Patents Assigned to Clean Energy Labs, LLC
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Patent number: 12275637Abstract: Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) sensor devices that utilize thin electrically conductive membranes, which can be, for example, graphene membranes. The NEMS devices can have a trough shape (such as a serpentine shape arrangement) of the electrically conductive membrane. The thin, electrically conductive membrane has membrane-structures disposed upon it in an array of cavities. These membrane structures are between the thin, electrically conductive membrane and the main membrane trace. Such an arrangement increases the sensitivity of the NEMS sensor device. The electrically conductive membrane can be controllably wicked down on the edge of the oxide cavity to increase the sensitivity of the NEMS sensor device. Such NEMS sensor devices include NEMS sensor devices that are well suited to applications that measure magnetic fields that, operate below 10 kHz, such as brain-computer interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 15, 2025Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, Alexander Joseph Pinkerton
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Patent number: 11595751Abstract: Dipole audio speakers, and more particularly, voice controlled dipole audio speakers having at least one microphone located substantially along the null sound plane of the dipole audio speaker. An improved loudspeaker system that produces an improved audio quality for stereophonic sound. The improved loudspeaker utilizes conventional electro-dynamic drivers in a sealed chamber that produce sound primarily in the 20-300 Hz band coupled with electrostatic card stack drivers placed outside the sealed chamber that cover the remaining 98% of the audio frequency spectrum (300 Hz to 20 kHz). The improved loudspeaker system can also include multiple card stack drivers that are placed at angles with respect to each other to maximize audio fidelity.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David A. Badger, William Martin Lackowski, James A. Andrews
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Patent number: 11575991Abstract: An improved loudspeaker system that produces an improved audio quality for stereophonic sound, which can be described as 3D audio. In one embodiment, the improved loudspeaker utilizes at least three stacks of electrostatic transducer cards, with one of the stacks located between the other two stacks. While there is generally some crossover between the frequencies of the stacks of electrostatic transducers, the middle stack will be directed to the lower frequency ranges and the other two stacks will be directed to the higher frequency ranges. Each of the three card stacks will utilize multi-track audio recordings, such as two-track audio recordings, which are modified for each of the three card stacks. In an alternative embodiment, the improved loudspeaker can utilize a conventional voice-coil driver in lieu of the middle stack of electrostatic transducer cards.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: David A. Badger, Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20220349961Abstract: Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) devices that utilize thin electrically conductive membranes, which can be, for example, graphene membranes. The membrane-based NEMS devices can be used as sensors, electrical relays, adjustable angle mirror devices, variable impedance devices, and devices performing other functions. The NEMS devices have a serpentine shape arrangement of the electrically conductive membrane. The electrically conductive membrane can be controllably wicked down on the edge of the oxide cavity to increase sensitivity of the NEMS device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2019Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Alexander Joseph Pinkerton, Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Patent number: 11425506Abstract: An improved compact electroacoustic transducer and loudspeaker system. The electroacoustic transducer (or array of electroacoustic transducers) can generate a desired sound by the use of pressurized airflow. The electroacoustic transducer does not have frames (unlike prior electroacoustic transducers) and an electrically conductive membrane is now supported by a pair of non-conductive vent members.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: David A. Badger, Joseph F. Pinkerton, William N. Everett
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Publication number: 20210385577Abstract: An improved loudspeaker system that produces an improved audio quality for stereophonic sound, which can be described as 3D audio. In one embodiment, the improved loudspeaker utilizes at least three stacks of electrostatic transducer cards, with one of the stacks located between the other two stacks. While there is generally some crossover between the frequencies of the stacks of electrostatic transducers, the middle stack will be directed to the lower frequency ranges and the other two stacks will be directed to the higher frequency ranges. Each of the three card stacks will utilize multi-track audio recordings, such as two-track audio recordings, which are modified for each of the three card stacks. In an alternative embodiment, the improved loudspeaker can utilize a conventional voice-coil driver in lieu of the middle stack of electrostatic transducer cards.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2019Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: David A. BADGER, Joseph F. PINKERTON
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Patent number: 11134336Abstract: A case-baffle-stand system utilized with a dipole speaker, in which the case-baffle-stand system has a cover that, when opened, is a baffle to enhance the sound waves emitting from the speaker system and is also a stand to stabilize the speaker in its proper standing orientation, and when closed, protects the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David A. Badger, William Neil Everett, William Martin Lackowski
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Publication number: 20210279033Abstract: Audio devices that have microphones, and particularly to secure loudspeaker microphone systems and loudspeakers that have and use same. The device includes a loudspeaker, one or more microphones, a first mute switch for turning on and off the one or more microphones via software or electrical circuitry, and a second mute switch that is an electromechanical switch that removes all power to the one or more microphones.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David A. Badger
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Publication number: 20210058712Abstract: An improved loudspeaker that has a plurality of electrostatic transducers forming a card stack that is housed in a stack holder. The stack holder can support the loudspeaker perforated grill (or mesh), can secure the card stack to the speaker case, and can provide a watertight electrical connection to the sealed chamber of the loudspeaker (that contains the main circuit board for controlling the loudspeaker).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Kevin Michael KELLER, Justin Robert SMITH, David A. BADGER, William Neil EVERETT, Joseph F. PINKERTON, William Martin LACKOWSKI, Thomas James SMYRSON
