes a main body, a processor, an antenna module, an energy storing component and an electrode. The main body includes a stylus body and a stylus head. The processor, antenna module and the energy storing component are disposed in the main body. The energy storing component is used to provide electrical energy to the processor and the antenna module. The electrode is disposed on a surface of the main body, and the electrode is coupled to the energy storing component. Wherein, when the stylus input apparatus contacts with the electronic apparatus, the electronic apparatus provides an electrical energy to the energy storing component through the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Hsin-Chih Liu
  • Publication number: 20140239916
    Abstract: A protective case can house a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can have a switch (e.g., for switching an operational mode of the portable electronic device). The protective case can have a switch cover that engages the switch of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the protective case. The switch cover can be moved between positions corresponding to positions of the switch of the portable electronic device. As the switch cover is moved, the switch cover correspondingly moves the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Mophie, Inc.
    Inventors: Nguyen To, Hien Nguyen, William Benjamin Hasbrook, Sean Michael Stuck
  • Publication number: 20140239883
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for determining the initiation of a charging process for a secure charging apparatus. The apparatus has circuitry for authorising a user, circuitry for confirming connection of a device, and circuitry for confirming charging of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Chargebox Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Timothy Hobson, Jonathan John Cheese, Jonathan Anthony Hogg
  • Patent number: 8816669
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for supplying an electrical current are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide an apparatus including a current regulation switch connected in a current path between a power input and a current output. A current regulator is connected to the current regulation switch. The current regulator includes a current set terminal, and the current through the current regulation switch is proportional to the current through current set terminal. An impedance monitor is connected to the current set terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Christopher Terry, Paul L. Brohlin
  • Publication number: 20140232338
    Abstract: A power conduit for charging a power storage device of a vehicle includes an output terminal and locking mechanism operatively disposable in one of an engaged and a disengaged position. The locking mechanism locks the output terminal to the vehicle when the locking mechanism is in the engaged position and unlocks the output terminal when in the disengaged position. The power conduit includes a controller including a memory device configured to store a plurality of computer-executable instructions and a processor coupled to the memory device. The instructions configure the processor to receive an identifier associated with one of the vehicle and a user of the vehicle, and generate and transmit an unlocking signal to cause the locking mechanism to be in the disengaged position upon one of a determination that the identifier was received and a determination that a predetermined charge state of the power storage device has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Edward Clark Fontana, Robert John Minor
  • Publication number: 20140232322
    Abstract: Smart key fob with an integrated rechargeable battery and a replaceable battery. Transfer of charge from the replaceable battery to the rechargeable battery is configured to occur only during a period of time when the key fob remains motionless to reduce RF interference with polling operation of the key fob's transceiver to determine presence of the mother-vehicle nearby. Optionally, the poling operation of the transceiver is reduced or ceased during periods of motionlessness of the key fob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Brian K. Lickfelt
  • Publication number: 20140232337
    Abstract: Systems and methods for charging multiple rechargeable energy storage systems (“RESSs”) included in one or more vehicles using a single charging system are presented. In some embodiments, a method for charging one or more RESSs may include receiving an indication that one or more charging ports of a plurality of charging ports included in a charging system have RESSs coupled thereto. Based on the indication, a charging map may be generated. One or more charging parameters may be determined based on the generated charging map. Based on the charging parameters, a switching mechanism included in the charging system may be selectively actuated to provide electrical power from a charging power source to charging ports coupled to RESSs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ANDREW J. NAMOU, TODD F. MACKINTOSH, GREGORY G. CESIEL
  • Publication number: 20140232354
    Abstract: A vehicular battery system includes a vehicular battery system stack including at least one negative electrode including a form of lithium, an oxygen reservoir having a first outlet operably connected to the vehicular battery system stack, a multistage compressor having a first inlet operably connected to the vehicular battery system stack, and a second outlet operably connected to a second inlet of the oxygen reservoir, and a cooling system operably connected to the multistage compressor and configured to provide a coolant to the multistage compressor to cool a compressed fluid within the multistage compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Albertus, John F. Christensen, Timm Lohmann, Boris Kozinsky, Nikhil Ravi
  • Publication number: 20140232355
    Abstract: A charger is configured to charge a power storage device. An ECU is configured to control charging of the power storage device by the charger. While charging of the power storage device is not executed, the ECU operates in a sleep mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in a wakeup mode in which charging control is being executed, until a pilot signal is detected. After charging of the power storage device is ended, the ECU operates in an intermittent activation mode in which a wait mode and the wakeup mode are regularly switched to each other, until stoppage of oscillation of the pilot signal is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomokazu Masuda, Yusuke Tsutsui
  • Publication number: 20140232327
    Abstract: A charger configured to charge a battery, is provided with a controller configured to control charging of the battery and a communication interface interposed between the controller and an accounting system. The controller waits for an input of a signal from the accounting system via the communication interface. The controller starts to control the charging of the battery under the condition that a signal is inputted from the accounting system via the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Noriaki Hasegawa, Tatsuo Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20140232329
    Abstract: An aspect provides an information handling device, including: one or more processors; a memory device assessable to the one or more processors and storing code executable by the one or more processors; one or more rechargeable batteries providing power to one or more of the one or more processors and the memory device; and a wireless charging coil system operatively coupled to the one or more rechargeable batteries; the wireless charging coil system comprising two or more coil portions oriented at an angle with respect to one another such that the two or more coil portions are aligned along two or more charging planes. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Li, Scott Edwards Kelso
  • Publication number: 20140232353
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing a defective energy storage cell from an energy storage array is described. An apparatus includes an energy storage array including a plurality of energy storage cells, and a cell removal circuit coupled to the energy storage array. The cell removal circuit is configured to prevent a defective energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells from causing other energy storage cells of the plurality of energy storage cells to become defective. A method includes receiving power at a charging node of an energy storage array, the energy storage array including a plurality of energy storage cells. Responsive to failure of an energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells, current is provided through the defective energy storage cell, and responsive to the defective energy storage cell becoming an open circuit, discontinuing provision of the current through the defective energy storage cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Shaun A. Stickel
  • Patent number: 8810193
    Abstract: A charging apparatus for charging a cell group, in which a plurality of secondary cells are connected in series, by supplying a charging current Ic to the secondary cells is provided with an overcharge protection circuit including discharge route circuits 34 provided to each of the secondary cells and adapted to cause the secondary cells to discharge during charging by connecting the secondary cells to the discharge route circuits based on cell voltages Vb of the secondary cells or to stop discharging by cutting off the secondary cells from the discharge route circuits; and a charger controller for continuing charging while reducing the charging current Ic until the discharge of the secondary cell having started discharging to the discharge route circuit is stopped when the discharge of any one of the secondary cells to the discharge route circuit is started by the overcharge protection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo Rectifier Co., Ltd., JPS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomi Maruyama, Eiji Saiki, Akitoshi Kato, Yoshihiro Honda
  • Patent number: 8810208
    Abstract: The apparatus for charging an energy storage system (ESS) from an AC line voltage includes a boost stage for converting the AC line voltage to a first ESS charging voltage; an isolation stage, coupled to the boost stage, for converting the first ESS charging voltage to a second ESS charging voltage with the second ESS charging voltage less than the first ESS charging voltage, the isolation stage removing a common mode current between the ESS and the boost stage; a configurator, responsive to a control signal, to set a direct communication of the first ESS charging voltage to the ESS in a bypass mode and to open the direct communication of the first ESS charging voltage to the ESS in an isolation mode; and a controller, coupled to the configurator, for setting the modes responsive to a battery voltage, a peak of the AC line voltage, and a total leakage current at an input of the AC line voltage, the controller asserting the control signal to the configurator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Krauer, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Troy A. Nergaard
  • Publication number: 20140225564
    Abstract: A grid to vehicle system is described. In some examples, the system selectively controls one or more electric vehicles connected to an electric grid based on conditions associated with the electric grid. For example, the system may control charging operations of the electric vehicles based on load balancing conditions associated with the electric grid, based on cost conditions associated with electric power provided by the electric grid, and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Recargo, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest North, Armen Petrosian, Lucas Manfield
  • Publication number: 20140225572
    Abstract: A method for the optimized recharging of the electric battery of at least one electric system, particularly an electric vehicle, using an electric recharging device, in which the electric battery is recharged during at least one charging time interval which is part of an available charging time period initiated by connection of the electric battery recharging system to the electric recharging device and which is determined as a function of a charging curve associated with this electric recharging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicants: ELECTRICITE RESEAU DISTRIBUTION FRANCE, ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE
    Inventors: Melaine Rousselle, Gaizka Alberdi
  • Patent number: 8806238
    Abstract: A rack server system and an operating method applicable thereto are provided. The rack server system includes a battery backup unit (BBU) and at least one server. The operating method includes: communicating the server and the BBU with each other; the BBU providing a status information and a previous self-discharging test information to the server for the server to judge a status of the BBU; and providing power from the BBU to the server and adjusting a loading of the server according to the status information of the BBU when an input power is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Maw-Zan Jau, Tzu-Hung Wang, Chin-Hsiang Chan
  • Patent number: 8803484
    Abstract: A resonant wireless energy transfer system comprises first and second antennas made up of dual parallel wire helixes wherein the wires are terminated by short wires. Voltage controlled variable capacitors are connected into the antennas to permit progressive variation between folded dipole and normal dipole operating modes such that optimum energy transfer can be achieved between the antennas over a wide range of antenna separation distances. A vehicle battery charging system using the above-described antennas is provided including an installation which allows purchase of battery charging power by members of the general public. In-vehicle energy transfer for sensors, computers, cell phones and the like is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideo Iizuka, Jae Seung Lee, Paul Donald Schmalenberg, Brian Joseph Robert
  • Publication number: 20140223200
    Abstract: Aspects of charger detection and optimization prior to host control are described herein. In various embodiments, a condition of whether reverse current is present on a system bus is detected. When the condition for reverse current is present, reverse current is sunk by one or more of various reverse current sink circuits. By relying upon one or more of the reverse current sink circuits, for safety, to address or mitigate the condition for reverse current, a detector may be able to identify or distinguish among several different types of charger or charging ports coupled to a system bus allowing a charger to be selected optimally. Further, an indicator of the type of charger or charging port coupled to the system bus is communicated over a single pin interface, for backwards compatibility with circuits capable of identifying between only two different types of chargers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Walid Nabhane, Mark D. Rutherford, Narayan Prasad Ramachandran, David Chang, Yi Ting Chen, Chenmin Zhang, Ajmal A. Godil
  • Publication number: 20140217991
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including: a vehicle having a cargo bed and a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the vehicle bed constructed and arranged to be connected to electrical contacts on a module having a battery. A number of variations may include a method comprising: providing a vehicle having a cargo bed and a plurality of electrical contacts provided in the vehicle bed constructed and arranged to be connected to electrical contacts on a module having a battery, the vehicle including an electric motor for propelling the vehicle; providing at least one module, the module including a module battery and an electrical contact connected to the module battery and constructed and arranged to engage one of the electrical contacts provided in the vehicle bed; charging the module battery and loading the module with the charged module battery on the vehicle bed, and supplying power to the electric motor of the vehicle from the module battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: CHET R. WISNIEWSKI, TERRY M. TARP
  • Publication number: 20140217971
    Abstract: A voltage at an output end of a switch of an electric vehicle supply equipment is detected before charging an electric vehicle. An earth leakage circuit breaker is tripped for cutting off power inputted to the switch and preventing the output end from outputting the power when the voltage is higher than a first predetermined value. The switch is turned on for outputting the power from the output end to charge the electric vehicle when the voltage is lower than the first predetermined value. A current is detected at the output end. Power inputted to the switch is cut off for preventing the output end from outputting the power when the current is higher than a second predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Chen-Kuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20140217975
    Abstract: In a system of charging a transport vehicle electric storage device immediately, transport vehicles under control of a ground controller and travelling using an electric storage device as a power source travel along a predetermined travelling route. Chargers including a rectifier rectifying alternating current into direct current, an electric storage device in the charger charged by the rectifier, and a charging coupler charging the electric storage device in the transport vehicle are disposed in locations along the travelling route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Takao Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20140217976
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of charging an energy storage system for an electric vehicle. The method includes determining the estimated consumption for a specific route of the electric vehicle at different times and setting a target end point for the energy storage system based upon a minimum state of charge level for the energy storage system. The method further includes determining charge set points for the energy storage system based upon the target end point and the determined estimated consumption and determining the actual end point of the energy storage system after operation of the electric vehicle on the given route. The method also includes comparing the actual end point to the target end point and determining the difference in state of charge for the energy storage system between the actual end point and the target end point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: PROTERRA INC.
    Inventors: Seamus McGRATH, Reuben Sarkar, Michael FINNERN
  • Publication number: 20140217962
    Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a plurality of charging ports configured to charge external devices; a switch unit configured to connect or block power to or from each of the plurality of charging ports; and a controller configured to control so that an amount of current being supplied to at least one of the plurality of charging ports is increased depending on a power connection status for each of the plurality of charging ports in a rapid charging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-suk KIM, Jin-hee KIM
  • Patent number: 8796996
    Abstract: A charge control circuit includes a charge control unit that controls an operation of a charging unit that charges a rechargeable battery; and a voltage detection unit that detects a terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery, wherein when a terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery as detected by the voltage detection unit is lower than a predetermined first threshold-value voltage, being lower than a full-charge voltage which is a terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery in full charge, the charge control unit causes a constant current charging to the rechargeable battery by requesting the charging unit to supply a charging current of a predetermined first current value, causing the charging unit to supply a charging current of the first current value to the rechargeable battery, when the terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery as detected by the voltage detection unit exceeds the first threshold-value voltage but is less than the full charge voltage, the charge control unit causes the constan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakatsuji, Tsuyoshi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8796991
    Abstract: In an electric charging system, a charging cable of an electric charger is connected to an electric vehicle, and a supply voltage at the electric charger is temporarily raised and dropped. A receiving voltage at the electric vehicle rises and falls in conjunction with to the supply voltage. Accordingly, a feature point is assigned to each of electric charger data obtained by applying a filtering process to the supply voltage and vehicle data obtained by applying a filtering process to the receiving voltage. Then a time lag between the electric charger data and the vehicle data due to filtering processing is calculated based on the feature points. Upon determining an insulation failure and the like between the electric charger and the electric vehicle, the electric charger data and the vehicle data are synchronized based on the time lag and then compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Ohtomo
  • Publication number: 20140210401
    Abstract: A portable modular power system, comprising: a first module having a first generator set coupled to a first battery charger, a first output of the first battery charger coupled to a first battery bank, the first battery bank coupled to a connection point; a second module having a second generator set coupled to a second battery charger, a second output of the second battery charger coupled to a second battery bank, the second battery bank coupled to the connection point; a circuit coupling the first and second outputs of the first and second battery chargers; and, a first control system located in the first module and communicatively coupled to components of the first and second modules for controlling the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ECO-H TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Vincenzo E. DI CRISTOFARO
  • Publication number: 20140210422
    Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a molten positive electrolyte comprising Na-FSA (sodium-bis(fluorosulonyl)amide), and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrolyte. One disclosed example of electrolyte membrane material includes, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. Non-limiting examples of the positive electrode include Ni, Zn, Cu, or Fe. The cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 150° C., and preferably between about 110° C. and about 130° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Mathew Robins
  • Publication number: 20140210399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing portable ground power for aircraft. A ground power unit includes a lithium ion cell battery assembly and a standard three-pin aircraft ground power connector integrated into a single unit and packaged inside a ruggedized plastic housing with a carry handle, thereby eliminating the heavy and bulky power cables between the battery and connector. A battery management unit sets charge/discharge limits and provides monitoring of state of charge, health, and function. A charging connector and charging circuitry with user-selectable regulated charging limits allows simultaneous charging and discharging operations and connection into aircraft auxiliary circuits. A ganging station is provided to electrically combine the outputs of several ground power units in parallel for starting larger aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: PYLON AVIATION SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Scott Urschel, Todd Alan Petersen
  • Patent number: 8792849
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a near field radio communication apparatus, as described in embodiments, comprises a signal receiving unit configured to convert a radio signal into an electric signal an information obtaining unit configured to obtain information from a signal output from the signal receiving unit and an operating power supplying unit configured to supply an operating power to the information obtaining unit if a voltage level of the electric signal output from the signal receiving unit varies to he equal to or higher than a preset threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kengo Kurose, Takashi Minemura
  • Publication number: 20140203786
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power supply apparatus includes a battery assembly, a fuse element, a switch unit, and a control unit. The fuse element is connected between the battery assembly and a load unit driven by being supplied with power from the battery assembly. The switch unit is connected in parallel to the load unit. The control unit causes, when an over voltage of at least one of the battery assembly and the load unit is detected, the switch unit to be in an ON state, provides an over current to flow from the battery assembly to the fuse element, and fusing the fuse element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takeshi Oosawa, Shinichiro Kosugi, Manabu Murakami, Kazuto Kuroda, Masahiro Sekino, Takashi Sudo, Hideaki Ohsawa, Ryo Okabe
  • Publication number: 20140203777
    Abstract: In electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), interruption of charging due to overheating is prevented by adjusting the pulse duty cycle on the control pilot conductor communicating the maximum allowed current level to the electric vehicle, the adjustment being performed whenever the EVSE temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature below the maximum operating temperature as a function of the approach of the temperature to the maximum operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Albert Joseph Flack
  • Publication number: 20140203773
    Abstract: A wireless power charging device and method for mobile equipment is disclosed. The wireless power charging device for mobile equipment includes: a signal oscillating unit receiving power from a power supply unit and oscillating a signal; a power signal generating unit generating a power signal by resonating with a signal oscillated by the signal oscillating unit; and a charging unit storing the generated power signal and supplying power to the mobile equipment on the basis of the stored power signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: BNR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Hyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20140203787
    Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery contains 1% by mass or larger of a lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide represented by LiaNixCoyMn1?x?yO2 (0.9?a?1.1, 0<x<1, 0<y<1, 2x?1?y) as a positive electrode active material, and a positive electrode active material mixture layer contains 0.01 to 3.0% by mass of a molybdenum oxide (MoOz; 2?z?3) with respect to the lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide. The nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery exhibits excellent charge-discharge cycling characteristics under high temperature even with high charging voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140203775
    Abstract: A system and method for managing energy of an electric vehicle are provided to calculate a necessary amount of energy based on battery characteristics and a user's schedule, and control charging and discharging of the electric vehicle using power information provided by a smart grid. The system includes a cloud server configured to collect a schedule from a user and store and generate the user's schedule information, an energy management device configured to calculate necessary energy based on the received schedule information of the user, set charging information based on power network state information received from a power supplier and the calculated necessary energy, generate a charging request signal based on the set charging information, and store electric energy, and a charging unit configured to transfer the electric energy to the energy management device based on the received charging request signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Ki-Seok KIM
  • Patent number: 8788852
    Abstract: A power source device supplies power to a host for charging a finite power source of the host. The power is supplied through an interface connecting the host device. The interface may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or another type of local connection cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ee Wen Chun, Choon Gun Por
  • Publication number: 20140197779
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a charging controller, a first information detector, an elapsed time information detector, and a charging instruction module. The controller performs control for charging a battery with a first charging value. The first information detector detects first use date and time information stored in a storage unit of the battery. The elapsed time information detector obtains elapsed time information based on the detected first use date and time information, and detects whether the elapsed time information corresponds to a preset value. The charging instruction module provides an instruction to change a charging value to a preset second charging value when the elapsed time information corresponds to the preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yutaka HORIE
  • Publication number: 20140197782
    Abstract: A wireless charger with combined electric radiation shielding and capacitive sensing functions is provided. The wireless charger comprises a charging module, a capacitive sensor, and a control unit. The charging module comprises a first coil, a placing area, and a comb-shaped shielding located between the placing area and the first coil. The capacitive sensor is connected to the comb-shaped shielding to detect the capacitance varient between the comb-shaped shielding and the environment. When the wireless charger is in a standby mode, the comb-shaped shielding is for sensing capacitance. When the capacitance varient exceeds a predefined threshold and an electronic device for wireless charging is placed on the placing area, the control unit switches the wireless charger to a charging mode and the comb-shaped shielding is for electric radiation shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: LITE-ON IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stefan GRAF, Andre WALDSCHMIDT, Karsten ROTH, Lars LINDENSTRUTH
  • Publication number: 20140197786
    Abstract: An external charger system is disclosed comprising an external charger with an internal charging coil, as well as an output port coupleable to one of a plurality of types of external accessory charging coils of varying shapes and sizes. If the internal charging coil of the external charger is sufficient for a given patient's charging needs, the accessory charging coils may be detached from the external charger, and the external charger may serve as a standalone self-contained external charger. The external charger can automatically detect which of the plurality of types of accessory charging coils is connected, and can adjust its operation accordingly. This versatile design allows the external charger system to be used by large numbers of patients, even if their particular implant charging scenarios are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Aghassian, Bob Ozawa, Joonho Hyun
  • Publication number: 20140197783
