Patents by Inventor Matthew L. Ward
Matthew L. Ward 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: 11904712Abstract: Foreign objects impinging on a ground transceiver assembly (GTA) of a wireless power transfer (WPT) station are detected using a two-stage foreign object detection system. In a first stage, at least one camera is positioned to observe a charging position of the GTA and an area surrounding the charging position. In a second stage, an impedance measurement circuit measures an impedance of a wireless power transfer coil of the GTA. An imaging processor analyzes images from the at least one camera to identify changes or features indicative of introduction of a foreign object onto an exposed surface of the GTA or in the area surrounding the charging position. A foreign object detection (FOD) controller triggers an impedance inspection of the GTA by the impedance measurement circuit and initiates a failsafe operation when movement of an object crossing into or over the charging position is detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: InductEV Inc.Inventors: Matthew L. Ward, Jorge E. Rivé
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Patent number: 11862987Abstract: A contactless battery system includes a sealable case, a battery unit disposed within the sealable case, and at least one wireless power transmission coupler connected to the battery unit and disposed within the sealable case. The battery unit includes an arrangement of serially connected battery cells in a fixed number of banks of battery cells to deliver a set voltage and current. The wireless power transmission coupler is disposed with respect to at least one face of the sealable case to enable magnetic inductive signaling for charging, discharging, and communication with the battery unit. A battery management controller communicates bidirectionally with the contactless battery systems and with electrically powered equipment to control charging. A distribution system manages distribution of the contactless battery systems to a plurality of depots adapted to store, charge, or exchange depleted contactless battery systems under control of at least one management unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: InductEV Inc.Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20230336034Abstract: Foreign objects impinging on a ground transceiver assembly (GTA) of a wireless power transfer (WPT) station are detected using a two-stage foreign object detection system. In a first stage, at least one camera is positioned to observe a charging position of the GTA and an area surrounding the charging position. In a second stage, an impedance measurement circuit measures an impedance of a wireless power transfer coil of the GTA. An imaging processor analyzes images from the at least one camera to identify changes or features indicative of introduction of a foreign object onto an exposed surface of the GTA or in the area surrounding the charging position. A foreign object detection (FOD) controller triggers an impedance inspection of the GTA by the impedance measurement circuit and initiates a failsafe operation when movement of an object crossing into or over the charging position is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2022Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Matthew L. Ward, Jorge E. Rivé
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Publication number: 20230249559Abstract: Modular coil assemblies for wireless charging of vehicles have coil geometries and communications designed to limit electromagnetic field (EMF) levels in regions where humans or other living objects may be present. The modular coil assemblies are designed with the ability to shape the magnetic field to be predominately within shielding provided by the auto chassis by, for example, providing side-by-side phase cancellation or diagonal versus front-to-back (for 1×3, 2×3 array configurations) phase cancellation. The power levels and frequency offset pairwise compensation of the respective coils may be controlled to improve cancellation and thus to reduce magnetic field exposure potential. The phase cancellation of the magnetic flux density from respective coil assemblies varies over a range to provide, for example, ?50% cancellation at 125° offset and up to ?100% cancellation at 180°.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Peter C. Schrafel, Francis J. McMahon, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 11689061Abstract: A contactless battery system includes a sealable dustproof and waterproof case that houses a battery unit and at least one wireless power transmission coupler connected to the battery unit. The at least one wireless power transmission coupler is disposed with respect to at least one face of the sealable case to enable magnetic inductive signaling for charging, discharging, and communication with the battery. Without physical contacts, the battery is inherently safe since voltage and current are not available to the touch. The lack of physical contacts also means that contact wear is eliminated and the battery modules have the benefit of inherent galvanic isolation. Since the battery system is sealed, internal intrusion detection systems may be used to detect improper attempts at battery changes or attacks on the electronics containing the usage and charging records in an attempt to increase the battery unit's value on the secondary battery market.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: InductEV Inc.Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Matthew L. Ward, Francis J. McMahon
