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Wireless Power Gets A Boost

srizah writes "At CES, Las Vegas, two companies — Arizona-based WildCharge and Michigan-based Fulton have demonstrated what are very different ways to charge gadgets sans wires. "

5 of 102 comments (clear)

  1. Re:it's not wireless chumps by milo_a_wagner · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Anything 'not using wires' to connect the devices/power sources/network/whatever is 'wireless'. You're using a stipulative definition of wireless, I think. Not sure.

    What do others think?

    Wiki: The term wireless is normally used to refer to any type of electrical or electronic operation which is accomplished without the use of a "hard wired" connection.

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  2. Re:I, for one ... by rahlquist · · Score: 5, Informative

    Its been in limited use for years in Electric toothbrushes and its relatively safe. If you understand how inductance and transformers work then you've got more than half the understanding.

    From Wikipedia "A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy from one circuit to another by magnetic coupling with no moving parts. A transformer comprises two or more coupled windings, or a single tapped winding and, in most cases, a magnetic core to concentrate magnetic flux. A changing current in one winding creates a time-varying magnetic flux in the core, which induces a voltage in the other windings."

    Think of these devices as each the charging base and the unit to be charged having half the transformer, bring them into proximity of each other and they begin to work. Ok its an over simplification but thats the basics.

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  3. Microwave power transmission by dino213b · · Score: 5, Interesting

    (Or MPT) is an actual working technology already in use - I seem to recall a small experimental, remotely controlled, airplane that was powered this way. A ground microwave dish followed it as it moved across the sky and that powered the motors and other scientific experiments. On the other hand, a stationary object such as a cell phone shouldn't have a problem being powered in a dedicated recharge zone (such as a counter or shelf that would be designated as a human-unsafe area). Wikipedia claims that power transmission efficiencies and radiation are mostly negligible -- if so, does that mean that we should be going after it or is there inherent danger to the process?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_power_trans mission

  4. Re:it's not wireless chumps by binaryspiral · · Score: 4, Informative

    Cheesy Induction ploy, if you have to place it on or in the proximity of a device
    you may as well have wires.


    Induction is a good thing, maybe a bit cheesy at its inception - but wait until it matures. I had a watch that was charged using induction, it allowed it to recharge without having a connection or contacts exposed.

    If this technology improves, it could become very useful.

    For example, power induction systems below road surfaces for hybrid and electric vehicles. Cell phone holders in cars that charge without any contacts to become tarnished or bent.

    I don't see it replacing all hardwired or contact based connections, but it would be a welcomed addition to many devices that are designed for severe duty.

  5. Re:wireless phones by Amouth · · Score: 4, Funny

    "blow people's minds."

    is that in the make people amazed of new tech way or the hey ya'll watch this, with a tesla coil in the garage way?

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