Vampire Labs, LLC, a non-practicing entity, has initiated litigation against tech giants Apple Inc. and Anker Innovations Ltd., alleging infringement of US8358103B2. This patent, integral to Vampire Labs’ portfolio, addresses innovative methods to mitigate “vampire energy loss” in wireless inductive battery chargers.
In simple terms, “vampire energy loss” refers to the power consumed by electronic devices even when they are not actively in use, leading to unnecessary energy waste. US8358103B2 proposes a solution by introducing an inductive charging system that automatically connects to an alternating current (AC) power source when a device’s battery is low and disconnects once the battery is sufficiently charged.
Understanding the relevance of relevant patents is crucial in patent litigation, as it can determine the validity of a patent’s claims. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool plays a pivotal role in identifying existing patents and publications that may challenge the novelty of US8358103B2. By leveraging GPS, stakeholders can uncover related patents that might impact the outcomes of these litigations.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of US8358103B2 and explore potentially related patent references that could influence these legal proceedings.
Understanding Patent US8358103B2
US8358103B2, assigned to Vampire Labs, LLC, covers an automatic coupling system for inductive battery charging. The patent aims to reduce “vampire energy loss,” which occurs when power is wasted in electronic devices even when they are not actively used. The invention introduces an intelligent inductive charging system that only connects to a power source when necessary and disconnects once charging is complete.
Source: US8358103B2
Its four key features are:
#1. Smart connection module – Detects when a device is placed on the charging pad.
#2. Battery monitoring module – Continuously checks if the battery level drops below a set threshold.
#3. Automatic activation module – Engages the power source only when the device needs charging.
#4. Separation module – Automatically disconnects from the power source to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
Vampire Labs, a non-practicing entity, has sued Apple Inc. and Anker Innovations Ltd., alleging that their wireless charging technologies infringe on US8358103B2. The lawsuit likely targets modern wireless charging solutions that use inductive power transfer, especially those featuring smart charging activation and energy-efficient power management. If related patents can prove that similar technology existed before US8358103B2’s priority date, the patent’s claims may be weakened, impacting the outcome of the litigation.
Related Patent Reference for US8358103B2
#1. CN1222044A
This patent, filed on October 29, 1998, describes a radio selective-calling receiver with a rechargeable battery system. It includes a low-voltage detection circuit that monitors battery output and stops operation when the voltage drops below a certain level. Additionally, it features a DC/DC converter that manages power distribution within the system.
Source: CN1222044A
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Battery monitoring system – The reference describes a low-voltage detection circuit that monitors battery output and stops operation when it falls below a predefined level. This partially aligns with the battery monitoring module of US8358103B2.
- Voltage regulation and rectification circuit – The patent includes a rectification circuit and a voltage regulation circuit using a DC/DC converter, which matches key elements of US8358103B2.
- Transformer for inductive power generation – The reference mentions a transformer, which could potentially be used for inductive current generation, though it does not explicitly state inductive charging.
- No automatic inductive coupling or decoupling – The patent does not disclose an automatic connection module, an activation module, or a separation module that actively couples or decouples the power source when charging thresholds are met.
Which features of US8358103B2 are disclosed by CN1222044A?
| Key feature of claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| A monitoring module determines when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source | Partially disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a transformer for inductive current generation | Partially disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a rectification circuit | Fully disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a voltage regulation circuit | Fully disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CN1222044A:
“The low voltage detection circuit monitors the rechargeable battery output voltage. When the voltage falls below the preset threshold, the system ceases operations to conserve power. The DC/DC converter ensures stable power regulation to maintain efficient battery performance.”
#2. CN101657782B
This patent, filed on March 7, 2008, describes a multi-battery charging system and method designed for computing devices. The system includes a charging controller that determines the charge level of internal and external batteries, manages power distribution, and decides which battery needs charging.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Connection module for device coupling – The reference describes a charging controller that determines whether a computing device is coupled to a docking station, similar to how an inductive power apparatus detects when a device is placed on a charging pad. However, it does not explicitly mention an inductive power apparatus.
- Battery monitoring functionality – The system monitors the charge level of internal and external batteries and decides which one requires charging. This partially aligns with the monitoring module in US8358103B2, though it does not explicitly mention monitoring a battery while using power from a supplemental power source.
- No automatic inductive coupling or decoupling – The patent does not disclose an activation module that automatically couples the inductive power apparatus to an AC power source or a separation module that decouples it when the battery is fully charged.
- Voltage regulation capabilities – The reference describes power regulators and conditioners, which may include voltage regulation functionality, but it does not explicitly disclose a voltage regulation circuit within an inductive power apparatus.
Which features of US8358103B2 are disclosed by CN101657782B?
| A connection module determines when a target device is coupled to an inductive power apparatus. | Disclosure status |
| A connection module determines when a target device is coupled to an inductive power apparatus | Partially disclosed |
| A monitoring module determines when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source | Partially disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a voltage regulation circuit | Partially disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CN101657782B:
“The charging controller determines whether the computing device is coupled to the docking station by detecting the presence or absence of a signal. The system monitors the charge levels of internal and external batteries and directs power accordingly to ensure efficient energy management.”
#3. US5239495A
This patent, filed on August 18, 1992, describes a power supply control system for a portable computer. The system includes a power control microprocessor that manages power distribution between an AC adapter and a battery. It also features a status detector that supplies signals representing the charging conditions of the device.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Connection module for device coupling – The reference describes a detector that supplies status signals representing conditions associated with the AC adapter and battery. This partially aligns with the concept of determining when a target device is coupled to a power apparatus.
- Battery monitoring functionality – The system monitors voltage and current from the AC adapter and battery, similar to a monitoring module. However, it does not explicitly mention determining when a battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source.
