Patents Assigned to Energous Corporation
  • Patent number: 10355534
    Abstract: An example integrated circuit includes: (i) a processing subsystem configured to control operation of the integrated circuit, (ii) a waveform generator, operatively coupled to the processing subsystem, configured to generate radio frequency (RF) power transmission signals using an input current, (iii) a first digital interface that couples the integrated circuit with a plurality of power amplifiers that are external to the integrated circuit, and (iv) a second digital interface, distinct from the first digital interface, that couples the integrated circuit with a wireless communication component that is external to the integrated circuit. The processing subsystem is configured to: receive, via the second digital interface, an indication that a receiver is within transmission range of a transmitting device controlled by the circuit, and in response to receiving the indication: provide, via the first digital interface, the RF power transmission signals to at least one of the plurality of power amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Cesar Johnston, Brian Bosso
  • Patent number: 10333332
    Abstract: An antenna to receive wireless power signals to charge a battery of an electronic device may include a first dipole antenna element disposed on a first side of a PCB. A second dipole antenna element may be disposed on the first side of the PCB, where the first and second dipole antenna elements may be configured to receive wireless RF signals at different polarizations. A third dipole antenna element may be disposed on a second side of the PCB. A fourth dipole antenna element may be disposed on the second side of the PCB, where the third and fourth dipole antenna elements may be configured to receive wireless RF signals at different polarizations. The first and third dipole antenna elements, and the second and fourth dipole antenna elements may be physically associated with one another to form respective first and second dipole antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Alister Hosseini
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 10256657
    Abstract: A wireless charging system comprises a first coaxial structure configured to have an RF signal present on a conductor; and a second coaxial structure configured to have an RF signal present, power being transferred from the first coaxial structure to the second coaxial structure when the first coaxial structure and the second coaxial structure are excited in proximity to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alister Hosseini, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10243414
    Abstract: A method includes: receiving, by a transmitter, an advertisement signal from a wearable device, the advertisement signal containing: (i) binary data indicating a direction of the wearable device, and (ii) one or more identifiers associated with the wearable device. The method also includes: in response to authenticating the wearable device based on the identifiers: establishing, by the transmitter, a communication channel with the wearable device; and transmitting, by the transmitter, one or more power transmission waves in the direction of the wearable device. The method further includes: receiving, by the transmitter, from the wearable device at least one control signal that indicates an adjustment for transmitting the one or more power transmission waves by the antennas of the transmitter. The method additionally includes: transmitting, by the transmitter, the one or more power transmission waves based on the adjustment and ceasing, by the transmitter, the communication channel with the wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer, Douglas Bell, Fay Yew
  • Patent number: 10230266
    Abstract: An example mobile device includes a built-in communications component and a receiver. The receiver includes a first radio frequency (RF) antenna element that interfaces with a constructive interference formed by wireless RF power transmission waves emitted from a far-field transmitter. The first RF antenna element is configured to transform energy from the constructive interference into an alternating current (AC) voltage. The receiver also includes a rectifier configured to convert the AC voltage into a DC voltage. The receiver further includes a power converter configured to changed the DC voltage into a constant DC voltage to provide electrical energy to the mobile device. The receiver uses the communications component to transmit, to the far-field transmitter, communication signals containing status data indicating a power transmission effectiveness of the power transmission waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Gregory Scott Brewer
  • Patent number: D851120
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Leabman