Charger Inductively Coupled To Cell Or Battery Patents (Class 320/108)
  • Patent number: 11750045
    Abstract: A noncontact power supplying system transfers power by noncontact between a ground power supplying apparatus and a vehicle. The vehicle includes a power reception side resonance circuit for receiving power, and a signal emitting device for emitting an alternating magnetic field or electric wave for transmitting vehicle identification information of the vehicle to the ground power supplying apparatus. The ground power supplying apparatus includes a power transmission side resonance circuit for transmitting power to the power reception side resonance circuit, and a signal reception device for receiving an alternating magnetic field or electric wave emitted from the signal emitting device. The ground power supplying apparatus detects a relative positional relationship between the power transmission side resonance circuit and the power reception side resonance circuit, based on the strength of the alternating magnetic field or electric wave which the signal reception device receives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryosuke Ikemura, Shogo Tsuge, Toshiya Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11750245
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus has a first communication function for communicating with a power reception apparatus and a second communication function for communicating with the power reception apparatus at a radio frequency different from a radio frequency used in the first communication function, and makes a decision as to whether to use the first communication function or the second communication function in communication for controlling wireless transmission of power, the decision being made on the basis of device information obtained from the power reception apparatus through communication using the first communication function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Shichino
  • Patent number: 11742703
    Abstract: A foreign substance detection device for limiting deterioration in accuracy of foreign substance detection even if a foreign substance detection region changes. The device includes an imaging device configured to keep a region for detecting a foreign substance in an imaging range of the imaging device and a determination unit configured to determine a presence or absence of the foreign substance on the basis of a result of comparing a captured image captured by the imaging device with a reference image free of the foreign substance in the imaging range. The determination unit determines that the captured image is free of a foreign substance on the basis of the result of comparing and a prescribed first condition is satisfied, the unit executes an update process of replacing the reference image with the captured image for which the unit determines freedom of a foreign substance as an updated reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi Sakita, Masayuki Yamashima, Ryo Shiozaki, Kazuki Yoneda
  • Patent number: 11738703
    Abstract: An object is to reduce the number of wiring members located between a door and a vehicle body. A power supply system in a vehicle door includes: a non-contact power receiving part receiving a power supply in a non-contact manner; a battery connected to the non-contact power receiving part so as to be charged with an electrical power received by the non-contact power receiving part; and an electrical component connected to the battery so as to receive a power supply from the battery in a state where at least the non-contact power receiving part does not receive an electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Yamaguchi, Hiroki Hirai, Makoto Higashikozono, Housei Mizuno
  • Patent number: 11742667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid power plant comprising a plurality of power units being operatively connected to an internal power grid, wherein the power ratings of the plurality of power units of the hybrid power plant are determined in accordance with active and reactive power losses in the internal power grid in order to obtain optimal and cost efficient operation of the hybrid power plant. The present invention also relates to a method for determining the power ratings of a plurality of power units being operatively connected to an internal power grid of such a hybrid power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Lennart Petersen
  • Patent number: 11742137
    Abstract: A secondary-sided arrangement of at least one secondary winding structure includes at least one phase line and one secondary winding structure per phase line, wherein the secondary-sided arrangement comprises at least two magnetically conducting elements, at least one lateral outer magnetically conducting element and at least one inner magnetically conducting element, wherein a width of the at least one lateral outer magnetically conducting element is larger than a width of the at least one inner magnetically conducting element and/or a length of the at least one inner magnetically conducting element is smaller than a length of the at least one lateral outer magnetically conducting element. A method for manufacturing a secondary-sided arrangement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Bombardier Primove GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Lindt, Federico Garcia, Robert Czainski, Dominik Anders, Alexander Klingspor
  • Patent number: 11742698
    Abstract: A method of adapting the charging of an accessory device includes transmitting a first transmission signal at a first transmission amplitude, measuring a receiving load of the first transmission signal, and if the charging device does not receive a response signal to the first transmission signal, transmitting a second transmission signal at a second transmission amplitude that is different from the first transmission amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Henri Antero Autio, Ibrahim Iskender Kushan, Carl Edward Picciotto, Daniel Thomas Nevistic, Oscar Hochun To
  • Patent number: 11742678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for indicating information representing battery status of an electronic device. The system comprises a charging unit and an electronic device. The charging unit comprises charging means, wireless communication means, and indication means. The electronic device comprises a rechargeable battery, charging means, and wireless communication means. During the wireless charging of the electronic device, the electronic device is configured to detect information representing the battery status of said electronic device and to communicate the detected information representing the battery status to the charging unit, and the charging unit is configured to receive the information from the electronic device and to indicate at least part of the received information representing the battery status of the electronic device. The invention relates also to a method for indicating information representing battery status of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Oura Health Oy
    Inventors: Petteri Järvelä, Tero Vallius, Markku Koskela, Markku Kallunki, Timo Voutilainen, Sami Pelkonen
  • Patent number: 11738650
    Abstract: An abnormality judgment apparatus provided with a processing part, a communicating part able to communicate with a mobile object provided with a power reception apparatus receiving power wirelessly transmitted from a power transmission apparatus installed on a road, and a storage part storing power reception history information received from the mobile object. The processing part calculates a probability of occurrence of an abnormality in the power reception apparatus of the mobile object based on the power reception history information and detects a presence of an abnormality occurring location where the power transfer efficiency becomes less than a predetermined value and judges that an abnormality has occurred in the power transmission apparatus installed at the abnormality occurring location when an abnormality occurring location is detected and the probability becomes less than a predetermined judgment threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiya Hashimoto, Daiki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11741938
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanism that enables cooperation of a plurality of audio processing devices. An earphone device includes a sensor unit that detects an overlapping state of the earphone device and a headphone device and a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the headphone device which is worn to overlap an outer side of the earphone device worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Asada, Go Igarashi, Naoki Shinmen, Shigetoshi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11738660
    Abstract: An automotive controller drives a plurality of relays to a first position or a second position depending on which of a first port and second port, that are both arranged to provide electrical power, has greater electrical power such that a traction battery receives current from the one of the first port and second port delivering the greater electrical power but not the other of the first port and second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Mackenzie, Theodore Joseph Filippi, Jonathan Barker, William Arthur Paxton, Christopher W. Bell, John Marshall Penney
  • Patent number: 11743371
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for connection and disconnection of a shared audio endpoint. In one aspect, a method includes detecting a charging event of a user mobile device being electrically coupled to a charger, and in response to detecting the charging event, broadcasting a beacon comprising a name of a shared audio endpoint. The shared audio endpoint accepts a connection request to connect the user mobile device to the shared audio endpoint based on the beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent John Thorington
  • Patent number: 11735936
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a wireless charging device can comprise: a first housing, which includes a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and includes at least one hole; a second housing arranged on the second surface of the first housing in the second direction; a coil unit arranged between the first housing and the second housing and configured to transmit power to an external device; a shielding member arranged adjacent to the coil unit and including at least one hole; and a fan arranged adjacent to the coil unit and configured to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongki Moon, Kihyun Kim, Jae-Il Seo, Jihong Kim, Yoon-Sun Park, Wooram Lee, Se-Young Jang, Jongchul Hong, Kyungha Koo
  • Patent number: 11736146
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing handover between heterogeneous communication methods. A wireless power transmission apparatus and reception apparatus can indicate whether to support out-band communication thereof on the basis of an out-band flag. The wireless power transmission apparatus can request the wireless power reception apparatus to start a handover by using a bit pattern requesting the handover. The handover procedure to out-band may be performed in a negotiation phase or may be performed in a separate handover phase. Information for establishing an out-band communication connection can be transmitted from the wireless power reception apparatus to the wireless power transmission apparatus through in-band communication. Also, even after the handover to the out-band is completed, it is possible to periodically or intermittently perform the in-band communication in a power transmission phase to detect a swap of the wireless power reception apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongcheol Park, Gyunghwan Yook, Seonghun Lee
  • Patent number: 11731521
    Abstract: A foreign object detection device detects, during wireless power transfer from a power transmission unit of a power transmission device to a power reception unit of a power reception device, a foreign object on the power transmission unit, and comprises: a temperature sensitive body that is disposed at the power transmission unit and changes a color with temperature; and a detection unit that detects the foreign object by detecting a change in the color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Urushibata, Kenji Nishimura, Hideki Nagano
  • Patent number: 11736790
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication unit that that acquires a power supply capability of an external apparatus via a CC terminal, and a control unit that performs control such that electrical power received via a VBUS terminal is supplied to a load if it is determined through the communication that the external apparatus has a predetermined power supply capability, and performs control such that electrical power received via the VBUS terminal is not supplied to the load if it is determined that the external apparatus has the predetermined power supply capability without performing the communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasusaburo Degura
  • Patent number: 11735960
    Abstract: A system for facilitating wireless energy transmissions. The system comprises a ground station and a space station. The ground station is positioned in a location on the earth. The ground station comprises a transmitter device. The space station is positioned in an orbit around the earth. The space station comprises a primary receiver device and a primary transmitter device. The primary receiver device comprises a receiver transceiver. The transmitter device transmits terahertz electromagnetic wave energy wirelessly to the receiver transceiver. The receiver transceiver receives the energy wirelessly from the transmitter. The receiver transceiver comprises a receiver enclosure comprised of a metamaterial. The receiver enclosure converts the terahertz electromagnetic wave energy into electrical energy based on the receiving. The receiver enclosure comprises a receiver antenna comprised of superconducting material and facilitates the receiving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: VOICE LIFE FZCO
    Inventors: Robert Smith, David Lark, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 11723594
    Abstract: A wireless system comprising a first wireless device and a second wireless device. The first wireless device is configured to operate with less than 15 milliamperes of current. The second wireless device has an internal power source and is configured to transmit one or more radio frequency signals to the first wireless device. The first wireless device is configured to receive the one or more radio frequency signals from the second wireless device. The first wireless device is configured to harvest energy from the one or more radio frequency signals. The first wireless device is enabled for operation after a predetermined amount of energy is harvested from the one or more radio frequency signals. A communication handshake occurs between the first and second wireless devices to indicate that the first wireless device is in communication with the second wireless device. The first wireless device is configured to perform at least one task from harvested energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Orthosensor Inc.
    Inventors: Masei Trabish, Martin Roche, Miro Kang, YoungCheol Yoon
  • Patent number: 11728681
    Abstract: A cart power supply device includes a power supply resonance circuit, a notification element, a current detection circuit, and a control circuit. The power supply resonance circuit includes a power supply coil that can be electromagnetically coupled to a power reception coil mounted on a shopping cart or the like. The current detection circuit detects a current flowing through the power supply resonance circuit. The control circuit supplies an alternating current to the power supply resonance circuit at a first level and operates the notification element in a first mode when the detected current is less than a first threshold. The control circuit supplies the alternating current at a second level when the detected current is greater than the first threshold and operates the notification element in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takuya Ogishima
  • Patent number: 11726526
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a first housing including a first surface oriented in a first direction, a second surface oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first side surface at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a second side surface facing away from the first side surface, a flexible display including a first region oriented in a first direction and a second region extending from the first region, wherein the first region is configured to be expandable by causing at least a part of the second region to be oriented in the first direction based on a slide movement of at least a part of the housing, and an antenna module disposed adjacent to the second surface of the housing, the antenna module including a wireless charging antenna, and a module mounting unit configured to surround at least a part of the wireless charging antenna and to be movable in an internal space inside the housing such that the wireless cha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventors: Bohyeon Kim, Myunghoon Kwak, Junhyuk Kim, Moonsun Kim, Changryong Heo
  • Patent number: 11728680
    Abstract: A power receiving unit of the disclosure includes: a power receiving section that receives power transferred from a power transfer unit in a contactless manner; a protection circuit section that varies a receiving power voltage of the power received by the power receiving section; and a control section that controls an operational state of the protection circuit section to a plurality of statuses on the basis of a plurality of thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Nakano
  • Patent number: 11728688
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for wireless charging are disclosed. An apparatus has a wireless charging apparatus has a battery charging power source coupled to a charging circuit, a plurality of charging cells configured to provide a charging surface, and a controller. The controller may be configured to provide a pulse to the charging circuit, detect a frequency of oscillation of the charging circuit responsive to the pulse or a rate of decay of the oscillation of the charging circuit, and determine that a chargeable device has been placed in proximity to a coil of the charging circuit based on changes in a characteristic of the charging circuit. The pulse may have a duration that is less than half the period of a nominal resonant frequency of the charging circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Aira, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Goodchild, Jake Slatnick
  • Patent number: 11723436
    Abstract: A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging unit with one or more components configured for use with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. The components can be magnetically joined to the article in some cases. Upon connection with a power source, the article may be configured to unlace automatically. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in an automated tensioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 11728682
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission/reception device and a method of operating the same have been provided. The electronic device includes a first housing structure including a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a second housing structure including a third surface and a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface. The second housing structure is rotatable relative to the first housing structure. The electronic device also includes a display and a control circuit. The first housing is provided with a first wireless charger configured to perform a wireless charging function in relation to a first external electronic device, and the second housing is provided with a second wireless charger configured to perform a wireless charging function in relation to a second external electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinhoo Lee, Wonkyu Sung, Jungwon Lee, Daehyeong Park, Yonghwa Han, Minwoo Yoo, Hyoungwook Yi, Jongchul Choi, Changryong Heo
  • Patent number: 11722006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power control method and device in a wireless power transmission system. According to the present invention, even if a CEP packet is not transmitted from a wireless power reception device over a certain period of time, a wireless power transmission device may additionally determine whether the wireless power reception device is located in a charging area and sustainably perform charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: GE Hybrid Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Kil Jung, Soon Sang Kwon
  • Patent number: 11722177
    Abstract: An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a controller; one or more receiving circuits coupled to the controller, each receiving circuit configured to receive incoming RF signals from a receiver, the receiver transmitting a communication signal that identifies a location of the receiver; a plurality of transmitting circuits coupled to the controller, each transmitting circuit configured to generate outgoing RF signals based upon the incoming RF signals; and a plurality of antenna elements, the plurality of antenna elements including at least some dedicated antenna elements. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: (i) select a first configuration of at least some of the dedicated antenna elements to be coupled to the receiving circuits, and (ii) select, based on the location, a second configuration of at least some of the plurality of antenna elements to be coupled to the plurality of transmitting circuits to transmit the outgoing RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Energous Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Leabman
  • Patent number: 11722013
    Abstract: A portable battery pack and portable electronic device communicate by pulsing (turning on/off) their respective battery chargers causing variations in a magnetic field between the battery pack and portable electronic device that can be used to transmit and receive short messages through their respective coils using a magnetic communication protocol. Data or messages can be transferred between portable battery pack and portable electronic device when the portable battery pack and portable electronic device are in a mated configuration. The magnetic communication protocol allows for bi-directional communication of various battery status indicators and other data from the portable battery pack to the portable electronic device and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Humane, Inc.
    Inventors: Imran A. Chaudhri, Bethany Bongiorno, Sara Glick, James Joseph Blanc, Miguel Christophy, Patrick Gates, Brian Huppi
  • Patent number: 11715979
    Abstract: Apparatuses including multiple selectable circuit elements are described. In an example, an apparatus may include a power supply configured to output a voltage. The apparatus may further include a controller connected to the power supply and a transmission unit connected to the controller. The transmission unit may be configured to output power. The transmission unit may include comprising an inverter connected to the power supply. The inverter may include a high-side switching element. The transmission unit may further include a circuit element a circuit connected to the power supply. The circuit may be configured to select the circuit element. The circuit may include a switch connected between the inverter and the circuit element. The switch and the high-side switching element may be configured to be driven by the voltage outputted by power supply. The controller may be configured to control the power being outputted by the transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiangjian Huang, Hulong Zeng
  • Patent number: 11712569
    Abstract: The instant application relates to inductive charging of devices subject to migration. Embodiments described herein provide charging to devices at variable depths and locations to accommodate both net displacement of an implantable device as well as angular rotation of the implantable device by selecting appropriate sets or subsets of available field generation coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Fried, Venkat Gaddam, Brett Otteson, Mehmet Arcan Erturk
  • Patent number: 11708000
    Abstract: In an aspect, a system for recharging an electric vehicle. A system includes a recharging component. A recharging component includes a ventilation system. A system includes a sensor configured to detect a plurality of data from the recharging component. A sensor is configured to generate an environment datum as a function of the plurality of data. A system includes a control pilot. A control pilot is in electronic communication with a sensor. A control pilots is configured to receive an environment datum from a sensor. A control pilot is configured to generate a ventilation requirement datum from an environment datum. A control pilot is configured to command a recharging component to perform a ventilation process. A system includes a pilot display. A pilot display is coupled to an electric vehicle. A pilot display is configured to display a ventilation requirement datum to a pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Herman Wiegman
  • Patent number: 11710989
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Thompson, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly
  • Patent number: 11705760
    Abstract: A wireless electrical energy transmission system is provided. The system comprises a wireless transmission base configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy or data via near field magnetic coupling to a receiving antenna configured within an electronic device. The wireless electrical energy transmission system is configured with at least one transmitting antenna and a transmitting electrical circuit positioned within the transmission base. The transmission base is configured so that at least one electronic device can be wirelessly electrically charged or powered by positioning the at least one device external and adjacent to the transmission base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NuCurrent, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Peralta, Md. Nazmul Alam, Jacob D. Babcock, Vinit Singh, Christine A. Frysz
  • Patent number: 11699921
    Abstract: A system and a method for charging a mobile device in a vehicle are provided. A method, performed by an electronic device, for controlling a wireless charging device in a vehicle includes: identifying at least one mobile device in the vehicle; obtaining state information of the identified mobile device; obtaining state information of the vehicle; and controlling power of a plurality of wireless charging devices in the vehicle based on a state of the mobile device and a state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventors: Dong-chang Lee, Chong-min Lee, Bo-seok Moon
  • Patent number: 11697351
    Abstract: A power transmitting device includes a power transmitting coil for providing output power to a power receiving coil, a thermal sensor that detects a temperature around the power transmitting coil, and a power transmission control circuit that controls the power transmitting device. The power transmission control circuit causes the power transmitting coil to provide first output power, the power transmitting coil to provide second output power to the power receiving coil for charging a battery connected to the power receiving coil, the thermal sensor to detect the temperature around the power transmitting coil, and, if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold because of existing a metal foreign object, the power transmitting coil to reduce a level of the output power or stop the output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsuo, Tetsuro Sawai
  • Patent number: 11695276
    Abstract: A system and method for energy distribution leveraging dynamic feedforward allocation of distributed energy storage using multiple energy distribution pathways to maximize load-balancing to accelerate return on investment, reduce system energy consumption, and maximize utilization of existing energy infrastructure particularly for modular construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Gurin
  • Patent number: 11695303
    Abstract: A power transfer device is a power transmitter (201) or a power receiver (205) conducting power transfer using an electromagnetic power transfer signal employing a repeating time frame comprising a power transfer time interval and an object detection time interval. A power transfer circuit (303, 307) comprises a power transfer coil (203, 207) receiving or generating the power transfer signal during the power transfer time intervals. A communicator (315, 323) communicates with the other device via an electromagnetic communication signal. A communication resonance circuit (317, 321) comprises a communication antenna (319, 325) for transmitting or receiving the electromagnetic communication signal. During the communication, the communication resonance circuit (317, 321) provides a resonance at a first resonance frequency to the communicator (315, 323).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Gerardus Maria Ettes, Eddy Gerrit Veltman, Henricus Antonius Gerardus Van Vugt
  • Patent number: 11691529
    Abstract: Devices, methods and software for automated electrical connector positioning for electric vehicle (EV) charging are provided. Using, for example, the disclosed automatic charging device, a method for charging an EV includes determining receipt of an EV-side electrical connector to a charging zone of an EV charging environment. The method includes actuating a charger-side electrical connector from an initial position outside of the charging zone to a final position inside of the charging zone. The final position corresponds to the charger-side electrical connector matingly engaged with the EV-side electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge, Gregory A. Cole, William J. Eakins, Stefan Rakuff, Harshang Shah, Sangeun Choi, Martin Krucinski
  • Patent number: 11691522
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an extended-range positioning system based on foreign-object detection (FOD). In particular, a power-transfer apparatus is disclosed that includes a coil and a foreign-object-detection (FOD) system. The coil is configured to generate a magnetic field based on an electric current running through the coil for transferring power to a receiver device. the FOD system includes a plurality of FOD sense loops, FOD circuitry, and active-beacon receive circuitry. The FOD sense loops detect metal objects within the magnetic field based on changes to an electrical characteristic(s) of one or more of the FOD sense loops. The FOD circuitry processes a modulation pattern of the electrical characteristic(s) of the one or more FOD sense loops and provides first positioning information. The active-beacon receive circuitry processes induced voltage in at least two sense loops to provide second positioning information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Lukas Sieber, Andreas Daetwyler, Marcel Fischer
  • Patent number: 11689057
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for improving wireless power transmission are disclosed herein. A method of powering an implantable ventricular assist device with an external charging device includes receiving a signal indicative of a change in a property of a deformable coil of the resonant circuit. A performance property of the deformable coil is determined based on the signal. An adjustment to a tuning of the resonant circuit is identified based on the performance property of the deformable coil. The resonant circuit is tuned according to the adjustment to the tuning of the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit is driven to transmit power to a secondary coil electrically coupled with the implantable ventricular assist device to power the ventricular assist device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventor: John Freddy Hansen
  • Patent number: 11688542
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission device for a vehicle is provided. A wireless power transmission device for a vehicle includes: a wireless power transmission module including at least one wireless power transmission antenna for transmitting wireless power, and a magnetic field shielding sheet arranged on one surface of the wireless power transmission antenna; a radiation case having one side to which the wireless power transmission module is coupled, having at least one circuit board embedded therein so as to drive the wireless power transmission module, and radiating heat generated by a heat source; a radiation plate arranged between the wireless power transmission module and the radiation case, and dispersing heat generated in the wireless power transmission antenna; an insulating layer arranged on one surface of the radiation plate so as to block thermal transferring between the radiation case and the radiation plate; and a cover detachably coupled to the radiation case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: AMOGREENTECH CO.. LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Jae Hwang
  • Patent number: 11689061
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: InductEV Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Daga, Matthew L. Ward, Francis J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 11689038
    Abstract: A dual electronic device wireless charger provided with a base with a socket configured to receive an inner charging module; the inner charging module coupled to the base by a cable; and an outer charging element of the base provided concentric around the socket. The inner charging module movable from a compact mode seated within the socket to an expanded mode displaced apart from the base. In the compact mode the dual electronic device wireless charger may wirelessly charge an electronic device via the inner charging module or the outer charging element and in the expanded mode both the inner charging module and the outer charging element may wirelessly charge separate electronic devices, simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Xentris Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Patel, Norikiyo I. Honda, Michael Joseph Culen, Jeffrey D. Bricker
  • Patent number: 11689030
    Abstract: A method of a charging apparatus for controlling wireless charging is provided. The method includes detecting an electronic device, determining a charging method corresponding to the detected electronic device, and wirelessly charging the electronic device by selecting a coil corresponding to the determined charging method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Zo Kim, Do-Won Kim, Jae-Hyun Park, Sung-Ku Yeo, Sung-Bum Park, Young-Ho Ryu
  • Patent number: 11689045
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless power transmitter for wirelessly delivering power to a receiver device, the wireless power transmitter including: a plurality of unit cells configured to radiate one or more radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves, each unit cell in the plurality of unit cells including: (i) a metal portion having an interior perimeter that surrounds an aperture defined by the metal portion; and (ii) an antenna that is aligned with the aperture in a first dimension, the antenna being configured to radiate one or more RF power transmission waves for wirelessly charging a receiver device. The one or more RF power transmission waves leak from the wireless power transmitter at least in part through the aperture when the receiver device is positioned within a threshold distance from the unit cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Leabman, Alister Hosseini
  • Patent number: 11677278
    Abstract: A wireless charger is provided. The wiles charger includes a housing defining an opening hole. A lifting module is received in the housing and movable up and down in the housing. A translation module is disposed on the lifting module and capable of translating in the housing and movable up and down along with the lifting module. A charging module is arranged on the translation module, configured to charge a device to be charged, and capable of translating in the housing along with the translation of the charging module. A connecting module is disposed on the lifting module, arranged correspondingly to the opening hole, and configured to be connected to the device to be charged. The lifting module is capable of driving the connecting module to move up and down and be further exposed out of the housing from the opening hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Hongzhen Cai
  • Patent number: 11672924
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler, in particular an electronic cigarette product, comprising at least one evaporator unit with at least one electric evaporator for evaporating liquid supplied to the evaporator and comprising an electronic controller for controlling and/or regulating the at least one evaporator unit. The inhaler has at least one replaceable cartridge, wherein the cartridge has the evaporator unit and a liquid tank which is connected or can be connected to the evaporator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: KÖRBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Gunnar Niebuhr, Rene Schmidt, Marc Kessler
  • Patent number: 11670971
    Abstract: The present application provides a wireless power transmission device and a foreign object detection method thereof. The method includes: acquiring an input current of a transmitting unit of the wireless power transmission device and a temperature of a transmitting coil in the transmitting unit; determining a first current reference value according to the temperature of the transmitting coil; and determining a foreign object detection result according to the input current and the first current reference value corresponding to the temperature of the transmitting coil. By detecting the input current of the transmitting unit of the wireless power transmission device, it is determined whether there is a foreign object in a transmission space of the wireless power transmission device. Moreover, a temperature detection unit is added, and adjustment is made to a current threshold according to the temperature of the coil, thereby achieving more accurate foreign object detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gang Yang, Yongkai Liao, Xuecong Xu
  • Patent number: 11670973
    Abstract: A charging system for a peripheral device, such as a stylus, including orientation control. The charging system includes charging circuitry and magnets. The magnets are configured so that they attract the peripheral device to an engagement surface when it is in a first orientation relative to the engagement surface so that charging circuitry in a peripheral device portion couples with charging circuitry in a charger portion. The magnets are configured so that they also repel and rotate the peripheral device when it is in a second orientation relative to the engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas Gaule, Jazmine Ama Hoyle, Yauhen Radzikevich, Anthony James Hewett, Scott Jeffrey Korn, Ketan R. Shah, Katherine Margaret Bailey, Woo Ram Lee, Wenzhao Zhang, Nicolas Jean-Claude Schmitt, Ibrahim Iskender Kushan, Jay Michael Fassett, James Alec Ishihara
  • Patent number: 11670968
    Abstract: A wireless electric vehicle charging system comprises base-side equipment for generating a magnetic field and vehicle-side equipment for receiving energy via the magnetic field to supply power to a vehicle-driving battery. Monitoring circuitry monitors one or more of voltage, current, or phase associated with the base-side equipment and halts generation of the magnetic field in response to a change in the voltage, current, or phase associated with the operation of the base-side equipment that indicates a fault condition at the vehicle-side equipment, which may include a loss of power or disconnection of a battery. Based on detection of the change, the monitoring circuitry can halt generation of the magnetic field to prevent damage at the vehicle-side equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Lee, Edward van Boheemen, Nicholas Athol Keeling
  • Patent number: 11670962
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing, a display positioned at least partially within the housing, a transparent cover coupled to the housing and at least partially covering the display, a battery, and a coil coupled to the battery and configured to, during a battery charging operation, supply a first current to the battery and, during a haptic output operation, receive a second current from the battery to produce a haptic output. The electronic watch may further include a ferromagnetic element positioned at least partially within the housing and movable relative to the housing. The second current may cause the coil to produce a magnetic field, and the haptic output may be produced as a result of an interaction between the magnetic field and the ferromagnetic element that causes the ferromagnetic element to move relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, Thayne M. Miller