Pulsed Patents (Class 320/139)
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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: 8368353Abstract: According to one embodiment, the power supply management portion includes a timer configured to output an ON signal every time set by the control circuit, an OR circuit configured to receive supply of an output signal from the timer, an external signal supplied from outside, and a switch control signal output from the control circuit, and a switch circuit configured to switch output of the power source voltage from an external power source according to an output signal from the OR circuit, and the control circuit turns on a switch control signal after confirming which of the output signal from the timer or the external signal has turned on the switch circuit and turns off the switch control signal when both of the output signal from the timer and the signal supplied from outside are turned off.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takashi Akiba, Mami Mizutani, Fumiyuki Yamane, Yuki Kuwano, Ryuichi Morikawa, Shuji Ono, Nobuo Shibuya, Kazuto Kuroda, Shinichiro Kosugi, Yasuhiro Miyamoto
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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
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Patent number: 8362746Abstract: 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: January 29, 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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Publication number: 20130015812Abstract: An electrical charging system (ECS) to electrically charge a battery includes a power transmitter, an energy coupling arrangement, at least one electrical signal shaping device (ESSD) including a controller, and an alignment means. The arrangement includes a first transducer disposed external to the vehicle and a second transducer attached with the vehicle. The alignment means communicates with the vehicle to ensure repeatable vehicle positioning so that the second transducer is positioned relative to the first transducer so that the second transducer receives the energy produced by the power transmitter wirelessly transmitted from the first transducer. The energy received by the second transducer is electrically shaped by the ESSD and further electrically transmitted through the ESSD as controlled by the controller to electrically charge the ESD. Methods to operate and electrically transmit energy through the ECS to electrically charge the EDS are also presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: RICHARD J. BOYER, BRIAN D. PASHA, JOHN VICTOR FUZO
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Patent number: 8345420Abstract: A battery assembly includes at least a plurality of battery cells that includes at least a first and a second battery cell each attached to a distributed battery monitoring unit, the second battery cell being associated with an external circuit, the second battery cell connected to a battery management unit (BMU) by way of a pre-formed battery contact shaped to accommodate the external circuit. The plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to at least the BMU such that each of the plurality of battery cells are substantially aligned with each other thereby preserving a battery profile corresponding to unconnected battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Scott J. Hagadone, Sheba Devan, Val Valentine
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Patent number: 8334675Abstract: A controller in a charging control system controls a charger to heat a battery at a low temperature by pulse charging and discharging up to a desired temperature and then moves to a normal charging mode. The controller calculates an ion concentration of an active material at electrode portions of the battery on the basis of the temperature data and the electric current data obtained, switch the pulse charging and discharging between a charging mode and a discharging mode on the basis of a pulse width when the ion concentration reaches a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., EC Power LLCInventors: Chao-Yang Wang, Ou Jung Kwon, Yosuke Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8330428Abstract: A de-sulfating device including a plurality of capacitive discharge channels selectively activatable by a control board to provide a pulse wave modulated de-sulfating current to a lead-acid battery. Some exemplary embodiments may provide a de-sulfating current comprising a repeating pattern including an about 0.75 ms ON pulse followed by an about 4.5 ms OFF period, which may be applied to the battery at an operator-adjustable peak amperage of about 0-350 amps. The extent of sulfation of the battery may be ascertained by measuring the impedance of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Bruce Eric Zeier
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Publication number: 20120306453Abstract: A method of charging a secondary battery and a charging device that can improve stability and extend the life span of the battery. When the secondary battery includes a plurality of cells, the charging method is changed when a voltage imbalance from 100 mV to 300 mV occurs among the cells. In that range, the charging method changes from a constant current-constant voltage charging method to a pulse-charging method. When the voltage imbalance is 300 mV or more, the electricity path is blocked, shutting down the battery. When the voltage imbalance is 100 mV or less, the constant current-constant voltage charging method is maintained. The method and device also stop charging when the battery reaches full charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Jong-Woon Yang
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Patent number: 8310202Abstract: A power transmission system includes a loosely coupled air core transformer having a resonance frequency determined by a product of inductance and capacitance of a primary circuit including a primary coil. A secondary circuit is configured to have a substantially same product of inductance and capacitance. A back EMF generating device (e.g., a battery), which generates a back EMF with power transfer, is attached to the secondary circuit. Once the load power of the back EMF generating device exceeds a certain threshold level, which depends on the system parameters, the power transfer can be achieved at higher transfer efficiency if performed at an operating frequency less than the resonance frequency, which can be from 50% to 95% of the resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventor: Matthew B. Scudiere
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Patent number: 8305045Abstract: A charge control circuit having a charge controller, a voltage detector, and a current detector is provided. The charge controller repeats the constant current constant voltage charge a plurality of times. In doing so, the charge controller supplies a charging current of a predetermined set current value from the charger to the secondary battery. This causes the charger to execute constant current charge when the terminal voltage detected by the voltage detector becomes equal to a predetermined threshold voltage value during the execution of the constant current charge. In turn, the charger executes a constant voltage charge by supplying a charging voltage of the threshold voltage value from the charger to the secondary battery until a current value detected by the current detector becomes equal to a predetermined threshold current value.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Kazuya Maeagawa
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Patent number: 8294419Abstract: A secondary self-resonant coil is installed at substantially the central region of the bottom face of the vehicle body, receiving electric power from a power feeding apparatus in a non-contact manner by resonating with a primary self-resonant coil of a power feeding apparatus provided external to the vehicle, via an electromagnetic field. In a power reception mode from the power feeding apparatus, high voltage is generated at the wire end of the secondary self-resonant coil, causing generation of a high electric field around the wire end. In order to keep the wire end distant from an ECU that is an electric apparatus located closest to the secondary self-resonant coil, the secondary self-resonant coil is arranged such that the wire end is located at a side (?Y direction) opposite to the side (+Y direction) where the ECU is deviated relative to the bilateral symmetric axis of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaru Sasaki
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Patent number: 8278871Abstract: Techniques for recharging a rechargeable power source coupled to a secondary coil implanted within a living body are described. In one embodiment, a recharging device external to the living body induces a sequence of pulses in a primary coil that is coupled to the secondary coil. The sequence includes high-amplitude pulses alternating with low-amplitude pulses, each high-amplitude pulse having an amplitude selected to transfer charge to the rechargeable power source during times of poor coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, each low-amplitude pulse having an amplitude selected to transfer charge to the rechargeable power source during times of good coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, and wherein the sequence of pulses is selected to prevent a violation of a limiting condition such as heating that is associated with recharging the rechargeable power source when recharging occurs in an open-loop manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Todd A. Kallmyer
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Patent number: 8269465Abstract: A circuit charges and maintains a battery. The circuit includes a microprocessor for receiving a current sense signal and a voltage sense signal. The microprocessor generates control signals for selectively operating the circuit in a charging mode and in a maintenance mode. The circuit includes a current sense circuit for measuring the battery's current consumption and generating the current sense signal responsive to the measured current consumption. The circuit includes a voltage sense circuit for measuring the battery's voltage and generating the voltage sense signal responsive to the measured battery voltage. The circuit includes a waveform generator circuit for receiving the control signals, and operating in response thereto to apply a charging signal to the battery when in the charging mode and to deactivate the charging signal when in the maintenance mode. The charging signal has an oscillating triangular waveform superimposed on a DC bias signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: PulseTech Products CorporationInventors: Pete Ward Smith, James Earl Huffman, David Lee Sykes, Clyde Ray Calcote
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Patent number: 8269466Abstract: A method for charging a battery includes measuring the battery's voltage and comparing the battery voltage to a first threshold voltage. The method includes operating the battery in a charging mode if the measured battery voltage is less than the first threshold voltage, wherein operating in the charging mode comprises applying a charging signal to the battery. The charging signal has an oscillating triangular waveform superimposed on a DC bias signal. The method includes measuring the battery's current consumption and comparing the current consumption to a first threshold current. The method includes operating in a maintenance mode if the battery's current consumption is less than the first threshold current, wherein operating in the maintenance mode comprises terminating application of the charging signal to the battery. The method includes measuring, during operation in the maintenance mode, the battery's voltage and comparing the measured voltage to a second threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: PulseTech Products CorporationInventors: Pete Ward Smith, James Earl Huffman, David Lee Sykes, Clyde Ray Calcote
