Patents by Inventor Michael R. Rowe

Michael R. Rowe 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: 11979098
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to an electrostatic sheet jamming apparatus comprising a first sheet comprising a first conductive layer, the first sheet comprising a set of first features, a first dielectric layer, and a second sheet comprising a second conductive layer and disposed proximate to the first dielectric layer, the second sheet comprising a set of second features. The first dielectric layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The first sheet and the second sheet are non-extensible and flexible. The first sheet and the second sheet are movable relative to each other in a first state. The first sheet and the second sheet are jammed with each other in a second state when a voltage is applied between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Corrigan, David J. Rowe, Andrew H. Tilstra, Michael Patrick M. Mandanas
  • Patent number: 9991717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically connecting and disconnecting a photovoltaic (PV) module from a distribution system includes determining whether one or more conditions are met to connect the PV module to the distribution system. The PV module is connected to the distribution system based upon the determination of whether the one or more conditions are met, and the one or more conditions are monitored. The PV module is disconnected from the distribution system if one or more of the conditions are not met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ROCO, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie B. Rowe, Michael R. Rowe, Michael D. Cooper