Battery Or Cell Charging Patents (Class 320/137)
  • Patent number: 10128784
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for, in response to a state of charge (SOC) of a vehicle battery increasing above a threshold SOC, reducing an alternator charging based on one or more of a spark timing, an engine speed, an air-fuel ratio, and an engine load. In this way, fuel consumption may be reduced while maintaining a battery SOC for operation of front-end accessories may be achieved, and fuel consumption may be reduced during aggressive vehicle driving conditions such has high engine loads near transmission downshift thresholds and high engine speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 10097052
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power feeding device including: power transmitting section which transmits electric power by way of a magnetic field; a set of first and second electrodes which are spaced from each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes; and a detector which detects whether foreign matter is present on the power transmitting section or not based on the voltage applied by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Uramoto, Masayuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10071642
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle having an electric propulsion motor and energy storage means for powering the motor, the apparatus being operable to generate an audible sonic signature in dependence on a result of a determination whether the vehicle is connected to a charging facility for charging the energy storage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Iain Suffield, Katy Holloway
  • Patent number: 10075008
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Patent number: 10075017
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 10055911
    Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The charging and distribution machines may distribute portable electrical energy storage devices of particular performance characteristics and other attributes based on customer preferences and/or customer profiles. The charging and distribution machines may provide instructions to or otherwise program portable electrical energy storage devices stored within the charging and distribution machines to perform at various levels according to user preferences and user profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
    Inventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Matthew Whiting Taylor
  • Patent number: 10040365
    Abstract: A method for managing power in a charging station for charging electric vehicles, the charging station including several charging points, the method is used to predict accurately a consumption of the charging station, with satisfaction of clients. The method includes determining a statistic model of occupation of the charging station, determining some scenarios of occupation of the charging station, take into account the statistic model, determining, for each power profile among many power profiles, some scenarios which are valid and some other scenarios which are non-valid, taking in account client satisfaction rate, selecting an optimum power profile among said many power profiles for which a number of non-valid scenarios does not exceed a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Peter Pflaum, Mazen Alamir
  • Patent number: 10038327
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and a battery charging method therefor are provided. The mobile terminal includes: a terminal body including a battery; an adaptor connecter formed at one side surface of the terminal body and to which a power supply adaptor is connected; a plurality of charging units configured to charge the battery between the adaptor connecter and the battery; and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling each of the plurality of charging units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sookyoung Kim, Byoungyong Hong, Jaehwan Park, Younghan Kim, Sangwoo Ha
  • Patent number: 10033036
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell in one embodiment includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, a separator positioned between the negative electrode and the positive electrode; and an active material particle within the positive electrode, the active material particle including an outer shell defining a core with a substantially constant volume and including a form of oxygen, the outer shell substantially impervious to oxygen and pervious to lithium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John F. Christensen, Timm Lohmann, Paul Albertus, Boris Kozinsky, Roel Sanchez-Carrera, Aleksandar Kojic
  • Patent number: 10027144
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liftable charging apparatus with water level detection. The liftable charging apparatus comprises a control module, a power module, a detective module, an overvoltage protection module and a lifting module. The power module, coupled to the control module, comprises an AC/DC converting unit for converting AC current into DC current. The detective module, coupled to the control module, comprises a water level detection unit and a micro-switch. The water level detection unit is provided to detect a height of outside water level. The overvoltage protection module is coupled to the power module and the detective module. The lifting module is coupled to the control module. Wherein the overvoltage protection module is triggered by the micro-switch and the lifting module is driven when the height of outside water level is greater than a default value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: PHIHONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Chen Chen, Jian-Hsieng Lee, Hsiao-Tung Ku
  • Patent number: 10015434
