Detection Of Current Or Voltage Amplitude Patents (Class 320/152)
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Patent number: 8432136Abstract: A battery pack includes: a plurality of rechargeable batteries (11a to 11n) connected in series or in parallel; a voltage detector (13) for detecting voltages of the respective batteries; a calculator (15) for calculating optimal charging current values based on the voltages of the respective batteries detected by the voltage detector so as to recharge the respective batteries; and a communicator (19) for transmitting the charging current values calculated by the calculator to a battery charger (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kazuhide Ashida
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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: 8421416Abstract: A battery charger and method for a rechargeable battery pack which includes various elements in series with the cells to be charged, including but not limited to current control FETs, a fuse, current sense resistor, and internal series impedance of the series connected cells to be charged. The charging current Ichg flowing through these series elements reduces the voltage applied to the cells, thus lengthening charging time. A compensation voltage Vcomp, which when added to the nominal charging voltage for the series connected cells overcomes these voltage drops, facilitates more efficient charging while avoiding over-voltage damage to the cells. Three voltages representing substantially all of the voltage drops reducing the charging voltage on the cells, are summed, and the result is a compensation voltage which is utilized to change the nominal charge voltage for the battery to overcome these voltage drops.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Tsing Hsu, Yevgen Barsukov, Robert Martinez, Peter Mignano
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Patent number: 8421415Abstract: Provided is a hybrid working machine capable of performing battery charging control both for a working period and a standby period. The hybrid working machine includes a hydraulic actuator, an engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator, a battery, a generator motor connected to the engine to serve as a generator by an output power of the engine to charge the battery and serve as a motor for assisting the engine by supply of an electric power from the battery, a battery monitor detecting a battery SOC, a controller which controls a charging power of the battery depending on the battery SOC, and a working state detector detecting a working state as information for discriminating between a working period during which the hydraulic actuator is actuated and a standby period during which the hydraulic actuator is not actuated. The controller limits the charging power in the standby period in comparison with in the working period.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Kagoshima
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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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Publication number: 20130082664Abstract: Charging of a lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material capable of absorbing and releasing lithium ions, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material being an alloy-formable active material capable of absorbing and releasing lithium ions, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte is performed. In charging, the remaining capacity and the temperature of the lithium ion secondary battery are detected, and the lithium ion secondary battery is charged until the battery voltage reaches a reference voltage E1 associated beforehand with the remaining capacity and the temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Tatsuki Hiraoka, Taisuke Yamamoto, Katsumi Kashiwagi, Masaya Ugaji
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Patent number: 8405358Abstract: A charging path includes a charging switch for transferring a charging current from an input terminal to an output terminal. The charging path further includes a first enable terminal coupled to the charging switch. The first enable terminal receives a first enable signal to control the charging switch to operate in either a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode, based on a status of the output terminal. More specifically, in the first mode, the charging switch is fully turned off. In the second mode, an equivalent resistance of the charging switch is determined by a control terminal of the charging switch. In the third mode, the charging switch is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: O2Micro Inc.Inventors: Guoxing Li, Ruichao Tang, Chutao Zhang
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Patent number: 8405353Abstract: A controller 10 suitable for controlling a bath lift. The controller 10 includes a rechargeable unit 12 and a first protection unit 14 which measures the voltage and current provided by the rechargeable unit 12. The first protection unit 14 prevents connection to the bath lift when the voltage of the rechargeable unit falls below a lower predetermined limit. A second protection unit 20 is also provided which measures the voltage from the rechargeable unit 12 and detects whether the voltage has fallen below an upper predetermined voltage, and if the voltage has dropped below this level downward movement of the bath lift is not permitted.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Care-Knight LimitedInventor: Annette Elvina Greenwood
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Patent number: 8405362Abstract: An apparatus and method for a portable device incorporating a battery and a battery charger. In the portable device, there are a plurality of system components configured to facilitate a plurality of functions that the portable device is designed to perform. The battery in the portable device is configured for providing an internal power supply to the plurality of system components in the absence of an external input power supply. The battery charger is configured for charging the battery when the external input power supply is available. The battery charger disclosed herein is capable of supplying system power to the system components when voltage of the battery that is being charged is below a limit, thereby allowing the portable device to operate when voltage of the battery drops below the limit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Steven Leo Martin, David Justin Simmons
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Patent number: 8395390Abstract: A method of testing a battery including several steps described herein is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Dennis Robinson, Garret Miller
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Patent number: 8390245Abstract: A power cable is connected from an external commercial power supply, and an in-vehicle battery is charged. Using the power cable as a communication conduit, communication is conducted with the outside world. In particular, by communication during charging, regional information regarding the current location, where the charging is being performed, or regional control parameter information is obtained. A control parameter of a vehicle is then set in accordance with the obtained information.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiaki Niwa, Kazuya Kato
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Patent number: 8384390Abstract: A battery gas gauge includes a voltage detection unit and a processor. The voltage detection unit is coupled to a battery pack and can measure a plurality of open circuit voltages of a plurality of cells in the battery pack respectively. The processor is coupled to the voltage detection unit and can determine a minimum open circuit voltage of the open circuit voltages, and can determine a first relative state of charge of the battery pack based on a relationship between the minimum open circuit voltage and a corresponding relative state of charge of a cell having the minimum open circuit voltage. The processor can further determine a capacity level of the battery pack based on the first relative state of charge and a rated full capacity level of the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: O2Micro IncInventor: Wei Zhang
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Patent number: 8378640Abstract: A charging circuit with an application system thereof provides an error amplifier to control a transistor switch for controlling the charging power source to charges the battery. When the voltage difference between the power source and load terminals of the transistor switch drops along with the transistor switch being turned on, the output voltage of the error amplifier changes as well to increase the turning-on resistance of the transistor switch such that the voltage difference between the power source and load terminals is capable of maintaining at a value above a certain reference level for avoiding the unstable state resulting from the charging circuit being turned on and off frequently.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.Inventors: Li-Wei Lee, Nien-Hui Kung, Kwan-Jen Chu, Hsuan-Kai Wang
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Patent number: 8378634Abstract: The present invention discloses a power management circuit, including: a first voltage regulator, which converts an input voltage to an output voltage; a second voltage regulator coupled between the output voltage and a battery; and a voltage difference control circuit, which receives the output voltage and a voltage of the battery, and outputs a voltage difference control signal to control the first voltage regulator. The voltage difference control circuit includes: a battery reference voltage determination circuit, which generates a battery reference voltage related to the battery voltage, and an error amplifier, which receives the output voltage and the battery reference voltage and generates the voltage difference control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Richtek Technology CorporationInventor: Nien-Hui Kung
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Patent number: 8373389Abstract: A charging system which is particularly suitable for recharging the batteries of electrically powered motor vehicles using a charge head with multiple contacts that mate with an array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle being recharged. The charge head is supported from overhead, and may, using a power assisted system, be lowered, into place against the array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle. Switches may be spaced apart so that, like the grasping elements of the handle, use of both hands is required. The charge head causes breaking of series connections of batteries within the vehicle so that individual batteries may be charged in parallel. A battery temperature monitor is provided. An annunciator locally or remotely signals errors or indicates completion of charge. Payments are accepted near the charge head, thereby allowing for commercial operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Berkley C. Badger
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Patent number: 8362748Abstract: A voltage comparison circuit makes a comparison between a first voltage and a second voltage. A resistor and a constant current source are provided in series between the first voltage and the ground voltage. A comparator receives the second voltage via one input terminal (non-inverting input terminal), and the voltage at a connection node between the aforementioned resistor and the constant current source via the other input terminal (inverting terminal). The first voltage is preferably used as the power supply voltage for the comparator.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Miyanaga, Yutaka Shibata
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Publication number: 20130021004Abstract: A secondary-battery chargeable-limit detecting method that detects a charge rate of a chargeable limit and a device of the same are provided. In the chargeable-limit detecting method of the present embodiment, if it is determined that: a temperature measurement value Tm is higher than a temperature threshold Tt in step S3, a voltage measurement value Vm is higher than a voltage threshold Vt in step S4, a voltage excess rate RV is larger than a voltage excess rate threshold Rt in step S11, and an average current Ia is within a predetermined current threshold range in step S12; condition satisfied duration tc in which the conditions of the chargeable limit are satisfied is calculated in step S13. Then, if it is determined that the condition satisfied duration tc is longer than predetermined duration threshold tt in step S15, SOC of the chargeable limit is set in step S16.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicants: FURUKAWA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC., FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Sinichi NOMOTO
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Patent number: 8358103Abstract: Several methods and systems to perform automatic coupling of an alternating current power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery are disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes a connection module to determine when a target device is coupled to a charging apparatus comprised of an inductive power apparatus. The system further includes a monitoring module to determine when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source. In addition, the system includes an activation module to automatically couple the inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source when a power level of the target device battery is below the charging threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Vampire Labs, LLCInventor: Jeffrey Raymond Eastlack
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Patent number: 8350528Abstract: A balancing method for a battery pack includes balancing battery cells near an end of discharge. A deep discharge of the battery cells can be prevented without using an overdischarge control unit. One battery cell balancing method includes: a balancing check condition determination step for determining whether or not a maximum voltage out of voltages of the battery cells is smaller than a reference voltage; a balancing start condition determination step for determining whether or not a residual capacity difference or voltage difference between the individual battery cells exceeds a reference value; a balancing time calculation step for calculating a balancing time for discharging the battery cell that exceeds the reference value; and a balancing operation step for discharging the selected battery cell when the battery cells are under charge or are at rest or when a discharge current of the battery cells is smaller than a reference current.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jongwoon Yang, Segawa Susumu, Inkyu Park, Yonguk Kim
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Publication number: 20130002207Abstract: Some embodiments include a method for calculating an electric current provided by a rechargeable energy storage system. Other embodiments of related methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Electric Transportation Engineering Corp. dba ECOtality North AmericaInventor: Craig K. Wenger
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Patent number: 8344699Abstract: When the relation of battery temperature Tb1>battery temperature Tb2 is satisfied, a temperature increase request for a power storage unit becomes relatively large. Therefore, a target power value P2* for the power storage unit is determined with priority. The target power value P2* is calculated by multiplying the required power value Ps* by a distribution ratio Pr2 (0.5?distribution ratio Pr2?1.0) determined in accordance with temperature deviation between battery temperature Tb1 and battery temperature Tb2. The target power value P1* is determined by subtracting the target power value P2* from the required power value Ps*.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaisaInventors: Hichirosai Oyobe, Shinji Ichikawa, Eiji Sato
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Patent number: 8344700Abstract: A charging method for charging a secondary battery includes the steps of: (a) performing constant-current charging with a first current; and (b) when a voltage of a secondary battery reaches a first voltage, performing constant-voltage charging at the first voltage. When a temperature of the secondary battery is equal to or higher than a reference temperature in step (a), step (b) includes the steps of (b1) when the voltage of the secondary battery reaches a second voltage lower than the first voltage, performing constant-voltage charging at the second voltage, (b2) after step (b1) and when the temperature of the secondary battery falls below the reference temperature, performing charging with a second current, and (b3) when the voltage of the secondary battery reaches the first voltage, performing constant-voltage charging at the first voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeaki Nagashima, Yoshiyuki Nakatamari
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Patent number: 8344701Abstract: A method for preventing fake charging of an electronic apparatus is provided. The method includes: providing a power management table for setting function units for each power range; activating a fake charging preventing function according to a predetermined condition or an activating operation of users; detecting power of the electronic apparatus every a first predetermined time interval; determining a current power range the detected power falls into; determining whether the current power range is changed; beginning to time when the current power range is changed; activating function units which are disabled and whose power range is the current power range when the timing reaches a second predetermined time interval and the detected power is still in the current power range.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hua-Dong Cheng, Han-Che Wang
