Patents by Inventor Charles W. Van Neste

Charles W. Van Neste 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).

  • Publication number: 20220140917
    Abstract: A system for transmitting electrical signals through a terrestrial body, the terrestrial body having an upper surface, may include a transmitter. The transmitter may include a first electrode positioned proximate the upper surface of the terrestrial body and at least one second electrode positioned beneath the upper surface of the terrestrial body and spaced from the first electrode. The system may include a power source operable to supply power to the first electrode and the at least one second electrode. The system may include a receiver assembly spaced away from the transmitter. When power is supplied to the transmitter, the transmitter may be operable to propagate an electric non-linear wave signal through the terrestrial body. The receiver assembly may be operable to detect the electric non-linear wave signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventor: Charles W. Van Neste
  • Patent number: 8378286
    Abstract: Provided are improvements to photo detecting devices and methods for enhancing the sensitivity of photo detecting devices. A photo detecting device generates an electronic signal in response to a received light pulse. An electro-mechanical acoustic resonator, electrically coupled to the photo detecting device, damps the electronic signal and increases the signal noise ratio (SNR) of the electronic signal. Increased photo detector standoff distances and sensitivities will result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Lawrence R. Senesac, Charles W. Van Neste
  • Publication number: 20120280589
    Abstract: A multi-winding homopolar electric machine and method for converting between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The electric machine includes a shaft defining an axis of rotation, first and second magnets, a shielding portion, and a conductor. First and second magnets are coaxial with the shaft and include a charged pole surface and an oppositely charged pole surface, the charged pole surfaces facing one another to form a repulsive field therebetween. The shield portion extends between the magnets to confine at least a portion of the repulsive field to between the first and second magnets. The conductor extends between first and second end contacts and is toroidally coiled about the first and second magnets and the shield portion to develop a voltage across the first and second end contacts in response to rotation of the electric machine about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Van Neste
  • Patent number: 8288910
    Abstract: A multi-winding homopolar electric machine and method for converting between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The electric machine includes a shaft defining an axis of rotation, first and second magnets, a shielding portion, and a conductor. First and second magnets are coaxial with the shaft and include a charged pole surface and an oppositely charged pole surface, the charged pole surfaces facing one another to form a repulsive field therebetween. The shield portion extends between the magnets to confine at least a portion of the repulsive field to between the first and second magnets. The conductor extends between first and second end contacts and is toroidally coiled about the first and second magnets and the shield portion to develop a voltage across the first and second end contacts in response to rotation of the electric machine about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Van Neste
  • Patent number: 8247942
    Abstract: A multi-winding homopolar electric machine and method for converting between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The electric machine includes a shaft defining an axis of rotation, first and second magnets, a shielding portion, and a conductor. First and second magnets are coaxial with the shaft and include a charged pole surface and an oppositely charged pole surface, the charged pole surfaces facing one another to form a repulsive field therebetween. The shield portion extends between the magnets to confine at least a portion of the repulsive field to between the first and second magnets. The conductor extends between first and second end contacts and is toroidally coiled about the first and second magnets and the shield portion to develop a voltage across the first and second end contacts in response to rotation of the electric machine about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Batelle, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Van Neste
  • Patent number: 8194246
    Abstract: A system generates a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source focuses a beam on a target substance disposed on a base. The base supports a cantilever that measures acoustic waves generated as light is absorbed by the target substance. By focusing a chopped/pulsed light beam on the target substance, a range of optical absorbance may be measured as the wavelength of light changes. An identifying spectrum of the target may detected by monitoring the vibration intensity variation of the cantilever as a function of illuminating wavelength or color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battellle, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Gilbert M. Brown, Lawrence R. Senesac
  • Patent number: 8120225
    Abstract: A generator includes a coil disposed about a core. A first stationary magnetic field source may be disposed on a first end portion of the core and a second stationary magnetic field source may be disposed on a second end portion of core. The first and second stationary magnetic field sources apply a stationary magnetic field to the coil. An external magnetic field source may be disposed outside the coil to apply a moving magnetic field to the coil. Electrical energy is generated in response to an interaction between the coil, the moving magnetic field, and the stationary magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Arpad Alexander Vass
  • Publication number: 20120012737
    Abstract: Provided are improvements to photo detecting devices and methods for enhancing the sensitivity of photo detecting devices. A photo detecting device generates an electronic signal in response to a received light pulse. An electro-mechanical acoustic resonator, electrically coupled to the photo detecting device, damps the electronic signal and increases the signal noise ratio (SNR) of the electronic signal. Increased photo detector standoff distances and sensitivities will result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Lawrence R. Senesac, Charles W. Van Neste
  • Publication number: 20120002191
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for standoff spectroscopy of molecules (e.g. from a residue) on a surface from a distance. A source emits radiation that modifies or conditions the residue, such as through photodecomposition. A spectral generating source measures a spectrum of the residue before and after the residue is exposed to the radiation from that source. The two spectra are compared to produce a distinct identification of the residues on the surface or identify certain properties of the residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Marissa E. Morales-Rodriguez, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
  • Patent number: 8089188
    Abstract: A generator includes a coil of conductive material. A stationary magnetic field source applies a stationary magnetic field to the coil. An internal magnetic field source is disposed within a cavity of the coil to apply a moving magnetic field to the coil. The stationary magnetic field interacts with the moving magnetic field to generate an electrical energy in the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Arpad Alexander Vass
  • Publication number: 20110309708
    Abstract: A multi-winding homopolar electric machine and method for converting between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The electric machine includes a shaft defining an axis of rotation, first and second magnets, a shielding portion, and a conductor. First and second magnets are coaxial with the shaft and include a charged pole surface and an oppositely charged pole surface, the charged pole surfaces facing one another to form a repulsive field therebetween. The shield portion extends between the magnets to confine at least a portion of the repulsive field to between the first and second magnets. The conductor extends between first and second end contacts and is toroidally coiled about the first and second magnets and the shield portion to develop a voltage across the first and second end contacts in response to rotation of the electric machine about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Van Neste
  • Patent number: 8080796
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for standoff spectroscopy of molecules (e.g. from a residue) on a surface from a distance. A source emits radiation that modifies or conditions the residue, such as through photodecomposition. A spectral generating source measures a spectrum of the residue before and after the residue is exposed to the radiation from that source. The two spectra are compared to produce a distinct identification of the residues on the surface or identify certain properties of the residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Marissa E. Morales-Rodriguez, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
  • Patent number: 7961313
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source may emit a beam to a target substance coated on a detector that measures acoustic waves generated as a result of a light beam being absorbed by the target substance. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target substance on the detector, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance as the wavelength of light is changed. Rejection may decrease the intensity of the acoustic waves on the detector while absorption may increase the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
  • Patent number: 7924423
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
  • Publication number: 20110080050
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting electrical power through a ground plane are provided. A phased array of transmitters transmits moving, reactive power ground waves through a ground plane to a focus. A receiver, disposed proximate the focus, collects and converts the reactive power to real power for use in driving an electrical load. By adjusting the timing between the individual transmitters in the array, the focus may be moved to accommodate a mobile receiver. The reactive power ground waves may enter the receiver by conduction or induction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste
  • Publication number: 20100308676
    Abstract: A generator includes a coil of conductive material. A stationary magnetic field source applies a stationary magnetic field to the coil. An internal magnetic field source is disposed within a cavity of the coil to apply a moving magnetic field to the coil. The stationary magnetic field interacts with the moving magnetic field to generate an electrical energy in the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas George Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Arpad Alexander Vass
  • Publication number: 20100308675
    Abstract: A generator includes a coil disposed about a core. A first stationary magnetic field source may be disposed on a first end portion of the core and a second stationary magnetic field source may be disposed on a second end portion of core. The first and second stationary magnetic field sources apply a stationary magnetic field to the coil. An external magnetic field source may be disposed outside the coil to apply a moving magnetic field to the coil. Electrical energy is generated in response to an interaction between the coil, the moving magnetic field, and the stationary magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas George Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Arpad Alexander Vass
  • Publication number: 20100033723
    Abstract: A system generates a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source focuses a beam on a target substance disposed on a base. The base supports a cantilever that measures acoustic waves generated as light is absorbed by the target substance. By focusing a chopped/pulsed light beam on the target substance, a range of optical absorbance may be measured as the wavelength of light changes. An identifying spectrum of the target may detected by monitoring the vibration intensity variation of the cantilever as a function of illuminating wavelength or color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Thundat, Charles W. Van Neste, Gilbert M. Brown, Lawrence R. Senesac
  • Publication number: 20100033720
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat
  • Publication number: 20100033722
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source may emit a beam to a target substance coated on a detector that measures acoustic waves generated as a result of a light beam being absorbed by the target substance. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target substance on the detector, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance as the wavelength of light is changed. Rejection may decrease the intensity of the acoustic waves on the detector while absorption may increase the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Charles W. Van Neste, Lawrence R. Senesac, Thomas G. Thundat