U.S. patent application number 13/873432 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-19 for metered electrical charging station with integrated expense tracking and invoice capabilities.
This patent application is currently assigned to Red White Blue and Green LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is RED WHITE BLUE AND GREEN LLC. Invention is credited to Christopher Karch, James D. McCormick, Thomas M. McCormick.
Application Number | 20130241483 13/873432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42677752 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130241483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karch; Christopher ; et
al. |
September 19, 2013 |
Metered electrical charging station with integrated expense
tracking and invoice capabilities
Abstract
A system for safely recharging and charging electrically powered
vehicles, including hybrid powered vehicles, includes an electrical
charging station for connecting the vehicles to a source of Ground
Fault Protected electrical power, an authorization device for
permitting an operator of the vehicle to utilize a secure
electronic content distributor. The system also includes a metering
system for recording the amount of electrical power or electricity
utilized to charge or recharge the vehicle. A cover is hinged to
the charging station and includes an aperture sized to secure said
power cord to said electrical connection output. A locking pin
assembly secures the cover in a closed position while said position
indicator is engaged and maintains the cover in a closed position
until an authorization to release the cover is received.
Inventors: |
Karch; Christopher; (Riviera
Beach, FL) ; McCormick; Thomas M.; (Delray Beach,
FL) ; McCormick; James D.; (Queensbury, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RED WHITE BLUE AND GREEN LLC |
Riviera Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Red White Blue and Green
LLC
Riviera Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
42677752 |
Appl. No.: |
13/873432 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12399467 |
Mar 6, 2009 |
8452661 |
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13873432 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/109 ;
320/137; 320/162 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y04S 30/14 20130101;
B60L 3/0069 20130101; Y02T 90/16 20130101; B60L 53/67 20190201;
B60L 53/305 20190201; G07F 15/005 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101;
Y02T 90/14 20130101; Y02T 90/167 20130101; B60L 53/68 20190201;
Y02T 10/7072 20130101; Y02T 90/12 20130101; B60L 53/665 20190201;
H02J 7/0042 20130101; B60L 11/1824 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101;
G06Q 50/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/109 ;
320/137; 320/162 |
International
Class: |
B60L 11/18 20060101
B60L011/18; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. A system for charging electrically powered vehicles comprising;
a free standing electrical charging station having a power
connection inlet coupled to a power source and an electrical
connection output available for temporary coupling to a power cord
used by an electric powered vehicle for battery charging; a cover
constructed and arranged to conceal said electrical connection
output, said cover hinged to said charging station and includes an
aperture sized to secure said power cord to said electrical
connection output; a position indicator to determine closure of
said cover; a locking pin assembly for securing said cover in a
closed position while said position indicator is engaged, said
locking pin assembly maintaining said cover in a closed position
until an authorization to release the cover is received; a secure
electronic content distributor (SECD) instructing said locking pin
to release said cover to permit insertion of said power cord into
said electrical connection output for vehicle battery charging and
engaging said locking pin to prevent removal of said power cord
until SECD authorization is provided; wherein said cover is locked
to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing said electrical
connection output or disconnecting the power cord until properly
authorized, said charging station operated by a card reader coupled
through SECD and providing a transaction summary at the charging
station.
2. The system of claim 1 further including a short term
un-interruptible power supply electrically connected each said
stand allowing wherein each said stand continues to charge the
vehicle in the event of temporary short term service disruption due
to power source or systems failure.
3. A process for charging electrically powered vehicles based upon
a plurality of free standing electrical charging stations having a
power connection inlet coupled to a power source and an electrical
connection output available for temporary coupling to a power cord
used by an electric powered vehicle for battery charging, each said
charging station having a hinged cover constructed and arranged to
conceal said electrical connection output with an aperture sized to
secure said power cord to said electrical connection output, and a
locking pin assembly for securing said cover in a closed position
until an authorization to release the cover is received, said
process comprising: communicating a secure electronic content
distributor (SCED) with a system for charging an electrically
powered vehicle; receiving authorization from a remote location to
allow electrical power to be connected from a source of electrical
power to an electrically powered vehicle; connecting said
electrically powered vehicle to a stand, said stand including a
first electrical connection permitting connection of said source of
electrical power with said electrically powered vehicle; recording
the amount of electrical power delivered to said electrically
powered vehicle; and transmitting a business transaction to a host
business for their invoicing an operator associated with said
electrically powered vehicle.
4. The process of claim 3 including detecting when said
electrically powered vehicle is charged to a level associated with
a full charge; and terminating the flow of electrical power to said
electrically powered vehicle subsequent to a determination that
said electrically powered vehicle is fully charged.
5. The process of claim 3 including detecting when said
electrically powered vehicle is charged to a level predetermined by
said operator; and terminating the flow of electrical power to said
electrically powered vehicle subsequent to a determination that
said electrically powered vehicle is charged to said level
predetermined by said operator and prior to recording the amount of
electrical power delivered to said electrically powered
vehicle.
6. The process of claim 3 including disconnecting said electrically
powered vehicle from said stand; preventing an electrical
connection to said first electrical connection; and resetting said
system for charging an electrically powered vehicle to permit a
charging of another electrically powered vehicle.
7. The process of claim 3 including delivering a receipt to the
individual for the volume of power used and the cost of that power
delivered to the electrically powered vehicle through said first
electrical connection.
8. The process of claim 3 including compiling and delivering to a
host information related to activity of electrical charging pylons
for a user defined period.
9. The process of claim 3 including preventing the disconnection of
said electrically charging vehicle without de-energizing the power
supply to the said first electrical connection.
10. The process of claim 3 including enabling each electrical
charging station to be locked out individually at a field
panel.
11. The process of claim 3 including providing ground fault
interrupted protection to each electrical charging pylon.
12. The process of claim 3 including providing short term
un-interruptible power supply is provided to all stands and
allowing said stands to recover and continue charging in the event
of temporary short term service disruption due to power source or
systems failure.
13. The process of claim 3 including permitting a short term
un-interruptible power supply to allow a normal termination of
services and completion of transaction in the event of an
anticipated permanent or long term service disruption due to power
source or systems failure.
14. The process of claim 3 including providing the status of each
stand at all times at said pylon and at a central host facility.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] In accordance with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.76, a claim of priority
is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently
herewith. Accordingly, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.119(e), 120,
121, and/or 365(c) the present invention claims priority, as a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/399,467, filed
Mar. 6, 2009, and entitled "Metered Electrical Charging Station
with Integrated Expense Tracking and Invoice Capabilities", the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to charging of electric
vehicles and in particular to a charging station or pylon which has
an integrated tracking system for the cost of the power to charge
the vehicle and a system to provide a receipt and interface with
existing invoice systems for this cost.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electrically powered vehicles have been in existence for a
long period of time. One of the drawbacks of these vehicles has
been the relatively short distance these vehicles can travel on
electrical power because of the amount/longevity of electrical
charge their batteries can retain. As battery technology has
improved and the amount of an electrical charge retained by a
battery has increased, these vehicles can now travel reasonable
distances. However, even with recent advances in battery technology
once these vehicles have traveled a few hundred miles their
batteries need to be recharged. Recently, as a result of very high
petroleum based fuel prices, there has been a renewed interest in
these vehicles. A new demand has emerged for electrically powered
vehicles. As more and more of these vehicles are put into service,
there will be a need for the batteries in these vehicles to be
charged or recharged at locations other than their normal
recharging site.
[0004] These locations will need to be able to provide parking long
enough for the charge to take place, access to electricity, a safe
and secure method of delivering that electricity to a vehicle and a
method for authorizing, billing, and accounting for the expenses
associated with the charging activity.
[0005] These electric car recharging locations may include parking
facilities located at transportation centers, public and private
municipal parking facilities, parking facilities located at hotels,
motels, casinos, entertainment complexes, parking facilities at
hospital, educational, and corporate campuses, and parking
facilities located at shopping mall. Until now there have been no
facilities or services, other than an electrical plug in a wall, to
charge and recharge these vehicles at these varying locations.
There has been no system provided allow these existing facilities
to provide this service. However, there currently are combination
parking and electrical charging meters. A number of these, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,297,664, 5,263,565 and 5,563,491 are discussed herein
after.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,655 discloses a meter stand for use in
recharging the batteries of battery powered vehicles including a
register to indicate the cost of the recharging service and a coin
operated locking means preventing disconnection of the vehicle from
the meter until the cost of the recharging service has been
paid.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,565 discloses a combined parking meter
and electric energy dispensing apparatus and method can
automatically provide, in response to receiving a payment, either
parking time or electric energy. When electric current is being
consumed by a connected electric vehicle, the invention operates in
an electric energy dispensing mode and allocates a received payment
thereto. When no electric current flows from the apparatus, then
the invention functions in a parking meter mode and allocates the
received payment thereto.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,644 discloses a parking meter and an
electric charging meter are combined in a single apparatus. The
combined charging/parking meter may be coin-operated or may be
operated using an information-bearing card such as a cash card, a
debit card or an IC card. In particular, the charging/parking meter
includes a device for receiving and verifying a medium of payment,
a device for selecting and visibly indicating some combination of
parking time and electric power to be had in exchange for the
medium of payment, and a charging device for connecting to and
supplying power to an electric car charger inlet. The
charger/parking meter may further include a fast-charge setting
device for causing the charging device to operate in a fast-charge
mode when an amount of parking time selected is insufficient in
accordance with a normal charging mode to supply an amount of
electric power selected. In addition, the charging/parking meter
may further include a current limiting device for preventing
overcharging and a communication device for connecting the
charging/parking meter to a remote installation. The meter may be
used to read information from a vehicle and send the information to
a government entity.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,299 discloses a weatherized curb-side
battery charging system that provides a mechanism for transferring
electrical power to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery.
The battery charging system includes a housing that is typically
located at the side of a street on the curb, or at a battery
charging station, for example. A retractable charging device is
coupled to a power supply and mates with a receptacle device
disposed in the vehicle. A variety of charging devices that may be
employed in the battery charging system are disclosed. Electronic
circuitry controls power supplied to the vehicle from the power
supply of the charging system. In addition, an interface circuit is
provided that allows a user to enter a code to use the system and
that provides an identification for billing purposes, or a credit
card type key that activates the system and performs the same
functions. A fan is provided for cooling purposes that causes an
air flow through the system. The curb-side charging system thus
permits an operator of an electric vehicle to charge its battery in
a convenient manner. The battery charging system allows an electric
vehicle to be charged safely without any type of conventional
electrical plug. The battery charging system provides a safe,
convenient and weatherproof mechanism for coupling power from a
voltage source to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,491 discloses a combined parking
meter/battery charger station includes a detachable remote receiver
to inform the vehicle operator of charge-level status and other
information. Upon sufficient payment or credit, the remote receiver
is released so that it may be carried away from the charging
station. The receiver includes a visual or audible indicator which
may keep the operator apprised of charge status, time remaining on
the meter or account information. The audible alert may be used to
indicate a full charge or to warn that little time is remaining, or
other conditions. Communication from the station to the receiver
may either be directly from the station or, alternatively, a
station may communicate with a central office associated with a
plurality of the stations and broadcast may be made there from.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,204 discloses a charging station for a
hybrid energy vehicle includes a housing, a controlled access power
receptacle coupled to the housing, the power receptacle having a
connector coupled to a power source, the connector for receiving a
connection to supply an electrical charge to a vehicle, logic
circuitry contained within the housing coupled to the power
receptacle for controlling access by a user to one of the connector
and the power receptacle, and an optical reader coupled to the
logic circuitry for reading data associated with the vehicle from a
data source remote from the optical scanner unit, where said data
source is in optical communication with the scanner unit, the
scanner unit communicating said data to the logic circuitry. A
method of charging a vehicle includes the steps of providing a
machine readable coded element associated with a vehicle, locating
the vehicle sufficiently proximate to a charging station having an
optical reader unit to allow the vehicle to be connected thereto,
connecting the vehicle to the charging station, and displaying the
coded element to the charging station optical reader unit so as to
initiate flow of power from a power supply to charge the vehicle.
Additionally, a method of charging a vehicle includes reading
machine readable data associated with a vehicle, communicating the
machine readable data to a central processing location, processing
the machine readable to receive an approval signal or a disapproval
signal, in response to receiving an approval signal of the data,
instructing the charging station to open a power receptacle for
receiving a connector allowing an electrical power connection
between a power source and the vehicle, and charging the
vehicle.
[0012] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0126395 discloses
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.
[0013] What is currently lacking in the art is a system for
charging or recharging an electrically powered vehicles, such as
hybrid vehicles, that includes a charging station or pylon into
which an individual can connect their vehicle to be charged, a
payment authorization system for receipt of payment of or billing
for the amount of electrical power used to charge or recharge the
vehicle. The billing optionally can be incorporated into an
individual's bill for staying ad a hotel/motel or a customer's bill
at a casino, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A system for recharging and charging electrically powered
vehicles, including hybrid powered vehicles, includes an electrical
charging station for connecting the vehicles to a source of
electrical power, an authorization device for permitting an
operator of the vehicle to utilize a secure electronic content
distributor (SECD) such as a credit card, a debit card, a
hotel/motel electronic key card, a smart card, or other electronic
credit authorization device. to authorize payment for the amount of
electrical power utilized to recharge or charge the vehicle. The
system also includes a metering system for recording the amount of
electrical power or electricity utilized to charge or recharge the
vehicle. The metering system includes tracking and recording of the
power and cost of the electrical power which is used to recharge or
charge the vehicle. This system further is capable of producing a
receipt which can be presented to an individual associated with the
vehicle or an electronic transaction which can be transmitted to
the credit authorization and billing system of the service provider
for incorporation with charges for other being provided on a master
bill. Further the system is equipped with safety features which
protect the vehicle, the operator and the general public from risk
of electrical shock during the charging process. Further the system
is equipped with features that allow it to recover without
intervention from temporary systems disruptions and continue with
the charging process. Further the system is equipped with features
that will allow it to discontinue the charging process in the event
of non-temporary disruptions and release the vehicle while
retaining a record of the charge delivered prior to release for
future billing.
[0015] Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging system including a charging station for
electrically powered vehicles that is in a location readily
accessible by the electrically powered vehicles.
[0016] It is another objective of the instant invention to provide
a charging system including a charging station for electrically
powered vehicles at parking facilities located at transportation
centers, public and private municipal parking facilities, parking
facilities located at hotels, motels, casinos, entertainment
complexes, parking facilities at hospital, educational, and
corporate campuses, and parking facilities located at shopping
malls.
[0017] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging system including a charging station for
electrically powered vehicles which utilizes a secure electronic
content distributor (SECD) to activate the charging system.
[0018] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging system including a charging station for
electrically powered vehicles which utilizes a secure electronic
content distributor (SECD) to activate the charging system. In
addition to a bank issued credit card, the SCED can be an
electronic card or other electronic credit device that ensures that
the bearer or issuing organization has agreed to and has adequate
means to pay for the charging service. This may include employee
identification cards, hotel/motel room key cards, casino membership
cards, store credit cards, student identification cards, or any
sort of specialized parking identification cards authorized for use
in the specific parking facilities
[0019] It is still further the objective of the individual
invention to recognize which specific types of secure electronic
content distributor (SECD) are authorized specific to the
individual facility and/or to the individual charging station. The
system will honor specific types of SECDs for which it has been
previously programmed, reject those for which it has not, and
display a message so indicating.
[0020] It is still yet another objective of the instant invention
to provide a charging system including a charging station for
electrically powered vehicles which utilizes a secure electronic
content distributor (SECD) to activate the system. The SECD can be
a credit card, a debit card, a smart card, etc.
[0021] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging system including a charging station for
electrically powered vehicles which can record the cost of the
electrical power used to charge or recharge a vehicle and prepare
an invoice of these costs to an individual receiving those
services.
[0022] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging system including a charging station for
electrically powered vehicles which can utilize a SCED, such as a
credit card, a debit card, a smart card, etc. to pay for the amount
of electrical power utilized to charge or recharge an electrically
powered vehicle.
[0023] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging station that cannot discontinue an electrical
charge without de-energizing the power supply to the device/unit
for safety purposes.
[0024] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging station that in the event of a temporary or
intermittent interruption of service for what ever reason will
restart and continue the charging service to completion.
[0025] It is still further objective of the instant invention to
provide a charging station that in the event of an extended
interruption of service will automatically discontinue the charging
service and release the vehicle while retaining a record of the
amount of service provided prior to disruption for billing once
service has been restored.
[0026] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide the charging station with a power supply with Ground Fault
Interruption (GFI) capability to each individual device/unit.
[0027] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide a locking device for the charging station that would enable
charging only when "locked" to prevent theft of electrical power
and to ensure the safety of the operator and others that may
interact with the equipment.
[0028] It is a still further objective of the instant invention to
provide an Un-interruptible Power Source (UPS) which will allow the
charging station to resume service in the event of temporary short
term service disruptions and/or retain in memory the amount of
power dispersed and to what authorized card in case the transaction
has to be prematurely terminated due to long term or permanent
service disruption.
[0029] It is still further the object of the instant invention to
provide a means of notifying the facilities management and the
individual user charging station of the status of the specific
device; "available", "dispensing electricity", "completed and
awaiting disconnect", and "out of service" by means of local
indication at the charging station and transmission of an
electronic status message to the management system.
[0030] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system of the present
invention for charging electrically powered vehicles;
[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a block diagram of the flow of power and
data in the system illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a view of the host operations building including
the billing department;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a cut away view of a host parking lot or
garage/facilities building; and
[0035] FIGS. 5A-F are perspective views of a charging pylon during
various stages of its operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0037] Electrically powered vehicles referred to herein are defined
to include fully electrically powered vehicles; hybrid powered
vehicles which are vehicles that include internal combustion
engines and rely on electrical power some of the time for prolusion
of the vehicle and operation of some/all of the vehicle's systems
and accessories and fuel cell powered vehicles, which operate in a
manner similar to hybrid powered vehicles. These vehicles are not
limited to land transportation and may include marine and
aeronautical applications. Furthermore, the operation of these
vehicles may be manned or unmanned.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-5F a system for charging and/or
recharging an electrically powered vehicle is illustrated. The
system includes a charging station or pylon; a source of electrical
power or electricity; an electronic authorization card or other
type of authorization device; means to record the amount of
electricity used to charge or recharge a vehicle; means to provide
a receipt for the cost of the electricity or electrical power to an
individual; means of communicating a business transaction to an
existing Host Accounts Billable Department; and a programmable
logic computer capable of monitoring each device, accounting for
all business transactions, and communicating a series of
transaction to the Host Accounts Billable Department in a user
defined/specified timeframe, i.e. monthly.
[0039] The system 10 has two basic components. A host parking
facility, 12 and a host operations building 14. The two components
can be physically located at the same location or site. They can
also be located remotely from each other. The system further
includes a secure electronic content distributor (SECD)
authorization center 16, such as a credit or debit card
authorization center, and a host corporate center 18. The SECD
authorization center 16 and the host corporate center 18 are
located remotely from the parking facility 12 and the host
corporate building 14. The SECD authorization center 16 is
preferably connected to the host parking facility 12 utilizing a
hard wire connection, such as a dial-up telephone line. Other types
of connections can be used in place of connection 20, such as
remote telemetry or wireless connection, etc. When a hard wire
connection telephone connection is employed an automatic dialer 21
is employed. The host corporate center is connected to the host
operations building via one of many types of connections such as a
hard wire connection, a telephone connection, remote telemetry or
wireless connection, etc.
[0040] The host parking facility 12 can be located at
transportation centers, public and private municipal parking
facilities, hotels, motels, casinos, entertainment complexes,
sports complexes, hospital, educational, and corporate campuses,
and shopping, or other location where vehicles such as electrically
powered vehicles 15 have ready access for the period of time
necessitated by the re-charging process. One example would be a
parking lot or garage at a hotel, motel or casino. One or a
plurality of stands or charging pylons 22 are also located in the
host parking facility 12. The host parking facility 12 or includes
a field panel 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and preferably,
each field panel 24 controls and operates one or a plurality of
stands or pylons 22. Alternatively, each stand or pylon 22 could
have its own field panel 24. The field panel 24 includes an
enclosure which may be of weatherproof and/or corrosion resistant
construction however is always constructed consistent with local,
state, and federal building codes. The field panel 24 may include a
lockable device on the enclosure's door.
[0041] Within each field panel 24 is a computer 26 which is
preferably a programmable electronic computer. An automatic
telephone dialer 21 is connected between the computer 26 and a
secure electronic content distributor (SECD) authorization system
28. The SECD may include employee identification cards, hotel/motel
room key cards, casino membership cards, store credit cards,
employee or student identification cards, or any sort of
specialized electronic parking identification cards authorized for
use in the specific parking. The SECD authorization system will
normally utilize a SECD reader. This reader can be a credit/debit
card reader, a smart card reader, etc. The SECD authorization
system is connected via a hard wire connection or wirelessly,
including Wi-Fi, to the SECD authorization center 16. A cell phone
authorization transaction may also be used.
[0042] Each field panel 24 also includes a power supply 30, which
is preferably an uninterruptible power supply. The power supply 30
is connected to and supplies power for a computer 26, a SECD
authorization system 28, an Ethernet switch 32, and a display panel
34. The computer 26 is connected to the Ethernet switch 32
utilizing an Ethernet connection 36. Data and commands are
communicated to and from the computer utilizing this connection.
The display panel 34 is also connected to the Ethernet switch 32
utilizing an Ethernet connection 38. Data and commands are
communicated through this connection.
[0043] The Ethernet switch 32 is connected to a medium converter
40. The medium converter 40 is connected to a fiber optic patch
panel 42. The fiber optic patch panel in turn is connected to an
Ethernet connection or fiber optic connection 44. This connection
44 enables communication of data and signals between the host
parking facility 12 and the host operations building 14. The medium
converter 40 is employed only when a fiber optic connection is
utilized for connection 44.
[0044] The host operations building 14 is connected to the opposite
end of connection 44 from the host parking facility 12. A fiber
optic patch panel 80 is connected to the end of connection 44 as it
enters the host operations building. A medium converter (fiber
optic and Ethernet) 82 is connected to the fiber optic panel patch
80. A panel view 84 is connected to the medium converter 82. The
panel view 84 can indicate the operations of the system at the host
operations building 14. This panel view and associated software to
operate is preferable but not critical to the operation of the
entire system.
[0045] The medium converter 82 is also connected to a host
accounting billing computer located in or associated with a host
accounts billing department 88. The host accounting billing
computer 86 is connected to the host corporate center 18 utilizing
a wired or wireless connection 90.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B wherein the field panel 24
is illustrated schematically. A host monitoring system 46 is
connected to the field panel 24 via a connection 48. Connection 48
enables the transfer of data and commands between field panel 24,
which control the electrical power to the stands or charging pylons
22, and the authorization system 28 and a billing system that will
be described herein after. The panel view display 34 and the
computer 26 are also illustrated in FIG. 2. Each of the stands or
charging pylons 22 has a individual/customer/first electrical
connection 23, FIGS. 5B and 5E, which enable an individual to
connect an electrical power cable 27, FIGS. 5C and 5D, from an
electrically powered vehicle to the stand or charging pylon 22.
This first electrical connection 23 permits electrical power, such
as electricity, to be transferred from the stand or charging pylon
22 to the electrically powered vehicle 15 to charge or recharge the
vehicle. Electrical power, such as electricity, is delivered from a
source of electrical power (not shown) to the host parking facility
12 through a wire, electrical cable or connection 49(a), to Field
Panel 24, through individual electrical breakers (not shown) in
Field Panel 24, and then to each individual pylon via cable
49(b).
[0047] The stands or charging pylons 22 along with Field Panel 24
are controlled access metered electrical outlets capable of
providing, recording, and reporting metered flow of electrical
power to electrically powered vehicles to charge or recharge these
vehicles. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one
stand or charging pylon 22 is located adjacent a parking space for
a vehicle. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 the stand or
charging pylon 22 is located in front of a parking space for a
vehicle. The stands or charging pylons can also be located in other
areas and electrical connections can be provided so that
electrically powered vehicle(s) can be electrically connected to
these stand(s) or charging pylon(s) 22. It is possible that the
charging pylons can be configured to service more than one vehicle
at once.
[0048] FIGS. 5A-F illustrates a preferred embodiment of the stand
or charging pylon 22. Each stand or charging pylon 22 communicates
with and reports to the central computer system 46 (FIG. 2) either
by a hardwire connection 48, wireless or Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi
connections are preferably employed where Wi-Fi capabilities have
already been installed. Each of the stands or charging pylons 22
allows the provider of the charging/recharging service, to control
access to each of the stands or charging pylons to permit use by
only authorized individuals. Also stands or charging pylons 22
allow the provider to limit the amount of electrical power
dispensed by the charging pylons 22 and include the necessary
safety precautions to limit liability for misuse or for inadvertent
electrical shock.
[0049] Access to the stands or charging pylons 22 is controlled
through the use of a lockable cover 25, FIGS. 5A-F. Release of the
locking of this cover is controlled and authorized by a signal from
the programmable logic computer 26, or the central computer-located
at the Host Monitoring System 46. This signal can also come from a
central location of the parking facility management such as a
registration desk, cashiers both or security post. Power lock 52
engages the cover 25 to hold the cover closed when access to the
stand or charging pylon 22 has not been authorized. After access to
use the stand or charging pylon 22 has been granted, power lock 52
is activated whereby cover 25 can be pivoted or opened such that
the stand or charging pylon can be used to charge or recharge a
vehicle. Furthermore, once the individual's access is authorized
and the individual's charging cable 27 is plugged into the charging
pylon first electrical connection 23, the Cover 25 must be closed
and then will be automatically locked when position indicator 56 is
satisfied. Electrical Charging is enabled only when Cover 25 is
locked. Cover 25 also acts as a rain/weather cap which prevents
moisture from coming in contact with the first electrical
connection 23 and disabling the electrical service. Whenever an
individual wants to utilize the stand or charging pylon they would
first pull their vehicle in close proximity to the stand 22. The
distance from their vehicle to the stand or charging pylon 22 is
determined by the length of the electrical cable 27.
[0050] Whenever an individual wants to utilize a stand or charging
pylon to charge or recharge their vehicle, the Ready Light 64 is
illuminated, the Cover Lock Light 58 is illuminated, the LED
display 67 reads "insert card", they insert a secure electronic
content distributor (SECD), such as a bank credit/debit card and
may include, hotel/motel room key cards, casino membership cards,
store credit cards, employee or student identification cards, other
forms of membership cards or any sort of specialized electronic
parking identification cards authorized for use in the specific
parking facility. The information on the SECD is communicated to
the SECD authorization center 16 or an authorization center in the
host operations building 14. In the event that a credit/debit card
is utilized the computer 26 transmits the data extracted from the
credit/debit card and transmits it to the SECD authorization center
16 via the automatic dialer 21. Upon receipt of proper
authorization from SECD authorization center 16 or the
authorization center in the host operations building 14 the
programmable logic computer 26 sends a signal to unlock the power
lock 52. In the event that authorization is not received from the
SECD authorization center 16 or the authorization center, then the
power lock 52 remains locked, LED display panel 67 reads "card not
accepted", and access to stand or pylon 22 is denied. Authorization
could be denied because an individual does not have enough credit
authorized on his/her credit card. Authorization would also be
denied if a stolen credit/debit card were used. Authorization would
be denied if the specific SECD was not approved or was no-longer
approved for use at the specific facility. Authorization would not
be approved if the specific SECD had expired. Alternatively, the
stand or charging pylon 22 could be activated by an employee of
facility remotely or using a facility specific master SECD. An
individual using the stand subsequent to this type of activation
would be directed to the authorized parking spot or authorized
stand or charging pylon 22 by blinking lights on the charging pylon
22. The individual can now utilize the authorized SCED card to gain
access to the specific charging pylon 22 and obtain electrical
power as described herein above.
[0051] Upon being granted access to use the stand or charging pylon
the Cover 25 unlocked and the Lock Light is no longer illuminated,
the Cover 25 is raised to the position illustrated in FIGS. 5B and
5E. Lights 58, 61 and 64 are activated or deactivated accordingly.
The individual/operator of the electrically powered vehicle or
other individual associated with the electrically powered vehicle
15 can now connect the vehicle to the stand or pylon 22 by
inserting an electrical wire, cable or similar connection 27 that
is capable of delivering electrical power from the charging pylon
22 to the vehicle 15, via first electrical connection 23 as
illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Cover 25 can now be lowered into
its operational position. In this position power lock 52 engages
and locks cover down in this position, FIGS. 5C and 5D. Cover 25 is
positioned over the end of electrical wire 27 where it is connected
to the stand or charging pylon 22. When the cover 25 is locked down
it prevents unauthorized individuals from disconnecting the
electrical wire or cable 27 from the stand or pylon 22 and
reconnecting their own electrical wire or cable and charging or
recharging their vehicle while someone else is paying for the
electrical power. A position indicator 56 sends a signal to the
computer 26 indicating that the power lock is closed. The computer
26 then sends a signal to the power lock 52 to lock the lock and
sends a signal to activate the indicator 58, preferably a red
light, which indicates that the power lock is locked.
[0052] The computer 26 then activates the contacts or switch 50
which allows electrical power to be delivered or dispensed to the
vehicle through the stand or pylon 22. The Charging indicator light
61 indicates that electrical power is being delivered or dispensed
to the vehicle.
[0053] Each field panel 24 includes an electrical power flow
indicator 57 which tracks the flow of electrical power from a power
source to the control panel 24 and the individual stands or pylons
22. The flow indicator 57 sends a record of all of the individual
electrical power uses and cumulative electrical power uses to the
computer 26. Field Panel 24 also includes a control power "ON"
indicator 60 and a control power "OFF" indicator 62. Indicators 60
and 62 indicate that electrical power is being supplied to the
control panel 24 and stands or pylons 22. An emergency hand switch
66 is conveniently located on each stand 22 which may be operated
by an individual to terminate the charging of the vehicle. The
switch 66 can also be utilized in an emergency to stop the flow of
electrical power. Hand Switch 68 can be used to energize and
de-energize control power to Field Panel 24.
[0054] When the individual's vehicle is completely charged,
completely recharged or charged to a level that is satisfactory to
the individual the individual inserts the SCED into the SCED reader
54 again and the programmable logic computer 26 receives a signal
that the individual is the authorized user. The power supply to
pylon 22 is disabled via the automated breaker in Field Panel 24
(not shown), power lock 52 receives a signal from the central
computer to unlock and the individual can remove his/her electrical
wire or connector 27 from the stand or pylon 22.
[0055] After the charging/recharging process is complete or
subsequent to the termination of the charging/recharging process by
an individual, the programmable logic computer 26 sends a signal to
the host monitoring system 46 or the host accounts billing computer
86. This signal includes the identification of the individual that
has utilized the charging/recharging stand, the date and time of
the start and completion of the electrical power transaction, the
amount of electrical power consumed or dispensed, and the related
cost of the electrical power that the Host will bill the individual
or customer. The computer 26 is programmed by the host from the
host monitoring system, the host operations building or the host
corporate center for a unit cost or electrical power dispensed by
the charging/recharging system.
[0056] After the individual's vehicle is completely charged the
flow element 57 will indicate a minimal or zero amount of
electrical power flow. Upon receipt of this indication or signal by
the host monitoring system or host accounts billing computer the
host can notify the individual by utilizing a variety of
notification processes, such as telephone notification, cellular
telephone notification, paging in a building or within a confined
area, messaging systems, etc. While this is a preferred process it
is not required for the operation of the charging/recharging
system.
[0057] The individual can then go to the stand or pylon, if they
are not already there, use the authorization system as described
above, ensure that the cover 25 is unlocked, raise the cover, and
disconnect their electrical connector from their vehicle from the
first electrical connection of the stand or pylon 22. The
individual will then close the locking cover over the electrical
power output of the stand or pylon 22. The position sensor 56 then
sends a signal to the computer 26 that the cover is closed and the
computer sends another signal to the power lock 52 to lock the
cover closed and activate the indicator 64 which indicates,
preferably by a green light, that the system is energized are ready
for use. The Ready indicator Light 64 is illuminated.
[0058] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0059] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
[0060] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
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