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Publication number: 20200400136Abstract: Pumping systems that have pumping system units utilizing venturi pumps. Such pumping systems can be used in speakers, to propel drones, and other applications. Actuation of the venturi pumps can be by piezoelectric actuators, magnetic actuators, electrostatic actuators, and other similar actuators.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Patent number: 10791401Abstract: An improved loudspeaker that has a plurality of stacks of cards having electrostatic transducers, in which one stack of cards has a different width as another stack of cards in the plurality of stacks. At frequencies above 200 Hz, and at the same drive voltage and current, the stack of lesser width produced significantly greater microphone voltage as compared to the stack of greater width cards. By combining the plurality of stacks of cards with different widths, this provides for the elimination of conventional cone drivers, and provides for improved sound both above and below 200 Hz using only electrostatic transducers. It also assists in maintaining a null sound plane that is beneficial for voice recognition.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David A. Badger, William Neil Everett, William Martin Lackowski
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Patent number: 10694009Abstract: A communications system and method of use thereof in which communication system includes a substrate and an array of pumps of mounted on the substrate. The array of pumps are operable for operating at a first frequency to produce sound waves at a second frequency. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. IN some embodiments, the pumps in the array of pumps can include a first cavity having a first inlet and a first outlet, a first plurality of electrically conductive traces located within the first cavity, and a continuous sheet of electrically conductive material spaced apart from and in close proximity to the first plurality of electrically conductive traces. The first plurality of electrically conductive traces are operable for creating a first time-varying deflection in the electrically conductive material. The first time-varying deflection moves in the first cavity from the first inlet to the first outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: David A. Badger, Joseph F. Pinkerton, William Neil Everett, William Martin Lackowski
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Patent number: 10670001Abstract: Nanomechanical, nanoelectromechanical, and other molecular-scale pump assemblies are described. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly includes a cavity. The cavity includes a plurality of nanofilaments, a surface proximate at least one of the nanofilaments, a fluid flow path, and an opening. Molecules of a fluid that flows from the opening through the cavity along the fluid flow path collide with the surface or one or more of the nanofilaments such that the molecules are accelerated along the fluid flow path. A molecular-scale pump assembly includes a plate defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of cantilevered molecular-scale beams positioned over each opening. In certain embodiments, molecules of a fluid are accelerated through the opening by asymmetric oscillation and in other embodiments charges are guided along a conductive channel by asymmetric collisions.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20200088184Abstract: Electromagnet venturi pump/transducer systems and methods to make and use same. The membrane is made from a material that can be, for example, a steel membrane, having a ferrite disk that is pulled by the electromagnet to a set point and then the stiff membrane is oscillated about that set point.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20200021907Abstract: A case-baffle-stand system utilized with a dipole speaker, in which the case-baffle-stand system has a cover that, when opened, is a baffle to enhance the sound waves emitting from the speaker system and is also a stand to stabilize the speaker in its proper standing orientation, and when closed, protects the speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20200021919Abstract: An improved loudspeaker that has a plurality of stacks of cards having electrostatic transducers, in which one stack of cards has a different width as another stack of cards in the plurality of stacks. At frequencies above 200 Hz, and at the same drive voltage and current, the stack of lesser width produced significantly greater microphone voltage as compared to the stack of greater width cards. By combining the plurality of stacks of cards with different widths, this provides for the elimination of conventional cone drivers, and provides for improved sound both above and below 200 Hz using only electrostatic transducers. It also assists in maintaining a null sound plane that is beneficial for voice recognition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, David A. Badger, William Neil Everett, William Martin Lackowski
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Patent number: 10250997Abstract: An improved compact electroacoustic transducer and loudspeaker system. The electroacoustic transducer (or array of electroacoustic transducers) can generate the desired sound by the use of pressurized airflow. The electroacoustic transducer can have vented stators and can have a strong-weak ultra-thin loudspeaker transducer pair design.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, William N. Everett, William M. Lackowski
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Patent number: 10194244Abstract: Pump systems having electrically conductive membranes are described. In embodiments of the invention, the electrically conductive membranes can be utilized as speakers to produce ultrasonic and audible sounds. The electrically conductive membranes are made from materials such as graphene, graphene oxide, and polymer films having a thin conductive coating.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20190020956Abstract: Electrostatic venturi membrane-based pump/transducer systems and methods to make and use same. The motion of the membranes in the system is perpendicular to the net airflow produced by the electrostatic venturi membrane-based pump/transducer. The electrostatic venturi membrane-based pump/transducer systems can be arranged in cards, the cards can be stacked in arrays and operated at different electrical phases.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2017Publication date: January 17, 2019Applicant: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
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Patent number: D883952Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLCInventors: David Lucas, Joseph F. Pinkerton, William Martin Lackowski, David A. Badger