4337results about "Arrangements for several simultaneous batteries" patented technology

A system includes an electric appliance, which is operated with replaceable and rechargeable batteries, a charging station and two or more battery units. The charging station has two or more receptacles for holding and charging the battery units. A first coupling is provided between a battery unit and the appliance and a second coupling is provided between a battery unit and the charging station such that a battery unit connected to the appliance can be uncoupled from the appliance by one-handed operation and can be coupled to the charging station for charging by one-handed operation. Similarly, a battery unit connected to the charging station can be coupled to the appliance and uncoupled from the charging station by one-handed operation.

A portable presentation unit for sterilizing, charging, and testing components of a cordless surgical instrument is disclosed including a battery charger unit configured to recharge a battery pack of the cordless surgical instrument, a testing unit configured to test at least one of the battery pack or a reusable transducer / generator unit of the cordless surgical instrument, and a sterilization unit configured to sterilize at least one of the battery pack or the transducer / generator unit.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

An apparatus for delivering power to an electrically powered medical device includes a package and an electrical coupling feature. The package comprises an interior portion and a wall. The interior portion of the package is able to hold a sterile, electrically powered medical device having a rechargeable battery. The package is able to maintain sterility of the interior portion of the package. The electrical coupling feature may be in communication with the wall of the package and in further communication with the medical device. The electrical coupling feature may be able to deliver power from an external power source to the medical device to charge the battery of the medical device without compromising the sterility of the package or the sterility of the medical device.

Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of onboard energy storage systems of a plurality of plug-in vehicles using a remote command center. A system for directing the charging of a plurality of remotely located plug-in vehicles is provided. The system includes a communication system configured to transmit charging authorizations to charge each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles and to receive data related to power consumption from each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the communication system and configured to receive the data related to power consumption and to direct the charge authorizations based thereon. A database is also included in the system and is communicatively coupled to the controller, with the database configured to store the data related to power consumption.

An object is to provide a system for improving convenience for users, by which a portable electronic device or the like can be charged even in a place where utility power is not available. Another object is to provide a system which allows a service provider to easily perform customer management. A wireless power supply system includes a power storage device having a power storage portion, a terminal charging device for wirelessly supplying electric power to the power storage device, and a management server having user information. Electric power can be supplied to specified users by intercommunication of user information between the power storage device and the terminal charging device and between the terminal charging device and the management server.

A method for managing the charging of an electric vehicle. The method includes receiving a request for a charge transfer for an electric vehicle over a network link between an electric vehicle charging station and a cloud server. The network link has a mobile device disposed between the electrical vehicle charging station and the cloud server for facilitating communication between the charging station and the cloud server.

Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a wireless power receiver for wirelessly receiving power. A drive power for driving the wireless power receiver is received from a wireless power transmitter. A communication network is established with the wireless power transmitter. A wireless power network that is controlled by the wireless power transmitter is joined. A charge power is received from the wireless power transmitter.

An inductive power supply system for providing power to one or more inductively powered devices. The system includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or the respective orientation between the primary coil and secondary coil to control the amount of power supplied to the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an inductive power supply system having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the primary coil. The power supply circuit includes circuitry for adjusting the power supplied to the primary coil to optimize operation based on the position and cumulative characteristics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within the receptacle.

A charging control unit decides the number of battery cells on the basis of an output voltage of a battery pack, and an output voltage of a charging circuit is determined in accordance with the decided number of battery cells. Even though supply of an external power supply is detected, when a battery connection is not detected, the power supply circuit of the charging control unit is set in a stop state. In addition, when disconnection of the battery is detected, a canceling voltage for canceling a cutoff state caused by overdischarging of the battery is output. In a power supply device for a portable terminal, a capacitor electrically charged by an output voltage of main DC / DC converter is connected as an auxiliary power supply of a backup DC / DC converter to make exchange of the auxiliary battery unnecessary.

An embodiment of a system for wirelessly charging a wrist-worn device may include a radio frequency (RF) charging energy generating element, and an antenna configured to radiate the RF charging energy, the antenna comprising a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil each comprising a plurality of windings, the windings of the first coil being wound in a direction opposite the direction of the windings of the second coil. An embodiment of a wrist-worn charge-receiving device may include an antenna coil adapted to receive radio frequency (RF) charging energy, the antenna coil comprising non-uniform windings; and a rechargeable power source coupled to the antenna coil, the antenna coil adapted to provide the RF charging energy to the rechargeable power source.

