Patents by Inventor Bartholomew P. Hogan

Bartholomew P. Hogan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9963939
    Abstract: An optically powered system for rapid, focused heating and melting of water ice. The optical wavelength is chosen to fall in a range where transmissivity through liquid water is higher than through ice. An alternative embodiment of the invention further comprises a length of fiber optic tether between source and output to allow for motion of the melt head. A further embodiment includes probing the ice using various sensing modalities exploiting the presence of the fiber in the ice, searching for biomarkers and characterizing the radiation/light environment for subsurface habitability, including photosynthetic potential and radiation environment as a source for energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Stone Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Bartholomew P. Hogan, William C. Stone
  • Patent number: 9869819
    Abstract: An optical energy transfer and conversion system comprising a fiber spooler and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the spooler with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy. The fiber spooler may reside on the remote mobility platform which may be a vehicle, or apparatus that is either self-propelled or is carried by a secondary mobility platform either on land, under the sea, in the air or in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Stone Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20170370154
    Abstract: An optically powered system for rapid, focused heating and melting of water ice. The optical wavelength is chosen to fall in a range where transmissivity through liquid water is higher than through ice. An alternative embodiment of the invention further comprises a length of fiber optic tether between source and output to allow for motion of the melt head. A further embodiment includes probing the ice using various sensing modalities exploiting the presence of the fiber in the ice, searching for biomarkers and characterizing the radiation/light environment for subsurface habitability, including photosynthetic potential and radiation environment as a source for energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Bartholomew P. Hogan, William C. Stone
  • Patent number: 9850711
    Abstract: An autonomous laser-powered vehicle designed to autonomously penetrate through ice caps of substantial (e.g., kilometers) thickness by melting a path ahead of the vehicle as it descends. A high powered laser beam is transmitted to the vehicle via an onboard bare fiber spooler. After the beam enters through the dispersion optics, the beam expands into a cavity. A radiation shield limits backscatter radiation from heating the optics. The expanded beam enters the heat exchanger and is reflected by a dispersion mirror. Forward-facing beveled circular grooves absorb the reflected radiant energy preventing the energy from being reflected back towards the optics. Microchannels along the inner circumference of the beam dump heat exchanger maximize heat transfer. Sufficient amount of fiber is wound on the fiber spooler to permit not only a descent but also to permit a sample return mission by inverting the vehicle and melting its way back to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Stone Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20170211328
    Abstract: An autonomous laser-powered vehicle designed to autonomously penetrate through ice caps of substantial (e.g., kilometers) thickness by melting a path ahead of the vehicle as it descends. A high powered laser beam is transmitted to the vehicle via an onboard bare fiber spooler. After the beam enters through the dispersion optics, the beam expands into a cavity. A radiation shield limits backscatter radiation from heating the optics. The expanded beam enters the heat exchanger and is reflected by a dispersion mirror. Forward-facing beveled circular grooves absorb the reflected radiant energy preventing the energy from being reflected back towards the optics. Microchannels along the inner circumference of the beam dump heat exchanger maximize heat transfer. Sufficient amount of fiber is wound on the fiber spooler to permit not only a descent but also to permit a sample return mission by inverting the vehicle and melting its way back to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9383520
    Abstract: An optical power transfer system for powering a remote mobility system for multiple missions comprising a high power source and a chilling station connected to a laser source. The laser source transmits a high optical energy to a beam switch assembly via an optical fiber. The beam switch assembly is optically connected to actively cooled fiber spoolers. Docking stations are adapted for securing the fiber spoolers until alternatively ready for use by a remote mobility system. The remote mobility system is optically connected to the fiber spoolers and has a receiving port adapted for securing the fiber spoolers thereon. The fiber spooler transmits the optical energy to a power conversion system which converts the optical energy received to another usable form of energy. More than one power source may be used where the remote mobility system transfers from one source to another while maintaining an operational radius to each source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Piedra-Sombra Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20150357868
    Abstract: An optical energy transfer and conversion system comprising a fiber spooler and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the spooler with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy. The fiber spooler may reside on the remote mobility platform which may be a vehicle, or apparatus that is either self-propelled or is carried by a secondary mobility platform either on land, under the sea, in the air or in space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Piedra-Sombra Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20150256034
