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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.