Patents by Inventor Hunter Wu

Hunter Wu 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: 11190008
    Abstract: A high-voltage DC floating system includes a source, a power rail, a power bus, a load, and a pre-charge circuit. The power bus includes a positive bus portion and a negative bus portion. The pre-charge circuit includes a first pre-charge circuit portion that is configured to equalize a voltage across the positive power supply switch between the source and a Y-capacitance of the load and a second pre-charge circuit portion that defines a switched path to ground that is configured to equalize a voltage associated with a Y-capacitance of the negative power rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Hamza W. Derbas, Paul Firehammer, Robert J. Kromer
  • Patent number: 10381883
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a ping detection module that detects a ping signal transmitted from a secondary pad to a primary pad. The secondary pad is located on a mobile device and the primary pad located on a stationary WPT device, where the stationary WPT device transmits power through the primary pad to the secondary pad of the mobile device during a wireless power transfer operation. The ping signal includes a mobile device ID and the mobile device ID is unique to the mobile device. The apparatus includes an ID detection module that detects the mobile device ID from the ping signal received at the primary pad and a pairing module that pairs the stationary WPT device with the mobile device in response to detecting the mobile device ID of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: WIRELESS ADVANCED VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, INC.
    Inventors: Marcellus Harper, Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu
  • Patent number: 10284028
    Abstract: An approach module determines that a wireless power transfer (WPT) secondary pad on a vehicle approaching a WPT primary pad is within an approach distance threshold from the WPT primary pad. A pulse module generates an electrical alignment pulse in the WPT primary pad or WPT secondary pad in response to determining that the WPT secondary pad is within the approach distance. A measurement module determines an amount of magnetic coupling between the WPT primary pad and the WPT secondary pad, and a feedback module that provides an alignment signal to a driver of the vehicle. The alignment signal represents magnetic coupling. The pulse module continues to provide electrical alignment pulses, the measurement module continues to determine an amount of magnetic coupling in response to the electrical alignment pulses, and the feedback module continues to provide alignment signals indicative of an amount of magnetic coupling as the vehicle moves in relation to the WPT primary pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrice Lethellier, Steve Ball, Marcellus Harper, Michael Masquelier, Hunter Wu
  • Patent number: 10148117
    Abstract: An apparatus for wireless power charging includes a first charging coil with a first conductor arranged in a winding pattern with a first winding around a center point and each successive winding of the first charging coil is further away from the center point than the first winding and any previous windings. A second charging coil includes a second conductor wound with respect to the first charging coil where each coil of the second charging coil is arranged between each winding of the first charging coil. The first charging coil and second charging coil are connected in parallel. A ferrite structure is positioned adjacent to the first charging coil and the second charging coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: WIRELESS ADVANCED VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, INC.
    Inventors: Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu
  • Patent number: 10141794
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a ping detection module that detects a ping signal transmitted from a secondary pad to a primary pad. The secondary pad is located on a mobile device and the primary pad is located on a stationary wireless power transfer (“WPT”) device. The stationary WPT device transmits power through the primary pad to the secondary pad of the mobile device during a wireless power transfer operation. The apparatus includes a signal strength module that determines a signal strength of the ping signal received at the primary pad, and an alignment module that determines an amount of alignment of the secondary pad with respect to the primary pad based on the determined signal strength of the received ping signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, INC.
    Inventors: Marcellus Harper, Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu
  • Publication number: 20170346348
    Abstract: An approach module determines that a wireless power transfer (“WPT”) secondary pad on a vehicle approaching a WPT primary pad is within an approach distance threshold from the primary pad. A pulse module generates an electrical alignment pulse in the primary or secondary pad in response to determining that the secondary pad is within the approach distance. A measurement module determines an amount of magnetic coupling between the primary pad and the secondary pad, and a feedback module that provides an alignment signal to a driver of the vehicle. The alignment signal represents magnetic coupling. The pulse module continues to provide electrical alignment pulses, the measurement module continues to determine an amount of magnetic coupling in response to the electrical alignment pulses, and the feedback module continues to provide alignment signals indicative of an amount of magnetic coupling as the vehicle moves in relation to the primary pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: PATRICE LETHELLIER, STEVE BALL, MARCELLUS HARPER, MICHAEL MASQUELIER, HUNTER WU
  • Patent number: 9761370
    Abstract: An apparatus for dual side control includes a measurement module that measures a voltage and a current of an IPT system. The voltage includes an output voltage and/or an input voltage and the current includes an output current and/or an input current. The output voltage and the output current are measured at an output of the IPT system and the input voltage and the input current measured at an input of the IPT system. The apparatus includes a max efficiency module that determines a maximum efficiency for the IPT system. The max efficiency module uses parameters of the IPT system to iterate to a maximum efficiency. The apparatus includes an adjustment module that adjusts one or more parameters in the IPT system consistent with the maximum efficiency calculated by the max efficiency module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Sealy, Aaron Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 9634504
    Abstract: An apparatus for charge management for an electric vehicle is disclosed. A system and method also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a battery status module that displays a battery charge status indicator on an electronic display of an electric device. The battery charge status indicator is for a battery providing power to the electric device. The apparatus includes a charging target module that displays a charging target on the electronic display. The charging target is related to the battery charge status indicator and indicates a desired charge level for the battery. The apparatus includes a target adjustment module that adjusts the charging target based on a predicted next battery charging and battery usage, wherein the battery charging and usage are based on a schedule and/or a planned route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: WIRELESS ADVANCED VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, INC.
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Michael Masquelier
  • Publication number: 20170057370
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a ping detection module that detects a ping signal transmitted from a secondary pad to a primary pad. The secondary pad is located on a mobile device and the primary pad is located on a stationary wireless power transfer (“WPT”) device. The stationary WPT device transmits power through the primary pad to the secondary pad of the mobile device during a wireless power transfer operation. The apparatus includes a signal strength module that determines a signal strength of the ping signal received at the primary pad, and an alignment module that determines an amount of alignment of the secondary pad with respect to the primary pad based on the determined signal strength of the received ping signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: MARCELLUS HARPER, PATRICE LETHELLIER, HUNTER WU
  • Publication number: 20170063170
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a ping detection module that detects a ping signal transmitted from a secondary pad to a primary pad. The secondary pad is located on a mobile device and the primary pad located on a stationary WPT device, where the stationary WPT device transmits power through the primary pad to the secondary pad of the mobile device during a wireless power transfer operation. The ping signal includes a mobile device ID and the mobile device ID is unique to the mobile device. The apparatus includes an ID detection module that detects the mobile device ID from the ping signal received at the primary pad and a pairing module that pairs the stationary WPT device with the mobile device in response to detecting the mobile device ID of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: MARCELLUS HARPER, PATRICE LETHELLIER, HUNTER WU
  • Publication number: 20160380469
    Abstract: An apparatus for wireless power charging includes a first charging coil with a first conductor arranged in a winding pattern with a first winding around a center point and each successive winding of the first charging coil is further away from the center point than the first winding and any previous windings. A second charging coil includes a second conductor wound with respect to the first charging coil where each coil of the second charging coil is arranged between each winding of the first charging coil. The first charging coil and second charging coil are connected in parallel. A ferrite structure is positioned adjacent to the first charging coil and the second charging coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: PATRICE LETHELLIER, HUNTER WU
  • Patent number: 9269489
    Abstract: A system includes a first stage of an inductive power transfer system with an LCL load resonant converter with a switching section, an LCL tuning circuit, and a primary receiver pad. The IPT system includes a second stage with a secondary receiver pad, a secondary resonant circuit, a secondary rectification circuit, and a secondary decoupling converter. The secondary receiver pad connects to the secondary resonant circuit. The secondary resonant circuit connects to the secondary rectification circuit. The secondary rectification circuit connects to the secondary decoupling converter. The second stage connects to a load. The load includes an energy storage element. The second stage and load are located on a vehicle and the first stage is located at a fixed location. The primary receiver pad wirelessly transfers power to the secondary receiver pad across a gap when the vehicle positions the secondary receiver pad with respect to the primary receiver pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Sealy, Aaron Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 9246409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for LCL resonant converter control utilizing Asymmetric Voltage Cancellation is described. The methods to determine the optimal trajectory of the control variables are discussed. Practical implementations of sensing load parameters are included. Simple PI, PID and fuzzy logic controllers are included with AVC for achieving good transient response characteristics with output current regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Devro Sealy, Bryan Thomas Sharp, Aaron Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 9240270
    Abstract: A magnetic coupler is disclosed for wireless power transfer systems. A ferrimagnetic component is capable of guiding a magnetic field. A wire coil is wrapped around at least a portion of the ferrimagnetic component. A screen is capable of blocking leakage magnetic fields. The screen may be positioned to cover at least one side of the ferrimagnetic component and the coil. A distance across the screen may be at least six times an air gap distance between the ferrimagnetic component and a receiving magnetic coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Aaron Gilchrist, Kylee Sealy
  • Patent number: 9140763
    Abstract: A testing system for wireless power transfer systems, including a stationary plate, a rotating plate, and a driver to rotate the rotating plate with respect to the stationary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Aaron Gilchrist, Hunter Wu, Kylee D. Sealy, Paul D. Israelsen
  • Patent number: 9123467
    Abstract: An apparatus for switch wear leveling includes a switching module that controls switching for two or more pairs of switches in a switching power converter. The switching module controls switches based on a duty cycle control technique and closes and opens each switch in a switching sequence. The pairs of switches connect to a positive and negative terminal of a DC voltage source. For a first switching sequence a first switch of a pair of switches has a higher switching power loss than a second switch of the pair of switches. The apparatus includes a switch rotation module that changes the switching sequence of the two or more pairs of switches from the first switching sequence to a second switching sequence. The second switch of a pair of switches has a higher switching power loss than the first switch of the pair of switches during the second switching sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Sealy, Aaron Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20150069969
    Abstract: An apparatus for charge management for an electric vehicle is disclosed. A system and method also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a battery status module that displays a battery charge status indicator on an electronic display of an electric device. The battery charge status indicator is for a battery providing power to the electric device. The apparatus includes a charging target module that displays a charging target on the electronic display. The charging target is related to the battery charge status indicator and indicates a desired charge level for the battery. The apparatus includes a target adjustment module that adjusts the charging target based on a predicted next battery charging and battery usage, wherein the battery charging and usage are based on a schedule and/or a planned route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Michael Masquelier
  • Publication number: 20130069625
    Abstract: A testing system for wireless power transfer systems, including a stationary plate, a rotating plate, and a driver to rotate the rotating plate with respect to the stationary plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Utah State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Aaron Gilchrist, Hunter Wu, Kylee D. Sealy, Paul D. Israelsen
  • Publication number: 20130039099
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for LCL resonant converter control utilizing Asymmetric Voltage Cancellation is described. The methods to determine the optimal trajectory of the control variables are discussed. Practical implementations of sensing load parameters are included. Simple PI, PID and fuzzy logic controllers are included with AVC for achieving good transient response characteristics with output current regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Utah State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Devro Sealy, Bryan Thomas Sharp, Aaron Gilchrist
  • Patent number: RE49621
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a ping detection module that detects a ping signal transmitted from a secondary pad to a primary pad. The secondary pad is located on a mobile device and the primary pad located on a stationary WPT device, where the stationary WPT device transmits power through the primary pad to the secondary pad of the mobile device during a wireless power transfer operation. The ping signal includes a mobile device ID and the mobile device ID is unique to the mobile device. The apparatus includes an ID detection module that detects the mobile device ID from the ping signal received at the primary pad and a pairing module that pairs the stationary WPT device with the mobile device in response to detecting the mobile device ID of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, LLC
    Inventors: Marcellus Harper, Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu