Abstract:
A method for tracking a quantity of a utility supplied to a device connected to a utility supply associated with a first account of the utility is disclosed. The method may include determining if the device is associated with a second account, and associating the quantity of the utility consumed by the device to the second account if the device is associated with the second account.
Abstract:
A compact mobile electronic device servicing kiosk which provides speed charging and UV sterilization services to at least one mobile electronic device locked in at least one compartment. To achieve key-less access to the compartments, an interactive computing interface keeps temporary records of authentication characteristics collected from authentication means such as a biometric device or a payment device for compartment access authorization. The interactive computing interface also serves as multimedia content display and user interaction device. The interactive computing interface is wireless accessible to local area network or to the Internet which enables download and upload content from and to various external sources as well as enabling remote control for operation and maintenance purposes. Given the security and mobility features, the kiosk fits perfectly in any public locations where users can conveniently obtain a quick service without having to wait in front of the kiosk during the service session.
Abstract:
An apparatus, method, and system for a local power controller to power and/or charge a user device. The local power controller receives a recharging request for the user device, and enables a timed charge for the user device by a power station. Upon completion of the timed charge or upon disconnection of the user device, the local power controller initiates a payment for the timed charge. A maximum amount may be set by the user device. The recharging request may be transmitted by the user device over a cellular communication path.
Abstract:
A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The charging and distribution machines may distribute portable electrical energy storage devices of particular performance characteristics and other attributes based on customer preferences and/or customer profiles. The charging and distribution machines may provide instructions to or otherwise program portable electrical energy storage devices stored within the charging and distribution machines to perform at various levels according to user preferences and user profiles.
Abstract:
A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system.
Abstract:
A system and method particularly suited for the re-charging of portable devices includes a charger having a charge port adapted for wired, contact, or contactless re-charging. Although the charger could be wired for connection to an electrical outlet, the charger is preferably wireless, and is either solar powered, or it can operate on batteries or fuel cells. The charger can be enabled/disabled by a payment unit depending on whether or not payment has been received from a user, and whether the amount paid is sufficient. The payment unit permits the charger to provide a charge for a predetermined amount so that the user can contactlessly recharge a device within a predetermined distance of the charge port. The type of device to be recharged and amount of recharge desired can be selected by a user directly, or after receiving a recommendation regarding the optimal/typical amount of recharge to be provided. A wireless charging unit permits recharging of the power source of a device in unconventional locations.
Abstract:
To provide a battery rental system that is extremely convenient and economical, and that is always stable. The battery rental system includes unmanned automatic battery rental stations, a communication system, a central processing station, electrically assisted bicycle batteries, and ID cards. A user merely inserts the ID card into the battery rental system and the central processing station automatically charges the user for removing a battery from the battery rental system.
Abstract:
A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. By default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from accepting a charge unless it receives authentication information from an authorized collection, charging and distribution machine, other authorized charging device, or other authorized device that transmits the authentication credentials. Also, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is disabled from releasing energy unless it receives authentication information from an external device to which it will provide power, such as a vehicle or other authorization device.
Abstract:
A network of collection, charging and/or distribution machines collect, charge and/or distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). In some embodiments, if the user selects to change their current portable electrical power storage device exchange plan to a two-portable electrical power storage device exchange plan while exchanging their current portable electrical power storage device, the user will return their current portable electrical power storage device and will receive two portable electrical power storage devices in exchange at the collection, charging and distribution machine. The user may also be required to pay additional fees and/or commit to additional obligations while at the collection, charging and distribution machine in order to change to the different portable electrical power storage device exchange plan.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for vending devices having ad-watching as consideration are described. In some implementations, a vending apparatus includes a dispensing portion operable to dispense a product (e.g. electricity) to a user; a communication portion operable to provide a communicable content (e.g. an advertisement) to the user; and a control system operatively coupled to the dispensing portion and the communication portion. The control system receives a signal indicative of a consent by the user to receive or review the communicable content at least partially in exchange for the product, and after receipt of the signal, causes the communication portion to provide the communicable content to the user and causes the dispensing portion to dispense the product to the user. In further implementations, the apparatus may include a monitoring system operable to determine whether the user is receiving or reviewing the communicable content.