An inductive power supply system for providing power to one or more inductively powered devices. The system includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or the respective orientation between the primary coil and secondary coil to control the amount of power supplied to the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an inductive power supply system having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the primary coil. The power supply circuit includes circuitry for adjusting the power supplied to the primary coil to optimize operation based on the position and cumulative characteristics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within the receptacle.

Apparatus and methods to wirelessly charge batteries within a radius of a power source. A power transmitter generates a power signal of specific configuration which is received by the power charger. The power charger harvests the received power signal and stores the energy contained within for the purpose of charging target battery or batteries. The typical uses of this invention are but not limited to the home, car, office, and work place. Anywhere where rechargeable batteries are used in a device where they need to be placed or physically removed from the device for recharge by conventional wired chargers, this invention provides method to prolong battery life in such a way to extend the time between a physical wired recharge or eliminate such events all together.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. By default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from accepting a charge unless it receives authentication information from an authorized collection, charging and distribution machine, other authorized charging device, or other authorized device that transmits the authentication credentials. Also, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from releasing energy unless it receives authentication information from an external device to which it will provide power, such as a vehicle or other authorization device.

An apparatus for wireless charging using radio frequency (RF) energy includes a first charger portion having first and second charging areas. The first and second charging areas are located in a common plane, each having at least one coil for wirelessly charging a charge-receiving device placed in proximity thereto. The coils include respective windings, which are wound in opposing directions, each coil being connected in series, each coil configured to charge at least one charge-receiving device. A second charger portion has a third charging area having at least one coil including a winding for wirelessly charging a charge-receiving device placed in proximity to the third charging area, the coil in the third charging area being connected in series with the coils in the first and second charging areas, the third charging area located in a plane that is orthogonal to the plane of the first and second charging areas.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

An object is to provide a system for improving convenience for users, by which a portable electronic device or the like can be charged even in a place where utility power is not available. Another object is to provide a system which allows a service provider to easily perform customer management. A wireless power supply system includes a power storage device having a power storage portion, a terminal charging device for wirelessly supplying electric power to the power storage device, and a management server having user information. Electric power can be supplied to specified users by intercommunication of user information between the power storage device and the terminal charging device and between the terminal charging device and the management server.

A wireless charger for an electronic device is provided, which includes one or more charge cells formed by one or more structures of transmitting inductance coils, each of the charge cells receiving an electronic device, and an electric power supply circuit of transmitting coils. The transmitting coils surround the charge cells on at least two sides, respectively, and generate a uniformly distributed magnetic field such that the magnetic fields, generated by currents in parts of the structure of the transmitting coils, are mutually subtracted out of the charge cells and summarized inside the charge cell in an area in which the electronic device for reception of energy is located.

Provided is a transmitter in a wireless power transmission system, the transmitter including a Transmission (Tx) power converter for converting a Direct Current (DC) voltage into a first Alternating Current (AC) voltage, and converting the converted first AC voltage into a second AC voltage by amplifying the converted first AC voltage, a Tx matching circuit for matching an impedance thereof with that of a receiver for receiving the second AC voltage to transmit the second AC voltage, a Tx resonator for resonating the second AC voltage into resonant waves to transmit the second AC voltage to the receiver, and a Tx controller for determining an amplification rate of the first AC voltage and controlling the Tx power converter to convert the first AC voltage into the second AC voltage according to the determined amplification rate.

Apparatus and methods to wirelessly charge batteries within a radius of a power source. A power transmitter generates a power signal of specific configuration which is received by the power charger. The power charger harvests the received power signal and stores the energy contained within for the purpose of charging target battery or batteries.The typical uses of this invention are but not limited to the home, car, office, and work place. Anywhere where rechargeable batteries are used in a device where they need to be placed or physically removed from the device for recharge by conventional wired chargers, this invention provides method to prolong battery life in such a way to extend the time between a physical wired recharge or eliminate such events all together.