    Abstract: A switched-mode power supply and an associated television are disclosed. The switched-mode power supply includes a rectifier circuit, a transformer, a constant voltage control circuit, a power management circuit, and a constant current control circuit. An output terminal of the rectifier circuit is coupled both to a power detection terminal of the power management circuit and to a power input terminal of the transformer. A controlled terminal of the transformer is coupled to a control terminal of the power management circuit. A constant voltage output winding of the transformer is coupled through the constant voltage control circuit to a feedback input terminal of the power management circuit. A constant current output winding of the transformer is coupled to the constant current control circuit via an LED load. The solution of the present disclosure has the advantage of low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventors: Jitao Yang, Jianzhong Chen
  • Patent number: 10012703
    Abstract: A battery charger module to be mounted in a vehicle for charging a vehicle battery is disclosed. The battery charger module may include a capacitor, and a direct current (DC) voltage sensor configured to sense a DC voltage across the capacitor. The battery charger module may further include a controller configured to compare the sensed voltage to a voltage threshold, and to determine that an alternating current (AC) power supply is unstable if the sensed voltage fails to exceed the voltage threshold. A method is also disclosed for determining a state of an AC electrical power supply at a battery charger module for charging a vehicle battery. The method may include sensing a DC voltage across a capacitor, comparing the sensed voltage to a voltage threshold, and determining that the AC power supply is unstable when the sensed voltage fails to exceed the voltage threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Carl L. Gilbert, Michael Scott Gibbons
  • Patent number: 10003211
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for improving battery life of electronic devices such as Bluetooth headsets, smart-watches among others running on small batteries, for example coin batteries. The method may include wireless power transmission through suitable techniques such as pocket-forming, while including receivers and capacitors in the aforementioned devices. Wirelessly charged capacitors may provide sufficient power on which devices may run, and thus, battery life of such electronic devices may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 9991743
    Abstract: A wireless charging module includes an antenna and a wireless charger module. An enclosure is configured to fit at least partially within an optical drive bay of an information handling system. The antenna is disposed within a plastic lower portion of the enclosure. The plastic lower portion of the enclosure is configured to enable the antenna to wirelessly receive power from a wireless charging pad. The wireless charger module is disposed within the enclosure, and is configured to provide power to the information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, LP
    Inventors: Andre T. Sultenfuss, Kevin W. Mundt
  • Patent number: 9985466
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized battery charging method based on thermodynamic information of a battery. Thermodynamic information on a material structure of a battery, for instance, entropy of the battery is extracted. Boundary points at which state transitions of the battery material are determined using the thermodynamic information extracted. Phases of the battery are identified based on the boundary points determined. The most appropriate charging patterns adapted to each of the phases identified are determined. A charging algorithm for charging the battery can be constructed by combining the most appropriate charging patterns determined. This charging algorithm is applied to the charging of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sang-Gug Lee, Guillaume Thenaisie
  • Patent number: 9985694
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for contactless battery discharging. One embodiment takes the form of a contactless power-transfer system that includes a wireless-communication interface, a controller connected to the wireless-communication interface, a magnetic-resonance circuit, a power-conditioning circuit connected to the magnetic-resonance circuit, and a load element connected to the power-conditioning circuit. The controller is configured to determine that a smart-battery system is in a discharge-needed state and responsively transmit, via the wireless-communication interface, a battery-discharge command instructing the smart-battery system to generate an oscillating magnetic field. The magnetic-resonance circuit is configured to couple with the generated oscillating magnetic field and responsively output a corresponding power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edward W. Brumley, Michael D. Geren, John E. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9973025
    Abstract: An operating method includes receiving a power signal from a power providing equipment, transmit a first end power transfer message to the power providing equipment under a condition that the power of the battery is full, so that the power providing equipment stops providing the wireless power signal according to the first end power transfer message; charging the battery by utilizing the wireless power signal under a condition that the power of the battery is not full; and transmitting a second end power transfer message to the power providing equipment under a condition that the battery is fully charged by the charging module, so that the power providing equipment stops providing the wireless power signal according to the second end power transfer message. The first end power transfer message and the second end power transfer message are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Feng-Seng Chu
  • Patent number: 9966803
    Abstract: A wireless charging system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has (i) a TX coil that wirelessly transfers power to the receiver and (ii) TX circuitry that powers the TX coil and detects receiver removal by comparing TX input power and TX power loss. The TX circuitry can determine (1) TX input power as the product of sampled TX input current and voltage and (2) TX power loss using a mapping based on sampled TX coil current. When the receiver is present, the difference between TX input power and TX power loss has a first value and when the receiver is removed, the difference has a second, lesser value. The transmitter detects removal of the receiver by determining when the difference decreases below a specified threshold level. By frequently generating and analyzing the difference, the transmitter can quickly detect receiver removal and safely power down the TX coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Dechang Wang, Gang Li, Li Wang, Ping Zhao