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Patent number: 8264207Abstract: A pulse charging profile for a vehicle battery is synchronized with driver or vehicle demanded current disturbances by phase tracking the fundamental frequency of the desired pulse charging profile to those driver or vehicle demanded current disturbances. When these driver or vehicle demanded disturbances are not active, the tracked charging profile is honored.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Deepak Aswani, Robert K. Taenaka, Stephen J. Hunter, Mukunda V. Prema, Syed Ali, Shailesh Patel
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Patent number: 8264196Abstract: A charge control apparatus for controlling how to charge a battery unit having a plurality of batteries connected in series, includes a connection control section that divides the batteries into a plurality of groups of batteries by switching connections between the batteries, according to a received current amount indicative of an amount of a current that can be received from one or more external power sources, and a charge control section that charges the groups of batteries in parallel with power received from the external power sources.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: The Japan Research Institute, LimitedInventor: Masanobu Mera
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Patent number: 8264198Abstract: A battery pack, a battery charger, a method for charging a battery pack are provided. The battery pack includes a secondary battery, a switch element for controlling charging and discharging the secondary battery, a controller for controlling the switch element, and a communication unit for performing with a battery charger. During charging, an initial charging is switched to a quick charging when a voltage of the secondary battery reaches a predetermined voltage, and the battery charger judges the battery pack as abnormal when the voltage does not reach the predetermined voltage within a timeout period after the initial charging is started. At least one of the timeout period and the predetermined is stored. At least one of the timeout period and the predetermined voltage to be read out is transmitted through the communication unit to the battery charger.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masanao Sato, Koji Umetsu, Osamu Nagashima
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Patent number: 8258755Abstract: A method of charging a secondary battery and a charging device that can improve stability and extend the life span of the battery. When the secondary battery includes a plurality of cells, the charging method is changed when a voltage imbalance from 100 mV to 300 mV occurs among the cells. In that range, the charging method changes from a constant current-constant voltage charging method to a pulse-charging method. When the voltage imbalance is 300 mV or more, the electricity path is blocked, shutting down the battery. When the voltage imbalance is 100 mV or less, the constant current-constant voltage charging method is maintained. The method and device also stop charging when the battery reaches full charge.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-Woon Yang
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Publication number: 20120212187Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Roger Altman
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Publication number: 20120212188Abstract: A charging circuit includes an N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOSFET) that controls a charging current to a battery, a charge pump that generates a driving signal based on a plurality of pulses, and a resistor coupled to a gate of the NMOSFE. The resistor and a capacitance of the gate of the NMOSFET form a low pass filter. The driving signal is filtered by the low pass filter to control a gate voltage of the NMOSFET. A variation of a gate-source voltage of the NMOSFET is proportional to a pulse density of the plurality of pulses. A variation of the charging current flowing through the NMOSFET to the battery is proportional to the pulse density.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.Inventor: Guoxing LI
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Patent number: 8242739Abstract: A charging system and method that accommodates and reduces potential residual or leakage current when electrical grounds of a charger and an energy storage system are equalized at the moment of initiating charging. The charging system using an alternating current (AC) line voltage for conductive charging of an energy storage system (ESS) coupled to a polyphase motor drive circuit communicated to a polyphase motor, and converting the line voltage to a charging voltage communicated to the energy storage system using a set of the plurality of driver stages.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Krauer, Nick Kalayjian
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Patent number: 8242751Abstract: A charging device includes a hand-operated generating circuit, a steady-state voltage circuit electrically connected with the hand-operated generating circuit, a pulse charging circuit electrically connected with the steady-state voltage circuit, a voltage detection circuit electrically connected with the pulse charging circuit, a discharging voltage limiting circuit electrically connected with the pulse charging circuit, a load circuit electrically connected with the discharging voltage limiting circuit and a charging selection circuit electrically connected between the steady-state voltage circuit and the pulse charging circuit. Thus, the charging device can be used to charge an alkaline battery or a common chargeable battery. In addition, the alkaline battery can be replaced when it fails without having to replace the charging device.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Jen-Yen Yen
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Publication number: 20120200266Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to applying a current pulse to the terminals of the battery during a charge, measuring a voltage at the terminals of the battery, determining a relationship of an open circuit voltage to an amount of charge in the battery using data which is representative of a state of health of the battery, calculating an open circuit voltage of the battery using the voltage measured at the terminals of the battery, a current applied to or removed from the battery and an impedance of the battery, and determining a state of charge of the battery using (i) the calculated open circuit voltage and (ii) the relationship of the open circuit voltage to the amount of charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Fred Berkowitz, Dania Ghantous, Nadim Maluf, Christina Peabody
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Patent number: 8237397Abstract: A solar energy includes a charging control unit to output a number of charge voltages, a switch control unit, and a comparing unit. The switch control unit receives a break control signal and a charging control signal from the charging control unit to switch the charging control unit to charge the rechargeable battery, and receives a voltage detecting signal from the charging control unit to output a detect voltage corresponding to a charge voltage of the rechargeable battery. The comparing unit receives the detect voltage and correspondingly outputs a selecting signal to the charging control unit. The charging control unit determines the charge voltage of the rechargeable battery according to the selecting signal, and outputs a corresponding charge voltage to charge the rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yang-Yuan Chen, Ming-Chih Hsieh
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Patent number: 8237404Abstract: When a battery pack having an output voltage of 14.4 V that is connectable to an electric tool in a sliding manner is used as a power supply source for the electric tool that is connectable to a battery pack in an insertion manner and has a rated voltage of 12 V, the electric tool and the battery pack are connected to each other with an adaptor interposed therebetween. The adaptor has an FET that is switched at a predetermined duty of a predetermined frequency. The battery pack and the electric tool are connected or disconnected to or from each other by the switching operation, thereby dropping the output voltage of the battery pack. The voltage from the battery pack is detected. When the detected voltage is out of a predetermined value range, it is judged that the overcurrent or overdischarge has occurred. Then, the FET is turned off to stop the electric tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiro Takano, Yoshikazu Kawano, Kazuhiko Funabashi, Yuuichi Konuma, Masateru Niyada, Chikai Yoshimizu, Eiji Nakayama, Kenro Ishimaru
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Patent number: 8237412Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Schumacher Electric CorporationInventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
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Patent number: 8232761Abstract: A two-stage voltage step-up converter and energy storage system is utilized for harvesting trickling electrons from benthic microbe habitats. A relatively random low voltage from the microbial fuel cell (less than about 0.8 VDC) is provided to the first stage step-up converter, which stores power in a first output storage device. A first comparator circuit turns on the second stage step-up converter to transfer energy from the first output storage device to a second output storage device. A second comparator circuit intermittently connects the load to the second output storage device. After initial start-up, the system is self-powered utilizing the first and second output devices but may use a battery for the initial start-up, after which an automatic switch can switch the battery out of the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Daniel P. Thivierge, Promode R. Bandyopadhyay
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Publication number: 20120187920Abstract: A method for charging multiple battery packs is disclosed, which comprises the steps of providing full output power of the power conversion unit to a first battery pack in a charging cycle at the control of a first control signal; monitoring in real-time the charging acceptance of the first battery pack and when the charging acceptance detected is less than the available full output power of the power conversion unit, charging a second battery pack by the remaining output power, i.e. the output power difference between the full available output power and the charging acceptance of the first patent pack, at the control of a second control signal. The service life of battery is extended and the efficiency of the PV module is increased in the system where in the method is implemented. A device for charging multiple battery packs is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Beijing Anruode Mechanical And Electrical Apparatus LtdInventor: Shi Zhong
