Abstract: A method for determining a quality factor of a wireless charger is disclosed. The wireless charger includes an inverter, a filter, and a resonant tank circuit. The inverter receives a supply voltage and generates a PWM signal at a first node and a second node. The filter connects to the first and second nodes of the inverter to receive the PWM signal, and generates a filtered signal at a first terminal and a second terminal of a capacitor. The resonant tank circuit connects to the first and second terminals of the capacitor of the filter to receive the filtered signal, and provides wireless power at an inductor coil to a receiver. The method includes: issuing a current pulse to the resonant tank circuit; and in a Q-factor determination phase of the wireless charger, connecting the resonant tank circuit and only the capacitor of the filter in a resonance network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting a static electric charge from suspended particles in an atmosphere includes exposing a charge conductor to the suspended particles in the atmosphere and selectively providing a conductive path between the charge conductor and a terrestrial ground including a rechargeable energy storage device. Energy may be selectively transferred to another energy storage device.

Abstract: Coupling for connecting a wind turbine to a power grid, the coupling comprising a first support having at least one first electrical connector and a second support having at least one second electrical connector that is complementary to the first electrical connector, the first support and the second support being rotatable with respect to one another, characterized in that at least one of the connectors is movable transversely to the plane of the supports relative to the other connector in order to form and disconnect an electrical plug connection and the connectors are sealed against the penetration of moisture both when they are interconnected and when they are separated.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer pickup circuit has a pickup coil (L2) and tuning capacitor (C2) connected in series to provide a series resonant circuit. A bi-directional switch (S1) is used to vary the phase angle between the open circuit pickup coil voltage (VOC) and the pickup coil inductor current (iL) to provide a controlled AC supply to an output of the pickup.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement, in particular a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle for inductive power transfer to the vehicle includes a pick-up arrangement and at least one variable compensating arrangement. The variable compensating arrangement includes a capacitive element, a first switching element and a second switching element. The first switching element and the second switching element are connected in series, and the series connection of the first and the second switching element is connected in parallel to the capacitive element of the variable compensating arrangement. Also disclosed is a method of operating the circuit arrangement and a method of manufacturing the circuit arrangement of the electric vehicle and the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless power receiver for receiving charging power from a wireless power transmitter includes a power reception unit configured to receive the charging power, a rectification unit configured to rectify charging power provided by the power reception unit, and output charging power in a form of Direct Current (DC), a charging unit configured to store charging power, and a power processing Integrated Chip (IC) configured to convert a voltage of the output rectified charging power, into at least one voltage, that an operation of the wireless power receiver requires, and output power having the at least one voltage. Accordingly, charging efficiency is increased.

Abstract: A semi-reflective display and a method for fabricating and assembling a semi-reflective display are presented, where the display may be comprised of visible light rectifying antenna arrays tuned to four different colors, which when forward biased may use electric power to amplify reflected colored light, and when reversed biased may generate electric power by absorbing light. TFT-tunnel diode logic may be used to control each sub-pixel.

Abstract: A device to be positioned between a heat source and a heat sink may transform infrared electromagnetic (IR-EM) energy exchanged therebetween from a first form to a second form. The device may include a pair of layers facing each other and having dielectric material with molecular excitability characteristics to produce the second form of IR-EM energy. The pair of layers may define a gap therebetween. The device may include a conversion circuit configured to convert the second form of IR-EM energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A battery pack includes an electrical energy store, a data memory and an interface for the alternative connection of the battery pack to a data source or a data sink. The data memory is designed to receive data from the data source while the interface is connected to the data source, and to supply the data in the data memory to the data sink while the interface is connected to the data sink.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: An improved method of collecting DC power in solar photovoltaic systems is disclosed where series string overcurrent protection is provided at distributed series string terminus locations and a tap connection is made to higher current conductors carrying the combined currents of a number of series strings. A number of related string combiner methods and embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and or methods may be provided to transport electrical energy from a first location having an electrical energy source to a second location, remote from the first location and having a load to accept electrical energy. A first pipeline between the first and second locations may include a first chamber containing a cathodic fluid. A second pipeline between the first and second locations may include a second chamber containing an anodic fluid, and at least of a portion of said first and second pipelines include a contiguous area. A membrane may separate the cathodic and anodic fluids at said contiguous area to exchange electrical energy between said fluids and create an electrochemical storage cell across said membrane. By utilizing additional alternating layers of said electrolyte, casing and membrane multiple cells may be created.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyance device for an energy collector such as a wind turbine, solar collector, or a combination thereof. The conveyance device is configured to orient the energy collector by moving the device to compensate for a change in the source of energy such as a change in power, direction, speed, location and a combination thereof. The conveyance device includes a track configured to be positioned near a support structure such as a telecommunications tower and first and second electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the energy collector to an electrical load. The conveyance device is also configured to receive an energy collector configured to be attached to the track such that the energy collector is movable relative to the track. In this manner, there is provided a device for adjusting the orientation of the wind turbine or solar collector such that it collects energy efficiently.

Abstract: A power supply system for a server includes a power grid including a number of crisscrossed wires connected to a power source, and a connector. The connector includes a main body with first and second terminals, and a contact plate connected to the first terminal of the main body. The contract plate is also slidably pressed against the power grid to form an electrical connection. The server acquires power from the power grid through the connector.

Abstract: A PLC cable modem is provided which includes an analog electromagnetic field transducer for generating an electromagnetic field based on an analog electrical signal and also for generating an analog electrical signal based on an electromagnetic field. The PLC cable modem also includes an analog signal processing unit operatively coupled to the analog electromagnetic field transducer and a digital signal processing unit for processing signals received from (or to be sent to) the analog signal processing unit. An interface port is provided for communicating digital signals to and from a data transmission or receiving device.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: An electrical system having a current path formed in a region between first and second electrodes. When a low pressure is sustained in the region, and a plasma is generated in a portion of a gap between the electrodes, current flows across the gap from the first electrode to the second electrode. In one embodiment the system is operable as a motor or a generator, having a first electrode and a member including a second electrode which is rotatable with respect to the first electrode. In another embodiment a first conductor is positioned to carry current toward or away from a first terminal at a high temperature, and a second conductor is spaced apart from the first terminal to carry current toward or away from a second terminal when the second conductor is at a low temperature relative to the temperature of the first region.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a generator, a power converter for converting at least a portion of electrical power generated by the generator, an energy management arrangement coupled to the power converter, the energy management arrangement comprises an energy storage unit, and a controller. The controller is adapted to detect a power imbalance event and to transfer at least a portion of excess electrical energy generated by the generator to the energy storage unit to be stored therein when the power imbalance event is detected.

Abstract: A dynamic electrical converter system configured to receive a variable voltage input which is then converted to a proper electrical configuration for a load. The converter assembly utilized multiple converters, each of which is configured to accept a unique range of voltages and from these voltages creating the desired electrical output configuration. A monitor checks the incoming voltage and by controlling switches going to each of the converters, selectively closes the circuit to the appropriate converter; thereby, routing the incoming voltage to the converter capable of addressing the incoming voltage.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a connection unit configured to connect to a power line, a control arm coupled to the connection unit and capable of raising the connection unit for connection to the power line, a housing unit capable of storing one or more battery modules; and a control center configured to communicate with one or more entities, wherein the control center is further configured to initiate flow of electricity through the connection unit.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: A rail vehicle of the type comprising including at least one equipped axle which is provided with a transmission shaft which is movable in terms of rotation and which is fixedly joined in terms of rotation to two wheels, each of which is provided with a tire, the device including an electric current supply source, the source supplying a friction assembly with electric current. The friction assembly is alone and is electrically connected to a cable assembly which electrically connects the tires of the two wheels, the cable assembly including a cable portion which extends inside the transmission shaft between the two wheels.

Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (10) (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line (12). The conductive line (12) is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor (13, 14) to adjust the altitude of the aircraft (10). The conductive line (12) is isolated from the ground (17) and an electrical conductor (6) is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load (5). In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.

Abstract: A dynamic electrical converter system configured to receive a variable voltage input which is then converted to a proper electrical configuration for a load. The converter assembly utilized multiple converters, each of which is configured to accept a unique range of voltages and from these voltages creating the desired electrical output configuration. A monitor checks the incoming voltage and by controlling switches going to each of the converters, selectively closes the circuit to the appropriate converter; thereby, routing the incoming voltage to the converter capable of addressing the incoming voltage.

Abstract: A power pick-up for an Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT) system is provided having a resonant pick up circuit. The natural frequency of the pick-up circuit may be varied by controlling the conductance or capacitance of a variable reactive in the resonant circuit. The load being supplied by the pick-up circuit is sensed, and the effective capacitance or inductance of the variable reactive component is controlled to vary the natural resonant frequency of the pick-up circuit to thereby control the power flow into the pick-up to satisfy the power required by the load.

Abstract: Medium voltage electric rotary joint for energy conduction between the rotating nacelle 1 and the static tower 2 of a wind turbine generator comprising a pivoted and ball-bearing mounted 5 upper housing 6 and a fixed lower housing 7; mounted coaxially on a centre shaft 8; brushes 9 and springs 10 located within an insulator epoxy 11 inside the upper housing 6 and equivalent copper rings 12 located within an insulator epoxy 11 inside the lower housing 7; cable connector plugs 13 attached to mountable insulated bushings 14, a protective booth 15, seals 16 and upper and lower cable supports 17,18.

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: The power line electric field (E-field) coupler device is for collecting energy from a power line and includes a flexible stack of alternating electrically conductive layers and dielectric layers. A power collecting circuit is connected to the flexible stack to output power therefrom based upon E-field coupling from the power line to the flexible stack, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts at least a shape of the flexible stack.

Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line. The conductive line is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor to adjust the altitude of the aircraft. The conductive line is isolated from the ground and an electrical conductor is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load. In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of high frequency electrical signals between a rotating component and a stationary component, in particular for use in a CT system, in particular in a gantry of a CT system has a rotor, a stator; at least one brush attached at the stator, with a number of electrically conductive fibers that establish sliding contact with the rotor, and a slideway arranged to the side of the rotor and facing toward the stator. The fibers of the at least one stator-side brush rest on the slideway. A lubricant is provided on the slideway, a rotor has a capture device for the lubricant that is arranged around the outside of the slideway, and at least one return element for the captured lubricant is attached at the stator.

Abstract: The power line electric field (E-field) coupler device is for collecting energy from a power line and includes a flexible stack of alternating electrically conductive layers and dielectric layers. A power collecting circuit is connected to the flexible stack to output power therefrom based upon E-field coupling from the power line to the flexible stack, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts at least a shape of the flexible stack.

Abstract: A linear contact array comprising three contacts is provided for wire-free electric power extraction from a power delivery pad for mobile electronic devices. The linear contact array is configured to assure effective contact for power transfer from the power delivery pad and the mobile electronic device anywhere on the power delivery surface for a range of angular orientations of the linear array in relation to the power delivery surface.

Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line. The conductive line is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor to adjust the altitude of the aircraft. The conductive line is isolated from the ground and an electrical conductor is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load. In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data and energy transmission system for telescopic boarding bridges with an inner section (2) joined to a first structure (4) and an outer section (3) connected to a second structure (5). The system has conductor rails (6) along the inner section (2) of the telescopic tunnel (1) connected to the first structure (4), and at least one pantograph mechanism (7) for electrically connecting the conductor rails (6) with the second structure (5), which is in permanent contact with said conductor rails (6) sliding along such rails accompanying the extension and retraction of the telescopic tunnel (1). There are additionally data transmission means connected to the first structure (4) and to the second structure (5).

Abstract: A charging system comprises circuitry adapted to devices to be charged, including a power receiver module embedded or molded into form-fit case, e.g., gel-skin, that attaches physically and electrically to the device to be charged and that effectively receives power either conductively or inductively from a power delivery surface of a recharging pad on which the devices are placed.

Abstract: A resonant circuit includes a feedback path for a feedback signal extending from a load terminal to an input terminal so that a potential of the load substantially tracks a potential of the input terminals. A resonant circuit extends from a load to a line terminal so that a potential of the load substantially tracks a potential of the line terminals. A resonant circuit includes a split inductor so that when the load increases so does the equivalent resonant inductance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment include a converter, a power storage module, and a processing module. The converter is configured to convert an energy associated with an electromagnetic wave into a DC power. The power storage module is configured to store the DC power. The processing module is configured to receive information associated with the received power to determine a parameter to operate a device, such as a light-emitting device, for example. The information can include voltage levels associated with the received power at one or more predetermined time instances. The power storage module is configured to send the stored DC power to the device to operate the device in accordance with the parameter determined by the processing module. The processing module is configured to determine the parameter to operate the device, such as periods of activity or inactivity, when a predetermined event is detected.

Abstract: A power floor tile assembly and method for providing power to furniture components via a floor structure, the tile assembly including a plurality of floor tiles, each tile including a substantially rigid supporting substrate member that includes top and bottom surfaces and an edge, at least a first conductive tile contact supported by the substrate member and extending to an exposed end and a covering layer having top and bottom surfaces and a thickness dimension between the top and bottom surfaces, the covering layer forming a separate opening for each of the tile contacts, the openings aligned with the tile contacts so that each tile contact extends through a separate one of the openings, the covering layer having a thickness dimension between the top and bottom surfaces such that the exposed end of each tile contact protrudes past the top surface of the covering layer, wherein each supporting substrate and associated covering layer are shaped such that the tile can be arranged with other tiles in side by s

Abstract: A power transmission device is proposed especially for long pathways, which comprises at least one energy supply (1) unit composed of members, which are linked together around axes (3) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy supply unit (1), wherein a first end of the energy supply unit (1) can be fixed locally and the second end (5) can be moved at least in the longitudinal direction. The energy supply unit forms an upper run (8) and a lower run (7), whereby between these at least one cart (9) is arranged, which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the energy supply unit. This cart has a base body (10), which is connected to a return motion device (12). The return motion device is formed at least partially by at least on curved guide channel (13), so that the energy supply unit (1) is guided in the curved region (6).

Abstract: In some embodiments, a power extractor operates in a manner to obtain more power transferred from the source to the load than typically is obtained without the power extractor. The power extractor may perform universal impedance matching as this is seen from either the power source or the load. This impedance matching allows the power source to provide an optimal amount of power transfer that is greater than would be able without the impedance matching. The power extractor transfers power between two nodes and may be operated so that the power transferred is dependent on continuously detected power changes, and the voltage and current at the first and second nodes are unregulated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of and a method for multiple transmitters to communicate data over a single uni-directional communication bus. In one form of the present invention, a data communication system using time-domain multiplexing includes a uni-directional current-modulated communication bus, a plurality of sensors coupled to the communication bus, at least one of the sensors capable of detecting the data transmission of a sensor outside of the current loop of the first sensor, the sensors also capable of transmitting data on the communication bus using current loop modulation. In another form of the present invention, a method of transmitting data on a uni-directional communication bus is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing effective amounts of high-frequency AC power to a long primary trackway (1102), used for inductive power transfer includes transconductance-pi filters (1105) for deliberate mismatching; resulting in independence of current flow and track impedance. These cause the source (1101) to appear as a voltage source and the trackway to appear as a low reactance. Shorting the output (1106) cuts the connected trackway from power without harm. The filter can cause a voltage step-up so driving a longer track. Track termination apparatus is disclosed that acts as a short circuit at only the operating frequency while terminating the track at its characteristic impedance otherwise. Half-bridge and full-bridge power supplies (1101) are described for providing effective amounts of high-frequency AC power to a long primary trackway used for inductive power transfer.

Abstract: A device inserted between a grounded poly-phase external voltage source and a load providing low insertion loss for differential mode currents and high insertion loss for ground currents. The device receives voltages from the grounded poly-phase external voltage source over atone or more voltage lines. The voltages contain common mode voltages. A filter connected to each of the voltage lines reduces the ground current from the load. A summing block adds the voltages from each of the voltage lines to generate a total common mode voltage. A ground referenced controlled voltage source generates a cancellation voltage equal to the total common mode voltage in response to the generation of total common mode voltage. The total common mode voltage is injected into the filter and substantially reduces the common mode voltage on each voltage line thereby substantially reducing the ground currents associated with each common mode voltage on each voltage line.