Patents by Inventor Michael Craig Stevens

Michael Craig Stevens 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: 10804751
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Philips I.P. Ventures B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Patent number: 10673281
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: PHILIPS IP VENTURES B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Publication number: 20190123589
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Craig STEVENS, Alexander Charles KNILL, John Robert DUNTON
  • Publication number: 20180375389
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Craig STEVENS, Alexander Charles KNILL, John Robert DUNTON, Julian Andrew John FELLS
  • Patent number: 10158255
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Philips IP Ventures B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Patent number: 10069350
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS IP VENTURES B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Publication number: 20170085135
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Patent number: 9544022
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Publication number: 20160241088
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Patent number: 9331526
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Publication number: 20140077615
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Publication number: 20140001877
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Patent number: 8610400
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Patent number: 8508077
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit, and on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Publication number: 20120068536
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit, and on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Julian Andrew John Fells
  • Publication number: 20110285214
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Patent number: 8039995
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system (1) comprises a primary unit (10) operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device (30), separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton, Andrew Nicolas Dames, Kevin Alan Lamb
  • Patent number: 8035340
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit, having a primary coil and an electrical drive unit which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Publication number: 20110006613
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit 10, having a primary coil 12 and an electrical drive unit 14 which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device 30, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil 32 which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit 16 causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit 18 takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton
  • Patent number: 7868587
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit 10, having a primary coil 12 and an electrical drive unit 14 which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device 30, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil 32 which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit 16 causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit 18 takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Craig Stevens, Alexander Charles Knill, John Robert Dunton