4451results about "Apparatus for hiring articles" patented technology

A system for charging a battery within an at least partially electric vehicle. The system includes a charging device wherein the charging device configured to electrically connect to the at least partially electric vehicle and charge at least one battery by a predetermined amount. The system also includes a network configured to determine the location of the charging device.

A system for network-controlled charging of electric vehicles comprises charge transfer devices networked as follows: charge transfer devices and electric vehicle operators communicate via wireless communication links; charge transfer devices are connected by a local area network to a data control unit, which is connected to a server via a wide area network. The server stores consumer profiles and utility company power grid load data. A charge transfer devices comprises: an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector for recharging an electric vehicle; an electric power line connecting the receptacle to a local power grid; a control device on the electric power line, for switching the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device on the electric power line, for measuring current flowing through the receptacle; a controller for operating the control device and monitoring the output from the current measuring device; a local area network transceiver connected to the controller, for connecting the controller to the data control unit; and a communication device connected to the controller, for wireless communication between the operator of the electric vehicle and the controller.

A wireless charging apparatus and system according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless charging service through authentication so as to efficiently control charging rights with respect to a plurality of electronic devices, which desire to receive the wireless charging service using a shared wireless charging apparatus, resulting in allowing a user to get a stable wireless charging service and proposing a new benefit creation model. The wireless charging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit configured to receive authentication result information relating to a target electronic device from a server, and a wireless charging unit configured to wirelessly transmit power to the target electronic device if the authentication result information indicates a successful authentication, wherein the wireless communication unit transmits the authentication result information to the target electronic device if the authentication result information indicates an unsuccessful authentication.

A system and method are described for powering a vehicle using radio frequency (“RF”) signals. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: positioning an antenna array beneath or on the road surface of a roadway, the antenna array configured to transmit RF signals responsive to RF processing logic and / or circuitry; coupling a rectenna array to a vehicle, the rectenna array configured to receive the RF signals transmitted from the antenna array and to generate power from the RF signals; providing feedback signals from the vehicle to the RF processing logic and / or circuitry, the feedback signals including channel state information (CSI) defining a current state of the channels between the antenna array and the rectenna array, the RF processing logic and / or circuitry using the channel state information to adjust the RF signal transmissions from the antenna array to improve the efficiency of the power generated by the rectenna array; and using the power generated by the rectenna array to power the vehicle.

An auction service is provided that stimulates competition between energy suppliers (i.e., electric power or natural gas). A bidding moderator (Moderator) receives bids from the competing suppliers of the rate each is willing to charge to particular end users for estimated quantities of electric power or gas supply (separate auctions). Each supplier receives competing bids from the Moderator and has the opportunity to adjust its own bids down or up, depending on whether it wants to encourage or discourage additional energy delivery commitments in a particular geographic area or to a particular customer group. Each supplier's bids can also be changed to reflect each supplier's capacity utilization. Appropriate billing arrangements are also disclosed.

The present application relates to a charging station operable in a charging cycle for charging an electric vehicle. The charging station has a key-activated controller for controlling the charging cycle. The application also relates to a key for operating the charging station. Furthermore, the application relates to a charging station having an interface for connecting the charging station to a data network. The application also relates to a charging station having a socket for receiving a plug and a key-operated locking mechanism for locking a plug in said socket. A frangible panel movable between an open position and a closed position may be provided. A processor may be provided for generating data to impose a financial charge on an individual for using the charging station. The application also relates to methods of operating a charging station including the steps of obtaining user identification data; supplying electricity to a charging socket; and generating data for levying a financial charge on the user.

A vehicle charging station for use in transmitting charging power to an electric vehicle for use in charging the vehicle is configured to communicatively couple to the electric vehicle via a network connection to a wireless network provider and electrically couple to the electric vehicle via a connector. Vehicle charging station is further configured to receive a unique identifier from the electric vehicle via the network connection, deliver a quantity of electrical charging power to the electric vehicle via the connector, and meter the quantity of electrical charging power delivered to the electric vehicle

A method of collecting electric vehicle power consumption tax for charge transferred between a local power source and an electric vehicle comprises: providing a network-controlled charge transfer device, charge transfer being controlled by a controller, the controller being connected to a network for communication to a server; requesting by an operator of the electric vehicle to the controller for charge transfer; relaying the request from the controller to the server; determining by the server, from geographical tax rate data and the geographical location of the network-controlled charge transfer device, an applicable tax rate on the charge transfer; enabling charge transfer by communicating from the server to the controller to activate the control device; monitoring the charge transfer using a current measuring device, the controller being configured to monitor the output from the current measuring device and to maintain a running total of charge transferred; detecting completion of the charge transfer; and on detecting completion, processing payment with said payment source, which may include deducting the cost of charge transfer from a subscriber account containing pre-transferred funds, and disabling charge transfer; wherein the request for payment includes the electric vehicle power consumption tax.

