Separable Patents (Class 336/DIG2)
  • Patent number: 6147416
    Abstract: A rotatable connector with a turning angle detecting function wherein two concentric housing grooves are formed on the opposite surfaces of a stator core and a rotor core which face each other across an air gap; the coils being housing in the housing grooves; there are formed projection-depression portions which have projections and depressions alternately formed continuously at a specific pitch along the circumferential direction on both sides of outer coil pair; and a signal is transmitted from the stationary side to the movable side via the inner coils of the stator core and the rotor core, to thereby generate an angle signal by utilizing a change in magnetic resistance between the projection-depression portions in synchronization with the rotation of the rotor core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Katusya Mitsuzuka
  • Patent number: 6127800
    Abstract: A C-shaped fixed core is provided at a power receiving portion, and a secondary coil is wound on a vertical portion of the fixed core. A moving core is vertically movable in sliding contact with distal end surfaces of horizontal portions of the fixed core. A primary coil, having an air core portion, is provided at a charging coupler. When the charging coupler is attached to the power receiving portion, the moving core is moved downward to extend through the air core portion of the primary coil, and opposite end portions of the moving core are contacted respectively with the horizontal portions of the fixed core. As a result, a magnetic circuit is formed between the primary and secondary coils. The charging coupler is lightweight since it does not have a core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, LTD
    Inventors: Heiji Kuki, Kunihiko Watanabe, Toshiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 6075433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-contact type power supply unit intended for use in electronic equipment, aiming at the realization of a small size and low cost and successful achievement in an enhanced capability of electric power transmission. In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, the non-contact type power supply unit comprises a primary coil(11) that is fed with pulsated currents, a secondary coil(13) mounted opposite to the primary coil(11) in an enclosure that is different from an enclosure wherein the primary coil(11) is mounted, whereby electric power is transferred from the primary coil(11) to the secondary coil(13) and wherein a ferrite core(12) is disposed so as to extend from the primary coil(11) towards the secondary coil(13), thus achieving efficient electric power transmission from the primary coil(11) to secondary coil(13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ono, Yoshiyuki Nakai, Hideki Okura, Satoru Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6005304
    Abstract: A device for the contactless inductive transmission of electric energy to a movable consumer has a stationary primary circuit designed as an arrangement of elongated parallel leads connected to a source of high frequency alternating voltage or current and a transmission head arranged on the movable consumer. The transmission head consists of a ferrite core and of a secondary winding that surrounds the ferrite core and is magnetically coupled to the primary circuit. The primary circuit lead arrangement has an outer lead designed as an almost closed housing (7) and a middle lead (6) arranged approximately at the center of the housing. The current (11) that flows in the outer lead has the same intensity but an opposite flow direction to the current in the middle lead. The middle lead (6) is surrounded by a U-shaped ferrite core (2) that carries the secondary winding (W.sub.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Seelig
  • Patent number: 5949155
    Abstract: A non-contact electric power transmission device comprising a feeding member which includes an induction coil to which electric power is applied and the non-contact electric power transmission device further comprising a plurality of fed members which each further comprise an induced coil placed within a magnetic field produced by the induction coil. The fed members differ in the load applied and each of the fed members is independently designed to accommodate its respective load as well as to accommodate a single feeding member. While the respective loads differ, only the design of the respective fed member is modified to accommodate the different load value while no modifications to the single feeding member are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Tamura, Mikihiro Yamashita, Yoshinori Katsura
  • Patent number: 5856710
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil winding, thereby inducing a signal with a respective frequency in the secondary coil winding. An electronic switch operates so as to apply one of the two signals to the transistor for charging a capacitor coupled to the secondary coil winding, and operates so as to apply the other of the two signals to the transistor for discharging the capacitor. Actuation of control devices operate so as to modulate the impedance of the secondary coil winding. The inductive coupling of the two coil windings results in this modulation being mirrored by a modulation of the voltage developed across the primary coil winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James Stuart Baughman, Kevin C. Ross
  • Patent number: 5821632
    Abstract: Electric low current signals are transmitted through two-wire circuits having coaxial connectors which are closed by windings that are coupled transformer-like to the coaxial connectors. This arrangement allows transmission of control signals for electric power consuming devices within automobile doors, low frequency audio signals, and electrical power to power the electric consumers. All signals are transmitted on a common data cable. Control signals are in binary coded form, modulated onto a carrier signal, as are modulated, low frequency audio signals. The signals are demodulated in a door module and separated according to frequency. The low frequency audio signals are amplified and transmitted to a loudspeaker. The control signals are processed by a microprocessor controller in conjunction with switching units that create corrective actions for the power consuming devices located in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Doduco GmbH & Co. Dr. Eugen Durrwachter
    Inventors: Norbert Normann, Lothar Schulze, Gunter Uhl, Joachim Ney
  • Patent number: 5796325
    Abstract: A coil insert for use with a secondary coil portion of a charging system for an electric toothbrush. The secondary coil is positioned within the handle of the toothbrush. The insert includes a first portion which is configured to fit in the central opening of the secondary coil and a base portion which extends out from the secondary coil. The insert has enough weight, approximately one ounce, to significantly dampen the vibrational effects caused by operation of the toothbrush. The steel peen is sufficiently small so as to not absorb any energy from the charging coil during operation of the charging system and to increase coupling efficiency between the primary and secondary charging coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Optiva Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Lundell, Gerald K. Brewer
  • Patent number: 5711558
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a first member that is inserted into a second member into a first member, such as to secure an inductive coupler in a charge port while it is used to charge an electric vehicle. The locking mechanism prevents premature or malicious removal of the coupler before charging has been completed. The locking mechanism has logic that allows a user to set the lock in the charge port prior to insertion of the coupler. The locking mechanism has an actuator coupled to a rotatable link that is rotated thereby. A first pin is coupled to the rotatable link and a hole disposed in the first member that mates with the first pin to lock the inductive coupler in the charge port. A spring loaded release mechanism coupled to the first pin that permits the first pin to slide into the hole. Motion of the cable and the release mechanism releases and locks the first pin in the hole, or retracts the first pin from the hole, thus locking and unlocking the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: George R. Woody
  • Patent number: 5703462
    Abstract: An inductive coupler having an antenna and primary winding formed as part of a single structure that can be readily and consistently produced using printed wiring board manufacturing techniques. The coupler has the primary winding and antenna are formed as part of a printed wiring board. A coupler housing having two mating coupler halves secures a center magnetic core and the printed wiring board therebetween. The coupler housing also secures a cable that is coupled between selected printed circuit layers of the primary winding and a power source for coupling energy to the charging coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: George R. Woody, Scott D. Downer
  • Patent number: 5684380
    Abstract: An oil cooled inductive coupler for use with an inductive charging system that charges propulsion batteries of an electric vehicle. The coupler is connected to a power source by way of a coaxial cable that has power conductors for coupling power to the coupler, and cooling channels for coupling high dielectric strength cooling fluid to and from the coupler. The coupler has a housing with a flood box formed therein having an open interior that forms a conductor termination area. The cooling channels are coupled to the flood box, and the power conductors are terminated in the termination area and are exposed to the cooling fluid that is pumped therethrough to cool them. A heat exchanger having a fluid flow path therethrough is coupled to the flood box and permits the cooling fluid to circulate therethrough. A primary winding is secured or bonded to the heat exchanger, a magnetic puck is disposed in an opening in the heat exchanger, and upper and lower primary winding covers enclose the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: George R. Woody, Sergio Ramos, Juventino Rosas
  • Patent number: 5680028
    Abstract: An improved system for charging a battery of a hand held device, such as an electric toothbrush. The system has a first coil coupled around a first magnetic core. The first magnetic core forms a substantially closed magnetic path except for a core gap. An AC power signal is applied to the first coil to create a varying magnetic field within the core gap. The core gap is configured to minimize radiation of magnetic flux whether the second magnetic core is in place or not by having its faces closely spaced and aligned substantially parallel to one another. A second coil is coupled around a second magnetic core. The second magnetic core is insertable into the core gap to form an AC current in the second coil. The second magnetic core is sized to substantially occupy the core gap to minimize radiation of magnetic flux. The size of the gap and the length of the second magnetic core are made as small as possible to keep the weight of the hand-held device low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Alexander McEachern
  • Patent number: 5640135
    Abstract: An inductive charging coupler for use in an inductive charging system that minimizes damage thereto caused by shock. The charging coupler comprises a housing, and a magnetic core disposed in the housing that is comprised of a plurality of sections. A primary winding is disposed around the magnetic core, A current conductor is coupled to the primary winding for coupling current thereto. By employing smaller sections of ferrite material to form the magnetic core, there is less potential for encountering broad differences in the crystal structure of the ferrite material. These structural differences can cause the ferrite material to be more prone to crack or shatter under stress conditions, such as if the coupler is dropped during use. Also smaller ferrite pieces are lighter than a single piece of ferrite material, which causes lower distributed loads due to a shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: John T. Hall, Herbert J. Tanzer, George Woody
  • Patent number: 5600222
    Abstract: An inductive battery charging system comprising a charge probe and a charge port that employs multi-turn spiral and helical windings in the charge probe to provide improved thermal management of the power produced by the charging system. The thermal management provided by the multi-turn windings of the present invention improves the power handling capacity of the system and reduces AC proximity losses. Numerous flat helical coil and spiral transformer windings are disclosed that provide for differing thermal management schemes. The present invention may be used to increase the inductive charging capacity of electric vehicle propulsion batteries to on the order of 120 KW. The present invention may be used with almost any transformer or inductor that uses foil windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Hall, Ray G. Radys, George R. Woody
  • Patent number: 5598134
    Abstract: An electromagnetic power supplying apparatus for an electric motor vehicle includes a removable primary core and a secondary core. The primary core with a primary coil wound therearound is formed in the shape of a pillar having a reduced height. The secondary core with a secondary coil wound therearound is disposed on a vehicle body and has a cross-section formed in a letter "O" shape surrounding the primary core. When positioning the primary core within the secondary core, i.e., when fitting the primary core into the secondary core, there is formed a tripod type closed magnetic circuit core. The primary core is formed with only the center leg member of the tripod type closed magnetic circuit core, and accordingly it is remarkably light in weight relative to the secondary core. Further, when the secondary core is provided with a guide surface flush with one of the magnetic flux in-out end surfaces of the primary core, the primary and secondary cores are protected from breaking during the positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Makoto Ito
  • Patent number: 5594315
    Abstract: An inductive charging coupler for use in inductive charging apparatus for charging a battery. The charging coupler is insertable into a charge port that is coupled to the battery. The charge port comprises a housing, an opening into which the charging coupler is inserted, and a secondary core surrounded by secondary windings. The charging coupler comprises a housing, a primary core, a primary winding having an even number of primary turns disposed around the core, and a hollow coolant conducting heat exchanger symmetrically disposed between the primary turns of the primary winding. The heat exchanger is typically them tally bonded to the primary turns of the primary winding by means of heat conducting adhesive or epoxy. The coolant flow passages of the heat exchanger may be configured in several ways. One approach is to construct thin, flat, self-contained flexible bladders made of metal, such as copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio Ramos, John T. Hall, Herbert J. Tanzer, William Quon
  • Patent number: 5594317
    Abstract: An inductive battery charging system that uses heat conducting heat exchangers that shape electromagnetic fields produced by the windings of the charging system. The field shaping provided by the heat exchangers of the present invention improves the power handling capacity of the system. The charging system includes a charge probe that includes a primary winding of a transformer and a charge port that includes secondary windings of the transformer. The heat exchangers are heat sinks that are inserted between or are disposed adjacent turns of the windings and are used to remove heat from windings. In the present invention, the heat exchangers are also used to shape the leakage flux near the edges of the windings in such a manner that AC losses in the windings are considerably reduced. The present invention may be used to increase the inductive charging capacity of an electric vehicle battery pack to on the order of 120 KW and beyond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Eddie Y. Yeow, Ray G. Radys, George R. Woody, Sergio Ramos
  • Patent number: 5550452
    Abstract: The induction charging apparatus has a power source unit and a device unit which can be detachably coupled to the power source unit. The power source unit has a first casing having one end opened, a primary coil provided in the first casing, an oscillator for supplying an alternating current to the primary coil to generate magnetic fluxes, and a depressible member movably provided and closing the open end of the first casing. The depressible member is movable between a lift position at which the magnetic fluxes are substantially located under the depressible member, and a depressed position at which portions of the magnetic fluxes are substantially located over the depressible member. The device unit has a second casing having one end detachable to the open end of the first casing, a secondary coil provided in the second casing and adjacent to the one end, and rechargeable battery provided in said second casing for receiving power from the secondary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Kyushu Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Shirai, Hitoshi Yamagami, Eiichi Hiroshige, Koichi Kubo
  • Patent number: 5545966
    Abstract: Heat exchanger that are also outer turns of secondary windings of a transformer for use in a charge port of battery charging apparatus. The outer turns may have any shape or thickness, may be air or liquid cooled, or may be vapor changers (heat pipes). Other turns of the secondary windings cannot be used in this manner because they cause excessive energy dissipation, due to proximity losses. When used to a liquid cooled turn, the present invention comprises porting liquid coolant from a cooling system including a pump, a compact heat exchanger, and a fan through the outer windings. Heat dissipation from the secondary windings of the transformer is efficiently removed by providing an internal coolant flow passage or passages formed or integrated at the center of the outer windings comprising the heat exchangers. The internal passages may be configured in several ways. One approach is to construct thin, flat, self-contained flexible coolant bladders made of metal, such as copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Sergio Ramos, John T. Hall, Herbert J. Tanzer, Rudy Severns
  • Patent number: 5536979
    Abstract: A system transfers electric power between two devices using a magnetic coupling and no electrical connections. Each device incorporates a magnetic core surrounded by a coil. When properly aligned the cores form a closed magnetic circuit whereby stray magnetic fluxes are substantially reduced. In the preferred embodiment, a base unit incorporates a substantially `C` shaped magnetic core surrounded by its respective coil. A portable detachable device, such as an electric toothbrush, incorporates a substantially linear shaped magnetic core surrounded by its coil. The linear shaped magnetic core and the portable device are configured to fit within a gap formed in the `C` shaped magnetic core forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit thereby. Stray magnetic fluxes are thus significantly reduced. Additionally, an apparatus deactivates the power to the coil in the base unit when the portable device is removed from the base unit or when the battery within the portable device is charged to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Alexander McEachern, Thomas B. Haverstock
  • Patent number: 5514917
    Abstract: An improved current mode coupler comprising a base (100) and a housing (300) for coupling to conductors (230,231) of a twisted pair cable (22) by at least one pair of opposing E-shaped electromagnets (206,384) mated about the conductors. The coupler base (100) has movable mounting feet (106) and a fixed engaging member (108) and is capable of single-motion mounting to a panel (224). The coupler housing (300) includes an outer shell (314) of thermally conductive material with heat transfer fins (302), a first cavity (316) for securing a pair of E-shaped electromagnets (384) corresponding to E-shaped electromagnets (206) in the coupler base (100), and a second cavity (324) adapted to house therein an electronics package which is connectable to a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Rudy, Jr., Howard R. Shaffer, Daniel E. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5506560
    Abstract: A power feeding device of three-leg core type having a primary and secondary cores which appear to be a three-leg core cut into two pieces at the legs and form a magnetic circuit including gaps by being coupled to face the cut surfaces, and a primary and secondary windings wound coaxially around the central leg section, with the primary core and primary winding constituting the power supply part and the secondary core and secondary winding constituting the power receiving part. The power feeding device based on this winding structure achieves a far better power transfer efficiency as compared with the conventional counterpart having the primary and secondary windings wound separately on a pair of E-shape cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Takeuchi, Tatsuya Uematsu, Makoto Ito
  • Patent number: 5499185
    Abstract: The inductive charge coupler carrying the transformer primary is supplied with coolant fluid. The inductive charge receptacle mounted on the automobile has interior cooling fluid passages and there is a duct to transfer the cooling fluid from the inductive charge coupler to the cooling fluid passages in the inductive charge receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Herbert J. Tanzer, William Quon, John T. Hall
  • Patent number: 5483143
    Abstract: An inductive charge probe having a composite magnetic core for use in inductive battery charging apparatus for charging a battery. The charge probe is insertable into a charge port of the battery charging apparatus that is coupled to the battery. The charge probe comprises the composite magnetic core and a primary winding. The composite magnetic core includes first and second magnetic core halves comprising a high loss magnetic material that are disposed adjacent to each other and that contact each other at predetermined surfaces. First and second thermally conducting members are disposed through the first and second magnetic core halves and a gap is formed between adjacent proximal ends thereof. First and second magnetic center posts comprising low loss magnetic material abut the first and second magnetic core halves. The first and second thermal conducting members are disposed through the first and second magnetic core halves and center posts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: John T. Hall, William Quon, Herbert J. Tanzer
