Having Diverse Cells Or Diverse Removable Cells In A Support Means Patents (Class 429/9)
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Patent number: 10741830Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrode including active material particles is provided. The active material particles contain monoclinic niobium-titanium composite oxide particles and an amorphous carbon body. The amorphous carbon body covers at least a part of surfaces of the monoclinic niobium-titanium composite oxide particles. A ratio S2/S1 of a carbon atom concentration S2 to a niobium atom concentration S1 at a surface of the electrode, according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, is from 5 to 100.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Kazuki Ise, Yasuhiro Harada, Norio Takami
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Patent number: 10734826Abstract: A power supply including a bi-directional DC converter and a control method thereof are disclosed herein. The power supply includes first to third terminals, first and second semiconductor switches and a mode switching circuit. The first terminal is electrically coupled to an external power source. The second terminal is electrically coupled to a load. The third terminal is electrically coupled to a battery. The first and second semiconductor switches are electrically coupled in series between the first and second terminals. The mode switching circuit is electrically coupled to the first semiconductor switch, the second semiconductor switch and a bi-directional DC converter, respectively. The bi-directional DC converter is further electrically coupled to an intermediate node between the first semiconductor switch and the second semiconductor switch, and to the third terminal.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTDInventors: Chen Zhao, Lingdong Zhang
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Patent number: 10727776Abstract: A control unit calculates necessary power necessary to drive a motor in accordance with a torque designation value and a rotational speed of a motor, sets a voltage value to a predetermined voltage value, changes a current value in accordance with the necessary power, and drive the motor in a case in which the calculated necessary power is less than a predetermined threshold value, and sets the current value to a predetermined current value, changes the voltage value in accordance with the necessary power, and drives the motor in a case in which the calculated necessary power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: NIDEC TOSOK CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihisa Okuhata, Tadayuki Hatsuda
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Patent number: 10703193Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric load, a first battery electrically connected to the electric load, a second battery electrically connected to the electric load in parallel with the first battery, the second battery being closer to a center of the vehicle than the first battery in a top view of the vehicle, a switch configured to electrically disconnect solely the first battery of the first battery and the second battery from the electric load, and a controller configured to open the switch based on detection of a collision of the vehicle or detection of an abnormality of the first battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masao Omura
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Patent number: 10700388Abstract: A battery system includes a unit battery module, a current and coulomb measurement circuit and a master control circuit. The unit battery module stores electricity and calculates battery information of the battery set according to a system current value, a system coulomb value, a cell voltage and a cell temperature of the battery set. The current and coulomb measurement circuit is coupled to the unit battery module, generates the system current value according to the current flowing though the battery set, generates the system coulomb value by integrating the system current value, and provides the system current value and the system coulomb value to the unit battery module. The master control circuit is coupled to the unit battery module, receives the battery information from the unit battery module, generates a system battery information according to the battery information and provides the system battery information to an external device.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chein-Chung Sun, Chi-Hua Chen, Chun-Hung Chou
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Patent number: 10649512Abstract: Various examples of the present disclosure provide a high efficient battery system, and systems and methods for intelligently discharging and charging the battery system such that an output voltage of the battery system is maintained within a predetermined voltage range. In some examples, a base board controller (BMC) is used to manage charging and discharging of the battery system. The BMC can provide both over-charging protection and over-discharging protection for the battery system.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Kuang-Hua Ou Yang, Wen-Kai Lee, Chin-Hsiang Chan, Shu-Chen Ning
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Patent number: 10622650Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fuel cell system configured to modulate the flow of oxidant through the fuel cell system to maintain a desired temperature at the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell system is configured to control the flow of oxidant to maintain the desired temperature in the fuel cell stack based on temperature measurements of fluid outside of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: LG FUEL CELL SYSTEMS INC.Inventors: Michele Bozzolo, Francesco Caratozzolo, David Silveira Erel, Alberto Traverso
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Patent number: 10535848Abstract: A battery spacer includes: a storage case having a bottomed cylindrical shape in which a battery is stored; a lid part which closes an opening of the storage case; and a positive electrode relay terminal which is provided to the lid part, a part of which protrudes from a top surface of the lid part, and which abuts on a positive electrode terminal of the battery in the storage case. The lid part has a protruding section formed which protrudes further to the battery side than a terminal contact surface at which the positive electrode terminal of the battery abuts on the positive electrode relay terminal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: FDK CORPORATIONInventor: Mika Takayanagi
