Patents by Inventor Andre B. Kurs

Andre B. Kurs 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).

  • Publication number: 20170288466
    Abstract: A wireless power system for powering a television includes a source resonator, configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and at least one television component attached to at least one device resonator, wherein the at least one device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from the source resonator via the oscillating magnetic field when the distance between the source resonator and the at least one device resonator is more than 5 cm, and wherein at least one television component draws at least 10 Watts of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler, Andrew J. Campanella
  • Patent number: 9780605
    Abstract: A wireless power system for powering a device having an electronic display includes: a device resonator including a loop of conductive material, the device resonator being coupled with an electronic display component; a matching network coupled with the loop of conductive material and including capacitive elements; and power and control circuitry coupled with the matching network at two terminals and configured to connect with a load of the electronic display component; wherein the matching network is configured to provide voltages of equal magnitude and opposite sign at the terminals when coupling power from the device resonator to the power and control circuitry; and wherein the device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from a source resonator via an oscillating magnetic field generated by the source resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler, Andrew J. Campanella
  • Publication number: 20170263374
    Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for a device for wireless power transfer that includes a conductor forming at least one loop of a high-Q resonator, a capacitive part electrically coupled to the conductor, and a power and control circuit electrically coupled to the conductor, the power and control circuit providing two or more modes of operation and the power and control circuit selecting how the high-Q resonator receives and generates an oscillating magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: David A. Schatz, Katherine L. Hall, Morris P. Kesler, Andre B. Kurs, Konrad J. Kulikowski
  • Patent number: 9748039
    Abstract: A resonator structure for wireless power transfer includes a first piece and a second piece of magnetic material disposed adjacent to one another, a spacer disposed between the first and second pieces of magnetic material forming a gap of 1 mm or less between the first and second pieces of magnetic material, and an electrical conductor wound to form a plurality of loops. The electrical conductor is disposed on the first and second pieces of magnetic material. The resonator structure includes a thermal conductor positioned in contact with the electrical conductor and at least one of the first and second pieces of magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Morris P. Kesler, Katherine L. Hall, Ron Fiorello, Matthew J. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 9744858
    Abstract: Described herein are improved capabilities for a system and method for wireless energy distribution to a mechanically removable vehicle seat, comprising a source resonator coupled to an energy source of a vehicle, the source resonator positioned proximate to the mechanically removable vehicle seat, the source resonator generating an oscillating magnetic field with a resonant frequency and comprising a high-conductivity material adapted and located between the source resonator and a vehicle surface to direct the oscillating magnetic field away from the vehicle surface, and a receiving resonator integrated into the mechanically removable vehicle seat, the receiving resonator having a resonant frequency similar to that of the source resonator, and receiving wireless energy from the source resonator, and providing power to electrical components integrated with the mechanically removable vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Katherine L. Hall, Konrad J. Kulikowski, Morris P. Kesler, Andre B. Kurs, Steven J. Ganem, David A. Schatz, Eric R. Giler
  • Patent number: 9742204
    Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer for electronic devices that include at least one source magnetic resonator including a capacitively-loaded conducting loop coupled to a power source and configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field and at least one device magnetic resonator, distal from said source resonators, comprising a capacitively-loaded conducting loop configured to convert said oscillating magnetic fields into electrical energy, wherein at least one said resonator has a keep-out zone around the resonator that surrounds the resonator with a layer of non-lossy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Katherine L. Hall, Morris P. Kesler, Marin Soljacic, Eric R. Giler
  • Publication number: 20170229917
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for controlling a variable capacitor. One aspect features a variable capacitance device that includes a capacitor, a first transistor, a second transistor, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to adjust an effective capacitance of the capacitor by performing operations including detecting a zero-crossing of an input current at a first time. Switching off the first transistor. Estimating a first delay period for switching the first transistor on when a voltage across the capacitor is zero. Switching on the first transistor after the first delay period from the first time. Detecting a zero-crossing of the input current at a second time. Switching off the second transistor. Estimating a second delay period for switching the second transistor on when a voltage across the capacitor is zero. Switching on the second transistor after the second delay period from the second time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Milisav Danilovic
  • Publication number: 20170222484
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating wireless power transfer systems. One aspect features a wireless energy transfer system that includes a transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter has a transmitter-IMN and is configured to perform operations including performing a first comparison between a characteristic of a power of the transmitter and a target power. Adjusting, based on the first comparison, a reactance of the transmitter-IMN to adjust the power of the transmitter. The receiver has a receiver-IMN and is configured to perform operations including determining an efficiency of the wireless energy transfer system at a second time based on power data from the transmitter. Performing a second comparison between the efficiency at the second time and an efficiency of the wireless energy transfer system at a first time, the first time being prior to the second time. Adjusting, based on the second comparison, a reactance of the receiver-IMN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: David R. DeBaun, Andre B. Kurs
  • Publication number: 20170217325
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating wireless power transfer systems. One aspect features a wireless energy transfer system that includes a transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter has a transmitter-IMN and is configured to perform operations including performing a first comparison between a characteristic of a power of the transmitter and a target power. Adjusting, based on the first comparison, a reactance of the transmitter-IMN to adjust the power of the transmitter. The receiver has a receiver-IMN and is configured to perform operations including determining an efficiency of the wireless energy transfer system at a second time based on power data from the transmitter. Performing a second comparison between the efficiency at the second time and an efficiency of the wireless energy transfer system at a first time, the first time being prior to the second time. Adjusting, based on the second comparison, a reactance of the receiver-IMN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: David R. DeBaun, Andre B. Kurs
  • Publication number: 20170201129
    Abstract: A wireless power system for powering a television includes a source resonator, configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and at least one television component attached to at least one device resonator, wherein the at least one device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from the source resonator via the oscillating magnetic field when the distance between the source resonator and the at least one device resonator is more than 5 cm, and wherein at least one television component draws at least 10 Watts of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler
  • Patent number: 9698607
    Abstract: A wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply, the first electromagnetic resonator having a mode with a resonant frequency ?1, an intrinsic loss rate ?1, and a first Q-factor Q1=?1/2?1, and the wireless receiver includes a load configured to power a system using electrical power, a second electromagnetic resonator configured to be coupled to the load and having a mode with a resonant frequency ?2, an intrinsic loss rate ?2, and a second Q-factor Q2=?2/2?2, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator; and a communication facility to confirm compatibility of the first and second resonators and provide authorization for initiation of transfer of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Morris P. Kesler, Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Marin Soljacic, Katherine L. Hall, Andrew J. Campanella, Konrad J. Kulikowski
  • Publication number: 20170133886
    Abstract: A wireless power system for powering a television includes a source resonator, configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and at least one television component attached to at least one device resonator, wherein the at least one device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from the source resonator via the oscillating magnetic field when the distance between the source resonator and the at least one device resonator is more than 5 cm, and wherein at least one television component draws at least 10 Watts of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Andrew J. Campanella, Aristeidis Karalis, Katherine L. Hall, Morris P. Kesler
  • Publication number: 20170118549
    Abstract: Techniques herein provide wireless energy transfer to audio devices such as headphones, headsets, hearing aids, and the like. Audio devices are integrated with a device resonator. The device resonator may be positioned and oriented to reduce interaction with lossy or sensitive components of the audio device. A repeater resonator and/or a source resonator is integrated into a headrest of a seat or a chair providing continuous power to the headphones while in use. The audio devices may be recharged wirelessly when positioned near source resonators that may be embedded in pads, tables, carrying cases, cups, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Steven J. Ganem, Hiroshi A. Mendoza, Morris P. Kesler, Konrad J. Kulikowski, Andre B. Kurs, Alexander P. McCauley, Eric R. Giler, Katherine L. Hall, Gozde Guckaya
  • Patent number: 9601266
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for a wireless energy transfer source that can support multiple wireless energy transfer techniques. A wireless energy source is configured to support wireless energy transfer techniques without requiring separate independent hardware for each technique. An amplifier is used to energize different energy transfer elements tuned for different frequencies. The impendence of each energy transfer element is configured such that only some of the energy transfer elements is active at a time. The different energy transfer elements and energy transfer techniques may be selectively activated using an amplifier without using active switches to select or activate different coils and/or resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Aristeidis Karalis, Simon Verghese, Nathan Andrew Pallo, Morris P. Kesler, Konrad Kulikowski, Alexander P. McCauley, Andre B. Kurs
  • Patent number: 9601270
    Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for providing a stranded printed circuit board trace comprising, a plurality of conductor layers, a plurality of individual conductor traces on each of the said conductor layers, and a plurality of vias for connecting individual conductor traces on different said conductor layers, the vias located on the outside edges of the stranded trace. The individual conductor traces of each layer may be routed from vias on one side of the stranded printed circuit board trace to vias on the other side in a substantially diagonal direction with respect to the axis of the stranded printed circuit board trace. In embodiments, the stranded printed circuit board trace configuration may be applied to a wireless power transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler, Andrew J. Campanella, Katherine L. Hall, Konrad J. Kulikowski, Marin Soljacic
  • Patent number: 9601261
    Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for a device for wireless power transfer that includes a conductor forming at least one loop of a high-Q resonator, a capacitive part electrically coupled to the conductor, and a power and control circuit electrically coupled to the conductor, the power and control circuit providing two or more modes of operation and the power and control circuit selecting how the high-Q resonator receives and generates an oscillating magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Schatz, Katherine L. Hall, Morris P. Kesler, Andre B. Kurs, Konrad J. Kulikowski
  • Patent number: 9596005
    Abstract: A variable shape magnetic resonator includes an array of at least two resonators each being of a substantially different shapes and at least one power and control circuit configured to selectively connect to and energize at least one of the resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler, Andrew J. Campanella, Katherine L. Hall, Konrad J. Kulikowski, Marin Soljacic
  • Patent number: 9595378
    Abstract: Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless power transfer and mechanical enclosures. The described structure holds and secures the components of a resonator while providing adequate structural integrity, thermal control, and protection against environmental elements. The coil enclosure structure comprises a flat, planar material with a recess for an electrical conductor wrapped around blocks of magnetic material as well as an additional planar material to act as a cover for the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Jude R. Jonas, Matthew J. MacDonald, Morris P. Kesler, Andre B. Kurs, Jonathan Sirota, Konrad J. Kulikowski, Hamik Amirkhani
  • Patent number: 9584189
    Abstract: A variable effective size magnetic resonator includes an array of resonators each being one of at least two substantially different characteristic sizes and a mechanism for detuning at least one of the resonators from the resonant frequency of the variable effective size magnetic resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Morris P. Kesler, Andrew J. Campanella, Katherine L. Hall, Konrad J. Kulikowski, Marin Soljacic
  • Publication number: 20170054319
    Abstract: Wireless energy transfer apparatus include, in at least one aspect, a device resonator configured to supply power for a load by receiving wirelessly transferred power from a source resonator; a temperature sensor positioned to measure a temperature of a component of the apparatus; a tunable component coupled to the device resonator to adjust a resonant frequency of the device resonator, an effective impedance the device resonator, or both; and control circuitry configured to, in response to detecting a temperature condition using the temperature sensor, (i) tune the tunable component to adjust the resonant frequency of the device resonator, the effective impedance of the device resonator, or both, and (ii) signal the source resonator regarding the temperature condition to cause an adjustment of a resonant frequency of the source resonator, a power output of the source resonator, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Morris P. Kesler, Katherine L. Hall, Andre B. Kurs, Aristeidis Karalis, Marin Soljacic, Andrew J. Campanella, David A. Schatz