Apparatus, system, and method for vending, charging, and two-way distribution of electrical energy storage devices
US10040359B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S30/14
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A two-way distribution, charging, and vending system permits a subscriber to exchange one or more partially or completely discharged portable electric energy storage devices for a comparable number of charged portable electric energy storage devices. The two-way distribution, charging, and vending system includes a number of charging modules, each with a dedicated power converter, communicably coupled to at least one two-way distribution system controller and to a power distribution grid. Upon receipt of a discharged portable electric energy storage device, the at least one two-way distribution system controller validates a manufacturer identifier and a subscriber identifier stored in a nontransitory storage media carried by the discharged portable electric energy storage device. Responsive to a successful authentication and validation, the at least one two-way distribution system controller dispenses a charged portable electric energy storage device to the subscriber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.