Patents by Inventor Ben Tarbell
Ben Tarbell 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).
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Patent number: 11919785Abstract: An ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) system that reduces atmospheric CO2 and mitigates ocean acidification by electrochemically processing feedstock solution (e.g., seawater or brine) to generate an alkalinity product that is then supplied to the ocean. The OAE system includes a base-generating device and a control circuit disposed within a modular system housing deployed near a salt feedstock. The base-generating device (e.g., a bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) system) generates a base substance that is then used to generate the ocean alkalinity product. The control circuit controls the base-generating device such that the alkalinity product is supplied to the ocean only when (1) sufficient low/zero-carbon electricity is available, (2) it is safe to operate the base-generating device, and (3) supplying the alkalinity product will not endanger sea life.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ebb Carbon, Inc.Inventors: Todd Pelman, Matthew Eisaman, Ben Tarbell, David Hegeman, Jeremy Loretz
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Publication number: 20230212031Abstract: An ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) system that reduces atmospheric CO2 and mitigates ocean acidification by electrochemically processing feedstock solution (e.g., seawater or brine) to generate an alkalinity product that is then supplied to the ocean. The OAE system includes a base-generating device and a control circuit disposed within a modular system housing deployed near a salt feedstock. The base-generating device (e.g., a bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) system) generates a base substance that is then used to generate the ocean alkalinity product. The control circuit controls the base-generating device such that the alkalinity product is supplied to the ocean only when (1) sufficient low/zero-carbon electricity is available, (2) it is safe to operate the base-generating device, and (3) supplying the alkalinity product will not endanger sea life.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Todd Pelman, Matthew Eisaman, Ben Tarbell, David Hegeman, Jeremy Loretz
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Patent number: 11629067Abstract: An ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) system that reduces atmospheric CO2 and mitigates ocean acidification by electrochemically processing feedstock solution (e.g., seawater or brine) to generate an alkalinity product that is then supplied to the ocean. The OAE system includes a base-generating device and a control circuit disposed within a modular system housing deployed near a salt feedstock. The base-generating device (e.g., a bipolar electrodialysis (BPED) system) generates a base substance that is then used to generate the ocean alkalinity product. The control circuit controls the base-generating device such that the alkalinity product is supplied to the ocean only when (1) sufficient low/zero-carbon electricity is available, (2) it is safe to operate the base-generating device, and (3) supplying the alkalinity product will not endanger sea life.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Ebb Carbon, Inc.Inventors: Todd Pelman, Matthew Eisaman, Ben Tarbell, David Hegeman, Jeremy Loretz
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Publication number: 20180099166Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards fire blocking apparatuses. A fire blocking apparatus for a solar panel is mounted to an underlying mounting surface. The fire blocking apparatus includes a panel support structure sized and shaped to be mounted between a solar panel and the mounting surface thereby supporting and creating a gap between at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface, where at least a portion of the panel support structure comprises a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature such that when the structure is mounted between the solar panel and the mounting surface and heated at or above the predetermined temperature, the panel support structure collapses to reduce the gap between the at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Julian Ryba-White, Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell
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Patent number: 9878188Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards fire blocking apparatuses. A fire blocking apparatus for a solar panel is mounted to an underlying mounting surface. The fire blocking apparatus includes a panel support structure sized and shaped to be mounted between a solar panel and the mounting surface thereby supporting and creating a gap between at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface, where at least a portion of the panel support structure comprises a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature such that when the structure is mounted between the solar panel and the mounting surface and heated at or above the predetermined temperature, the panel support structure collapses to reduce the gap between the at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Julian Ryba-White, Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell
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Publication number: 20160236020Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards fire blocking apparatuses. A fire blocking apparatus for a solar panel is mounted to an underlying mounting surface. The fire blocking apparatus includes a panel support structure sized and shaped to be mounted between a solar panel and the mounting surface thereby supporting and creating a gap between at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface, where at least a portion of the panel support structure comprises a heat or fire sensitive material configured to melt, deform, or warp at a predetermined temperature such that when the structure is mounted between the solar panel and the mounting surface and heated at or above the predetermined temperature, the panel support structure collapses to reduce the gap between the at least a portion of the solar panel and the mounting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Julian Ryba-White, Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell
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Patent number: 9320926Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards fire blocking apparatuses that include fire skirts that extend off edges of solar panels installed on roofs. The fire skirts are configured to block the gap between a solar panel and the roof surface on which it is installed to prevent or suppress the ignition for spreading of fire underneath the solar panel. Some of the fire skirts are heat or fire sensitive and are configured to the melt, deform, or otherwise be altered upon the application of a threshold temperature such that the fire skirts block the gap between the solar panel and the roof surface. Other embodiments are directed towards fire skirts that include a solar panel mounting surface and a shelf surface configured to accommodate ballast or fasteners to affix the solar panel to the roof surface. Such embodiments can be formed from pre-scored or pre-folded sheet materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Julian Ryba-White, Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell
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Publication number: 20160056319Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell, and a collector-connector which is configured to collect current from the first photovoltaic cell and to electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell with the second photovoltaic cell. The collector-connector may include an electrically insulating carrier and at least one electrical conductor which electrically connects the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Applicant: Apollo Precision Fujian LimitedInventors: Bruce HACHTMANN, Shefali CHANDRA, Puthur PAULSON, William SANDERS, Ben TARBELL
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Patent number: 8784130Abstract: The present invention includes a back feed meter adapter having one or more electrical sockets disposed of the exterior surface for accepting a plug from an alternative electrical power generator in installations that include an existing electrical utility service panel. The sockets of the back feed meter can be rotated relative to the internal couplers such that it can be easily positioned relative to the back feed connections coming from the alternative electrical power generator. The back feed meter adapter can also include an electrical switch for coupling/decoupling the electrical sockets from the electrical meter, the electrical service panel, or the electrical power utility grid to which the back feed meter adapter is coupled. The back feed meter adapter can include a window for visual confirmation of the electrical switch state. Various functionality of the back feed meter adapter can be monitored or controlled via a wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Solarcity CorporationInventors: Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell, Julian Ryba-White, Peter Rive, Eric Carlson
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Publication number: 20140127935Abstract: The present invention includes a back feed meter adapter having one or more electrical sockets disposed of the exterior surface for accepting a plug from an alternative electrical power generator in installations that include an existing electrical utility service panel. The sockets of the back feed meter can be rotated relative to the internal couplers such that it can be easily positioned relative to the back feed connections coming from the alternative electrical power generator. The back feed meter adapter can also include an electrical switch for coupling/decoupling the electrical sockets from the electrical meter, the electrical service panel, or the electrical power utility grid to which the back feed meter adapter is coupled. The back feed meter adapter can include a window for visual confirmation of the electrical switch state. Various functionality of the back feed meter adapter can be monitored or controlled via a wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: SOLARCITY CORPORATIONInventors: Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell, Julian Ryba-White, Peter Rive, Eric Carlson
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Patent number: 8697980Abstract: One photovoltaic module has a plurality of photovoltaic cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, a collector-connector configured to collect a current from the first photovoltaic cell and electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell and at least one diode configured to bypass at least one of the photovoltaic cells. Another photovoltaic module has a plurality of cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, such that the first photovoltaic cell contains an active portion and a shaded portion, that is configured as a diode bypassing the second photovoltaic cell. Methods of making photovoltaic modules that incorporate bypass diodes are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Hanergy Holding Group Ltd.Inventors: Puthur Paulson, William Sanders, Ben Tarbell
