Patents by Inventor Adam French
Adam French 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: 20240043108Abstract: The technology relates to techniques for drogue deployment for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle descent. A drogue deployment system for an LTA vehicle descent can include a drogue comprising a drogue parachute coupled to a carrier. A spring can be configured to launch the drogue from a launch tube directed outward from an apex of the LTA vehicle in an acute angle from a horizontal plane. A core can be placed around the launch tube and placed around the spring, the core compressing the spring and holding the spring in a compressed state prior to deployment, and a riser can couple the carrier to the envelope of the LTA vehicle. In some cases, the drogue deployment system can comprise two or more drogues, wherein intervals between the two or more drogues can be selected such that horizontal components of drogue deployment forces approximately cancel out.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Applicant: Aeorstar International, LLCInventors: Nicolas Bergeron, Adam French
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Patent number: 11827331Abstract: The technology relates to techniques for drogue deployment for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle descent. A drogue deployment system for an LTA vehicle descent can include a drogue comprising a drogue parachute coupled to a carrier. A spring can be configured to launch the drogue from a launch tube directed outward from an apex of the LTA vehicle in an acute angle from a horizontal plane. A core can be placed around the launch tube and placed around the spring, the core compressing the spring and holding the spring in a compressed state prior to deployment, and a riser can couple the carrier to the envelope of the LTA vehicle. In some cases, the drogue deployment system can comprise two or more drogues, wherein intervals between the two or more drogues can be selected such that horizontal components of drogue deployment forces approximately cancel out.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: Nicolas Bergeron, Adam French
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Publication number: 20230215515Abstract: This disclosure describes methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems that can facilitate execution of external workflows for diagnostic analysis of nucleotide sequencing data utilizing a container orchestration engine. For example, the disclosed systems can utilize a container orchestration engine to allow external systems (e.g., third-party systems) to generate and implement workflows for analyzing sequencing data. In executing individual workflow containers of a sequencing diagnostic workflow, the disclosed systems can isolate the workflow containers to prevent access to, or corruption of, other data while also orchestrating allocation of computing resources available at a genomic sequence processing device to execute the workflow containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Michael Smoot, Jeremy Ward, Adam French, Russell Taylor
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Publication number: 20230207063Abstract: This disclosure describes methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems that can query the status of various stages in an end-to-end sequencing process and generate a graphical status summary for the sequencing process that depicts icons indicating statuses of the various stages. For instance, the disclosed systems can generate a graphical status summary for a nucleotide sequencing taskset that includes icons depicting statuses of a sequencing run, a data transfer of base-call data to a device for variant analysis, and the variant analysis—each part of the same nucleotide sequencing taskset. By exchanging data with a sequencing device for read data and one or more servers for variant analysis, the disclosed system can quickly provide a graphical status summary of an end-to-end sequencing process marked by various tasks within a nucleotide sequencing taskset.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2022Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Jeremy Ward, Rodger Constandse, Michael Smoot, Michelle Beoris, Adam French
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Publication number: 20220363363Abstract: The technology relates to techniques for drogue deployment for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle descent. A drogue deployment system for an LTA vehicle descent can include a drogue comprising a drogue parachute coupled to a carrier. A spring can be configured to launch the drogue from a launch tube directed outward from an apex of the LTA vehicle in an acute angle from a horizontal plane. A core can be placed around the launch tube and placed around the spring, the core compressing the spring and holding the spring in a compressed state prior to deployment, and a riser can couple the carrier to the envelope of the LTA vehicle. In some cases, the drogue deployment system can comprise two or more drogues, wherein intervals between the two or more drogues can be selected such that horizontal components of drogue deployment forces approximately cancel out.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Nicolas Bergeron, Adam French
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Patent number: 11390368Abstract: The technology relates to techniques for drogue deployment for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle descent. A drogue deployment system for an LTA vehicle descent can include a drogue comprising a drogue parachute coupled to a carrier. A spring can be configured to launch the drogue from a launch tube directed outward from an apex of the LTA vehicle in an acute angle from a horizontal plane. A core can be placed around the launch tube and placed around the spring, the core compressing the spring and holding the spring in a compressed state prior to deployment, and a riser can couple the carrier to the envelope of the LTA vehicle. In some cases, the drogue deployment system can comprise two or more drogues, wherein intervals between the two or more drogues can be selected such that horizontal components of drogue deployment forces approximately cancel out.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Aerostar International, Inc.Inventors: Nicolas Bergeron, Adam French
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Publication number: 20220055732Abstract: The technology relates to techniques for drogue deployment for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle descent. A drogue deployment system for an LTA vehicle descent can include a drogue comprising a drogue parachute coupled to a carrier. A spring can be configured to launch the drogue from a launch tube directed outward from an apex of the LTA vehicle in an acute angle from a horizontal plane. A core can be placed around the launch tube and placed around the spring, the core compressing the spring and holding the spring in a compressed state prior to deployment, and a riser can couple the carrier to the envelope of the LTA vehicle. In some cases, the drogue deployment system can comprise two or more drogues, wherein intervals between the two or more drogues can be selected such that horizontal components of drogue deployment forces approximately cancel out.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2020Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Nicolas Bergeron, Adam French
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Patent number: 10571274Abstract: A method of locating a maintenance vehicle in a solar power field can include driving the maintenance vehicle on a track. A plurality of flags are coupled to the track at spaced locations. Each flag can include an ID tag and a contact target or a non-contact target. The maintenance vehicle can include an ID tag reader and a sensor configured to detect the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include driving the maintenance vehicle along the track to a position adjacent to a flag of the plurality of flags, reading by the ID tag reader the ID tag of that flag, and sensing by the sensor the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include, based on the reading and the sensing, identifying a unique location of the maintenance vehicle in the solar power field.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.Inventors: Sean Bailey, Adam French, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez, Thomas Goehring, Jason Alderman
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Publication number: 20190199276Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Sean Bailey, Adam French, Peter Young, Mark Kingsley, Rodney Hans Holland, Thomas Goehring, Tristan French, Miguel M. L. Praca, Graham Maxwell, David Tostenson, Timothy Burkhard, Nicholas A. Barton
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Publication number: 20190044477Abstract: A system includes an elongated rail including support surfaces and a mounting surface disposed between the support surfaces. Photovoltaic modules can be coupled to the mounting surface and raised relative to the support surfaces. A first maintenance vehicle can include a cleaning head, actuator, motor, and support legs. The support legs can suspend the cleaning head over the photovoltaic modules and can be respectively movably coupled to the support surfaces so as to laterally and sequentially move the cleaning head parallel to the elongated rail and across each of the photovoltaic modules responsive to actuation of the motor. At least a portion of the cleaning head can be vertically movable between a disengaged position spaced apart from the photovoltaic modules and an engaged position in contact with at least one of the photovoltaic modules responsive to actuation of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Adam French, Kevin Hennessy
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Patent number: 10122319Abstract: A system includes an elongated rail including support surfaces and a mounting surface disposed between the support surfaces. Photovoltaic modules can be coupled to the mounting surface and raised relative to the support surfaces. A first maintenance vehicle can include a cleaning head, actuator, motor, and support legs. The support legs can suspend the cleaning head over the photovoltaic modules and can be respectively movably coupled to the support surfaces so as to laterally and sequentially move the cleaning head parallel to the elongated rail and across each of the photovoltaic modules responsive to actuation of the motor. At least a portion of the cleaning head can be vertically movable between a disengaged position spaced apart from the photovoltaic modules and an engaged position in contact with at least one of the photovoltaic modules responsive to actuation of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.Inventors: Adam French, Kevin Hennessy
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Patent number: 9937846Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.Inventors: Adam French, Timothy Wheeler, Kevin Hennessy, Jess Crowe, Luis Francisco Castro-Hernandez
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Publication number: 20180087908Abstract: A method of locating a maintenance vehicle in a solar power field can include driving the maintenance vehicle on a track. A plurality of flags are coupled to the track at spaced locations. Each flag can include an ID tag and a contact target or a non-contact target. The maintenance vehicle can include an ID tag reader and a sensor configured to detect the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include driving the maintenance vehicle along the track to a position adjacent to a flag of the plurality of flags, reading by the ID tag reader the ID tag of that flag, and sensing by the sensor the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include, based on the reading and the sensing, identifying a unique location of the maintenance vehicle in the solar power field.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Sean BAILEY, Adam FRENCH, Luis Francisco CASTRO HERNANDEZ, Thomas GOEHRING, Jason ALDERMAN, Craig B. E. WILDMAN
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Publication number: 20170331414Abstract: A method for installing a solar collector can include slip-forming a concrete track including a groove; curing the concrete track; placing a foot of a support structure of a solar collector in the groove; and applying adhesive between the foot and groove. Curing the concrete track optionally can include maintaining wetness of the concrete track for a sufficient period of time after slip-forming the concrete track. The foot optionally can include at least one of an aperture and a tab, and the adhesive flows through the aperture or around the tab. A foot of a support structure of a solar collector also is provided. The foot can be configured to be inserted into a groove and comprising a back wall, a first side wall including a first side tab, a second side wall including a second side tab, a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a bottom wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Sean Bailey, Adam French, Rodney Hans Holland, Tristan French, Christopher C. Caison, Mark Kingsley
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Publication number: 20170163209Abstract: A system for maintaining photovoltaic modules includes an elongated rail including first and second support surfaces and a first mounting surface disposed between the first and second support surfaces. An array of the photovoltaic modules is coupled to the first mounting surface and raised relative to the first and second support surfaces. A first vehicle can be disposed on the first and second support surfaces and can include a motor; a maintenance module selected from the group consisting of: a spray system configured to spray a product, and a remote inspection module; and first and second support legs suspending the maintenance module relative to the photovoltaic modules of the first array and being movably coupled to the first and second support surfaces so as to laterally and sequentially move the maintenance module in a direction parallel to the elongated rail responsive to actuation of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Sean Bailey, Mark Kingsley, Rodney Hans Holland, Jesse Atkinson, Karl Johnson, Thomas Goehring, Adam French
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Publication number: 20170149375Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Sean Bailey, Adam French, Peter Young, Mark Kingsley, Rodney Hans Holland, Thomas Goehring, Tristan French, Miguel M. L. Praca, Graham Maxwell, David Tostenson, Timothy Burkhard, Nicholas A. Barton
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Publication number: 20170043700Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Adam French, Timothy Wheeler, Kevin Hennessy, Jess Crowe, Luis Francisco Castro-Hernandez
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Publication number: 20160365823Abstract: A system can include first and second stiffeners each coupled to a photovoltaic module, and first, second, third, and fourth legs. First and second joints rotatably couple the first and second legs to the first stiffener; and third and fourth joints rotatably couple the third and fourth legs to the second stiffener. A first crossbrace fixedly couples the first and second legs to one another; and a second crossbrace fixedly couples the third and fourth legs to one another. The first and second legs are rotatable about the first and second joints from a stowed position to an open position supporting the photovoltaic module, and the third and fourth legs are rotatable about the third and fourth joints from a stowed position to an open position supporting the photovoltaic module. At least one of the joints can include an electrical conductor coupled to the respective stiffener and leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Adam French, Sean Bailey, Thomas Goehring, Tristan French, Rodney Hans Holland, Graham Maxwell, Paul Adriani
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Publication number: 20160365830Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: Sean Bailey, Adam French, Peter Young, Mark Kingsley, Rodney Hans Holland, Thomas Goehring, Tristan French, Miguel M. L. Praca, Graham Maxwell, David Tostenson, Timothy Burkhard, Nicholas A. Barton
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Patent number: 9453660Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.Inventors: Adam French, Timothy Wheeler, Kevin Hennessy, Jess Crowe, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez