Patents by Inventor David W. Baarman
David W. Baarman 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).
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Patent number: 9590456Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
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Publication number: 20170063165Abstract: A system and method of controlling inductive power transfer in an inductive power transfer system and a method for designing an inductive power transfer system with power accounting. The method of controlling inductive power transfer including measuring a characteristic of input power, a characteristic of power in the tank circuit, and receiving information from a secondary device. Estimating power consumption based on the measured characteristic of tank circuit power and received information and comparing the measured characteristic of input power, the information from the secondary device, and the estimated power consumption to determine there is an unacceptable power loss. The method for designing an inductive power transfer system with power accounting including changing the distance between a primary side and a secondary side and changing a load of the secondary side.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Esai E. Umenei, Dale R. Liff, Andrew C. Zeik, Mark A. Blaha, Jason L. Amistadi, Robert D. Gruich
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Patent number: 9577437Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if it is not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if it is a valid secondary device, and restricting power if it is not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
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Patent number: 9524822Abstract: A system and method of controlling inductive power transfer in an inductive power transfer system and a method for designing an inductive power transfer system with power accounting. The method of controlling inductive power transfer including measuring a characteristic of input power, a characteristic of power in the tank circuit, and receiving information from a secondary device. Estimating power consumption based on the measured characteristic of tank circuit power and received information and comparing the measured characteristic of input power, the information from the secondary device, and the estimated power consumption to determine there is an unacceptable power loss. The method for designing an inductive power transfer system with power accounting including changing the distance between a primary side and a secondary side and changing a load of the secondary side.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Esai E. Umenei, Dale R. Liff, Mark A. Blaha, Robert D. Gruich
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Patent number: 9520226Abstract: A contactless power supply is provided. The contactless power supply includes two or more primary coils for generating a region of cooperative magnetic flux generally therebetween. A portable device having a secondary coil can be positioned proximate this region of magnetic flux to receive wireless power from the contactless power supply. The spaced-apart primary coils can be wound in alternating directions about a common axis and driven in phase, or can be wound in a single direction about a common axis and driven approximately 180 degrees out of phase. The contactless power supply can include a plurality of primary coils in an adjustable array to accommodate multiple portable devices each with different secondary configurations and power consumption needs.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Matthew J. Norconk, Joshua K. Schwannecke, David W. Baarman, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Benjamin C. Moes, Colin J. Moore
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Patent number: 9496081Abstract: A contactless power supply is provided. The contactless power supply includes two or more primary coils for generating a region of cooperative magnetic flux generally therebetween. A portable device having a secondary coil can be positioned proximate this region of magnetic flux to receive wireless power from the contactless power supply. The spaced-apart primary coils can be wound in alternating directions about a common axis and driven in phase, or can be wound in a single direction about a common axis and driven approximately 180 degrees out of phase. The contactless power supply can include a plurality of primary coils in an adjustable array to accommodate multiple portable devices each with different secondary configurations and power consumption needs.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Matthew J. Norconk, Joshua K. Schwannecke, David W. Baarman, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Benjamin C. Moes, Colin J. Moore
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Publication number: 20160285320Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventor: David W. Baarman
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Publication number: 20160268843Abstract: A wireless power distribution and control system may be used to supply power wirelessly to various devices. The devices in the system may have control over the system and/or over certain features of other devices. For example, a smartphone charging in the wireless power distribution and control system may have access to and control over other devices in the system, such as the overhead lights, or a projector in a conference room. The identification of other devices, as well as commands for controlling these devices may be communicated over the wireless power link. The type and degree of control of each device in that system may vary based on access control levels for the power supplies and connected devices. The devices that receive power may be configured to automatically connect with the power distribution system and to monitor the other devices connected to the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Applicant: Access Business Group International LLCInventor: David W. Baarman
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Publication number: 20160261143Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
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Patent number: 9424446Abstract: Systems and methods for the identification, powering and control of products and product packaging. The systems can include a point of sale display having a contactless power supply. The contactless power supply can provide a source of wireless power for products and product packaging. The products and product packaging can include light emitting diodes, e-ink displays and printed speaker circuits that activate as the operating frequency of the contactless power supply varies. Other embodiments include product level sensors, inductive reader networks, printed temperature sensors, product alignment systems, passive identification circuits and methods for controlling operation of the same.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160225024Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR.
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Patent number: 9397524Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
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Publication number: 20160190873Abstract: An inductive power supply system to identify remote devices using unique identification frequencies. The system includes an AIPS and a tank circuit capable of inductively providing power to a remote device at different frequencies, and a sensor for sensing the reflected impedance of the remote device at tank circuit. 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 includes a controller that recognizes when resonance has been established by evaluating sensor data, which is representative of the reflected impedance of the remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema
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Publication number: 20160172907Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
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Patent number: 9368976Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventor: David W. Baarman
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Patent number: 9350202Abstract: A wireless power distribution and control system may be used to supply power wirelessly to various devices. The devices in the system may have control over the system and/or over certain features of other devices. For example, a smartphone charging in the wireless power distribution and control system may have access to and control over other devices in the system, such as the overhead lights, or a projector in a conference room. The identification of other devices, as well as commands for controlling these devices may be communicated over the wireless power link. The type and degree of control of each device in that system may vary based on access control levels for the power supplies and connected devices. The devices that receive power may be configured to automatically connect with the power distribution system and to monitor the other devices connected to the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventor: David W. Baarman
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Publication number: 20160134154Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: David W. Baarman, Colin J. Moore, Joshua B. Taylor, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, JR., Benjamin C. Moes
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Publication number: 20160128906Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: David W. Baarman, Sean T. Eurich, Scott A. Mollema, Cody D. Dean, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Matthew K. Runyon, Joseph C. Van Den Brink, Ryan D. Schamper
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Publication number: 20160134134Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns
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Publication number: 20160134132Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventor: David W. Baarman