- Activation module for charging – The power control microprocessor controls the charge circuit and can initiate charging based on specific conditions. However, it does not explicitly describe automatic coupling of an inductive power apparatus to an AC power source when the battery power is below a charging threshold.
- No automatic inductive coupling or decoupling – The patent does not disclose a separation module that automatically decouples the power apparatus when a desired charging state is reached.
- No mention of inductive components – The reference does not mention a transformer for inductive current generation, a rectification circuit, or a voltage regulation circuit.
Which features of US8358103B2 are disclosed by US5239495A?
| Key feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| A connection module determines when a target device is coupled to an inductive power apparatus | Partially disclosed |
| A monitoring module determines when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source | Partially disclosed |
| An activation module automatically couples the inductive power apparatus to an AC power source when battery power is below the charging threshold | Partially disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US5239495A:
“The power supply control system includes a power control microprocessor that monitors and regulates the charging process by managing power distribution between an AC adapter and a battery. A detector supplies status signals representing conditions associated with the power input and the battery state.”
#4. US5363312A
This patent, filed on March 9, 1993, describes a method and apparatus for battery control in a portable computing system. It features current and voltage detectors that monitor battery charge levels and a controller that determines when charging is needed.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Battery monitoring functionality – The reference describes current and voltage detectors that monitor battery charge levels and determine when charging is needed. However, it does not explicitly disclose monitoring a battery while using power from a supplemental power source.
- Power connection and regulation – The system includes a power supply section with an AC/DC converter and a DC/DC converter. While this suggests power transformation and regulation, it does not explicitly disclose an inductive power apparatus with a rectification circuit.
- No automatic inductive coupling or decoupling – The patent does not disclose an activation module that automatically couples the inductive power apparatus to an AC power source or a separation module that decouples it when the battery is fully charged.
- Limited voltage regulation disclosure – The reference mentions a DC/DC converter, implying voltage regulation, but does not explicitly disclose a voltage regulation circuit within an inductive power apparatus.
This is how feature mapping from the tool looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US8358103B2 are disclosed by US5363312A?
| Key feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a rectification circuit | Partially disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a voltage regulation circuit | Partially disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US5363312A:
“The current detectors detect charge and discharge currents at the battery, and the controller determines when the battery is in a low-charge state. The power supply section includes an AC/DC converter and a DC/DC converter that supplies a predetermined voltage to the system board.”
#5. EP0420645A2
This patent, filed on September 27, 1990, describes an intelligent power supply system for a portable computer. It includes a PC-CPU that monitors battery levels and manages power distribution between an AC adapter and internal batteries. The system determines whether the computer is running on AC power or battery power, and it controls the charging process accordingly.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Connection module for device coupling – The reference describes a PC-CPU that monitors the connection status of batteries and determines whether power is being supplied from the AC adapter. This is partially aligned with the idea of detecting when a target device is coupled to an inductive power apparatus.
- Battery monitoring functionality – The PC-CPU monitors the charge level of batteries and determines if they are in a low charge state. However, it does not explicitly disclose monitoring a battery while using power from a supplemental power source.
- No automatic inductive coupling or decoupling – The reference describes switching to AC adapter power when batteries are in a low charge state, but it does not explicitly mention an activation module that automatically couples an inductive power apparatus to an AC power source. Similarly, the system terminates charging when the battery is full, but does not describe an automatic decoupling mechanism.
- Limited voltage regulation disclosure – The patent mentions a DC/DC converter generating power for the computer system, which could imply voltage regulation, but it does not explicitly disclose a voltage regulation circuit within an inductive power apparatus.
Which features of US8358103B2 are disclosed by EP0420645A2?
| Key feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| A connection module determines when a target device is coupled to an inductive power apparatus | Partially disclosed |
| A monitoring module determines when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source | Partially disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a voltage regulation circuit | Partially disclosed |
Key Excerpt from EP0420645A2:
“If it is discriminated in the aforementioned step S1 that power is coming from the AC adapter, the PC-CPU determines from the content of the internal memory which battery should be charged and charges the battery until it is full. The system switches power sources accordingly to ensure efficient operation.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key feature of claim 1 | CN1222044A | CN101657782B | US5239495A | US5363312A | EP0420645A2 |
| A connection module determines when a target device is coupled to an inductive power apparatus | Not disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed | Not disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| A monitoring module determines when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed | Not disclosed | Partially disclosed |
| An activation module automatically couples the inductive power apparatus to an AC power source when battery power is below the charging threshold | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Partially disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| A separation module automatically decouples the inductive power apparatus from an AC power source when the desired charging state is reached | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| The separation module comprises a relay switch | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a transformer for inductive current generation | Partially disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a rectification circuit | Fully disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Partially disclosed | Not disclosed |
| The inductive power apparatus includes a voltage regulation circuit | Fully disclosed | Partially disclosed | Not disclosed | Partially disclosed | Partially disclosed |
How to Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search
Finding related patents is crucial when evaluating a patent’s validity, especially in litigation cases. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool streamlines this process by providing comprehensive and data-driven insights into potentially relevant prior patents. Here’s how GPS can help:
Search by patent number or description – Instantly retrieve related patents by entering a specific patent number (e.g., US8358103B2) or using relevant keywords describing the invention.
Source: GPS
Leverage feature mapping – Compare key features of the subject patent against a vast database of existing patents, ensuring a structured one-to-one feature analysis.
Review matching results – GPS provides a curated list of relevant patents, allowing users to assess whether key claims are fully, partially, or not disclosed by previous inventions.
Analyze detailed reports – Each related patent includes a feature comparison breakdown, technical excerpts, and legal insights, making it easier to determine potential challenges to a patent’s validity.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
