Patents by Inventor Hans Peter Widmer
Hans Peter Widmer 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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Publication number: 20240109437Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging and wireless power alignment of wireless power antennas associated with a vehicle. A wireless power charging apparatus includes an antenna including first and second orthogonal magnetic elements for detecting a horizontal component of a magnetic field generated from a second charging base antenna. A processor determines a directional vector between the antennas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Nigel P. Cook, Lukas Sieber
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Patent number: 11945319Abstract: In certain aspects, an enclosure for a wireless power transfer pad is disclosed. The enclosure includes a cover shell configured to be positioned over a portion of the wireless power transfer pad configured to face a wireless power receiver when wirelessly transferring power, wherein at least a portion of the cover shell is made of a heat resistant material.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Markus Bittner
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Patent number: 11938830Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging and wireless power alignment of wireless power antennas associated with a vehicle. A wireless power charging apparatus includes an antenna including first and second orthogonal magnetic elements for detecting a horizontal component of a magnetic field generated from a second charging base antenna. A processor determines a directional vector between the antennas.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Nigel P. Cook, Lukas Sieber
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Publication number: 20240077633Abstract: A multi-purpose detection circuit for object detection and vehicle position determination is described. For example, the circuit is configurable for detecting foreign metallic objects, living objects, and a vehicle or type of vehicle above an inductive wireless power transmitter. The circuit is also configurable for determining the vehicle's position relative to the inductive wireless power transmitter. An example apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a multiplexer, electrically connected to a plurality of inductive and capacitive sense circuits, for measuring one or more electrical characteristics in each of the inductive and capacitive sense circuits according to a predetermined time multiplexing scheme.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Andreas Daetwyler
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Patent number: 11914094Abstract: A multi-purpose detection circuit for object detection and vehicle position determination is described. For example, the circuit is configurable for detecting foreign metallic objects, living objects, and a vehicle or type of vehicle above an inductive wireless power transmitter. The circuit is also configurable for determining the vehicle's position relative to the inductive wireless power transmitter. An example apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a multiplexer, electrically connected to a plurality of inductive and capacitive sense circuits, for measuring one or more electrical characteristics in each of the inductive and capacitive sense circuits according to a predetermined time multiplexing scheme.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, José Pedro Castro Fonseca, Andreas Daetwyler, Lukas Frank Sieber
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Patent number: 11874423Abstract: A multi-purpose detection circuit for object detection and vehicle position determination is described. For example, the circuit is configurable for detecting foreign metallic objects, living objects, and a vehicle or type of vehicle above an inductive wireless power transmitter. The circuit is also configurable for determining the vehicle's position relative to the inductive wireless power transmitter. An example apparatus includes a measurement circuit including a multiplexer, electrically connected to a plurality of inductive and capacitive sense circuits, for measuring one or more electrical characteristics in each of the inductive and capacitive sense circuits according to a predetermined time multiplexing scheme.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Andreas Daetwyler
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Patent number: 11815644Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for detecting foreign objects. In some aspects, an apparatus for detecting objects is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of sense circuits, each of the plurality of sense circuits including a primary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, a secondary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, and a capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the capacitor is electrically connected to the second terminals of each of the primary sense coil and the secondary sense coil. The apparatus further includes a driver circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the primary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits. The apparatus further includes a measurement circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the secondary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber
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Publication number: 20230361618Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a predetermined area of an inductive wireless power transfer system. The apparatus comprises a first wire-wound structure having an electrical characteristic configured for electromagnetic sensing of the object. The first wire-wound structure is formed, carried, and held in place by a coil-former substantially from a non-conductive material. The coil-former also forms, carries, and holds in place a second wire-wound structure configured for transferring power inductively. The apparatus further comprises a detection circuit coupled to the first wire-wound structure and configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the first wire-wound structure and to detect the presence of the object in response to a change in the electrical characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Lukas Frank Sieber, Markus Bittner, Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer
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Publication number: 20230361566Abstract: Systems and methods are described for active harmonics cancellation. A wireless charging apparatus includes a wireless-power transfer circuit comprising a wireless-power transfer coil configured to generate or couple to a magnetic field to transfer or receive power and a plurality of tuning capacitors electrically coupled to the wireless-power transfer coil. The apparatus also includes a power converter circuit electrically coupled to the wireless-power transfer circuit. Additionally, the apparatus includes a signal generation circuit different from the power converter circuit and electrically coupled to one or more nodes between capacitors of the plurality of tuning capacitors. The signal generation circuit is configured to generate and inject a signal into the wireless-power transfer circuit at the nodes between the capacitors. The signal generation circuit includes a rejection filter tuned to an operating frequency of the wireless-power transfer coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Marcel Fischer, Mircea-Florian Vancu, Hans Peter Widmer, Prasanth Venugopal
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Patent number: 11789174Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for detecting foreign objects. In some aspects, an apparatus for detecting objects is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of sense circuits, each of the plurality of sense circuits including a primary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, a secondary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, and a capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the capacitor is electrically connected to the second terminals of each of the primary sense coil and the secondary sense coil. The apparatus further includes a driver circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the primary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits. The apparatus further includes a measurement circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the secondary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber
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Patent number: 11750041Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a predetermined area of an inductive wireless power transfer system. The apparatus comprises a first wire-wound structure having an electrical characteristic configured for electromagnetic sensing of the object. The first wire-wound structure is formed, carried, and held in place by a coil-former substantially from a non-conductive material. The coil-former also forms, carries, and holds in place a second wire-wound structure configured for transferring power inductively. The apparatus further comprises a detection circuit coupled to the first wire-wound structure and configured to measure the electrical characteristic of the first wire-wound structure and to detect the presence of the object in response to a change in the electrical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Lukas Frank Sieber, Markus Bittner, Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer
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Patent number: 11728647Abstract: Systems and methods are described for active harmonics cancellation. A wireless charging apparatus includes a wireless-power transfer circuit comprising a wireless-power transfer coil configured to generate or couple to a magnetic field to transfer or receive power and a plurality of tuning capacitors electrically coupled to the wireless-power transfer coil. The apparatus also includes a power converter circuit electrically coupled to the wireless-power transfer circuit. Additionally, the apparatus includes a signal generation circuit different from the power converter circuit and electrically coupled to one or more nodes between capacitors of the plurality of tuning capacitors. The signal generation circuit is configured to generate and inject a signal into the wireless-power transfer circuit at the nodes between the capacitors. The signal generation circuit includes a rejection filter tuned to an operating frequency of the wireless-power transfer coil.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Marcel Fischer, Mircea-Florian Vancu, Hans Peter Widmer, Prasanth Venugopal
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Systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic foreign objects in a predetermined space
Patent number: 11719847Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object includes an inductive sensing coil that is configurable to generate a magnetic field. The inductive sensing coil is configured to have an electrical characteristic that is detectable when generating the magnetic field. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to detect a change in the electrical characteristic and determine a presence of the object based on the detected change in the electrical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Andreas Daetwyler -
Publication number: 20230246489Abstract: In aspects, techniques for detecting and discriminating foreign objects near an inductive wireless power transfer system is disclosed. The method is based on hybrid inductive and capacitive sensing. The apparatus includes a sensing system, a measurement circuit, and a controller. The sensing system senses the object based on at least one of an inductive or a capacitive effect. The sensing system includes an inductive sense element, which has an electrical characteristic that changes in a presence of the object based on the inductive effect. The sensing system further includes a capacitive sense element, which has an electrical characteristic that changes in the presence of the object based on the capacitive effect. The measurement circuit measures the electrical characteristics in the inductive and capacitive sense circuits. The controller determines the presence of the object, and discriminates between metallic and non-metallic objects based on the change in the measured electrical characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer, Ning Liu
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Publication number: 20230246488Abstract: A method for detecting a foreign metal object near an inductive wireless power transfer system is based on combined inductive sensing and thermal sensing. A sensing system senses the object based on an inductive or thermal effect. The sensing system includes a sense element which has an electrical characteristic that changes in a presence of the object based on the inductive effect. A mediating heat-sensitive material has a property that varies as a function of temperature and changes the electrical characteristic of the sense element as the property changes. The mediating heat-sensitive material is heated by the foreign object when the foreign object is heated by a magnetic field generated by the wireless power transfer system. A controller measures the electrical characteristic and determines a presence of the object based on the change in the measured electrical characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Marcel Fischer, Ning Liu
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Publication number: 20230182589Abstract: In certain aspects, an enclosure for a wireless power transfer pad is disclosed. The enclosure includes a cover shell configured to be positioned over a portion of the wireless power transfer pad configured to face a wireless power receiver when wirelessly transferring power, wherein at least a portion of the cover shell is made of a heat resistant material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Markus Bittner
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Publication number: 20230094691Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for detecting foreign objects. In some aspects, an apparatus for detecting objects is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of sense circuits, each of the plurality of sense circuits including a primary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, a secondary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, and a capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the capacitor is electrically connected to the second terminals of each of the primary sense coil and the secondary sense coil. The apparatus further includes a driver circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the primary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits. The apparatus further includes a measurement circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the secondary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber
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Publication number: 20230099095Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for detecting foreign objects. In some aspects, an apparatus for detecting objects is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of sense circuits, each of the plurality of sense circuits including a primary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, a secondary sense coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, and a capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the capacitor is electrically connected to the second terminals of each of the primary sense coil and the secondary sense coil. The apparatus further includes a driver circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the primary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits. The apparatus further includes a measurement circuit electrically connected to the first terminal of the secondary sense coil of each of the plurality of sense circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber
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Patent number: 11571976Abstract: In certain aspects, an enclosure for a wireless power transfer pad is disclosed. The enclosure includes a cover shell configured to be positioned over a portion of the wireless power transfer pad configured to face a wireless power receiver when wirelessly transferring power, wherein at least a portion of the cover shell is made of a heat resistant material.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Lukas Sieber, Markus Bittner
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Patent number: RE49641Abstract: Systems and methods are described for improving foreign object detection for ferromagnetic wire-like objects. In particular, aspects include increasing FOD sensitivity using at least one inductive sense loop in response to detecting a change in resistance that is substantially equal to the change in reactance of a sense coil. By increasing the FOD sensitivity, objects such as ferromagnetic wire-like objects can be detected that are potentially hazardous objects. Detecting these potentially hazardous objects that were previously undetectable can reduce the chances of damage to surrounding materials or harm to humans.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Hans Peter Widmer, Andreas Daetwyler, Lukas Sieber