Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Bell

Douglas A. Bell 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).

  • Patent number: 10193396
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power waves (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. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. The wireless power transmitter managers may receive a plurality of power transfer attributes from one or more of the wireless power receivers, client devices, a management control system, and sensors. A master transmitter manager may select at least one of the power transmitter managers to control the transmission of power waves in accordance with the plurality of power transfer attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10186893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices using an improved wireless communications component that allows for real time or near-real time data sampling reporting between devices using modified wireless communications protocols (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi), and real time or near-real time behavior adjustments by a first device based on the data samples received from a second device. Embodiments disclosed herein comprise devices, such as receivers and transmitters, having communications components that may communicate data samples, such as power values, in real time or near-real time, thereby allowing a first device (e.g., transmitter) to adjust in real time or near-real time operational behavior of the first device's hardware or software (e.g., adjust power waves) based upon the data samples (e.g., power values) received from a second device (e.g., receiver).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10170917
    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. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Patent number: 10170010
    Abstract: A system may include a display, an avionics server, and an automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) receiver implemented in an aircraft. The avionics server may include a processor configured to host applications. The ADS-B receiver may be configured to receive ADS-B In data associated with traffic information from other aircraft in a vicinity of the aircraft. Execution of the applications may be configured to cause the processor to: generate geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics data; output the geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics data to the display; receive the ADS-B In data from the ADS-B receiver; generate geo-referenced traffic graphics data based on the received ADS-B In data; and output the geo-referenced traffic graphics data to the display. The display may be configured to receive the geo-referenced aeronautical chart graphics data and the geo-referenced traffic graphics data and display an image of a selected aeronautical chart overlaid with the traffic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. McCusker, Douglas A. Bell, Travis S. Vanderkamp, Sarah Barber, Michael J. Schmitt, Brent J. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180375340
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuration web services used in wireless power delivery systems are disclosed herein. An example method includes: providing information used to present a system configuration interface that allows an operator of the wireless power transmission system to configure operational conditions for wireless power transmitters. The method also includes: receiving, based on instructions provided at the system configuration interface, user-configured conditions used to control transmission of wireless power; and sending the user-configured conditions to at least two wireless power transmitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas BELL, Michael A. LEABMAN
  • Patent number: 10153653
    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. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Patent number: 10153645
    Abstract: An example method is performed at a first transmitter in communication with other power transmitters, the method including: receiving, from a respective transmitter of the other transmitters, information indicating at least (1) a network address, and (2) status information regarding whether the respective transmitter is in master or non-master mode. The method also includes, if none of the other power transmitters is in the master mode, determining whether a first network address of the first transmitter is lower than respective network addresses of the other transmitters. The method further includes: if the first network address is lower than the respective network addresses: operating the first transmitter in the master mode; and sending an indication that the first transmitter is in the master mode. While the first transmitter is in the master mode, the first transmitter assigns each of the other transmitters to transmit power waves to one or more receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10141791
    Abstract: An example system includes: a wireless power transmitter with (i) a processor running a power transmitter manager application; (ii) a wireless communication hardware having a transmitter application programming interface (API), the transmitter API operatively coupled with the power transmitter manager application and controlling the wireless communication hardware; and (iii) a transmitter antenna array that creates pockets of energy near a wireless power receiver, and the transmitter antenna array is partially responsive to instructions from the power transmitter manager application. The transmitter API calls the power transmitter manager application through a transmitter callback function, and the transmitter callback function sends a callback when a communication connection begins, a communication connection ends, a communication connection is attempted, or a message is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Publication number: 20180337534
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for transmitting wireless power. One example method includes: receiving, by at least one of a plurality of antennas of a wireless power transmitter, a first communication signal from a wireless power receiver coupled with an electronic device, the first communication signal including information identifying a location of the electronic device and device parameters associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas BELL, Michael A. LEABMAN
  • Patent number: 10134260
    Abstract: Embodiments in the present disclosure may be directed to an off-premises alert system and method for one or more wireless power receivers in a wireless power network. The system and method may include automated software embedded on a wireless power receiver that may be triggered every time a wireless power receiver is turned on. The system and method may be employed in stores where customers may use wireless power receivers to charge their mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and the like, while being inside the store. The method may prevent customers from not returning the wireless power receiver by producing an audible alert in the power receiver. If customer fails to return wireless power receiver, the method may then automatically report details regarding the lost wireless power receiver to an appropriate authority through automatic communication connection through any intervening network cloud-based media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10128693
    Abstract: Embodiments directed to providing health safety in a wireless power transmission systems are disclosed herein. One embodiment includes a processing apparatus with a processor; a data storage; and one or more wireless power transmitters each including at least two antennas. The one or more wireless power transmitters receive instructions from the processing apparatus that cause the transmitters to transmit RF waves that constructively interfere to provide wirelessly delivered power to one or more receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Patent number: 10122415
    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: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 10090886
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits power transmission signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. Example methods for controlling the transmission are also disclosed, one such method including: (i) storing, in a storage, respective user-defined charging schedule data that is associated with a respective receiver of one or more receivers, (ii) determining, based on the user-defined charging schedule data, respective time periods at which to transmit power transmission waves to each receiver of the one or more receivers, including a first time period during which to transmit power transmission waves to a first receiver of the one or more receivers, and (iii) based upon determining a location of the first receiver during the first time period, causing the two or more antenna elements to transmit power transmission waves that constructively interfere to provide pocket-forming energy at the first receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Publication number: 20180262014
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless charging systems and method of transmitting power waves. An exemplary method includes receiving, from one or more first sensors, first data of a transmission field. After receiving the first data, the method includes determining whether a path between a wireless power receiver located in the transmission field and a first wireless power transmitter is unobstructed based, at least in part, on the first data. In accordance with a determination that the path between the wireless power receiver and the first wireless power transmitter is unobstructed, the method includes transmitting, by the first wireless power transmitter, electromagnetic wireless power transmission waves to the wireless power receiver. The wireless power receiver uses energy from at least some of the electromagnetic wireless power transmission waves to power or charge an electronic device coupled to the wireless power receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas BELL, Michael A. LEABMAN
  • Patent number: 10075008
    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. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Publication number: 20180254639
    Abstract: Wireless power transmitters and methods of management thereof are disclosed herein. An example wireless power transmitter includes an antenna array and a communication radio configured to: establish a communication connection with a respective wireless power receiver; and receive device data from the respective wireless power receiver, the device data used to determine a location of the respective wireless power receiver. The example wireless power transmitter also includes a controller in communication with the antenna array and the communication radio, the controller configured to: determine whether the respective wireless power receiver is authorized to receive power from the wireless power transmitter; if so, determine a particular time at which RF power waves should be transmitted to the respective receiver, the particular time based at least in part on a charging schedule for the transmitter; and instruct the antenna array to transmit radio frequency (RF) power waves at the particular time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas BELL, Michael A. LEABMAN
  • Patent number: 10063064
    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. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Patent number: 10063106
    Abstract: A system and method for a self-system analysis in a wireless power transmission network is disclosed. According to some aspects of this disclosure a wireless power transmission network may include one or more wireless power transmitter managers, one or more wireless power receivers, servers, and clouds within a local network to provide wireless power transfer to electronic devices. Wireless power devices in the network may establish, but is not limited to a WiFi connection to share information among all the wireless power devices in the system. Wireless power transmitter managers may monitor everything that happens in the network. If a problem is detected by the wireless power transmitter manager, an analysis of the issue may be done by any device in the network with a copy of the device database. Then a recommendation may be generated for enhancing the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman
  • Patent number: 10008889
    Abstract: Disclosed here are wireless power delivery systems including one or more wireless power transmitters and one or more power receivers. Disclosed here are methods of using self-test software for fault detection in wireless power receivers. The methods include the analysis of one or more system operational metrics to evaluate the status of wireless power receivers. The results of the tests may be sent to wireless power transmitters to further analysis; all test results ultimately are sent to the operator of the wireless power delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 9991741
    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. A wireless power network may include a plurality of wireless power transmitters each with an embedded wireless power transmitter manager, including a wireless power manager application. The wireless power network may include a plurality of client devices with wireless power receivers. Wireless power receivers may include a power receiver application configured to communicate with the wireless power manager application. The wireless power manager application may include a device database where information about the wireless power network may be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Bell, Michael Leabman