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US 8,008,615 B2Granted
Beam power with broadcaster impingement detection
AssigneeThe Invention Science Fund I, LLC
InventorsRoderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.
Claims110
A system for supplying beamed power, comprising:
- a power beaming unit configured to supply power to a receiving unit in the form of a power beam;
- a guard beaming unit configured to produce a guard beam configured to substantially surround the power beam;
- and
- a detection unit configured to recognize an imminent impingement on the power beam, the detection unit including:
- a receiver configured to receive a guard beam reflected from the receiving unit;
- and
- decision circuitry configured to determine that the reflected guard beam has been interrupted and to direct the power beaming unit to modulate the power beam.
4 more elements
A system for supplying beamed power, comprising:
- a power beaming unit configured to supply power to a receiving unit in the form of a power beam;
- a guard beaming unit configured to produce a guard beam configured to substantially surround the power beam;
- and
- a detection unit configured to recognize an imminent impingement on the power beam, the detection unit including:
- a receiver configured to receive a guard beam reflected from the receiving unit;
- and
- decision circuitry configured to determine that the reflected guard beam has been interrupted and to direct the power beaming unit to reroute the power beam.
4 more elements
A method for supplying beamed power, comprising:
- directing a composite power beam toward a receiving unit, the composite power beam including a main power beam and a guard beam substantially surrounding the main power beam;
- receiving a reflection of at least a portion of the composite power beam from the receiving unit, the reflection including a reflection of at least a portion of the guard beam;
- monitoring the received reflection to identify an impingement on the guard beam;
- and
- modulating at least the main power beam.
2 more elements
A method for supplying beamed power, comprising:
- directing a composite power beam toward a receiving unit, the composite power beam including a main power beam and a guard beam substantially surrounding the main power beam;
- receiving a reflection of at least a portion of the composite power beam from the receiving unit, the reflection including a reflection of at least a portion of the guard beam;
- monitoring the received reflection to identify an impingement on the guard beam;
- and
- rerouting the composite power beam.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.