38th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 68 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140265964 | Three Phase Brushless DC Motor Sensor-Less Control Using Sinusoidal Drive Method and Apparatus - Back electromotive force (BEMF) of a brushless DC (BLDC) motor may be determined when using continuous sinusoidal drive by computing the voltage to common (ground) of each phase ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140265965 | DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE AND DRIVE CONTROL METHOD FOR MOTOR - The present invention provides a motor drive control device provided with a shutoff circuit employing semiconductor relays and configured to drive a motor by a duty ratio control of an inverter, which stably drives the motor even in an operation state that drive duty ratio of phases are uneven. In the motor drive control device, output lines of three phases of the inverter circuit are connected to phases of the motor and further connected to a booster circuit, an output boosted by the booster circuit at a time of drive of the motor is distributed to semiconductor relays connected to respective phases of the motor, and furthermore, a switching circuit for stopping actuation of the booster circuit to shut off drive of the motor, is interposed in a line for supplying an electric power to the booster circuit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265966 | DISK DRIVE - To provide a disk drive capable of inhibiting the occurrence of acoustic noise caused by a voltage pulse when the head is retracted using a speed control method using voltage obtained by rectifying a back electromotive force after the power source has been cut off from the rotation of a spindle motor. Retraction control circuit is used to control the on and off modes of transistors in accordance with the speed of VCM. The voltage across VCM becomes a voltage that can be regulated with VCM voltage control circuit. At this time, voltage is supplied to the terminals based on the voltage of ISO5V that is the rectified voltage of the back electromotive force of the spindle motor and the pulsating voltage is synchronized and produced at both terminals. As a result, the potential difference across VCM is such that the pulsating voltage is negated and acoustic noise is inhibited. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265967 | Sine Modified Trapezoidal Drive for Brushless DC Motors - A pulse width modulated (PWM) trapezoidal commutation drive to a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor is sine modified so that the applied drive voltage substantially matches the induced voltage generated in the BLDC motor. The values of the cosine of the angles between −30 degrees and +30 degrees are used to modify the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal dependent upon the rotor angular positions determined from the times between the zero crossing BEMF voltages measured at the unconnected motor terminals. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265968 | Motor Control Loop with Fast Response - A system and method of controlling a motor are disclosed. The system comprises a current observer for observing a motor current at a sampling rate and a proportionate-integral controller that provides a proportionate path and an integral path and at least forms part of a proportionate-integral control loop based on the motor current. The current observer observes a motor current of the motor at a sampling rate. The proportionate path calculates, for a present cycle of the sampling rate, a proportionate path term for the proportionate-integral control loop based on the motor current. The system outputs a respective motor output voltage to the motor in conformity with the proportionate path term calculated for the present cycle. In conformity with the motor current, the integral path calculates an integral path term for another respective motor output voltage to be used in a later cycle of the sampling rate. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265969 | Detection of Back EMF in Two Terminal Actuator - Back-emf for a motor is measured by measuring a voltage across the input terminals for a two terminal input actuator or motor when a high frequency driver having a recirculation phase for the motor applies an instantaneous high frequency zero voltage during normal operation of the driver. By a further approach, current across the two terminal input is measured such that the measurement can be taken when the current crosses a given threshold near zero. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265970 | ELECTRIC MOTOR OR GENERATOR - An electric motor or generator system comprising a rotor having a first set of magnet poles; a stator having a first sensor mounted on the stator and a second sensor mounted in substantially a diametrically opposite position on the stator relative to the first sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged to output a first signal indicative of a first rotor flux angle associated with the first set of magnet poles as the rotor rotates relative to the stator and the second sensor is arranged to output a second signal indicative of a second rotor flux angle associated with the first set of magnet poles as the rotor rotates relative to the stator; and means arranged to determine a corrected rotor flux angle by averaging the first rotor flux angle indicated by the first sensor and the second rotor flux angle indicated by the second sensor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265971 | Battery Charger/Export Power - A system for providing operating or charging current supply in different modes of operation includes an electric machine including a rotor and a stator having stator windings, at least one charge storage device, such as a battery, and an inverter disposed between the charge storage device terminals and the electric machine. A contact arrangement modifies electrical interconnections between phases of the inverter and the stator windings. In a supply mode, the electrical interconnections are controlled so that each inverter phase is electrically interconnected with a stator winding set having windings separated from each other by stator windings in other winding sets for driving the rotor of the electrical machine. In a charge mode, however, these interconnections are controlled so that each inverter phase is electrically interconnected with a stator winding set having windings directly adjacent to each other and are not separated from each other. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265972 | Load Commutated Inverter Drive Systems for High Power Drive Applications - A load commutated inverter (LCI) drive system for a synchronous electrical machine is provided. The system may include a first supply bridge and a second supply bridge, each of which may include an alternating current to direct current (AC-to-DC) source side converter, a DC link circuit, and a DC-to-AC load side inverter. The system may include a controller for selectively controlling at least one of the first supply bridge and the second supply bridge by selective firings of SCRs. The electrical power outputted from the first supply bridge and the second supply bridge may be combined by an output delta-wye electric power transformer and supplied to the electrical machine. The LCI drive system may further include one or more input electric power transformers configured to supply an input electric power to the first supply bridge and the second supply bridge. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265973 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ROTOR SHAFT POSITION OF HIGH VOLTAGE PM AC SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES USING AUXILIARY WINDINGS - A system and method for determining rotor shaft position of high voltage permanent magnet AC synchronous machines using auxiliary windings utilizes a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor including a stator having a main set of coils and an auxiliary set of coils. A drive controller including a digital signal processor in communication with the motor utilizes a current and voltage measurements from the main and auxiliary coils to determine the position of the rotor shaft in a sensorless mode. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265974 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for starting an electric motor using a motor controller including a processor are provided. The method includes determining if the electric motor is operating, increasing a failed start counter if the electric motor is determined not to be operating, determining a reverse rotation by comparing a failed start counter to a predetermined threshold, and applying a reverse rotation start routine to the electric motor when a reverse rotation is determined. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265975 | INVERTER CONTROL METHOD AND VEHICLE HAVING SAME - A method of controlling a power inverter coupled to an electric motor in a vehicle powertrain having an engine is provided. The method includes generating a voltage waveform signal and a switching frequency signal for the inverter via a controller. At least one of the voltage waveform signal and the switching frequency signal is at least partially based on at least one commanded engine operating parameter. For example, the engine on/off state, engine torque, and engine speed can be considered. A vehicle having a controller configured to implement the method is also provided. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265976 | METHOD TO IMPLEMENT DRIVE DIAGNOSTICS AND PROGNOSTICS AUTOMATICALLY - An electric motor drive system includes a fan configured to cool power electronic components of the electric motor drive system. The electric motor drive system also includes a temperature sensor disposed proximate an air inlet of the fan and configured to sense an ambient temperature of air entering the air inlet. In addition, the electric motor drive system includes a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to determine at least one of a drive prognostic and a derating requirement based on the sensed ambient temperature. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265977 | HYBRID INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE - A hybrid industrial vehicle ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140265978 | MOTOR CONTROL DEVICES AND METHODS - A system and method for preventing thermal damage to an electric motor in a vehicle includes arrangements for monitoring the motor and detecting a cycle of the motor. If the cycle occurred within a predetermined increment time, a cycle count is incremented. If no cycle occurs for a predetermined decrement time, the cycle count is decremented if the cycle count is greater than zero. If the cycle count is at least equal to a cycle limit, power operation of the motor is deactivated for at least the decrement time. The method may include continuously calculating energy consumed by the motor and, if the energy consumed exceeds one or more allowable energy thresholds, setting the cycle count equal to the cycle limit. The method may further include detecting a failure condition and setting the cycle count equal to the cycle limit when the failure condition is detected. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265979 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FAULT PROTECTION OF A MOTOR - An exemplary motor driving system includes a power source, a driving circuit, a controller, a motor, and a protection circuit. The driving circuit including at least one switching device coupled with the power source. The motor includes a plurality of windings. The motor is coupled with the driving circuit and driven by the driving circuit. The controller is configured to provide first switch signals to the at least one switching device of the driving circuit in a normal mode. The protection circuit is coupled with the controller, and configured to generate second switch signals based at least in part on a fault signal in a fault mode and provide the second switch signals to the at least one switching device of the driving circuit so as to reconstruct circuit loops between the driving circuit and the plurality of windings. A method for operating the motor driving system is also described. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265980 | ADJUSTABLE RAIN SENSOR SETTING BASED ON PROXIMITY VEHICLE DETECTION - A system for adjusting the wipers of a vehicle based on the use of rain and proximity detecting subsystem on a given vehicle for detecting the presence of rain and one or more other vehicles in proximity to the given vehicle, such that the wipers of the given vehicle can be automatically operated to better respond to material such as rain, snow, or other material being splashed on the given vehicle by the other vehicle(s). This system may utilize sensor subsystems used for other purposes for use as the proximity sensors. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265981 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR - A control system for controlling a motor having a stator and a rotor coupled to the stator is provided. The control system includes a plurality of input taps and an input coupled to the plurality of input taps. The input is configured to transmit an input voltage to at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps. The control system also includes a microcontroller coupled to the input. The microcontroller is programmed to determine the at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps that is asserted by the input voltage; access from a memory a predetermined input condition; detect an invalid operating input condition of the motor based on a comparison of the predetermined input condition and the at least one input tap of the plurality of input taps that is asserted by the input; and perform a function to change an operating characteristic of the motor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265982 | CONTROL APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - A control apparatus having high control performance is provided. A control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a control apparatus that controls a DC motor, including a first current detection system that detects a current value of the DC motor, a second current detection system that detects a current value of the DC motor, and a control unit that controls the DC motor based on a signal indicating a current value input from the first or second current detection system, in which the second current detection system includes an amplifier. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265983 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Motor Current for an Electric Valve Positioner - A system and method for monitoring and controlling the amount of electrical current provided to a motor used to actuate a field device within a control system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265984 | System For Selecting An Output Speed For An Electric Motor - An electric motor has a control circuit that enables an operational speed of the electric motor to be selected with reference to multiple ranges of speeds and the input voltage to the motor. Switching between speed ranges occurs in response to activation of a switch or in response to expiration of a time period set by a selector switch. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265985 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRIC MOTORS - An electronic control module is provided. The electronic control module includes an input device, and a processor coupled to the input device. The processor is configured to generate a command signal in response to an input supplied by the input device, and transmit the command signal to a plurality of motors, wherein the command signal controls an operating point of each of the plurality of motors. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265986 | MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING COMMON-MODE VOLTAGE COMPENSATION - A motor control system is provided, and includes a motor, at least one differential amplifier configured to monitor phase current applied to the motor, and a current compensation controller. The current compensation controller is in communication with the at least one differential amplifier, and is configured to periodically determine a common-mode voltage of the at least one differential amplifier. The current compensation controller is also configured to determine a corrected phase current value based on the common mode voltage. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265987 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INDUCTIVE ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor. The controller including a processor programmed to receive a signal indicating a stopping command of the electric motor, and control a current such that a capacitor coupled to the electric motor is not overcharged by regenerative energy when a stopping of the electric motor has commenced, wherein controlling the current includes one of the following: upon receiving the signal indicating the stopping command of the electric motor, ramping the current down below a threshold level, or upon receiving the signal indicating the stopping command of the electric motor, forcing the current to circulate in motor windings to prevent regeneration of energy in the capacitor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265988 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRIC CONVERTER - An electric converter is provided which uses independently controlled field coils to impress a temporary magnetic field on a rotor movable relative to one or more armatures. In some embodiments, the rotor of the programmable electric converter is rotatable with the axis of rotation being on a horizontal or vertical axis. In various embodiments, the electric converter disclosed herein may be adapted for use as a continuous power solution to provide power for a limited period of time in the event of a power outage by absorbing energy and storing it mechanically in the rotor. In some embodiments, the electric converter may be utilized as a generator. In some embodiments, both AC and DC could be simultaneously produced, where AC is generated in one armature coil and DC in another coil. In some embodiments, the programmable electric converter can operate as an AC to AC converter, AC to DC converter, DC to AC converter, or DC to DC converter. In some embodiments, the electro-magnetic converter may be utilized to provide electro-magnetic propulsion to provide precise acceleration profiles and capture regenerative braking energy. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265989 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAMMING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for programming an electric motor are provided. An electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor is configured to control the electric motor to produce torque when direct current (DC) link voltage has up to 100% voltage ripple. The controller includes a first power input, a second power input, and a third power input, an energized line detection device, and a microprocessor. Each power input is configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) power source. The energized line detection device is configured to sense which power input has received power from the AC power source and output an isolated signal. The microprocessor is coupled downstream from the energized line detection device and is configured to determine an operating profile for the electric motor based on the isolated signal. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265990 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A system and a method of automatically determining an electric motor type are provided. An electric motor drive controller is configured to be coupled to an electric motor and to determine running parameters of the drive controller for the electric motor. The drive controller includes a memory device, a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device and to a user interface wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory device that cause the processor to automatically measure electrical characteristics of the electric motor, identify the electric motor using the measured electrical characteristics, load pre defined running parameters selected based on the identification into the memory device, and control an operation of the electric motor using the controller and the loaded running parameters. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265991 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSORLESS REMOTE RELEASE ACTUATING SYSTEM - A method for configuring a controller to operate a motor to position a seat, in which the controller includes an integrated current sensor and the seat includes a latch operatively coupled to the motor, includes determining an operating profile of the motor under one or more operating conditions, wherein the operating profile represents motor current values during activation of the latch, and wherein the activation of the latch includes at least one latch pulling condition and one latch release condition. The method further includes analyzing the operating profile in order to correlate the profile to the position of the latch. The method also includes loading the controller with instructions to enable comparison of a real-time current measured by the integrated current sensor to the stored operating profile, wherein the analysis enables determination of the latch condition in real-time. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265992 | MOTOR DRIVE APPARATUS FOR DRIVING STEPPING MOTOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A motor drive apparatus capable of detecting a rotor rotation position of a stepping motor, without causing a substantial cost increase. A CPU of the motor drive apparatus determines a difference between a data number, which corresponds to a timing at which an ENC0 or ENC1 signal changes in level when there is no follow-up delay of a rotor relative to voltage signals applied to A- and B-phase coils, and a data number, which corresponds to a timing at which the ENC0 or ENC1 signal changes in level when there is a follow-up delay of the rotor relative to the voltage signals, and corrects the follow-up delay of the rotor based on the determined difference. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265993 | MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS, MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A motor control apparatus controls driving a direct current motor according to a drive condition set by a stepping motor control unit. The motor control apparatus includes a storage unit in which the drive condition is written by the stepping motor control unit; and a direct current motor control unit that reads the drive condition from the storage unit and controls driving the direct current motor based on the drive condition. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265994 | Dynamically Reconfigurable Motor and Generator Systems - An electrical machine comprises a rotor, and a stator magnetically coupled to the rotor and having a plurality of slots and a plurality of windings, wherein each winding is installed in a corresponding slot, a plurality of magnetic poles and a plurality of phases in each pair of poles are formed when currents flow through the windings, and the windings are so configured that the number of phases and the number of poles can be dynamically adjusted. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265995 | Two-step connection of electric motors by means of electromagnetic switches - A method and apparatus using electromagnetic switching in a two-step connection process is provided to minimize surge currents and torque oscillations in three-phase motors during starts. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265996 | Solar Folder - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a solar folder. In one particular example, a solar folder comprises a solar module integrated into the side of a solar case. The solar module comprises solar cells mounted on a circuit board with power conditioning and monitoring integrated circuits, which are laminated between two sheets of polymers. The edges of the solar module are sewn with thread into side of the solar case. The solar case has a stiff flap that attaches at the bend of the solar case. The flap can be flipped to be on either side of the solar case. The flap can also be bent to form triangle support structure to prop up the solar case at a fixed tilt angle. The device can be charged wirelessly by induction through induction charging coils in the circuit board that support and integrate the solar cells. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265997 | UNDERHOOD HEAT ABSORBER - One variation may include a vehicle underhood heat absorber comprising at least one electrically conductive heat absorbing layer constructed and arranged to be connected to a vehicle battery to recharge the battery. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265998 | POWER TRANSFER FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Described herein are various technologies pertaining to provision of energy to a rechargeable battery of a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device has an array of photovoltaic cells embedded therein or affixed thereto. The array of photovoltaic cells is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery of the mobile electronic device. A charging pad includes an array of optical emitters, which are configured to emit light when the mobile electronic device rests on or adjacent to the charging pad. A remotely situated light source acts as a luminaire and emits a directed beam of light towards the mobile electronic device to provide energy to the rechargeable battery. | 2014-09-18 |
20140265999 | WIND CHARGER - A wind charger set on a circuit board for powering a button cell held by a holder set on the circuit board. The wind charger includes a bracket attached to the holder, a wind turbine fixed on the bracket and a charge circuit. The charge circuit is set on the circuit board. The wind turbine transfers airflow created by a heat-dissipating device set on the circuit board into electricity for powering the charge circuit, which charges the button cell. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266000 | Rechargeable Battery Accessories - A plurality of battery pack accessories are presented. The accessories include a battery power gauge adapted to be applied to a battery pack and provides a visual indication of the state of the charge in the battery pack, a light adapted to the battery pack such that the battery pack can be used as a flashlight when needed, a connector (e.g., a Universal Serial bus (USB) connector) that can be used for charging the battery pack or to allow the battery pack to charge a device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266001 | SOLAR POWER BOX - A toolbox is disclosed that provides power via 12-volt DC, 110-volt AC, and USB outlets that includes a solar panel for electrical energy generation. The preferred embodiment of the toolbox is configured for installation on a vehicle and can also be charged via the vehicle's inverter or via a common 110-volt AC power supply. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266002 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for constructing thermoelectric devices (TEDs). N-type elements are paired with P-type elements in an array of pairs between substrates. The paired elements are electrically connected in series by various techniques including brazing for hot side and/or also cold side connections, and soldering for cold side connections while being thermally connected in parallel. In selected embodiments, electrical and mechanical connections of the elements may be made solely by mechanical pressure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266003 | CELL BALANCING THROUGH A SWITCHED CAPACITOR LEVEL SHIFTER - A battery management apparatus is provided. The battery management apparatus includes a switched capacitor level shifter having a first port and a second port. The first port is configured to couple to a cell in a battery stack and the second port is configured to couple to a voltage measurement device. The apparatus includes a discharge device coupled to the second port, wherein the discharge device is configured to discharge the cell via the switched capacitor level shifter. A method of managing a battery stack is also included. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266004 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM - A method comprises connecting to a charging server; connecting to an authorization management system; receiving a charging request from a charging server, the charging request identifying an electric charging device requested to be used to charge an electric vehicle; transmitting an authorization request to the authorization management system for the electric charging device to be used to charge the electric vehicle; receiving an authorization response from the authorization management system authorizing the electric charging device to be used to charge the electric vehicle; and transmitting an authorization instruction to the charging server to charge the electric vehicle using the electric charging device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266005 | ACCELEROMETER-BASED BATTERY CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR | 2014-09-18 |
20140266006 | MODULAR SYSTEM FOR COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC STORAGE DEVICES - A collection, charging and distribution machine collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machine employs electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The machine determines a first number of devices to be rapidly charged, employing charge from a second number of devices identified to sacrifice charge. Thus, some devices may be concurrently charged via current from the electrical service and current from other devices, to achieve rapid charging of some subset of devices. The devices that sacrifice charge may later be charged. Such may ensure availability of devices for end users. Collection, charging and distribution machines may be deployed individually or as networked collection, charging and distribution modules with one collection, charging and distribution module controlling at least one other collection, charging and distribution module. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266007 | Portable Charger - This new current invention will register a portable charger, especially the USB type one that uses lithium battery of 3.7 V as power source with output of some 5.2 V. It consists of outer case, circuit board within the outer case, USB port on the circuit board. One end of the outer case has a port for the compatible connection of USB port wire. Also installed on the outer case are the transfer part of active switch and passive switch. The passive switch is connected to the main circuit of the circuit board by means of switch. While the charger is not in use, the passive switch is off, and the main circuit is shut off in turn. And the internal battery has almost zero loss to save the energy at its maximum. Only when the charger is in use, some force is operated on the active switch, and the active switch will turn on the passive switch to have the main circuit connected for the consumption of the battery energy. Besides the maximum saving of electricity energy, this new current invention the function of dust-proof. So its prospective application is promising. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266008 | UNIVERSAL BATTERY CHARGER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A system and method for charging batteries. Stops are adjusted for each of the batteries to secure the number of batteries in place. The batteries are placed to abut the stops. Adjustable contacts of the battery charger are positioned against terminals of the batteries. The batteries are secured within the receptacles of the battery charger. The batteries are charged. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266009 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IN-LINE CHARGING OF A PIPELINE TOOL - An apparatus for electrically charging a rechargeable power source of a pipeline tool while the tool is located within a pipeline comprises a power module including a charging power source, an insertion module including an insertion mechanism having a charging plug for mating with a charging socket of the pipeline tool and a drive assembly operable to extend and retract the charging plug, and a power line electrically connecting the charging power source to the charging plug. The charging power source, power line, and charging plug may be enclosed by a pressure barrier and brought into pressure equalization with the pipeline, wherein the power line does not cross the barrier. The charging power source may include batteries or a generator. If a generator is employed and a pressure barrier must be maintained, a magnetic coupling may be used to transmit kinetic energy across the barrier for input to the generator. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266010 | APPARATUSES AND RELATED METHODS FOR CHARGING CONTROL OF A SWITCHING VOLTAGE REGULATOR - Charging systems and related methods are disclosed for switching voltage regulators. A charging controller may be configured to generate a control signal indicating a first level of an output current generated by a switching voltage regulator for charging an energy storage device, determine that an output voltage exceeded a predetermined threshold, and generate the control signal indicating a new level of the output current that is reduced from the first level. A method of controlling charging of an energy storage device may comprise monitoring an output voltage charging an energy storage device, comparing a reference signal and a current sense signal to generate a PWM control signal that determines an output current for a switching voltage regulator generating the output voltage, and decrementing the reference signal in response to the output voltage exceeding a predetermined level for a maximum charging voltage for the energy storage device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266011 | MULTIPHASE CHARGER - An electronic device is described. The electronic device includes a first port. The electronic device also includes a second port. The electronic device further includes a multiphase charger. The multiphase charger includes a first buck. The multiphase charger also includes a second buck. The multiphase charger further includes a first port switch. The multiphase charger also includes a second port switch. The multiphase charger further includes a reverse boost switch. The multiphase charger also includes a multiphase switch. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266012 | Mobile Handset Recharge - Methods and devices for connecting a mobile device with different data storage devices located either locally or remotely are provided. The device may apply one or more rules to create a hierarchical virtualization of the several data storage devices. The virtualization may then be provided to the user as a single, hierarchical file system. Further, a monitoring system may monitor the file system to determine if any new applications have been installed or if applications are currently being executed. If a connection is made to a secure network, the system may provide the information derived from the monitoring to the secure network. The secure network can then analyze the information to determine if any of the applications should be uninstalled from the device or should be stopped while the device is connected to the network. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266013 | SWITCHED VOLTAGE BOOSTER - An electrical system comprises a battery charger which charges or otherwise provides electrical power to an electrical subsystem via a switched-booster circuit. A control device, included in the electrical system, operates a switch module to controllably bypass a voltage-booster circuit according to the voltage of the electrical subsystem and/or the electrical current through the switched-booster circuit. The electrical system may further include additional electrical subsystems and the control device may be further configured to control the voltage-booster circuit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266014 | Embedded Power Supplying Device Using in Desk - A power supplying device is embedding in a hole of a desk. The power supplying device includes an annular base, a ring, and a charging body. The annular base has a through hole. The ring is surrounded the annular base. The charging body has a shell and a charging circuit, which is located in the shell. An outer sidewall of the shell contacted with the through hole of the annular base. A concave for passing through a wire is formed on the outer sidewall. A maximum outer diameter of the shell is adapted to an inner diameter of the through hole of the annular base. An outer diameter of the ring is greater than an inner diameter of the hole of the desk. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266015 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION OF ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - A charging system includes a temperature sensor to generate a temperature signal responsive to a temperature of an energy storage device. A circuit temperature sensor generates a circuit temperature signal responsive to a temperature of a semiconductor device. A charge adjuster generates a desired current signal responsive to the temperature signal and the circuit temperature signal. A comparator compares a charge-current level signal to the desired current signal to generate a charge adjustment signal. A charge controller on the semiconductor device generates and adjusts a current of a charging signal for charging the energy storage device responsive to the charge adjustment signal. The charge adjuster may generate a reduction signal when the temperature signal is above a throttle threshold, reduce a digital desired current signal responsive to the reduction signal, and convert the digital desired current signal to the desired current signal as an analog signal. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266016 | Charging Circuit and Charger - A charging circuit and a charger are provided. The charging circuit includes a temperature detection unit, a charging unit, and a control unit. In the present invention, the charging circuit adjusts a magnitude of a charging current according to a temperature of a product being charged or the charger and then controls the temperature of the product being charged or the charger, thereby greatly improving user experience, and enhancing safety performance of the product with a heat protection function. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266017 | BATTERY CHARGER - A battery charger is provided on which power conversion components for converting commercial power to direct current (DC) power are mounted. The power conversion components include a power breaker for switching input alternate current (AC) power on/off, a power conversion circuit for converting the input AC power to a predetermined AC power, a voltage conversion circuit for converting the predetermined AC power to a predetermined voltage, and a rectifier circuit for converting the AC power that has been converted to the predetermined voltage to DC power. The power conversion components are mounted on a core frame, and an outer housing is mounted to the core frame in a manner so as to cover the core frame. The power breaker, the power conversion circuit, the rectifier circuit, and the voltage conversion circuit are mounted in this order to the core frame. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266018 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTENDING THE POWER CAPABILITY OF A WIRELESS CHARGER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect, an apparatus transfers energy wirelessly to at least one receive antenna of at least one receiver. The apparatus comprises a first antenna configured to generate a first wireless field when the at least one receiver is in an energy transfer region of the first transmit antenna. The apparatus further comprises a second antenna configured to generate a second wireless field when the at least one receiver is in an energy transfer region of the second transmit antenna. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to activate at least one of the first antenna or the second antenna based on whether the at least one receiver is in an energy transfer region of one or both of the first and second wireless fields. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266019 | WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - A wireless charging system includes a power transmitting device and a power receiving device. In the transmitting device, a transmitting coil converts a drive signal from a drive signal circuit into an alternating magnetic field. In the receiving device, a receiving coil produces an alternating waveform from the magnetic field, and a rectifier rectifies the alternating waveform to deliver power having a rectified voltage. A modulation circuit causes a loading circuit to be coupled to and uncoupled from the receiving coil at a pre-determined modulation rate when, for example, the rectified voltage is greater than a threshold voltage. Back in the transmitting device, a modulation detector circuit detects modulation of the load impedance, and when the load impedance is modulating at the pre-determined modulation rate, causes the drive signal circuit to adjust a characteristic of the drive signal, resulting in an adjustment in an intensity of the magnetic field. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266020 | WIRELESS CHARGING PAD AND METHOD - A wireless charging pad is illustratively disclosed. In an embodiment, the pad includes an NFC tag which is capable of receiving an NFC signal from the receiver and thereby turning on the pad's power supply to commence charging of the receiver. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266021 | POSITIONING AID FOR WIRELESS ENERGY TRANSFER - A wirelessly powered device and operating method to aid in locating the device in relation to an energy transmitter. A device positioning aid processor places at least one component into a high electrical current consumption mode and determines, based on placing the at least one component into a high electrical current consumption mode, an amount of electrical current induced in a receiving coil that is adapted to inductively couple to a transmission coil external to the wirelessly powered device. An indicator, which is communicatively coupled to the device positioning aid processor, is configured to provide, in response to a determination of the amount of electrical current, an indication corresponding to the amount of electrical current. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266022 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REGULATING INDUCTIVE ENERGY TRANSFER TO AN IMPLANTABLE SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for regulating the transfer of energy inductively between an implantable device and an external charging system, wherein the energy transfer rate is regulated by varying an operating frequency of an inductive energy transfer circuit of the implantable device responsive a temperature measured within the implantable device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266023 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALTERING THE PROPERTIES OF A BATTERY BY PROCESSING THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF A MAGNETIC FIELD - A system and method for altering the properties of a battery by exposure of the battery to a magnetic field is described herein. The method comprises generating a magnetic field; exposing a battery to the magnetic field, and determining the optimum settings of the magnetic field parameters for the particular material. The magnetic field may be time varying or time invariant. Various properties of the magnetic field can be altered to determine the optimum settings for altering the material properties, including the amplitude, frequency, and waveform. In one embodiment, a method for improving the performance of a battery is provided, comprising: providing a battery; temporarily installing a magnetic field generator along at least a portion of the battery; and generating a pulsed magnetic field around at least a portion of the battery using the magnetic field generator and simultaneously running a current through the battery. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266024 | Method and System for Wirelessly Charge a Diagnostic Tool - An electrical charging system including a storing vessel for storing a diagnostic tool and a wireless charging system integrated with the storing vessel for wirelessly charging the diagnostic tool when the diagnostic tool is placed within the storing vessel. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266025 | WIRELESS INTERROGATION AND WIRELESS CHARGING OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, wireless chargers combined with wireless interrogators. The wireless chargers can transmit power wirelessly, while also wirelessly interrogating a nearby transponder, such as an RFID tag. The wireless chargers with wireless interrogators can also be programmable to allow user-implemented rules operable in response to an interrogation. Such rules can impose restrictions upon whether wireless charging is allowed to take place. Such rules can also be used to select a power-transmitting protocol that is particularly suited for the electronic device being charged. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266026 | Mobile Charging Unit for Input Devices - Devices, methods, and systems for charging input devices. A charging unit includes a sleeve for receiving a stylus and a base. The charging unit receives electrical power from an external power source via an interface and transfers the power to the stylus via a connection between the base's charging contacts and conductive charging zones on a portion of the input device in the base. A method detects insertion of a stylus into a charging unit having an internal battery and an interface capable of receiving power from an external power source. The method determines if the unit is connected to a power source. If so, the stylus is charged by transferring the received energy via a connection between the unit's charging contacts and conductive charging zones of the stylus. If energy is not being received from the external power source, the method charges the stylus using the unit's internal battery. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266027 | SWEEP FREQUENCY MODE FOR MULTIPLE MAGNETIC RESONANT POWER TRANSMISSION - A power transmission pad is configured to provide wireless power transmission to multiple portable electronic devices where each device is orientation-free relative to the pad. The power transmission pad is also configured to be power adaptive by changing the power transmission level depending on the number of devices being concurrently charged. Each device, is placed within the magnetic field for the purpose of charging the device battery. The power transmission pad includes a sweep frequency generator for generating power transmissions across a frequency spectrum. The number of devices to be charged is determined as well as an optimal frequency for maximum energy transfer to each device. A single combined optimal frequency is determined using the optimal frequencies determined for each individual device. The sweep frequency generator is locked to the single combined optimal frequency and a power transmission level is set according to the number of devices. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266028 | SWEEP FREQUENCY MODE FOR MAGNETIC RESONANT POWER TRANSMISSION - A power transmission pad is configured to provide wireless power transmission to a receiving device where the receiving device is orientation-free relative to the pad. The pad functions as a transmitter and is magnetically “hot”, meaning the pad generates a magnetic field when powered on. The receiving device, such as a cell phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device, is placed within the magnetic field for the purpose of charging the device battery. In contrast to conventional wireless battery charging systems, there are no restrictions on the orientation of the receiving device relative to the pad. The power transmission pad includes a sweep frequency generator for generating power transmissions across a frequency spectrum. An optimal frequency is determined for maximum energy transfer to the receiving device, and the sweep frequency generator is locked to the determined optimal frequency. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266029 | SWEEP FREQUENCY FOR MULTIPLE MAGNETIC RESONANT POWER TRANSMISSION USING ALTERNATING FREQUENCIES - A power transmission pad is configured to provide wireless power transmission to multiple portable electronic devices where each device is orientation-free relative to the pad. The power transmission pad is also configured to be power adaptive by changing the power transmission level depending on the number of devices being concurrently charged. Each device, is placed within the magnetic field for the purpose of charging the device battery. The power transmission pad includes a sweep frequency generator for generating power transmissions across a frequency spectrum. The number of devices to be charged is determined as well as an optimal frequency for maximum energy transfer to each device. The sweep frequency generator is set to cycle through the optimal frequencies determined for each device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266030 | COIL SUBSTRATE FOR WIRELESS CHARGING AND ELECTRIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - There are provided a coil substrate which includes a coil for wireless charging and an antenna and is capable of increasing charging efficiency, and an electronic device including the same. The coil substrate according to embodiments of the invention may include a coil pattern; a dummy part formed around the coil pattern; and at least one penetration part formed in the dummy part or in a central portion of the coil pattern. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266031 | WIRELESS POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, POWER TRANSMISSION CONTROLLING APPARATUS AND POWER RECEPTION CONTROLLING APPARATUS - A wireless power supply system according to an embodiment includes a power transmitting unit that transmits electric power. The wireless power supply system includes a power receiving unit that receives the electric power output from the power transmitting unit. Even if one of a plurality of power transmitting coils stops transmitting electric power, the wireless power supply system can increase the electric power transmitted by the other power transmitting coils. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266032 | WIRELESS CHARGING DEVICE - A wireless charging device includes a plurality of power supply modules, a control unit and a charge module. Each of the power supply modules includes a receiver and a conduction circuit. The receiver outputs an induction current. The conduction circuit is coupled to the receiver and generates an output signal according to the induction current. The control unit is coupled to the power supply modules and generates a control signal according to the induction current outputted by the receivers. The charge module is coupled to the power supply modules and generates a charge current according to the output signal generated from the power supply modules. The control unit adjusts the maximum value of the charge current according to the number of the power supply modules which generate the induction current. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266033 | POWER CHARGING APPARATUS AND BATTERY APPARATUS - A power charging apparatus and a battery apparatus quickly charge a battery with power by separately charging each battery cell with power. The power charging apparatus includes: a power supplier supplying power; and a charging part having at least two chargers corresponding one-to-one to at least two battery cells connected to each other in parallel, each of the at least two chargers charging the corresponding battery cell with power transmitted from the power supplying unit. The battery apparatus includes: a battery having at least two battery cells connected to each other in parallel; and a charging part having at least two chargers corresponding one-to-one to the at least two battery cells and charging the at least two chargers with power received. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266034 | Short Distance Wireless Device Charging System having a Shared Antenna - A wireless charging system includes a power receiving antenna that also functions as a communication antenna. The wireless charging system includes a transmitter having a first antenna configured to transmit radio-frequency energy and a first electronic device. The first electronic device includes a second antenna, a first communication circuit operably connected to the second antenna, and a first power converter operably connected to the second antenna. The second antenna is configured to receive the radio frequency energy transmitted by the first antenna. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266035 | WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER VIA VARIABLE COUPLING CAPACITANCE - There is provided a system that includes a charger and a portable device. The portable device is coupled to the charger via a coupling capacitance. The charger provides a relatively constant current to the portable device, even for a relatively large variation in the coupling capacitance. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266036 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING FOREIGN OBJECT IN WIRELESS POWER TRANSMITTING SYSTEM - An apparatus and method for detecting a foreign object in a wireless power transmitting system are provided. In a case in which a foreign object is not detected prior to charging, an attempt to detect a foreign object detection during charging is performed, and when a foreign object is not detected while a power signal is being received, power is limited based on a temperature sensor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266037 | ELECTRONIC UNIT AND POWER FEEDING SYSTEM - An electronic unit includes an electricity reception section configured to receive power transmitted using one of a magnetic field and an electric field, a secondary battery configured to be charged based on a received power received by the electricity reception section, and a state notification section configured to provide notification to outside as to a state of its own unit. A charging period during which the secondary battery is charged based on the received power and a non-charging period are set in a time-divisional manner. The state notification section notifies of the unit state based on the received power in both of the charging period and the non-charging period. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266038 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE WHILE CHARGING - A vehicle includes a traction battery having a thermal circuit, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) charge the traction battery using a maximum charging current defined by the lowest temperature cell while the traction battery is connected to the charger, and (ii) heat the traction battery if the lowest temperature cell is below a predetermined temperature while the traction battery is charging. A method for controlling an electric vehicle while connected to a charger includes charging the battery using a first portion of power from the charger while heating the battery using a second portion of power from the charger in response to a low cell temperature in a traction battery. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266039 | Systems and Methods for Controlling a Charging Device - A charging device for use with an electric vehicle including a power storage device is provided. The charging device includes a current control device configured to selectively enable current to be received at the charging device from an electrical distribution device and supplied to a power storage device connected to the charging device, and a processor coupled to the current control device. The processor is configured to assign, based at least in part on a connect time of the power storage device to the charging device, a current allocation to said charging device, and control the current control device to enable the current allocation to be at least one of received from the electrical distribution device and supplied by the charging device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266040 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT HAVING INCREASED COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES - An electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE) system that includes a nozzle ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140266041 | DISTRIBUTED CHARGING OF ELECTRICAL ASSETS - The present disclosure relates generally to the field of distributed charging of electrical assets. In various examples, distributed charging of electrical assets may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266042 | QUICK CHARGE SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES - A charging unit for an electric vehicle is disclosed which includes a charging circuit which is constructed and arranged for delivering on a selectable basis one of two Level 3 charges, the selection being made by the user by way of a selection switch. The selection switch being integrated with the corresponding circuitry for selecting either a SAE protocol for charging the electric vehicle or a CHAdeMO protocol for charging the electric vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266043 | VEHICLE SYSTEM WITH BATTERIES IN SERIES - A vehicle system is provided and includes a 12 volt alternator and a 24 volt wound rotor configured for acceptance in the 12 volt alternator. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266044 | FORCED DISCHARGE CIRCUIT OF BATTERY CHARGER FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE, BATTERY CHARGER FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE, AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE HAVING FUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGE - Provided is a forced discharge circuit of a battery charger for an electric vehicle, which is capable of forcibly discharging a high voltage in accordance with the electric safety code for electric vehicles when the function of the battery charger is stopped. A forced discharge circuit of a battery charger for an electric vehicle, which discharges a high voltage applied to the battery charger that converters commercial power to charge a vehicle battery, includes: a micro control unit (MCU) configured to generate a control signal according to a charge state of the battery charger; a discharge resistor connected in parallel to the battery charger; and a relay connected in series to the discharge resistor and configured to operate in an on or off state according to the control signal of the MCU. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266045 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHARGING BATTERY - A method and device for charging a battery is provided. A charging device transmits a charging initiation request including the meter identifier and a charging identifier to a server, and receives a charging initiation response M response to the charging initiation request from the server. The charging device transmits a charging completion message indicating power consumed for the charging to the server upon completion of the charging, and receives charging information indicating billing information according to the charging of the battery from the server. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266046 | Managing Electric Current Allocation Between Charging Equipment for Charging Electric Vehicles - A total amount of current drawn through a first charging equipment and a second charging equipment that wired on a same electrical circuit is limited to not exceed a maximum amount of electric current supported by the electrical circuit to prevent the electrical circuit from being overloaded, where limiting includes communicating a first current limit to a first electric vehicle connected to the first charging equipment to cause the first electric vehicle to limit its current draw to not exceed the first current limit, and communicating a second current limit to a second electric vehicle connected to the second charging equipment to cause the second electric vehicle to limit its current draw to not exceed the second current limit, where a sum of current being drawn at the first current limit and the second current limit does not exceed the maximum amount of electric current supported by the electrical circuit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266047 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE MONITORING OF CHARGING THE BATTERY OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE, CHARGER AND DEVICE FOR USE IN THE SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a charger for charging the battery of an electric vehicle, comprising at least one port for exchanging electric power and/or data with a vehicle during a charge session, first data communication means, for saving information regarding the charge session to a data storage location, second data communication means, for communicating a reference for obtaining access to the data storage location comprising the information regarding said charge session to an external device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266048 | Dual Port Charger - A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack is disclosed. The charger includes a housing, a first and second charging circuit positioned within the housing, a first and second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled the first and second charging circuits, respectively. The first charging port is configured to support the first battery pack and defines a first connection axis along which the first battery pack is movable to connect with the first charging circuit. The second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack and defines a second connection axis along which the second battery pack is movable to connect with the second charging circuit. The second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266049 | DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF SHORT FORMATION IN BATTERY CELLS - Failure mechanisms of a battery cell may be detected and prevented by monitoring a voltage of the battery cell, and detecting when the cell voltage falls below a voltage threshold. The length of time that the voltage remains below the voltage threshold may be monitored to detect when the length of time exceeds a time threshold. When the length of time has exceeded the time threshold, the battery pack may be disabled from further charging. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266050 | BALANCE RESISTOR AND LOW PASS FILTER - A battery cell balancing and measuring apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of terminals having a portion of the terminals grouped as terminal pairs, each terminal of the plurality of terminals operable to couple to a node in a battery stack. Each terminal pair having a capacitor and a switch coupled in parallel with each other, the capacitor and the switch coupled across respective terminal pair. The apparatus includes a plurality of resistors, each resistor of the plurality of resistors coupled to a terminal of the plurality of terminals. Each resistor of the plurality of resistors provides a discharge path for a respective battery cell coupled to a terminal pair via the switch and wherein each resistor of the plurality of resistors provides a low pass filter path for the respective battery cell via the capacitor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266051 | BATTERY SYSTEM - An ECU outputs, when it determines that there is a battery cell which needs charging, address information to a battery monitor AFE | 2014-09-18 |
20140266052 | BATTERY PACK DISCHARGING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISCHARGING A BATTERY PACK - A battery pack discharging device is provided. The device includes a hand-held member having a handle portion and first and second actuation members extending from the handle portion. The device further includes a docking device having a housing, first and second switches, and a resistor. The housing has first and second apertures extending therethrough. First and second actuation members of the hand-held member are disposed in first and second apertures, respectively, of the housing such that the first and second actuation members transition the first and second switches, respectively, to first and second closed operational positions, respectively, to discharge the battery pack. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266053 | MULTI-DIMENSIONAL BATTERY NETWORKS FOR LARGE SCALE ENERGY STORAGE AND ELECTRICAL VEHICLE APPLICATIONS - Multi-dimensional battery networks are presented that are intrinsically superior to the standard battery networks that are currently being used in electric vehicle applications. The higher dimensional battery networks are more stable against failures in individual batteries. The networks can be implemented using Li-ion batteries and enhance the lifetime of battery networks, which is critically important, for example in automotive applications. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266054 | ENERGY STORAGE PEAK SHAVING OF ELECTRICAL POWER FOR FACILITIES - A method of shaving peak power consumption by a facility includes determining a target peak demand setpoint for a facility and measuring power consumed by the facility. An electrical storage system (ESS) is charged when the measured power consumption is below the target peak demand setpoint. Additionally, the ESS is discharged and provides power to the facility when the measured power consumption is above the setpoint. Further, as data for the facility and ESS changes, the target peak demand setpoint is updated. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266055 | HETERO-IONIC AROMATIC ADDITIVES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS COMPRISING A METAL FUEL - An embodiment of the invention provides for an electrochemical cell comprising: a fuel electrode comprising a metal fuel, a second electrode, and an ionically conductive medium communicating the electrodes; the ionically conductive medium comprising hetero-ionic aromatic additives. The fuel electrode and the second electrode are operable in a discharge mode wherein the metal fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode functioning as an anode, whereby electrons are generated for conduction from the fuel electrode to the second electrode via a load. An ionically conductive medium and methods of operating an electrochemical cell are also disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266056 | SYNERGISTIC ADDITIVES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS WITH ELECTRODEPOSITED FUEL - An embodiment of the invention provides for an electrochemical cell comprising: a fuel electrode comprising a metal fuel, a second electrode, an ionically conductive medium communicating the electrodes, the ionically conductive medium comprising at least two different additives, wherein at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: macroheterocyclic compounds, phosphonium salts, hetero-ionic compounds and their derivatives; and, at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: macroheterocyclic compounds, phosphonium salts, hetero-ionic compounds, and their derivatives. The fuel electrode and the second electrode are operable in a discharge mode wherein the metal fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode functioning as an anode, whereby electrons are generated for conduction from the fuel electrode to the second electrode via a load. An ionically conductive medium and methods of operating an electrochemical cell are also disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266057 | BATTERY CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF LIQUID SUBMERSION - A battery ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140266058 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USE IN STORING ENERGY - Some embodiments provide energy storage systems that comprise: a first electrode; a second electrode; an electrolyte; the first electrode, the second electrode and the electrolyte are positioned such that the electrolyte is in contact with at least the first electrode; and a polarity reversal system electrically coupled with the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the polarity reversal system is configured to allow the energy storage system to operate while a first polarity to charge and discharge electrical energy while operating in the first polarity, and the polarity reversal system is configured to reverse the voltage polarity across the first and second electrodes to a second polarity to allow the energy storage system to continue to operate while the second polarity is established across the first electrode and the second electrode to continue to charge and discharge electrical energy while operating in the second polarity. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266059 | SELECTIVE UPDATING OF BATTERY PARAMETER ESTIMATIONS - A vehicle is provided with an electric machine that is configured to provide drive torque, and a battery for supplying power to the electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to estimate present battery parameters based on input indicative of the power supplied by the battery. The controller is also configured to generate output indicative of battery power capability based on the input and prior battery parameters in response to a rate of change of a component of the power being less than a lower boundary. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266060 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A method for evaluating a battery employed in an application includes calculating a differential voltage during a charging event, evaluating the differential voltage to determine a peak state of the differential voltage, determining a state of charge of the battery based upon the peak state of the differential voltage, and controlling operation of the application in response to the state of charge. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266061 | Heterogeneous Energy Storage System and Associated Methods - A power supply system between a power supply and an electrical load uses a plurality of battery modules which may be different in configuration from one another. The system assesses one or more state variables for each battery module to indicate a health status of the battery module. The variable indicative of the health status typically includes: i) a residual ability of the battery module to accept electric charge, ii) a residual capacity of the battery module to hold electric charge, iii) an internal resistance of the battery module, iv) a conductance of the battery module, v) a capacitance of the battery module, vi) a rate of charge of the battery module, vii) a rate of discharge of the battery module under load, or viii) a rate of self-discharge of the battery module. The system then generates unique charging and discharging criteria for each battery module which is specifically derived from the health status of the battery module. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266062 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CHARGE CAPACITY BALANCING OPERATION OF SECONDARY BATTERY CELL - Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling a charge capacity balancing operation of a secondary battery cell. According to the present disclosure, the charge capacity balancing operation starts under the consideration of an environment condition suitable to perform the charge capacity balancing operation, so that sufficient time for the charge capacity balancing operation of the secondary battery cells may be ensured. Accordingly, this may reduce the possibility of the balancing operation being interrupted. | 2014-09-18 |
20140266063 | CONTROL OF POWER FLOW IN BATTERY CELLS OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a high voltage traction battery for providing propulsion energy to the vehicle. A battery control module controls the operation of the battery, and also commands cell balancing out of or between cells of the battery to maintain a relative equilibrium of charge across a plurality of the cells. The battery control module is in communication with an interactive display in the vehicle or a communication device outside of the vehicle. A user can define a time period in which the vehicle is to enter a hibernation mode. During the hibernation mode, the battery control module inhibits cell balancing in the battery. Upon expiration of the user-defined time period, the battery control module enables cell balancing. | 2014-09-18 |