Wireless power
First Claim
1. An apparatus in a chain of apparatuses for receiving an input signal from a previous apparatus in the chain, the apparatus comprising:
- a first antenna, operable to receive the input signal from the previous apparatus, the input signal being modulated to include a first data signal;
a receiver and decoder to receive the input signal from the first antenna and demodulate the first data signal from the input signal;
a convertor to convert the input signal into electrical energy based on impedance matching of the first antenna to a notional load for powering the apparatus;
a resting power controller to set the apparatus into a low power mode when the input signal is below a predetermined strength; and
a controller to;
receive the first data signal from the receiver and decoder;
determine whether a next apparatus is present in the chain;
determine whether a data receiving powered apparatus is connected to the apparatus;
when the data receiving powered apparatus is determined to be connected to the apparatus, send, through a switch coupled to the controller, at least one of power and data from the first data signal to the data receiving powered apparatus based on needs of the data receiving powered apparatus; and
when the next apparatus is determined to be present in the chain,provide a second data signal to a signal generator to produce an output signal modulated with the second data signal, wherein the second data signal is formed from at least part of the first data signal; and
control the signal generator to transmit the output signal to a second antenna, wherein the second antenna transmits the output signal to the next apparatus in the chain.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus can receive and transfer data and energy between adjacent apparatus in a chain. Each apparatus comprises an input antenna for receiving an input signal which is tuned and impedance matched for a receiver and demodulator in a control circuit. The demodulated signal is provided as input to a transmitter module to create an output signal. The input signal is then impedance transformed to generate a sufficient voltage to energize a power supply which charges a battery. The input signal and the output signal can be a radio signal, a magnetic induction signal, or a combined radio and magnetic induction signal. A controller in the control circuit monitors the condition of the battery and power supply and controls a switch operable to selectively power parts of the apparatus dependently upon their monitored condition.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus in a chain of apparatuses for receiving an input signal from a previous apparatus in the chain, the apparatus comprising:
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a first antenna, operable to receive the input signal from the previous apparatus, the input signal being modulated to include a first data signal; a receiver and decoder to receive the input signal from the first antenna and demodulate the first data signal from the input signal; a convertor to convert the input signal into electrical energy based on impedance matching of the first antenna to a notional load for powering the apparatus; a resting power controller to set the apparatus into a low power mode when the input signal is below a predetermined strength; and a controller to; receive the first data signal from the receiver and decoder; determine whether a next apparatus is present in the chain; determine whether a data receiving powered apparatus is connected to the apparatus; when the data receiving powered apparatus is determined to be connected to the apparatus, send, through a switch coupled to the controller, at least one of power and data from the first data signal to the data receiving powered apparatus based on needs of the data receiving powered apparatus; and when the next apparatus is determined to be present in the chain, provide a second data signal to a signal generator to produce an output signal modulated with the second data signal, wherein the second data signal is formed from at least part of the first data signal; and control the signal generator to transmit the output signal to a second antenna, wherein the second antenna transmits the output signal to the next apparatus in the chain. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification