Battery Patents (Class 340/636.1)
  • Patent number: 8274394
    Abstract: A faulted circuit indicator (FCI) for providing an indication of a fault on a monitored conductor, determining whether the FCI is near the end of its useful life (or entered into an end-of-life mode) and altering an operation of the FCI if the useful life of the FCI has reached a select threshold. The operation alteration may include an alteration of the display and/or deactivation of certain features and/or functions of the FCI. Thus, the useful life of the FCI will be increased. Further, utility personnel will be more likely to notice that the FCI is in end-of-life mode. The FCI may also include a battery discharge module and a thyristor for discharging the battery for disposal upon decommissioning of the FCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence V. Feight
  • Publication number: 20120235823
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Adam TROCK, Jon SPURLIN, Michael ORTEGA, Seth KAZARIANS, Steve CHOW, Steven VARGAS, Belinda LEE, David LEWINSKI, Gabor OROSZLAN
  • Patent number: 8269642
    Abstract: An alarm system and an alarm device that are capable of enhancing a fail-safe function. A fire alarm device (A) operating as a master unit transmits a switching request signal to fire alarm devices operating as slave units at a predetermined timing. The switching request signal contains at least an own address and an address of a fire alarm device (B) that is to operate as the master unit next (S20). Upon reception of the switching request signal, among the fire alarm devices operating as the slave units, the fire alarm device (B) that is to operate as the master unit next judges whether or not switching is possible based on switching availability judgment information for judging whether or not switching to the master unit is possible (S30), and, when it is judged that switching is possible, starts operating as the master unit (S31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidesato Morita, Makoto Masuyama, Toshimitsu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8269455
    Abstract: A method, circuit, and topology are provided for utilization of this circuit in Li-Ion or any other battery that benefits from balancing between individual cells. The whole system is characterized as having high efficiency (and thus low heat losses) compared to previous art implementations. The actions of the circuit are continuous and bi-directional in respect to each cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sendyne Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Marten
  • Patent number: 8269641
    Abstract: A vehicle power management system (VPMS) controls a charging voltage of a battery in a vehicle, wherein a VPMS controller evaluates state-of-charge (SOC), battery temperature, and battery charging current to determine a charge mode. A rapid charge mode is used when the SOC is less than a first threshold, wherein the VPMS controller selects a target rapid charge voltage, compensates the target rapid charge voltage for the battery temperature, and transmits the compensated rapid charge voltage to the charging source. A normal charge mode is used when the SOC is greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold, wherein a target normal charge voltage is selected and compensated which is less than the target rapid charge voltage. A trickle charge mode is used when the SOC is greater than the second threshold, wherein a target trickle charge voltage is less than the target normal charge voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G. Bauman, Thomas M. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8264201
    Abstract: A battery management system and a driving method thereof are provided for detecting a short battery cell. The battery management system includes a main control unit (MCU) and a cell balancing unit. The MCU transmits a battery cell control signal for controlling charge and discharge of the battery cells. The cell balancing unit balances the battery cells according to the battery cell control signal. The MCU includes a cell balancing discharge amount measurement unit and a controller. The cell balancing discharge amount measurement unit measures a cell balancing discharge amount of each of the battery cells. The controller compares a difference value between a maximum value among the cell balancing discharge amounts of the battery cells and each of the cell balancing discharge amounts to determine a short battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: SB LiMotive Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongjun Tae, Andre Boehm
  • Patent number: 8264328
    Abstract: One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data. When the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal that indicates a low power condition of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Blackadar
  • Patent number: 8253579
    Abstract: A portable system includes a portable device and a power adapter to supply power to the portable device. The portable device includes a rechargeable battery and a measurement chip to measure charge remaining in the rechargeable battery. The power adapter includes a transmission line, a microprocessor, and a display unit. The microprocessor receives the readout of the amount of charge remaining in the rechargeable battery from the measurement chip via the transmission line, and generates a display signal according to the charge remaining. The display unit displays the charging progress of the rechargeable battery according to the display signal received from the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Yen Liu
  • Patent number: 8248257
    Abstract: A system and method of testing charging current of a mobile electronic device sets a charging voltage value and a battery voltage value, and sends a control command to a power supply device to generate the charging voltage and the battery voltage. The system and method further receives a charging current value from a current test device under the charging voltage and the battery voltage. Furthermore, the system and method determine if the charging current value falls in an allowable current range and displays test result on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yung-Chieh Yu
  • Patent number: 8248258
    Abstract: A resume device is provided. The device detects voltage variation in standby mode. When a big voltage variation is detected, a resume process is run and a sound is played. Volume of the sound is adjustable and power is maintained within a proper range. Thus, power consumption is saved, efficiency is improved and resume process is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tritan Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Hung Tseng
  • Publication number: 20120194346
    Abstract: A driving assistant method for an electric vehicle is provided with the following steps. When the electric vehicle is started up, a battery energy safe driving region is calculated and displayed. The battery energy safe driving region is updated dynamically according to vehicle information. The vehicle information includes battery information of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: I-Ta Tsai, Yu-Hui Lin, Cheng-Yu Wu, Yi-Chun Lin, Channing Chang
