(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0130916A1
`Jul. 8, 2004
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Baarman
`
`US 2004O130916A1
`
`(54)
`(76)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`
`ADAPTIVE INDUCTIVE POWER SUPPLY
`
`Inventor:
`
`David W. Baarman, Fennville, MI
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
`900 Fifth Third Center
`111 Lyon Street, N.W.
`Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`10/689,499
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 20, 2003
`Related U.S. Application Data
`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.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/444,794, filed on Feb.
`4, 2003. 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)
`(52)
`
`Int. Cl. ............................................ H02M 3/335
`U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 363/21.02
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(57)
`A contactless power Supply has a dynamically configurable
`tank circuit powered by an inverter. The contactleSS power
`Supply is inductively coupled to one or more loads. The
`inverter is connected to a DC power source. When loads are
`added or removed from the System, the contactless power
`Supply is capable of modifying the resonant frequency of the
`tank circuit, the inverter frequency, the inverter duty cycle or
`the rail voltage of the DC power source.
`
`12
`
`MICROPROCESSOR
`
`
`
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`
`
`
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`
`
`FREQUENCY
`DRIVE
`OUTPUT
`
`CONTROL
`LINES
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`18
`CURRENT
`SENSE
`
`1O
`
`p
`
`
`
`
`
`WAVE SHAPER
`AND DRIVE
`CIRCUIT
`
`
`
`MULTI-TAP
`PRIMARY
`
`CAPACITANCE
`SWITCH
`
`TAP
`SWITCHING
`
`
`
`INDUCTANCE
`SWITCH
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2004/0130916 A1
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`18
`
`CURRENT
`SENSE
`
`1O
`
`p
`
`WAVE SHAPER
`AND DRIVE
`CIRCUIT
`
`MULTI-TAP
`PRIMARY
`
`12
`
`
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`MICROPROCESSOR
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FREQUENCY
`DRIVE
`OUTPUT
`
`
`
`CAPACITANCE
`SWITCH
`
`CONTROL
`LINES
`
`
`
`Af7 G. 7
`
`
`
`TAP
`SWITCHING
`
`22
`
`
`
`INDUCTANCE
`SWITCH
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2004/0130916 A1
`
`CO
`a.
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`---
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`
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`23 ° €D 7, 27
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2004/0130916A1
`
`SENSE LOAD INDUCTIVELY
`
`
`
`
`
`LOAD PRESENT2
`
`
`
`YES
`TURN BALLAST ON
`
`ADJUST BALLAST FREQUENCY
`AS NEEDED BETWEEN LIMITS
`
`IS THE
`CURRENT
`OPTIMIZED?
`
`YES
`LOCK THIS WALUE
`
`MONITOR CURRENT
`LIMIT AND RANGE
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`ADJUST SWITCHED
`INDUCTANCE AS NEEDED
`
`FINE TUNE USING
`SWITCHED CAPACITANCE
`
`ef LOAD CHANGED?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`AZG.
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 2004/0130916A1
`
`/08
`
`ZZ9
`
`
`
`908
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 8, 2004 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2004/0130916 A1
`
`SET INITIAL RESONANT FREQUENCY,
`INVERTER FREQUENCY, INVERTER
`DUTY CYCLE, AND RAIL VOLTAGE
`
`4O2
`
`SET NOMINAL RANGE FOR
`OPERATING PARAMETERS
`
`4O4
`
`At AG. A 4
`
`4O6
`
`
`
`IDLE
`
`
`
`
`
`ARE OPERATING
`PARAMETERS WITHIN
`NOMINAL RANGE
`
`408
`
`NO
`CHANGE DUTY CYCLE OF INVERTER AND
`STORE DUTY CYCLE INFO IN MEMORY
`
`
`
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`
`
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`CURRENT OPERATINC
`PARAMETERS WITHIN
`NOMINAL RANGE?
`
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`BEST
`KNOWN SETTING FLAG
`SET2
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`ARE
`CURRENT OPERATING
`PARAMETERS APPROXIMATELY EQUAL
`TO EXPECTED OPERATING
`PARAMETERS2
`
`
`
`CLEAR BEST
`248. KNOWN SETIN FLAG
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2004/0130916A1
`
`
`0\/Tl + 0NI 113S
`NMON). 1S38 13S
`
`
`
`
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`
`
`30W 110A TIWN 13S
`
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`'310) 0 Å100NWO
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`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0007
`
`

`

`US 2004/O130916 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`ADAPTIVE INDUCTIVE POWER SUPPLY
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application claims priority to and benefit of
`U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/444,794, entitled Adap
`tively Inductively Coupled Ballast Circuit, by David W.
`Baarman, filed Feb. 4, 2003. The full disclosure of the prior
`application is incorporated herein by reference. This appli
`cation 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. 09/592,194 claims the benefit
`under 35 U.S.C. S119(e) of U.S. provisional patent appli
`cation Serial No. 60/140,159 entitled Water Treatment Sys
`tem with an Inductively Coupled Ballast, which was filed on
`Jun. 21, 1999, and U.S. provisional patent application Serial
`No. 60/140,090, entitled Point-of-Use Water Treatment Sys
`tem, which was filed on Jun. 21, 1999.
`0002 This application incorporates by reference the fol
`lowing applications filed on the same date and assigned to
`the Same assignee as this application: Adaptive Inductive
`Power Supply with Communication, Serial No.
`Inductive Coil Assembly, Serial No.
`; ElectroStatic
`Charge Storage Assembly, Serial No.
`, and Adapter,
`Serial No
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003. This invention relates generally to contactless
`power Supplies, and more specifically to inductively coupled
`contactless power Supplies.
`0004 Contactless energy transmission systems (CEETS)
`transferS electrical energy from one device to another with
`out any mechanical connection. Because there is no
`mechanical connection, CEETS have many advantages over
`conventional energy Systems. They are generally Safer
`because there is little danger of Sparks or electric ShockS due
`to the isolation of the power Supply. They also tend to have
`a longer life Since there are no contacts to become worn. Due
`to these advantages, CEETS have been used in everything
`from toothbrushes to portable telephones to trains.
`0005 CEETS are composed of power supplies and
`remote devices. The remote devices could be chargeable,
`Such as batteries, micro-capacitors, or any other chargeable
`energy source. Alternatively, CEETS could directly power
`the devices.
`0006. One kind of CEETS uses magnetic induction to
`transfer energy. Energy from a primary winding in the power
`Supply is transferred inductively to a Secondary winding in
`the chargeable device. Because the Secondary winding is
`physically Spaced from the primary winding, the inductive
`coupling occurs through the air.
`0007 Without a physical connection between the primary
`winding and the Secondary winding, conventional feedback
`control is not present. Thus, control of the energy transfer in
`a CEETS from the primary to the secondary is difficult.
`0008 One common solution is to design a CEETS dedi
`cated to one type of device. For example, a CEETS for a
`rechargeable toothbrush is designed only for recharging a
`
`toothbrush, while a CEETS for a rechargeable telephone
`works only with a specific type of telephone. While this
`solution allows the CEET to operate effectively with one
`particular device, it fails to be sufficiently flexible to allow
`the power Supply to operate with different rechargeable
`devices.
`0009. Obviously, making a CEETS for each specific
`chargeable device is costly and inefficient. Thus, a System
`for contactleSS energy transmission which is efficient and
`can be used with a large variety of devices is highly
`desirable.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0010. The aforementioned problems are overcome in the
`present invention.
`0011. A contactless power supply inductively couples by
`way of a tank circuit to a device. The power Supply has a
`controller for dynamically adjusting the resonant frequency
`of the tank circuit. The tank circuit could have either a
`variable capacitor or a variable inductor, or both. In one
`embodiment, the power Supply also may have an inverter. A
`drive circuit connected to the inverter controls the frequency
`of the inverter and the duty cycle of the inverter. A controller
`with an attached memory directs the operation of the
`inverter by way of the drive circuit. Alternatively, The
`inverter may also be connected to a DC power Source. The
`controller could then change the rail voltage of the DC
`power Source.
`0012. By altering the resonant frequency of the tank
`circuit, the frequency of the inverter, the duty cycle of the
`inverter and the rail Voltage of the power Supply, the
`contactless power Supply can energize a variety of different
`devices. The power Supply can even energize Several dif
`ferent devices at the same time. This ability to power a
`multitude of different devices overcomes many of the limi
`tations previously associated with CEETS. Further, because
`the power Supply can energize a variety of different devices,
`a central Single Source for Supply power to a variety of Small
`electronic devices is possible.
`0013 In one embodiment, a sensor may also coupled to
`the tank circuit. It would monitor various operational char
`acteristics of the tank circuit, Such as the phase of the current
`within the tank circuit. These operation characteristics are
`indicative of the total load energized by the power Supply.
`When the operational characteristics indicate that the power
`Supply is not efficiently Supplying power to the load, the
`controller causes the power Supply to Seek an improved
`configuration.
`0014. The process of seeking an improved configuration
`may include one or more of the following Steps. The power
`Supply could automatically attempt to compensate by chang
`ing the frequency of the inverter and the duty cycle of the
`inverter. If this sufficiently correct the efficiency of the
`power Supply, the controller causes the tank circuit to change
`its resonant frequency. AS is well known, the resonant
`frequency of a tank circuit is in fact a range centered about
`a frequency. The tank circuit will resonate at frequencies
`which are approximately the resonant frequency. However,
`the adaptive power Supply described herein reconfigures the
`tank circuit to have a Substantially different resonant fre
`quency.
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0008
`
`

`

`US 2004/O130916 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`0.015 The tank circuit may consist of either a variable
`inductor or a variable capacitor or both. The controller
`would then change the inductance of the variable inductor or
`the capacitance of the variable capacitor, or both, thus
`causing the tank circuit to have a different resonant fre
`quency.
`0016. The controller may also establish a new rail voltage
`for the DC power source. It also sets a new inverter
`frequency and a new duty cycle for the inverter. The
`adaptive power Supply then operates with the new configu
`ration.
`0.017. If the adaptive power supply is still not operating
`effectively, the power Supply will once again attempt to
`rectify the problem by changing the frequency of the
`inverter and the duty cycle of the inverter. If the problem is
`Still not corrected, then the power Supply will repeat the
`process of reconfiguring the tank circuit, Setting a new
`inverter frequency and Setting a new duty cycle.
`0.018. This power supply continually searches for the
`most efficient Settings to deliver power to the devices.
`However, if none of the various Settings delivers power
`efficiently to the devices, then the power Supply will Select
`the most efficient of the previous configurations and operate
`the power Supply with those Settings.
`0.019 Thus, the power supply efficiently powers a variety
`of loads. Further, because the power Supply is contactless, a
`user does not need to have a multitude of different power
`Supplies or connectors.
`0020. These and other objects, advantages and features of
`the invention will be more readily understood and appreci
`ated by reference to the detailed description of the drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0021
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an adaptive inductive
`ballast in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention.
`0022 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the resonance
`Seeking ballast of the attached patent application marked to
`show changes to incorporate the adaptive inductive ballast
`of the present invention.
`0023 FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of the
`adaptive inductive ballast.
`0024 FIG. 4 is a block diagram for an adaptive contact
`less energy transmission System.
`0025 FIGS. 5A and 5B are a flow chart showing the
`operating of an adaptive contactleSS energy transmission
`System.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0026. The present invention provides an adaptive induc
`tive ballast circuit in which the inductance and/or the
`capacitance of the power Supply circuit is variable to provide
`a broad range of adaptability, thereby permitting the ballast
`circuit to power a variety of inductively powered devices
`with widely differing load characteristics. For purposes of
`disclosure, the present invention is described in connection
`with a resonance-seeking ballast circuit, and more particu
`larly in connection with the inductive ballast described in
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/246,155 entitled “Induc
`
`tively Coupled Ballast Circuit,” which incorporated by
`reference into this application in its entirety. The present
`invention is, however, well Suited for use with other induc
`tive ballast circuits.
`0027. A block diagram showing the general construction
`of an adaptive inductive ballast 10 in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As
`illustrated, the adaptive inductive ballast 10 generally
`includes a microprocessor 12 that controls operation of the
`circuit, a multi-tap primary 14 for generating a magnetic
`field, a wave shaper and drive Subcircuit 16 that generates
`the Signal applied to the primary 14, a current Sense Subcir
`cuit 18 that monitors the Signal applied to the primary 14 and
`provides corresponding feedback to the microprocessor 12,
`a capacitance Switch 20 for adjusting the capacitance values
`in the wave shaper and drive Subcircuit 16, and an induc
`tance Switch 22 for adjusting the inductance of the multi-tap
`primary 14. The microprocessor is a conventional micro
`processor widely available from a variety of Suppliers.
`0028. The capacitance switch 20 generally includes two
`banks of capacitors and a plurality of Switches, Such as
`transistors, that are Selectively actuatable by the micropro
`ceSSor 12 to control the values of the two capacitor bankS.
`The capacitors in each bank can be arranged in Series or
`parallel depending on the desired range and distribution of
`possible capacitance values. The first bank of capacitors
`replace capacitor 271 of the pre-existing resonance-seeking
`ballast shown in the above referenced application. Similarly,
`the Second back of capacitorS replace capacitor 272 of the
`pre-existing resonance-seeking ballast shown in the above
`referenced patent application. In effect, the capacitance
`Switch 20 makes capacitors 271 and 272 from the pre
`existing resonance-seeking ballast into variable capacitors,
`the values of which are controlled by the microprocessor 12.
`Alternatively, the described capacitance Switch 20 can be
`replaced by other circuitry capable of providing variable
`capacitance.
`0029. The inductance switch 22 generally includes a
`multi-tap primary 14 and a plurality of Switches, Such as
`transistors, that are Selectively actuatable by the micropro
`cessor 12 to control the values of the inductance of the
`primary 14. The multi-tap primary 14 replaces primary 270
`of the pre-existing resonance-seeking ballast shown in the
`attached patent application. In effect, the inductance Switch
`22 makes primary 270 from the pre-existing resonance
`Seeking ballast into a variable inductance coil by varying the
`number of turns in the primary 14, the value of which is
`controlled by the microprocessor 12. Alternatively, the
`described inductance Switch 22 can be replaced by other
`circuitry capable of providing variable inductance.
`0030. In general operation, the microprocessor 12 is
`programmed to receive input from the current Sense Subcir
`cuit 18, which is indicative of the current applied to the
`primary 14. The microprocessor 12 is programmed to Sepa
`rately adjust the capacitance Switch 20 and the inductance
`Switch 22 to cycle through the range of capacitance values
`and inductance values available to the circuit. The micro
`processor 12 continues to monitor the input from the current
`Sense circuit 18 while adjusting the capacitance and induc
`tance values to determine which values provide optimum
`current to the primary 14. The microprocessor 12 then lockS
`the adaptive ballast into the optimum Settings.
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0009
`
`

`

`US 2004/O130916 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`0.031) Some of the changes required to adapt the reso
`nance-seeking inductive ballast of the application patent
`application into an embodiment of the adaptive inductive
`ballast circuit 10 are noted in the schematic diagram of FIG.
`2.
`0032. While the pre-existing resonance-seeking ballast is
`described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`10/246,155, an overview of the circuit may be helpful to a
`fuller understanding of this invention. A ballast feedback
`circuit is connected at point A and a control circuit is
`connected at point B. Oscillator 144 provides half bridge
`inverter 148 with an alternating signal by way of drive 146.
`Half bridge inverter powers tank circuit 150. Current sens
`ing circuit 218 provides feedback to oscillator 144. The
`feedback circuit, control circuit, Oscillator, half bridge
`inverter, drive and current Sensing circuit 218 as well as
`other Supporting circuitry is more fully described in the
`above referenced patent application.
`0033. In FIG. 2, a phase delay could be inserted at E and
`can be controlled as a delay line or even DSP (Digital Signal
`Processing) could be used to delay this signal. This delay can
`be used to throttle the phase and control Secondary ampli
`tude. At F, Switched capacitance can adjust the resonant
`frequency based on the adjustable primary inductance.
`Simple transistors can be used to Switch in and out capaci
`tance. The capacitance is changed when the primary induc
`tor changes as to match load. At G, primary inductance can
`be Switched to adjust the power required by the Secondary
`circuit. With that load information, the control processor can
`adjust the inductance as needed to provide the power
`required. The inductance can be Switched using transistors
`and multiple taps from the primary inductor controlled by
`the microprocessor.
`0034. The operating sequence of the adaptive inductive
`ballast circuit is described in more detail in connection with
`FIG. 3. In operation, the illustrated system waits until it
`determines that a load is present before applying power to
`the primary 14. This will save power and may be done by
`providing each inductively powered device with a magnet
`that actuates a reed Switch adjacent to the primary. Alterna
`tively, a user-actuated Switch (not shown) may be provided
`So that the user can engage the power Supply when an
`inductively powered device is present. AS another alterna
`tive, the inductively powered device may be configured to
`mechanically actuate a Switch when it is placed into located
`by the primary to Signal its presence. As a further alternative,
`the Switching mechanism can be eliminated and the ballast
`circuit can provide power to the primary 14 regardless of the
`presence of a load.
`0035. Once the power supply circuit is activated, the
`circuit adjusts its frequency to optimize the current applied
`to the primary. After the appropriate operating frequency has
`been determined at initial capacitance and inductance Val
`ues, the microprocessor locks the ballast circuit into the
`operating frequency and then begins to cycle through the
`range of inductance values available through the multi-tap
`primary. After each change in inductance value, the micro
`processor unlocks the operating frequency and permits the
`ballast circuit to Seek resonance, Settling at a frequency that
`provides optimal current to the primary. The microprocessor
`continues cycling through the available inductance values
`until it has determined which value provides optimal current
`
`to the primary. In one embodiment, a progressive Scanning
`process is used to determine the appropriate inductance
`value. This is achieved by Starting the Scanning process with
`the lowest inductance value, and Sequentially Stepping up
`the inductance value until the change in inductance value
`results in a reduction in the current applied to the primary.
`The microprocessor will then Step back down one induc
`tance value, where the greatest current was achieved. Alter
`natively, the Scanning proceSS may begin with the highest
`inductance value, and Sequentially Step down the inductance
`value until the change in inductance value results in a
`reduction in the current applied to the primary. The micro
`processor will then Step back up one inductance value,
`where the greatest current was achieved. AS another alter
`native, the microprocessor can Step through each inductance
`value to determine the corresponding current, and after
`Stepping through each value, return to the inductance value
`that provided the greatest current to the primary.
`0036. After the appropriate inductance value is deter
`mined, the microprocessor locks the circuit at the deter
`mined inductance value and begins to cycle through the
`capacitance values. In one embodiment, the microprocessor
`uses a progressive Scanning technique to determine the
`capacitance that provides the primary with the greatest
`current. The Scanning process may progress upwardly from
`the lowest capacitance value or downwardly from the high
`est capacitance value, as described above in connection with
`the Scanning process for the inductance value. As an alter
`native to a progressive Scanning process, the microprocessor
`can Step through each capacitance value to determine the
`corresponding current, and after Stepping through each
`value, return to the capacitance value that provided the
`greatest current to the primary.
`0037. In this embodiment, the frequency of the ballast
`circuit is not permitted to vary once the appropriate induc
`tance value has been determined. The microprocessor can,
`alternatively, be programmed to permit the ballast circuit to
`Seek resonance after each change in capacitance value.
`0038. In an alternative embodiment, the microprocessor
`may be programmed to provide adjustment of only the
`capacitance value or only the inductance value of the power
`Supply circuit. In the former alternative, the multi-tap pri
`mary can be replaced by a conventional Single-tap primary
`and the inductance Switch can be eliminated. In the latter
`alternative, the capacitor bank can be replaced by a single Set
`of capacitors and the capacitance Switch can be eliminated.
`In another alternative embodiment, the microprocessor can
`be programmed to adjust the capacitance before adjusting
`the inductance.
`0039. As noted above, the present invention is not limited
`to use in connection with a resonance-seeking ballast. In
`other applications, a current Sensor may be incorporated into
`the ballast to provide input to the microprocessor that is
`representative of the current being applied to the primary. In
`operation without a resonance-seeking ballast, the micro
`processor will Separately cycle through the various capaci
`tance and inductance values to determine the values that
`provide optimum power to the primary.
`0040. In a further alternative embodiment, the adaptive
`inductive ballast 10 may include phase delay circuitry (not
`shown) that permits the ballast 10 to throttle the phase and
`control Secondary amplitude. The phase delay circuitry may
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0010
`
`

`

`US 2004/O130916 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`include a delay line or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that
`is connected to the wave shaper and drive circuit 16 fol
`lowing the operational amplifier 210.
`0041
`Further exemplifying the ideas and concepts
`expressed above, an additional embodiment for an adaptive
`contactleSS energy transmission System is shown in the
`block diagram of FIG. 4. The adaptive contactless energy
`transmission System is comprised of adaptive inductive
`power supply 305 and remote device 307.
`0.042 AS is well know, power source 310 is a DC power
`source providing DC (direct current) power to inverter 312.
`Inverter 312 converts the DC power to AC (alternating
`current) power. Inverter 312 acts as an AC power Source
`supplying the AC power to tank circuit 314. Tank circuit 314
`is inductively coupled to Secondary winding 316 of remote
`device 307.
`0043. Secondary winding 316 of remote device 307 has
`no core. Line 322 indicates an air gap between remote
`device 307 and adaptive inductive power supply 305.
`0044) Remote device 307 has a load 320. Load 320 could
`include a rechargeable device, Such as a micro-capacitor or
`a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, load 320 could be a
`lamp, radio or any other electrical device adapted to receive
`power from adaptive inductive power supply 305 whenever
`remote device 307 is placed in proximity of adaptive induc
`tive power supply 305.
`0045 Circuit sensor 324 is coupled to the tank circuit 314
`and inverter 312. Circuit sensor 324 is also coupled to
`controller 326. Circuit sensor 324 provides information
`regarding the operational parameters of adaptive inductive
`power supply 305. For example, circuit sensor 324 could be
`a current sensor used to provide controller 326 information
`regarding the phase, frequency and amplitude of the current
`in tank circuit 314.
`0.046
`Controller 326 could be any one of a multitude of
`commonly available microcontrollers programmed to per
`form the functions hereinafter described, such as the Intel
`8051 or the Motorola 6811, or any of the many variants of
`those microcontrollers. Controller 326 could have a ROM
`(read only memory) and RAM (random access memory) on
`the chip. Controller 326 could have a series of analog and
`digital outputs for controlling the various functions within
`the adaptive inductive power Supply.
`0047 Controller 326 is connected to memory 327. Con
`troller 326 is also coupled to drive circuit 328. Drive circuit
`328 regulates the operation of inverter 312, such as the
`frequency and timing of inverter 312. Drive circuit 328
`could be constructed in a number of different manners. For
`example, driver circuit 328 could be constructed of discrete
`components Such as transistors, resistors and capacitors; it
`could be a discrete integrated circuit designed to drive
`inverters, or it could be a functional component of controller
`326 if controller 326 were a microcontroller.
`0.048
`Controller 326 is also coupled to power source 310.
`Controller 326 can manipulate the rail voltage of power
`Source 310. As is well known, by altering the rail voltage of
`power source 310, the amplitude of the output of inverter
`312 is also altered.
`0049 Finally, controller 326 is coupled to variable induc
`tor 330 and variable capacitor 332 of tank circuit 314.
`
`Controller 326 could be a microcontroller, Such as an
`8051-type microcontroller. Alternatively, controller 326
`could be a microprocessor with additional Supporting cir
`cuitry.
`0050 Controller 326 can modify the inductance of vari
`able inductor 330 or the capacitance of variable capacitor
`332. This could be done, e.g., by Switching in or out
`additional capacitor or inductors or by changing the physical
`characteristics of variable inductor 330 or variable capacitor
`332. By modifying the inductance of variable inductor 330
`and the capacitance of variable capacitor 332, the resonant
`frequency of tank circuit 314 can be changed.
`0051. By modifying the inductance of variable inductor
`330 or the capacitance of variable capacitor 332, or both,
`tank circuit 314 may have a first resonant frequency and a
`Second resonant frequency. Tank circuit 314 could also have
`Several resonant frequencies. AS used herein, the term “reso
`nant frequency” refers to a band of frequencies within which
`tank circuit 314 will resonate. AS is well known, a tank
`circuit will have a resonant frequency, but will continue to
`resonate within a range of frequencies.
`0.052
`Variable inductor 330 could be a thyristor con
`trolled variable inductor, a compressible variable inductor,
`parallel laminated core variable inductor, a Series of induc
`tors and Switches capable of placing Select fixed inductors
`into tank circuit 314, or any other controllable variable
`inductor. Variable capacitor 332 could be a Switched capaci
`tor array, a series of fixed capacitors and Switches capable of
`placing Select fixed capacitors into tank circuit 314, or any
`other controllable variable capacitor.
`0053 Tank circuit 314 also includes primary winding
`334. Primary winding 334 and variable inductor 330 are
`shown Separate. Alternatively, primary winding 334 and
`variable inductor 330 could be combined into a single
`element.
`0054 Tank circuit 314 is shown as a series resonant tank
`circuit. A parallel resonant tank circuit could also be used.
`0055 FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flow chart showing the
`operation of adaptive inductive power Supply 305 of adap
`tive contactless energy transmission System shown in FIG.
`4.
`0056. When turned on (step 400), controller 326 initial
`izes the resonant frequency of tank circuit 314 by Setting the
`inductance of variable inductor 330 and the capacitance
`variable capacitor 332 so that tank circuit 314 operates at a
`pre-selected initial resonant frequency. Step 402. Controller
`326 initializes drive circuit 328 to operate at a pre-selected
`frequency with a pre-selected phase offset. Controller 326
`initializes power Source 310 to operate at a predetermined
`rail voltage. Step 402.
`0057. In order to conserve power, when adaptive induc
`tive power Supply 305 is initially energized, adaptive induc
`tive power supply 305 might be initialized to supply power
`at a very low level. Alternatively, adaptive inductive power
`supply 305 might be initialized to supply power at a more
`moderate level to accommodate Some common remote
`devices.
`0058 Controller 326 then sets the nominal range for the
`operating parameters. Step 404. The operating parameters
`for the power Supply are various measures of current and
`
`GOOGLE AND SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1008, 0011
`
`

`

`US 2004/O130916 A1
`
`Jul. 8, 2004
`
`Voltage throughout the System. For example, the peak to
`peak inverter voltage, the RMS current flowing through the
`primary winding, and the phase offset of the current flowing
`through the primary winding are all operating parameters.
`For example, the operating range could include a range of
`the phase offset between the inverter Voltage and the Voltage
`current, a range for the current amplitude, and a range for the
`inverter output Voltage. As a further example, an operating
`range could be an inverter voltage from 5 Volts to 5.3 volts,
`with a current phase offset of no more than 20 degrees, and
`a current amplitude of between /2 and 1 amp.
`0059. The nominal range is the acceptable range of
`possible values for the operating parameters. If an operating
`parameter are not within the nominal range, then the power
`Supply is not operating efficiently.
`0060 Returning to FIG. 5, the system then idles. Step
`406. Controller 326 continually monitors the operating
`parameters of adaptive inductive power supply 305. If the
`operating parameters fall within the nominal range, then the
`circuit continues to idle. Step 408.
`0061. When remote device 307 is placed near primary
`winding 334, then power is drawn from adaptive inductive
`power Supply 305. As a result, the operating parameters
`change. If the operating parameterS fall outside of the
`nominal range, then controller 326 reconfigures adaptive
`inductive power Supply 305.
`0062) If adaptive inductive power supply 305 had an
`initially low power Setting, adaptive inductive power Supply
`305 would thus sense the presence of the remote device, and
`automatically increase power to a more moderate level.
`0.063. Obviously, reconfiguration of a