US 8358103

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 8358103:

Title: Automatic coupling of an alternating current power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery

Assignee: Vampire Labs LLC (Current Assignee: Vampire Labs LLC, Original Assignee: Vampire Labs LLC)

Inventors: Jeffrey Raymond Eastlack

Filing Date: July 29, 2009

Issue Date: January 22, 2013

Abstract:
The patent discloses methods and systems for automatically coupling an AC power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery. An inductive battery charging system includes a connection module to detect when a target device is coupled to an inductive charging apparatus. A monitoring module determines when the target device's battery charge level falls below a charging threshold while drawing power from a supplemental source. An activation module then automatically connects the inductive power apparatus to the AC power source when the battery level is below this threshold.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent contains three independent claims: Claim 1, Claim 15, and Claim 20.

• Claim 1: Inductive Battery Charging System (Hardware-focused)
  This claim describes a system for wirelessly charging a battery. It includes:

  1. A connection module that can tell when a "target device" (like a phone or laptop) is connected to an "inductive power apparatus" (the charging pad).
  2. A monitoring module that checks if the target device's battery charge level is too low (below a "charging threshold"). This monitoring happens while the device is using power from a "supplemental power source" (which could be the device's own battery, a charger battery, a capacitor, or another inductive charger).
  3. An activation module that automatically connects the inductive power apparatus to a wall outlet (alternating current power source) when the target device battery's power level drops below the charging threshold.
  4. A separation module that automatically disconnects the inductive power apparatus from the wall outlet when the target device battery reaches a desired charge level.
     The inductive power apparatus itself includes a transformer, a rectification circuit, and a voltage regulation circuit. The separation module specifically uses an opto-coupled relay. The system's monitoring module includes a processor and a battery monitor, both located within the target device, to assess the battery's power level. The connection module further incorporates a sense feedback loop and an input buffer to detect when the target device is connected. An interrupt controller generates a signal based on this feedback, and an output buffer or USB module uses an "engage signal" to control the connection state of the inductive power apparatus to the AC source. A bypass module can also be included to manually start a charging sequence.

• Claim 15: Inductive Battery Charging Method (Process-focused)
  This claim outlines a method for wirelessly charging a battery, focusing on the steps involved:

  1. Identifying coupling: Determining if a target device is connected to an inductive power charging apparatus.
  2. Determining low power: Checking if the target device's battery power level is below a specific "lower charging threshold" while the device is running on a "supplemental power source."
  3. Automatic engagement: Automatically connecting the inductive power apparatus to an AC power source when that lower battery power threshold is met.
  4. Automatic decoupling: Automatically disconnecting the inductive power apparatus from the AC power source when the battery reaches a desired charge level.
     The inductive power apparatus includes a transformer, rectification circuit, and voltage regulation circuit. The method also involves deactivating a solid-state relay (like an opto-coupled relay) in the inductive power apparatus when the device and apparatus are disconnected. The battery's power level is determined by a processor and a battery monitor, which are physically part of the target device. The coupling detection uses a sense feedback loop to receive a feedback signal via an input buffer, which then generates an interrupt signal to adapt the coupling state.

• Claim 20: Inductive Battery Charging System (Refined Hardware-focused)
  This claim describes another system, similar to Claim 1 but with slightly different emphasis:

  1. A connection module to confirm if a target device (specifically a mobile device) is connected to an inductive power apparatus (which includes a transformer).
  2. A sense feedback loop within the connection module to identify if the target device is coupled to an AC power source using a feedback signal or power transmitted from the AC source to the target device.
  3. A monitoring module to detect if the target device battery is below a charging threshold while powered by a supplemental source. This module includes a battery monitor and a processor (both coupled to the target device) to evaluate the battery's power level against the threshold.
  4. An activation module to automatically connect the target device and the AC power source via the inductive power apparatus when the battery falls below the charging threshold.
  5. A separation module to automatically disconnect the target device and the AC power source when a desired charging state is detected by the monitoring module. This separation module can use an opto-coupled relay or an electromechanical relay.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return any specific cases scheduled or filed involving patent number US8358103.