Battery Charging Patents (Class 455/573)
  • Patent number: 10721624
    Abstract: A layered security suite is disclosed wherein multiple security barriers that prevent the unsanctioned use of a mobile device issued by a controlled-environment facility. The security barriers are implemented along multiple points within the communication path between the mobile device with outside networks, including on the mobile device, on wireless access points that serve data traffic for the mobile device, and a firewall device that monitors all data coming to and from the wireless access points. The barriers on the mobile device prevent the user from performing unsanctioned application and settings changes, including both software and hardware components, while the barrier on the wireless access point detects and prevents unauthorized connections between mobile devices and unsanctioned wireless access points. The firewall device discards packets with unsanctioned internet addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Global Tel*Link Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Marass, Brian Peters, Garth Johnson, Stephen Lee Hodge
  • Patent number: 10713889
    Abstract: Various system, method, and device embodiments are disclosed for establishing and utilizing a wireless connection between an electronic gaming machine and a mobile device associated with a player. Such embodiments include use of a first component configured to communicate information with the mobile device using near-field communications and use of a second component configured to automatically pair the mobile device with the mobile interface device, using a Bluetooth connection, wherein the pairing of the mobile device with the mobile interface device utilizes the information communicated to the mobile device using the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Japan Cash Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David Kubajak, Dominic Mohrhardt
  • Patent number: 10668867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding system for a telecommunication device (46) in a vehicle, comprising a receiving part (1) for fastening in a stationary manner and a holder (40) dial can be inserted into die receiving pan (1), on which holder the telecommunication device (46) can be detachably fastened. Said holding system is characterized in that the receiving part (1) has a receiving channel (10) having a slot-shaped entry opening (7), into which receiving channel an attachment (21), which is shaped complementary to the receiving channel (10) and is connected to the holder (40) in the mounted state, can be inserted in an insertion direction and in which receiving channel said attachment can be fastened in the inserted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BURY SP.Z.O.O
    Inventors: Henryk Bury, Andrzej Bury
  • Patent number: 10658854
    Abstract: A quick charging method, a power adapter and a mobile terminal are provided. The method is applied to the power adapter, the power adapter is coupled to the mobile terminal through a USB interface, a power line in the USB interface is used by the power adapter to charge the mobile terminal, a data line in the USB interface is used by the power source adapter to conduct a bidirectional communication with the mobile terminal, and the power adapter supports a common charging mode and a quick charging mode, charging current of the quick charging mode is greater than that of the common charging mode. The method includes: conducting a bidirectional communication with the mobile terminal to determine to charge the mobile terminal in the quick charging mode; and adjusting charging current to charging current corresponding to the quick charging mode to charge the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Jialiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10631609
    Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 10616400
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control method of a terminal device and a wearable device, a terminal device, and a wearable device thereof. The control method of a terminal device includes receiving first information transmitted from a wearable device, the terminal device being in a first state, and the first information being related to data detected by the wearable device; determining second information, the second information being related to an input detected by the terminal device; and switching the terminal device to a second state if the first information corresponds to the second information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wenchao Ma
  • Patent number: 10608449
    Abstract: Electrical charging devices with translating stabilizers are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a cradle configured to receive and retain an electronic device; an electronics sub-assembly including: a housing, wherein the housing includes laterally positioned tubular guides; an electrical conductor that protrudes forwardly from the housing; and a circuit within the housing that processes an electrical charge received through the electrical conductor; means for electrically coupling the electronics sub-assembly with the electronic device; and a stabilizer comprising armatures, the armatures being slidingly received within the tubular guides of the housing for storage, further wherein the armatures extend from the tubular guides and pivot downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: William J. Warren
  • Patent number: 10536767
    Abstract: A heat energy powered earphone is provided, which utilizes a thermoelectric (TE) module that is connected to an external heat exchanger clip. The clip can be affixed to a cool location such as the top of an ear, a hat, or other piece of clothing. The clip may connect to the TE module via a simple heat pipe. By using the clip, the earphone housing may be manufactured with a compact form factor that enables close insertion to the inner ear. Additionally, by providing an open hole in the TE module, audio waves can pass through unobstructed. Power management, wireless transmission, and audio playback circuitry may be provided via a tethered wire to an external electronics module. Interfacing methods are also provided, including a method for automatic pairing with an audio source upon insertion of the earphone, and a method for adjusting a fit of the earphone using audio feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TCT Mobile (US) Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Apgar, Seung Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 10505378
    Abstract: A system and method to identify whether a removable battery pack inserted into a battery-powered device is an authorized battery pack for the device. Battery-powered devices may include a battery-powered drill, saw, flashlight or other type of device. The battery-powered device may send an authentication query to the battery pack. If the battery-powered device does not receive a valid reply from the battery pack, the battery-powered device may verify that the battery-powered device is still within a phase-out period that allows the battery-powered device to use a battery pack with an invalid authentication. If the phase-out period has expired, the battery-powered device may disable the use of the battery pack with an invalid authentication. If the phase-out period is still running, the battery-powered device may allow the use of the battery pack with an invalid authentication, but only for a limited number of battery pack recharge cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Renato Bessegato, Mohit Berry, Yiming Tang
  • Patent number: 10501032
    Abstract: A retractable power interface includes a plurality of power ports, such as a 12 volt DC port, a 120 volt AC port, and a USB port. The power interface may be located in a variety of locations on a vehicle, such as in the interior of a truck bed, the tailgate of a truck bed, and a rear bumper. The power interface is coupled to the vehicle power by a retractable cord. The power interface may be removed from a stationary position or location and moved to a convenient location. The cord may automatically retract when it is desired to return the power interface to the stationary position. The retractable power interface may be located in the interior sidewalls of a truck bed, the interior side or top of a tailgate, and/or in the rear bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Enigineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel J. Secord
  • Patent number: 10505380
    Abstract: A quick charging method, a power adapter and a mobile terminal are provided. The method is applied to the power adapter, the power adapter is coupled to the mobile terminal through a USB interface, a power line in the USB interface is used by the power adapter to charge the mobile terminal, a data line in the USB interface is used by the power source adapter to conduct a bidirectional communication with the mobile terminal, and the power adapter supports a common charging mode and a quick charging mode, charging current of the quick charging mode is greater than that of the common charging mode. The method includes: conducting a bidirectional communication with the mobile terminal to determine to charge the mobile terminal in the quick charging mode; and adjusting charging current to charging current corresponding to the quick charging mode to charge the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Jialiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10463302
    Abstract: This invention describes a wearable device related to electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring technology. An ergonomically designed wireless smart band pair for continuous ECG monitoring and analysis is disclosed. The pair comprises a primary and a secondary smart band with integrated electrodes. When the smart bands are worn around the two wrists, the electrodes contact the skin. The primary smart band acquires biopotential data from the first wrist while the secondary smart band acquires biopotential data from the second wrist and sends it wirelessly to the primary smart band. The primary smart band processes biopotential data from both wrists to acquire high-fidelity ECG data as per Einthoven's law without the need for completing a circuit via leads and/or touching and holding auxiliary electrodes. The primary smart band analyzes the acquired ECG data in real-time and generates pertinent alarms. It also stores all ECG information locally and wirelessly transmits this information to external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: THE ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Saif Ahmad, Atul Kumar Garg
  • Patent number: 10455519
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, by one or more processors on a first device, a first broadcast message from a second device including a wireless-enabled device operating on a Low Energy (LE) advertising channel, the first broadcast message includes transmission power information associated with the second device, transmission data, and a destination address, determining, by the one or more processors, a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of the first device, and based on the determined RSSI of the first device and the transmission power information associated with the second device, sending, by the one or more processors, the transmission data to the destination address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Hui Liu, Yi Gong, Yong Yin, Jia Yu, Jia Tian Zhong
  • Patent number: 10418859
    Abstract: A control apparatus is used in a power transmission system for transmitting power with a magnetic resonance manner to a power reception apparatus from a power transmission apparatus. The control apparatus comprises a power control unit configured to control a power transmission state in which transmission power of the power transmission apparatus is controlled in a state in which a power transmission target power reception apparatus is detected, and a test power transmission state in which transmission power of the power transmission apparatus is controlled in a state in which the power transmission target power reception apparatus is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Kenta Kinoshita, Shigeru Mesaki
  • Patent number: 10390594
    Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 10386009
    Abstract: An expandable socket for attachment to a mobile electronic device. The expandable socket includes a platform adapted to engage a portion of the portable media player, a skin coupled to the platform, wherein the skin is deformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable socket includes a button coupled to the skin opposite the platform. The expandable socket also includes a biasing element arranged within the skin between the platform and the button, the biasing element configured to bias the skin into the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: POPSOCKETS LLC
    Inventors: Molly M. Hobbs, David B. Barnett
  • Patent number: 10355507
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a novel intelligent remote controllable battery system, comprising a wireless signal reception/transmission module, a charging-discharging control module, a battery and a voltage input/output port, wherein the wireless signal reception/transmission module is electrically connected to the changing-discharging control module, wherein the battery, the charging-discharging control module and the voltage input/output port are electrically connected in sequence; wherein the wireless signal reception/transmission module is configured to receive a wireless control signal from an external remote control device, wherein the charging-discharging control module is configured to convert an output voltage of the battery to a voltage with specific specification based on the wireless control signal and output the voltage with specific specification to an external electric equipment through the voltage input/output port, and is further configured to convert an input voltage from an external power sup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Hak Wah Lau
  • Patent number: 10355731
    Abstract: An isolating connector device for connecting a mobile device to a vehicle-based network or device while protecting the mobile device from shock or impact to the vehicle includes a nearside housing and farside housing connected by a shielded cable, the farside housing engaging with the vehicle-based network via USB or cable port. The nearside housing is dockable to the mobile device via 10-pin or like docking connector. The nearside housing also includes embedded magnets and spring-loaded guide pins to removably secure the nearside housing to the mobile device or its protective case and maintaining the docking connection. The nearside housing includes LEDs or like visual indicators of charging or data links provided to the mobile device via the docking connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MobileDemand LC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Miller, Steven R. Kunert
  • Patent number: 10354301
    Abstract: A method for providing electrical energy to a user device associated with a user includes: identifying a communications link between the user device and the mobile charging system; sending a user identifier to a remote server associated with the application; verifying a user eligibility for electrical energy provision to the device based on the user identifier; verifying a data integrity of mobile charging system software; controlling the mobile charging system to provide electrical energy to the user device; and controlling the mobile charging system to adjust electrical energy provision to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Omnicharge, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Wong
  • Patent number: 10340749
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for wirelessly transmitting power by a power transmitter including a plurality of coils comprises the steps of: detecting a second power receiver while transmitting power to a first power receiver; determining at least one primary coil appropriate for transmitting power; determining, by using the determined at least one primary coil, whether the second power receiver supports a shared mode protocol; and when the second power receiver supports the shared mode protocol, transmitting power to the first and second power receivers according to the shared mode protocol, wherein the shared mode protocol may be a protocol which simultaneously manages an information exchange between the power transmitter and a plurality of power receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Yongcheol Park
  • Patent number: 10298408
    Abstract: Power and data are transmitted via a transformer including primary side and secondary side. A primary side signal is generated by coupling a first oscillator signal modulated with a data signal with a second oscillator signal that is selectively switched on and off. At the secondary side a secondary signal is generated. A demodulator demodulates the secondary signal to recover the data signal. A rectifier processes the secondary signal to recover a power supply signal controlled by switching on and off the second oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Egidio Ragonese, Nunzio Greco, Giuseppe Palmisano
  • Patent number: 10298034
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an emergency power supply system for supplying power to an external device, comprising: an emergency power supply and a battery clamp connected to the emergency power supply. The connection between the battery clamp and the emergency power supply comprises communication connection, by which the battery clamp can obtain parameters of the emergency power system, and perform corresponding actions based on the parameters. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for managing the system. The system and method can effectively prevent the problems of the lithium batteries resulted from large starting electric current, high temperature and over-charging or over-discharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CARKU TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yun Lei
  • Patent number: 10270270
    Abstract: The embodiments set forth a technique for coordinating notifications across computing devices placed onto a wireless charging apparatus. According to some embodiments, the technique can involve the wireless charging apparatus (1) receiving, from a first computing device, first information that includes (i) a first unique identifier (ID) associated with the first computing device, and (ii) one or more unique IDs that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device known to the first computing device. Subsequently, the wireless charging apparatus can receive, from a second computing device, second information that at least includes a second unique ID associated with the second computing device. Finally, the wireless charging apparatus can, in response to determining that the second unique ID is included in the one or more unique IDs, and cause both the first and second computing devices to display respective notifications in a coordinated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Garbus, Christopher C. Jensen, Alexei E. Kosut
  • Patent number: 10263441
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device case with a charging mechanism configured to provide backup power to an electronic device. The charging mechanism harvest kinetic energy provided by the user to generate electric current for charging the electronic device, for example in an emergency situation. The charging mechanism includes a spring-loaded retractable handle which when pushed drives a gear set, which in turn drives a dynamo to generate electric current. The case provides a charging connector which is adapted to mate with a charging port of the electronic device to supply the generated electric current for charging the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Gabriel Aslan
  • Patent number: 10256663
    Abstract: A solar charging electronic device case for protecting and charging electronic devices includes a housing. A panel is coupled to and extends between opposing sides, a top and a bottom of the housing. A microprocessor, configured to reversible couple to an electronic device, is positioned in a first compartment between the panel and a back face of the housing. A cover is reversibly and sealably couplable to a front face of the housing, which is open, to define a second compartment that is complementary to the electronic device. The control buttons and a touch screen of the device are operable by a user. Solar cells are coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the microprocessor. A coating, which is flexible and substantially transparent, encases the solar cells. An electric current generated by the solar cells is directed by the microprocessor to a battery of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Richie Singh
  • Patent number: 10250075
    Abstract: Provided is a power receiving apparatus including: a contact power receiving unit configured to receive power with use of a wired transfer path via a connecting terminal; a contactless power receiving unit configured to receive power with use of a wireless transfer path via contactless coupling with a power supply apparatus; and a control unit configured to determine whether or not power is receivable by the contact power receiving unit and the contactless power receiving unit to control charging of power supply. According to the above embodiment, in a case where power is receivable by both the contactless power receiving unit and the contact power receiving unit, the control unit controls a rechargeable battery to be allowed to be charged with power received by the contact power receiving unit, and communication with the power supply apparatus to be allowed via the contactless coupling with the power supply apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuya Nakano
  • Patent number: 10220106
    Abstract: A mobile phone charger with a sterilization UV LED may include: a charger case having a space formed therein and including a mobile phone stand formed at the front surface thereof; and one or more first UV LEDs installed at one side of the space of the charger case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Rack Kim, Dae Wong Suh, Seong Min Lee, Ik Hwan Ko
  • Patent number: 10218219
    Abstract: A coil device comprises a first coil, a second coil, a first conductor, and a first film. The second coil is disposed inside an inner boundary line of the first coil. The first conductor is disposed between the inner boundary line of the first coil and an outer boundary line of the second coil to dissipate heat. The first film is disposed on upper surfaces of the first coil, the second coil, and the first conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul Kyu Kim, Han Kim, Kyung Hyun Park, Ki Won Chang, Jung Wook Seo, Jae Suk Sung
  • Patent number: 10211678
    Abstract: A wireless charging apparatus and a wireless charging method are provided. The method includes selecting at least one of a wireless power reception mode and a wireless power transmission mode by a wireless charging apparatus, wirelessly receiving electric power when the wireless power reception mode is selected, and wirelessly transmitting electric power when the wireless power transmission mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Sung-Bum Park
  • Patent number: 10205824
