Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Maughan

Thomas G. Maughan 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).

  • Wireless power and data transfer device for harsh and extreme environments
    Patent number: 8946941
    Abstract: A wireless power and data connector includes a socket and a plug. The socket has a power port for connecting to a wired power transmission line, a data port for connecting to a wired data communication line, a wireless power transmitter, and a wireless data transceiver. The plug includes a power port for connecting to a wired instrument power transmission line, a data port for connecting to a wired instrument data communication line, a wireless power receiver, and a wireless data transceiver. The socket has a concave portion and the plug has a convex region shaped such that the convex region of the plug removably fits within the concave region of the socket. The wireless power transmitter and wireless power receiver transmit power from the socket to the plug using magnetically coupled resonant tank circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas G. Maughan, William J. Kirkwood
  • Wireless Power and Data Transfer Device for Harsh and Extreme Environments
    Publication number: 20120175969
    Abstract: A wireless power and data connector includes a socket and a plug. The socket has a power port for connecting to a wired power transmission line, a data port for connecting to a wired data communication line, a wireless power transmitter, and a wireless data transceiver. The plug includes a power port for connecting to a wired instrument power transmission line, a data port for connecting to a wired instrument data communication line, a wireless power receiver, and a wireless data transceiver. The socket has a concave portion and the plug has a convex region shaped such that the convex region of the plug removably fits within the concave region of the socket. The wireless power transmitter and wireless power receiver transmit power from the socket to the plug using magnetically coupled resonant tank circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas G. Maughan, William J. Kirkwood