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Publication number: 20140000916Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards fire blocking apparatuses that include fire skirts that extend off edges of solar panels installed on roofs. The fire skirts are configured to block the gap between a solar panel and the roof surface on which it is installed to prevent or suppress the ignition for spreading of fire underneath the solar panel. Some of the fire skirts are heat or fire sensitive and are configured to the melt, deform, or otherwise be altered upon the application of a threshold temperature such that the fire skirts block the gap between the solar panel and the roof surface. Other embodiments are directed towards fire skirts that include a solar panel mounting surface and a shelf surface configured to accommodate ballast or fasteners to affix the solar panel to the roof surface. Such embodiments can be formed from pre-scored or pre-folded sheet materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: SOLARCITY CORPORATIONInventors: Julian Ryba-White, Damien Scott, Ben Tarbell
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Publication number: 20120323635Abstract: A sales method provides for the demonstration, performance forecasting, financing, leasing, renting, power purchase agreement, tax-advantages, and group benefits of complete renewable energy systems. Even before a sales call is attempted, a system integrator has arranged a special group of lenders and investors that will fund any project initiated, has engaged credit services to check consumer credit files, has collected operational data from a number of its own systems, has created forecast models of performance, and arranged open-membership groups to which a new user can join immediately to share in collective bargaining with utilities, spread down-time risk and expense, utilize tax incentives, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SOLARCITY CORPORATIONInventors: David Arfin, Michael Niver, Ben Tarbell
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Patent number: 8249902Abstract: A sales method provides for the demonstration, performance forecasting, financing, leasing, renting, power purchase agreement, tax-advantages, and group benefits of complete renewable energy systems. Even before a sales call is attempted, a system integrator has arranged a special group of lenders and investors that will fund any project initiated, has engaged credit services to check consumer credit files, has collected operational data from a number of its own systems, has created forecast models of performance, and arranged open-membership groups to which a new user can join immediately to share in collective bargaining with utilities, spread down-time risk and expense, utilize tax incentives, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Solarcity CorporationInventors: David Arfin, Michael Niver, Ben Tarbell
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Publication number: 20110173110Abstract: A renewable energy monitoring system collects streams of informational reports from remote renewable energy systems. It separates the data streams by client, and client identification, in order to template such data streams onto models of clients' equipment configurations and topologies. The system sorts and groups client data by categories, so workstations can be employed to access statistics, monitor operational flags, initiate/display reports, and control system operations. Particular client/user information is accumulated and assembled on a per account basis to issue client statements, revenue checks, invoices, and controls, wherein, headquarters workstations can be used to access single-client statistics, monitor operational flags, initiate/display reports, and engage payables, receivables, and general ledger accounting operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: SOLARCITY CORPORATIONInventors: Ben TARBELL, Peter RIVE, Chebar Ivan COOPER, Roland POKLEMBA, Nelson David HO
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Publication number: 20110108087Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: MiaSoleInventors: Steven Croft, Randy Dorn, Ilan Gur, Bruce Hachtmann, Dennis Hollars, Shefali Jaiswal, Puthur Paulson, David Pearce, Kannan Ramanathan, William Sanders, Ben Tarbell
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Patent number: 7925552Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a renewable energy system monitor. In one embodiment, information is received in a server from solar power stations across a network. The information includes operational data for each solar power station identified by a particular power station identification (ID). The information is stored in a database and grouped data groups corresponding different solar power stations. Data groups are processed using different models associated with different power stations to control the different power stations. Software or parameters may be sent to different devices in the different power stations to control the power stations.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Ben Tarbell, Peter Rive, Chebar Ivan Cooper, Roland Poklemba, Nelson David Ho
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Patent number: 7797883Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Ben Tarbell, Christine Concho, Soren Jensen, Zack Ardell-Smith
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Publication number: 20100170163Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Ben Tarbell, Christine Concho, Soren Jensen, Zack Ardell-Smith
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Publication number: 20100057480Abstract: Energy services business methods gather up many small pieces of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, and controllable energy demand reductions en a grid, and present all that in a unified interface to a power utility. The individual constituents benefit from collective bargaining with, a large utility, and can receive energy discounts, rebates, and bonuses for their participation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: David Arfin, Ben Tarbell, Peter Rive