Patents Examined by Joseph N Inge
  • Patent number: 11355972
    Abstract: A wireless power receiver receives a power signal from a wireless power transmitter, the wireless power receiver including a reception antenna including a reception coil, a rectifier circuit that rectifies a current of the reception antenna, a plurality of position detection coils provided near the reception coil or provided to overlap the reception coil, and a position detection unit that detects a positional relation between the position detection coils and a transmission coil of the wireless power transmitter based on a detection signal indicating an electrical state of the position detection coils. An electronic device includes the wireless power receiver. Another electronic device includes a wireless power receiver that receives a power signal from a wireless power transmitter and that can detect a position of a transmission coil of the wireless power transmitter, and a notification unit that notifies a user of information based on the position of the transmission coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ROHM Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke Uchimoto
  • Patent number: 11355958
    Abstract: Where an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) is used in a system to ensure highly reliable power supply to an electronic system, occasional maintenance or repair of the UPS or its storage batteries may be required. Effecting this servicing while ensuring that the utility power continues to be supplied to the load may involve a Maintenance Bypass Assembly (MBA) comprising a plurality of manually-operated circuit breakers. The possibility of an incorrect actuation of such circuit breakers is precluded by the coordination of a plurality of electromechanically actuated circuit breakers in communication with a controller that may store a table of permitted state transitions and sequences for safe operation. Such operation may be confirmed by one or more sensors monitored by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: C&C Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Shujen Chen, Paul F. Matras, Robert E. Bland, Paul Joseph Blake, James Leo Leifker
  • Patent number: 11336121
    Abstract: Provided in various embodiments are an electronic device for receiving wireless power and an operating method of the electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a power receiving circuit including a wireless coil for receiving power from an external electronic device and a rectifying circuit for converting, into a direct current signal, an electric signal received from the external electronic device; a sensing circuit for determining a state of the electronic device by checking a signal applied to the wireless power receiving circuit by means of the external electronic device; and a processor, wherein the processor can be set so as to receive an output signal of the sensing circuit and control, on the basis of the output signal, a gate voltage of at least one field effect transistor (FET) element connected to an input terminal of the rectifying circuit. Other various embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Seho Park, Yusu Kim, Juhyang Lee, Yongsang Yun, Chihyun Cho
  • Patent number: 11336095
    Abstract: The power transmitter apparatus is provided with code modulators which modulate powers of phase components of three-phase alternating-current power to generate code-modulated waves, respectively, by code modulation using modulation codes based on code sequences different from each other, and transmits the code-modulated waves to the at least one power receiver apparatus via the transmission path. The power receiver apparatus is provided with code demodulators, each of which demodulates one code-modulated wave of the received code-modulated waves to generate code-demodulated power by code demodulation using a demodulation code based on a code sequence identical to the code sequence of the modulation code used for the code modulation of the one code-modulated wave, the code-demodulated power being generated as power of one of phase components of multiphase alternating-current power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motohiko Fujimura, Masahiro Yamaoka, Atsushi Yamamoto, Taiki Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 11329511
    Abstract: Systems include a coil, a drive circuit, a sense circuit, and a communication and control circuit for providing power inductively to a portable device comprising a battery and an inductive receiver unit including a receiver coil and a receiver circuit. A portable device includes a battery and a receiver unit capable of receiving inductive power from a compatible inductive charging system including a base unit with a primary coil and associated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Mojo Mobility Inc.
    Inventors: Afshin Partovi, Michael Sears
  • Patent number: 11289946
    Abstract: A method of uniform wireless power distribution within a chamber is disclosed which includes measuring dimensional characteristics of a chamber, having a transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters, creating a statistical electromagnetic environment, evaluating statistical properties of the statistical electromagnetic environment, setting a new criterion for acceptable statistical properties of the statistical electromagnetic environment, measuring a lowest usable frequency of the chamber below which the statistical properties of the statistical electromagnetic environment are not acceptable according to a predetermined criterion, determining an efficiency profile of the plurality of power harvesters versus frequency at frequencies higher than the lowest usable frequency, selecting an operating frequency that maximizes efficiencies of the plurality of power harvesters, measuring a collective efficiency of the chamber, and returning to setting a new criterion if the measured collective efficiency is below
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ahmed Mahmoud Mahrous Abdelraheem, Michael Dimitri Sinanis, Dimitrios Peroulis
  • Patent number: 11290005
    Abstract: A power system includes a power conversion stage that receives power from an input source and delivers power to a load via a power distribution bus. The power distribution bus may include a DC transformer such as a fixed ratio bus converter or VTM having an equivalent series resistance. A control system samples the voltage delivered by the power conversion stage at a location close to the output of the power conversion stage, and the load voltage at a location close to the load. The samples may be synchronized by means of a data bus that provides communication between a control device and an output monitor. Synchronization may be accomplished within a sampling period that is short relative to changes in the voltages and currents. Each set of samples may be used to determine a value of the bus resistance. Multiple samples may be averaged to improve accuracy in the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: VICOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Patrizio Vinciarelli
  • Patent number: 11277038
    Abstract: A power transmitting unit (PTU) for wireless power transmission (WPT) includes a communication transceiver and a power controller. The communication transceiver connects a communication link with at least one power receiving unit (PRU) through legacy communication and exchanges parameters necessary for the WPT through the connected communication link. The power controller is configured to transmit, to the PRU, a PTU beacon containing information about a dedicated power slot (DPS) allocated to the PRU in a super frame including a plurality of DPSs, to receive a PRU beacon from the PRU, to extract a phase difference between a plurality of antennas by analyzing a continuous wave (CW) of the PRU beacon, and to transmit power to the PRU in the allocated DPS in consideration of the phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yongju Park, Yongseong Kim, Yongseok Lim
  • Patent number: 11271430
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus which comprises a wireless power transfer (WPT) system. This system comprises features which allow it to transfer more power wirelessly at extended distances than other systems operating in the same frequency range. The system possesses heat dissipation features; these features allow it to operate effectively in elevated-temperature environments, and to transfer power at higher levels and/or greater distances than a typical power-transfer system. The system also might include design features to withstand mechanical shocks, stresses, and impacts for use in a rugged environment. The system can also comprise adaptations to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), and can comprise specially shaped components with magnetic/ferrimagnetic properties that enhance performance. Other potential features include power conditioning by combining, within one circuit or one board, multiple elements that protect against excessive current, over-voltage, and/or reverse voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Shostak, Oleg Los, Unnati Wadkar, Jason Luzinski, Nazmul Alam, Mark D. Melone, Matt Zamborsky, Jacob Babcock, Alberto Peralta, Christine Frysz
  • Patent number: 11264837
    Abstract: A wireless electrical energy transmission system is provided. The system comprises a wireless transmission base configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy or data via near field magnetic coupling to a receiving antenna configured within an electronic device. The wireless electrical energy transmission system is configured with at least one transmitting antenna and a transmitting electrical circuit positioned within the transmission base. The transmission base is configured so that at least one electronic device can be wirelessly electrically charged or powered by positioning the at least one device external and adjacent to the transmission base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Peralta, Md. Nazmul Alam, Ajit Rajagopalan, Christine A. Frysz, Vinit Singh
  • Patent number: 11264829
    Abstract: A system comprises sets of batteries, each set having a power capacity less than a standup power capacity. The system is configured to couple the sets of batteries to power supplies to configure each of the power supplies with battery power less than the standup capacity. Responsive to a disruption of a first power supply, the system couples a first set of batteries, coupled to the first power supply, to a second power supply to couple to the second power supply battery power to not less than the standup power capacity. A method comprises coupling sets of batteries to power supplies to configure each of the power supplies to have less than a standup capacity. The method includes coupling sets batteries of one power supply to a second power supply to provide the second power supply with a battery capacity not less than the standup capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noah Singer, Robert K. Mullady, Steven J. Ahladas
  • Patent number: 11258311
    Abstract: A wireless power system may have a wireless power transmitting device and a wireless power receiving device. The wireless power receiving device may have a receive coil that receives wireless power signals from the wireless power transmitting device and may have a rectifier that produces direct-current power from the received wireless power signals. The wireless power transmitting device may have an array of transmit coils. Each transmit coil has a respective magnetic coupling coefficient characterizing its magnetic coupling with the receive coil. The wireless power transmitting device may have control circuitry that uses the magnetic coupling coefficient values in selecting transmit coils to use in transmitting wireless power to the wireless power receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Liu, Dmitry Berdnikov, Weihong Qiu, Zaki Moussaoui
  • Patent number: 11258295
    Abstract: Where an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) is used in a system to ensure highly reliable power supply to an electronic system, occasional maintenance or repair of the UPS or its storage batteries may be required. Effecting this servicing while ensuring that the utility power continues to be supplied to the load may involve a Maintenance Bypass Assembly (MBA) comprising a plurality of manually-operated circuit breakers. The possibility of an incorrect actuation of such circuit breakers is precluded by the coordination of a plurality of electromechanically actuated circuit breakers in communication with a controller that may store a table of permitted state transitions and sequences for safe operation. Such operation may be confirmed by one or more sensors monitored by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: C&C Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Shujen Chen, Paul F. Matras, Robert E. Bland, Paul Joseph Blake, James Leo Leifker
  • Patent number: 11251621
    Abstract: A solar power generation system is provided for more efficiently and cost-effectively generating and delivering power. The solar power generation system includes a plurality of distributed power converter nodes each configured to convert DC power received from a solar module into a deadband DC waveform. The deadband DC power generated by each power converter node is then transmitted to a centralized grid interface box, which is configured to unfold the deadband DC waveform into an AC signal suitable for transmission to an electric power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Hume, David Sykes, Aldo P. Della Sera, Juan Galindo, Andrew M. Pluister, Mark Crosier
  • Patent number: 11251622
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an inverter employing switches of different types in parallel. In one example, an apparatus includes a voltage-source converter that may have a plurality of switch positions collectively coupled to convert an input to an output. At least one switch position may include a first switch of a first switch type and a second switch of a second switch type different from the first switch type. Also, the first and second switches may be coupled in parallel. The converter may also include a switch control circuit to generate, for each of the at least one of the switch positions, a first control signal to operate the first switch of the switch position, and a second control signal to operate the second switch of the switch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Sherwood, Paul M. White, Dillon J. Thomasson, Zachary M. Rubin, Stephen M. Spiteri, Javier Ruiz
  • Patent number: 11245254
    Abstract: A method for phase controlled energizing of a power transformer includes acquiring electrical voltage signal from a voltage sensing device connected to the power transformer. Determining a first characterizing data in the voltage signal within a pre-determined set of cycles at about an opening operation of a circuit breaker and determining a second characterizing data within the pre-determined set of cycles in the voltage signal subsequent to the opening operation of the circuit breaker. Estimating a level of magnetization of the core of the power transformer based on at least one of second characterizing data, and the first characterizing data and the second characterizing data. Operating the circuit breaker at a determined instant of switching based on the estimated level of magnetization for a phase controlled energizing of the power transformer by the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Energy Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Urmil Parikh, Michael Stanek
  • Patent number: 11245290
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for performing transmission and reception of wireless power. The apparatus comprises: a transmission signal processing unit configured to generate a transmission data signal and perform a modulation and an amplification; a transmission antenna configured to convert the transmission data signal into an RF signal and transmit the RF signal; at least one reception antenna configured to receive at least one of the RF signal or an external signal received from the outside; a wireless power reception unit configured to harvest power from the RF signal received through the at least one reception antenna; and a reception signal processing unit configured to demodulate the external signal received through the at least one reception antenna. Since the RF signal, which is radiated by the apparatus itself, is received again and utilized for power charging, energy can be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dongkyu Kim, Sangrim Lee, Hojae Lee
  • Patent number: 11234319
    Abstract: Systems and methods for backup power sources and controls for Power over Ethernet light sources are provided. In one example embodiment, a lighting system includes one or more light sources configured to receive power over one or more Ethernet cables. The lighting system also includes a battery pack comprising an energy storage medium. The battery pack can be configured to provide power to the one or more light sources over one or more Ethernet cables. The lighting system can also include an output control circuit configured to manage delivery of power from the battery pack to the one or more light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Pritam Yadav, Douglas Matthew Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11227712
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus which comprises a wireless power transfer (WPT) system. This system comprises features which allow it to transfer more power wirelessly at extended distances than other systems operating in the same frequency range. The system possesses heat dissipation features; these features allow it to operate effectively in elevated-temperature environments, and to transfer power at higher levels and/or greater distances than a typical power-transfer system. The system also might include design features to withstand mechanical shocks, stresses, and impacts for use in a rugged environment. The system can also comprise adaptations to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), and can comprise specially shaped components with magnetic/ferrimagnetic properties that enhance performance. Other potential features include power conditioning by combining, within one circuit or one board, multiple elements that protect against excessive current, over-voltage, and/or reverse voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Luzinski, Andrew Kovacs, Christine M. Frysz
  • Patent number: 11227734
    Abstract: A remote-controlled switch cover assembly is described for converting an existing rocker switch into a remote-controlled switch. The remote-controlled switch cover assembly receives a wireless signal to actuate the existing rocker switch and, in response, activates an electric motor that causes a gear train to turn in a first direction. This causes a wiper to engage an under-surface of a tilt plate located above the existing rocker switch and, in response, an opposing end of the tit plate depresses the existing rocker switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLINK INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Morgan Scruggs