(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0127850 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 16, 2005
`Baarman et al.
`
`US 2005O1278.50A1
`
`(54) INDUCTIVELY POWERED APPARATUS
`(76) Inventors: David W. Baarman, Fennville, MI
`(US); Stephen J. McPhilliamy,
`Chicago, IL (US); Christopher
`Houghton, Chicago, IL (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`WARNER, NORCROSS & JUDD
`IN RE: ALTICOR INC.
`INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
`111 LYON STREET, N. W. STE 900
`GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503-2489 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`11/036,688
`(22) Filed:
`Jan. 14, 2005
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Division of application No. 10/357,932, filed on Feb.
`4, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application
`No. 10/133,860, filed on Apr. 26, 2002, now Pat. No.
`6,731,071, and which is a continuation-in-part of
`application No. 09/592,194, filed on Jun. 12, 2000,
`now Pat. No. 6,436,299, and which is a continuation
`in-part of application No. 10/246,155, filed on Sep.
`18, 2002, now Pat. No. 6,825,620, and which is a
`continuation-in-part of application No. 10/175,095,
`filed on Jun. 18, 2002, now Pat. No. 6,673,250, which
`is a continuation-in-part of application No. 09/592,
`194, filed on Jun. 12, 2000, now Pat. No. 6,436,299.
`Said application No. 10/357,932 is a continuation-in
`part of application No. 29/165,043, filed on Aug. 2,
`2002, now Pat. No. D,476,095, and which is a con
`tinuation-in-part of application No. 29/165,008, filed
`on Aug. 2, 2002, now Pat. No. D,479,356, and which
`
`
`
`is a continuation-in-part of application No. 29/165,
`012, filed on Aug. 2, 2002, now Pat. No. D,476,094,
`and which is a continuation-in-part of application No.
`29/165,005, filed on Aug. 2, 2002, now Pat. No.
`D,479,892, and which is a continuation-in-part of
`application No. 29/165,009, filed on Aug. 2, 2002,
`now Pat. No. D,475,471, and which is a continuation
`in-part of application No. 29/165,011, filed on Aug. 2,
`2002, now Pat. No. D,478,834.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/140,159, filed on Jun.
`21, 1999. Provisional application No. 60/140,090,
`filed on Jun. 21, 1999.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... H05B 41/16
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 315/248; 315/267
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An inductive power Supply System for providing power to
`one or more inductively powered devices. The System
`includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or
`the respective orientation between the primary coil and
`Secondary coil to control the amount of power Supplied to
`the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the
`present invention is directed to an inductive power Supply
`System having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed
`within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One
`or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly
`within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the
`primary coil. The power Supply circuit includes circuitry for
`adjusting the power Supplied to the primary coil to optimize
`operation based on the position and cumulative character
`istics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within
`the receptacle.
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0001
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 1 of 27
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 2 of 27
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 3 of 27
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`70
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`I IIILLIIILLILL || || ||||||||||||III
`In
`El
`in 2=
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`elect
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`18
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 4 of 27
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`26
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`60
`N
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`22 /
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`24
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`Fig.5
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`Fig. 4
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 5 of 27
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`34
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`- in N
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`N
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`Fig.9
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 6 of 27
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 7 of 27
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`Fig. 12
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 8 of 27
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 9 of 27
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`52a" 54b."
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`Fig.17
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`54a"
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`Fig. 19
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0010
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 10 of 27
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`134
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`100
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`150
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 11 of 27
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`100
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`132
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`130
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`Fig.21
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 12 of 27
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`Fig.23
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 13 of 27
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`Fig.24
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 14 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 A1
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`362
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`330
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`Fig.25
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0015
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 15 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 A1
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`426'
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`4.
`-1
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0016
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 16 of 27
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`402
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0017
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 17 of 27
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`512
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 18 of 27
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`Fig. 31
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 19 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 20 of 27
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`-64
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0021
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 21 of 27
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 22 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 A1
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`604a
`
`y
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`626a
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`626d
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`630
`626C
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`622
`-(-1
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`664 626b
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`2 S
`D S 2,
`C
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`642b
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`604b.
`
`Fig.35
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0023
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16,2005 Sheet 23 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 Al
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0024
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 24 of 27
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`626b
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0025
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 25 of 27
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`680
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`674C
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`672b
`
`672C
`
`Fig.38a
`
`680' \
`
`676d' 676a
`674a' A
`N
`
`676e' 676b
`674b.
`N
`
`676f 676c
`A 674C
`
`V
`
`Fig.38b
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0026
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 26 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 A1
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`680'
`
`676d
`W A
`
`676k"
`676."
`V /1 ( /\
`V A.
`
`676."
`V A.
`A/ 1.
`
`674C"
`
`672a'
`
`672b'
`
`672"
`
`Fig.38c
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0027
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 16, 2005 Sheet 27 of 27
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`US 2005/0127850 A1
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`- v - Fig. 39a
`
`7O2C
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`7O2a
`
`702b
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`1
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`\
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`720
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`|
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`714a
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`712a
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`l
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`71.4b.
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`712b
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`714C
`I/
`
`Fig.39b
`
`712C
`
`|
`
`f |
`
`12"
`
`726C
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`726b
`
`726a
`
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`
`736g
`
`734b
`
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`
`Fig. 39c
`
`722C
`
`734C
`
`736C
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`Fig. 39d
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`732C
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`
`
`
`
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0028
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`US 2005/O127850 A1
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`Jun. 16, 2005
`
`INDUCTIVELY POWERED APPARATUS
`0001. The present invention is a continuation-in-part of
`U.S. application Ser. No. 10/133,860 entitled “Inductively
`Powered Lamp Assembly,” which was filed on Apr. 26, 2002
`and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No.
`90/592,194 entitled “Fluid Treatment System,” which was
`filed on Jun. 12, 2000.
`0002 The present application is also a continuation-in
`part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/246,155 entitled “Induc
`tively Coupled Ballast Circuit,” which was filed on Sep. 18,
`2002 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 10/175,095 entitled “Fluid Treatment System,”
`which was filed on Jun. 18, 2002, which is a continuation
`in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/592,194
`entitled “Fluid Treatment System,” which was filed on Jun.
`12, 2000. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 90/592,194 claims
`the benefit under 35 U.S.C. S 119(e) of U.S. provisional
`patent application Ser. No. 60/140,159 entitled “Water
`Treatment System with an Inductively Coupled Ballast,”
`which was filed on Jun. 21, 1999, and U.S. provisional
`patent application Ser. No. 60/140,090 entitled “Point-of
`Use Water Treatment System,” which was filed on Jun. 21,
`1999.
`0003. The present application is a continuation-in-part of
`U.S. Application Ser. No. 29/165,043 entitled “Bulb,” which
`was filed on Aug. 2, 2002; U.S. Application Ser. No.
`29/165,008 entitled “Bowl Lamp,' which was filed on Aug.
`2, 2002; U.S. Application Ser. No. 29/165,012 entitled
`“Bulb,” which was filed on Aug. 2, 2002; U.S. Application
`Ser. No. 29/165,005 entitled “Lamp,” which was filed on
`Aug. 2, 2002; U.S. Application Ser. No. 29/165,009 entitled
`“Bulb,” which was filed on Aug. 2, 2002; and U.S. Appli
`cation Ser. No. 29/165,011 entitled “Chime,” which was
`filed on Aug. 2, 2002.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0004. The present invention relates to wireless power
`Supplies, and more particularly to inductively powered
`devices.
`0005 The principles of inductive power transfer have
`been known for many years. As a result of mutual induc
`tance, power is wirelessly transferred from a primary coil (or
`Simply "primary') in a power Supply circuit to a Secondary
`coil (or simply "secondary) in a secondary circuit. The
`Secondary circuit is electrically coupled with a device, Such
`as a lamp, a motor, a battery charger or any other device
`powered by electricity. The wireleSS connection provides a
`number of advantages over conventional hardwired connec
`tions. A wireleSS connection can reduce the chance of Shock
`and can provide a relatively high level of electrical isolation
`between the power Supply circuit and the Secondary circuit.
`Inductive couplings can also make it easier for a consumer
`to replace limited-life components. For example, in the
`context of lighting devices, an inductively powered lamp
`assembly can be easily replaced without the need to make
`direct electrical connections. This not only makes the pro
`ceSS easier to perform, but also limits the risk of exposure to
`electric shock.
`0006 The use of inductive power transfer has, however,
`for the most part been limited to niche applications, Such as
`for connections in wet environments. The limited use of
`
`inductive power transfer has been largely the result of power
`transfer efficiency concerns. To improve the efficiency of the
`inductive coupling, it is conventional to carefully design the
`configuration and layout of the primary and Secondary coils.
`The primary and the Secondary are conventionally disposed
`within closely mating components with minimal gap
`between the primary and the Secondary. For example, the
`primary is often disposed within a base defining a central
`opening and the Secondary is often disposed within a cylin
`drical component that fits closely within the central opening
`of the base. This and other conventional constructions are
`design to provide close coaxial and radial alignment
`between the primary coil and the Secondary coil. Several
`Specific examples of patents that reflect the conventional
`approach of providing a fixed, predetermined physical rela
`tionship between the primary and Secondary coils include:
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,997 to Hutchisson et al, which discloses
`an inductive lamp with coaxial and closely interfitting
`primary and secondary coils; U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,979 to
`McEachern et al, which discloses an inductive charging
`device in which the device to be charged is fitted closely
`within a cradle to position the coils in a fixed, predetermined
`relationship; U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,155 to Tamura et al, which
`discloses a shaver with adjacent inductive coils Set in a fixed
`relationship; U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,814 to Van Lerberghe,
`which discloses an inductive charger for a telephone
`wherein the physical relationship between the primary and
`secondary coils is fixed; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,413 to
`Brockman, which discloses a charging device having a
`mechanical guide for ensuring precise, predetermined align
`ment between the inductive coils. The conventional practice
`of providing precise alignment between the primary and
`Secondary coil has placed significant limitation on the over
`all design and adaptability of inductively powered devices.
`Further, in conventional inductive Systems, the power Sup
`ply circuit, which drives the primary coil, and the Secondary
`circuit, which inductively receives power from the primary,
`are designed and carefully tuned to match with one another
`to maximize the efficiency of the inductive coupling. This
`too has placed significant limitations on the Overall design
`and adaptability of inductively powered devices.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0007. The aforementioned problems are overcome by the
`present invention wherein an inductively powered device is
`provided with a mechanism for varying the relative position
`between the primary and the Secondary to control the
`amount of power Supplied to the load. In one embodiment,
`the present invention is incorporated into a dimmable lamp
`assembly in which a primary is mounted to the lamp base
`and the Secondary is mounted to the lamp assembly. The
`brightness of the lamp is controlled by adjusting the distance
`between the lamp assembly and the lamp base.
`0008. In a second embodiment, the present invention is
`incorporated into a dimmable lamp assembly in which the
`lamp brightneSS is controlled by varying the relative angular
`orientation of the primary and the Secondary. In this embodi
`ment, the primary is generally ring-shaped and the Second
`ary is pivotally mounted within the ring. The lamp assembly
`includes a mechanical dimmer that rotates either the primary
`or the Secondary So that their relative angular orientation
`varies. The variation in relative orientation varies the
`amount of power transferred to the Secondary, thereby
`varying the brightness of the lamp.
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0029
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`US 2005/O127850 A1
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`Jun. 16, 2005
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`0009. In another embodiment, the present invention is
`incorporated into a wind chime having one or more lamps
`that vary in brightness based on the movement of the
`chimes. In this embodiment, a plurality of chime assemblies
`is Suspended within a primary coil, with each chime assem
`bly being individually movable. Each chime assembly
`includes a Secondary disposed at its upper end within the
`magnetic field of the primary. AS the wind blows, the chime
`assemblies Swing with respect to the primary, thereby vary
`ing the locations and orientation of the Secondary coils
`within the magnetic field of the primary. This causes the
`brightness of the wind chimes to vary in respond to the wind.
`0010. In yet another embodiment, the present invention
`provides an infinitely adjustable power Supply for use with
`electrically powered devices where it is desirable to adjust
`the magnitude of power Supplied to the device. The power
`Supply includes an inductive coupling disposed between the
`power Supply and the load. The inductive coupling includes
`a primary and a Secondary. The infinitely adjustable power
`Supply also includes an adjustment mechanism for Selec
`tively varying the relative position between the primary and
`the Secondary, Such as distance or angular orientation. The
`adjustment mechanism permits adjustment of the coupling
`coefficient and consequently the magnitude of power
`induced in the Secondary and Supplied to the load.
`0011. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed
`to an inductive power Supply Station that is capable of
`providing power to a plurality of inductive powered devices
`placed at random location and at random orientations with
`respect to the primary. The inductive power Supply Station
`generally includes a Single primary arranged about a recep
`tacle that is capable of receiving randomly placed induc
`tively powered devices. The power Supply circuit includes
`circuitry for adjusting the power Supplied to the primary as
`a function of the inductively powered devices present in the
`receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle is a dish, bowl
`or Similar structure in which one or more lamp assemblies
`can be placed to provide light. Each lamp assembly includes
`a Secondary that inductively receives power from the pri
`mary. The brightness of the light can be controlled by
`varying the number of lamp assemblies placed in the recep
`tacle and by moving the lamp assemblies within the recep
`tacle.
`0012. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a
`Secondary with a plurality of coils that are arranged at
`different orientations. The multiple coils permit the Second
`ary to efficiently receive power when disposed at different
`orientations with respect to the primary. In one embodiment,
`a Secondary with multiple coils is incorporated into an
`inductively powered lamp. The lamp assembly can receive
`maximum induced power when placed at different orienta
`tions within the magnetic field of the primary. In another
`embodiment, the lamp assembly includes a plurality of coils,
`each being electrically connected to a different light Sources,
`for example, light Sources of different colors. By adjusting
`the orientation of the lamp assembly, the color of emitted
`light can be varied by altering the respective brightness of
`the Separate light Sources.
`0013 These and other objects, advantages, and features
`of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated
`by reference to the detailed description of the preferred
`embodiment and the drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0014 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a desk lamp in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`0.015 FIG. 2 is a side elevational of the desk lamp of
`FIG. 1.
`0016 FIG. 3 is a partially sectional side elevational view
`of a portion of the desk lamp of FIG. 1.
`0017 FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a lamp assembly in
`accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a schematic of a secondary circuit.
`0018)
`0019 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rack-and-worm
`mechanical dimmer.
`0020 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base of a desk
`lamp Showing a dial.
`0021
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base of a desk
`lamp Showing a slider.
`0022 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base of a desk
`lamp Showing a rotating top.
`0023 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative
`mechanical dimmer.
`0024 FIG.11a is a side elevational view of an alternative
`desk lamp.
`0025 FIG. 11b is an enlarged side elevational view of a
`portion of the alternative desk lamp of FIG. 11a.
`0026 FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a
`portion of the alternative desk lamp of FIG.11a showing the
`mechanical dimmer.
`0027 FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a second
`alternative desk lamp.
`0028 FIG. 14 is an enlarged side elevational view of a
`portion of the second alternative desk lamp of FIG. 13.
`0029 FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a portion of the
`second alternative desk lamp of FIG. 13 showing the
`binding tab in the locked position.
`0030 FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a portion of the
`second alternative desk lamp of FIG. 13 showing the
`binding tab in the open position.
`0031 FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third alternative
`desk lamp.
`0032 FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mechanical
`dimmer of the third alternative desk lamp of FIG. 17.
`0033 FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a portion of the
`mechanical dimmer of the third embodiment.
`0034 FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fourth alterna
`tive desk lamp.
`0035 FIG. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`the third alternative desk lamp with portions removed to
`show the arm.
`0036 FIG.22 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`the third alternative desk lamp with portions removed to
`show the primary housing.
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0030
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`US 2005/O127850 A1
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`Jun. 16, 2005
`
`0037 FIG. 23 is a partially sectional side elevational
`View of a variable Speed fan incorporating an infinitely
`adjustable power Supply in accordance with an embodiment
`of the present invention.
`0038 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative
`desk lamp.
`0039 FIG.25 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`the fifth alternative desk lamp of FIG. 24.
`0040 FIG. 26 is a partially exploded side elevational
`View of replacement lamp base in accordance with an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`0041
`FIG. 27 is a partially exploded side elevational
`View of an alternative replacement lamp base.
`0.042
`FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of the
`alternative replacement lamp base of FIG. 27.
`0043 FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a wind chime in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`0044 FIG. 30 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`a portion of the wind chime.
`004.5
`FIG. 31 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`a chime assembly.
`0.046
`FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a power supply
`Station in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`0047 FIG.33 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`the primary assembly of the power Supply Station.
`0.048
`FIG. 34 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`the base of the power Supply Station.
`0049 FIG.35 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`a lamp assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention.
`0050 FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a secondary
`having multiple coils in accordance with an embodiment of
`the present invention.
`0051 FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an assembly
`having multiple Secondaries in accordance with an embodi
`ment of the present invention.
`0.052
`FIG. 38a is a schematic diagram of a secondary
`circuit for use with a Secondary having multiple coils.
`0053 FIG. 38b is a schematic diagram of an alternative
`Secondary circuit for use with a Secondary having multiple
`coils.
`FIG. 38c is a schematic diagram of a second
`0.054
`alternative Secondary circuit for use with a Secondary having
`multiple coils.
`0.055
`FIG. 39a is a schematic diagram of a circuit for use
`with an assembly having multiple Secondaries.
`0056 FIG. 39b is a schematic diagram of an alternative
`circuit for use with an assembly having multiple Secondar
`ies.
`0057 FIG. 39c is a schematic diagram of a second
`alternative circuit for use with an assembly having multiple
`Secondaries.
`
`0.058 FIG. 39d is a schematic diagram of a third alter
`native circuit for use with an assembly having multiple
`Secondaries.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`0059. The present invention is directed to improvements
`in inductively powered devices. In a first aspect, the present
`invention provides a inductive coupling in which the relative
`position between the primary coil ("primary') and the
`Secondary coil ("secondary') is selectively varied to permit
`control over the amount of power transferred to the Second
`ary and consequently to the inductively powered device.
`This aspect of the invention is described in connection with
`various lamp configurations, for example, to permit control
`over the brightness of the light Source. This aspect of the
`invention is also described in connection with other electri
`cally powered devices where control over the amount of
`power Supplied to the inductively powered device is desired.
`In a Second aspect, the present invention is directed to an
`inductive power Supply Station. In this aspect, the present
`invention provides a receptacle for receiving one or more
`inductively powered devices at random locations and at
`random orientations. In one embodiment of this aspect, the
`Secondary includes multiple coils arranged at different ori
`entations So that power can be more efficiently induced in
`the Secondary without precise alignment between the pri
`mary and Secondary. In one embodiment, the Secondary
`includes three coils oriented along the X, y and Z axis of a
`Cartesian coordinate System So that power can be induced in
`the Secondary regardless of the angular orientation of the
`Secondary with respect to the primary.
`0060 An inductively powered desk lamp 10 in accor
`dance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown
`in FIG.1. The lamp 10 generally includes a base 12, a lamp
`assembly 14 and a mechanical dimmer 16 (See FIG.3). The
`base 12 includes a ballast and power Supply circuit 18 that
`drives a primary 20. The lamp assembly 14 includes a
`Secondary circuit 22 having a Secondary 24 that is induc
`tively powered by the primary 20 and that applies power to
`the light source 26. The mechanical dimmer 16 includes a
`movable arm 28 that is movably attached to the lamp base
`12. The primary 20 is mounted to the arm 28 so that
`movement of the arm 28 results in movement of the primary
`20. The lamp assembly 14 is suspended from the lamp base
`12 with the Secondary 24 positioned within the electromag
`netic field created by the primary 20. The arm 28 is mechani
`cally movable to vary the position of the primary 20 with
`respect to the lamp assembly 14 (and consequently the
`Secondary 24), thereby varying the coupling coefficient
`between the primary 20 and secondary 24. Changes in the
`coupling coefficient result in variation in the power trans
`ferred to the lamp assembly 14 and ultimately in the bright
`neSS of the light Source 26. This aspect of the present
`invention is described in connection with a dimmable lamp
`10. The present invention is, however, well-suited for use in
`Virtually any application where variation in the amount of
`power transferred to the secondary circuit 20 is desired. For
`example, as described in more detail below, the present
`invention may be used to provide infinitely adjustable con
`trol over the amount of power Supplied to a device up to the
`capacity of the power Supply circuit.
`0061 As noted above, the desk lamp 10 of the illustrated
`embodiment generally includes a base 12, a lamp assembly
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1010, 0031
`
`

`

`US 2005/O127850 A1
`
`Jun. 16, 2005
`
`14 and a mechanical dimmer 16. The lamp base 12 generally
`includes a pedestal 30, a shaft 32 and a primary housing 34.
`The pedestal 20 of the illustrated embodiment is generally
`disc-shaped having a diameter of Sufficient size to provide a
`stable support for the shaft 32 and lamp assembly 14, an
`internal void 31 adapted to house the power supply circuit 18
`and portions of the mechanical dimmer 16. The shaft 32
`extends upwardly from the pedestal to receive the lamp
`assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 32 is
`Somewhat "'2'-shaped, providing an aesthetically pleasing
`Visual appearance. The Shaft 32 terminates at its upper end
`in a hook 36 or other connection element configured to
`receive the ring 38 of the lamp assembly 14. The primary
`housing 34 is generally ring-shaped and is hollow to provide
`a shell or housing for the primary 20. The primary housing
`34 is mounted to the arm 28 to support the primary 20 in a
`position generally encircling the Secondary housing 25 of
`the lamp assembly 14. The illustrated pedestal 30 and shaft
`32 are provided with a desired aesthetic appearance. The
`present invention is easily adapted for use with lamps of a
`wide variety of designs. Accordingly, the design and con
`figuration of the illustrated base 12 should not be interpreted
`as a limitation on the present invention. The power Supply
`circuit 18 may be a conventional inductive power Supply
`circuit, however, in one embodiment, the power Supply
`circuit 18 includes a resonance Seeking ballast, Such as the
`ballast disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/246,155
`entitled “Inductively Coupled Ballast Circuit,” which was
`filed on Sep. 18, 2002, and is incorporated herein by
`reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the principle com
`ponents of the power supply circuit 18 are housed within the
`void 31 in pedestal 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. The
`location of the components of the power Supply circuit 18
`may, however, vary from application to application depend
`ing primarily on the lamp design and desired aesthetics. For
`example, the principle components of the power Supply
`circuit 18 can alternatively be disposed at other locations in
`or on the pedestal 30 or may be disposed in or on the shaft
`32. As a further alternative, Some or all of the components
`of the power Supply circuit 18 can be integrated into a wall
`plug (not shown) for the lamp 10. In the illustrated embodi
`ment, the primary 20 is generally ring-shaped and is
`mounted within a generally ring-shaped primary housing 34.
`The primary housing 34 defines a central opening 35 that is
`of Sufficient dimension to receive at least a portion of the
`lamp assembly 14. The size, shape and orientation of the
`primary 20 (and primary housing 34) can vary from appli
`cation to application depending in part on the Specific design
`characteristics of the lamp or other inductive device. In the
`described embodiment, the primary 20 has an inner diameter
`of 1.25 inches and includes 50 turns of wire 63 wrapped
`circumferentially around a generally conventional plastic
`bobbin 33. The wire 63 may be straight 26-gauge wire.
`Additionally, in this particular embodiment, the values of
`capacitors 271 and 272 in the above-referenced patent
`application are 66 nF.
`0062) The lamp assembly 14 generally includes a light
`Source 26, Such as an incandescent bulb, that is powered by
`a secondary circuit 22 (See FIGS. 4 and 5). In this embodi
`ment, the light Source 26 is custom formed to provide the
`desired aesthetic appearance. The upper end of the light
`Source 26 is shaped to define a Small ring 28 that permits the
`light source 26 to be hung from a hook 36 defined at the end
`of shaft 32. The custom-formed lamp of the illustrated
`
`embodiment is merely exemplary, and the light Source 26
`may vary from application to application as desired. AS an
`alternative to the custom-formed lamp 26, the lamp assem
`bly 14 may include a conventional lamp (not shown) that is
`contained within a housing (not shown) designed to provide
`the desired aesthetic appearance. For example, the custom
`shaped light Source 26 can be replaced by a Standard
`incandescent light Source that is installed within an ornate
`and aesthetically pleasing housing. In this alternative
`embodiment, the Secondary circuit 22 may also be enclosed
`within the housing.
`0063 As noted above, the lamp assembly 14 includes a
`secondary circuit 22 that provides power to the lamp 26. The
`Secondary circuit 22 includes a Secondary 24 that is induc
`tively driven by the primary 20. A schematic diagram of the
`secondary circuit is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment,
`the light Source 26 is a custom-formed incandescent 30-watt
`bulb. The light source 26 is electrically connected in series
`with the secondary 24 and, if desired, a capacitor 60. In this
`embodiment, the secondary 24 has a diameter of 0.25 inches
`and includes 24 turns of wire 64 wrapped circumferentially
`around a generally conventional plastic bobbin 62. The wire
`64 may be Straight. 26-gauge wire. The optional capacitor 60
`is intended to improve the power factor of the Secondary
`circuit 22 by offsetting the inductance of the Secondary 24,
`as described in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No.
`10/133,860 entitled “Inductively Powered Lamp Assembly,”
`which was filed on Apr. 26, 2002 and is incorporated herein
`by reference. In this embodiment, the capacitor 60 includes
`a capacitance of 33 nF. The characteristics of the Secondary
`circuit 22, including the Secondary 24 and the capacitor 60,
`may vary from application to application depending prima
`rily on the characteristics of the light Source and the power
`Supply. In fact, as noted above, the capacitor 60 is optional
`and may be eliminated altogether in Some applications.
`Although this embodiment includes an incandescent light
`Source 26, the present invention can alternatively include
`ess