    Abstract: An optical power transfer system for powering a remote mobility system for multiple missions comprising a high power source and a chilling station connected to a laser source. The laser source transmits a high optical energy to a beam switch assembly via an optical fiber. The beam switch assembly is optically connected to actively cooled fiber spoolers. Docking stations are adapted for securing the fiber spoolers until alternatively ready for use by a remote mobility system. The remote mobility system is optically connected to the fiber spoolers and has a receiving port adapted for securing the fiber spoolers thereon. The fiber spooler transmits the optical energy to a power conversion system which converts the optical energy received to another usable form of energy. More than one power source may be used where the remote mobility system transfers from one source to another while maintaining an operational radius to each source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: PIEDRA-SOMBRA CORPORATION, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20150253513
    Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint for use in an optical power transfer system. The fiber optic rotary joint comprising a first housing element and a second housing element rotatable with respect to the first housing element. The first and second housing elements define a chamber. Optical connectors are disposed through the housing elements and have a beam expansion block positioned in the chamber. A laser is optically connected with the fiber optic rotary joint and transmits optical energy therethrough. Collimating optics aligned with the beam expansion blocks are orientated to direct the received optical energy to a position. The optical connectors and housing elements define a continuous coolant communication path with a coolant inlet and outlet. A rotary water coupling traverses through the housing elements. In an alternative embodiment, the fiber optic rotary joint also contains an actively cooled mirror positioned optically between the collimating optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: PIEDRA-SOMBRA CORPORATION, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20150256033
    Abstract: An optical power transfer system for launching a spacecraft into low Earth orbit comprising a ground-based laser power generation station and a launch vehicle optically connected thereto. The generation station is capable of generating high optical power in the range of kilowatts to tens of megawatts and transferring the optical power generated to a launch vehicle to generate thrust. The generation station comprises a high power source, a chilling station, a laser, optical fiber, and at least one coupler. The launch vehicle comprises an actively cooled fiber spooler mounted thereon with a length of fiber for transmission of high optical energy circumscribing at least part thereof. The launch vehicle also contains a working fluid and fluid reservoir, a thruster assembly, an air intake and a storage chamber. In alternative embodiments, the launch vehicle may contain a beam switch assembly, multiple fiber spoolers and multiple thruster assemblies wherein at least one thruster assembly is gimbaled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Piedra-Sombra Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9090315
    Abstract: An optical power transfer system comprising a fiber spooler, a fiber optic rotary joint mechanically connected to the fiber spooler, and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the fiber optic rotary joint with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, through the rotary joint, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Piedra—Sombra Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20150034144
    Abstract: A power conversion system for converting optical energy received from a fiber optic line to electrical energy, the system comprises a housing, a heat sink within the housing, a high power connector coupled to the line and having an end positioned within the housing, beam forming optics within the interior space positioned proximal to the connector, and a partially spherical end array and annular arrays of photovoltaic chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Piedra - Sombra Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Patent number: 8220408
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20090031940
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20040040180
    Abstract: This invention is a full energy return shoe. It comprises various embodiments of a “full energy return” linkage attached to upper and lower sole plates along their full lengths. This linkage constrains relative motion of the upper and lower plates by limiting or eliminating relative tilting and by controlling or eliminating relative longitudinal motion. These constraints result in foot impact energy being stored in springs irregardless of whether the force acts on the front or rear of the sole. That is, both toe and heel impact energy are used or returned during toe-off. These spring are coupled to links or vertices of the linkage and are designed to achieve an optimal ground reaction force curve of the shoe on the ground—varying from linear to constant curves. Useful features include a push-off frame to allow heel lift and a flex-rigger to prevent sprained ankles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. Rennex, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20020094919
    Abstract: This invention, referred to as an Energy-Efficient Running Aid, relates to passive (spring-actuated) running/walking aids for ortheses, prostheses, and robots—to allow faster running using less energy. The full invention is an leg ortheses or an energy-efficient running brace. It is a running brace which acts in parallel with a runner's leg to support the runner during stance phase and to capture all foot-impact energy, preferably with the optimal constant-force curve, for use to thrust said runner back into the air during toe-off. Novel structural elements include a hyper-extending knee-lock, a variable-angle knee-lock, a kneeless adjustable-length brace, a self-guiding/constant force bow spring, a pulley-based/constant-force bow spring, a asymmetric brace foot, a load-tightening full harness, and a means to guarantee lock release at toe-off. The running brace eliminates impact injuries by absorbing the impact energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Brain G. Rennex, Bartholomew P. Hogan
  • Patent number: RE46054
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Piedra—Sombra Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Stone, Bartholomew P. Hogan