Inductor devices – Separable
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-22
2001-07-31
Easthom, Karl D. (Department: 2832)
Inductor devices
Separable
C336S212000, C336S083000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268785
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to energy transfer devices, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for transferring energy across a connectorless interface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Power and data interfaces are widely used in many devices to transfer data and power from an external source. These interfaces are particularly desirable for use with devices that are stored for a period of time and need to be activated quickly. An example of such a device is a missile used in combat operations.
A data interface may be used to download data, such as crypto keys for the missile's Global Positioning System (“GPS”), prior to deployment. The data is downloaded quickly in order to launch the missiles at a rapid rate. Further, each missile is initialized with the GPS keys prior to launch so that the keys may be scrambled to evade electronic counter measures. The downloaded key data then may be used in decoding the GPS signals received from satellites in guiding the missile to its target.
Electronic circuitry on the missile may be connected to a chemical battery that is ignited immediately prior to the missile's deployment. The battery supplies power to the GPS circuitry and other devices. In igniting the battery, chemicals are mixed and/or combined to provide power. Thus, the battery may be dormant until it is activated. This allows a longer shelf life for the battery and the missile electronics.
Interfaces have been provided that ignite the battery and download data into a secondary device, such as a missile. Devices that utilize electrical connections and/or mechanical connections are not reliable in harsh environments associated with military operations. The operability of these connectors may be affected by dirt, hydraulic fluid, salt, moisture, and other contaminates. Further, electrical and mechanical connectors may require accurate alignment between the two assemblies that are being interfaced. Slip rings have been incorporated to avoid the need for connectors. Slip rings, however, are susceptible to corrosion and have reliability problems in harsh environments. Other devices have utilized an inductive coupling system without magnetic cores, but, without the magnetic cores, no significant power may be transferred, and the data transfer rate is restricted to 1 KHz. Air core transformers also have been utilized as connectorless interfaces. Air core transformers also transfer data and power at a rate slower than that desired for high speed operations, such as missile deployments. Moreover, power and data are not able to transfer across the interface in adequate amounts. Thus, these techniques are susceptible to reliability problems in harsh environments and corrosion, or do not provide a data and power transfer capability required to perform high speed operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a method for transferring energy across a connectorless interface with an increased power and transfer rate without being susceptible to the conditions of harsh environments. In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for transferring energy across a connectorless interface is provided that substantially eliminates and reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with conventional energy transfer operations.
An apparatus for transferring power and data is disclosed. The apparatus has a primary transfer device that includes a primary power transformer having a set of windings, and a primary data transformer also having a set of windings. The apparatus also has a secondary transfer device that includes a secondary power transformer having a set of windings, and a secondary data transformer also having set of windings. The secondary transfer device is disposed proximate to the primary transfer device such that the set of windings in the secondary power transformer is generally concentric with the set of windings of the primary data transformer, and the set of windings in the secondary data transformer is generally concentric with the set of windings in the primary data transformer.
In another embodiment a method for transferring power and data in accordance with the present invention comprises four steps. The first step comprises receiving a secondary transfer device in a primary transfer device. The second step comprises loading power from a primary power transformer, having a set of windings and a magnetic core in the primary transfer device, to a secondary power transformer having a set of windings and a magnetic core on the secondary transfer device. The windings of the secondary power transformer are positioned generally concentric to the windings of the primary power transformer. The third step comprises loading data from a primary data transformer, having a set of windings in a magnetic core in the primary transfer device, to a secondary data transformer, having the set of windings in a magnetic core on the secondary transfer device. The windings of the secondary data transformer are positioned generally concentric to the windings of the primary data transformer. The fourth step comprises removing the secondary transfer device from the primary transfer device after power and data has been transferred.
A technical advantage of the present invention is that an apparatus and method for transferring energy across a connectorless interface is provided. Another technical advantage is that power and data may be transferred without physical connections. Another technical advantage is that energy may be transferred in harsh environmental conditions. Another technical advantage is that devices may receive power and data in a rapid manner.
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International Search Report dated May 15, 2000 for International Application No. PCT/US99/30518.
Kollman Robert
Sorge Jeff
Baker Bott L.L.P.
Easthom Karl D.
Mai Anh
Raytheon Company
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