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Patent number: 8228025Abstract: This invention provides an electronic control method for a planar inductive battery charging apparatus on which one or more electronic loads such as mobile phones, MP3 players etc can be placed and charged simultaneously. The power control circuit of the charging pad consists of two power conversion stages. Depending on the nature of the input power supply, the first power stage is an AC-DC power converter with variable output voltage control and a second stage is a DC-AC power inverter with constant current control. The combination of the two stages provides power control of the charging pad and generates AC magnetic flux of ideally constant magnitude over the charging areas within a group of primary windings that are excited.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: City University of Hong KongInventors: Wing Choi Ho, Chi Kwan Lee, Ron Shu Yuen Hui, Shu Hung Chung
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Patent number: 8222860Abstract: A power transmission control device included in a contactless power transmission system in which power is transmitted from a power transmission device to a power receiving device by electromagnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil and the power is supplied to a load of the power receiving device, includes a controller controlling the power transmission control device, and a load condition detection circuit detecting a load condition on a power receiving side. The controller determines the load condition on the power receiving side based on threshold information received from the power receiving device and load condition detection information from the load condition detection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takahiro Kamijo, Yoichiro Kondo, Kota Onishi, Masayuki Kamiyama, Nobutaka Shiozaki
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Patent number: 8217621Abstract: A frequency modulation type wireless power supply and charger system includes a power supply base unit consisting of a first microprocessor, a power circuit, a power switch driver circuit, a first resonant circuit, a first coil, a detection module and a power input interface, and a wireless power supply and charge receiver unit consisting of a secondary coil, a second resonant circuit, a rectifier filter circuit, a detection and protection module, a second microprocessor, a temperature sensor, a charging module and a power output interface and adapted for receiving electrical power from the power supply base unit wirelessly for charging an external electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Fu Da Tong Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ming-Chiu Tsai, Chi-Che Chan
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Publication number: 20120169295Abstract: Disclosed herein are some embodiments for safely charging a mobile system battery pack, even when the power source (e.g., adapter) voltage is at a relatively high level that would otherwise result in excessive charge current.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Peter T. Li, Don J. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8207740Abstract: A system and method for use with a vehicle battery pack having a number of individual battery cells, such as a lithium-ion battery commonly used in hybrid electric vehicles. In one embodiment, the method evaluates individual battery cells within a vehicle battery pack in order to obtain accurate estimates regarding their average transient voltage effect, open circuit voltage (OCVCell) and/or state of charge (SOCCell) so that a cell balancing process can be performed. These cell evaluations may be performed fairly soon after the vehicle is turned off and in a manner that utilizes a minimal amount of in-vehicle resources.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jian Lin, Xidong Tang, Brian J. Koch, Joseph M. Lograsso, Andrew J. Namou, Rezina S. Nabi, Damon R. Frisch
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Publication number: 20120146589Abstract: In order to charge a rechargeable lithium-cobalt cell having a capacity C, the charging current undergoes several cycles (Z1, Z2) and each cycle (Z1, Z2) comprises high-current and low-current phases of different length. During a low-current phase, the current value is I1=C*0.090 (wherein I1 is in amperes and C is in ampere hours), and during a high-current phase, the current value is I2=C*0.165. It has been shown that the cell can thereby be charged at higher energy density and aging effects can thereby be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Thomas Wick, Remo Estermann
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Patent number: 8198868Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to restore or recharge one or more cells of a battery. A switching module sources an element charging current from a first input voltage to the battery when a charging control signal is at a first logical level or sinks an element discharging current from the battery to a second input voltage when the charging control signal is at a second logical level. A controller module provides the charging control signal based upon a comparison of a reference voltage and a control voltage pulse, the control voltage pulse being generated by the controller module in response to a replica current, the replica current being proportional to the element charging current. A feedback module compares a voltage of the battery to a reference voltage to provide a charging error signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Rosario Pagano
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Publication number: 20120139502Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging circuit (20) for charging an energy storage element (30). The charging circuit (20) comprises a feedback module (201), a controlling module (202), a switching module (203) and a storage module (204), wherein the controlling module (202) is configured to adjust the control signal so as to increase the ON-OFF ratio of the switching module (203) when the feedback signal is substantially smaller than a reference signal, or to adjust the control signal so as to decrease the ON-OFF ratio of the switching module (203) when the feedback signal is substantially larger than a reference signal. By applying the charging circuit (20), the charging time for the energy storage element (30) is shorter and therefore less power from the power source (10) is consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Gerhard Schneider
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Patent number: 8193757Abstract: A photovoltaic circuit configured to supply an output current to a tank module is provided. The photovoltaic circuit comprises a photovoltaic transformation module, a first process module, a plurality of second process modules, and a first control module. The process modules are connected to each other in parallel. The process modules in the parallel connection are connected to the photovoltaic transformation module and the tank module in series. The first control module is connected to the first process module and generates a control signal to the process modules in response to a divided current, a modulation current, and a last output current generated by the first process module. Thereby, the process modules interlacedly output the corresponding modulation current as the output current supplied to the energy reserve module.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Macroblock, Inc.Inventors: Yaow-Ming Chen, Fu-Yang Shih
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Patent number: 8188703Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes: an energy harvesting unit for converting energy from a natural energy source into an electrical power signal; a power point tracking unit including a current tracing module capable of detecting a current of the electrical power signal, and a boundary control module; a microcontroller including a voltage detecting module capable of detecting a voltage of the electrical power signal, and a computing module for determining a maximum power point with reference to the voltage and the current of the electrical power signal, the boundary control module generating a switch control voltage signal with reference to the maximum power point; a storage unit capable of storing energy; and a pulse frequency modulation regulator for converting the electrical power signal into an intermediate signal with reference to the switch control voltage signal for subsequent storage of energy of the intermediate signal in the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Chien-Ying Chen, Pai-Hsiang Chou
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Patent number: 8188709Abstract: A power transmission control device used for a non-contact power transmission system includes an operation mode switching terminal that receives an operation mode switch control signal that switches a mode between an automatic mode and a switch mode, a power transmitting device starting normal power transmission in the automatic mode after installation of a power-receiving-side instrument that includes a power receiving device in an area in which power transmitted via non-contact power transmission can be received has been automatically detected, the normal power transmission supplying power to a load of the power-receiving-side instrument, and the power transmitting device starting the normal power transmission in the switch mode after an operation trigger switch has been turned ON, an operation trigger terminal that receives an operation trigger signal that occurs due to an operation of the operation trigger switch, and a power-transmitting-side control circuit that controls power transmission to the powerType: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kota Onishi, Masayuki Kamiyama, Nobutaka Shiozaki, Takahiro Kamijo, Minoru Hasegawa, Haruhiko Sogabe
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Patent number: 8188718Abstract: A battery charger with a self-contained power source which provides a current charging signal at or near the resonant frequency of the battery to be charged when no other power supply is readily available. A storage energy device, for example a battery, delivers a current charging signal modulated at or near the resonant frequency of a load, or stores energy from a source.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Advanced Battery Management, LLCInventors: John Arthur Fee, Gary Joseph Tole, William S. Hart, Robert Joseph Miles
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Patent number: 8183838Abstract: A charging method for a rechargeable battery is disclosed. A preset power is provided to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is connected to a charger for execution of a first charge process. A use state of the rechargeable battery is obtained. A first adjustable charge power is provided to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is reconnected to the charger for execution of a second charge process.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chein-Chung Sun, Yuh-Fwu Chou
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Patent number: 8179091Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: WFK & Associates, LLCInventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, Jr.
