Patents by Inventor Alex Mayer

Alex Mayer 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).

  • Publication number: 20250032658
    Abstract: A system includes an anti-allergen formulation and a device that generates droplets of the formulation to be delivered to an air environment. The aqueous formulation includes an organic acid having a vapor pressure between 0.001 Pa and 172 Pa and an aqueous solubility of at least 24.99 grams organic acid per 100 grams water, both at room temperature and standard pressure. The device can generate droplets of the formulation having a median particle size (Dv50) of no greater than 120 micrometers. The formulation delivered as droplets in an air environment can provide a statistically significant reduction, over a control, in one or more airborne allergens as measured by an enzyme linked immunoassay. In addition, the formulation delivered as droplets in the air environment can be effective to neutralize greater than 50% of one or more airborne allergens present in the air environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas Fahlen, Fatima Hussain, Alex Mayer, Yintao Sun, Shauna Flynn, Mark Pszczolkowski, Marjan Hashemi
  • Patent number: 12202577
    Abstract: A cable management system for one or more floating solar PV arrays including a cable tensioning system that adjusts the length of, or maintains the tension in, a power or communication cable that runs from shore to the floating solar array, or between floating solar arrays while permitting the floating solar array(s) to move on the water. The cable tensioning system optionally includes a winch, a counterweight, an elastic member and/or one or more floating towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, Jason King, James Raiford, Ralf Schulze, Becca Suchower
  • Patent number: 12184221
    Abstract: A system for controlling the position and orientation of a floating solar array, having: (a) a floating solar array; (b) a plurality of retractable, bi-directional thrusters mounted to the floating solar array and extending below the floating solar array; (c) a control system on the floating solar array for controlling power level of each of the plurality of thrusters, and (d) a power cable connecting the floating solar array to an onshore grid by way of a power cable connector at a bottom central location on the floating solar array. Submerged baffles, perimeter floats and a method of stowing the floating solar array in high winds by rotating the floating solar array into a direction perpendicular to the direction of the high winds are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, James Raiford, Jason King, Becca Suchower, Brian Atchley
  • Patent number: 12110082
    Abstract: An expandable flat-pack membrane-based float for use with a floating solar PV array, including: a float formed from a flexible membrane; and an expansion structure that is deployed to support the float in the inflated position without the need for compressed air. The expansion structure may be an expandable structure that is positioned within the float, or around an exterior surface of the float and increases in size when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, James Raiford, Brian Atchley, Jason King, Ralf Schulze, Leslie Arciniega, Becca Suchower
  • Publication number: 20240332855
    Abstract: A cable management system for one or more floating solar PV arrays including a cable tensioning system that adjusts the length of, or maintains the tension in, a power or communication cable that runs from shore to the floating solar array, or between floating solar arrays while permitting the floating solar array(s) to move on the water. The cable tensioning system optionally includes a winch, a counterweight, an elastic member and/or one or more floating towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex MAYER, Jason KING, James RAIFORD, Ralf SCHULZE, Becca SUCHOWER
  • Patent number: 11916510
    Abstract: A floating solar array having a grid of structural members with openings therebetween and supporting pontoons underneath. One or more floating solar PV modules are positioned in each of the openings and elastic connectors are used to isolate these floating solar PV modules from the movement of the structural member grid. A first end of each of the elastic connectors are connected to the structural members or to one of the grid supporting pontoons, while a second end of each elastic connector is connected either to a PV module supporting pontoon or to the PV module mounted thereon. Together, these elastic connectors allow for limited linear and torsional movement of each of the floating solar PV modules with respect to the structural member grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: James Raiford, Jason King, Alex Mayer, Becca Suchower, Brian Atchley
  • Patent number: 11863116
    Abstract: A floating solar photovoltaic array having an energy management power control system configured to send power clipped by an inverter to the at least one powered accessory device which can be an aerator, a diffuser, a sub-surface agitator, a sub-surface water circulator, a sub-surface positioning/mooring system, a water quality sensor; a panel washer, or a bird removal system. The array has inflatable pontoons and an air manifold system which is powered by the solar photovoltaic modules can be used to adjust the angle of inclination of the solar photovoltaic modules to the sun. The powered accessories can also be powered by unclipped power or on-shore power or combinations thereof which can be controllably adjusted by the energy management control system over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, James Raiford
  • Publication number: 20230412114
    Abstract: A system for controlling the position and orientation of a floating solar array, having: (a) a floating solar array; (b) a plurality of retractable, bi-directional thrusters mounted to the floating solar array and extending below the floating solar array; (c) a control system on the floating solar array for controlling power level of each of the plurality of thrusters, and (d) a power cable connecting the floating solar array to an onshore grid by way of a power cable connector at a bottom central location on the floating solar array. Submerged baffles, perimeter floats and a method of stowing the floating solar array in high winds by rotating the floating solar array into a direction perpendicular to the direction of the high winds are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex MAYER, James Raiford, Jason King, Becca Suchower, Brian Atchley
  • Publication number: 20230261605
    Abstract: A floating solar photovoltaic array having an energy management power control system configured to send power clipped by an inverter to the at least one powered accessory device which can be an aerator, a diffuser, a sub-surface agitator, a sub-surface water circulator, a sub-surface positioning/mooring system, a water quality sensor; a panel washer, or a bird removal system. The array has inflatable pontoons and an air manifold system which is powered by the solar photovoltaic modules can be used to adjust the angle of inclination of the solar photovoltaic modules to the sun. The powered accessories can also be powered by unclipped power or onshore power or combinations thereof which can be controllably adjusted by the energy management control system over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex MAYER, James Raiford
  • Patent number: 11664760
    Abstract: A floating solar photovoltaic array having an energy management power control system configured to send power clipped by an inverter to the at least one powered accessory device which can be an aerator, a diffuser, a sub-surface agitator, a sub-surface water circulator, a sub-surface positioning/mooring system, a water quality sensor; a panel washer, or a bird removal system. The array has inflatable pontoons and an air manifold system which is powered by the solar photovoltaic modules can be used to adjust the angle of inclination of the solar photovoltaic modules to the sun. The powered accessories can also be powered by unclipped power or on-shore power or combinations thereof which can be controllably adjusted by the energy management control system over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, James Raiford
  • Publication number: 20220329198
    Abstract: A floating solar photovoltaic array having an energy management power control system configured to send power clipped by an inverter to the at least one powered accessory device which can be an aerator, a diffuser, a sub-surface agitator, a sub-surface water circulator, a sub-surface positioning/mooring system, a water quality sensor; a panel washer, or a bird removal system. The array has inflatable pontoons and an air manifold system which is powered by the solar photovoltaic modules can be used to adjust the angle of inclination of the solar photovoltaic modules to the sun. The powered accessories can also be powered by unclipped power or on-shore power or combinations thereof which can be controllably adjusted by the energy management control system over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: NORIA ENERGY
    Inventors: Alex MAYER, James RAIFORD
  • Patent number: 10560049
    Abstract: One embodiment can provide a photovoltaic roof module. The photovoltaic roof module can include a plurality photovoltaic roof tiles. A respective photovoltaic roof tile can include a glass front cover, a back cover that includes glass of photovoltaic backsheet, and a plurality of photovoltaic structures encapsulated between the glass front cover and the back cover by an encapsulant. The photovoltaic roof tile can be configured to function as a roof tile when placed on a rooftop of a building, thereby protecting the building from weather elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby Yang, Peter P. Nguyen, Piotr Zajac, Scott Tripp, Seth M. Winger, Kaleb A. Klauber, Brian E. Atchley, Charles Almy, Andreas Meisel, Alex Mayer
  • Patent number: 10270254
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an interconnection device may be provided. Sockets of the interconnection device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the interconnection device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Narla, Alex Mayer, Brett Alten
  • Patent number: 10128661
    Abstract: An indicator device includes a housing configured to be coupled to positive and negative DC wire lines that supply power from an energy generation source to an inverter. The indicator device further includes a current sensor for measuring a current level on the positive and negative DC wire lines, and voltage sensors for measuring a first voltage across the positive and negative DC wire lines, a second voltage across the positive DC wire line and a ground terminal, and a third voltage across the negative DC wireline and the ground terminal. A circuit block compares the measured current level to one or more threshold current levels, and further compares the measured first, second and third voltages to one or more threshold voltage levels, and in response provides an output signal. A visual indicator receives the output signal from the circuit block, and in response provides a visual indication of whether voltage and current levels on the positive and negative DC wire lines are at levels that may harm humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, Sandeep Narla
  • Patent number: 10097005
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an energy-generation device may be provided. Sockets of the device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Narla, Alex Mayer, Brett Alten
  • Publication number: 20180254738
    Abstract: One embodiment can provide a photovoltaic roof module. The photovoltaic roof module can include a plurality photovoltaic roof tiles. A respective photovoltaic roof tile can include a glass front cover, a back cover that includes glass of photovoltaic backsheet, and a plurality of photovoltaic structures encapsulated between the glass front cover and the back cover by an encapsulant. The photovoltaic roof tile can be configured to function as a roof tile when placed on a rooftop of a building, thereby protecting the building from weather elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Applicant: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby Yang, Peter P. Nguyen, Piotr Zajac, Scott Tripp, Seth M. Winger, Kaleb A. Klauber, Brian E. Atchley, Charles Almy, Andreas Meisel, Alex Mayer
  • Patent number: 9627894
    Abstract: Embodiments herein disclose an apparatus for a modular PV system. The apparatus may include a wire box coupled to an alternating current (AC) system through an AC bus and to both a first direct current (DC) power source and a second DC power source through a conduit; a first inverter having a first chassis attached to the wire box and being coupled to the first DC power source through the wire box, the first inverter comprising a first pass-through channel and a second pass-through channel; and a second inverter having a second chassis attached to the first chassis and being coupled to the second DC power source through the first pass-through channel and the wire box, wherein the first chassis and the second chassis are separate chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Mayer, Remy Labesque
  • Publication number: 20170054297
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an interconnection device may be provided. Sockets of the interconnection device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the interconnection device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Narla, Alex Mayer, Brett Alten
  • Publication number: 20170054406
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an energy-generation device may be provided. Sockets of the device may be configured to electrically couple to respective energy-generation modules. In some examples, the device may include a connector, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions for managing the electrical configuration of the sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: SOLARCITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sandeep Narla, Alex Mayer, Brett Alten
  • Patent number: 9496710
    Abstract: A solid state circuit for performing rapid shutdown of a photovoltaic power generation system includes a pair of high voltage power transistors connected between a photovoltaic array and a pair of high voltage lines that function to supply power generated by the photovoltaic array to a DC to AC inverter. The solid state circuit further includes a control circuit configured so that when the photovoltaic power generation system operates under normal conditions, the control circuit maintains the pair of high voltage power transistors in the on state so that power produced by the photovoltaic array can be transmitted to the DC to AC inverter through the pair of high voltage lines. The control circuit is further configured so that upon receiving a rapid shutdown command, the control circuit turns off the pair of high voltage power transistors to thereby electrically disconnect the photovoltaic array from the pair of power lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Narla, Alex Mayer, Soren Jensen