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).
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Patent number: 11190008Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Hunter Wu, Hamza W. Derbas, Paul Firehammer, Robert J. Kromer
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Patent number: 10381883Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: WIRELESS ADVANCED VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, INC.Inventors: Marcellus Harper, Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu
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Patent number: 10284028Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, Inc.Inventors: Patrice Lethellier, Steve Ball, Marcellus Harper, Michael Masquelier, Hunter Wu
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Patent number: 10148117Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: WIRELESS ADVANCED VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, INC.Inventors: Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu
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Patent number: 10141794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, INC.Inventors: Marcellus Harper, Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu
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Publication number: 20170346348Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: PATRICE LETHELLIER, STEVE BALL, MARCELLUS HARPER, MICHAEL MASQUELIER, HUNTER WU
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Patent number: 9761370Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYInventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Sealy, Aaron Gilchrist
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Patent number: 9634504Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: WIRELESS ADVANCED VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION, INC.Inventors: Hunter Wu, Michael Masquelier
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Publication number: 20170057370Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: MARCELLUS HARPER, PATRICE LETHELLIER, HUNTER WU
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Publication number: 20170063170Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: MARCELLUS HARPER, PATRICE LETHELLIER, HUNTER WU
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Publication number: 20160380469Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: PATRICE LETHELLIER, HUNTER WU
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Patent number: 9269489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Sealy, Aaron Gilchrist
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Method and apparatus for controlling LCL converters using asymmetric voltage cancellation techniques
Patent number: 9246409Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Devro Sealy, Bryan Thomas Sharp, Aaron Gilchrist -
Patent number: 9240270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Utah State UniversityInventors: Hunter Wu, Aaron Gilchrist, Kylee Sealy
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Patent number: 9140763Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Utah State UniversityInventors: Aaron Gilchrist, Hunter Wu, Kylee D. Sealy, Paul D. Israelsen
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Patent number: 9123467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Utah State UniversityInventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Sealy, Aaron Gilchrist
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Publication number: 20150069969Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Hunter Wu, Michael Masquelier
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Publication number: 20130069625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: Utah State University Research FoundationInventors: Aaron Gilchrist, Hunter Wu, Kylee D. Sealy, Paul D. Israelsen
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Method and Apparatus for Controlling LCL Converters Using Asymmetric Voltage Cancellation Techniques
Publication number: 20130039099Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Utah State University Research FoundationInventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Devro Sealy, Bryan Thomas Sharp, Aaron Gilchrist -
Patent number: RE49621Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, LLCInventors: Marcellus Harper, Patrice Lethellier, Hunter Wu