Zpower, LLC

Emerson Climate Technologies Gmbh

Computer Process Controls, Inc.

Riot Energy, Inc.

Troy W Renken

Nagaraj Jayanth

Timothy W Powers

Reza Pourdarvish

Don Barrett

Samuel T Bishop

Andrew F Elms

Leslie G Farkas

Phillip Charles Halbert

John Wallace

David R Rohn

Alan E Mayne

Christopher A Wilson

Solene M Bourgeois

Jonathan C Hsieh

Tim Powers

The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Methods and systems for recharging a battery

A method () for charging a battery () comprises obtaining, by charging circuitry (), an open circuitry voltage of the battery prior to a charging session. The charging circuitry is in electrical communication with a power source () and the battery. The method also comprises initiating the charging session to charge the battery at a constant charge current-constant charge voltage with power provided from the power source and obtaining an ambient temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor () in communication with the charging circuitry. The method also comprises obtaining a charge termination time (t) based on the ambient temperature and terminating the charging session when the charge termination time is reached.

Temperature dependent charge algorithm

A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes: a first input connected to a first voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply; a second input connected to a first current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply; and a processor connected to the first and second inputs. The processor monitors the first and second inputs and, based on voltage measurements from the first input and current measurements from the second input, detects at least one of: (i) an unexpected variation of electric power from the power supply; and (ii) a mechanical malfunction. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor.

Compressor sensor module

The present invention provides an apparatus for managing power within a voltage regulating circuit of a battery-powered hearing aid device includes an input terminal of a voltage regulator that receives an input voltage supplied by a battery. An output terminal of the voltage regulator provides an output voltage to a hearing aid terminal that is electrically connected to one or more electrical components of the hearing aid device. A sensing terminal of the voltage regulator senses an electrical connection between the charging device is and charging contacts of the voltage regulating circuit. The voltage regulator is configured to reduce a magnitude of the input voltage when the magnitude of the input voltage exceeds an input voltage threshold to generate the output voltage having a magnitude that is less than a maximum output voltage.

Voltage regulator and control circuit for silver-zinc batteries in hearing instruments

A hearing aid device (-) comprises a shell portion () and a battery door module (-) attached to the shell portion. The battery door module comprises a battery casing (-) and an electronics casing (-). The battery casing receives a battery () defining a battery axis (L) that extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the battery door module. The electronics casing encloses a voltage regulator (), a printed circuit board assembly (), and at least a portion of one or more charging elements (). The battery door module also comprises at least one attachment member (-) that allows the battery door module to attach to a shell portion of the hearing aid device. The battery door module is movable relative to the shell portion between an open position and a closed position.

Hearing aid battery door module

Hearing aid battery charging base

Hearing aid battery door

Method and apparatus for recharging a battery

A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply is provided. The sensor module includes an input that receives current measurements generated by a current sensor based on a current of the power supply. The sensor module also includes a processor. The processor is connected to the input, determines a maximum continuous current for the electric motor, and selectively compares the current measurements with a value equal to the maximum continuous current multiplied by a predetermined value. The maximum continuous current is set based on at least one of a type of refrigerant used by the compressor and actual refrigeration system conditions.

A sensor module for a compressor having an electric motor connected to a power supply and a processor disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor is provided, with the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting the power supply to the electric motor. The sensor module includes a first input connected to a voltage sensor that generates a voltage signal corresponding to a voltage of the power supply and a second input connected to a current sensor that generates a current signal corresponding to a current of the power supply. The processor is connected to the first and second inputs. The processor may calculate a power factor of the compressor, detect an unexpected variation in the power supply, and/or detect a mechanical malfunction of the compressor based on the voltage measurements and the current measurements.

A sensor module for a compressor, having an electric motor operating at a first voltage, the sensor module operating at a second voltage, is provided. The sensor module includes a plurality of inputs connected to a plurality of sensors that generate a plurality of operating signals associated with operating conditions of the compressor. A processor is connected to the plurality of inputs and records multiple operating condition measurements from the plurality of operating signals. A communication port is connected to the processor for communicating said operating condition measurements to a control module that controls the compressor. The processor is disposed within an electrical enclosure of the compressor, the electrical enclosure being configured to house electrical terminals for connecting a power supply to the electric motor. The second voltage is less than said first voltage.

A refrigeration system and method includes a refrigeration component and an electronics module preconfigured with a data set for the refrigeration component. The electronics module stores the data set including identification and configuration parameters of the refrigeration component. A refrigeration system controller that communicates with the electronics module to copy the data set and to regulate operation of the refrigeration component within the refrigeration system.

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Camarillo, CA, United States of America

Troy W Renken