  • Patent number: 5463303
    Abstract: The primary windings and part of the magnetic circuit of an automobile battery charging transformer are mounted in a separable multiple panel inductive charge coupler which is insertable into and removable from corresponding inductive charge receptacle slots in the automobile adjacent the transformer secondary windings and magnetic structure. The use of thin primary and secondary coils decreases the resistance losses in the coils. When the inductive charge coupler is in place and is energized, the primary winding energizes the secondary winding to permit charging of the batteries on the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: John T. Hall, Herbert J. Tanzer
  • Patent number: 5434493
    Abstract: An inductively-coupled transformer charging apparatus comprising a charging port having a nonmoving secondary core and a charging coupler that is insertable therein. The charging coupler comprises a primary winding disposed around a primary core. The charging port comprises a fixed secondary core comprising two secondary core halves and two secondary windings, and includes an opening into which the charging coupler is inserted. Heat transfer media in the charging port remove heat during charging. The opening and coupler are sized such that a gap is provided between the secondary core halves and the coupler to provide for a slip fit therebetween. The close fitting relationship between the coupler and the charge port acts to remove dirt build-up present on the coupler as it is inserted into the charging port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: George R. Woody, Herbert J. Tanzer, John T. Hall
  • Patent number: 5408209
    Abstract: A transformer is used to charge the battery of an electric automobile. The primary of the transformer is connected to a fixed power supply and is separable from a secondary mounted in the automobile. The secondary is cooled by cooling structure mounted on the secondary, particularly a heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Herbert J. Tanzer, William Quon, Sergio Ramos
  • Patent number: 5385476
    Abstract: Magnetic circuits for communicating data in a tractor and trailer combination. In a preferred embodiment, a connector for interfacing electrical signals between a tractor and trailer which will be connected together such that the tractor pulls the trailer comprises a receptacle interfaced between the tractor/trailer for housing first electrical interface members that carry electrical signals output from the tractor to the trailer and receiving electrical signals output from the trailer to the tractor, a plug connectable to the receptacle for housing second interface members that carry electrical signals output from the trailer to the tractor, and receiving electrical signals output from the tractor to the trailer, a first coil in the receptacle for communicating data from data-producing devices in the tractor to data-receiving devices in the trailer, and for receiving data from the data-producing devices in the trailer, and a second coil in the plug for receiving the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Vehicle Enhanced Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth O. Jasper
  • Patent number: 5383081
    Abstract: The live insertion circuit of the present invention comprises a movable magnetic body for changing an inductance of a variable inductor, and the movable magnetic body is moved toward a supporting member by a rod at the time of inserting the package into the unit. At this time, an inductance of the variable inductor is changed according to the connection condition of terminals for connecting the package and the unit, thus suppressing a surge current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naofumi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5379021
    Abstract: An inductive coupler for transferring electrical power from the primary to the secondary is disclosed. A secondary coil assembly having a pair of cores each having a secondary winding is disposed in a case having an opening at one end thereof. The core has a central post projecting from the axial center of a disc-shaped base and an annular skirt projecting from the rim of the base in the same direction, thus forming therebetween an annular groove in which the secondary winding is disposed. As a coil case having a primary winding is inserted between the paired cores and moved further inward of the case, the secondary coil assembly is moved inward of the case. During this movement of the secondary coil assembly, its paired cores are caused to displace toward each other while being guided by pins sliding along guide slits until the cores are mated together thereby to form a magnetic circuit of the inductive coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Makoto Ito, Yoichiro Kashiwagi, Goro Asahi
  • Patent number: 5341280
    Abstract: A contactless power transfer system, especially for powering electric loads, hazardous loads or underwater loads and the like. A converter supplies high frequency power to a conductor loop. A coupling sheath or link has a core-mounted conductor at least partially surrounded by a magnetic core which slidably receives a portion of the conductor loop within the link. An optional secondary converter converts power from the core-mounted conductor to meet the load requirements. A contactless power distribution system delivers power to a variety of loads through clamped-on or captive links attached at any location along the conductor loop. Methods are also provided of powering a movable electric load, or a stationary load from a movable source, and of distributing power to a plurality of portable electric loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Deepakraj M. Divan, Keith W. Klontz, Donald W. Novotny, Robert D. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5341083
    Abstract: A contactless recharging system and method for recharging a battery storage device onboard an electric vehicle has a primary converter station for converting power from a power source into high frequency power at a selected charging rate. The vehicle has a secondary converter for converting high frequency power into DC power to charge the battery. The converters are coupled together by a contactless coupling of a conductor loop and a coupling link forming a coaxial winding transformer. The coupled link and loop carry a communication indicating the selected charging rate of the battery. The link has a magnetic core and a core-mounted conductor at least partially surrounded by the core. The core-mounted conductor selectively at least partially surrounds a portion of the loop to transfer power therebetween. The core-mounted conductor is coupled to one of the converters, and the loop is coupled the other converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Klontz, Deepakraj M. Divan, Donald W. Novotny, Robert D. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5327065
    Abstract: A hand-held inductive charger having concentric windings for transferring electrical power across a dielectric medium using magnetic induction. The charger comprises a removable primary coil assembly having a housing with a primary core disposed therein, and a primary winding protruding from the primary core. An electrical cable coupled to the primary winding that is adapted to couple power thereto from a power source. A secondary coil assembly having a receptacle housing is also provided, and a secondary core is disposed in the receptacle housing, and first and second concentric secondary windings are disposed in the secondary core. The first and second concentric secondary windings are coupled to a battery of an automobile. The first and second concentric secondary windings have a gap therebetween that is adapted to receive the primary winding therein. The primary and secondary coil assemblies form a transformer when their respective windings are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Bruni, Gerald A. Cox
  • Patent number: 5301096
    Abstract: A submersible contactless power transfer system, especially for powering underwater electric loads, including movable loads, such as underwater vehicles, elevators, or worksite equipment. A converter supplies high frequency power to a conductor loop. A coupling sheath or link has a core-mounted conductor at least partially surrounded by a magnetic core which slidably receives a portion of the conductor loop within the link. An optional secondary converter converts power from the core-mounted conductor to meet the load requirements. A contactless power distribution system is submersible to deliver power to underwater loads through clamped-on or captive links attached at any location along the conductor loop. Methods are also provided of powering loads submersed in water, including seawater, or other non-magnetic liquid mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Keith W. Klontz, Deepakraj M. Divan, Donald W. Novotny, Robert D. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5241219
    Abstract: A current mode coupler for an unshielded twisted-pair cable includes an elastomeric signal wire and E-core positioning member with integral strain relief, tapered E-cores for improved coupling to the wires, a write signal core which is twice the size of the read signal core, an all metal core suspension, an overcenter spring biased mounting arrangement, a metal enclosure for improved shielding, a resilient latch which avoids the need for pivoting of an upper housing member relative to the base unit during assembly, and contoured edges and corners for reducing heat accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: James B. LeBaron, David O. Gallusser, Brian R. Hackler
  • Patent number: 5216402
    Abstract: A separable inductive coupler for transferring electrical power across a dielectric medium using magnetic induction. Its coil geometry allows for easy disassembly of primary and secondary circuits. When primary and secondary coils are mated, an extremely low leakage inductance transformer is formed. This provides for good high frequency operation at high power density. The coupler allows electrical power transfer without metal-to-metal contact. The design allows easy removal of the primary or secondary coil from the transformer. The coil geometry has very low leakage inductance and very low high-frequency resistance which allows high frequency operation. The power transfer density is much higher than previously achieved with separable inductive couplers. Approximately 6000 watts has been transferred through a version of the present separable inductive coupler having a volume of 25.8 cubic inches, yielding a power density of 230 Watts/cubic inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Paul F. Carosa
  • Patent number: 5157319
    Abstract: A contactless recharging system and method for recharging an energy storage device onboard an electric vehicle has a primary converter for converting power from a power source into high frequency power. A secondary converter on board the vehicle is coupled to the battery for converting high frequency power into charging power supplied to the energy storage device. The primary and secondary converters are coupled together by a contactless coupling of a conductor loop and a coupling link forming a coaxial winding transformer. The coupling link has a magnetic core and a core-mounted conductor at least partially surrounded by the magnetic core. The core-mounted conductor selectively at least partially surrounds a portion of the conductor loop to transfer power therebetween. The core-mounted conductor is coupled to either the primary or the secondary converter, with the conductor loop being mounted to the other of the primary and the secondary converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Keith W. Klontz, Deepakraj M. Divan, Donald W. Novotny, Robert D. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 5122729
    Abstract: A power supply device has a primary coil, a detection coil and a controller. The detection coil detects and outputs as a change in induction voltage any load fluctuation resulting from change in distance between the primary coil and a secondary coil. The controller controls, based on the change in the induction voltage output by the detection coil, an output of an oscillation circuit to hold power supplied to the secondary coil to a constant level. Therefore, even if the distance between the primary coil and the secondary coil changes, power supplied to battery connected to the secondary coil is stable. In particular, when the distance between the primary coil and the secondary coil becomes far, the controller increases the output of the oscillation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Ueyama Corp.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Itoga, Masataka Ueki
  • Patent number: 5070293
    Abstract: An electric power transmitting device transmits electric energy from one coil to another coil through an inductive coupling therebetween. One of the coils has an end bent in the axial direction of the coil. When the other coil is to be inserted into said one coil, it can be inserted in not only the axial direction of said one coil, but also a direction transverse to the axial direction through the bent end of the coil. Said one of the coils is typically housed in a holder, and the other coil in the grip of a gun-shaped, hand-held bar-code scanner. When the grip is inserted into a groove defined in the holder, the coils are magnetically coupled to each other, thus providing an inductive coupling. The bar-code scanner can easily be placed on and removed from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Ishii, Toshikazu Ina, Koji Mori, Katsunori Ito, Shigenori Asai
  • Patent number: 4964013
    Abstract: An electric noise absorber, comprising divided magnetic substances made of ferrite, a holding member made of elastic material and fixtures for being connected to each other or fixed to a component of an electronic device, and engaging grooves formed on the outer surfaces of the magnetic substances for engaging with the holding member, is attached to and detached from an electric cable easily without removing the electric cable, and is composed of a minimum number of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroji Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4901069
    Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the new and improved apparatus disclosed herein, the apparatus, including a core of a specific material, couples a first unit to a second unit. The first unit may, for example, be a downhole tool, the second unit being surface equipment. The first unit may also be a video recorder or television camera, the second unit being a television monitor. The downhole tool adapted to be coupled in a pipe string and positioned in a well bore is provided with one or more electrical devices cooperatively arranged to receive power from surface power sources or to transmit and/or receive control or data signals from surface equipment. Unique inner and outer coil assemblies arranged on cores of a specific material are arranged on the downhole tool and a suspension cable for electromagnetically coupling the electrical devices to the surface equipment so that power and/or data or control signals can be transmitted between the downhole and surface equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony F. Veneruso
  • Patent number: 4874252
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer has an oscillator, the frequency determining element of which is a temperature sensitive piezoelectric element (2), used as a measuring sensor, which is located inside a sealed housing (3). The piezoelectric element is provided with two termial electrodes (4, 5) which are galvanically separated from the oscillator circuit bia an inductively coupled pair of coils (6, 7); the coil (6) connected to the terminal electrodes is tightly encompassed by the housing. An evaluation unit (10) for detecting the temperature is connected to the oscillator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: W. C. Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Ziegler, Horst Behlen
  • Patent number: 4868732
    Abstract: A regulated voltage electrical power system has a driving section and a driven section. The driving section includes a power transformer primary structure and a ripple current carrying, driving winding of a filter system for the smoothed outputs circuits of the power system, each of which includes a single turn, driven filter winding magnetically coupled to the driving winding by a multi-path core structure. Each driven filter winding links that part of the multi-path structure which corresponds in cross-sectional area to the relative ripple voltage imposed by the power transformer on it. The power transformer secondaries for the outputs of the power system are also of a single turn each, differing output voltages being achieved by provision of differing number of primary winding turns associated with the various outputs. Planar diodes and core gap-filling ferrite inserts are provided in the secondary winding structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John B. Gillett, James H. Spreen
  • Patent number: 4852648
    Abstract: There is disclosed a well installation having an electrically responsive device a substantial distance beneath the wellhead and apparatus for supplying electrical current to the device from a source of alternating or time varying current outside the wellhead, which apparatus includes an electrical connector comprising a first coil on the outer side and a second coil on the inner side of a non-magnetic portion of a pressure containing wall of the well, whereby the supply of varying current from the source to the first coil forms an inductive coupling between it and the second coil of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: AVA International Corporation
    Inventors: Neil H. Akkerman, Daniel O. Dewey
  • Patent number: 4806928
    Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the new and improved apparatus disclosed herein, a downhole tool adapted to be coupled in a pipe string and positioned in a well bore is provided with one or more electrical devices cooperatively arranged to receive power from surface power sources or to transmit and/or receive control or data signals from surface equipment. Unique inner and outer coil assemblies arranged on ferrite cores are arranged on the downhole tool and a suspension cable for electromagnetically coupling the electrical devices to the surface equipment so that power and/or data or control signals can be transmitted between the downhole and surface equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony F. Veneruso
  • Patent number: 4777466
    Abstract: A transformer for current supply and/or signalling purposes, in particular for use in a connector arrangement for electrical circuits in underwater installations, includes a magnet circuit, a first winding having a plurality of turns and a second winding having one or very few turns, whereby turn portions of both windings pass essentially in parallel through one or more openings in the magnetic circuit. For obtaining advantageous electrical properties, turn portions of the first winding are so arranged that along a major part of their length which is surrounded by the magnetic circuit they are individually enclosed by that or those conductors which constitute the turn portions of the second winding that are surrounded by the magnetic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Senter for Industriforskning
    Inventor: Knut Bordalen
  • Patent number: 4675638
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic multiple shell core for a plurality of electric coils has multiple recesses arranged concentrically with respect to one another and separated from one another by concentrically arranged side walls. A central core is provided at a center-point of the concentrically arranged recesses and side walls. The base of the cylindrical shell core has appropriate thickness below each recess to minimize radial tapering of magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Zsolt Szabo
  • Patent number: 4651254
    Abstract: A secondary coil is provided for use in inductive igniters for the igniting of propellant charge powder. In these igniters, two coil systems cooperate with each other in accordance with the transformer system, wherein the secondary coil is to be as small as possible and is to form a compact unit with the igniter. This is accomplished by arranging the windings of the secondary coil in the form of flat sandwich coils on a support material in an insulated fashion so that upon folding of the support material, the individual flat coils are placed in mutual opposition so that they form a cylinder coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Brede, Heinz Kern, Gerhard Kordel
  • Patent number: 4543556
    Abstract: An inductive coupler system including a first part in which is defined a socket region and a second part including a plug member. A first frame member carrying a first magnetic half-core constituting one half of an inductive coupler is supported by the first part, while the second part carries a second magnetic half-core constituting the other half of the inductive coupler. The first part includes actuation means responsive to the insertion of said plug member in said socket region to move the first frame member towards the second part to a position where a mating surface of each of the half-cores are in surface-to-surface alignment with each other. Second actuation means drives the aligned mating surfaces into intimate contact or moves the first frame member away from the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Marconi Avionics Limited
    Inventors: Douglas R. Taylor, David W. Pearce
  • Patent number: 4509033
    Abstract: The primary coil body (10) with its coil, the secondary coil body (11) with its coil and also the high voltage connector body (12) with a connector (13) therein are separate bodies put together by snap connections to provide a pre-assembled unit. A dual connector for the primary coil ends may also be provided as a separate part snap-connected to the primary coil body. The center leg of an E-shaped core part passes through the primary coil body, the latter having a cross extension on which a straight core member fits passing across the ends of the legs of the E part. After perfecting electrical contacts by soldering or welding, this unit is inserted into a single-use mold and is embedded in an insulating casting resin by injection molding. As a result of the snap-type fitting together of the coil bodies and the high voltage connector, as well as the low voltage connector body similarly fastened onto the primary coil body, it is possible to use a one-piece single-use mold for the injection molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Weiss, Paul Worz, Stanislaus Tomczak