Wireless Chargers for Furniture Wins FCC Approval
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A sample wireless charging station from an industry standards organization.

Furniture with wireless chargers built in could see expanded application as the FCC approves use of the devices. Resonant products allow users to wirelessly charge their smart phones, tablets, laptops and other mobile devices without the need for "plugging-in" to a wall or other power outlet.

Gill Electronics says its TesLink wireless products has received Federal Communications Commission certification, the first wireless charging products based on the A4WP/Rezence standard. Gill products already had been certified to other regulatory requirements for use elsewhere around the world, including Europe and Asia.

Gill debuted TesLink, its first commercially available wireless chargers through surface transmitters, at NeoCon 2014. Its TesLink branded transmitter was the first resonant technology product to be commercially available; offering higher power transmitters delivering 16W of power. Its next generation is expected to deliver up to 50W of power, Gill Electronics says.

 

Wireless charging means the device can simply be laid down on the charging area, and allows multiple devices to charge simultaneously.

And while first generation wireless charging required placement of the device on a specific location on the surface, resonant-based devices can be placed anywhere within the charging area. They also have the ability to charge devices with different power requirements and different power states on the same area at the same time (i.e. a wearable device, smart phone, tablet and/or laptop).

Gill says it is working in partnership with other market leaders to deploy products into the automotive, furniture, consumer electronics, and medical markets. 

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.