Capacitor Charging Or Discharging Patents (Class 320/166)
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Patent number: 12249861Abstract: A system and method are presented relating to a hybrid portable charging device having an internal battery and an internal supercapacitor. Input logic is implemented as part of the management system for the charging device. In one embodiment, input power is analyzed to determine whether the input power level is low, medium, or high, with input power being diverted to the battery or supercapacitor depending on the determined input power level. At high input power, the supercapacitor is charged first. At low input power, the battery is charged first. At medium power, the input power is split between the supercapacitor and the battery. In another embodiment, output can be directed using output logic so that power flows first from the supercapacitor so that the supercapacitor is fully discharged before battery power is output to the load on the charging device.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Harden, Farhad Nourbakhsh
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Patent number: 12231057Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a filter capacitor to be charged with electric power fed from a main power source, and a power converter to convert electric power fed via the filter capacitor and feed the converted electric power to a load. The power conversion apparatus further includes a power-source contactor to electrically connect the filter capacitor and the power converter to the main power source or electrically disconnect the filter capacitor and the power converter from the main power source, and a discharging circuit connected in parallel to the filter capacitor. The power conversion apparatus also includes a discharge control circuit to close a discharging contactor included in the discharging circuit after opening of the power-source contactor, and thereby cause the filter capacitor to be discharged.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kentaro Shioura, Takeshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 12227108Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for energy management. A system, such as a vehicle, includes power packs and a photovoltaic array with interconnected photovoltaic cells that supplies electric charge to the power packs for charging the power packs. A charge management database stores data tracking respective charge cycles of the power packs based on the charging and discharging of the power packs. An energy control system controls flow of power in the system to control the charging and the discharging of the power packs, optimizes the flow of power in the system based on the respective charge cycles as tracked in the data stored in the charge management database, and updates the charge management database based on the optimization(s). An output interface outputs a status of the power packs based on the flow of power, for instance to indicate effect(s) of the optimization(s) on the power packs.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: John Cronin
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Patent number: 12214877Abstract: An autonomous drone is provided. When a remote control circuit of a remote controller is triggered to output a remote control signal, a main controller of a drone records the remote control signal and a flight control panel of the drone controls the drone to fly according to the remote control signal. When the remote controller is triggered to output an automatic flight signal, a signal receiver of the drone receives and transmits the automatic flight signal to the main controller. At this time, the main controller instructs the flight control panel to control the drone to fly according to movement instruction messages of the remote control signal previously recorded.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: PSJ INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Ruey-Beei Wu, Yu-Er Chen
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Patent number: 12209942Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a microelectromechanical, MEMS, capacitor comprising two plates and a gap between the plates, a gas conveyor configured to cause gas to flow through the gap, and readout circuitry configured to measure a capacitance of the MEMS capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT OyInventors: Panu Koppinen, Teuvo Sillanpää, Markku Ylilammi
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Patent number: 12212131Abstract: The disclosure relates to a power supply device for a motor protector and a power supplying method thereof. The motor protector receives power. The power supply device comprises: a first power supplying unit, configured to receive and store the power and supply power to a tripping device of the motor protector; a second power supplying unit, configured to receive the power and supply power to a calculation and control device of the motor protector; a third power supplying unit, configured to receive and store the power and supply power to a reclosing device of the motor protector; and a control unit, configured to control an order in which the first power supplying unit, the second power supplying unit and the third power supplying unit receive the power.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Ying Shi, Haijun Zhao, Fabien Dechamps, Zhangji Zhou, Shuang Sun
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Patent number: 12202380Abstract: Systems and methods for energy storage and management may be useful for a variety of applications, including launch devices. A system can include a direct current (DC) bus configured to operate within a predetermined range of voltages. The system can also include an array comprising a plurality of ultra-capacitors connected to the DC bus and configured to supply the DC bus with energy. The system can further include an input configured to receive energy from a power grid, wherein the power grid is configured to supply fewer than 250 amps of power. The system can additionally include an output configured to supply more than 250 amps of power. The system can also include a controller configured to control charging and discharging of the array of ultracapacitors and configured to control the DC bus to remain within the predetermined range of voltages.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2023Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Velocity Magnetics, Inc.Inventor: Domenic P. Marzano
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Patent number: 12191757Abstract: A control circuit for a power converter is applicable to a system that includes a power supply, a power converter, an interruption switch, a smoothing capacitor, and a series-connection body made of a discharge resistor and a discharge switch. In the control circuit, a discharge command unit outputs a discharge command for the smoothing capacitor. A discharge drive command unit outputs a drive command for the discharge switch based on the discharge command outputted from the discharge command unit. A drive circuit is connected to a gate of the discharge switch and performs drive control of the discharge switch based on the drive command outputted from the discharge drive command unit. An operation detecting unit detects a signal related to driving of the drive switch. A discharge determining unit determines whether the discharge drive command unit is normal based on a detected signal of the operation detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kouichi Nishibata, Masanori Yamamura
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Patent number: 12184220Abstract: This system is directed to a mobile platform having a power array carried by the mobile platform, connected to a distribution hub adapted to provide power to a base power source; an input controller having input computer readable instructions adapted to deliver power to a set of storage units from the base power source, the set of storage power units carried by the mobile platform; an output controller connected to the set of storage units having output computer readable instructions adapted to receive charge requirements from a load connected to the output controller, retrieving from a device lookup table included in the output controller a load type having charge specifications and delivering power to the load according to the charge specifications; and, an external power source connected to the distribution bus for proving power to the base power source from the external power source.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Ravensafe, LLCInventors: Christopher J. Petrella, Dan Conti
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Patent number: 12155199Abstract: An electronic circuit breaker for a vehicle, comprising: an input configured to be connected to a DC power supply; an output configured to be connected to a load; said input connected to said output via a semiconductor switch with a linear region of operation, and a saturated region of operation, said semiconductor switch comprises a switch control input; a switch driver configured to control the semiconductor switch and comprising a switch control output; wherein said switch control output is connected to the switch control input via a pre-charge circuit comprising a turn-“ON” branch which is configured to cause the semiconductor switch to operate in the linear region of operation during turn-“ON”; and a turn-“OFF” branch which is configured to cause the switch to turn-“OFF”.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Georgios Papadopoulos, Carl Tengstedt, Jens Gustavsson, Christer Roos, Hans-Peter Nee
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Patent number: 12082506Abstract: A driving circuit and a driving method are provided. The driving circuit includes an energy-storage capacitor, a charging circuit and a discharging circuit. The energy-storage capacitor is coupled between a piezoelectric load and the charging circuit. Operation states of the charging circuit and the discharging circuit are controlled, so that the charging circuit charges the energy-storage capacitor during a first operation interval of an operation period, to adjust a power supply voltage signal provided to the piezoelectric load to change with a reference voltage in a first interval, and at least the piezoelectric load discharges electricity through the discharging circuit during a second operation interval of the operation period, to adjust the power supply voltage signal to change with the reference voltage in a second interval. The driving circuit according to the present disclosure requires a few switches, thereby facilitating circuit integration.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: SILERGY SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY HANGZHOU LTDInventors: Zhiwei Xu, Chiqing Fang, Chen Zhao
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Patent number: 12074229Abstract: Distributed maximum power point tracking systems, structures, and processes are provided for power generation structures, such as for but not limited to a solar panel arrays. In an exemplary solar panel string structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) modules are provided, such as integrated into or retrofitted for each solar panel. The DMPPT modules provide panel level control for startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown, and further provide flexible design and operation for strings of multiple panels. The strings are typically linked in parallel to a combiner box, and then toward and enhanced inverter module, which is typically connected to a power grid. Enhanced inverters are controllable either locally or remotely, wherein system status is readily determined, and operation of one or more sections of the system are readily controlled. The system provides increased operation time, and increased power production and efficiency, over a wide range of operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Argil E. Shaver, II, Ronald M. Newdoll
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Patent number: 12068708Abstract: An electric power tool includes: a motor; a driving circuit configured to drive the motor to output motive power; a control module configured to control the driving circuit; an energy storage element connected to the driving circuit; a current limiting element connected in series with the energy storage element and configured to charge the energy storage element with a first current; a switching element electrically connected in series with the energy storage element, connected in parallel with the current limiting element, and configured to charge or discharge the energy storage element with a second current. The electric power tool can avoid the occurrence of adverse situations such as generating electric sparks at the connection terminals of the electric power tool and of a battery pack when the battery pack is inserted into the electric power tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dezhong Yang, Chao Xian, QingXiao Mei, Yuwei Yang, Tianxiao Xu
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Patent number: 12057732Abstract: High voltage discharge is provided. A system can include an electric motor of an electric vehicle electrically connected to a capacitor. A switching component can be connected with and intermediary to the electric motor and the capacitor. A controller can cause the switching component to enter a first state to cause the electric motor to convert electrical power of the capacitor to mechanical power to propel the electric vehicle, or convert mechanical power from a drive system of the electric vehicle to electrical power to charge the capacitor. The controller can cause the switching component to enter, in response to detection by the controller of an indication to discharge the capacitor, a second state to isolate the electric motor from the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Boru Wang, Chia-Chou Yeh, Charles John Scanlon
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Patent number: 12027849Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple (DC) batteries each DC battery with positive and negative poles. Multiple power converters are coupled respectively to the DC batteries. Each power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is adapted for coupling to the positive pole. The second terminal is adapted for coupling to the negative pole. The power converter includes: (i) a control loop adapted for setting the voltage between or current through the first and second terminals, and (ii) a power conversion portion adapted to selectively either: convert power from said first and second terminals to said third and fourth terminals to discharge the battery connected thereto, or to convert power from the third and fourth terminals to the first and second terminals to charge the battery connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella, Yaron Binder
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Patent number: 11979095Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a power conversion device capable of specifying a failure location of an inverter in detail when an attempt of active discharge fails. There are provided an arithmetic operation circuit 102 that outputs a discharge instruction to control a discharge operation based on a voltage between both ends of a discharge circuit, and an output circuit 203 that outputs a drive signal based on the control signal. The arithmetic operation circuit 102 monitors an amount of the decreased voltage between both the ends of the discharge circuit, an LV read back signal being an output of the arithmetic operation circuit 102, and an HV read back signal being an output of the output circuit 203, and specifies a failure location.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.Inventors: Norio Murayama, Takeshi Yoshida, Takahiro Nishida, Itsuro Nomura
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Patent number: 11955974Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a dual gate metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) device formed in a semiconductor material, as well as circuits and techniques for using the dual gate MOSFET device. In some examples, the dual gate MOSFET device may comprise a first MOSFET formed in the semiconductor material, and a second MOSFET formed in the semiconductor material, wherein the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET are arranged in parallel in the semiconductor material, wherein the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET include a common drain node and a common source node, and wherein the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET define different transfer characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Dirk Ahlers, Manuel Wilke, Benjamin Schmidt, Jonas Groenvall
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Patent number: 11929205Abstract: The invention offers an ultracapacitor-based power system solution with four main functional blocks which are power conditioning block, monitoring block, charge-discharge block and protection block. The proposed system has the advantage of working well in the environment of vibration, high temperature, has a large capacity to provide a large amount and radiates less heat compared to systems using traditional batteries. In addition, the system has functions to protect and stabilize the output voltage, and the operating parameters of the system is monitored continuously.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: VIETTEL GROUPInventors: Truong Giang Duong, Canh Duong Nguyen, Duc Anh Nguyen, Xuan Chien Vuong, Phuong Nam Tran