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Patent number: 8334699Abstract: A battery internal short-circuit detection apparatus includes: a voltage detection unit for detecting a terminal voltage of the battery; a current detection unit for detecting a discharging current of the battery; a voltage drop and recovery detection unit for detecting a momentary voltage drop of the battery and a recovery from the voltage drop, in response to a result of detection performed by the voltage detection unit; and a determination unit for determining that an internal short circuit has occurred, when a maximum value of the discharging current detected by the current detection unit between the voltage drop and the recovery is equal to or lower than a threshold current.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Jun Asakura, Takuya Nakashima, Toshiyuki Nakatsuji, Masato Fujikawa
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Patent number: 8319479Abstract: A smart battery device includes an adapter, a switch electrically connected to the adapter, a battery pack electrically connected the switch, a sense resistor electrically connected to the battery pack and the adapter, an analog preprocessing circuit electrically connected to the battery pack and the sense resistor for digitizing analog signals measured at the battery pack and the sense resistor to form digital signals, and an adaptive control circuit electrically connected to the analog preprocessing circuit for receiving the digital signals, and electrically connected to the switch for selectively turning the switch on or off according to the digital signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: eMemory Technology Inc.Inventors: Chin-Hsing Kao, Chun-Ming Chen, Tien-Chung Tso
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Publication number: 20120286732Abstract: A battery pack can include a temperature sensor that can provide an output that is indicative of a temperature associated with the battery pack. A battery management unit can directly measure the temperature sensor when the battery pack is by itself or engaged with a tool. A charger can directly read the temperature sensor when the battery pack is engaged with the charger. Thus, the temperature sensor can be shared by the battery pack and the charger. The battery pack can utilize a same terminal that provides access to the temperature sensor to indicate a stop-charge signal. The charger can read the stop-charge signal on the same terminal used to directly access the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Steven J. Phillips
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Patent number: 8310198Abstract: Provided is a lithium ion secondary cell charge method including: a step S1 which judges whether a physical amount value corresponding to an accumulation amount of a lithium ion secondary cell is lowered to a first predetermined value; a step S2 which judges whether a hybrid vehicle is in a travel stop state; and charge steps S5 to SA which divide a charge period K into two or more divided charge periods KC1, KC2 and a non-charge period KR between the divided charge periods, so that charge is performed during the divided charge periods KC1, KC2 while the hybrid vehicle is in the travel stop state and charge stop or discharge is performed during the non-charge period KR, wherein each of the divided charge periods KC1, KC2 is not shorter than 40 seconds.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhide Kurimoto, Hitoshi Sakai, Takashi Kuzuya, Masakazu Yokomizo
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Patent number: 8305044Abstract: A battery pack includes: an obtaining unit for obtaining computation information for calculating a charge current including temperature information of a battery; a computation unit for computing a charge current for the battery based on the computation information; and a notification unit for notifying a computer of the charge current computed by the computation unit. The notification unit uses a dedicated command to notify the computer of the charge current. The battery pack includes: a storage unit for storing therein a first threshold value and a second threshold value relating to the temperature information, and the computation unit may compute the optimal charge current depending on which of ranges divided by the first threshold value and the second threshold value the temperature information belongs to.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Daisuke Kawamoto, Satoshi Okachi, Kenichiro Kamijo, Seiji Tsukada, Keisuke Koide, Norio Fujimori, Hidetoshi Shimada
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Patent number: 8305032Abstract: The Centralized Vehicle Load Management System is hierarchical in nature in that it detects and remediates an overload which can be highly localized at one or more electrical substations or an overload which is widely distributed as a cumulative set of sub-critical loads. The Centralized Vehicle Load Management System operates to determine the load presented to the Electric Power Grid by vehicles which are served by service disconnects which are located at a plurality of points on the Electric Power Grid. The Centralized Vehicle Load Management System regulates the demands presented by the vehicles to the E-Grid thereby to spread the load presented to the Electric Power Grid over time to enable the controllable charging of a large number of vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Lava Four, LLCInventor: Daniel Bernard McKenna
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Patent number: 8299760Abstract: A battery charger includes: a circuit board including terminal portions provided to be exposed to the outside from an insertion portion, in which a secondary battery is inserted, and electrically connected to the secondary battery; a power circuit portion obtaining a voltage from an external power source and supplying a charging current to the secondary battery; a temperature detection unit detecting a battery temperature of the secondary battery; a charging control switch turning on/off the charging current; and a controller controlling the power circuit portion or the charging control switch based on a voltage and a current of the power circuit portion and the battery temperature, wherein the temperature detection unit is provided in a part of the circuit board opposed to the insertion portion at a distance from electronic components constituting the power circuit portion and the controller based on a heat generation temperature of the electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Mitsugu Sato
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Patent number: 8294425Abstract: A charging apparatus able to safely and reliably secure capacity is provided. The charging apparatus comprises: a charging current configuration unit that configures a set value for the charging current flowing to the battery; a charging current controller that controls the charging current on the basis of the set value configured by the charging current configuration unit; a cell voltage detector that detects the cell voltages applied to each cell; and a voltage determining unit that determines whether or not at least one of the cell voltages detected by the cell voltage detector has exceeded a threshold voltage. If it is determined by the voltage determining unit that at least one of the cell voltages has exceeded the threshold voltage, then the charging current configuration unit switches the set value to a smaller value.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Aradachi, Kazuhiko Funabashi
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Patent number: 8283878Abstract: The invention provides a high-efficiency battery storage device system, and a motor driving body and a moving body using the system. The battery storage device system comprises (1) a main battery storage device A having high energy density relative to an auxiliary battery storage device B, (2) the auxiliary battery storage device B having high output density relative to the main battery storage device A, (3) a warm-up means for warming up the main battery storage device A to a predetermined temperature or more, (4) a warm-up monitoring means for monitoring a need for warm-up with respect to the main battery storage device A, (5) an operation mode switching means for selecting an operation mode from a warm-up operation mode and a normal operation mode and performing the selected operation mode, and (6) an electricity supply system supplying an electric power to an outside of the battery storage device system.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Suyama
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Publication number: 20120249082Abstract: A SOC acquisition unit acquires a SOC of a battery. Then, it estimates a capacity profile from the acquired SOC, and transmits the estimated capacity profile to an estimation unit. The estimation unit calculates a current profile for realizing the capacity profile estimated by the SOC acquisition unit. An update unit replaces the existing stored current profile with the current profile calculated by the estimation unit. A storage unit stores a current profile calculated by the estimation unit and updated by the update unit. A charging unit reads the current profile stored in the storage unit, and performs a charging operation based on the current profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Munetaka Yamamoto, Mamoru Kuraishi
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Patent number: 8269468Abstract: A charging circuit includes a current mirror block configured to charge a load in response to a control voltage applied thereto, and a charge controller configured to generate the control voltage in response to comparison result values obtained by comparing a current sensing value and a voltage sensing value of the current mirror block with respective reference values. The comparison result value are applied to the gates of MOS transistors connected in series. The charge controller is configured to switch a charge mode from a constant current charge mode to a constant voltage charge mode when the charge state of the load reaches a predetermined state.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ho-Jung Ju, Jung-Woo Ha, Jin-Sub Choi
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Publication number: 20120223672Abstract: A battery charging device is provided for charging a rechargeable battery. A first reference battery temperature TC1, a second reference battery temperature TC2, a first reference charging voltage VC1, and a second reference charging voltage VC2 are established. The device includes a detecting unit, a comparing unit, and a charging control unit. The detecting unit detects the charging voltage VC and the battery temperature TBat of the rechargeable battery. The comparing unit compares the detected temperature TBat with temperatures TC1 and TC2, or compares the detected voltage VC with voltages VC1 and VC2. The charging control unit adjusts the Vc as required based on the comparison results, to adjust a value of a constant current I while charging the rechargeable battery in a constant current charging phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: CHIA-I LIU
