Mobile self-contained power vending station and method
OwnerJoseph M. Kobus, II, Michael J. Ruedisueliinventors
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Abstract
A system for charging a power source of an electronic device includes a mobile self-contained power vending station that includes a central processor, a payment processing device, a DC power source, a DC to AC power inverter, and an AC outlet. The central processor, after detecting a valid payment from the payment processing device activates the DC to AC power Inverter thereby providing electricity to the power source of the electronic device via the AC outlet.
Claims20
A system for charging a power source of an electronic device, the system comprising:
- a mobile self-contained power vending station including:
- a central processor;
- a payment processing device;
- a DC power source;
- a DC to AC power inverter;
- and
- an AC outlet;
- wherein the central processor, upon detecting a valid payment from the payment processing device, activates the DC to AC power inverter thereby providing electricity to a power source of an electronic device via the AC outlet.
A system for charging a power source of an electronic device, the system comprising:
- a mobile self-contained power vending station including:
- a central processor;
- a payment processing device;
- a wireless communications device;
- a DC power source;
- a state-of-charge sensor;
- a usage detection sensor;
- a DC to AC power inverter;
- an AC outlet;
- a user interface;
- a central data station including a communications device;
- wherein the central processor, upon detecting a valid payment from the payment processing device and upon detecting, via the usage detection sensor, a power source of an electronic device is connected to the AC outlet, activates the DC to AC power inverter thereby providing electricity to the power source of the electronic device;
- and
- wherein further the central processor activates the wireless communication device in order to transmit a notification to the central data station, upon detecting, via the state-of-charge sensor, a lesser state-of-charge level of the DC power source than a predetermined state-of charge level.
A method for charging a power source of an electronic device, the method comprising:
- providing a mobile self-contained power vending station including:
- a central processor;
- a payment processing device;
- a notification apparatus;
- a DC power source;
- a state-of-charge sensor;
- a usage detection sensor;
- a DC to AC power inverter;
- an AC outlet;
- a user interface;
- providing a central data station;
- detecting a lesser state-of-charge level of the DC power source than a predetermined state-of-charge level;
- disabling the payment processing device upon detection of a lesser state-of-charge level of the DC power source than the predetermined state-of-charge level;
- and
- notifying the central data station of the lesser state-of-charge level via the notification apparatus.
The method of claim of 12, the method further comprising:
- upon notification, replacing the mobile self-contained power vending station with a second mobile self-contained power vending station including a DC power source comprising a higher state-of charge level than the predetermined state-of-charge level.
A method for charging a power source of an electronic device, the method comprising:
- providing a mobile self-contained power vending station including:
- a central processor;
- a payment processing device:
- a wireless communications device;
- a DC power source;
- a state-of-charge sensor;
- a usage detection sensor;
- a DC to AC power inverter;
- at least one GFCI outlet;
- a user interface;
- providing a central data station;
- determining a higher state-of-charge level of the DC power source than a predetermined state-of-charge level;
- accepting payment from a user;
- determining validity of payment;
- determining a charging time period;
- displaying instructions on the user interface for the user to select the at least one GFCI outlet;
- displaying instructions on the user interface for the user to connect a power source of an electronic device to the at least one GFCI outlet;
- detecting the power source of the electronic device is connected to the at least one GFCI outlet;
- activating the DC to AC power inverter;
- displaying the charging time period on the user interface;
- activating the at least one GFCI outlet for the duration of the charging time period;
- displaying the remaining charging time period on the user interface;
- determining power consumption of the electronic device;
- displaying instructions on the user interface for the user to insert additional payment;
- deactivating the at least one GFCI outlet at the end of the charging time period;
- deactivating the DC to AC power inverter;
- and
- displaying a notice on the user interface signifying a complete charging period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.