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to transmit power, and transceive data, using mutual resonance, includes a power transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power to a device, using a power transmission frequency as a resonant frequency. The apparatus further includes a communication unit configured to transceive data to and from the device, using a communication frequency as a resonant frequency. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to determine a charging state of the device based on the data received from the device, and control an amount of the power based on the charging state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Zo KIM, Sang Wook KWON, Ki Young KIM, Nam Yun KIM, Bong Chul KIM, Yun Kwon PARK, Jae Hyun PARK, Keum Su SONG, Chi Hyung AHN, Young Ho RYU, Chang Wook YOON, Byoung Hee LEE
  • Publication number: 20140197801
    Abstract: A silicon-based electrode includes a silicon layer on a substrate, an electrically conductive layer overlying a top surface of the silicon layer, an optional polymer layer overlying the top surface of the electrically conducting layer, and a plurality of channels extending through the electrically conductive layer and the silicon layer to the substrate. The channels define sidewalls in the silicon layer. The electrically conductive layer and the optional polymer layer act to inhibit lithium ion intercalation through the top surface of the silicon layer during charging of a lithium-ion cell, and the lithium ion intercalation into the silicon layer occurs through the sidewalls that are defined by the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Ralph G. Nuzzo, Jason L. Goldman, Michael W. Cason
  • Publication number: 20140197802
    Abstract: Degradation of a battery is prevented or the degree of the degradation is reduced, and charge and discharge performance of the battery is maximized and maintained for a long time. A reaction product, which is formed on an electrode surface and causes various malfunctions and degradation of a battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, is dissolved by application of electrical stimulus, specifically, by applying a signal to supply a current reverse to a current with which the reaction product is formed (reverse pulse current).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shunpei YAMAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8779726
    Abstract: A passive battery charging control system for charging a battery is devoid of active electrical components. The passive battery charging control system includes one or more passive electrical control elements configured to limit the charging state of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anil Raj Duggal, Herman Lucas Norbert Wiegman, Gregory John Parker
  • Patent number: 8781770
    Abstract: A method and a system for estimating a battery percentage are provided. The method includes the following steps. A coulomb counter calculated battery index (CCBI) relating to an accumulated amount of current flowing out of a battery is obtained. A battery voltage curve tracer calculated battery index (VCBI) relating to a temperature, an output voltage of the battery, and a current flowing out of the battery is obtained. A modified calculated battery index (MCBI) ranging between the CCBI and the VCBI is generated according to the CCBI and the VCBI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Lieh Shen, Chih-Chung Teng, Tsung-Yuan Yang, Chih-Hsiung Chang, Kuei-Yuan Lai
  • Publication number: 20140191712
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to power delivery including out-of-band communication. In general, a device to be charged and a charging device may interact using two separate wireless signals. A first wireless signal (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) signal) may be employed to charge the device. A second wireless signal of a different type (e.g., an infrared (IR) signal) may be employed for inter-device communication. An example device may comprise a power module to receive a first wireless signal, a transmitter to transmit a second wireless signal, and a charging control module. The first wireless signal may be for conveying power from a charging device to the device, the second wireless signal may be for transmitting information from the device to the charging device, and the charging control module may be to cause the transmitter to transmit the second wireless signal based on an indication received from the power module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Adam D. REA, Evan R. GREEN, Robert PAXMAN, Ronald W. GALLAHAN
  • Publication number: 20140191729
    Abstract: A computer cart has removable electrical connector management system which may be removed from the computer cart to install portable electronic device electrical transformers, and then reinserted into the computer cart to enable multiple electrical transformers to be installed into the cart as a group. An electrical charging system uses a staggered round robin approach to control distribution of power within the computer cart without requiring the amount of power used from each power strip to be individually monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Guasta, Morad Ghassemian
  • Patent number: 8775105
    Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically estimating the core temperature of at least one cell in a battery. In one aspect, the method includes using a combination of estimations including one based on ohmic resistance and another based on a function of thermal energy transfer through the battery. A weighting factor may be used for each of the estimations as a way to calculating a core temperature. The estimation based on ohmic resistance may be made determined independently of a measured surface temperature of the battery or any of the cells in the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jian Lin, Rezina S. Nabi, Gary M. Insana, Mahendra M. Kenkre, Wenbo Wang
  • Patent number: 8773830
    Abstract: A protective monitoring circuit includes a protective circuit to detect at least one of overcharging, overdischarging, and overcurrent of a chargeable secondary battery to control whether to turn on or off a control transistor to protect the secondary battery, and a secondary-battery monitoring circuit, having a reduced size and having a breakdown voltage lower than a battery voltage of the secondary battery, to detect a status of the secondary battery, wherein the protective circuit generates a voltage that is commensurate with an output voltage of the secondary battery and that is within a predetermined tolerance voltage range of the secondary-battery monitoring circuit, and the secondary-battery monitoring circuit generates a detection value responsive to the generated voltage supplied from the protective circuit, the detection value being indicative of the output voltage of the secondary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Ikeuchi, Hidenori Tanaka, Itsuki Nakano