Patents by Inventor Julian Andrew John Fells
Julian Andrew John Fells has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10804751Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Philips I.P. Ventures B.V.Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Publication number: 20180375389Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2018Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Michael Craig STEVENS, Alexander Charles KNILL, John Robert DUNTON, Julian Andrew John FELLS
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Patent number: 10069350Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: PHILIPS IP VENTURES B.V.Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Patent number: 9948358Abstract: There is disclosed an inductive power transfer system comprising a primary unit and a secondary device separable from the primary unit, the primary unit comprising a power transfer surface and more than two field generators each operable to generate an electromagnetic field, the field generators being located at different positions relative to the power transfer surface, the secondary device comprising a power receiver having a secondary coil, the system further comprising: determining means for determining at least one of the position and the orientation of the power receiver relative to the power transfer surface; and controlling means for controlling the field generators such that at least one first field generator and at least one second field generator, selected in dependence upon such determination, are active in a substantially opposite sense to one another so as to direct magnetic flux through the secondary coil thereby supplying power to the secondary device, and further such that a third one of theType: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David Martin Pooley
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Patent number: 9577437Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if it is not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if it is a valid secondary device, and restricting power if it is not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
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Publication number: 20160241088Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Patent number: 9331526Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Publication number: 20140339916Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if it is not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if it is a valid secondary device, and restricting power if it is not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
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Patent number: 8853892Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
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Publication number: 20140042824Abstract: There is disclosed an inductive power transfer system comprising a primary unit and a secondary device separable from the primary unit, the primary unit comprising a power transfer surface and more than two field generators each operable to generate an electromagnetic field, the field generators being located at different positions relative to the power transfer surface, the secondary device comprising a power receiver having a secondary coil, the system further comprising: determining means for determining at least one of the position and the orientation of the power receiver relative to the power transfer surface; and controlling means for controlling the field generators such that at least one first field generator and at least one second field generator, selected in dependence upon such determination, are active in a substantially opposite sense to one another so as to direct magnetic flux through the secondary coil thereby supplying power to the secondary device, and further such that a third one of theType: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David Martin Pooley
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Publication number: 20140001877Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Patent number: 8587154Abstract: There is disclosed an inductive power transfer system including a primary unit and a secondary device separable from the primary unit, the primary unit may include a power transfer surface and more than two field generators each operable to generate an electromagnetic field. The field generators may be located at different positions relative to the power transfer surface. The secondary device may include a power receiver having a secondary coil.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David Martin Pooley
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Publication number: 20130234532Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
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Patent number: 8508077Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit, and on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Publication number: 20130194105Abstract: A sensor arrangement for monitoring a oil reservoir comprises a sensor array (1) comprising a plurality of sensor units (5) located over an area to be monitored; an interrogator unit (30) comprising a transmitter (402) for transmitting optical signals and receiver for obtaining data on the reservoir from the sensor units, a demodulator (418) for demodulating the received signals, and a recorder (420) for recording the demodulated signals. The arrangement includes an uplink optical cable (408) for transmitting the signals to the sensor array and a downlink optical cable (410) for transmitting signals from the array to the receiver. At least one of the optical cables has an optical amplifier (412, 414). The arrangement enables the interrogator to be remote from the array, for example 150 km or more, obviating the need for significant power to be supplied at the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: TGS GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY (UK) LIMITEDInventors: Philip John Nash, Edward Alfred Denzil Austin, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Patent number: 8446046Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
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Patent number: 8238125Abstract: The specification discloses a wireless power charging system in which undesired frequencies in the primary coil are cancelled. Exemplary undesired frequencies are the harmonics of the primary coil drive signal. The system includes a sense transformer/coil, an injection transformer/coil, and a compensation signal generator. The sense transformer/coil senses the signal in the primary coil. The compensation signal generator receives the sensed signal and generates an injection signal whose constituent parts are equal in amplitude to, but pi phase different from, each undesired frequency. The combined signal is injected into the primary through the injection transformer/coil so that the injection signal cancels the undesired frequencies in the primary coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventor: Julian Andrew John Fells
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Publication number: 20120068536Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit, and on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
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Publication number: 20120007437Abstract: There is disclosed an inductive power transfer system comprising a primary unit and a secondary device separable from the primary unit, the primary unit comprising a power transfer surface and more than two field generators each operable to generate an electromagnetic field, the field generators being located at different positions relative to the power transfer surface, the secondary device comprising a power receiver having a secondary coil, the system further comprising: determining means for determining at least one of the position and the orientation of the power receiver relative to the power transfer surface; and controlling means for controlling the field generators such that at least one first field generator and at least one second field generator, selected in dependence upon such determination, are active in a substantially opposite sense to one another so as to direct magnetic flux through the secondary coil thereby supplying power to the secondary device, and further such that a third one of theType: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David Martin Pooley
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Publication number: 20100172168Abstract: The specification discloses a wireless power charging system in which undesired frequencies in the primary coil are cancelled. Exemplary undesired frequencies are the harmonics of the primary coil drive signal. The system includes a sense transformer/coil, an injection transformer/coil, and a compensation signal generator. The sense transformer/coil senses the signal in the primary coil. The compensation signal generator receives the sensed signal and generates an injection signal whose constituent parts are equal in amplitude to, but pi phase different from, each undesired frequency. The combined signal is injected into the primary through the injection transformer/coil so that the injection signal cancels the undesired frequencies in the primary coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Julian Andrew John Fells