Beam power with broadcaster impingement detection
First Claim
Patent Images
1. 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.
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Accused Products
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.
37 Citations
116 Claims
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1. A system for supplying beamed power, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A system for supplying beamed power, comprising:
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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.
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29-55. -55. (canceled)
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56. A method for supplying beamed power, comprising:
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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.
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57-82. -82. (canceled)
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83. A method for supplying beamed power, comprising:
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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.
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84-110. -110. (canceled)
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111. A receiving unit for receiving a power beam, comprising:
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an aperture including a power converter configured to convert the power beam to another form; and a plurality of retroreflectors arranged about the aperture configured to retroreflect at least a portion of the power beam. - View Dependent Claims (112, 113, 114, 115, 116)
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Specification