  • Patent number: 8232769
    Abstract: A passive battery discharge apparatus located within a cap. The cap extends over battery contacts to be discharged. The discharge apparatus includes a conductive material with specified volumetric resistivity properties that is formed into a pad. The cap is positioned over the contacts so that the pad touches and spans between the contacts to be discharged. A spring insures good contact between the pad and the battery contacts. A metal heat sink provides added thermal control. The discharge apparatus provides an economical solution to safely transport batteries that are beyond their useful service life by avoiding circuit components in favor of conductive elastomers or conductive foams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bren-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Paczkowski
  • Patent number: 8232774
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, battery charge management using a scheduling application is disclosed. A first parameter may be received from a scheduling application running on a mobile computing device having a battery pack. Based on at least the first parameter and battery pack data, a required charge percentage for the battery pack may be determined and the remaining capacity of the battery pack may be determined. If the remaining capacity of the battery pack is less than the required charge percentage, a charge termination voltage may be determined and the battery pack may be charged to the charge termination voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Matsumura, Nobuhiro Otani, Don J. Nguyen, Kiyohiro Hamaji
  • Patent number: 8232886
    Abstract: The invention provides a battery management system which can reliably and easily manage a power unit of an electric vehicle. The power unit includes a plurality of battery modules. The battery management system includes: a power source for a motor, the power source being constituted by a plurality of battery modules having battery cells; battery module status sensors mounted on the battery modules on the one to one basis, detecting voltages and temperatures of the battery modules; and a control unit judging statuses of the battery modules on the basis of data detected by the battery module status sensors. The battery module status sensors are mutually connected in series by a communication line for transmitting numbering data, and each battery module status sensor assigning itself with an ID code on the basis of ID information received from an upstream battery module status sensor, and transmitting the ID information as well as the ID code to a downstream battery module status sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kawai, Toshihide Tanaka, Takayuki Akaboshi, Yasunori Iizuka, Shinichiro Makihara, Kazunori Handa
  • Publication number: 20120176231
    Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Skaff, Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri
  • Publication number: 20120169608
    Abstract: A particular method includes determining a battery charge value of a battery at a particular time and comparing the battery charge value at the particular time to a threshold battery charge value of a battery usage profile associated with the particular time, where the threshold battery charge value varies over time (e.g., a dynamic threshold). When the battery charge value does not satisfy the threshold battery charge value, the method includes prompting a user to select a power save mode. For example, the power save mode may include activating a different backlight element of a plurality of backlight elements of a display device in response to a motion sensor of a portable electronic device detecting movement of the portable electronic device from a first orientation to a second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Babak Forutanpour, Homayoun Shahri, Farhan M. Aziz, Maria E. Romera Jolliff, Ronen R. Stern
  • Patent number: 8212683
    Abstract: A metric of a system is monitored using a monitoring tool that receives an operation metric and a planned downtime metric that reflects whether the monitored system is currently in a planned downtime, the planned downtime metric received as another one of the multiple metric inputs. The operation metric and the planned downtime metric are combined into a processed operation metric for the monitored system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Udo Klein, Herbert Stegmueller
  • Patent number: 8211559
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting liquid leaked from an energy storage structure, e.g., a battery is provided. One embodiment includes a sensor that detects the leaked electrolyte as it leaks through a breach in the wall retaining the electrolyte in the battery. The sensor has a sheet-like layer with a conductive surface and an electrical connection to a first interface. The sensor is positioned substantially flush to the battery wall, so that leaking electrolyte contacts the sensor. If the battery has a case, there is a first external communication point in electrical communication with the first interface. In the absence of leaked electrolyte there is substantially no electrical connection between the first external communication point and either of the terminals as indicated by a very high resistance. When leaked electrolyte is present there is an electrical connection between the first external communication point and either of the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Susan Marie Waggoner
  • Patent number: 8207740
    Abstract: A system and method for use with a vehicle battery pack having a number of individual battery cells, such as a lithium-ion battery commonly used in hybrid electric vehicles. In one embodiment, the method evaluates individual battery cells within a vehicle battery pack in order to obtain accurate estimates regarding their average transient voltage effect, open circuit voltage (OCVCell) and/or state of charge (SOCCell) so that a cell balancing process can be performed. These cell evaluations may be performed fairly soon after the vehicle is turned off and in a manner that utilizes a minimal amount of in-vehicle resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jian Lin, Xidong Tang, Brian J. Koch, Joseph M. Lograsso, Andrew J. Namou, Rezina S. Nabi, Damon R. Frisch
  • Publication number: 20120157755
    Abstract: Improved devices and methods for tracking power consumption and available charge in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system are provided. The method includes measuring the available charge in a battery and the current rate of power consumption in an implanted medical device, determining the remaining time before the charge level of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold level, and communicating the remaining time to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ABIOMED, INC.
    Inventor: Ralph L. D'Ambrosio
  • Patent number: 8204651
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a power supply control device for an electric power steering device used for a power supply system comprises a main battery 40 connected to the electric power steering device via a first power supply line and a sub-battery 50 connected to the electric power steering device via a second power supply line, wherein when detecting the state of the sub-battery, said power supply control device restricts or disconnects power supply from the main battery to the electric power steering device while it permits power supply from the sub-battery to the electric power steering device, characterized in that said power supply control device prevents the detection of the state of the second battery if a vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Tachibana, Koji Ito, Toshinori Esaka, Hidenori Matsuto
  • Patent number: 8203312
    Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one secondary battery, a fuse, and a control section. The fuse is configured to cut off charge or discharge current of the secondary battery upon detection of an abnormality of the secondary battery. The control section is configured to detect the abnormality of the secondary battery, and to perform a fusion-cutting process of fusion-cutting the fuse in accordance with the result of the detection. Upon detection of the abnormality, the control section measures a first potential being the potential of a subsequent stage of the fuse and a second potential being the potential of the secondary battery. If it is found from the result of the measurement that the first potential and the second potential are equal, the control section determines that the fuse has not been fusion-cut by the fusion-cutting process, and stops the fusion-cutting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8198866
    Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld electric appliance includes: an oscillating electric motor or linear motor controlled by control circuitry; a battery connected to the oscillating electric or linear motor; and charge detection circuitry configured to determine a charging state of the battery. The charge detection circuitry is coupled to the control circuitry such that, in response to the charge detection circuitry determining that the charging state of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold, the control circuitry activates the oscillating electric motor or linear motor to cause noise generated by the motor to perceptibly change to indicate a threshold charging state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Ingo Vetter
  • Publication number: 20120139738
    Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K. Andre, Duncan R. Kerr, Christopher Stringer, Daniel J. Costar, Chris Ligtenberg, John Brock, Tom Wilson, Dinesh Mathew, Brett W. Begner, Tomas E. Ponce
  • Patent number: 8193943
    Abstract: Handheld charge indicator assemblies, children's ride-on vehicle kits including the same, and methods of determining the state of charge of a battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle. Handheld charge indicator assemblies are sized to be held in the hand of a user and are configured to be selectively interconnected to a battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle and output an output signal representative of a voltage of the battery assembly. Handheld charge indicator assemblies include a body, an electronic circuit housed within the body, an indicator configured to output an output signal representative of an input voltage to the electronic circuit, and a battery connector configured to engage the battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle. In some embodiments, the handheld charge indicator assembly further includes an actuator configured to actuate the electronic circuit to detect the input voltage responsive to a user engaging the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Bergum, Timothy J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8193771
    Abstract: A battery tester determines a remaining level of charge of a battery mounted within a separate electronic device having an audio jack. The battery tester includes a plug and a circuit having a high impedance input amplifier. At least one electrical contact of the plug is electrically coupled to an input of the high impedance input amplifier. The plug is removably insertable within the audio jack such that the battery of the separate electronic device is electrically connected to the input of the high impedance input amplifier. When electrically coupled to the battery, an output of the high impedance input amplifier provides a signal proportional to the remaining level of charge of the battery, whereby the remaining level of charge of the battery is obtainable by the battery tester without having to remove the battery from the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: NuWave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Damian Coccio
  • Publication number: 20120133521
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a battery pack that includes a fault-monitoring mechanism for detecting faults in the battery pack and indicating the faults to a user. The battery pack also includes a battery cell and enclosure material that encloses the battery cell. The fault may correspond to penetration of the battery pack, a puncture in the enclosure material, a short circuit within the battery cell, and/or a change in pressure within the battery pack. To detect the fault, the fault-monitoring mechanism may utilize a conductive mechanism, a color-changing mechanism, and/or a sensor mechanism in the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Scott A. Myers, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • Publication number: 20120133522
    Abstract: A method and gap analyzer device configured to determine a gap in a turbo-machine is provided. The gap analyzer device includes a housing configured to receive a rechargeable battery; a voltage multiplier unit configured to increase a voltage of the rechargeable battery to a predetermined value; a voltage stabilization unit configured to stabilize the voltage having the predetermined value; an output port configured to output the voltage having the predetermined value to a probe; an input port configured to receive from the probe a signal indicative of the gap of the turbo-machine; a processor unit configured to determine a voltage associated with the signal; a display configured to display the determined voltage; a common port connected to the voltage stabilization unit, the voltage multiplier unit and the display; and a switch electrically connected between the processor unit and the battery for switching on and off the gap analyzer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Stefano Giaccherini, Andrea Cassisi
  • Patent number: 8188854
    Abstract: The method of data transmission embedded in electric power transmission disposes a transmitting coil 11 and a receiving coil 31 in close proximity, transmits electric power in a non-contact fashion from the transmitting coil 11 to the receiving coil 31 by magnetic induction, and transmits data from the receiving coil 31 side to the transmitting coil 11 side. The method of data transmission changes the load on the receiving coil 31 and detects transmitting coil 11 current change corresponding to that load variation to send data from the receiving coil 31 side to the transmitting coil 11 side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120126991
    Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one battery cell that expands and contracts in relation to the chemical conditions of the battery cell. A substrate is configured to contact the at least one battery cell. A sensor is attached to the substrate and the sensor produces a signal indicative of the displacement of the substrate. A controller is communicatively connected to the sensor such that the controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller processes the signal to produce an indication of a status of the battery cell. A method of monitoring battery safety includes movably securing a substrate across at least one cell of a battery. A displacement of the substrate is measured. The measured displacement is processed with a controller to identify a safety status of the at least one cell. An output device is operated with a controller to provide an indication of the safety status of the at least one cell of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David E. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 8183836
    Abstract: In a battery pack which comprises: a battery set composed of two or more lithium battery cells connected in series; a first protection circuit including a first voltage detect part for detecting the voltage(s) of a part of the two or more battery cells, and a first signal output part for issuing an output signal when a detect voltage detected by the first voltage detect part goes below a given over-discharge judgment voltage value; a second protection circuit including a second voltage detect part for detecting the voltage(s) of another part of the two or more battery cells, and a second signal out part for issuing an output signal when the detect voltage of the battery cell detected by the second voltage detect part goes below a given over-discharge judgment voltage value; and, a switch which is connected to the current path of the battery set and can be turned on or off according to the output signals of the first and second signal output parts and, there is further provided dead time means connected betwee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Funabashi, Nobuhiro Takano
  • Patent number: 8184010
    Abstract: There is herein described a charging unit adapted for insertion into a mobile device to enable a charging of a rechargeable battery in the mobile device, the unit comprising: at least two electrical charging contacts for receiving a potential difference from a power source; a blocking device for blocking energy leaking through the at least two electrical charging contacts and out of the rechargeable battery to ensure a neutrality of the at least two charging contacts when the charging is inactive; and a logic circuitry for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery of the mobile device by activating the charging based on the potential difference received at the at least two electrical charging contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-François Montplaisir, Jonathan Gagne, Alain Moisan
  • Patent number: 8179245
    Abstract: A plug-in vehicle includes a vehicle body having an outer panel, a propulsion unit such as an electric motor, a rechargeable battery, a recharging port supported on the outer panel to receive power from an external electric power source, and a display subassembly connected to the battery. The display subassembly has a plurality of lights positioned around the recharging port to illuminate the recharging port and to illuminate in a manner corresponding to a condition of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bala S. Chander, Bruce Carvell Blakemore, Jenny Brzozowski, Dale Gilman, Duane M. Grider
  • Publication number: 20120112687
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a base and at least one indicator in communication with the base. The base comprises a housing and at least one slot. The at least one slot is shaped to receive a reusable component from a surgical instrument. The at least one indicator is in communication with the at least one slot. The base is configured to detect at least one characteristic related to the reusable component when the reusable component is placed into the at least one slot. Wherein the at least one indicator is configured to provide a signal to the user regarding the at least one characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Gavin M. Monson, Foster B. Stulen, Daniel W. Price, Ashvani K. Madan, John W. Willis, Donna L. Korvick, Aron O. Zingman, David C. Yates, Timothy G. Dietz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Bret W. Smith, Hitesh Jain
  • Publication number: 20120112921
    Abstract: A handheld computer includes a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and at least one light-emitting device that emits visible light as a visual indicator of an occurrence of a designated event. The processor is programmed to selectively activate the visual indicator in response to an occurrence of a designated event to provide the visual indicator to a user of the handheld computer. The processor is programmed to monitor for occurrence of two or more different types of designated events. The processor varies the visual indicator based on the type of the event for which occurrence is being signaled by that visual indicator, such that a different visual indicator is associated with each type of event for which the processor is programmed to monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
  • Patent number: 8164468
    Abstract: A system and method is described for rapid charging and power management of a battery for a meter. A charger component is operably associated with the meter and is capable of executing a rapid charge algorithm for a rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes monitoring for a connection to an external power source and implementing a charging routine of a battery at a first charge rate and then at a second charge rate. The second charge rate is lower than the first charge rate. A temperature rise in the rechargeable battery due to the first charge rate has a negligible heat transfer effect on the fluid sample. The meter can also include a power switch for controlling current flow to a battery fuel gauge. The power switch is open when the meter enters into a sleep mode. The state of battery charge is determined after the meter exits the sleep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Igor Gofman, Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 8164341
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that a primary analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process a representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A secondary ADC is connected directly to the cell being measured. The measurements of the primary and secondary ADCs are then compared to verify the accuracy of the flying capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: EnerDel. Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Jaeger, Chad Hartzog
  • Patent number: 8164433
    Abstract: Cell voltages within a battery pack and a voltage delivered to a load or drive system, along with a current delivered to the system, are monitored and used to detect a possible abnormal condition of a wiring harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: AC Propulsion, Inc.
    Inventor: David William Sivertsen
  • Patent number: 8164467
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus provide for enhanced power savings of a remote controller. Power savings are achieved by automatically entering a power saving mode of the remote controller, based upon user usage of the remote controller. A usage condition associated with use of the remote controller is detected; the usage condition has associated with it a predetermined period of time. Upon detection of the occurrence of the usage condition, the remote controller automatically enters a power saving mode from its normal operational mode after the predetermined period of time of the usage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc
    Inventors: Yoshi Hirabayashi, Peter Shintani
  • Patent number: 8159361
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes primary and secondary power sources and a voltage converter. The primary power source provides power to a notification appliance circuit of a notification system. The secondary power source includes at least one battery. The voltage converter is coupled between the battery and the notification appliance circuit of the notification system, and is configured to generate a regulated DC voltage from an output voltage generated by the second power source. In general, the secondary power source is employed when the primary power source is not available or otherwise is not functioning. However, the secondary power source may also be employed in other circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen D. Lontka
  • Patent number: 8154153
    Abstract: A power supply system is introduced herein. The power supply system includes a power converter to supply a power source to an electronic circuit through an output cable of the power supply. A communication unit is coupled to the output cable of the power supply to develop a communication channel between the power converter and the electronic circuit in order to report the status of the power converter to the electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Systems General Corp.
