Metered electrical charging station with integrated expense tracking and invoice capabilities

• US 8,452,661 B2
• Filed: 03/06/2009
• Issued: 05/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Red White Blue And Green, LLC
• Original Assignee: Red White Blue And Green, LLC
• Inventors: Karch, Christopher, McCormick, Thomas, McCormick, James
• Primary Examiner(s): Frenel, Vanel
• Application Number:
  US12/399,467
• Publication Number:
  US 20100225475A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,544 Days
• Field of Search: 705/16, 705/39, 705/40, 705/34, 705/13, 705/1.1, 705/400, 705/412, 320/109, 320/2, 320/21, 709/204, 340/5.2
• US Class Current: 705/16
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0069 relating to the isolation, e.g. ground fault or leak current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/30 Constructional details of charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/305 Communication interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/665 Methods related to measuring, billing or payment
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/67 Controlling two or more charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/68 Off-site monitoring or control, e.g. remote control
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/06 Energy or water supply
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 15/005 dispensed for the electrical charging of vehicles electrical charging as such, B60L50/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/167 Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles, i.e. smartgrids as interface for battery charging of electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 30/14 Details associated with the interoperability, e.g. vehicle recognition, authentication, identification or billing

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.

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;

a card reader position on said charging station for accessing SECD and obtaining said authorization;

a recorder to determine the amount of power delivered to the vehicle and for transmitting a business transaction through a printer at the charging station and to a host center for a calculated amount to be charged through SECD;

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.