  • Patent number: 9954581
    Abstract: A wireless power enabled apparatus may comprise a wireless power receiver that includes a receive coil configured to generate an AC power signal responsive to a wireless power signal, a rectifier including a plurality of switches configured to receive the AC power signal and generate a DC rectified power signal, a regulator operably coupled with the rectifier to receive the DC rectified power signal and generate an output power signal, and control logic configured to generate a communication signal responsive to adjusting an input impedance of the regulator. A method of operating a wireless power receiver includes generating a rectified voltage responsive to receiving a wireless power signal, generating an output voltage from the rectified voltage with a voltage regulator, and controlling the voltage regulator during a communication mode of wireless power receiver to modulate a characteristic of the voltage regulator with data for transmission to a wireless power transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Gustavo J. Mehas, Vladimir N. Vitchev
  • Patent number: 9948135
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may generate and transmit power waves that, as result of their physical waveform characteristics (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, gain, direction), converge at a predetermined location in a transmission field to generate a pocket of energy. Receivers associated with an electronic device being powered by the wireless charging system, may extract energy from these pockets of energy and then convert that energy into usable electric power for the electronic device associated with a receiver. The pockets of energy may manifest as a three-dimensional field (e.g., transmission field) where energy may be harvested by a receiver positioned within or nearby the pocket of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Hans Mellberg
  • Patent number: 9939864
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 9923401
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including a battery and a processor configured to charge the battery at a second charging rate that is lower than a first charging rate set for the battery according to a battery charging condition. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may also include other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Su Jung
  • Patent number: 9912174
    Abstract: A system for transmission of at least power using inductive wireless coupling includes an environmentally sealed dongle and a mounting component which releasably mates with the dongle. The dongle is sized for use with one hand, and may be coupled by an umbilical to either a garment of the user or to a vehicle structure for example a seat, in which case the mounting component is coupled to the vehicle structure or to the garment respectively. The dongle and the mounting component include first and second inductive coils respectively and corresponding ferrite cores. The coils are positioned within the dongle and mounting component so that they are aligned for their inductive coupling when the dongle and mounting component are mated. The positioning and alignment of the coils provides a substantially closed magnetic path between the coils. The mounting component may be a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Cynetic Designs Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger J Soar
  • Patent number: 9902462
    Abstract: In one aspect, a controller for driving a motor of the present invention includes a driving control unit that controls driving of a motor, and a regenerative control unit that instructs the driving control unit to start regeneration when a signal from a pedal rotation sensor that detects a rotation direction of a pedal indicates that the rotation direction of the pedal is backwards, the regenerative control unit controlling an amount of the regeneration in accordance with a rotation amount of the pedal while the rotation direction of the pedal is backwards, the rotation amount being obtained by the pedal rotation sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Hosaka, Kazuo Asanuma, Kuniaki Kawagoe, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9898730
    Abstract: A credit card system is provided which has the added feature of providing additional limited use credit card numbers and/or cards. These numbers and/or cards can be used for a single or limited use transaction, thereby reducing the potential for fraudulent reuse of these numbers and/or cards. The credit card system finds application to “card remote” transactions such as by phone or Internet. Additionally, when a single use or limited use credit card is used for “card present” transactions, so called “skimming” fraud is eliminated. Various other features enhance the credit card system which will allow secure trade without the use of elaborate encryption techniques. Methods for limiting, distributing and using a limited use card number, controlling the validity of a limited use credit card number, conducting a limited use credit card number transaction and providing remote access devices for accessing a limited use credit card number are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ORBIT PATENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Ian Flitcroft, Graham O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9900057
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 9895983
    Abstract: A propulsion system includes a traction drive system, a boost converter, an energy-type energy source, a power-type energy source, and an energy management system. The boost converter includes a high voltage side and a low voltage side. The boost converter is coupled to the traction drive system on the high voltage side. The energy-type energy source is coupled to the boost converter on the low voltage side thereof. The power-type energy source is coupled to the boost converter on the low voltage side thereof. The energy management system is coupled to the boost converter and configured to control the energy-type energy source and the power-type energy source through the boost converter in at least two conditions during a motoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Tong Zhao, Xi Lu, Ronghui Zhou, Fei Li
  • Patent number: 9892848
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes: a measurement coil disposed in a vicinity of a power reception coil configured to receive power supplied through a magnetic field; a measurement section configured to measure a voltage of the measurement coil as a measurement coil voltage; and a foreign object detection section configured to obtain an electrical characteristic value of at least one of the power reception coil and the measurement coil on the basis of the measurement coil voltage, and to detect a foreign object in the magnetic field if the electrical characteristic value is lower than a predetermined lower limit threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Uichiro Omae, Tamotsu Kiyakawauchi
  • Patent number: 9882408
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery charging system. The battery charging system includes battery charging circuitry configured to provide charging current to a battery. The battery charging system further includes feedback circuitry configured to generate a feedback signal indicative of a battery charging condition, wherein the battery charging system is configured to control the battery charging current based on, at least in part, the feedback signal. The battery charging system further includes feed forward circuitry configured to adjust the feedback signal to decrease battery charging current when a decrease in battery current draw exceeds a threshold, and wherein the feed forward circuitry is configured to decrease the battery charging current faster than the feedback circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Rendon Holloway, Qinghung (Michelle) Lee, Jonathan Klein
  • Patent number: 9874611
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed that is configured to be connected to an external battery by way of external battery cables. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the battery charger is configured with automatic voltage detection which automatically determines the nominal voltage of the battery connected to its battery charger terminals and charges the battery as a function of the detected nominal voltage irrespective of the nominal voltage selected by a user. Various safeguards are built into the battery charger to avoid overcharging a battery. For battery chargers with user-selectable nominal battery voltage charging modes, battery charger is configured to over-ride a user-selected battery voltage mode if it detects that the battery connected to the battery charger terminals is different than the user-selected charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: John Whiting, Matthew A. Heins
  • Patent number: 9876380
    Abstract: A wireless power distribution system for military applications is disclosed. The system includes a wireless power transmitter coupled with a power source. The transmitter may form pockets of energy using controlled radio frequencies. Electrical equipment coupled with an electronic receiver may utilize pockets of energy formed by the transmitter to charge or power the electrical equipment. The transmitter coupled with a power source may be used in a fixed position or may be carried in a vehicle for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 9870879
    Abstract: It is disclosed a technique in which Controlled Switching Devices (CSDs) are used to control medium and high voltage circuit breakers to mitigate switching transients. This invention describes a method for controlling the closing of a circuit breaker to mitigate and/or eliminate the inrush current in capacitive loads such as capacitor banks and filters by taking into account the residual DC voltage charges that may be present in the load. It is disclosed a method to perform fast switching operations on capacitive loads and therefore eliminate the load discharge period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: VIZIMAX INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Taillefer, Marc Lacroix
  • Patent number: 9871389
    Abstract: A battery pack in the present disclosure comprises: a battery; a switching element that is provided in a discharge path from the battery to an external load and that is configured to complete or interrupt the discharge path; a control circuit that operates by receiving a supply of an electric power from the battery, that conducts an electric current through the switching element so as to allow discharge from the battery to the external load, and upon occurrence of an abnormality in the battery or the external load during the discharge, that interrupts the switching element so as to inhibit the discharge from the battery to the external load; and a protection circuit that monitors an operating condition of the control circuit and that interrupts the switching element when the control circuit is inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamaji, Takayoshi Endo
  • Patent number: 9843220
    Abstract: An internal charging system controls charging of a battery used to power an electronic device when an external power source is connected to the device. The internal charging system can charge a battery that has a higher operating voltage than the voltage provided by the external power source. While charging the battery from the external power source, an internal charge controller can operate and inhibit functions of the device to indicate to user that a charging operation is commencing, and to prevent operation of the device when the battery voltage is too low to support such operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Herrmann, Peter J. Bartels, Michael D. Geren, Roy L. Kerfoot, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9837845
    Abstract: A charging controlling system includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a battery terminal, and a switch terminal. The charging controlling system includes a coil connected to the switch terminal at a first end thereof. The charging controlling system includes a resistor connected to a second end of the coil at a first end thereof and to the battery terminal at a second end thereof. The charging controlling system includes a capacitor connected between the second end of the coil and the ground. The charging controlling system includes a diode connected to the switch terminal at a cathode thereof and to the ground at an anode thereof. The charging controlling system includes a charging controlling circuit that controls charging of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yuji Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9804208
    Abstract: There is provided a power receiving device including a connecting unit that is connected to a power line through which power is transmitted, a determining unit that determines whether transmitted power is chargeable, based on power identification information indicating whether the transmitted power is chargeable power, and a notification control unit that performs notification based on a determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichiro Sako, Takanori Washiro, Kazuyoshi Takemura, Kuniya Hayashi, Isao Soma, Kayoko Tanaka, Satoshi Higano, Kazutoshi Serita
  • Patent number: 9800080
    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 cord 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 9793749
    Abstract: A vehicle charging apparatus includes: an electric generator 3 that is driven by an internal combustion engine 1 and outputs an adjustable alternating-current voltage; a rectifier 4 that converts the outputted alternating-current voltage to a direct-current voltage; an electric storage device 5 that is charged with the converted direct-current voltage; and a voltage sensor 6 that measures an output voltage of the rectifier 4. The vehicle charging apparatus is provided with a control device 7 that controls the electric generator 3 for a charging voltage to be a target charging voltage calculated from the output voltage in order to suppress a charging current to be lower than a charging current upper limit value when the electric storage device 5 is charged. It thus becomes possible to achieve efficiency higher than that of a charging apparatus in the related art while preventing deterioration or damage of the electric storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujii, Nozomu Kamioka
  • Patent number: 9793747
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless power receiver and a power control method thereof. The wireless power receiver includes a reception unit to receive power from the wireless power transmitter by using a resonance scheme; a load management unit to control an impedance of the load according to a state of the load; and a rectifying unit disposed between the reception unit and the load management unit in order to rectify the received power, wherein the power transmitted from the wireless power transmitter is controlled by the controlled impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Su Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 9787120
    Abstract: A USB charger, a mobile terminal, and a charging method are provided. The USB charger for charging a mobile terminal, includes a first logic control unit through which bidirectional communication is established between the USB charger and the mobile terminal, wherein the first logic control unit is configured to: send, to the mobile terminal, a first signal which includes a maximum output capability of the USB charger; receive, from the mobile terminal, a second signal which indicates magnitude of a voltage requested by the mobile terminal; and adjust a voltage output from the USB charger to be consistent with the voltage requested by the mobile terminal. Accordingly, the USB charger and the mobile terminal can communicate with each other through a single signal wire. Thus, the voltage output from the USB charger can be intelligently controlled, so as to charge the mobile terminal in a fast, safe, and simply way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liangjin Chen, Peng Lei, Wangping Liang, Fuqiang Zhang, Mingwei Zhang, Guobing Luan
  • Patent number: 9783062
    Abstract: A flexible charger network includes one or more chargers, each coupled to a processor, and is configured to perform the following operations: at power-up, a charger announces its presence to the network, and requests and awaits an acknowledgement by the network; and, if no acknowledgement is received from the network, that charger assumes a role of master of the network; or, if a response is received from the network, that charger acknowledges an existing master and assumes the role of slave within the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Current Ways, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kadie
  • Patent number: 9776643
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating range per full charge (RPC) for a vehicle. The method includes a controller which may, in response to detecting presence of a predefined condition impacting vehicle energy consumption, output to an interface by a controller a RPC and indicia indicative of an extent to which the predefined condition is affecting the RPC. An electrified vehicle including one or more vehicle components, a traction battery to supply energy to the vehicle components, one or more sensors, and a controller is also provided. The one or more sensors monitor the vehicle components, traction battery, and preselected ambient conditions. The controller is configured to, in response to input from the sensors, generate output for an interface which includes a RPC and indicia indicative of an extent of impact on the RPC by each of the ambient conditions and operation of the components and battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Jason Meyer, Craig Edward Esler, Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, Yevgeniya Sosonkina
  • Patent number: 9755445