    Inventors: Ta-yung Yang, Jenn-Yu G. Lin
  • Patent number: 8154253
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting battery cell abnormalities in a multi-cell series battery for effectively and quickly detecting abnormalities with a simple, small circuit that provides improved reliability, safety and service life of the multi-cell series battery. In the voltage monitoring device 12, immediately after the start of the monitoring cycle of any battery cell BTi, cell voltage abnormality detector 14 checks whether cell voltage Vi is outside of the normal operating range. The cell voltage abnormality detector 14 has: a group of selection switches 18 for selecting any battery cell BT of multi-cell series battery 10 and retrieving its voltage to first and second monitoring terminals A, B; cell voltage/monitoring current converter 20; monitoring current/monitoring voltage converter 22; comparison/evaluation circuit 24; evaluation signal output circuit 26 and abnormality detection controller 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Kazuya Omagari
  • Patent number: 8154248
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a power tool can have a data terminal that provides a signal that is indicative of whether the voltage is below a threshold and can serve as both a pre-charge signal for a charger and as a stop-discharge signal for a power tool. A charger can include a power supply circuit and a voltage detection circuit. A charger control module can receive a signal indicative of the voltage of the battery pack and determine a pre-charge time based on the voltage and can monitor a change in the voltage of the battery pack during the pre-charge operation and stop the pre-charge operation based on the change in voltage and the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Cruise, Tarek Aydin, Keith D. Flaharty, Fugen Qin, Steven J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8154298
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an electrical variable of a rechargeable battery and a method for producing said apparatus, has: a measuring element (1), a printed circuit board (4) and a contact element (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7), wherein the first end (6) of the contact element (5) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (4), and the second end (7) of the contact element (5) is electrically connected to the measuring element (1) by a welded joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Schimmel
  • Publication number: 20120081230
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting a person to check a medical device while conserving battery power. The medical device initiates a status alert if a readiness condition of the medical device is no longer being met. The status alert includes notification periods during which an audible sound is emitted alternating with off periods during which substantially no audible sound is emitted. The audible sounds may include certain tones or at least one spoken word. At least one of the duration of successive notification periods or the duration of successive off periods may be varied. In this manner, the medical device may provide audible sound at different times during the day in an attempt to get the attention of a person. In addition, the medical device may sense an activity to determine when to provide the audible sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, Benjamin A. Flugstad, Glenn Morita
  • Patent number: 8148943
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for discharging an energy storage system for electrical energy, particularly in a vehicle having a hybrid drive line, by means of a first discharge resistor, wherein a coolant such as carbon dioxide gas is provided to the first discharge resistor during discharge of the energy storage system for leading off heat as well as a hybrid vehicle comprising such an arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel Forslöw
  • Publication number: 20120075105
    Abstract: An indication device includes a substrate, a printed image, and a backlight source. The substrate is transparent or semi-transparent. The printed image is printed on a surface of the substrate and includes a first sub-image with a first color and a second sub-image with a second color. The backlight source setting on an opposite second surface of the substrate and capable of emit different color light. When the backlight source emits light with color different from both of the first color and the second color, the whole printed image is visible and indicates a first status of the task being executed. When the backlight source emits light with the same color as the second color, only the first sub-image is visible, the printed image indicates a second status of the task being executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: DA-YI PENG
  • Patent number: 8144024
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing leakage current of a battery includes a voltage distribution node installed on a first conductive line connecting both terminals of a battery; first and second switches installed between the voltage distribution node and positive/negative terminals of the battery; an insulation resistance and a current sensing resistance installed on a second conductive line connecting the voltage distribution node to a ground; a DC voltage applying unit for applying positive/negative DC voltage to a ground-side end of the current sensing resistance to induce potential difference between the voltage distribution node and the DC voltage applying node; and a leakage current determining unit for sensing magnitude of electric current flowing through the current sensing resistance according to the induced potential difference in turning-on state of the switches, and then determining leakage current by checking whether the magnitude of electric current is out of standard level over threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Volodymyr Akimov, Ju-Hyun Kang
  • Patent number: 8134338
    Abstract: A battery management system is provided for managing a battery that supplies power to a vehicle. The battery includes a plurality of cells. The battery management system includes a sensing unit for measuring a voltage of each of the plurality of cells. The battery management system detects at least one first cell among the plurality of cells that needs to be balanced according to the measured voltage of each of the plurality of cells. In addition, the battery management system performs a cell balancing operation on said at least one first cell by using different methods according to a driving state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Suk Choi
  • Publication number: 20120053736
    Abstract: A control system to selectively control the operation of the compressor of an air conditioning system including at least one remote evaporator operatively coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant therethrough, an air handler control system including a fault sensor to monitor the operation of the remote evaporator and to selectively generate a fault signal, and logic or circuitry to receive the fault signal from the fault sensor and to generate a fault control signal fed to the compressor to turn-off the compressor when a predetermined operating condition exists at the remote evaporator and a condensate drain pan to collect condensate from the remote evaporator, the control system comprising a condensate sensor disposed to sense condensate in the condensate drain pan at a predetermined level and to generate a condensate level signal fed to a control device coupled between the condensate sensor and the fault sensor of the air handler control system including logic or circuitry to generate a condensate l
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Cantolino, Mark Oudshoorn, Robert Dean Sells