Patents by Inventor Nicholas A. Keeling

Nicholas A. Keeling 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: 10340078
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a magnetic flux device configured to transmit or receive magnetic flux to or from a space beyond the magnetic flux device. In certain configurations, the magnetic flux device can include a first coil with a first layer and second layer, a second coil with a third layer and fourth layer, and a magnetically permeable material with the first coil extending over a first edge of the magnetically permeable material and the second coil extending over a second edge of the magnetically permeable material. In certain other configurations, the magnetic flux device can include a first conductive structure including a first coil and a second coil enclosing a first area and a second area, respectively. The magnetic flux device can further include a second conductive structure with at least a first planar portion of the first conductive structure being substantially coplanar with a second planar portion of the second conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 10014104
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect the disclosure provides an apparatus for wirelessly communicating power. The apparatus includes a first conductive structure, with a length greater than a width, configured to wirelessly receive power via a magnetic field. The first conductive structure includes two substantially co-planar loops. The first conductive structure has a first edge and a second edge each intersecting a geometric line along the length of the first conductive structure. The apparatus further includes a second conductive structure, with a length greater than width, positioned between the first conductive structure and a magnetic material and configured to wirelessly receive power via the magnetic field. The length of the second conductive structure is substantially equal to at least a distance along the geometric line between the first edge and the second edge of the first conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hanspeter Widmer, Nicholas A. Keeling
  • Publication number: 20180137972
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a magnetic flux device configured to transmit or receive magnetic flux to or from a space beyond the magnetic flux device. In certain configurations, the magnetic flux device can include a first coil with a first layer and second layer, a second coil with a third layer and fourth layer, and a magnetically permeable material with the first coil extending over a first edge of the magnetically permeable material and the second coil extending over a second edge of the magnetically permeable material. In certain other configurations, the magnetic flux device can include a first conductive structure including a first coil and a second coil enclosing a first area and a second area, respectively. The magnetic flux device can further include a second conductive structure with at least a first planar portion of the first conductive structure being substantially coplanar with a second planar portion of the second conductive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9876535
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for connecting and operating an AC source to a load. In one aspect a power supply topology is provided which may be of particular use in the area of wireless power transfer. The topology allows for multiple sources to be operatively connected to a single conductive structure configured to generate a field, maintaining overall system power while lowering the power output of each source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9859956
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote system such as electric vehicles. In one aspect an apparatus for use with a wireless power transfer transmitter device comprising a first inductive element for generating a magnetic field, is provided. The apparatus comprises a direct current (DC) power source having an adjustable output voltage. The apparatus also comprises an inverter configured to convert the adjustable output voltage of the DC power source to alternating current. The apparatus also comprises at least one controller configured to receive an indication of current in the first inductive element and control the output voltage of the DC power source in response to the indication of current in the first inductive element. The apparatus reduces distortion signals in the alternating current output of the inverter while maintaining current in the inductive element substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Kissin, Nicholas A Keeling, Jonathan Beaver, Edward Van Boheemen
  • Patent number: 9859955
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote system such as electric vehicles. In one aspect a circuit for wireless power transfer is provided. The circuit comprises an inductive element for receiving wireless power from a magnetic field associated with a wireless power transfer transmitter device. The circuit further comprises an output configured to be connected to a load. The circuit further comprises a voltage detector configured to detect the voltage across the load. The circuit further comprises at least one switching element between the inductive element and the output. The circuit further comprises a controller configured to maintain a current in the inductive element substantially constant as the voltage detected across the load varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver, Michael Kissin, Edward Van Boheemen
  • Patent number: 9859755
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power receiver includes a first inductive element, a power supply, and a communication receiver. The first inductive element is configured to receive wireless power from a first electromagnetic field generated by a wireless power transmitter including a second inductive element. The power supply is configured to supply a current to the first inductive element to generate a second electromagnetic field and induce a current in the second inductive element. The communication receiver is configured to receive an indication of a distance between the first inductive element and the second inductive element based on the induced current in the second inductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan Beaver, Nicholas A. Keeling, Michael Kissin, Edward L. van Boheemen
  • Patent number: 9837204
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a magnetic flux device configured to transmit or receive magnetic flux. In certain configurations, the magnetic flux device can include a first coil with a first layer and second layer, a second coil with a third layer and fourth layer, and a magnetically permeable material with the first coil extending over a first edge of the magnetically permeable material and the second coil extending over a second edge of the magnetically permeable material. In certain other configurations, the magnetic flux device can include a first conductive structure including a first coil and a second coil enclosing a first area and a second area, respectively. The magnetic flux device can further include a second conductive structure with at least a first planar portion of the first conductive structure being substantially coplanar with a second planar portion of the second conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9679695
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power transfer system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a first inductive element and a current generator. The current generator supplies a current to the first inductive element to generate an electromagnetic field. The receiver includes a second inductive element, a tuning circuit, and a controller. The second inductive element receives wireless power from the electromagnetic field. The tuning circuit has a reactance and includes a plurality of capacitive elements connected to the second inductive element. The plurality of capacitive elements supply an output current to a load. The controller selectively connects the plurality of capacitive elements in a plurality of configurations. The tuning circuit has substantially the same reactance in each of the plurality of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver, Michael Kissin
  • Patent number: 9672975
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect, an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power is provided. The apparatus includes a first conductive structure configured to generate a first magnetic field based on a first current received from a power source. The apparatus further includes a second conductive structure configured to generate a second magnetic field based on a second current from the power source. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to determine a respective coupling coefficient between each of the first and second conductive structures and a third conductive structure configured to receive power via the first or the second magnetic field. The controller is further configured to adjust the first or second current applied to the first and second conductive structures based at least in part on the coupling coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Michael Kissin
  • Patent number: 9666357
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a first conductive structure configured to wirelessly receive power via a magnetic field generated by a transmitter conductive structure having a length greater than a width. The first conductive structure has a length greater than a width and includes co-planar loops enclosing first and second areas. The first conductive structure has first and second edges each intersecting a first geometric line running along the length of the first conductive structure. The apparatus includes a second conductive structure configured to wirelessly receive power via the magnetic field. The second conductive has a length greater than a width. The first geometric line runs along the length of the second conductive structure. The first geometric line is substantially perpendicular to a second geometric line running along the length of the transmitter conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas A Keeling
  • Patent number: 9653206
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for a wireless power transfer are disclosed. In one aspect a wireless power transfer apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a casing. The apparatus further includes an electrical component housed within the casing. The apparatus further includes a sheath housed within the casing. The apparatus further includes a conductive filament housed within the sheath. The electrical component is electrically connected with the conductive filament. The casing is filled with a settable fluid bound with the sheath to form a structural matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Edward Van Boheemen, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9601263
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for a wireless power transfer are disclosed. In one aspect a wireless power transfer apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a casing. The apparatus further includes an electrical component housed within the casing. The apparatus further includes a sheath housed within the casing. The apparatus further includes a conductive filament housed within the sheath. The electrical component is electrically connected with the conductive filament. The casing is filled with a settable fluid bound with the sheath to form a structural matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Edward Van Boheemen, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9583259
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wireless power transfer, and particularly, wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles are disclosed. In one aspect, a wireless power transfer device is provided comprising a casing housing at least one component, with a first portion of the casing containing a set first flowable medium, and a second portion of the casing containing a second set flowable medium having a different density to that of the first set flowable medium. The casing can include a locating portion, with the locating portion in contact with a flowable medium set within the casing. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a wireless power transfer device is provided. During manufacturing, a casing of the device may be loaded to maintain a desired shape while at least one component and a settable flowable medium are introduced into the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Edward Van Boheemen, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9472338
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect the disclosure provides for an apparatus for wirelessly transmitting power. The apparatus includes a first conductive structure configured to generate a first magnetic field in response to receiving a first time-varying signal from a power source. The apparatus includes a second conductive structure configured to generate a second magnetic field in response to receiving a second time-varying signal from the power source. The first and second structures are positioned to maintain a substantial absence of mutual coupling between the first and second magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Michael Kissin
  • Patent number: 9431834
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for wireless power transfer are disclosed. In one aspect, a wireless power transfer apparatus is provided comprising a casing with at least one projecting member projecting from an inner side of the surface of the casing that is subject to external compression forces. An induction coil and other components such as insulating layers and magnetically permeable members are positioned around at least one of the projecting members and maintained in position by the projecting members. The wireless power transfer apparatus is able to withstand large compressive forces, such as those imparted by heavy vehicles and the like passing over the apparatus when positioned on the ground in a wireless power transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Edward Van Boheemen, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9431169
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for connecting and operating an AC source to a load. In one aspect a power supply topology is provided which may be of particular use in the area of wireless power transfer. The topology allows for a single source to energize one or more conductive structures configured to generate a field, improving power transfer to a power receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chang-Yu Huang, Nicholas A. Keeling, Mickel Budhia, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9376026
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect an apparatus for wirelessly transferring power from a charging power source to a device is provided. The apparatus includes a first strand wound in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source and a second strand wound together with the first strand in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source. The apparatus further includes an inductor circuit connected to the first strand and disconnected from the second strand. The inductor circuit is further configured to reduce a current difference between a first current flowing through the first strand and a second current flowing through the second strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Keeling, Mickel Budhia, Hanspeter Widmer, Marcel Fischer, Lukas Sieber
  • Patent number: 9160205
    Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for wireless power transfer are disclosed. A method of forming a physical core of a wireless power transfer device includes positioning two or more electromagnetically permeable members adjacent to one another and applying longitudinal pressure to an end of the electromagnetically permeable members, the electromagnetically permeable members at least partially encapsulated in retaining compound. A wireless power transfer device includes a casing in which is housed an induction coil, a plurality of electromagnetically permeable members arranged in a line and a retaining compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A Keeling, Edward Van Boheemen, Michael Kissin, Jonathan Beaver
  • Patent number: 9142990
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a system comprises substantially co-planar first and second receiver coils. The system further comprises a third receiver coil. The system further comprises a controller configured to determine a current of the co-planar first and second receiver coils, a current of the third receiver coil, and a duty cycle of the wireless power transfer receiver device. The controller is configured to enable the co-planar first and second receiver coils, the third receiver coil, or the co-planar first and second receiver coils and the third receiver coil based on a comparison of the current of the co-planar first and second receiver coils, the current of the third receiver coil, and the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Keeling, Jonathan Beaver, Chang-Yu Huang