Pulsed Patents (Class 320/139)
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Patent number: 8791669Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to determine the state of charge of a battery/cell using data which is representative of a partial relaxation time of the battery/cell. In another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to determine the state of charge of a battery/cell using data which is representative of an overpotential or full relaxation time of the battery/cell. In yet another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to adaptively charge a battery/cell using data which is representative of a state of charge of the battery/cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Qnovo Inc.Inventors: Dania Ghantous, Fred Berkowitz, Nadim Maluf
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Publication number: 20140203769Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a system comprises substantially co-planar first and second receiver coils. The system further comprises a third receiver coil. The system further comprises a controller configured to determine a current of the co-planar first and second receiver coils, a current of the third receiver coil, and a duty cycle of the wireless power transfer receiver device. The controller is configured to enable the co-planar first and second receiver coils, the third receiver coil, or the co-planar first and second receiver coils and the third receiver coil based on a comparison of the current of the co-planar first and second receiver coils, the current of the third receiver coil, and the duty cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver
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Patent number: 8773076Abstract: A battery management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a current measuring unit for sampling a charge current and a discharge current of a battery; a charge and discharge amount calculator for calculating a charge and discharge amount corresponding to a difference between the sampled charge current and the sampled discharge current; a polarization voltage calculator for calculating a polarization voltage corresponding to the charge and discharge amount and a temperature of the battery; and a pulse generator for applying a polarization voltage reset pulse for the battery to remove the polarization voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Loo-Ney Choi, Ki-Ho Seo, Yusai Murakami
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Patent number: 8766592Abstract: An apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect that a first power receiving apparatus is in a predetermined range and a second power receiving apparatus is in the predetermined range, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the first and the second power apparatuses if the first and the second power receiving apparatuses are in the predetermined range, an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information and second information, and a control unit configured to select one of the first and the second power receiving apparatuses based on the first and the second information if the first and the second power receiving apparatuses are in the predetermined range, wherein the control unit controls a selected apparatus to perform a predetermined process.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shunji Fujita
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Publication number: 20140176083Abstract: A method for triggering a resonant charging circuit for a device for generating short-wavelength radiation based on discharge plasma is described. Switching times of the resonant charging circuit are determined in a non-time-critical method segment by simulation and are stored to be repeatedly retrievable. Measurement values of the resonant charging circuit are determined in real time in a time-critical method segment. At least one second switching time (t2) at which a discharging switch of the resonant charging circuit is triggered in order to supply at a firing time (t3) a discharge voltage (Uwanted), and the firing time (t3) are calculated. The device has a first input unit, a first simulation unit, a first regression unit, a first measurement value unit, a first evaluation unit and a control unit for triggering a discharging switch of the resonant charging circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: USHIO Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mohamad Hussein EL-HUSSEINI, Sven Walter PROBST
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Publication number: 20140145683Abstract: In a circtuit adapted to supply a voltage VS an electronic device, such as a load or a light source said voltage VS is led to a circuit (ACG) that is able to derive a voltage VACG from VS where VACG?VS. The circuit consist in a first embodiment of three serial coupled diodes (D1,D2,D3) and two capacitors (C1,C2), and where the capacitor (C1) is coupled in parallel with tow of the diodes (D1,D2) and the capacitor (C2) is coupled in parallel with the diodes (D2,D3). In this way an Asymmetric Current Generator (ACG) is provided, that from a normal periodic source voltage VS can derive two voltages both of which are suitable for a rechargeable battery or a light source. In this way a cost effective voltage in which the voltage required for the electronic device is beneficial for recharging the battery or strengthen the light for a LED light source leading to save in current cost and a fast recharging of the rechargeable battery and gaining light from the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Inventors: Milan Mancic, Nicholas Møller
