US 9914365

US Patent 9914365: Apparatus and Method for Rapid Charging Using Shared Power Electronics

Patent Title: Apparatus and method for rapid charging using shared power electronics

Current Assignee: Bunker Hill Technologies LLC

Inventors: Robert Dean King, Robert Louis Steigerwald

Filing Date: September 14, 2016 (Application number US15/265,404)

Issue Date: March 13, 2018

Abstract:
The patent describes an apparatus for rapid charging that includes a power electronic energy conversion system. This system has a first energy storage device designed to store DC energy and a first voltage converter. The first voltage converter is configured to convert stored voltage from the energy storage device to drive an electromechanical device, and also to convert a second voltage from a remote power supply into a first charging voltage for the energy storage device. The apparatus also features a first controller that manages the first voltage converter to produce and supply this first charging voltage during a charging mode. Crucially, this first controller communicates with a second, remote controller to enable a second charging voltage to be delivered to the first energy storage device during the same charging mode, thereby facilitating rapid charging.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Independent Claim 1 (Apparatus):
This claim describes a device for efficiently charging electric drive systems. It includes an energy storage unit (like a battery) and a voltage converter. This converter is smart: it can either take energy from the battery to power a motor (for driving the vehicle) or take energy from an external source to charge the battery. The device also has a main controller that manages this converter for charging. A key aspect is that this main controller can talk to another controller located elsewhere (e.g., in a charging station or another vehicle) to get additional power, allowing the battery to charge much faster.

Independent Claim 2 (Method):
This claim outlines a method for rapidly charging an energy storage device, particularly in an electric vehicle. It involves connecting the vehicle's battery and its onboard power converter. This converter is capable of both driving the vehicle's motor and converting external power into a charging current for the battery. The method utilizes a vehicle controller to direct this onboard converter to charge the battery from a local external power supply. Additionally, the controller coordinates with a second external power supply to deliver an additional charging current, combining forces to achieve rapid charging of the battery.

Independent Claim 3 (System):
This claim details a comprehensive system for rapid vehicle charging. It features a first vehicle equipped with an energy storage device, a motor, and a voltage converter. This converter allows the vehicle to both propel itself using the stored energy and charge its battery from a main power grid (first power bus). The vehicle also has its own controller for managing this charging process. The system is enhanced by a separate, external energy conversion system (like a part of a charging station or another vehicle). This external system has its own voltage converter and controller. It takes power from the main grid, converts it into an additional charging voltage, and delivers it to the vehicle's battery via a separate connection (second power bus). This external system's controller communicates with the vehicle's controller to coordinate the combined delivery of power, enabling rapid charging of the vehicle's energy storage device.

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Litigation Search:
As of April 26, 2026, searches of the CAFC 2026 dockets for US patent 9914365 did not yield any specific active litigation cases or filings. The search results provided general information about the CAFC but no patent-specific litigation details for this patent number in 2026.