Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Nugent

Thomas J. Nugent 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: 11923694
    Abstract: A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a remote second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters based on a time value, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: LASERMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Jordin T. Kare, Alexander Hay
  • Patent number: 11899160
    Abstract: A system to detect obstacles includes a power beam transmission circuit, a power beam reception circuit arranged to receive a power beam from the power beam transmission circuit, an emitter module, and a detector module arranged to distinguish between a first characteristic and a second characteristic. The emitter module includes a first emitter arranged to emit a first signal having the first characteristic, the first signal emitted in proximity to the power beam, and a second emitter arranged to emit a second signal having the second characteristic, the second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second signal emitted in proximity to the first signal. The detector module includes a first detector arranged to respond to the first signal emitted by the first emitter, wherein the detector module is arranged to determine when an obstacle is in or near a line-of-sight transmission path between the first emitter and the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: LASERMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, David Bashford, Carsten Casey Erickson, Thomas W. Bashford
  • Patent number: 11867868
    Abstract: The plurality of emitters and the plurality of detectors form a light curtain that is patterned about the beam, and are positioned to surround the beam. The plurality of emitters each have a centerline and each have a divergence angle centered on the centerline. The placement and orientation of the plurality of emitters about the acceptance centerline of the beam receiver are configured to align the centerlines of the plurality of emitters substantially parallel to the incoming beam. The detection of one or more of the plurality of emitters by one or more of the plurality of detectors depends on the divergence angles of each of the plurality of emitters and the tilt of the beam receiver relative to the beam centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sayles, Thomas W. Bashford, David J. Bashford, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230305185
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. KARE, Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., David BASHFORD
  • Publication number: 20230296803
    Abstract: A system to detect obstacles includes a power beam transmission circuit, a power beam reception circuit arranged to receive a power beam from the power beam transmission circuit, an emitter module, and a detector module arranged to distinguish between a first characteristic and a second characteristic. The emitter module includes a first emitter arranged to emit a first signal having the first characteristic, the first signal emitted in proximity to the power beam, and a second emitter arranged to emit a second signal having the second characteristic, the second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second signal emitted in proximity to the first signal. The detector module includes a first detector arranged to respond to the first signal emitted by the first emitter, wherein the detector module is arranged to determine when an obstacle is in or near a line-of-sight transmission path between the first emitter and the first detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, David Bashford, Carston Casey Erickson, Thomas W. Bashford
  • Publication number: 20230194218
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., Richard GUSTAFSON
  • Patent number: 11681071
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., David Bashford
  • Publication number: 20230155690
    Abstract: A reflector assembly at a power beam receiver includes at least two sets of reflection surfaces positioned to shift some incoming light away from the center of the beam and towards the periphery. These surfaces may be positioned obliquely to one another, for example orthogonally. By shifting a portion of the power beam away from a higher-intensity center and toward a lower-intensity periphery, the reflector assembly may improve receiver efficiency without substantial redirection of power outside of a power-collecting surface of the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Sergiy DETS, Thomas J. NUGENT, JR.
  • Patent number: 11581953
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Richard Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20230016800
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., Richard GUSTAFSON
  • Publication number: 20220337244
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a laser power beaming system that delivers power via high intensity light, such as from a laser, using either power over fiber or free space power to isolate (or eliminate) high frequency noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to, for example, switching. Damage or other harms from the EMI may be prevented. The opto-isolated power may be delivered from a remote source, or within a switched device, such as a variable frequency drive (VFD), itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, Thomas W. BASHFORD
  • Publication number: 20220302765
    Abstract: A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a remote second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters based on a time value, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., Jordin T. KARE, Alexander HAY
  • Patent number: 11442195
    Abstract: A system to detect obstacles includes a power beam transmission circuit, a power beam reception circuit arranged to receive a power beam from the power beam transmission circuit, an emitter module, and a detector module arranged to distinguish between a first characteristic and a second characteristic. The emitter module includes a first emitter arranged to emit a first signal having the first characteristic, the first signal emitted in proximity to the power beam, and a second emitter arranged to emit a second signal having the second characteristic, the second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the second signal emitted in proximity to the first signal. The detector module includes a first detector arranged to respond to the first signal emitted by the first emitter, wherein the detector module is arranged to determine when an obstacle is in or near a line-of-sight transmission path between the first emitter and the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: LASERMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, David Bashford, Carsten Casey Erickson, Thomas W. Bashford
  • Publication number: 20220229206
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a beam projection system, including a beam transmitter, a beam receiver, a plurality of emitters, and a plurality of detectors. The beam transmitter has one or more light sources to transmit a beam, and also has a centerline. The beam receiver is arranged to receive the beam from the beam transmitter. The beam receiver has an acceptance centerline. The plurality of emitters and the plurality of detectors form a light curtain that is patterned about the beam, and are positioned to surround the beam. The plurality of emitters each have a centerline and each have a divergence angle centered on the centerline. The placement and orientation of the plurality of emitters about the acceptance centerline of the beam receiver are configured to align the centerlines of the plurality of emitters substantially parallel to the incoming beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Sayles, Thomas W. Bashford, David J. Bashford, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220224165
    Abstract: A remote power system includes a remote power transmitter arranged to output a power beam in a startup mode and a remote power receiver arranged to receive the power beam. The remote power receiver has a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells (or other power converters) mounted to generate electrical power from energy in the power beam, startup power monitoring (SPM) logic to determine, based on electrical power generated by each of the plurality of PV cells, whether or not the remote power transmitter can operate in a high-flux mode, and a receiver-based transmitter circuit arranged to communicate an indication that the remote power transmitter can operate in the high-flux mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, Jr., Thomas W. BASHFORD, David BASHFORD, Alexander HAY
  • Publication number: 20220224170
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a location of a power beam includes monitoring an electrical property of PV cells or subgroups of PV cells in a PV cell array and using the monitored electrical property to determine a location of the power beam. The determined location may be compared to a target location on the PV cell array and used to steer the power beam closer to the target location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, Jr., Thomas W. BASHFORD, David BASHFORD
  • Publication number: 20220224164
    Abstract: A remote power system includes a remote power transmitter arranged to output a high-flux power beam and a remote power receiver arranged to receive the high-flux power beam. The receiver has a plurality of photo-voltaic (PV) cells mounted to generate electrical power from energy in the high-flux power beam, at least one non-PV structure adjacent to each PV cell, and a plurality of structures to steer flux toward selected ones of the plurality of PV cells and away from selected ones of the at least one non-PV structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, Jr., Thomas W. BASHFORD, Alexander HAY, David BASHFORD
  • Patent number: 11368054
    Abstract: A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a remote second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters based on a time value, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Jordin T. Kare, Alexander Hay
  • Patent number: 11361573
    Abstract: A system for tracking airborne organisms includes an imager, a backlight source (such as a retroreflective surface) in view of the imager, and a processor configured to analyze one or more images captured by the processor to identify a biological property of an organism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: TOKITAE LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric Johanson, Jordin T. Kare, Artyom Makagon, Emma Rae Mullen, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Nathan John Pegram, Nels R. Peterson, Phillip Rutschman, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220113444
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a safety system that can be used with a high-flux power beam, such as in wireless power transmission. The system includes a transmitter that generates and transmits a power beam and a receiver that receives the power beam. A plurality of sensors is configured to independently detect if an object is near, impeding, or about to impede (i.e., impinging) the power beam. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect the object at different distances between the transmitter and the receiver. A controller triggers the transmitter to stop generating the power beam when any one or more of the plurality of sensors detects the object or a combination of the plurality of sensors detects the object. The controller triggers the transmitter to re-generate and transmit the power beam when each of the plurality of sensors fails to detect the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. KARE, Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., David BASHFORD, Carsten ERICKSON, Thomas W. BASHFORD