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Patent number: 8716982Abstract: A bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method are provided that apply a positive pulse voltage and a negative pulse voltage alternately across the terminals of a battery. The object of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method is to increase the cycle lifetime and capacity of storage batteries, such as lead acid batteries. The rise times for the leading edges of the positive pulses and for the trailing edges of the negative pulses are short compared to the ionic relaxation time in the electrochemical solution. Alternating between the positive and negative pulses gives each new pulse an equal starting condition without realizing any memory effect that otherwise may result if the last applied pulse was of the same polarity, which reduces the extent of overvoltage that may be applied to the battery and decrease the highest useable pulse cycling frequencies that could be achieved without experiencing pulse overlapping.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventors: Ove T. Aanensen, Dag Arild Valand
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Patent number: 8716975Abstract: A portable charging device includes a case, a power generation module, a storage module, and different types of charging connectors. The power generation module is received in the case, and configured for generating an induced current. The storage module is electrically connected with the power generation module, and configured for storing the induced current generated by the power generation module. The charging connectors are connected to the storage module and protrude from the case for electrically connecting to and charging different types of electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jia-Hong Chen, Yu-Sheng Lin
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Patent number: 8674655Abstract: An electric power charge and discharge system for an electronic device having a battery, by which the electronic device can be used for a long period of time. In a wireless communication device including a wireless driving portion including a first battery and a wireless charging portion including a second battery, the first battery is charged by electric power from a fixed power supply and the second battery is charged by using electromagnetic waves existing in an external space. Further, the first battery and the second battery are discharged alternately, and during a period in which the first battery is discharged, the second battery is charged.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuhei Nagatsuka, Akihiro Kimura
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Publication number: 20140055099Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for remedying a charging error. In use, a battery and a battery charger are identified. Additionally, an error associated with the charging of the battery by the battery charger is detected. Further, the error is remedied.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: NVIDIA CORPORATIONInventors: Chong Kin Kuok, Paul Gerard Melucci
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Patent number: 8644892Abstract: A wireless communications device includes a battery, a processing section coupled to the battery, and an RF interface. The battery is configured to provide power to operate the wireless communications device in a first mode of operation. The processing section is configured to operate on battery power in the first mode of operation. The RF interface is configured to receive an RF signal and generate operating power for the wireless communication device from the RF signal in a second mode of operation. The wireless communications device is configured to detect available RF power and enter the second mode of operation from the first mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventor: Yael Maguire
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Patent number: 8643323Abstract: A photovoltaic system for generating an output voltage that is uninfluenced by varying irradiation, includes a photovoltaic source having an input terminal and an output terminal. The photovoltaic system includes a voltage adding arrangement having a first input terminal and an output terminal. The voltage adding arrangement is connected in series with the photovoltaic source, and includes a first route having a voltage source and a second route as a voltage source bypass. The first and second routes extend between the first input terminal and the output terminal of the voltage adding arrangement. The first and second routes being alternately activateable.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Panagiotis Bakas, Georgios Demetriades, Frans Dijkhuizen, Staffan Norrga, Konstantinos Papastergiou, Bengt Stridh, Stefan Thorburn, Lennart Ängquist
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Patent number: 8643328Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device includes a power management module to which a power is supplied from an external power source, a power source supply circuit to which a power is supplied from the power management module via a first input terminal, a latch circuit configured to be operated by a power supplied from the power supply circuit or a power supplied via a second input terminal, a circuit configured to output a logic signal that sets a shutdown signal output from the latch circuit to a third input terminal, and a logic communication circuit to which a logic signal is supplied via the third input terminal and which supplies the logic signal to a forth terminal of the larch circuit. The shutdown signal output from the latch circuit is set to an predetermined level when the logic signal is set to a second level from a first level.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yasuhiro Miyamoto, Shinichiro Kosugi, Yuki Kuwano, Nobuo Shibuya, Kazuto Kuroda
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Patent number: 8633677Abstract: A battery pack and a method of charging the same are disclosed. The battery pack is chargeable by a variety of chargers which have different output voltages.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Youn-Gu Kim
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Patent number: 8629655Abstract: A battery control system controls an external charging unit in a vehicle including a vehicle body, engine, motors, secondary battery, and the external charging unit, and includes a degradation detecting unit that detects degradation of the secondary battery, during charging of the second battery by the external charging unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuichi Arai, Tomitaro Hara, Akira Tsujiko, Yohei Shindo, Takeshi Abe, Daisuke Teramoto, Keiko Wasada, Sachie Yuasa
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Patent number: 8624561Abstract: A power conversion system may include a controller to cause a power stage to control the flow of power to or from an energy storage device in response to a dynamic reference. The flow of power to or from the energy storage device may be controlled at a substantially higher speed than power fluctuations in a power source or load. In a power conversion system, a model including an energy storage device may be generated in real-time, and a condition of the energy storage device may be determined in response to the model.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Keith Slavin
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Patent number: 8618767Abstract: A switch of a connecting circuit is connected between a signal line branched from an input terminal for a pilot signal in a charging inlet and a ground line connected to a vehicle earth, and is turned on/off in response to a control signal from a CPU. The CPU causes the switch to be turned on when a connector is not connected to the charging inlet, and detects a break in a control pilot line based on whether or not a change in the potential of the pilot signal occurs at that time.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation, Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Kenichi Ishii, Ryuichi Kamaga, Masahiro Karami, Satoshi Fukui
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Patent number: 8598845Abstract: Battery chargers, electrical systems, and rechargeable battery charging methods are described. According to one aspect, a battery charger includes charge circuitry configured to apply a plurality of main charging pulses of electrical energy to a plurality of rechargeable cells of a battery to charge the rechargeable cells during a common charge cycle of the battery and to apply a plurality of secondary charging pulses of electrical energy to less than all of the rechargeable cells of the battery during the common charge cycle of the battery to charge the less than all of the rechargeable cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.Inventors: Khoon Cheng Lim, Lap Wai Chow
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Patent number: 8598849Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that monitors a battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system applies a pulse load to the battery and determines an impedance of the battery by measuring a voltage of the battery during the pulse load. Next, the system assesses a health of the battery based on the impedance. Finally, the system uses the assessed health to manage use of the battery in the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, Taisup Hwang, Richard M. Mank
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Patent number: 8575887Abstract: A belt supported universal charging holster for charging and transporting portable electronic devices includes a built-in charging battery, at least one photovoltaic cell, a controller circuit, an ON/OFF switch, an indicator light, and a cable connected with the controller circuit having a DC electrical jack at a free end which serves as a DC input/output port. A plurality of adapter plugs are provided that have one end connectable in the input/output port of the cable and a second end connectable with the charging port of different portable electronic devices for charging the device battery. The charging battery of the holster may be reenergized by the photovoltaic cell or by an external power source connected with the input/output port of the cable by a USB adapter plug. The adapter plugs may include a mini-LED flashlight connectable with the port of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Eduardo Pomare
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Patent number: 8569994Abstract: A charging device includes a power conditioning device configured to be coupled to an electric power source by an electrical distribution bus. The power conditioning device is further configured to receive alternating current (AC) volt-amperes from the electric power source, convert a first amount of the AC volt-amperes received into direct current (DC) power, and supply the DC power to at least one load. The charging device also includes a controller coupled to the power conditioning device. The controller is configured to determine a second amount of volt-amperes that the charging device has a capacity to supply in addition to the DC power supplied, and control the power conditioning device to supply volt-amperes reactive to the electrical distribution bus using at least a portion of the second amount of volt-amperes.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John James Dougherty
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Patent number: 8569999Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for compensating for temperature effects in a pulsed battery-charging scheme with an average charging current less than the root-mean-square (rms) current. The method comprises varying the ratio of the average charging current to rms current as a function of the battery ambient temperature. The method may also comprise varying an upper threshold charging voltage as a function of the battery ambient temperature. The invention also relates to a battery charger.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignees: Convertec Ltd., National University of IrelandInventors: William Gerard Hurley, Yuksum Wong, Werner Wölfle
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Patent number: 8570046Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a thermal battery testing apparatus and a method for testing a thermal battery. The method includes one or more of the following steps: connecting the thermal battery in series with a resistance; connecting the thermal battery and resistance in series with a sinusoidal voltage source; applying a sinusoidal voltage to the thermal battery, measuring an impedance, reactance and/or capacitance across two terminals of the thermal battery, comparing the measured impedance, reactance and/or capacitance to a reference impedance, reactance and/or capacitance; and indicating whether the tested thermal battery is “in family” or “out of family.” The battery testing apparatus may include a testing device configured to apply a sinusoidal voltage to the thermal battery and to measure the impedance, reactance and/or capacitance across two terminals of the thermal battery. The testing apparatus may further be configured to report “out of family” batteries.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark Hart, Travis Qualls, William G. Studyvin, Jack Brill
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Patent number: 8564249Abstract: A charging unit comprises a first input connectable to a first power source, a second input connectable to a second power source, and an output for connection to a battery to be charged. The charging unit also comprises a power supply unit operable simultaneously to provide power from the first input and power from the second input to the output.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Timo Tapani Lundqvist, Jari Tuomo Pistemaa
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Patent number: 8552679Abstract: A method is described wherein DC power is converted into battery charging power by means of an inductor carrying a current which is controlled by a power controller during an adjustable part of a pulse width period. The pulse width period is made adjustable in order to influence the power consumption of the controller which consumes a substantial amount of the total power consumed for controlled DC-DC conversion. Several additional features are provided to improve the efficiency and to further reduce the power consumed by both the converter and the power controller, which provides new uses for a variety of products and appliances having solar cells, such as road studs.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Intivation Holding B.V.Inventors: Anne Jurjen Osinga, Menno Kardolus, Jan Wanner, Jacobus Harmen Schijffelen
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Patent number: 8552692Abstract: A charger and discharger for a secondary battery includes a secondary battery coupled to an output stage of the charger and discharger, a first converter circuit including a first pulse voltage generator that outputs a first pulse voltage according to a first duty ratio, and a first inductor that outputs a first current in proportion to a value of an integral of the outputted first pulse voltage with respect to time to a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery, a second converter circuit including a second pulse voltage generator that outputs a second pulse voltage according to a second duty ratio, and a second inductor that outputs a second current in proportion to a value of an integral of the outputted second pulse voltage with respect to time to a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery, and first and second controllers controlling the duty ratios of the first and second pulse voltage generators, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ria Ju, Young-Hak Pyo, Sergey Vasichev, Seung-Hyuck Paek, Sang-Chul Seo
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Patent number: 8552684Abstract: It is an object to provide a non-contact charging module that prevents the magnet from negatively influencing particularly the inside portion of a coil and improves power transmission efficiency, even when a magnet is used for alignment. This non-contact charging module is a reception-side non-contact charging module, to which power is transmitted from a transmission-side non-contact charging module which is equipped with magnet, by electromagnetic induction, in which the non-contact charging module includes a planar coil portion around which spiral electric lines are wound, and a magnetic sheet disposed to face the surface of coil of the planar coil portion so that it faces the magnet of the transmission-side contact module, in which the inner diameter of the planar coil portion is larger than the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenichiro Tabata, Tokuji Nishino, Akio Hidaka, Naoyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8547058Abstract: It is an object to provide a non-contact charging module that uses a magnet included in a counterpart-side non-contact charging module or does not use the magnet when aligning with the counterpart-side non-contact charging module is performed. An L value of a coil that is provided in the non-contact charging module is not changed. This non-contact charging module includes a planar coil portion where electrical lines are wound and a magnetic sheet that places a coil surface of the planar coil portion and faces the coil surface of the planar coil portion, and in the magnetic sheet, a hole portion is provided at the position corresponding to a hollow portion of the planar coil portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Kenichiro Tabata, Tokuji Nishino, Akio Hidaka
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Patent number: 8525485Abstract: A method of applying pulsation energy to an online battery backup system including the steps of sampling at least one voltage sampling circuit to monitor a float voltage drop across the terminals of each battery unit within a plurality of battery units, selecting from among the plurality of battery units the unit having the greatest float voltage drop, operating a pulse generation circuit to apply pulsation energy across the terminals of only the selected battery unit, and ceasing to operate the pulse generation circuit in response to a predetermined trigger. A generally corresponding method may be performed on each battery cell within the plurality of battery units. Also, battery pulsation systems for an online battery backup system may include a pulse generation circuit and a controller for selectively applying pulsation energy across the terminals of a selected battery unit or battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Roger Altman
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Publication number: 20130221931Abstract: A bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method are provided that apply a positive pulse voltage and a negative pulse voltage alternately across the terminals of a battery. The object of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method is to increase the cycle lifetime and capacity of storage batteries, such as lead acid batteries. The rise times for the leading edges of the positive pulses and for the trailing edges of the negative pulses are short compared to the ionic relaxation time in the electrochemical solution. Alternating between the positive and negative pulses gives each new pulse an equal starting condition without realizing any memory effect that otherwise may result if the last applied pulse was of the same polarity, which reduces the extent of overvoltage that may be applied to the battery and decrease the highest useable pulse cycling frequencies that could be achieved without experiencing pulse overlapping.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Ove T. Aanensen, Dag Arild Valand
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Patent number: 8513920Abstract: Circuits and methods for a switched power converter providing charge power for at least one battery and at the same time delivering current to operate an electronic device, wherein the converter is enabled to operate out of current limit mode, for the maximum possible range of system load requirements, have been achieved. The input current of the power converter is measured within each cycle-by-cycle, i.e. within each cycle of an external clock reference and the charge current is reduced if the input current exceeds a defined portion, e.g. 80% of the maximum allowable input current. The power converter may only enter current limited operation after the charge current has been already reduced to zero. Operating out of current limit mode ensures a maximum efficiency of the converter, maximize the current deliverable to a given load and minimizes subharmonics in the output current and voltage, thereby minimizing interference with other system component.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH.Inventors: Stefano Scaldaferri, Eric Marschalkowski, Christian Wolf
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Patent number: 8497659Abstract: A video game controller charging system for charging at least one video game controller is provided. The system includes a controller adapter including a battery unit, at least one first induction coil, and at least one first magnet, and is adapted to be received by the at least one video game controller; and a base including a power input, at least one second induction coil, and at least one structure on the base for providing physical support to the controller while the controller is being charged, the at least one structure including at least one second magnet. The base is configured to inductively charge the battery unit through inductive coupling between the at least one first induction coil and the at least one second induction coil when the controller is held in place on the structure by magnetic attraction between the magnets.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Nyko Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Amir Navid
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Patent number: 8493022Abstract: An automotive vehicle electrical system diagnostic apparatus includes first and second electrical connections configured to electrically couple to an electrical system of an automotive vehicle which includes a battery. Digital samples are obtained during operation of the vehicle which are related to the system. The digital samples are stored in memory.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventor: Kevin I. Bertness
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Publication number: 20130154548Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to adapt the charging of a battery/cell using data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell. In yet another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to calculate data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Qnovo Inc.Inventor: Qnovo Inc.
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Publication number: 20130140882Abstract: A Kinetic Energy Recovery System to recharge the traction storage device of an electric vehicle through inertial differentials between a static mass and the lateral motions of a vehicle in motion. A modular machine made of an eccentric mass, which tends to remain motionless, against which the vehicle moves, forming the kinetic energy to turn that eccentric wheel, which in turn drives a series of ratios of shafts to generate electricity. Further, this generated electricity is rectified and regulated to the correct voltage to recharge the storage device on board that electric vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: Brooks Alexander Agnew
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Patent number: 8450965Abstract: A system that monitors fuel cells in a fuel cell group. The system includes a plurality of voltage sensors coupled to the fuel cells in the fuel cell group, where each sensor monitors a different voltage of the fuel cells and where lower priority voltage sensors monitor higher voltages and higher priority sensors monitor lower voltages. The system also includes a plurality of oscillators where a separate oscillator is coupled to each of the sensors. Each oscillator operates at a different frequency where higher frequency oscillators are coupled to lower priority sensors and lower frequency oscillators are coupled to higher priority sensors. A light source that receives frequency signals from the oscillators and switches on and off in response to the frequency signals. A light pipe receives the switched light signals from the light source and provides light signals at a certain frequency at an end of the light pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David D. Rea, Michael F. Zawisa, Kenneth L. Kaye, Robert S. Foley
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Patent number: 8446126Abstract: A power bank apparatus with speaker combines the function of power bank and the function of speaker. The power bank apparatus not only charges the portable electronic apparatuses but also supplies power to the internal speaker. The voice or music of the portable electronic apparatus is amplified by the speaker of the power bank apparatus to improve the quality of the voice or music.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu-Hung Cheng
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Patent number: 8436587Abstract: A bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method are provided that apply a positive pulse voltage and a negative pulse voltage alternately across the terminals of a battery. The object of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method is to increase the cycle lifetime and capacity of storage batteries, such as lead acid batteries. The rise times for the leading edges of the positive pulses and for the trailing edges of the negative pulses are short compared to the ionic relaxation time in the electrochemical solution. Alternating between the positive and negative pulses gives each new pulse an equal starting condition without realizing any memory effect that otherwise may result if the last applied pulse was of the same polarity, which reduces the extent of overvoltage that may be applied to the battery and decrease the highest useable pulse cycling frequencies that could be achieved without experiencing pulse overlapping.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventors: Ove T. Aanensen, Dag Arild Valand
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Patent number: 8432168Abstract: There is provided an impedance measuring system which can accurately measure the impedance of a fuel cell. A motor rotation number detection unit successively detects the rotation number of a motor controlled by an inverter and outputs the detection result to a superposition signal generation unit. The superposition signal generation unit sets the frequency of an impedance measuring signal to a non-resonant frequency so that the control signal of the motor will not resonate with the impedance measuring signal. Thus, by setting the frequency of the impedance measuring signal to the non-resonant frequency, the resonance with the motor is suppressed, which can improve impedance measurement accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ayako Kawase
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Patent number: 8427112Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to determine the state of charge of a battery/cell using data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell. In yet another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to adaptively charge a battery/cell using data which is representative of a state of charge of the battery/cell and/or the data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Qnovo Inc.Inventors: Dania Ghantous, Fred Berkowitz, Nadim Maluf
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Patent number: 8421420Abstract: A rectification processor includes rectifier elements that control charge to batteries independently for each of the batteries. A charge-state detector detects charge states of the batteries from their voltages, and determines whether to select the batteries for charging in a half-cycle determined beforehand in accordance with the detected result. A synchronous signal detector detects a signal synchronized with the phase of the 3-phase alternate current (AC) generator from the 3-phase AC generator, and outputs a synchronous signal. A charge controller controls the charge in the rectification processor in synchronization with the 3-phase AC generator according to the synchronous signal from the synchronous signal detector, and, in accordance with the charge states of the batteries output from the charge-state detector, controls charge amounts to the battery/batteries that was determined for selection.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Arai, Tokihiko Iwakura
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Patent number: 8421419Abstract: A power converter utilizes one or more nonlinear composite film capacitors constructed solely of polymer anti-ferroelectric (AFE) particle composites and configured as DC-link bus capacitors providing an energy buffer to reduce DC-link voltage ripple.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Fengfeng Tao, Yang Cao, Daniel Qi Tan
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Patent number: 8415926Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that monitors a battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system applies a pulse load to the battery and determines an impedance of the battery by measuring a voltage of the battery during the pulse load. Next, the system assesses a health of the battery based on the impedance. Finally, the system uses the assessed health to manage use of the battery in the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, Taisup Hwang, Richard M. Mank
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Patent number: 8405345Abstract: A site registering device that registers a site allowing charging where a vehicle battery can be charged, the device including: a position acquisition unit that acquires position information on a charging site where charging of the battery has been conducted; and a registering unit that specifies, on the basis of an actual charging result in the charging site, a category to which the charging site belongs among a plurality of categories, associates the charging site with the specified category and the position information, and registers the thus associated charging site as the site allowing charging.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Suganuma, Mamoru Kuraishi, Kazunao Yamada, Takashi Naitou, Toshiaki Niwa, Fumiharu Ogawa, Masatoshi Takahara
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Patent number: 8400104Abstract: Gangable inductive battery chargers with integrated inductive coils are provided. A gangable inductive battery charger has at least one power supply module and at least one inductive charging cup module. The power supply module and the inductive charging cup module are interlockingly connectable through rail and slot mechanical connectors and an electrical connector. The inductive charging cup module has one or more charging cups that are capable of receiving a battery. A primary inductive coil embedded in the inductive charging cup module transfers power from the power supply module to a battery received by one of the one or more charging cups. The battery contains a secondary inductive coil for receiving power from the embedded primary coil. Multiple power supply and inductive charging cup modules may be interlockingly connected as needed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Mark Adamczyk, Jason B. Turner
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Patent number: 8395352Abstract: There is provided a power transmission control device provided in a power transmission device included in a contactless power transmission system in which power is transmitted from the power transmission device to a power receiving device by electromagnetically coupling an elementary coil and a secondary coil and the power is supplied to a load of the power receiving device. The power transmission control device includes a load state detection circuit that detects a load state of the power receiving device on the basis of a first signal from a first end of a resonance capacitor forming a resonant circuit with the elementary coil and a second signal from a second end of the resonance capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takashi Aoyama, Masakazu Tokunaga
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Patent number: 8390253Abstract: A battery control system controls an external charging unit in a vehicle including a vehicle body, engine, motors, secondary battery, and the external charging unit, and includes a degradation detecting unit that detects degradation of the secondary battery, during charging of the second battery by the external charging unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuichi Arai, Tomitaro Hara, Akira Tsujiko, Yohei Shindo, Takeshi Abe, Daisuke Teramoto, Keiko Wasada, Sachie Yuasa
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Patent number: 8384356Abstract: A self-contained power source to charge a battery and/or power a load is provided. The power source does not utilize a connection to an external power supply, such as AC mains and/or an AC to DC converter. In one embodiment, the self-contained power source includes an ultra low voltage power generator, such as 0.3V of a single solar cell, or even lower to slightly above the GND potential, that provides a voltage to a rechargeable battery, a load or both. A voltage converter with boost topology is used to supply a voltage comparable to the voltage of the rechargeable battery. A first push circuit containing a zero threshold voltage switch, a MUX circuit and a one-pulse-control block is utilized to ensure initial and continued operation of the voltage converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventor: Qi Deng
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Patent number: 8378626Abstract: The present disclosure provides a management device for a charging circuit and a wireless terminal, which belong to the technical field of management control of a linear charging circuit. The device includes a power supply management module (5), a buck switching voltage converter (1) and a linear charging circuit (2). The power supply management module (5) includes an adjustable Low Dropout (LDO) linear regulator (6) and an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) (4), wherein the output terminal of the adjustable LDO linear regulator (6) is connected with the feedback terminal of the buck switching voltage converter (1) through a first preset resistor (R62). The input terminal of the ADC (4) is connected with the anode of a battery (3). The control terminal of the power supply management module (5) is connected with the control terminal of the linear charging circuit (2). The output terminal of the buck switching voltage converter (1) is connected with the input terminal of the linear charging circuit (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: ZTE CorporationInventor: Jihong Wang
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Patent number: 8368357Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to adapt the charging of a battery/cell using data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell. In yet another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to calculate data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Qnovo Inc.Inventors: Dania Ghantous, Fred Berkowitz, Nadim Maluf