Inductively coupled energy and communication apparatus
Patent 5856710 Issued on January 5, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date: 
August 29, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
August 29, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3710360 3924174 Steering column electrical connector arrangement Electrical connector arrangement for motor vehicle steering assembly Electrical connector arrangement for motor vehicle steering assembly Non-contacting power transfer device Apparatus for transmitting digital signals across a rotary gap Electric signal transmission system on a road vehicle Electrically isolated actuation apparatus Multifunction steering wheel InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 920576 filed on 08/29/1997US Classes:307/10.1, Automobile280/735, Electric control and/or sensor means307/9.1, VEHICLE MOUNTED SYSTEMS307/17, Transformer connections307/104, ELECTROMAGNET OR HIGHLY INDUCTIVE SYSTEMS439/15, Part comprising hand wheel, e.g., steering wheel439/950ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ADAPTED TO TRANSMIT ELECTRICITY TO MATING CONNECTOR WITHOUT PHYSICAL CONTACT (E.G., BY INDUCTION, MAGNETISM, OR ELECTROSTATIC FIELD)ExaminersPrimary: Elms, RichardAssistant: Ganjian, Peter Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassB60R 021/32AbstractAn apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil winding, thereby inducing a signal with a respective frequency in the secondary coil winding. An electronic switch operates so as to apply one of the two signals to the transistor for charging a capacitor coupled to the secondary coil winding, and operates so as to apply the other of the two signals to the transistor for discharging the capacitor. Actuation of control devices operate so as to modulate the impedance of the secondary coil winding. The inductive coupling of the two coil windings results in this modulation being mirrored by a modulation of the voltage developed across the primary coil winding. The primary coil winding voltage is compared to a threshold voltage for decoding the modulated voltage and determining actuation of the control devices.Other References
Field of SearchVEHICLE MOUNTED SYSTEMSAutomobile Ignition or starter circuits Lighting circuits ELECTROMAGNET OR HIGHLY INDUCTIVE SYSTEMS Transformer connections LAND VEHICLE ALARMS OR INDICATORS Electromagnetically actuated mechanical signal Wigwag type Inductive transmitter Mutual inductance Flux valve type (e.g., with movable saturating magnet) Near field coupling (e.g., inductive, capacitive, etc.) Attachment Inflatable passenger restraint or confinement (e.g., air bag) or attachment With specific mounting feature Responsive to vehicle condition Electric control and/or sensor means Electrical WITH MEANS FOR PROMOTING SAFETY OF VEHICLE, ITS OCCUPANT OR LOAD, OR AN EXTERNAL OBJECT Utilizing weight, or lack thereof, of operator on seat or other support to determine presence or absence Responsive to engagement of portion of perimeter of vehicle with external object And also interruption of at least one operational system of the vehicle or its motor And causing interruption of an electrical system of the vehicle or its motor And causing operation of vehicle steering system INTERRELATED CONNECTORS RELATIVELY MOVABLE DURING USE Part comprising hand wheel, e.g., steering wheel Relatively movable about axis ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ADAPTED TO TRANSMIT ELECTRICITY TO MATING CONNECTOR WITHOUT PHYSICAL CONTACT (E.G., BY INDUCTION, MAGNETISM, OR ELECTROSTATIC FIELD) WITH MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING MEANS (E.G., BASE) Movable with respect to another coil About axis parallel to or coaxial with the other coil axis Tubular stationary coil Movable along or parallel to other coil axis VEHICLE CONTROL, GUIDANCE, OPERATION, OR INDICATION Vehicle diagnosis or maintenance indication Vehicle subsystem or accessory control Control of vehicle safety devices (e.g., airbag, seat-belt, etc.) Vehicle equipment position control (e.g., seat, mirror, door, window, headrest, or headlamp) | |
