Jeff Alves

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for supplying voltage to a load and battery. In one implementation, a first regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to a first energy source to down convert a first voltage supplied by the first energy source. A load is electrically connected to the first regulated DC-to-DC converter to receive the down converted first
voltage. A second regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to the first… Show more

Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for supplying voltage to a load and battery. In one implementation, a first regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to a first energy source to down convert a first voltage supplied by the first energy source. A load is electrically connected to the first regulated DC-to-DC converter to receive the down converted first
voltage. A second regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to the first regulated DC-to-DC converter to regulate the down converted first voltage to a second voltage. A second power source is electrically connected to the second regulated DC-to-DC converter to charge the second power source using the second voltage, and the second power source is switchably connectable to the load Show less

Systems and methods for modular charging of vehicles are described. For example, a method may include connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second paid of conductors connected to terminals of a battery pf the vehicle; and charging the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second… Show more

Systems and methods for modular charging of vehicles are described. For example, a method may include connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second paid of conductors connected to terminals of a battery pf the vehicle; and charging the battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter. Show less

Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. Atransmiter device and/or a receiver device can be turned of during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.

Implementations described and claimed herein provide sys- tems and methods for supplying voltage to a load and battery. In one implementation, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to a first energy source to down convert a first voltage supplied by the first energy source. A load is electrically connected to the unregulated DC-to-DC converter to receive the down converted first
voltage. A regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to the unregulated… Show more

Implementations described and claimed herein provide sys- tems and methods for supplying voltage to a load and battery. In one implementation, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to a first energy source to down convert a first voltage supplied by the first energy source. A load is electrically connected to the unregulated DC-to-DC converter to receive the down converted first
voltage. A regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to the unregulated DC-to-DC converter to regulate the down converted first voltage to a second voltage. A second power source is electrically connected to the regulated DC-to-DC converter to charge the second power source using the second voltage, and the second power source is switchably connectable to the load. Show less

Methods and systems for improved efficiency when an inductive power transmitter associated with an inductive power transfer system experiences a low-load or no-load condition. More particularly, methods and systems for detecting when an inductive power receiver is absent or poorly connected to an inductive power transmitter. The inductive power transmitter includes, in one example, a current peak monitor coupled to an inductive power transmit coil. The current peak monitor waits for a current… Show more

Methods and systems for improved efficiency when an inductive power transmitter associated with an inductive power transfer system experiences a low-load or no-load condition. More particularly, methods and systems for detecting when an inductive power receiver is absent or poorly connected to an inductive power transmitter. The inductive power transmitter includes, in one example, a current peak monitor coupled to an inductive power transmit coil. The current peak monitor waits for a current peak resulting from spatial displacement of a magnetic field source within the inductive power receiver, indicating to the inductive power transmitter that the inductive power receiver is moving, or has moved, toward the inductive power transmitter. Other examples include one or more Hall effect sensors within the inductive power transmitter to monitor for the magnetic field source of the inductive power receiver. Show less

Power transfer systems including a direct current source and a plurality of outputs operable in several modes. A ground mode may couple an output to circuit ground and a current mode may couple the output to the direct current source. The power transfer system may also include a controller configured to iteratively select a pair of outputs from the plurality of outputs. Once a pair is selected, the controller may set a first output of the pair of outputs to the current mode and the second to… Show more

Power transfer systems including a direct current source and a plurality of outputs operable in several modes. A ground mode may couple an output to circuit ground and a current mode may couple the output to the direct current source. The power transfer system may also include a controller configured to iteratively select a pair of outputs from the plurality of outputs. Once a pair is selected, the controller may set a first output of the pair of outputs to the current mode and the second to ground mode for a determined duration. After the duration has passed, the controller may set the first output to the ground mode and the second output to the current mode for the same duration. Thereafter the controller may select another pair of outputs. Show less

A thermal management system for an electromagnetic induction-power transfer system. The system may include a charging apparatus including a housing that defines an interface surface. An accessory or induction-power consuming apparatus may be positioned proximate to the interface surface. The housing of the charging apparatus may include a power source and a power-transferring coil coupled to the power source and positioned below the interface surface. A thermal mass may be positioned within the… Show more

A thermal management system for an electromagnetic induction-power transfer system. The system may include a charging apparatus including a housing that defines an interface surface. An accessory or induction-power consuming apparatus may be positioned proximate to the interface surface. The housing of the charging apparatus may include a power source and a power-transferring coil coupled to the power source and positioned below the interface surface. A thermal mass may be positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the interface surface. The housing may include a thermal path that is configured to conduct heat from the interface surface to the thermal mass. Show less

A receiver device in an inductive energy transfer system can include a touch sensing device. If the input surface of the touch sensing device is touched, a transmitter device can periodically stop transferring energy to allow the touch sensing device to sense touch samples while inductive energy transfer is inactive. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can produce an averaged duty cycle by transferring energy to the receiver device for one or more periods at a first duty cycle… Show more

A receiver device in an inductive energy transfer system can include a touch sensing device. If the input surface of the touch sensing device is touched, a transmitter device can periodically stop transferring energy to allow the touch sensing device to sense touch samples while inductive energy transfer is inactive. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can produce an averaged duty cycle by transferring energy to the receiver device for one or more periods at a first duty cycle step and for one or more periods at different second first duty cycle step. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can reduce a current level received by a DC-to-AC converter if the current received by the DC-to-AC converter equals or exceeds a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can ping a receiver device and transfer energy only after a response signal is received from the receiver device. Show less

A transmitter device in an inductive energy transfer system includes a first transmitter coil operatively connected to a first resonant circuitry. A receiver device includes a first receiver coil operatively connected to a first resonant circuitry. The first transmitter coil and the first receiver coil form a first transformer. The transmitter device, the receiver device, or both the transmitter and receiver devices can also include an auxiliary coil or inductor, which may form an auxiliary… Show more

A transmitter device in an inductive energy transfer system includes a first transmitter coil operatively connected to a first resonant circuitry. A receiver device includes a first receiver coil operatively connected to a first resonant circuitry. The first transmitter coil and the first receiver coil form a first transformer. The transmitter device, the receiver device, or both the transmitter and receiver devices can also include an auxiliary coil or inductor, which may form an auxiliary transformer. Energy can be transferred from the transmitter device to the receiver device using the first transformer or the auxiliary transformer. The transfer of energy may be adaptively adjusted based on the efficiency of the energy transfer. For example, the transfer of energy can be adjusted based on the operating conditions of the load. Show less

Methods and apparatuses for improved efficiency of power transfer across an inductive charging interface by adaptively changing the impedance of the receive coil in response to changes in load conditions during inductive power transfer are disclosed.

A transmitter device for an inductive energy transfer system can include a DC-to-AC converter operably connected to a transmitter coil, a first capacitor connected between the transmitter coil and one output terminal of the DC-to-AC converter, and a second capacitor connected between the transmitter coil and another output terminal of the DC-to-AC converter. One or more capacitive shields can be positioned between the transmitter coil and an interface surface of the transmitter device. A… Show more

A transmitter device for an inductive energy transfer system can include a DC-to-AC converter operably connected to a transmitter coil, a first capacitor connected between the transmitter coil and one output terminal of the DC-to-AC converter, and a second capacitor connected between the transmitter coil and another output terminal of the DC-to-AC converter. One or more capacitive shields can be positioned between the transmitter coil and an interface surface of the transmitter device. A receiver device can include a touch sensing device, an AC-to-DC converter operably connected to a receiver coil, a first capacitor connected between the receiver coil and one output terminal of the AC-to-DC converter, and a second capacitor connected between the receiver coil and another output terminal of the AC-to-DC converter. One or more capacitive shields can be positioned between the receiver coil and an interface surface of the receiver device. Show less

Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. A transmitter device and/or a receiver device can be turned off during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.

A receiver device in a coupled coil system for wireless energy transfer includes a receiver coil and a load device operatively connected to the receiver coil and configured to receive a signal from the receiver coil. As one example, the load device is a rechargeable battery. An adjusting filter is included in the receiver device and is operatively connected between the receiver coil and the load device. The adjusting filter can be used to transform the effective resistance or impedance of the… Show more

A receiver device in a coupled coil system for wireless energy transfer includes a receiver coil and a load device operatively connected to the receiver coil and configured to receive a signal from the receiver coil. As one example, the load device is a rechargeable battery. An adjusting filter is included in the receiver device and is operatively connected between the receiver coil and the load device. The adjusting filter can be used to transform the effective resistance or impedance of the load as presented to the transformer during energy transfer so that the effective resistant or impedance of the load is maintained at a substantially constant level, and the signal received by the load device is maintained at a substantially constant level. Show less

Power management and power transfer systems within the transmit and receive portions of an inductive charging system. An inductive charging system may include an inductive charging station to transmit power and a portable electronic device to receive power. Embodiments may take the form of power transfer systems within an inductive charging station including load-based transmit frequency adjustments. Embodiments may also take the form of power management systems within portable electronic… Show more

Power management and power transfer systems within the transmit and receive portions of an inductive charging system. An inductive charging system may include an inductive charging station to transmit power and a portable electronic device to receive power. Embodiments may take the form of power transfer systems within an inductive charging station including load-based transmit frequency adjustments. Embodiments may also take the form of power management systems within portable electronic devices which conserve power by disconnecting circuits from ground when those circuits are in an idle state. Show less

In an inductive energy transfer system, the phase of a signal that is applied to a transmitter coil to transfer energy is adjusted while energy is transferred from the transmitter device to a receiver device. The phase of the signal can be adjusted by changing a state of a DC-to-AC converter from a converting state to a non-converting state. The DC-to-AC converter outputs a signal that is applied to the transmitter coil when the DC-to-AC converter is in a converting state. A signal is not… Show more

In an inductive energy transfer system, the phase of a signal that is applied to a transmitter coil to transfer energy is adjusted while energy is transferred from the transmitter device to a receiver device. The phase of the signal can be adjusted by changing a state of a DC-to-AC converter from a converting state to a non-converting state. The DC-to-AC converter outputs a signal that is applied to the transmitter coil when the DC-to-AC converter is in a converting state. A signal is not applied to the transmitter coil when the DC-to-AC converter is in a non-converting state. Show less

Power transfer systems including a direct current source and a plurality of outputs operable in several modes. A ground mode may couple an output to circuit ground and a current mode may couple the output to the direct current source. The power transfer system may also include a controller configured to iteratively select a pair of outputs from the plurality of outputs. Once a pair is selected, the controller may set a first output of the pair of outputs to the current mode and the second to… Show more

Power transfer systems including a direct current source and a plurality of outputs operable in several modes. A ground mode may couple an output to circuit ground and a current mode may couple the output to the direct current source. The power transfer system may also include a controller configured to iteratively select a pair of outputs from the plurality of outputs. Once a pair is selected, the controller may set a first output of the pair of outputs to the current mode and the second to ground mode for a determined duration. After the duration has passed, the controller may set the first output to the ground mode and the second output to the current mode for the same duration. Thereafter the controller may select another pair of outputs. Show less

A first and second electronic device each including a connection surface and a magnetic element. The first and second devices may be in contact along the respective connection surfaces. The magnetic elements may be configured to align the first and second devices by moving either or both of the first and second devices relative to each other to achieve an aligned position. The magnetic element may also be operative to resist disconnection of first and second electronic devices when in the… Show more

A first and second electronic device each including a connection surface and a magnetic element. The first and second devices may be in contact along the respective connection surfaces. The magnetic elements may be configured to align the first and second devices by moving either or both of the first and second devices relative to each other to achieve an aligned position. The magnetic element may also be operative to resist disconnection of first and second electronic devices when in the aligned position. Show less

Methods and systems for improved efficiency when an inductive power transmitter associated with an inductive power transfer system experiences a low-load or no-load condition. More particularly, methods and systems for detecting when an inductive power receiver is absent or poorly connected to an inductive power transmitter. The inductive power transmitter includes, in one example, a current peak monitor coupled to an inductive power transmit coil. The current peak monitor waits for a current… Show more

Methods and systems for improved efficiency when an inductive power transmitter associated with an inductive power transfer system experiences a low-load or no-load condition. More particularly, methods and systems for detecting when an inductive power receiver is absent or poorly connected to an inductive power transmitter. The inductive power transmitter includes, in one example, a current peak monitor coupled to an inductive power transmit coil. The current peak monitor waits for a current peak resulting from spatial displacement of a magnetic field source within the inductive power receiver, indicating to the inductive power transmitter that the inductive power receiver is moving, or has moved, toward the inductive power transmitter. Other examples include one or more Hall effect sensors within the inductive power transmitter to monitor for the magnetic field source of the inductive power receiver. Show less

Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from… Show more

Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from the target DRG) or a DRG signal (indicative of an electrical field produced by cell bodies of primary sensory neurons within the target DRG and resulting from an electrical signal propagated by sensory nerve fibers within the target DRG) is/are obtained and analyzed. Delivery of electrical stimulation is turned on and off and/or at least one of pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or pulse repetition rate is/are adjusted based on results of the analysis. Show less

A high voltage switching and control circuit is provided for an implantable medical device (IMD). The circuit includes a high voltage positive (HVP) node, configured to receive a positive high voltage signal from a high energy storage source, and a high voltage negative (HVN) node, configured to receive a negative high voltage signal from a high energy storage source. Additionally, the circuit includes first, second and third output terminals that are configured to be connected to electrodes… Show more

A high voltage switching and control circuit is provided for an implantable medical device (IMD). The circuit includes a high voltage positive (HVP) node, configured to receive a positive high voltage signal from a high energy storage source, and a high voltage negative (HVN) node, configured to receive a negative high voltage signal from a high energy storage source. Additionally, the circuit includes first, second and third output terminals that are configured to be connected to electrodes for delivering high voltage energy. First and second SCR switches are connected to the first and second output terminals, respectively. The first and second SCR switches are connected in series with one another and are connected to one of the HVP and HVN nodes. The first and second SCR switches have gating terminals. A control circuit is connected to the gating terminals and delivers first and second gating signals to turn ON the first and second SCR switches, respectively. The control circuit temporally offsets the first and second gating signals to turn ON the first and second SCR switches in a serial delayed manner. Show less