Systems and methods for financial settlement of transactions within an electric power grid network are disclosed. A multiplicity of active grid elements are constructed and configured for electric connection and network-based communication over a blockchain-based platform. The multiplicity of active grid elements are operable to make peer-to-peer transactions based on their participation within the electric power grid by generating and executing a digital contract. The multiplicity of active grid elements generate messages autonomously and / or automatically within a predetermined time interval. The messages comprise energy related data and settlement related data. The energy related data of the multiplicity of active grid elements are based on measurement and verification. The energy related data and the settlement related data are validated and recorded on a distributed ledger with a time stamp and a geodetic reference.

An automatic recharging docking station for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles in which standardized uniform charging stations are positioned in public parking facilities, private parking facilities, rest stops, or the like, and by means of a retractable vehicle probe, allow the owner / user of the vehicle to attach to the charging station and recharge the batteries or storage cells of the vehicle while the owner / user is at work, shopping, or otherwise not requiring the use of the vehicle. The particular vehicle and vehicle probe would have an encrypted identification means so that its identity would be recorded when it connected to a particular recharging station, regardless of which electrical jurisdiction that charging station was located, such that the respective electric utility companies or other entity would be able to identify and bill the owner / user for the quantity of electricity drawn during a specified time period.

An electric power meter includes an embedded decomposition module that is configured to decompose a power meter signal into constituent loads to segregate and identify energy consumption associated with each individual energy consumption device within a plurality of energy consumption devices coupled to the power meter.

A method for pay-per-use, self-service charging of electric storage power systems of electric automobiles, said automobiles charged via electrical connections to a provided curbside charging station, said charging station automatically modifying grid electricity to be suitable for charging an array of said automobiles, said charging station also automatically securing electricity at off-peak rates when available and storing same for subsequent use.

An elevated mesh network supported and operably coupled to street lamps can be used to remotely monitor and control field devices. The packet transceiver modules of the mesh network can also be coupled to sensors that monitor operation of a street lamp as well as environmental conditions. The elevated mesh network supported by street lamps can use RF links to couple with one or more remote field devices that also have packet transceiver modules. The elevated mesh network can also include a communications gateway that couples the elevated mesh network to an asynchronous communications system. The communications gateway is a store and forward system that can periodically connect to the asynchronous communications system in order to upload compressed data derived from the remote field devices. The asynchronous communications system can connect the elevated mesh network to a back-end computer system that may monitor, diagnose, and control the remote field devices.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method for wireless power generation for managing power distribution in a wireless environment is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a device to connect to a wireless power distribution base station, authenticating the device, determining a lease period during which time power is to be delivered wirelessly to the device in response to authenticating the device, and delivering power wirelessly from the wireless power distribution base station to the device for the duration of the lease period, but subsequent to the lease period, discontinuing delivery of power wirelessly to the device.

The technology described herein provides wireless charging for battery-operated electronic devices (14) including both mobile and fixed battery-operated devices. A wireless charging system, based on any suitable wireless charging technology(ies), allows easy access / discovery, registration, authorization, monitoring, and / or compensation for charging services. The technology uses donor mobile radio nodes (12) that register as potential charging stations for requesting radio nodes (14). The donor and requesting nodes negotiate the charging event, and in a preferred example embodiment, payment by the requester for the charging service to donor is arranged.

This invention is a pay charging station for electric and plugin hybrid vehicles. A vehicle parks at a space with the charging station and uses a credit card, debit card, cash, smart card or network connection to a database like EZ-Pass to pay for the space and the electricity. The station automatically charges the vehicle as long as it is connected to the station. The station automatically stops charging when the vehicle is fully charged. The customer only pays for the space and the electricity consumed. If the charging circuit is broken the customer must reinsert the smart card or credit card to restart charging. Sufficient funds are removed from the payment method on initiation of charging. Any money not used for charging is returned to the funding account upon the user reinserting the smart card, credit card or debit card, or cash change is returned if cash was the method of payment.

An operation managing server for charging stations each of which has a charger and accepts a charging request for charging a vehicle battery of a user through the charger at a charging station, including a charging request accepting unit that accepts a charging request from a user when the user makes the charging request, and a charging time estimating unit that estimates a charging time required to charge the vehicle battery of the user on the basis of past charger using data of the user, wherein when there is any charging request from a next user, the charging request accepting unit accepts the charging request concerned while reflecting the estimated charging time of the former user.

A system for network-controlled charging of electric vehicles comprises charge transfer devices networked as follows: charge transfer devices and electric vehicle operators communicate via wireless communication links; charge transfer devices are connected by a local area network to a data control unit, which is connected to a server via a wide area network. The server stores consumer profiles and utility company power grid load data. A charge transfer devices comprises: an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector for recharging an electric vehicle; an electric power line connecting the receptacle to a local power grid; a control device on the electric power line, for switching the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device on the electric power line, for measuring current flowing through the receptacle; a controller for operating the control device and monitoring the output from the current measuring device; a local area network transceiver connected to the controller, for connecting the controller to the data control unit; and a communication device connected to the controller, for wireless communication between the operator of the electric vehicle and the controller.

