Abstract: An inductive power supply system to identify remote devices using unique identification frequencies. The system can inductively provide power to a remote device at different frequencies, and can sense reflected impedance of the remote device. The system further includes a plurality of different remote devices, each having a unique resonance frequency. In operation, the AIPS is capable of identifying the type of remote device present in the inductive field by applying power to a remote device at a plurality of unique identification frequencies until the remote device establishes resonance in response to one of the identification frequencies. The AIPS can recognize when resonance has been established by evaluating sensor data, which is representative of the reflected impedance of the remote device. The AIPS may pull operating parameters for the remove device from memory to ensure efficient operation and to assist in recognizing fault conditions.

Abstract: A wireless charging system is disclosed. The wireless charging system includes a detector configured to identify device information related to a device to be powered at a location, a location processor coupled with the detector and configured to deliver location-specific information related to the location to the device to be powered based on the detected device information, a power supply in communication with the location processor configured to wirelessly provide power to the device based on the detected device information, such that the location processor is configured to deliver the location specific information to the device via a first channel, and wherein the power supply is configured to wirelessly provide power to the device via a second channel.

Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A controlled release beadlet that sequentially releases carotenoids over time within the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, as well as a method of administering the carotenoids. The beadlet provides a specific ratio of carotenoids which release from the beadlet at preselected times during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. The method includes releasing the carotenoids in preselected ratios at specific time intervals in the gastrointestinal tract to mitigate competition between the carotenoids for their uptake, and/or to potentially maximize the uptake of individual carotenoids within a mixed carotenoid formulation.

Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.

Abstract: A contactless power supply has a dynamically configurable tank circuit powered by an inverter. The contactless power supply is inductively coupled to one or more loads. The inverter is connected to a DC power source. When loads are added or removed from the system, the contactless power supply is capable of modifying the resonant frequency of the tank circuit, the inverter frequency, the inverter duty cycle or the rail voltage of the DC power source.

Abstract: An inductive power supply system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a device. The inductive power supply system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a device and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of device from a characterization of the power consumption by the device. If the device cannot be characterized, the inductive power supply system can be operated manually.

Abstract: An inductive wireless power system using an array of coils with the ability to dynamically select which coils are energized. The coil array can determine the position of and provide power to one or more portable electronic devices positioned on the charging surface. The coils in the array may be connected with series resonant capacitors so that regardless of the number of coils selected, the resonance point is generally maintained. The coil array can provide spatial freedom, decrease power delivered to parasitic loads, and increase power transfer efficiency to the portable electronic devices.

Abstract: An inductive power transmitter for transmitting electrical power to a device by electromagnetic induction, the transmitter being configured to receive power conductively by way of a current via an electrical conduit from an external power source, the transmitter including a field generator configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a fundamental frequency; and at least one impedance element connected along an electrical path of the transmitter configured to carry said current, the impedance element or a combination of the impedance elements having a high enough impedance at the fundamental frequency such that, in use, electromagnetic noise experienced at the power source is substantially suppressed, such noise arising from coupling between the electromagnetic field and a circuit having said path and linking the power source to the transmitter.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system that includes pill packages that can be used to dispense pills manually or with a dispenser system to provide enhanced functionality. The packages can be provided with information relating to the packaged pills or to the use of the packaged pills. By reading the information from the package, the dispenser system can know what is in the package, when it is to be taken and can understand and track inventory. The dispenser system provides reminders of when the pills should be taken. The dispenser system may have the ability to key a specific electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a specific user and the dispenser system may require the electronic device to be within proximity of the dispenser system before dispensing pills for that user.

Abstract: A wireless power supply includes a multi-layer shim assembly. Each shim aids in alignment of coils and routing of conductors in a multi-layer coil array. A shield or PCB can be used as part of the multi-layer shim assembly. Wires can be routed through channels to the edge of the shim assembly or wires can protrude through a portion of the multi-layer shim assembly. Traces can be used to route current through the multi-layer shim assembly. Plastic shims can be created by over-molding coils with plastic.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for tracking and modeling a network. A graphical model of one's network may be useful for tracking information about that network. The tracking system may include the assignment of a unique identifier (“ID”) to each node (e.g. person) within a network. The ID for each node may include information about that node. For example, a prefix/preamble or postfix/postamble added as part of the ID may identify other members connected to that node, such as an upline or downline in an MLM network. An interface (e.g. website) may receive information about a particular node for generating the ID for other nodes in that network. The network tracking may be applied to tracking a product or package utilizing a similar ID (e.g. on a tag) that can be read from or written to so that the ID can record interactions with the product/package.

Abstract: A contactless power supply has a dynamically configurable tank circuit powered by an inverter. The contactless power supply is inductively coupled to one or more loads. The inverter is connected to a DC power source. When loads are added or removed from the system, the contactless power supply is capable of modifying the resonant frequency of the tank circuit, the inverter frequency, the inverter duty cycle or the rail voltage of the DC power source.

Abstract: A method of controlling an inductive charging system on those occasions in which the combined power requests of a plurality of secondary devices exceed the power capacity of the power supply. The method includes at least one of (a) powering each device at a level below its requested level, (b) powering each device sequentially, and/or (c) powering each device in a repetitive pattern (e.g. time multiplexing). Also disclosed is a method of controlling an inductive charging system at least partially as a function of information received from the power management unit (PMU) of each secondary device.

Abstract: Compositions for topical use and having a melanin synthesis-inhibiting activity that include an amount of a botanical extract of at least one of Aspalathus Linearis, Matricaria, Saxifraga, Astragalus, Taraxacum officinale/mongolicum, Ferula varia/foetida, Carthamus tinctorius, Sophora flavescentis, or Chrysanthemum morifolium effective to reduce melanin synthesis are described. Methods for inhibiting melanin synthesis and for skin whitening are also described.