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Patent number: 8258752Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated PMOS transistor and Schottky diode, comprising a PMOS transistor which includes a gate, a source, a drain and a channel region between the source and drain, wherein the source, drain and channel region are formed in a substrate, and a parasitic diode is formed between the drain and the channel region; and a Schottky diode formed in the substrate and connected in reverse series with the parasitic diode, the Schottky diode having one end connected with the parasitic diode and the other end connected with the source.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignees: Richpower Microelectronics Corporation, Richtek Technology Corporation, R.O.C.Inventors: Kuo-Chin Chiu, Chih-Feng Huang
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Patent number: 8256548Abstract: A method controls or regulates the charge state of an electrical energy accumulator of a hybrid vehicle, where, in some operating states, the energy accumulator is charged from a low to a higher charge state level by way of an electric machine driven by an internal-combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle and operating as a generator. The level of the charge state to which the energy accumulator is charged by the internal-combustion engine is selected as a function of a parameter representing the load of the electrical system or correlating thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Holger Hummel
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Patent number: 8258756Abstract: A current breaking method of a rechargeable battery and a battery pack using the same. The current breaking method includes: measuring a current value of a current flowing through a high current path of a rechargeable battery; measuring a duration time of the current flowing through the high current path; setting a permission time for which the current is permitted to flow; and interrupting the current flow when the duration time exceeds the permission time. Thus, the timing for interrupting the current flowing through the high current path of the rechargeable battery is accurately calculated, thereby preventing overheating and explosion of the rechargeable battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sungbin Lim
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Patent number: 8253380Abstract: A characteristic tracking method for a battery module including at least one battery is disclosed. A look-up table is provided according to a primary characteristic of the battery. It is determined whether a battery has satisfied a preset condition when the battery module is operated from a usage state to an idling state. The battery is measured to have obtained a first voltage and a real capacity when the battery satisfies the preset condition. The measured first voltage is utilized to locate a table capacity of the battery from the look-up table. The look-up table is updated according to the real capacity and the table capacity. A peripheral circuit of characteristic tracking method has been exhibited.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chein-Chung Sun, Yuh-Fwu Chou, Ming-Wang Cheng, Sheng-Yong Shen
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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: 8237447Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the state of a storage device prevents occurrence of a leakage current. A low-level detection unit is provided for each of blocks of a battery pack. Control units are connected to the blocks of the battery pack by way of first switches and are started upon receipt of power supply. The control units and measurement units are connected to the blocks by way of second switches. The control units activate the second switches after being started as a result of activation of the first switches, to thus receive power supply, and commence measurement of block voltages by means of the measurement units. The high-level detection unit supplies a read signal and a synchronous signal to the low-level detection units by way of the first switches.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiaki Nakanishi
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Patent number: 8232775Abstract: Several methods and systems to perform limitation of vampiric power consumption with decoupling of an inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source is disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes an inductive power apparatus that provides power to a target load when the inductive power apparatus is coupled to an alternating current power source. The system further includes an observation circuit to determine a power consumption associated with the target load, and a detection circuit to determine when a power consumption reaches a threshold level. The system also includes a separation circuit to decouple the inductive power apparatus and the alternating current power source when the power consumption is lower than a threshold level to limit vampiric power consumption of the inductive power apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Vampire LabsInventor: Jeffrey Raymond Eastlack
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Patent number: 8232805Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing a battery sensor unit, in particular a battery sensor unit for a motor vehicle battery, comprising a cable holder for a cable end of a cable. The method includes sliding a sleeve composed of a resistor material onto the cable end, at least one first measuring tap being installed between the cable end and an inner circumference of the sleeve. The cable end provided with the sleeve and the measuring tap is inserted into the cable holder and is permanently connected thereto to form a measuring device. A battery sensor unit is described having a fastening device for fastening the battery sensor unit to a contact of a battery, in particular a motor vehicle battery, and having a measuring device for detecting the state of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Sergej Kerbel
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Patent number: 8228042Abstract: The battery pack charging method charges a battery pack, which is a plurality of lithium ion rechargeable batteries connected in series, to full charge by constant current and constant voltage charging. Constant current charging is performed until total voltage reaches a prescribed total voltage. Subsequently, constant current charging is switched to constant voltage charging until full charge is reached. In addition, the voltage of each battery being charged is detected. When the voltage of any battery exceeds a first specified voltage, charging is switched to pulse charging.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshitake Kurihara, Tatsuo Mori, Katsuhiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 8217626Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for dynamic power management of a mobile device. The mobile device has a plurality of loads and a battery charger electrically connected to a voltage rail. The method comprises monitoring the plurality of loads to determine when at least one of the loads will become active or inactive, determining a minimum required output voltage level to be provided by the voltage converter based on active loads and the at least one load that will become active or inactive and device operation; and adjusting an input voltage level via the voltage converter to provide the minimum required output voltage level on the voltage rail in advance of the at least one load becoming active or after the at least one load becomes inactive. The method further monitors the input voltage level, and determines whether the input voltage level is below a first predetermine threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Lyall Winger, Dusan Veselic, Martin Guthrie
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Patent number: 8217629Abstract: A charging regulator assembly for an energy storing device includes an active material actuator configured to move a contact from a connected position permitting current transfer between the contact and a power bus into a disconnected position preventing current transfer between the contact and the power bus. The active material actuator is engaged in response to a temperature of the active material actuator rising above a pre-determined value. Moving the contact into the disconnected position prevents further current transfer into or out of the energy storing device, thereby preventing further heating of the energy storing device and preventing potential damage to the energy storing device form overheating.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Scott W. Jorgensen, Nilesh D. Mankame
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Patent number: 8217628Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a switching module including a charge switching device and a discharge switching device, the charge switching device and discharge switching device being electrically connected to a high current path of the battery, a battery management unit (BMU) electrically connected to the switching module, the BMU being configured to adjust a limit value for a charging current supplied by the charge switching device and to set a magnitude of the charging current supplied by the charge switching device to be equal to or less than the adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jongwoon Yang, Susumu Segawa, Sesub Sim
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Patent number: 8212527Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of a vehicle battery to determine whether the battery may not have enough charge to start the vehicle. The method includes collecting data relating to the battery on the vehicle and collecting data relating to the battery at a remote back-office. Both the vehicle and the remote data center determine battery characteristics based on the collected data and the likelihood of a vehicle no-start condition, where the algorithm used at the remote back-office may be more sophisticated. The data collected at the remote back-office may include vehicle battery information transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle, and other information, such as temperature, battery reliability, miles that the vehicle has driven per day, ambient temperature, high content vehicle, etc. Both the vehicle and the remote back-office may determine the battery open circuit voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yilu Zhang, Mutasim A. Salman, Ryan M. Edwards, John J. Correia, Mark J. Rychlinski, Gary W Gantt, Jr., Halasya Siva Subramania, Kyle L Lobes
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Patent number: 8212531Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of charging a battery having internal resistance, the method including the step of feeding the battery with substantially constant charging current at a charging voltage that is regulated so as to compensate at least in part for the voltage drop generated by the internal resistance of the battery. The invention also provides a charger and a battery for implementing the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Sagem Defense SecuriteInventor: Michel Nollet
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Publication number: 20120161712Abstract: A protective circuit includes a smoothing circuit in which a pulse-like charging output permitting signal is input in a normal charging state and the pulse-like charging output permitting signal is not input in an abnormal charging state, and a charging output control element that is controlled so as to permit or stop a charging output with respect to an electric storage device, permits the charging output by an output signal in which the charging output permitting signal is smoothened by the smoothing circuit, and stops the charging output when an abnormal charging state is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Keisuke Saito