The invention belongs to the technical field of charging, and provides a charging device of electronic equipment and a power adapter of the charging device. In the process of charging a battery in a conventional charging mode after the power adapter is powered on or resets, when the output current value of the power adapter is within the conventional current range at a preset time interval, the power adapter is in quick charging inquiry communication with the electronic equipment; after the electronic equipment sends a quick charging instruction to the power adapter, the power adapter adjusts the output voltage according to the battery voltage information fed back by the electronic equipment, and when the output voltage meets the quick charging voltage condition preset by the electronic equipment, the power adapter adjusts the output current and the output voltage to charge the battery according to the quick charging mode, and therefore the purpose of quickly charging the battery to shorten the charging time is achieved.

A vehicle includes a charging unit receiving electric power from an external power source and externally charging a power storage unit. When a connector unit is coupled to the vehicle and a state ready for charging by the external power source is attained, a controller predicts degradation ratio of the power storage unit at the time point of completion of external charging based on degradation characteristic of the power storage unit in connection with SOC and battery temperature obtained in advance, and sets target state of charge of each power storage unit based on the battery temperatures so that the predicted degradation ratio does not exceed tolerable degradation ratio at the time point of completion of external charging. Then, the controller controls corresponding converters such that SOCs of power storage units attain the target states of charge.

A fail safe battery pack is disclosed and claimed wherein first and second housings are affixed together. A plurality of battery cells reside within and fixedly engage the first and the second housings. First and second. printed circuit boards (PCBs) reside within first and second lattice structures of the first and second housings. A variable bias device resides in the first and / or second lattice structure of the first and second housing and engages the first and / or second PCBs. When the bias of the variable bias device is sufficiently large it overcomes a plurality of fixed mechanically biased devices operating between the PCB and the plurality of battery cells and tending to separate same and causes the PCB to electrically communicate with the plurality of battery cells. When the bias of the variable bias device is sufficiently small, the plurality of fixed mechanically biased devices separates the PCB and the plurality of battery cells rendering the battery cells in an electrically safe condition.

A multi-port reconfigurable battery has at least one bank of statically joined series connected battery cells, each including a positive and negative pole connected through switches to respective output connections on at least one port. Processor controlled switches reconfigure the cells to provide power for electrical loads on one or more ports and simultaneously provide charging on one or more other ports. An alternative configuration divides groups of series connected cells into separate battery banks that permit other configurations. Ports are configurable to share one electrically common connection with other ports providing a simplified configuration (multi-tap reconfigurable battery). Applications include selectable motor speed control and battery regeneration schemes matched to motor output, and single or multiphase AC power output at selectable frequencies for use as an Uninterruptible Power Supply. The battery is also described as a power source for a forced-air induction system (e.g. electric supercharger) for a combustion engine.

A method of mitigating propagation of a thermal event in an energy storage system having a plurality of cells is disclosed. The method includes the steps of identifying the heat sources within the energy storage system and plurality of cells. The method then controls a temperature of the energy storage system and plurality of cells and also detects predetermined conditions within the energy storage system. The method then performs a predetermined action based on when one of the predetermined conditions is detected. A plurality of sensors and switches along with associated hardware or software will be used to control the temperature of the energy storage system upon detection of predetermined conditions involving overheating, over current, over voltage of the like.

Vehicle operation (e.g., speed, acceleration) may be limited based on various conditions such as a current charge condition of an electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), history of such, conditions related to the vehicle (e.g., mileage, weight, size, drag coefficient), a driver or operator of the vehicle (e.g., history with respect to speed, acceleration, mileage) and / or environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, terrain). A controller may control operation of one or more power converters to limit current and / or voltage supplied to a traction electric motor, accordingly.

Various aspects of invention provide portable power manager operating methods. One aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a power manager having a plurality of device ports for connecting with external power devices and a power bus for connecting with each device port. The method includes: disconnecting each device port from the power bus when no external power device is connected to the device port; accessing information from newly connected external power devices; determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus without power conversion; if not, determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus over an available power converter; and if so, configuring the available power converter for suitable power conversion.

A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator; and wherein the field of at least one of the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator is shaped using a conducting surface to avoid a loss-inducing object.