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Patent number: 8169194Abstract: A method of applying pulsation energy to an online battery backup system including the steps of (1) 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; (2) selecting from among the plurality of battery units the unit having the greatest float voltage drop; (3) operating a pulse generation circuit to apply pulsation energy across the terminals of only the selected battery unit; and (4) 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 including means for applying pulsation energy across the terminals of only a selected battery unit or a selected battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Roger Altman
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Patent number: 8159178Abstract: A control strategy for distributed power generation modules in a power system that varies the line frequency or voltage according to a predetermined pattern to cause a PV inverter to modify its power output and thereby avoid overcharging a battery. When the power system operates in islanded mode, the AC load demand can be lower than the available energy from the PV array, causing the battery to become overcharged. To avoid this scenario, a hybrid inverter executes a pattern generator algorithm that varies the line frequency or voltage linearly, exponentially or any mathematical function or look-up tables. The PV inverter executes a pattern detection algorithm that detects the linear, exponential, or any mathematical function or look-up table change in the line frequency. In response, the PV inverter modifies its power output until an overcharging condition of the battery is removed. The line frequency/voltage can be varied within the anti-islanding limits.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Xantrex Technology Inc.Inventor: Emanuel Serban
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Patent number: 8143844Abstract: The charging circuit includes an antenna circuit receiving radio waves, a rectifier circuit rectifying AC voltage generated in the antenna circuit to generate DC voltage, and a power supply circuit adjusting the magnitude of the DC voltage and charging a rechargeable battery using the adjusted DC voltage. The charging device may further include a charge control circuit controlling the power supply circuit so as to prevent overcharge of the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be charged by application of DC voltage to a pair of terminals, or it may be charged wirelessly in such a manner that an oscillation circuit and an output antenna circuit are additionally provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hikaru Tamura
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Patent number: 8138724Abstract: Disclosed herein are some embodiments for safely charging a mobile system battery pack, even when the power source (e.g., adapter) voltage is at a relatively high level that would otherwise result in excessive charge current.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Peter T. Li, Don J. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8138713Abstract: An electrical energy storage device for a solar cell includes at least one electrode substrate coated with a oxide or mixed oxides layer. When the electrical energy storage device is electrically connected with a receive unit of the solar unit in parallel, the electrical energy storage device can have the advantages of high electric energy density, enhancing the charging efficiency of the solar cell, and reducing the charging time of the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignees: National Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Apogee Power, Inc.Inventors: Keh-Chi Tsai, Steve James, Wen-Hua Lin
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Patent number: 8129954Abstract: A battery charging and pulsating system including a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a charger electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the charger including a controller, a pulsator electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the pulsator including a controller, and a voltage measuring circuit electrically connected to the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, the voltage measuring circuit being adapted to measure a voltage across the positive and the negative terminals of the battery, wherein the controller of the pulsator is adapted to activate the pulsator when the measured voltage is at least one of (1) at or below a predetermined threshold voltage and (2) at or above a predetermined gassing voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Canadus Power Systems, LLCInventor: Daniel C. Biggs, Jr.
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Patent number: 8125185Abstract: A method for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the step of repeating pulse charging and charging pause, in which a pulse charging time is arbitrarily set between a lower limit value and an upper limit value, the lower limit value being an inverse time Tx of a frequency Fx of the high frequency side at which an imaginary part of an alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a first local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fx, and the upper limit value being an inverse time Ty of a frequency Fy at the low frequency side at which an imaginary part of the alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a second local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fy.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Mitsuhiro Takeno