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the sulfation from the plates of the battery and driving the sulfate crystals back into the electrolyte solution without overheating the battery is presented. The present invention includes a rotary magnetic hub and coil assembly to produces a unique output not found in other charging systems on the market. The battery desulfation method and apparatus of the present invention is self-adjusting to the battery, regardless of voltage and works by removing the sulfate crystals from the plates of lead acid batteries. As a result, the normal life of the average battery may be greatly extended. Heavily sulfated batteries may be brought back to working condition. When used for short durations for healthy batteries, the present invention keeps the sulfate crystals off the plates and in solution to extend the working life of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: BEST ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Olson, Jr., Forrest Lee Johnson, Robert Elliott Morgan
  • Patent number: 9735585
    Abstract: Systems, device and techniques are disclosed for measuring a parasitic load in an environment. A transmitter may transmit an out of order pulse such that a receiver with synchronous rectification circuitry rejects induced power from the transmitter based on the out of order pulse. The parasitic load is determined by measuring the amount of power induced by the transmitter while the intended receiver rejects the power subtracted by known inherent loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Bartlett
  • Patent number: 9725000
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for monitoring and indicating remote battery charging comprises a sensor unit, a power source, at least one remote battery, and a wiring harness; wherein the sensor unit comprises an analog to digital converter (an “A/D Converter”) and a display means such as lights (e.g., LEDs) and/or a screen (e.g., LCD). In one method of use, the system for monitoring then monitors the power supply (the source) as well as the auxiliary charging system (e.g., the liftgate electrical system) and provides advanced warnings or signals when the system is not receiving sufficient power or is otherwise not functioning properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Purkey's Fleet Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale B. Henningson, Bruce A. Purkey
  • Patent number: 9718361
    Abstract: A power supply system includes an electric storage device, a connecting terminal area, a main energization line, a sub-energization line, a first energization switching unit for switching between an energized state and a non-energized state of an energization line of the main energization line connecting the electric storage device and a loading apparatus, a second energization switching unit for switching between an energized state and a non-energized state of an energization line of the main energization line connecting a branched part and the connecting terminal area, a third energization switching unit for switching between an energized state and a non-energized state of an energization line of the main energization line connecting the second energization switching unit and the connecting terminal area, and a control device that detects switching states of the first, second and third energization switching units and that controls their switching operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gentaro Omura, Takahiro Chuman, Kenji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9717056
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first communication unit that performs wireless communication; a connection unit that connects a communication device including a second communication unit which performs wireless communication; and a control unit that (a) determines whether the communication device is capable of receiving predetermined power if the communication device and the connection unit are connected, and (b) performs a process of restricting wireless communication of the second communication unit if the communication device is not capable of receiving the predetermined power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 9705355
    Abstract: Provided are improvements for systems and methods of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power regulation. The system improvements include a regulation circuit that controls a silicon controlled rectifier circuit. Method improvements include one or more of SCR load sharing, adaptive voltage droop compensation, and/or voltage rebound compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Trumpet Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Hannas
  • Patent number: 9698609
    Abstract: A system includes a testing device, a current clamp, and circuitry for converting an electrical current. The testing device is configured to measure a characteristic relating to electrical equipment and to transmit data representing the measured characteristic to a remote computing device. The electrical equipment includes an electrical conductor carrying an electric current. The current clamp forms a current transformer. The current clamp is configured to be clamped around the electrical conductor and the current transformer is configured to induce an electric current from the electrical conductor. The circuitry is configured to convert the induced electric current to a direct current that is usable to power the testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Gilbert, Clark N. Huber
  • Patent number: 9692483
    Abstract: The invention relates to a communication device using power line communication provided in a first system coupled to a second system via a power cable comprising a pilot line having a first impedance, which encounters at least second and third impedances and through which a first analog signal passes in a first frequency band. The device is arranged so as to: i) generate, from a local digital signal, a second analog power line communication signal having frequencies included in a second frequency band that has minimal overlap with the first frequency band; ii) supply the second analog signal to the pilot line via a capacitive means and iii) extract, from the analog signals passing through the pilot line, each second analog signal in order to convert the latter into a digital signal to be processed by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: PEUGEOT CITROËN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventor: Nicolas Morand