WIRELESS POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A wireless power distribution system comprising:
- a power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume;
a power harvester configured to receive the power signal,wherein the power harvester is also configured to determine whether the received power signal is greater than a threshold power value; and
a conventionally-sized battery configured to be in electrical communication with the power harvester and receive power from the power harvester when the received power signal is greater than the threshold power value,wherein the power harvester is positioned within a housing of the conventionally-sized battery.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless power distribution system and method for power tools and other battery-powered devices. The system includes a power transmitter and a plurality of power harvesters or receivers. The receivers are located in power tools, battery packs that are attachable to and detachable from the power tools, a device or case that is interfaceable with the power tool or battery pack, conventionally-sized batteries, or other battery-powered devices. The power transmitter transmits radio frequency (“RF”) power signals to the receivers that are within transmission range of the power transmitter. The receivers receive the RF power signals and convert the RF power signals into direct current. The direct current is used to charge a battery, directly power a tool, etc.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A wireless power distribution system comprising:
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a power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume; a power harvester configured to receive the power signal, wherein the power harvester is also configured to determine whether the received power signal is greater than a threshold power value; and a conventionally-sized battery configured to be in electrical communication with the power harvester and receive power from the power harvester when the received power signal is greater than the threshold power value, wherein the power harvester is positioned within a housing of the conventionally-sized battery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A wireless power distribution system comprising:
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at least one power transmitter configured to transmit a power signal within a first power distribution volume; and at least one receiver configured to receive the power signal, wherein the at least one receiver includes a power harvester, at least one battery, a light source, and a light sensor, the receiver configured to determine whether the received power signal is greater than a power threshold value, the at least one battery configured to be in electrical communication with the at least one power harvester and receive power from the at least one power harvester when the received power signal is greater than the power threshold value, the light sensor configured to detect an amount of ambient light, wherein the light source selectively receives power from the battery when the amount of ambient light is below a light threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of wirelessly distributing power, the method comprising:
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generating a power signal at a power transmitter; transmitting the power signal within a power distribution volume; receiving the power signal at a power harvester; comparing the received power signal to a power threshold value; providing the received power signal to a battery when the received power signal is greater than the power threshold value; charging the battery using the received power signal, selectively inserting the battery into a device, and selectively powering the device using the battery when the power signal is below the power threshold value, wherein the battery is capable of being charged without being removed from the device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification