Patents by Inventor Roderick MacGregor
Roderick MacGregor 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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Publication number: 20190377157Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Peter Emery von Behrens
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Patent number: 10197766Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: GlassPoint Solar, Inc.Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Peter Emery von Behrens
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Publication number: 20140347757Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC.Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Peter Emery von Behrens
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Patent number: 8748731Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: GlassPoint Solar, Inc.Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Peter Emery von Behrens
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Publication number: 20120152307Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Peter Emery von Behrens
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Patent number: 7350762Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille member to another.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision Baugruppen und SystemlösungenInventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Emery Von Behrens
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Patent number: 7093817Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille number to another.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen Und SystemlosungenInventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Emery Von Behrens
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Patent number: 7082890Abstract: An actuated gauge pointer that includes a shape memory alloy element configured to move the gauge pointer when activated is provided. The actuated gauge pointer includes a first shape memory alloy element disposed within the perimeter of the gauge pointer housing. Additionally, the actuated gauge pointer may include a second shape memory alloy element to provide temperature compensation, and a bias member to return the gauge pointer to an initial condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und SystemlosungenInventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi
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Publication number: 20060157659Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille member to another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2006Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Von Behrens
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Publication number: 20060048511Abstract: A method of controlling a shape memory alloy actuator includes applying power to a shape memory alloy actuator. A measured actuation parameter is obtained from the shape memory alloy actuator. An operational characteristic parameter is derived based upon the power and the measured actuation parameter. An actuation state parameter is identified from the operational characteristic parameter. The actuation state parameter is used to modify the control of the shape memory alloy actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2004Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventors: Shawn Everson, Ali Ghorbal, Henry Nash, Andrei Szilagyi, Roderick MacGregor, Kurt Kuhlmann
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Publication number: 20050184533Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated release mechanisms for drive systems. In one embodiment, a SMA-actuated release mechanism includes at least one anchor point and a pivot point. The SMA-actuated release mechanism also includes a latch member pivotally coupled to the pivot point and configured to engage a drive member of a drive system. The SMA=actuated release mechanism further includes a SMA element having a first portion coupled to the least one anchor point and a second portion coupled to the latch member. Activation of the SMA element causes the latch member to pivot about the pivot point, such that the latch member disengages from the drive member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2004Publication date: August 25, 2005Inventors: Joseph Hebenstreit, Roderick MacGregor
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Publication number: 20050000574Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille number to another.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Von Behrens
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Publication number: 20040261688Abstract: An actuated gauge pointer that includes a shape memory alloy element configured to move the gauge pointer when activated is provided. The actuated gauge pointer includes a first shape memory alloy element disposed within the perimeter of the gauge pointer housing. Additionally, the actuated gauge pointer may include a second shape memory alloy element to provide temperature compensation, and a bias member to return the gauge pointer to an initial condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi
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Publication number: 20040261411Abstract: This invention provides stroke-multiplying shape memory alloy actuators and other actuators using electromechanically active materials [collectively referred to in this application as SMA actuators] providing stroke multiplication without significant force reduction, that are readily miniaturizable and fast acting, and their design and use; economical and efficient control and sensing mechanisms for shape memory alloy actuators (including conventional shape memory alloy actuators as well as the stroke-multiplying SMA actuators of this invention) for low power consumption, resistance/obstacle/load sensing, and accurate positional control; and devices containing these actuators and control and sensing mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Roderick MacGregor
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Patent number: 6574958Abstract: This invention provides stroke-multiplying shape memory alloy actuators and other actuators using electromechanically active materials [collectively referred to in this application as SMA actuators] providing stroke multiplication without significant force reduction, that are readily miniaturizable and fast acting, and their design and use; economical and efficient control and sensing mechanisms for shape memory alloy actuators (including conventional shape memory alloy actuators as well as the stroke-multiplying SMA actuators of this invention) for low power consumption, resistance/obstacle/load sensing, and accurate positional control; and devices containing these actuators and control and sensing mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: NanoMuscle, Inc.Inventor: Roderick MacGregor
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Patent number: 3982643Abstract: A detachable front end loader for a tractor constructed to not only be easily mounted and demounted from a tractor, but to also be self-supporting when demounted. A loader frame having a rectangularly-shaped base rests level on the ground when demounted and is mounted flush with the tractor main frame when mounted. By a combination of expanding and contracting the hydraulic lift cylinder and moving the tractor ahead, the loader can be elevated into a mounted position beneath the tractor and secured thereto. Means for releasably fastening the loader to the tractor main frame are easily manipulated by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1975Date of Patent: September 28, 1976Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: William Roderick MacGregor, Dalton Harold Spicer