A system to encourage on time repayment of loans includes electronic apparatus coupled to a critical system of certain equipment; for example, the ignition system of an automobile. Apparatus includes mechanism whereby a user-operator is able to enter a code. Entry of a correct code serves as indication that a payment has been made and enables further use of the equipment. On failure to timely make payments, a user is prevented from using the equipment as the apparatus is arranged to disable the equipment by way of the critical system to which it is coupled. Both a user-operator interface and critical system interruption circuit are coupled to a logic processor which is easily mounted onto equipment subject to the program.

A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.

A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.

A system for charging batteries of electric vehicles from public fixtures such as street lights and parking meters includes modifying the fixture to convert it to a vehicle battery charging station using a power interface module having a novel keyed electrical power output receptacle connectable to power mains powering the fixture. The system includes a complementarily coded, keyed plug which must be inserted into the power output receptacle to access electrical power from the receptacle, the plug being located at the input end of vehicle charger cable terminated at output end thereof by a vehicle-mounted charge control system which will actuate a charging current contactor permitting charging current to flow from the receptacle to batteries within the vehicle only if a pre-paid charge authorization payment device, such as a magnetically or electronically encoded charge card is inserted into a charger station access enable device such as card reader mounted in the vehicle.

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for adding functionality to a metering device. A metering device may include a microcontroller (MCU) having separate blocks of memory for storing different types of data. The MCU may store main program code as firmware in one block of the flash memory, while also storing a virtual option board as firmware in a separate block of flash memory. The main program code may be used by the metering device to implement a base level of functionality in the metering device. The virtual option board may be used by the metering device to implement additional functionality. The functionality added by the virtual option board may include customer-specific metering operations and / or market-specific metering operations.

A metering device that allows the two-way exchange of electrical energy between the power grid and electric vehicles by giving customers the option to upload electrical energy from their vehicle's electrical power system to the power grid or to another vehicle, or the option to download electrical energy from the power grid or another vehicle, to charge their vehicle's electric storage system, depending on the current market price of electricity. This allows users to both buy and sell electricity as a commodity to offset their fuel costs and to generate income. The metering device and the associated server may maintain a database of the user's preferences and identification. The metering device may allow customers to upload and sell electricity from their vehicles during peak, high cost, energy consumption periods, download and buy electricity to their vehicles during low energy, low cost, consumption periods, or algorithmically engage in bi-directional transfer depending on the user's preferences and other variables (see [0043]) in order to maximize the customer's monetary returns and minimize the customer's monetary expenses.

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a message associated with a detection of reactive power in an energy system and inducing a first quantity of reactive power at a power level specified in the message. The first quantity of reactive power is induced in order to mitigate a second quantity of reactive power that is detected on a specific segment of the energy system. The first quantity of reactive power is induced at a local level on which a source associated with the second quantity of reactive power operates. In more specific embodiments, the message is sent in response to a sensor detecting the second quantity of reactive power, where the first quantity and the second quantity of reactive power are the same. In other embodiments, the method can include receiving a second message to stop mitigating the first quantity of reactive power.

A trade-in battery system for purchasing used secondary batteries and selling the charged used secondary batteries, wherein the trade-in battery system comprises a purchasing step, a pre-storage deterioration inspection step, a charging step, a storage step, a packaging step, and a selling step.

<heading lvl="0">Abstract of Disclosure< / heading> An auction service is provided that stimulates competition between energy suppliers (i.e., electric power or natural gas). A bidding moderator (Moderator) receives offers from competing suppliers specifying the economic terms each is willing to offer to end users for estimated quantities of electric power or gas supply (separate auctions). Each supplier receives feedback from the Moderator based on competitors offers and has the opportunity to adjust its own offers down or up, depending on whether it wants to encourage or discourage additional energy delivery commitments in a particular geographic area or to a particular customer group. Each supplier s offers can also be changed to reflect each supplier s capacity utilization. The Moderator selects at least two suppliers to provide energy to each end user, with each supplier providing a portion of the energy to be used by each end user at an end-user facility during a specific future time interval.

A system and method to adapt a fuel dispenser and related facilities to accept bar coded cards in addition to or instead of magnetic strip cards. A standard bar code reader is used in conjunction with a magnetic strip card reader. The bar code reader includes a light detector and a light source. The light detector and light source are secured so that they may visually access a card in the magnetic strip card reader. This allows the light detector to access bar coded data that is printed on a bar coded card. Furthermore, the addition of the bar code reader does not prevent the magnetic strip card reader from also reading a magnetic strip if it is present on the card. When a bar coded card is slid into the magnetic strip card reader, the bar code reader interprets the signals generated thereby and "decodes" the signals into corresponding numbers. These numbers are then sent over a data bus to a controller, where they are interpreted. Once interpreted, the numbers can be used similarly to numbers conventionally produced by a magnetic strip card, or can be used separately to provide additional services and / or advantages, such as updating a frequent purchase account.