Patents by Inventor Braden E. Hines
Braden E. Hines 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: 20180299264Abstract: The present invention offers an improvement to existing canting, slope error, and/or pointing measurement approaches, by using one or more cameras to observe the reflections of points of light in the firmament, such as the reflections of stars and/or planets as visible within the night sky in the heliostat facets. An illustrative heliostat measurement system comprises a plurality of heliostats, and at least one camera that observes at least one heliostat. The heliostats reflect an image of the firmament that can be observed by the at least one camera. The system further comprises (i) at least one captured image of the firmament reflected from at least one of the heliostats; and (ii) a computer comprising programming that determines a heliostat imperfection from the captured image, wherein the heliostat imperfection is selected from at least one of a slope error, a canting error, and a pointing error.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventor: Braden E. Hines
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Patent number: 9939177Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the optical properties of light that is both modified and/or distributed, e.g. by diffraction, diffusion, or some other process, and also redirected by a heliostat, can be a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the modified and/or distributed light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of modified and/or distributed light indicative of how that light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson
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Patent number: 9910156Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods utilizing a proxy device that indicates directional aspects of redirected light from a corresponding light redirecting element by the position of one or more redirected light beams in one or more directions or coordinates on such a proxy device. The position characteristics of light redirected from the proxy device correlate to the aim of the light redirecting element associated with the proxy. This allows the proxy information to be used to accurately determine and control the aim of the light redirecting element.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventor: Braden E. Hines
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Patent number: 9910127Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the diffraction pattern for light that is both diffracted and re-directed by a heliostat is a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the diffracted light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of diffracted light indicative of how the diffracted light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk. This, in turn, means that diffracted light characteristics can be detected at a safe location, and this information can then be used to help precisely aim the light redirecting element onto the desired target, such as a receiver in a CSP system.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson
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Patent number: 9606340Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a closed loop pointing system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of redirecting incident light, comprising the steps of: using at least one light redirecting element to redirect the incident light; providing a plurality of optical proxies that are associated with the reflecting element in a manner such that at least two of the optical proxies distribute a portion of the incident light uniquely relative to each other, wherein optical information encoded in the light distributed by the optical proxies cumulatively correlates to the aim of the light redirecting element; observing the optical information distributed by the optical proxies; and using the optical information to controllably actuate the light redirecting element in a manner that aims the redirected light onto a target.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SOLARRESERVE TECHNOLOGY, LLC.Inventors: Braden E. Hines, Terry J. Bailey, Richard L. Johnson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160195302Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the optical properties of light that is both modified and/or distributed, e.g. by diffraction, diffusion, or some other process, and also redirected by a heliostat, can be a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the modified and/or distributed light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of modified and/or distributed light indicative of how that light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Braden E. Hines, Richard Johnson
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Publication number: 20150241678Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a closed loop pointing system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of redirecting incident light, comprising the steps of: using at least one light redirecting element to redirect the incident light; providing a plurality of optical proxies that are associated with the reflecting element in a manner such that at least two of the optical proxies distribute a portion of the incident light uniquely relative to each other, wherein optical information encoded in the light distributed by the optical proxies cumulatively correlates to the aim of the light redirecting element; observing the optical information distributed by the optical proxies; and using the optical information to controllably actuate the light redirecting element in a manner that aims the redirected light onto a target.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Braden E. Hines, J. Terry Bailey, Richard L. Johnson, JR.
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Publication number: 20150160345Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods utilizing a proxy device that indicates directional aspects of redirected light from a corresponding light redirecting element by the position of one or more redirected light beams in one or more directions or coordinates on such a proxy device. The position characteristics of light redirected from the proxy device correlate to the aim of the light redirecting element associated with the proxy. This allows the proxy information to be used to accurately determine and control the aim of the light redirecting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: SOLARRESERVE, LLCInventor: Braden E. Hines
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Publication number: 20140209147Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Suncore Photovoltaics, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Cashion, Michael R. Bowser, Mark B. Farrelly, Braden E. Hines, Howard C. Holmes, Richard L. Johnson, JR., Richard J. Russell, Michael F. Turk
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Publication number: 20140110560Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the diffraction pattern for light that is both diffracted and re-directed by a heliostat is a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the diffracted light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of diffracted light indicative of how the diffracted light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk. This, in turn, means that diffracted light characteristics can be detected at a safe location, and this information can then be used to help precisely aim the light redirecting element onto the desired target, such as a receiver in a CSP system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: SOLARRESERVE, LLCInventors: Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson
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Patent number: 8697983Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Suncore Photovoltaics, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Cashion, Michael R. Bowser, Mark B. Farrelly, Braden E. Hines, Howard C. Holmes, Richard L. Johnson, Jr., Richard J. Russell, Michael F. Turk
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Patent number: 8674527Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Energy Cache, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Fyke, James T. Baker, Braden E. Hines, William T. Gross, Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20120298181Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Steven A. Cashion, Michael R. Bowser, Mark B. Farrelly, Braden E. Hines, Howard C. Holmes, Richard L. Johnson, JR., Richard J. Russell, Michael F. Turk
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Patent number: 8242350Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: Steven A. Cashion, Michael R. Bowser, Mark B. Farrelly, Braden E. Hines, Howard C. Holmes, Richard L. Johnson, Jr., Richard J. Russell, Michael F. Turk
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Patent number: 8153944Abstract: A tracking concentrator with a positioning system for alternately aiming the tracking solar concentrator based on the sun or a database is disclosed. The preferred positioning system comprises a sensor adapted to detect an incident light level; a tracking database comprising solar angle information; an orientation processor; one or more actuators for aiming the one or more optical elements based on the orientation processor; wherein the orientation processor is configured to track the sun based on (a) the receiver if the sensed light level exceeds a determined threshold, and (b) the tracking database if the sensed light level does not exceed the determined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Energy Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Braden E. Hines, William Gross
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Publication number: 20110285147Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: ENERGY CACHE, INC.Inventors: Aaron D. Fyke, James T. Baker, Braden E. Hines, William T. Gross, Christian T. Gregory
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Publication number: 20110094563Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: James T. Baker, Charles R. Haythornthwaite, Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson, JR., Michael F. Turk
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Patent number: 7688525Abstract: A hybrid optical component that collects and concentrates incident light. The hybrid component includes both refractive and reflective elements. In preferred embodiments, refractive and reflective components focus rays on a common focal plane generally located at the bottom of the reflector where they are absorbed by a device such as a photovoltaic (solar) cell. Additionally, the optical component combines both imaging and non-imaging optical elements into a single device, for improved overall performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Soliant Energy, Inc.Inventors: Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100032004Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: James T. Baker, Charles R. Haythornthwaite, Braden E. Hines, Richard L. Johnson, JR., Michael F. Turk
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Publication number: 20100018570Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems., photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Steven A. Cashion, Michael R. Bowser, Mark B. Farrelly, Braden E. Hines, Howard C. Holmes, Richard L. Johnson, JR., Richard J. Russell, Michael F. Turk