Patents by Inventor Michael Leabman

Michael Leabman 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).

  • Patent number: 10396604
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for transmitting wireless power. One example method includes: receiving, by at least one of a plurality of antennas of a wireless power transmitter, a first communication signal from a wireless power receiver coupled with an electronic device, the first communication signal including information identifying a location of the electronic device and device parameters associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10389161
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission antenna includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a first transmission line that conducts a first power transmission signal. A dielectric resonator that is mechanically coupled to the PCB is configured to radiate the first power transmission signal. A first feed element that is electronically coupled to the first transmission line and to the dielectric resonator is configured to receive the power transmission signal via the first transmission line and excite the dielectric resonator with the first power transmission signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Alister Hosseini, Saman Kabiri, Evangelos Kornaros, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10381880
    Abstract: A plurality of integrated antenna structures described herein may be formed in a flat panel antenna arrays which may be arranged in equally spaced grid and may be used in transmitters for sending focused RF waves towards a receiver for wireless power charging or powering. Each of the integrated antenna structures may include planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) integrated with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) metamaterials. As a result of their high directionality and form factor, the integrated antenna structures may be placed very close together, thus enabling the integration of a high number of integrated antenna structures in a single flat panel antenna array which may fit about 400+ integrated antenna structures. Each integrated antenna structure in the flat panel antenna arrays may be operated independently, thus enabling an enhanced control over the pocket forming. In addition, the higher number of integrated antenna structures may contribute to a higher gain for the flat panel antenna arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Harry Contopanagos
  • Publication number: 20190222070
    Abstract: Wireless charging systems, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed herein. As an example, a method includes: receiving, by a radio of a transmitter, a communication signal from a wireless-power-receiving device, the communication signal containing location data indicating a location of the wireless-power-receiving device. The method further includes, in response determining that the location of the wireless-power-receiving device is within a predetermined range from the transmitter: (i) generating sound waves from a sound wave integrated circuit of the transmitter and (ii) transmitting the sound waves through a plurality of transducer elements to the location of the wireless-power-receiving device, wherein the sound waves are transmitted so that they converge constructively to form a controlled constructive interference pattern in three-dimensional (3-D) space at the location of the wireless-power-receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventor: Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10320446
    Abstract: Near-field power transfer systems can include antenna elements that constructed or printed close to each other in a meandered arrangement, where neighboring antenna elements conduct currents that flow in opposite directions. This current flow entirely or almost entirely cancels out any far field RF radiation generated by the antennas or otherwise generated by the electromagnetic effects of the current flow. For a first current flowing in a first path, there may be a second current flowing in a second cancellation path, which cancels the far field radiation produced by the first current flowing in the first path. Therefore, there may be no radiation of power to the far field. Such cancellation, may not occur in a near-field active zone, where the transfer of power may occur between the transmitter and the receiver. A ground plane may block the leakage of power from the back of a transmitter and/or a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Alister Hosseini, Michael A. Leabman
  • Publication number: 20190173323
    Abstract: Methods of constructing a wireless power receiver that uses a battery as an antenna are provided. The method includes power conversion circuitry that has a connector, the first end connected to at least a part of a battery, and the part of the battery is configured to act as an antenna and receive radio frequency (RF) power signals. The second end of the connector is opposite to the first end and connected to the power conversion circuitry. The power conversion circuitry converts the RF power signals into a direct current (DC) voltage that is used to charge the battery. Additional, some methods for constructing a wireless power receiver include a different connector between the power conversion circuitry and charging circuitry. The charging circuitry is electrically coupled with at least the part of the battery via another connector and provides DC voltage to charge the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Alister Hosseini, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10312715
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may generate and transmit power waves that, as result of their physical waveform characteristics (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, gain, direction), converge at a predetermined location in a transmission field to generate a pocket of energy. Receivers associated with an electronic device being powered by the wireless charging system, may extract energy from these pockets of energy and then convert that energy into usable electric power for the electronic device associated with a receiver. The pockets of energy may manifest as a three-dimensional field (e.g., transmission field) where energy may be harvested by a receiver positioned within or nearby the pocket of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10305315
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for an improved wireless charging transceiver pad. An example method includes: (i) receiving, by a cordless transceiver, a first plurality of power waves transmitted from a wireless power transmitter that is distinct from the cordless transceiver; (ii) charging at least partially, using energy received by the cordless transceiver from the first plurality of power waves, a first battery of the cordless transceiver; and (iii) transmitting, by the cordless transceiver using the first battery, a second plurality of power waves to a receiver, where the receiver is configured to convert energy from the second plurality of power waves to charge a second battery of an electronic device that is coupled with the receiver. The cordless transceiver is distinct from the receiver and the electronic device, and the first plurality of power waves is distinct from the second plurality of power waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 10298133
    Abstract: Synchronous rectifiers for wireless power receivers are disclosed herein. An example receiver includes: an antenna configured to: (i) receive radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves and (ii) convert the received RF power transmissions waves into an alternating current. The receiver also includes a synchronous rectifier, coupled to the antenna, configured to synchronously rectify the alternating current into a direct current, wherein the synchronous rectifier includes: a first diode configured to receive a first portion of the alternating current that has a positive polarity, a second diode configured to receive a second portion of the alternating current that has a negative polarity, a first transistor coupled to the first diode, and a second transistor coupled to the second diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10298024
    Abstract: An example method disclosed herein includes: transmitting, by a first set of a plurality of antennas of a transmitter, a first set of power waves to form a first constructive interference pattern at a first location of a receiver, and each antenna of the first set is a first type of antenna. The method also includes: receiving, by a communications component of the transmitter, a communication signal that identifies a second location of the receiver; and upon receiving the communication signal, selecting, based on the second location, a second set of the plurality of antennas to transmit power waves to the second location, and each antenna of the second set is a second type of antenna distinct from the first type. The method additionally includes: transmitting, by the second set of antennas, the second set of power waves to form a second constructive interference pattern at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 10291056
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein discloses a wireless charging system configured to generate and transmit power waves that, due to physical waveform characteristics converge at a predetermined location in a transmission field to generate a pocket of energy. Receivers associated with an electronic device being powered by the wireless charging system, may extract energy from these pocket of energy and then convert that energy into usable electric power for the electronic device associated with a receiver. The pocket of energy may manifest as a three-dimensional field (e.g., transmission field) where energy may be harvested by a receiver positioned within or nearby the pocket of energy. Video sensors capture actual video images of fields of view within the transmission field, and a processor identifies selected objects, selected events, and/or selected locations within the captured video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10291294
    Abstract: An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a controller; one or more receiving circuits coupled to the controller, each receiving circuit configured to receive incoming RF signals from a receiver, the receiver transmitting a communication signal that identifies a location of the receiver; a plurality of transmitting circuits coupled to the controller, each transmitting circuit configured to generate outgoing RF signals based upon the incoming RF signals; and a plurality of antenna elements, the plurality of antenna elements including at least some dedicated antenna elements. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: (i) select a first configuration of at least some of the dedicated antenna elements to be coupled to the receiving circuits, and (ii) select, based on the location, a second configuration of at least some of the plurality of antenna elements to be coupled to the plurality of transmitting circuits to transmit the outgoing RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10291066
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to various arrangements of hardware for incorporating receiver functions into wearable portable devices. The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., RF signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium. The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals into electricity for powering an electronic device. The embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Leabman, Douglas Bell
  • Patent number: 10291055
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10277054
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system including RF circuitry configured to generate an RF signal; a plurality of unit cells configured to receive the RF signal and to cause an RF energy signal having a center frequency to be present within the unit cells; and receiver circuitry configured to charge an electronic device in response to an antenna of the electronic device receiving the RF energy signal when the antenna is tuned to the center frequency and positioned in a near-field distance from one or more of the unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Alister Hosseini, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10270261
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein discloses a wireless charging system configured to generate and transmit power waves that, due to physical waveform characteristics converge at a predetermined location in a transmission field to generate a pocket of energy. Receivers associated with an electronic device being powered by the wireless charging system, may extract energy from these pocket of energy and then convert that energy into usable electric power for the electronic device associated with a receiver. The pocket of energy may manifest as a three-dimensional field (e.g., transmission field) where energy may be harvested by a receiver positioned within or nearby the pocket of energy. Video sensors capture actual video images of fields of view within the transmission field, and a processor identifies selected objects, selected events, and/or selected locations within the captured video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10263432
    Abstract: A method for wireless power transmission is provided. The method comprising emitting, by a first antenna element of a transmitter, a first signal comprising a plurality of wireless power waves establishing a pocket of energy. The method further comprising emitting, by a second antenna element of the transmitter, a second signal different from the first signal. The second signal provides Wi-Fi access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: 10263476
    Abstract: A transmitter including a transmitter board comprising multiple electrical ports, each port configured to: receive any of a plurality of antenna boards, and provide electrical signals to a received antenna board. Each respective antenna board comprises antenna elements configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) power waves using the provided signal. The transmitter board further includes a processor configured to: determine whether antenna boards are connected to respective ports of the multiple electrical ports, and after determining that a respective antenna board has been received at a respective port: (i) instruct the transmitter board to provide, via the respective electrical port, electrical signals to the antenna board, and (ii) control transmission of RF waves by antenna elements of the respective antenna board to cause each of the RF waves to constructively interfere with at least one other RF wave at a receiver device located within a transmission field of the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10256677
    Abstract: An example radio frequency (RF) charging pad includes: at least one processor for monitoring an amount of energy that is transferred from the RF charging pad to an RF receiver of an electronic device. The pad also includes: one or more transmitting antenna elements that are in communication with the processor for transmitting RF signals to the RF receiver. In some embodiments, each respective transmitting antenna element includes: (i) a conductive line forming a meandered line pattern; (ii) a first terminal of the conductive line for receiving current at a frequency controlled by the processor; and (iii) a second terminal coupled with a component that allows for modifying an impedance value at the second terminal. In some embodiments, the processor adaptively adjusts the frequency and/or the impedance value to optimize the amount of energy that is transferred from the one or more transmitting antenna elements to the RF receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Alister Hosseini, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: D851120
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Leabman