Patents Assigned to Liquid Robotics Inc.
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Patent number: 11731698Abstract: Navigation of a solar vehicle is provided by obtaining a target geographic destination for the vehicle having one or more photovoltaic solar arrays; obtaining configuration data defining a target solar vector relative to a reference frame of the vehicle; identifying a current geographic positioning of the vehicle via a geo-positioning system of the vehicle, including a current geographic location and a current geographic orientation of the vehicle; identifying a current solar vector relative to the reference frame of the vehicle; and during at least a portion of a solar day, outputting a steering command for the vehicle for an indirect path from the current geographic location toward the target geographic destination that is based, at least in part, on a comparison of the current solar vector to the target solar vector. The steering command can be presented to a human operator or programmatically implemented by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Christopher David Cencula
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Patent number: 11685494Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
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Patent number: 11609280Abstract: A method of detecting a leakage path in an electronic device includes iteratively performing operations until an iteration condition is satisfied. The operations include causing a capacitor to be set to a known state, measuring a voltage level of the capacitor, and storing data indicating the measured voltage level. The operations also include causing the capacitor to be connected to a potential leakage path, remeasuring the voltage level of the capacitor, and storing data indicating the remeasured voltage level. The operations further include comparing the measured voltage level and the remeasured voltage level to detect leakage in the potential leakage path. The iteration condition is satisfied when a difference between the measured voltage level and the remeasured voltage level satisfies a voltage threshold or when a count of iterations performed satisfies an iteration threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Christopher D. Cencula, Casper G. Otten
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Patent number: 11453466Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Patent number: 11192621Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Publication number: 20210269135Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
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Patent number: 11027810Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
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Patent number: 10913523Abstract: An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: John M. Brennan, Casper G. Otten, David B. Walker, Timothy James Ong, Daniel Peter Moroni
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Publication number: 20200283104Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Publication number: 20200172218Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Patent number: 10640180Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Patent number: 10549832Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Publication number: 20190359305Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
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Patent number: 10315746Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
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Publication number: 20190118920Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Joseph D. Rizzi, Kurt A.F. Kiesow, Robert Burcham, William A. Stutz
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Patent number: 10150545Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Joseph D. Rizzi, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, Robert Burcham, William A. Stutz
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Patent number: 10150546Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Publication number: 20180297681Abstract: An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.Inventors: John M. Brennan, Casper G. Otten, David B. Walker, Timothy James Ong, Daniel Peter Moroni
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Patent number: 10041466Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a) a first component which is a float that travels on or near the water surface; b) a second component which is wave actuated and travels below the first component; and c) a means whereby the first component engages the second component and/or the second component engages the first component; wherein the engagement means provides lateral support of one component for the other, and thereby minimizes lateral movement of one against the other when the components are fitted together.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
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Patent number: 10005535Abstract: An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: John M. Brennan, Casper G. Otten, David B. Walker, Timothy James Ong, Daniel Peter Moroni