Patents by Inventor Charles E. Greene

Charles E. Greene 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: 20090102296
    Abstract: A device for receiving wireless power includes a point of reception, wherein the point of reception is positionable in at least a first position and a second position. A method for receiving wireless power. The method includes the steps of positioning a point of reception in contact with a housing to a first position. There is the step of receiving wireless power at the point of reception and providing it to a power harvester in the housing. There is the step of converting the wireless power to usable DC with the power harvester. There is the step of providing the usable DC to core components in the housing. There is the step of using the DC by the core components. There is the step of repositioning the point of reception to a second position. There is the step of receiving wireless power at the point of reception at the second position and providing it to the power harvester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny
  • Publication number: 20090098915
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Christopher C. Capelli, Harold Swift, Leonid Mats, Minhong Mi, Charles E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20090067208
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first converter module, a second converter module, and a sensor module. The first converter module converts a wireless power associated with an electromagnetic wave to a first DC voltage. The first converter module can include, for example, a Villiard cascade voltage multiplier, a precision rectifier, or a full-wave bridge rectifier. The sensor module monitors the first DC voltage. The second converter module converts the first DC voltage to a second DC voltage that is larger than the first DC voltage. The second converter module is enabled by the sensor module when the first DC voltage is above a first threshold voltage. The second converter module is disabled by the sensor module when the first DC voltage is below a second threshold voltage that is lower than the first threshold voltage. The second converter module provides power to a load based on the second DC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Donald Corey Martin, Charles E. Greene, Philip Victor Pesavento
  • Publication number: 20080290738
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment include a converter, a power storage module, and a processing module. The converter is configured to convert an energy associated with an electromagnetic wave into a DC power. The power storage module is configured to store the DC power. The processing module is configured to receive information associated with the received power to determine a parameter to operate a device, such as a light-emitting device, for example. The information can include voltage levels associated with the received power at one or more predetermined time instances. The power storage module is configured to send the stored DC power to the device to operate the device in accordance with the parameter determined by the processing module. The processing module is configured to determine the parameter to operate the device, such as periods of activity or inactivity, when a predetermined event is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, G. Randolph Maruschock, Michael Thomas McElhinny
  • Publication number: 20080290822
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment include a member, a first elongate member, and a second elongate member. Each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member are coupled to the member. A receiver configured to convert an electromagnetic wave to a DC power is disposed on the member. A first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device are disposed on the first elongate member and on the second elongate member, respectively. Each of the light-emitting devices is configured to operate based on the DC power from the receiver. In another embodiment, a second receiver configured to convert an electromagnetic wave to a DC power can be disposed on one of the elongate members. In such embodiment, the light-emitting devices are configured to operate based on the DC power from the first and second receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, G. Randolph Maruschock, Michael Thomas McElhinny, Daniel W. Harrist
  • Patent number: 7440780
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Christopher C. Capelli, Harold Swift, Leonid Matts, Minhong Mi, Charles E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20080227478
    Abstract: A method and a system include a converter configured to convert received radio frequency signals to a direct current (DC) signal to provide power to at least a portion of a receiver. A received radio frequency signal can be associated with a plurality of carrier frequencies within a specified frequency band and time period. The received radio signals can have a total power level above a threshold power level. In some embodiments, the total power level can be above a threshold power level and below a pre-determined power level. Multiple converters can be used. Each converter can correspond to a subset of the carrier frequencies and/or to the carrier frequencies of different specified frequency bands. A combiner can combine the DC output from the converters into a single DC signal. The receiver can communicate data via a data carrier frequency associated with the carrier frequencies used for wireless power transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny, Donald Corey Martin
  • Publication number: 20080169910
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for a particular purpose. The device includes a housing. A wireless power transmitter is connected to the housing. The wireless power transmitter sends wireless power. The particular purpose is something other than sending wireless power. A method for a particular purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny
  • Publication number: 20080166965
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for wirelessly powering an item. A source is configured to send wireless power. A target is configured to receive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power. A component is connected to and configured to receive the useable power from the target. When the component receives the usable power, the component activates. Also disclosed is an assembly including a system for wirelessly powering a component and a structure for supporting the system and an item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny, David Jeffrey Graham
  • Patent number: 7373133
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Christopher C. Capelli, Harold Swift, Leonid Matts, Minhong Mi, Charles E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20080054729
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for wirelessly powering an item. A source is configured to send wireless power. A target is configured to receive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power. A component is connected to and configured to receive the useable power from the target. When the component receives the usable power, the component activates. Also disclosed is an assembly including a system for wirelessly powering a component and a structure for supporting the system and an item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny, David Jeffrey Graham
  • Publication number: 20080051043
    Abstract: Disclosed is an RF power transmission network. The network includes at least one RF power transmitter, at least one power tapping component, and at least one load. The at least one RF power transmitter, the at least one power tapping component, and the at least one load are connected in series. The RF power transmitter sends power through the network. The power is radiated from the network to be received by a device to be charged, re-charged, or directly powered by the power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael T. McElhinny
  • Patent number: 7283053
    Abstract: A method of identifying an article of interest includes providing one of a plurality of RF antennas each having a non-linear element which may be a rectifying diode and being resident at a different frequency on the article of interest. One RF antenna is interrogated with RF energy of a first frequency and converts the interrogated RF energy into a reflected energy of a different frequency. The reflected energy is sensed and on the basis of the different frequency determining if a specific antenna is present. The non-linear element may be a diode and is preferably a variable non-linear element. In another embodiment, the reflected RF energy is responsive to a change in ambient physical conditions such as pressure or temperature. Corresponding apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Christopher C. Capelli, Harold Swift, Charles E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20070222681
    Abstract: An apparatus, for wirelessly powering a device having an enclosure for a charge storage component, includes a wireless power supply which fits into the enclosure. The apparatus includes an antenna connected to the wireless power supply. A battery. A cell phone cover for a cell phone. A headphone. A wireless power adapter for a DC jack. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a substrate having discrete components and integrated circuits disposed in the device. A method for wirelessly powering a device having an enclosure for a charge storage component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, John G. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20040189473
    Abstract: A method of identifying an article of interest includes providing one of a plurality of RF antennas each having a non-linear element which may be a rectifying diode and being resident at a different frequency on the article of interest. One RF antenna is interrogated with RF energy of a first frequency and converts the interrogated RF energy into a reflected energy of a different frequency. The reflected energy is sensed and on the basis of the different frequency determining if a specific antenna is present. The non-linear element may be a diode and is preferably a variable non-linear element. In another embodiment, the reflected RF energy is responsive to a change in ambient physical conditions such as pressure or temperature. Corresponding apparatus is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Christopher C. Capelli, Harold Swift, Charles E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20040053584
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Christopher C. Capelli, Harold Swift, Leonid Matts, Minhong Mi, Charles E. Greene
  • Patent number: 4270110
    Abstract: A one-piece insulated bus bar adaptor is removably attachable by spaced attachment sides having recesses for receiving retainer projections extending from the opposite end walls of a window type current transformer so that the adaptor is attached in a predetermined indexed position within the transformer opening with a bar mounting slot thereof having a predetermined fixed position for securing the current transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Paul W. Martincic, Charles E. Greene