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a wireless power supply that wirelessly provides power to a cellular device having an embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) while the cellular device is placed adjacent to the wireless power supply, a radio, and a processor programmed to control the radio to wirelessly provide a subscriber identification module (SIM) profile to a cellular device for loading into the eSIM while the wireless power supply wirelessly provides power to the cellular device. A cellular device includes an eSIM, a radio that wirelessly receives a SIM profile, a battery, and a secondary power supply configured to be wirelessly energized when placed adjacent to a wireless power supply. The secondary power supply supplies power to the radio while it receives the SIM profile and to the eSIM while the cellular device loads a SIM profile into the eSIM. The battery subsequently supplies power to the eSIM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Tim Hentschel
  • Patent number: 10177800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and in particular to a mobile power bank and a combined terminal device formed by splicing the mobile power bank and the mobile terminal. The mobile power bank comprises a display screen, a storage battery located below the display screen, and a casing for holding the display screen and the storage battery. The mobile power bank is generally flat-plate shaped with a front surface and a back surface. Both an area of a display region of the display screen and an area of an occupied region of the storage battery are not less than 70% of the front surface area. A volume of the storage battery can be increased without changing the thickness of the storage battery, providing an extended charging service for mobile phones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG GEELY HOLDING GROUP CO., LTD, ZHEJIANG GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Shufu Li
  • Patent number: 10158934
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of earpiece sets, each of the earpiece sets comprising a left earpiece and a right earpiece and a smart case. The smart case includes a case housing, a plurality of receptacle sets disposed within the case housing, wherein the receptacle sets are configured to hold the plurality of earpiece sets, a processor disposed within the case housing, and a transceiver disposed within the housing and operatively connected to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Vincent Boesen
  • Patent number: 10145898
    Abstract: A system for authenticating a rechargeable battery and for detecting counterfeit batteries includes battery characteristics detection circuitry and a battery. Battery characteristics detection circuitry performs an authentication routine on the battery such that battery characteristics of the battery are measured. Battery characteristics include state of health, state of charge, internal resistance, relaxation time, and impedance. The battery is validated by comparing the battery characteristics to validation parameters provided by a manufacturer. If battery characteristics are within ranges of the validation parameters, then the battery is authenticated as originating from a particular manufacturer or batch. If validation fails, then the device is disabled or protected. In one example, validation parameters are stored and compared locally on a device. In another example, the device communicates battery characteristics to a remote entity that performs the validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Chen, Lawrence Blackledge
  • Patent number: 10142747
    Abstract: A heating assistance device for a user comprising a housing, a three dimensional electronic substrate disposed in the housing, the substrate adapted to conform to a battery of the hearing assistance device and hearing assistance electronics mounted to the substrate. Various embodiments include a flexible antenna configured to conform around a portion of the substrate, and spring loaded electrical contacts on the substrate, the contacts configured to mechanically engage and electrically connect to the flexible antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Helgeson, Jeffrey Paul Solum, David Tourtelotte, Beau Jay Polinske
  • Patent number: 10091568
    Abstract: A portable speaker assembly includes a first shell that may insertably receive an electronic device. The first shell is comprised of a rigid material to protect the electronic device from impact damage. A second shell is slidably coupled to the first shell such that each of the first shell and the second shell form a case. The second shell insertably receives the electronic device. The second shell is comprised of a rigid material to protect the electronic device from impact damage. An audio unit is coupled to the case to emit audible sounds outwardly from the case. The audio unit is in wireless electrical communication with the electronic device thereby facilitating the audio unit to receive an audio signal from the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Tahjier Hammary
  • Patent number: 10089168
    Abstract: Self-healing charging devices and techniques for identifying and/or troubleshooting causes of performance degradation in user devices are described. A charging device described herein can receive first data from a user device connected to the charging device and analyze the first data to determine diagnostic data associated with the user device. Based at least in part determining the diagnostic data, the charging device described herein can provide an indication via at least one of the charging device or the user device, the indication signifying available actions that can be taken to improve performance of the user device. The charging devices described herein can enable users to easily identify issues causing and/or leading to performance degradation on their user devices and remedy and/or prevent problems that cause the performance degradation while corresponding user devices are charging via the charging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Herb, Ahmad Arash Obaidi, Jonathan Soini
  • Patent number: 10084328
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a charging assembly of a mobile terminal. Disclosed is a charging assembly of a mobile terminal, comprising: a charger; and a mobile terminal. The charger comprises: an upper case forming a top surface and a side surface; and a lower case, coupled to the lower portion of the upper case, for forming an inner space in which parts are embedded. The mobile terminal is seated in the charger and chargeable by being electrically connected to the charger. In a plurality of areas within the inner space, magnetic elements are arranged, and in the mobile terminal, a metal member is arranged in such a manner that at least a part thereof is arranged in an area which overlaps or is adjacent to the magnetic element so that the metal member is attached to the magnetic element due to attraction with the magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Taehoon You, Shin Han, Kyungtae Yang, Siyoung Park, Hyunseok Oh
  • Patent number: 10084344
    Abstract: A control method of a wireless power transmitter for transmitting charging power to a wireless power receiver is provided. The control method includes receiving setting information from the wireless power receiver, determining a load variation of the wireless power receiver for a set time period, and determining that the wireless power receiver is a charging target, if the load variation of the wireless power matches the received setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyung-Woo Lee, Kang-Ho Byun, Hee-Won Jung
  • Patent number: 10083105
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for advising a user when an energy storage device in a computing system needs charging. State of charge data of the energy storage device can be measured and stored at regular intervals. The historic state of charge data can be queried over a plurality of intervals and a state of charge curve generated that is representative of a user's charging habits over time. The state of charge curve can be used to generate a rate of charge histogram and an acceleration of charge histogram. These can be used to predict when a user will charge next, and whether the energy storage device will have an amount of energy below a predetermined threshold amount before the next predicted charging time. A first device can determine when a second device typically charges and whether the energy storage device in the second device will have an amount of energy below the predetermined threshold amount before the next predicted charge time for the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril de la Cropte de Chantérac, Phillip Stanley-Marbell, Kartik Venkatraman, Gaurav Kapoor
  • Patent number: 9998238
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mobile device, comprising: a radio receiver configured to receive a radio signal; a power receiving unit (PRU) configured to receive a wireless charging signal from a power transmission unit (PTU) configured to charge the mobile device; a wireless broadcast receiver configured to receive a harmonic of the wireless charging signal during charging of the mobile device; a frequency manager configured to scan for a frequency of the harmonic and to detect a fundamental frequency of the wireless charging signal based on the scanned harmonic; and a mitigation module configured to mitigate a harmonic content of the wireless charging signal in the received radio signal based on the detected fundamental frequency of the wireless charging signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Intel IP Corporation
    Inventors: Yossi Saada, Christoph Schultz, Ron Rotstein
  • Patent number: 9985469
    Abstract: A display apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a power supply configured to supply power to the display apparatus using one of a battery or AC power and a controller configured to, in response to a mode of the display apparatus being a standby mode, control the power supply to supply power to standby power to the display apparatus using the battery. The display apparatus may reduce power consumption in a standby mode by half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kun-hee Jo
  • Patent number: 9964992
    Abstract: A computer docking station for supporting a portable computer includes a body with a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the portable computer, and an arm portion spaced from the cradle portion. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station. The computer moves the latching member from the second position to the first position, in a direction toward the cradle portion, as the computer is inserted into the docking station and the latching member automatically moves from the first position to the second position, in a direction away from the cradle portion, as the computer is fully inserted into the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Gamber-Johnson LLC
    Inventor: Matthew S. Tarnoff
  • Patent number: 9949268
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a portable communication device includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and a control module. The first communication module can communicate with a first network wirelessly via a first protocol. The second communication module can communicate wirelessly via a second protocol. The control module can control the first communication module and the second communication module. When the portable communication device starts recharging while communication by the second communication module is disable, the control module can permit the second communication module to connect with at least one external device in a first mode. During the second communication module sets in the first mode, the external devices can communicate wirelessly via the second communication module and the first communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Kaoru Kuroki
  • Patent number: 9917469
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a phone charger assembly that may include a housing assembly that may include a retainer body, a housing, a housing liner, a vent, and trim which may be constructed and arranged to house a cell phone. The housing may be dimensioned to store a multitude of cellphones in a vertical position. The phone charger assembly may further include a pawl assembly that may include a pawl ratchet, a plurality of screws, a pawl, and a release wherein the pawl assembly is constructed and arranged to raise and lower the housing within the phone charge assembly. Additionally, the phone charger assembly may include a gear rail assembly which may include at least one gear rail and at least one dampener. The gear rail assembly and pawl assembly may be constructed and arranged to raise and lower the housing within the phone charge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Kiester, Jason C. Bone
  • Patent number: 9915988
    Abstract: An accessory associated with a wireless device includes a first interface configured to communicate with the wireless device using a wired communication technique and a second interface configured to communicate with the wireless device using a wireless communication technique. The accessory further includes a data storage device and a controller coupled to the first interface, to the second interface, and to the data storage device. The controller is configured to activate the first interface in response to a message received via the second interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Manohar Prasad Kashyap, Eyal Felix Hakoun, Vadim Shain
  • Patent number: 9912363
    Abstract: A short-range wireless communication apparatus is disclosed. The short-range wireless communication apparatus comprises: multiple connection devices and a control device. The connection devices are capable of simultaneously connecting multiple communication interfaces to a communication counterparty apparatus to enable sound data transfer. When the control device determines that, in cases where the communication interfaces are communicably connected, there arises a request to start outputting the sound data transferred by one of the communication interfaces, the control device disconnects another one of the communication interfaces while keeping the one of the communication interfaces connected and causes a sound data output device to output the sound data transferred from the communication counterparty apparatus by the one of the communication interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryuuji Sakata
  • Patent number: 9871453
    Abstract: A feedback signal stabilized by a capacitor and related to an output voltage of a power converter is used to acquire the output power information of the power converter, and a control circuit uses a second clock not related to the switching frequency of the power converter to count a duration time of the feedback signal being higher than a threshold. When the duration time is higher than a preset time, an abnormal output power of the power converter is distinguished and the power converter will be turned off. The feedback signal will not vary severely even if the output terminal of the power converter is interfered, and the counted duration time will not be influenced when the switching frequency is changing caused by a load changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Isaac Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 9800084
    Abstract: A solar powered case for charging electronic devices is provided. The solar powered case includes a housing having a body, a back panel and a front panel. The back panel and the front panel include apertures that define interactive members of an electronic device. Solar panels are incorporated into the body of the housing. A circuit board is coupled to the solar panel. The circuit board is incorporated into the body of the housing and is integrally attached to the solar panel. An output jack extending from the circuit board is removably attached to the electronic device. A Meter Light is disposed on the surface of the housing. The Meter Light indicates the strength of a light source used to power the solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Joachim Rybkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9787113
    Abstract: Charging apparatuses are provided for charging mobile devices while sterilizing the mobile devices via UV illumination. Such a charging device can include a charging apparatus case having a slot structured to receive a mobile device. The front and rear surfaces of the mobile device are exposed to inner walls of the slot; and at least one UV light source can irradiate UV light onto the front and rear surfaces of the mobile device, which are exposed to the inner walls of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Rack Kim, Seong-Min Lee
  • Patent number: 9785428
    Abstract: An internal software updating method, apparatus, system, mobile terminal, and computer-readable storage medium are provided. According to methods in the embodiments of the present invention, a network connection condition between the mobile terminal and a server and a current running mode of the mobile terminal in a regular time interval is detected and, according to the detected network connection condition and the running mode of the mobile terminal, it is determined whether to perform an update processing on the internal software installed in the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: UC MOBILE LIMITED
    Inventors: Jie Liang, Yongfu Yu, Xiaopeng He, Shunyan Zhu, Weizhong Jiang