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Patent number: 11929691Abstract: A triboelectric generator can include respective contact members including a first contact member and second contact member. The respective contact members can be movable with respect to each other such that the respective contact members separate from each other in a first configuration and contact each other in a second configuration. The first contact member can include a first conductive layer and a contact layer. The second contact member can be spaced apart from the first contact member in the first configuration and can include an insulating contact layer and a second conductive layer. The insulating contact layer can be configured to come into contact with the contact layer of the first contact member and the transition of the respective contact members from the first configuration to the second configuration can create triboelectric charges. In some examples, the first contact member can include a non-contact insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: The Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Gang Wang, Yu Lei, Moonhyung Jang, Jacob Lee
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Patent number: 11904177Abstract: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices may include a high voltage capacitor (HV Cap) configured to store energy required to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient; batteries configured to charge the HV Cap; a DC/DC converter circuit including a high voltage transformer, a FET switch with associated driver, and a rectifying diode; an H-bridge circuit configured to transform energy released from the HV Cap into a bi-phasic pulse; and a memory and microprocessor configured to operate the AED device. In particular, the HV Cap, the DC/DC converter circuit, the H-bridge circuit, the one or more batteries, and the memory and the microprocessor may contained in a pocket-sized housing, the AED device may be configured to continuously monitor and adjust the rate at which the batteries charge the HV Cap, and the AED device may include a variable frequency relaxation oscillator circuit configured to acquire a patients Z-body measurement.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: USA Medical Electronix, Inc.Inventors: Tommi Kuutti, Victor Tikhonov
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Patent number: 11876365Abstract: A switching module a method for connecting a load to a DC network are disclosed. The switching module includes a first module connection, a second module connection, a third module connection, a first electronic switch connected between the first module connection and the second module connection, and a second electronic switch connected between the second module connection and the third module connection. The two electronic switches are connected in anti-series between the first module connection and the third module connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Karsten Handt
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Patent number: 11870280Abstract: A method of determining a lifetime parameter of a capacitor in a failsafe device including measuring an amount of energy required to return the failsafe device to a failsafe position, measuring an effective capacitance of the capacitor, and comparing the amount of energy to the effective capacitance to determine the lifetime parameter of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLPInventors: Christopher J. Merkl, George John Dietz, Gary A. Romanowich, Kevin Anthony Weiss
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Patent number: 11840153Abstract: Examples described herein provide a method that includes determining whether a charging station for charging a battery of a vehicle is operating in a first high voltage mode or a second high voltage mode. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the charging station is operating in the first high voltage mode: enabling an electric motor and a traction power inverter of the vehicle to operate as a boost converter to boost an accessory bus voltage of the vehicle while charging in the first high voltage mode, and charging the battery of the vehicle by supplying electric power, at a first high voltage, from the charging station to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Rashmi Prasad
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Patent number: 11828777Abstract: The present disclosure provides an alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) voltage detection circuit, which includes a rising edge trigger circuit and a detection and output circuit connected to an output terminal of the rising edge trigger circuit. When an increase of the operating voltage at the rising edge of the operating voltage in one clock period is greater than the magnitude of a preset bias voltage, an output signal of the output terminal undergoes at least one target flip between a high level and a low level. When a detection result shows that the output signal of the rising edge trigger circuit undergoes preset m (a natural number) target flips in preset M consecutive clock periods, the detection and output circuit generates an AC determination signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Hypower Microelectronics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ning Zhu
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Patent number: 11824397Abstract: A device for controlling a pre-charge current generated when electrically connecting a first terminal and a second terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may comprise: a switch for controlling a magnitude of a current flowing between the first terminal and the second terminal; a first resistor for generating a base voltage of a first transistor in proportion to a magnitude of the pre-charge current flowing between the first terminal and the second terminal; the first transistor for limiting the magnitude of the pre-charge current when a voltage generated by the first resistor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold voltage; a photocoupler for receiving, in a state insulated from a first power source, an optical signal from the first power source and supplying power; a capacitor charged by the power supplied by the photocoupler; a second transistor for controlling the magnitude of the pre-charge current on the basis of a charging voltage of the capacitor; and a second resType: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Soodeok Moon, Peelsik Jeon, Kyunghoon Park