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Patent number: 10536011Abstract: An auxiliary power system for electrical substations is provided. The auxiliary power system enables both AC and DC equipment to be powered during prolonged power outages, and utilizes a substation fuel cell to provide a backup power source for designated black start cranking path substations.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric CompanyInventors: Yakov Shlemenzon, Cory Mitsui
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Patent number: 10536005Abstract: A power supply control apparatus controls supply of power to an accessory device connected to a first battery. The power supply control apparatus includes a power supply controller that switches a power supply state from a first state to a second state. In the first state, power is supplied to the accessory device via a power converter from a second battery that has a charge/discharge efficiency higher than the first battery. In the second state, the power is supplied from the second battery to the accessory device not via the power converter with the first battery disconnected from the accessory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITEDInventor: Jianhuang Yang
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Patent number: 10511044Abstract: A novel high cycle life, low cost hybrid redox flow battery that has application in the storage of energy generated by solar cells, windmills and other means is described. By combining a solid battery positive electrode with a redox flow negative electrode, the volumetric energy density of the system is maximized and footprint minimized for medium scaled installations of multi kilowatt-hour size as may be envisioned in domestic distributed power systems. The positive electrode is a high cycle life rechargeable nickel hydroxide electrode in alkaline solution. The negative active material is a low cost organic chemical such as a substituted anthroquinone dissolved in an alkaline electrolyte and stored external to the negative plate of the electrochemical device. The material of the negative plate is high surface area and capable of facilitating the oxidation and reduction reactions of the negative active material.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Inventor: Jeffrey Phillips
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Patent number: 10497999Abstract: A metal air battery includes a multi module air supply unit having air suction units or air purification units in a parallel arrangement. The metal air battery further includes a battery module including a metal air cell and the air supply unit which supplies the air to the battery module. The air supply unit includes an air suction unit which suctions air and an air purification unit that adsorbs impurities such as moisture and nitrogen from the suctioned air. The air suction unit or the air purification unit may be provided in plural to be in a parallel arrangement to define the multi module air supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jeongsik Ko, Hyukjae Kwon, Dongmin Im
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Patent number: 10490830Abstract: A method for enriching the oxygen fed to a fuel cell cathode intake comprises receiving at the cathode intake an oxidant from the air, storing oxygen in an adsorber coupled to the cathode intake, and adding the stored oxygen from the adsorber to the oxidant at the cathode intake during high current density operation. A fuel cell system comprises a membrane, an anode on one side of the membrane, and a cathode, coupled to a blocking member, on a second side of the membrane. The cathode comprising an intake configured to allow an oxidant to flow through the cathode, and an outlet configured to discharge unreacted oxygen from the cathode, an adsorber, coupled to the blocking member, configured to store oxygen for adding to the oxidant flowing through the cathode intake during high current density operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Amod Kumar
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Patent number: 10443139Abstract: A solid or liquid fuel to plasma to electricity power source that provides at leas; one of electrical and thermal power comprising (i) at least one reaction cell for the catalysis of atomic hydrogen to form hydrinos, (ii) a chemical feel mixture comprising at least two components chosen from: a source of H2O catalyst or H2O catalyst; a source of atomic hydrogen or atomic hydrogen; reactants to form the source of H2O catalyst or H2O catalyst and a source of atomic hydrogen or atomic hydrogen; one or more reactants to initiate the catalysis of atomic hydrogen; and a material to cause the feel to be highly conductive, (iii) a fuel injection system such as a railgun shot injector, (iv) at least one set of electrodes that confine the fuel and an electrical power source that provides repetitive short bursts of low-voltage, high-current electrical energy to initiate rapid kinetics of the hydrino reaction and an energy gain due to forming hydrinos to torn! a brilliant-light emitting plasma, (v) a product recovery sysType: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: BRILLIANT LIGHT POWER, INC.Inventor: Randell L. Mills
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Patent number: 10439220Abstract: The present application relates to a negative electrode material for a secondary battery. The negative electrode material includes an expanded graphite and an organic phase change material intercalated into the expanded graphite. The present application further relates to a method for preparing the negative electrode material and a secondary battery using the negative electrode material. Since the organic phase change material is intercalated into the expanded graphite, when an internal temperature of the secondary battery increases, the organic phase change material absorbs heat by phase change, which can improve the heat storage and energy storage capacity and the safety performance of the secondary battery. In addition, since the organic phase change material has certain viscosity and flexibility, the adhesion performance of the negative electrode material on the current collector can also be improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITEDInventors: Yunjian Ma, Wei Li, Haizu Jin, Yikuang Jin
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Patent number: 10432135Abstract: The invention relates to a solar roof plate system for laying on an inclined surface, preferably on a roof comprising a roof ridge and an eave, with at least two roof plates comprising an upper side and a lower side, and with a solar module, which extends over the upper side of the roof plates and can be fastened thereto. A profile rail is provided interconnecting the roof plates, which comprises at least one module receptacle for receiving an edge of the solar module, preferably an edge of the solar module facing the eaves or the roof ridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Sigma Energy Systems GmbHInventors: Eberhard Werner, Agathe Schmidt, Josef Schmidt
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Patent number: 10371584Abstract: A temperature control system of a mobile device is provided. The system includes a memory for storing a set temperature value and a release temperature value, a temperature sensor for sensing an internal temperature of the mobile device; at least one module that emits heat, and a controller. The controller compares the output of the temperature sensor with the set temperature value in a normal mode in order to determine whether the mobile device is overheated, and controls, if the mobile device is overheated, the at least one module to operate in a heat generation suppressing mode, compares the output of the temperature sensor with the release temperature value in the heat generation suppressing mode in order to determine whether to release the heat generation suppressing mode, and executes the normal mode if the heat generation suppressing mode is released according to the comparison result.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minsu Kim, Kuntak Kim, Kiyeon Park, Chuleun Yun, Jubeam Lee, Seyoung Jang, Hyojae Cho, Bongsu Chun, Younghee Ha
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Patent number: 10351014Abstract: An operation control device for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a stack current determination unit monitoring a stack current of the fuel cell stack and determining whether an operation state of a fuel cell stack is in an upper-limit voltage limiting section; a battery state determination unit monitoring a state of charge (SOC) of a high voltage battery and determining whether the SOC of the high voltage battery is in a set reference SOC range; and an air flow rate control unit determining a compensation for an air flow rate of an air supply system according to the SOC of the high voltage battery, and outputting a control signal to an air compressor and an air pressure control valve according to the compensated air flow rate, when the operation state of the fuel cell stack is in the upper-limit voltage limiting section.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Dae Jong Kim, Gun Hyung Park, Seung Yoon Lee
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Patent number: 10347948Abstract: A device supplying an electrical voltage from a battery system includes a series connection composed of a first battery submodule supplying a first battery submodule voltage and at least one second battery submodule supplying a second battery submodule voltage, a first voltage conversion module receiving the first battery submodule voltage and converting the first battery submodule voltage into an AC output voltage to be supplied to an electrical component connected to the first voltage conversion module, and a coupling device electrically connecting the first voltage conversion module to the first battery submodule and to the at least one second battery submodule such that the first voltage conversion module receives a sum voltage composed of the first battery submodule voltage and the second battery submodule voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Marcel Lutze, Dragan Mikulec, Timur Werner
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Patent number: 10305125Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate ratio includes a fuel cell comprising an anode for generating a tail gas and having an inlet and an outlet; a fuel reformer for mixing a fuel with the tail gas from the outlet of the anode to generate a reformed stream which is split into first and second branch streams at a splitting position, the first branch stream returned to the inlet of the anode; a cooler for removing heat from the second branch stream; a bottoming cycle including an external or internal combustion engine driven in response to the cooled second branch stream; a measuring device for measuring differential pressures of two of the main stream, the first branch stream and the second branch stream; and a controlling device for controlling a flow rate ratio of the first branch stream to the main stream in response to the measured differential pressures.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Honggang Wang, Shiguang Li, Andrew Philip Shapiro
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Patent number: 10291054Abstract: On a start of a fuel cell system, (i) when the temperature of a high-voltage secondary battery obtained from a temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined reference value, a controller of the fuel cell system is configured to set an output voltage on a step-down side of a DC-DC converter to a higher voltage than a voltage of a low-voltage secondary battery and subsequently start an FC auxiliary machine using electric power from the high-voltage secondary battery. (ii) When the temperature of the high-voltage secondary battery obtained from the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the predetermined reference value, on the other hand, the controller of the fuel cell system is configured to set the output voltage on the step-down side of the DC-DC converter to a lower voltage than the voltage of the low-voltage secondary battery and subsequently start the FC auxiliary machine using the electric power from the high-voltage secondary battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Watanabe, Akihiro Kamiya, Kenji Umayahara
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Patent number: 10276896Abstract: Provided is a highly reliable nickel-zinc battery, which includes a separator exhibiting hydroxide ion conductivity and water impermeability. The separator is disposed in a hermetic container to separate a positive-electrode chamber from a negative-electrode chamber. The positive-electrode chamber has an extra positive-electrode space having a volume that meets part of a variation in amount of water in association with the positive electrode reaction, and the negative-electrode chamber has an extra negative-electrode space having a volume that meets part of a variation in amount of water in association with the negative electrode reaction.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hayashi, Naohito Yamada, Kenshin Kitoh
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Patent number: 10266277Abstract: The invention relates to a system (2) for generating non-propulsive energy in an aircraft, including: an auxiliary power unit (20) including a gas turbine (21) and a fuel cell (22); a pathway (23) for the intake of outside air into the aircraft; an exhaust pipe (24) of the gas turbine, the system being characterized in that the air intake pathway (23) includes a pipe (230) for cooling the fuel pipe, in that the pipe is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe (24) of the gas turbine such that the ejection of the gas from the gas turbine into the exhaust pipe causes a suction of the air outside the aircraft into the cooling pipe (230) by Venturi effect. The invention also relates to a method for generating non-propulsive energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN POWER UNITSInventors: Jean-Francoise Rideau, Stephane Vaillant
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Patent number: 10256654Abstract: On a start of a fuel cell system, (i) when the temperature of a high-voltage secondary battery obtained from a temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined reference value, a controller of the fuel cell system is configured to set an output voltage on a step-down side of a DC-DC converter to a higher voltage than a voltage of a low-voltage secondary battery and subsequently start an FC auxiliary machine using electric power from the high-voltage secondary battery. (ii) When the temperature of the high-voltage secondary battery obtained from the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the predetermined reference value, on the other hand, the controller of the fuel cell system is configured to set the output voltage on the step-down side of the DC-DC converter to a lower voltage than the voltage of the low-voltage secondary battery and subsequently start the FC auxiliary machine using the electric power from the high-voltage secondary battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Watanabe, Akihiro Kamiya, Kenji Umayahara
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Patent number: 10246078Abstract: A method for regenerating at least one particle filter of a vehicle with an electric drive and an internal combustion engine. The supplying of an energy storage device of the vehicle with electric energy is paused upon reaching a first charging threshold of at least one particle filter, so that the at least one particle filter is charged to a predetermined threshold value. Upon reaching a second charging threshold of the at least one particle filter by the internal combustion engine, an enthalpy that is introduced by the internal combustion engine into the at least one particle filter is increased relative to an enthalpy that is due to the charge that is associated with the operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignees: AUDI AG, Volkswagen AGInventors: Herr Sebastian Hemminger, Florian Zink
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Patent number: 10211464Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell characterized in that it comprises at least a positive electrode which comprises manganese physically separated from at least a negative electrode which comprises an aluminum alloy, and wherein said positive and negative electrodes are electrically connected through a neutral pH electrolyte. Further, the present invention relates to the use of the electrochemical cell, preferably as a button battery in hearing aids.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Albufera Energy Storage, S.L.Inventors: Paloma Rodriguez Soler, Joaquin Jose Chacon Guadalix, Enrique Fatas Lahoz, Pilar Ocon Esteban, Mikel Pino Martinez
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Patent number: 10189463Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having an electric drive with a power accumulator, a fuel cell, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the fuel cell. The control unit has logic, at least partially including hardware configured to activate and deactivate the fuel cell as a function of a first characteristic map having a first input variable representing a present power demand of the hybrid vehicle which exists over a first defined observation time range.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KGInventors: Philipp Gutruf, Julian Goellner, Michael Martin
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Patent number: 10153528Abstract: Metal hydride-air batteries and methods for their use are provided. An exemplary metal-hydride air battery includes an alkaline exchange membrane provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery. The alkaline exchange membrane provides for transfer of hydroxide ions through the membrane. Optionally the alkaline exchange membrane limits transport of other species through the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Ratnakumar V. Bugga, Andrew Kindler, Thomas I. Valdez
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Patent number: 10117934Abstract: The present invention provides inventive conjugated polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers and conjugated aza-macrocycles (collectively referred to herein as “conjugated lipomers” or “lipomers”) containing one or more groups of the formula (iii): wherein R3 and R4 are as defined herein. Also provided are compositions comprising the inventive conjugated lipomers, and methods of preparation and use.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: James E. Dahlman, Avraham D. Schroeder, Daniel Griffith Anderson, Robert S. Langer, Christopher G. Levins
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Patent number: 10056626Abstract: A fuel cell system mounted in a vehicle includes a fuel cell supplying electric power to a motor driving the vehicle, a pump supplying oxygen to the fuel cell, an accelerator position detection unit detecting an accelerator depression amount of the vehicle, and a control unit calculating electric power required to be generated by the fuel cell and electric power required for driving of the pump based on the accelerator depression amount and controlling the pump based on the electric power required for the driving, in which the control unit calculates the electric power required for the driving such that a rate of increase in the electric power required for the driving exceeds a rate of increase in the electric power required to be generated when the calculated electric power required to be generated increases.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Kakeno, Mitsuhiro Nada, Kenji Umayahara, Yutaka Tano
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Patent number: 9991551Abstract: A method of charging an assembled battery, includes mechanically connecting two external terminals of an assembled battery and two connecting lines of a charging circuit, respectively, the assembled battery including a plurality of lithium ion battery cells connected in series, a lithium ion battery cell of the plurality of lithium ion battery cells including a positive electrode active material including a first lithium compound comprising iron, the two external terminals, and a first communicating unit. The method also includes electrically connecting the first communicating unit of the assembled battery to a second communicating unit of the charging circuit, charging the assembled battery through the two external terminals using a quasi-constant voltage charging procedure, and reducing a charging current toward a late stage during the charging of the assembled battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: GS YUASA INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Nakamoto, Koichi Nishiyama
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Patent number: 9947949Abstract: A system and method for controlling power of a fuel cell for a vehicle are provided. The method includes measuring a temperature of the fuel cell and when the measured temperature of the fuel cell is within a high temperature range in which a power threshold value of the fuel cell is reduced based on an increase in temperature of the fuel cell and when the measured temperature of the fuel cell is increased and then is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature a power threshold value is reduced from a power value at the predetermined temperature. The high temperature range is a range between a third temperature at which the power threshold value starts to be reduced based on the increase in temperature of the fuel cell and a fourth temperature at which the power threshold value is reduced and then reaches the minimum power threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sang Uk Kwon, Sung Gone Yoon
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Patent number: 9905832Abstract: Provided is a battery wiring module to be attached to a single cell group in which a plurality of single cells each having a positive electrode section and a negative electrode section are lined up, and to connect the electrode sections. The battery wiring module includes a connecting member configured to connect the electrode sections, and a protector by which the connecting member is held. The protector has a positioning section that is fitted to positioned sections formed in a single cell prior to the connecting member reaching the electrode sections when the battery wiring module is attached to the single cells. The positioning section is provided projecting farther to the single cell side than the connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LIMITED, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LIMITEDInventor: Osamu Nakayama
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Patent number: 9882109Abstract: Disclosed are bi-polar semiconductor composites that include at least one organic p-type semiconductor; and at least one organic n-type semiconductor, and methods of making and using them. In particular, collagen based semiconductors may be used. The composite may be used to generate electricity from heat loss via industrial processes, such as heat lost via pipes, heat sinks, and so on.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Arockiadoss Thevasahayam
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Patent number: 9855904Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a generator, electric consuming devices, a first electric energy storage device and a second energy storage device connected in parallel with the first energy storage device. The two electric energy storage devices, in a storage range, have at least partially overlapping characteristic open-circuit voltage curves. The first energy storage device has a first state-of-charge-dependent characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The second energy storage device has a second state-of-charge-dependent characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The first energy storage device has a first state-of-charge-dependent characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve and the second energy storage device has a second state-of-charge-dependent characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Moritz Schindler, Stefan Schaeck
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Patent number: 9853288Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery including (i) a cathode active material including a lithium metal phosphate according to Formula 1 below; and (ii) an anode active material including amorphous carbon, Li1+aM(PO4?b)Xb??(1) wherein M is at least one selected from metals of Groups II to XII, X is at least one selected from F, S and N, ?0.5?a?+0.5, and 0?b?0.1.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Young Geun Choi, Geun Chang Chung, Yourim Yoon, Seung Jae Yoon, Jong Mo Jung, Jonghyun Chae
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Patent number: 9843059Abstract: A fuel cell system for a vehicle with a fuel cell that generates electricity through a supply of anode gas and cathode gas is provided. The fuel cell system includes an idle stop execution unit configured to stop an idling of the fuel cell system according to a vehicle running state, a compressor control unit configured to execute a stop control on a cathode compressor during the idle stop, and an external air introduction control unit configured to restrain an introduction of external air to the fuel cell during the idle stop, wherein the external air introduction control unit is configured to release restraining the introduction of external air according to a voltage in the fuel cell during the idle stop.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Masashi Sato
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Patent number: 9840297Abstract: A fuel filling device of a motorcycle can receive a high pressure gas only when it is ensured that the motorcycle is in a stable position. The device includes a fuel tank that stores and/or supplies a high pressure gas and is mounted on the motorcycle, a filling port through which the high pressure gas is fed to the fuel tank, a center stand that swings between a raised position in which the center stand supports the motorcycle in an upright position and a retracted position, a stand sensor that senses that the center stand is in the raised position, and a fuel filling valve provided between the fuel tank and the filling port and allowing a flow of the high pressure gas between the fuel tank and the filling port if the stand sensor senses that the center stand is in the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Manabu Koybayashi
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Patent number: 9735414Abstract: A pair of current distribution links are provided for use with a battery assembly in which the batteries are divided into groups, and where the batteries within each battery group are connected in parallel and the groups are connected in series. The batteries are interconnected using a repetitive sequence of non-overlapping, alternating polarity bus bars. The current distribution links evenly distribute the current among the parallel connected batteries, thereby eliminating the current imbalance that results from the use of a single point electrical connection. By eliminating current imbalance, each battery is subjected to the same load and will tend to heat at the same rate, resulting in the batteries aging at the same rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Atieva, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Biskup, Roberto Melendez
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Patent number: 9728799Abstract: A method for starting a cold or frozen fuel cell stack as efficiently and quickly as possible in a vehicle application is based upon a state of charge of a first power source such as a high voltage battery. Power flow between the first power source and fuel cell system is coordinated in conjunction with a specific load schedule and parallel control algorithms to minimize the start time required and optimize system warm-up.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven D. Burch, Bruce J. Clingerman, Abdullah B. Alp, David A. Arthur, Dirk Wexel, Martin Fasse
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Patent number: 9660224Abstract: A mobile electronic device comprising an internal circuit and a battery compartment having an entrance and an exit. The battery compartment comprises a first conductor and a second conduct at the inner side of the battery compartment. The first conductor comprises at least two conductive contacts electrically connected to the internal circuit and having a distance from each other in the direction from the battery entrance to the battery exit so that, while a backup battery is sliding into the battery compartment from the battery entrance and pushing out a current battery through the battery exit, the first conductor may maintain electrical connection with conductive belt of the current battery and/or the backup battery. The structure of the second conductor is similar that of the first conductor and may maintain electrical connection with conductive belt of the current battery and/or the backup battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wei Jie Wang, Jing You, Xiu Bin Yu, Na Zhao
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Patent number: 9649950Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a generator, lead-battery, and second-battery. Open-circuit voltages and internal resistances of the batteries are determined so that: there is a point, where the open-circuit voltage of the second-battery coincides with that of the lead-battery, in a region on a smaller-residual-capacity side relative to a range of use in an entire-residual-capacity range of the second-battery; the open-circuit voltage of the second-battery is larger than that of the lead-battery in the range of use of the second-battery; the internal resistance of the second-battery is smaller than that of the lead-battery in a charging state of the generator; and a terminal voltage of the second-battery in a state where a maximum charge current is passed through the second-battery is smaller than a regulated voltage in a power-generation state of the generator. An opening/closing section is closed in at least one of a power-generation state and a load-activated state.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Naoki Katayama, Toshiyo Teramoto
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Patent number: 9653713Abstract: A battery cell holder that may be used to form interconnection of cells in series and/or parallel arrangements. The cell holder includes slots for receiving battery cells, conductive apertures within the slots for attaching a conductor to the cells, and a hinge. The cell holder is foldable about the hinge and includes a keying system that allows multiple cell holders to be interconnected to form battery packs of multiple sizes and arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: EETREX, INC.Inventor: Kyle William Butterfield
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Patent number: 9647285Abstract: As integrated fossil fuel power plant and a method of operating the power plant is provided. The integrated fossil fuel power plant includes a gas turbine arrangement and a carbonate fuel cell having an anode side and a cathode side. The operating method for the integrated fossil fuel power plant includes partially expanding combustion gases in the gas turbine arrangement so that the temperature of the partially expanded combustion gases is optimized for reaction in the cathode side of the carbonate fuel cell, and feeding the partially expanded combustion gases at the optimized temperature to the cathode side of the carbonate fuel cell for reaction in the cathode side of the carbonate fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Roberto Bove
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Patent number: 9640692Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, a wiring harness, and a connection subsystem. The plurality of photovoltaic cells are electrically interconnected to form a positive node for supplying current to a load and a negative node for receiving current from the load. The wiring harness includes a plurality of flexible electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being electrically isolated within the wiring harness. The connection subsystem is operable to selectively connect the positive node to one of the electrical conductors of the wiring harness. A plurality of flexible photovoltaic modules may be connected to form a photovoltaic array.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Inventors: Joseph H. Armstrong, Matthew B. Foster, Jonathan S. Port, Douglas G. Jensen
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Patent number: 9601789Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, and method of operation, for a fuel cell which uses bubble-based pumping to self-pump the fuel to the anode, and a single, common channel separating the anode from the cathode through which a mixed fuel and electrolyte flow. The fuel cell includes a single channel having two of its sides formed by the anode and the cathode, each having a suitable catalyst. A bubble generating region is formed in the anode and cathode reaction area of the channel. A one-way valve is located upstream of the bubble generating region. A vent for venting bubbles is disposed over a portion of the channel downstream of the bubble generating region. The fuel cell may be advantageously used to build miniature fuel cells for miniature electronic devices, or scaled to build larger fuel cells for larger electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Chang-Jin Kim, Janet Hur, Desheng Meng
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Patent number: 9583767Abstract: Methods for making battery electrode system are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a mixture of a polymer binder, an active material and a conductive filler is deposited on a current collector. The deposited mixture is exposed to an external field having a field direction that is normal to a surface of the current collector. The exposure aligns, outward from and normal to the surface of the current collector, the active material and the conductive filler to form a plurality of discrete structures that extend outward from and normal to the surface of the current collector and are respectively aligned with a field line of the external field. Each of the plurality of discrete structures includes some of the active material and some of the conductive filler.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark W. Verbrugge, Tao Xie, Hamid G. Kia
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Patent number: 9478835Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid device comprising: an energy converting unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an energy converting medium arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the energy conversion takes place between the first electrode and the second electrode; an energy charge storing unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte medium; wherein the energy charge is stored between the first and the second electrode; the second electrode of the energy converting unit and the second electrode of the energy charge storing unit being a shared electrode electrically connecting the energy converting unit and the energy charge storing unit; and wherein the shared electrode comprises a metal and a nanostructured material. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing such a hybrid device.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Nanyang Technological UniversityInventors: Wai Fatt Mak, Tsyh Ying Grace Wee, Teddy Salim, Madhavi Srinivasan, Subodh Mhaisalkar, Yin Chiang Freddy Boey
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Patent number: 9478816Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly may include a shaped fuel source that is formed into a desired shape. The shaped fuel source may have an outer surface, and a fuel cell may be mounted directly on the outer surface of the shaped fuel source. In some instances, the fuel cell assembly may also include one or more of a cathode cap, an anode cap, a refill port, and an outer shell disposed around an exterior of the fuel cell assembly, but these are not required.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 9425492Abstract: A system includes housing having a positive terminal and a negative terminal and one or more energy storage devices disposed therein. One system includes a first energy storage device that operates at a first state of charge level and a second energy storage device that operates at a second state of charge level. The second state of charge level is greater than the first state of charge level.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Ou Mao, Qi Zhang, Thomas M. Watson, Junwei Jiang