Beam power with beam redirection

• US 20100320366A1
• Filed: 07/20/2010
• Published: 12/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Ishikawa, Muriel Y., Weaver, Thomas A., Nugent, Thomas J. JR., Wood, Lowell L. JR., Hyde, Roderick A., Kare, Jordin T., Wood, Victoria Y.H.
• Granted Patent: US 8,835,823 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/216
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/15 using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/30 using light, e.g. lasers
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/40 using two or more transmitting or receiving devices H02J50/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/60 responsive to the presence of foreign objects, e.g. detection of living beings
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment

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.

Claims

1-16. -16. (canceled)

17. A method of beaming power, comprising:

broadcasting a signal indicating an ability to supply power;

receiving a request from a receiving unit in response to the broadcast signal; and

beaming power from a power beaming unit to a beam-directing unit configured to redirect the power to the receiving unit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes locating the first beam-directing unit.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising locating the beam-directing unit and communicating the location of the beam-directing unit to the power beaming unit.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising dynamically adjusting the direction of the power beam to follow a moving receiving unit.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power to a beam-directing unit includes directing power to a plurality of beam-directing units in series.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes beaming power within an enclosed space.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes gradually increasing an amount of power beamed.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes transmitting an electromagnetic power beam.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the power beam has an optical frequency.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the power beam has an RF frequency.

27. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes directing a laser power beam.

28. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes directing a pulsed power beam.

29. The method of claim 17, wherein beaming power includes directing a continuous power beam.

30-45. -45. (canceled)