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Patent number: 11757352Abstract: A power conversion system for electrically driven mobility device includes a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device having a voltage output lower than a voltage of the first energy storage device, a relay having one terminal connected to the first energy storage device, a DC link capacitor connected to the other terminal of the relay, a first DC converter provided between the DC link capacitor and the second energy storage device and capable of bidirectional voltage conversion, and a controller configured to control the first DC converter to convert a level of the voltage of the second energy storage device and to apply the voltage having the converted level to the capacitor before switching of the relay from an off state to an on state to charge the DC link capacitor to a preset voltage or higher, and then to switch the relay to the on state.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATIONInventors: Tae Jong Ha, Dae Woo Lee, Byung Gu Kang
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Patent number: 11757344Abstract: The present disclosure provides a conversion circuit including a power supply module, positive and negative input terminals, positive and negative output terminals, a switch, an inductor, input and output capacitors, and a controller. The power supply module converts an AC power for providing three potentials on three power supply terminals respectively. The potential on the first power supply terminal is higher than the potential on the second power supply terminal, which is higher than the potential on the third power supply terminal. The positive and negative input terminals are electrically connected to the first and third power supply terminals respectively, and a voltage therebetween is an input voltage. The negative output terminal is electrically connected to the third power supply terminal. The controller is electrically connected to the positive input terminal, the second power supply terminal and the switch. A voltage across the controller is lower than the input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Chien-Jen Chen, Chao-Shun Yang, Cheng-Hsun Chang
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Patent number: 11750014Abstract: A battery control system and method selectively connect battery strings to one or more conductive buses by plural electrically controllable switches. The switches are controlled to one or more of (a) connect the strings with one or more of the load or the power source via the one or more conductive buses in a first sequence and/or (b) disconnect the strings from one or more of the load or the power source via the one or more conductive buses in a second sequence. The first sequence and the second sequence are based on one or more of states of charge between the strings, different charge capacities between the strings, different electric currents conducted through the strings, different polarities of the electric currents conducted through the strings, and/or a speed of a vehicle that is powered by the one or more loads.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Neil Burkell, Jacob Pressman, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Worden
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Patent number: 11716033Abstract: A vibration-driven energy harvesting element that outputs an alternating current power from an output line, due to vibration from outside includes: an intermediate electrode that is not connected to the output line; a plurality of electret electrodes, each electret electrode being arranged to face the intermediate electrode and having an electret on at least a part of a surface of the electret electrode on a side facing the intermediate electrode; a holding unit that holds the intermediate electrode and the plurality of electret electrodes such that the intermediate electrode and the plurality of electret electrodes can vibrate with respect to each other; and a charge injector that injects a charge having characteristics opposite to a charge of the electrets formed in the surfaces of the plurality of electret electrodes, to the intermediate electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Saginomiya Seisakusho, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Toshiyoshi, Hisayuki Ashizawa, Masahiro Morita
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Patent number: 11679269Abstract: Provided are a defibrillation catheter system, a defibrillation power supply device, and a method for controlling the device during observation of intracardiac potential and defibrillation. A defibrillation catheter system 1 includes a catheter 20; a first power supply part 6A and a second power supply part 6B connected to the catheter 20; and an electrocardiograph 40 measuring an intracardiac potential, wherein the catheter 20 is provided with a first electrode group 21 having at least a 1-1 electrode and a 1-2 electrode and a second electrode group 22 having at least a 2-1 electrode and a 2-2 electrode, the first and second electrode groups 21 and 22 are connected to the electrocardiograph 40, the 1-1 electrode and the 2-1 electrode are connected to the first power supply part 6A, and the 1-2 electrode and the 2-2 electrode are connected to the second power supply part 6B.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventor: Shinichiro Sakamoto
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Patent number: 11664738Abstract: A control chip applied in a switching power supply, where the switching power supply includes a rectifier circuit for receiving an AC input voltage and generating a rectified voltage, the control chip including: a high-voltage pin; a detection circuit coupled to the high-voltage pin to determine whether the high-voltage pin is coupled to the AC input voltage or the rectified voltage according to a sampling voltage representing a voltage received by the high-voltage pin; and a discharge circuit, where when the high-voltage pin is determined to be coupled to the AC input voltage, the control chip can enable the discharge circuit to discharge a safety capacitor coupled to an input port of the switching power supply after the switching power supply is powered off, and when the high-voltage pin is determined to be coupled to the rectified voltage, the control chip can disable the discharge circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTDInventors: Zhan Chen, Jian Deng, Qiukai Huang
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Patent number: 11624376Abstract: A hybrid actuation device including a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate, a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first plate and the second plate, a bladder positioned between the first plate and the second plate, the bladder housing a fluid, a first fixed electrode coupled to the second plate, and a flexible electrode coupled to the first plate and extending along the first fixed electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Rowe, Maduran Palaniswamy
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Patent number: 11609283Abstract: In one aspect, bridge circuitry includes a first magnetoresistance (MR) element; a second MR element connected in series with the first MR element at a first node; a third MR element; a fourth MR element connected in series with the third MR element at a second node; a first switch connected at one end to a supply voltage and connected at the other end to the third MR element; a second switch connected at one end to ground and connected at the other end to the fourth MR element; a third switch connected at one end to ground and connected at the other end to the third MR element and the first switch; and a fourth switch connected at one end to the supply voltage and the other end to the fourth MR element and the second switch. The first and second MR elements are in parallel with the third and fourth MR elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventor: Hernán D. Romero
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Patent number: 11588355Abstract: A wireless charging mouse device, a wireless charging mouse, a lower shell of the wireless charging mouse, and a method for producing the lower shell are provided. The wireless charging mouse includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and an electronic module located between the upper shell and the lower shell. The lower shell includes an upper board, a lower board, and a wireless charging assembly located between the upper board and the lower board. A side surface of the upper board is fixed to a side surface of the lower board by gluing or melting. The upper board has a connection hole. The wireless charging assembly includes a circuit board and a wireless charging coil. A connection structure of the circuit board is exposed from the upper board by passing through the connection hole, so as to be electrically coupled to the electronic module.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: DEXIN CORPORATIONInventors: Ho-Lung Lu, Chin-Lung Lin
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Patent number: 11554672Abstract: A discharging circuit includes a current limiting resistor, a first switch configured to connect a component to be discharged on an electrical network to a reference potential indirectly via the current limiting resistor, and a limiting circuit configured to be arranged on a control connection side of the first switch and is configured to limit heating that occurs at the first switch or at the current limiting resistor in a discharging mode, wherein the limiting circuit includes a thermistor thermally coupled to the first switch or to the current limiting resistor.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, WürzburgInventor: Christian Wind
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Patent number: 11489460Abstract: The vibration-driven energy harvester includes: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; a holder holding the first electrode and the second electrode so as to be movable relative to each other; a half-wave rectifier electrically connected to the first and the second electrodes that causes current flowing from the first electrode to the second electrode to flow to an output unit, and cuts off current flowing from the second electrode toward the first electrode; and a second rectifying element electrically connected to the first and the second electrodes that allows the current flowing from the second electrode to the first electrode and blocks the current flowing from the first electrode to the second electrode, wherein: the first electrode has a positively charged electret in a surface facing the second electrode, or the second electrode has a negatively charged electret in a surface facing the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Saginomiya Seisakusho, Inc.Inventors: Hiroshi Toshiyoshi, Hisayuki Ashizawa, Masahiro Morita
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Patent number: 11476680Abstract: A device and a method for charging control, and an electronic device are provided. The device includes an interface module configured to be connected to an external charging device; a battery unit including a plurality of battery cells connected in series; a controller connected to the interface module, and configured to identify a charging mode of the external charging device and send a control instruction correspondingly according to the charging mode; a charging circuit connected to the controller and the battery unit and configured to receive the control instruction, so as to charge the battery unit according to a charging signal output by the external charging device; and a voltage dividing circuit connected in series with the battery unit, and configured to divide an output voltage of the battery unit to obtain a power supply voltage suitable for powering the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventors: Shebiao Chen, Jialiang Zhang
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Patent number: 11427212Abstract: An autonomous driving control system is configured to perform autonomous driving of a vehicle. The autonomous driving control system includes: an electric power supply circuit including a plurality of electric power supplies, electric power supply lines respectively belonging to a plurality of systems and a relay device; a fault detector configured to detect a fault state of the relay device; an electric power supply controller configured to control the electric power supply circuit; and an autonomous driving control unit provided to control the autonomous driving of the vehicle. The autonomous driving control unit is configured to perform, upon detection by the fault detector of occurrence of a fault corresponding to a specific fault pattern in the relay device, a restricted autonomous driving control in which part of a control function of the autonomous driving is restricted compared to when no fault corresponding to the specific fault pattern is detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsuharu Higashitani, Noriaki Ikemoto, Tomomi Hase
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Patent number: 11418050Abstract: A method for controlling a discharge of a power storage device includes: a first step of discharging, in a first section of a discharging period, a part of an electric charge stored in a power storage through a first discharge path and a second discharge path of a discharge circuit; and a second step of discharging, in a second section of the discharging period, a remaining part of the electric charge through the second discharge path. The first discharge path includes a zener diode connected to one end of the power storage. The second discharge path includes a first transistor connected to the one end of the power storage. The first section is a period in which a voltage of the one end of the power storage is higher than a breakdown voltage of the zener diode. The second section is a period in which a voltage of the one end of the power storage is lower than the breakdown voltage of the zener diode.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Kudo, Yoshimitsu Odajima, Yohsuke Mitani
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Patent number: 11380407Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a memory system includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a capacitor, a constant current circuit, a measurement circuit, and a controller. The capacitor stores charges to be supplied to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The constant current circuit extracts the charge from the capacitor at a constant current. The measurement circuit measures a terminal voltage of the capacitor. The controller controls the nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The controller calculates a capacitance value of the capacitor based both on a resistance value of a leakage resistance of the capacitor and a change in the measured terminal voltage over time in each of a first period during which the capacitor naturally discharges and a second period during which the constant current circuit extracts the charge from the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroki Yamasaki
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Patent number: 11368041Abstract: If a wire is broken at a connecting portion 5a, the connection with a positive electrode wiring 4a is broken and a second discharge circuit 11 is lost. However, a first discharge resistor 6 is connected to a positive electrode wiring 4a, and a first discharge circuit 9 is maintained. If a wire is broken at a connecting portion 5b, the connection with a negative electrode wiring 4b is broken and the second discharge circuit 11 is lost. However, the switching element 7 is connected to the negative electrode wiring 4b via a board wiring 3 and a relay wiring 21, and the first discharge circuit 9 is maintained. If a wire is broken at a connecting portion 5c, the connection with the first discharge resistor 6 is broken and the first discharge circuit 9 is lost, but the second discharge circuit 11 is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventors: Yoshinobu Funazaki, Ryosuke Yokoyama, Shinichirou Hida
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Patent number: 11362537Abstract: A balancing system for balancing respective voltages of N consecutively connected capacitors during charging or discharging includes balancing units, each having a pair of associated switches and an electromagnetic coil. An inter-switch junction is connected to an inter-capacitor junction of a corresponding group of capacitors through the electromagnetic coil. A control and generation circuit generates PWM control signals and transmits a generated PWM control signal to each of the switches. The PWM control signals have fixed duty cycles that do not vary temporarily during charging or discharging of the N capacitors. The duty cycles of two PWM control signals transmitted to two associated switches are complementary for each balancing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventors: Emmanuel Boudoux, Victor Oliveira Tolentino, Jörg Wallerath
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Patent number: 11360535Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to methods and systems for protecting a pre-charge circuit. The present invention is further directed to related computer-implemented program product. The method comprises monitoring the current flowing through the current limiting device, calculating the energy loading of the current limiting device over time, and managing the system state to prevent damaging operation of the pre-charge circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Saft America, Inc.Inventors: Ali Zenati, Christopher Thorpe, Theodore Brown
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Patent number: 11332028Abstract: An alternating voltage charging device for a vehicle is equipped with a rectifier, a battery terminal, and at least one first DC link capacitor, which is provided between the rectifier and the battery terminal. The charging device includes a switch device, which connects at least one second DC link capacitor to the at least one first DC link capacitor. The switch device interconnects the DC link capacitors in parallel in a first switching state and in series in a second switching state. There is also described a method to be carried out by the charging device.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbHInventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Goetzenberger
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Patent number: 11318843Abstract: The present application relates to an electric car and an active discharging module, a driving apparatus, and an electric drive system thereof. said active discharging module comprises a discharging subcircuit, which is connected in parallel with the DC-link capacitor of the electric car, and a first switch, which is connected to an actuating apparatus of the electric car and the discharging subcircuit respectively. The discharging subcircuit comprises a discharging resistor and a power switching transistor which are connected in series, wherein the first switch may turn off the power switching transistor after the actuating apparatus is turned on, and turn on the power switching transistor after the actuating apparatus is turned off. Said driving apparatus comprises any one of the above active discharging modules. Said electric drive system comprises any one of the above driving apparatuses. Said electric car comprises any one of the above electric drive system.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: NIO CO., LTD.Inventors: Yinshan Wang, Wencheng Hong, Zhaohui Zhuang, Liwen Xu
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Patent number: 11296581Abstract: A power tool that is powered by a battery pack includes a function member, a motor, a motor driving circuitry, an energy storage component, an electromagnetic switch, and a power-off protection module. The electromagnetic switch includes a coil, a first switch electrically connected to the coil and configured to turn on and off an electrical connection between the coil and the battery pack, and a second switch electrically connected to the motor driving circuitry and configured to turn on and off an electrical connection between the battery pack and the motor driving circuitry. The power-off protection module is electrically connected to the coil and to the energy storage component and is configured to cut off an electrical connection between the coil and the energy storage in response to the power tool and the battery pack being electrically disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuwei Yang, Junya Duan
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Patent number: 11260763Abstract: A charging pile system includes at least two charging piles, charging plugs disposed on the charging piles, the charging plugs are configured to charge a load, and the charging plugs include power cables and communications cables. A charging plug socket is further disposed on at least one charging pile, and the charging plug socket is configured to insert the charging plug on another charging pile into the charging pile on which the charging pile socket is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Yangxun Hou, Yongjin Lin, Wenbo Zhang
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Patent number: 11251696Abstract: A circuit includes two thyristors coupled in anti-series. An AC capacitor has first and second electrodes respectively coupled to two different electrodes of the two thyristors. The first and second electrodes are coupled to receive an AC voltage. A control circuit detects discontinuance of application of the AC voltage to the AC capacitor and in response thereto simultaneously applies same gate currents to the two thyristors. A current path through the two thyristors (one passing current in forward mode and the other in reverse mode) discharges a residual voltage stored on the AC capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: STMicroelectronics LTDInventor: Laurent Gonthier
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Patent number: 11218085Abstract: The power conversion device includes an inverter circuit in which one or a plurality of current limitation circuits that limit an electric current flowing in each of legs are provided and a control unit that controls, when a target voltage or a target current of the inverter circuit is outside a predetermined range, the current limitation circuits such that the electric current flowing in each of the legs is not limited and alternately performs the ON/OFF control of the two switching elements of each of the legs with a dead time in between and controls, when the target voltage or the target current is within the predetermined range, the current limitation circuits such that the electric current flowing in each of the legs is limited and alternately performs the ON/OFF control the two switching elements of each of the legs of the inverter circuit without the dead time in between.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Takeshi Kiribuchi, Satoshi Miyagawa, Hitoshi Fukuhara
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Patent number: 11218002Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery system with internally powered real time clock, the battery system includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series and/or in parallel between a first terminal and a second terminal and a real time clock electrically connected to a first node of the plurality of battery cells, a voltage of a single battery cell of the plurality of battery cells applies to the first node, and the real time clock draws power via the first node in a first operation state and in a second operation state of the battery system.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Maximilian Hofer, Thomas Korherr