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Publication number: 20230179026Abstract: A contactless battery system includes a sealable case, a battery unit disposed within the sealable case, and at least one wireless power transmission coupler connected to the battery unit and disposed within the sealable case. The battery unit includes an arrangement of serially connected battery cells in a fixed number of banks of battery cells to deliver a set voltage and current. The wireless power transmission coupler is disposed with respect to at least one face of the sealable case to enable magnetic inductive signaling for charging, discharging, and communication with the battery unit. A battery management controller communicates bidirectionally with the contactless battery systems and with electrically powered equipment to control charging. A distribution system manages distribution of the contactless battery systems to a plurality of depots adapted to store, charge, or exchange depleted contactless battery systems under control of at least one management unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 11671145Abstract: A full duplex, low latency, near field data link controls a resonant induction, wireless power transfer system for recharging batteries. In an electric vehicle embodiment, an assembly is aligned with respect to a ground assembly to receive a charging signal. The vehicle assembly includes one or more charging coils and a first full duplex inductively coupled data communication system that communicates with a ground assembly including one or more charging coils and a second full duplex inductively coupled data communications system. The charging coils of the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly are selectively enabled based on geometric positioning of the vehicle assembly relative to the ground assembly for charging. As appropriate, the transmit/receive system of the ground assembly and/or the vehicle assembly are adjusted to be of the same type to enable communication of charging management and control data between the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly during charging.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: InductEV Inc.Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Edward J. Gander, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 11581755Abstract: A resonant induction wireless power transfer coil assembly designed for low loss includes a wireless power transfer coil, a non-saturated backing core layer adjacent the wireless power transfer coil, an eddy current shield, a gap layer between the backing core layer and the eddy current shield, and an enclosure that encloses the wireless power transfer coil, backing core layer, gap layer and eddy current shield. The gap layer has a thickness in a thickness range for a given thickness of the backing core layer where eddy current loss in the eddy current shield is substantially flat over the thickness range. A thickness of the backing core layer and a thickness of the gap layer are selected where a total power loss comprising power loss in the backing core layer plus eddy current loss over the gap layer is substantially minimized.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: InductEV, Inc.Inventors: Peter C. Schrafel, Francis J. McMahon, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20220368161Abstract: A contactless battery system includes a sealable dustproof and waterproof case that houses a battery unit and at least one wireless power transmission coupler connected to the battery unit. The at least one wireless power transmission coupler is disposed with respect to at least one face of the sealable case to enable magnetic inductive signaling for charging, discharging, and communication with the battery. Without physical contacts, the battery is inherently safe since voltage and current are not available to the touch. The lack of physical contacts also means that contact wear is eliminated and the battery modules have the benefit of inherent galvanic isolation. Since the battery system is sealed, internal intrusion detection systems may be used to detect improper attempts at battery changes or attacks on the electronics containing the usage and charging records in an attempt to increase the battery unit's value on the secondary battery market.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Matthew L. Ward, Francis J. McMahon
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Publication number: 20220337977Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for collection and analysis of mobile device data. A geo-profile may be determined based on the mobile device data and utilized to determine associations of the mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Brian R. Bolon, Larry V. Dodds, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20220297553Abstract: Modular coil assemblies for wireless charging of vehicles have coil geometries and communications designed to limit electromagnetic field (EMF) levels in regions where humans or other living objects may be present. The modular coil assemblies are designed with the ability to shape the magnetic field to be predominately within shielding provided by the auto chassis by, for example, providing side-by-side phase cancellation or diagonal versus front-to-back (for 1×3, 2×3 array configurations) phase cancellation. The power levels and frequency offset pairwise compensation of the respective coils may be controlled to improve cancellation and thus to reduce magnetic field exposure potential. The phase cancellation of the magnetic flux density from respective coil assemblies varies over a range to provide, for example, ˜50% cancellation at 125° offset and up to ˜100% cancellation at 180°.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Peter C. Schrafel, Francis J. McMahon, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 11418916Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for collection and analysis of mobile device data. A geo-profile may be determined based on the mobile device data and utilized to determine associations of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLCInventors: Brian R. Bolon, Larry V. Dodds, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20220126710Abstract: A system and method of charging an electric vehicle uses a modular ground transceiver station (GTS) having at least two ground transceiver assemblies (GTAs). Each GTA is adapted to align with a vehicle transceiver assembly (VTA) of the electric vehicle, and a guideline extends from at least one of the GTAs a predetermined distance for guiding the electric vehicle to the GTAs. The GTS is selected based on an active GTA configuration of the GTS and a VTA configuration of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is guided along the guideline for alignment of at least one VTA of the electric vehicle with at least one of the GTAs in response to at least one signal radiated by the guideline. Wireless charging is initiated upon verification of alignment of the at least one VTA of the electric vehicle and the at least one of the GTAs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Matthew L. WARD, Francis J. McMAHON
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Publication number: 20220037924Abstract: A resonant induction wireless power transfer coil assembly designed for low loss includes a wireless power transfer coil, a non-saturated backing core layer adjacent the wireless power transfer coil, an eddy current shield, a gap layer between the backing core layer and the eddy current shield, and an enclosure that encloses the wireless power transfer coil, backing core layer, gap layer and eddy current shield. The gap layer has a thickness in a thickness range for a given thickness of the backing core layer where eddy current loss in the eddy current shield is substantially flat over the thickness range. A thickness of the backing core layer and a thickness of the gap layer are selected where a total power loss comprising power loss in the backing core layer plus eddy current loss over the gap layer is substantially minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2020Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Peter C. Schrafel, Francis J. McMahon, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20210328626Abstract: A full duplex, low latency, near field data link controls a resonant induction, wireless power transfer system for recharging batteries. In an electric vehicle embodiment, an assembly is aligned with respect to a ground assembly to receive a charging signal. The vehicle assembly includes one or more charging coils and a first full duplex inductively coupled data communication system that communicates with a ground assembly including one or more charging coils and a second full duplex inductively coupled data communications system. The charging coils of the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly are selectively enabled based on geometric positioning of the vehicle assembly relative to the ground assembly for charging. As appropriate, the transmit/receive system of the ground assembly and/or the vehicle assembly are adjusted to be of the same type to enable communication of charging management and control data between the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly during charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Edward J. Gander, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 11121740Abstract: A full duplex, low latency, near field data link controls a resonant induction, wireless power transfer system for recharging batteries. In an electric vehicle embodiment, an assembly is aligned with respect to a ground assembly to receive a charging signal. The vehicle assembly includes one or more charging coils and a first full duplex inductively coupled data communication system that communicates with a ground assembly including one or more charging coils and a second fill duplex inductively coupled data communications system. The charging coils of the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly are selectively enabled based on geometric positioning of the vehicle assembly relative to the ground assembly for charging. As appropriate, the transmit/receive system of the ground assembly and/or the vehicle assembly are adjusted to be of the same type to enable communication of charging management and control data between the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly during charging.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: MOMENTUM DYNAMICS CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Edward J. Gander, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 10826565Abstract: A full duplex, low latency, near field data link controls a resonant induction, wireless power transfer system for recharging electric vehicles. An assembly of a vehicle is aligned with respect to a ground assembly to receive a charging signal. The vehicle assembly includes one or more coils, each coil having a full duplex inductively coupled data communication system that communicates with a ground assembly including one or more coils, with each coil also having a full duplex inductively coupled data communications system. The coils of the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly are selectively enabled based on geometric positioning of the vehicle assembly relative to the ground assembly for charging. As appropriate, the transmit/receive system of the ground assembly and/or the vehicle assembly are adjusted to be of the same type to enable communication of charging management and control data between the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly during charging.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Momentum Dynamics CorporationInventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Edward J. Gander, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20200076474Abstract: A full duplex, low latency, near field data link controls a resonant induction, wireless power transfer system for recharging batteries. In an electric vehicle embodiment, an assembly is aligned with respect to a ground assembly to receive a charging signal. The vehicle assembly includes one or more charging coils and a first full duplex inductively coupled data communication system that communicates with a ground assembly including one or more charging coils and a second fill duplex inductively coupled data communications system. The charging coils of the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly are selectively enabled based on geometric positioning of the vehicle assembly relative to the ground assembly for charging. As appropriate, the transmit/receive system of the ground assembly and/or the vehicle assembly are adjusted to be of the same type to enable communication of charging management and control data between the ground assembly and the vehicle assembly during charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Francis J. McMahon, Edward J. Gander, Matthew L. Ward
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Publication number: 20170374528Abstract: Collection and analysis of network transaction information which includes the mobile device's usage, location, and movements coupled with data from non-wireless network sources allow for the automation of analysis for the detection of smuggling or other criminal behaviors and tasking of high-accuracy location surveillance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Brian R. Bolon, Larry V. Dodds, Matthew L. Ward
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Patent number: 9788165Abstract: Collection and analysis of network transaction information which includes the mobile device's usage, location, movements coupled with data from non-wireless network sources allow for the automation of analysis for the detection of smuggling or other criminal behaviors and tasking of high-accuracy location surveillance.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLCInventors: Brian R. Bolon, Larry V. Dodds, Matthew L. Ward