Patents by Inventor Charles Hume
Charles Hume 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: 11956875Abstract: A power management and smart lighting system is provided that enables efficient distribution of DC power to various building features, including LED lighting. The power management system includes an intelligent power supply unit configured to convert AC power drawn from a building load center into a deadband DC waveform. The deadband DC power generated by the intelligent power supply unit is then transmitted over power-with-Ethernet cables to a plurality of distributed intelligent drivers, each configured to intelligently power one or more LED troffers. The intelligent drivers may be daisy-chained to one another by the power-with-Ethernet cables, enabling a power-ring architecture. To enable easy control of the drivers, intelligent sensors can be distributed throughout the topology and connected to the drivers (e.g., via power-with-Ethernet cables) to enable a wide array of lighting control options.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Southwire Company, LLCInventors: Charles Hume, David Sykes, Aldo P. Della Sera, Juan Galindo, Andrew M. Pluister, Mark Crosier
-
Patent number: 11664991Abstract: Methods and systems enabling tracking and managing apparel items are described. The apparel item (e.g. clothing item, shoes, accessories, jewelry and other type of wearables) is tagged and tracked using an inimitable identification tag that is at least partially invisible to the naked human eye, and generating a record of the apparel item in a distributed ledger using the tag data of the inimitable identification tag. The record is associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) on the ledger that allows for tracking the item throughout its life. For example, it is possible to locate and authenticate the apparel item by using the private key associated with the NFT of the token. The apparel item may be tracked starting from a manufacturing phase of the apparel and extending throughout the lifespan of the apparel item. The authenticity of the apparel item can be shown throughout the manufacturing, distribution and ownership stages.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: CreateMe Technologies LLCInventors: Thomas C. K. Myers, Lawrence Charles Hume, Eduardo Barrón
-
Publication number: 20230010172Abstract: Methods and systems enabling tracking and managing apparel items are described. The apparel item (e.g. clothing item, shoes, accessories, jewelry and other type of wearables) is tagged and tracked using an inimitable identification tag that is at least partially invisible to the naked human eye, and generating a record of the apparel item in a distributed ledger using the tag data of the inimitable identification tag. The record is associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) on the ledger that allows for tracking the item throughout its life. For example, it is possible to locate and authenticate the apparel item by using the private key associated with the NFT of the token. The apparel item may be tracked starting from a manufacturing phase of the apparel and extending throughout the lifespan of the apparel item. The authenticity of the apparel item can be shown throughout the manufacturing, distribution and ownership stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Applicant: CreateMe Technologies LLCInventors: Thomas C.K. Myers, Lawrence Charles Hume, Eduardo Barrón
-
Publication number: 20220407314Abstract: Systems for converting a standard direct current (DC) power from solar panels into a rectified DC power signal for further conversion into alternating current (AC) power are described herein. In some example embodiments, the systems may include distributed power converters and a grid interface unit connected by a trunk cable. In some example embodiments, the power converters may be embedded in the trunk cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Brad Freeman, Charles Hume, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Patent number: 11438988Abstract: A power management and smart lighting system is provided that enables efficient distribution of DC power to various building features, including LED lighting. The power management system includes an intelligent power supply unit configured to convert AC power drawn from a building load center into a deadband DC waveform. The deadband DC power generated by the intelligent power supply unit is then transmitted over power-with-Ethernet cables to a plurality of distributed intelligent drivers, each configured to intelligently power one or more LED troffers. The intelligent drivers may be daisy-chained to one another by the power-with-Ethernet cables, enabling a power-ring architecture. To enable easy control of the drivers, intelligent sensors can be distributed throughout the topology and connected to the drivers (e.g., via power-with-Ethernet cables) to enable a wide array of lighting control options.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: SOUTHWIRE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Charles Hume, David Sykes, Aldo P. Della Sera, Juan Galindo, Andrew M. Pluister, Mark Crosier
-
Publication number: 20220231514Abstract: A solar power generation system is provided for more efficiently and cost-effectively generating and delivering power. The solar power generation system includes a plurality of distributed power converter nodes each configured to convert DC power received from a solar module into a deadband DC waveform. The deadband DC power generated by each power converter node is then transmitted to a centralized grid interface box, which is configured to unfold the deadband DC waveform into an AC signal suitable for transmission to an electric power grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Charles Hume, David Sykes, Aldo P. Della Sera, Juan Galindo, Andrew M. Pluister, Mark Crosier
-
Patent number: 11387775Abstract: Systems for converting a standard direct current (DC) power from solar panels into a rectified DC power signal for further conversion into alternating current (AC) power are described herein. In some example embodiments, the systems may include distributed power converters and a grid interface unit connected by a trunk cable. In some example embodiments, the power converters may be embedded in the trunk cable.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: SOUTHWIRE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Brad Freeman, Charles Hume, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Patent number: 11374756Abstract: Methods and systems enabling tracking and managing apparel items are described. The apparel item (e.g. clothing item, shoes, accessories, jewelry and other type of wearables) is tagged and tracked using an inimitable identification tag that is at least partially invisible to the naked human eye, and generating a record of the apparel item in a distributed ledger using the tag data of the inimitable identification tag. The record is associated with a non-fungible token (NFT) on the ledger that allows for tracking the item throughout its life. For example, it is possible to locate and authenticate the apparel item by using the private key associated with the NFT of the token. The apparel item may be tracked starting from a manufacturing phase of the apparel and extending throughout the lifespan of the apparel item. The authenticity of the apparel item can be shown throughout the manufacturing, distribution and ownership stages.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: CreateMe Technologies LLCInventors: Thomas C. K. Myers, Lawrence Charles Hume, Eduardo Barrón
-
Patent number: 11251621Abstract: A solar power generation system is provided for more efficiently and cost-effectively generating and delivering power. The solar power generation system includes a plurality of distributed power converter nodes each configured to convert DC power received from a solar module into a deadband DC waveform. The deadband DC power generated by each power converter node is then transmitted to a centralized grid interface box, which is configured to unfold the deadband DC waveform into an AC signal suitable for transmission to an electric power grid.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Southwire Company, LLCInventors: Charles Hume, David Sykes, Aldo P. Della Sera, Juan Galindo, Andrew M. Pluister, Mark Crosier
-
Publication number: 20210359642Abstract: Systems for converting a standard direct current (DC) power from solar panels into a rectified DC power signal for further conversion into alternating current (AC) power are described herein. In some example embodiments, the systems may include distributed power converters and a grid interface unit connected by a trunk cable. In some example embodiments, the power converters may be embedded in the trunk cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Brad Freeman, Charles Hume, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Patent number: 10951161Abstract: Systems for converting a standard direct current (DC) power from solar panels into a rectified DC power signal for further conversion into alternating current (AC) power are described herein. In some example embodiments, the systems may include distributed power converters and a grid interface unit connected by a trunk cable. In some example embodiments, the power converters may be embedded in the trunk cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Southwire Company, LLCInventors: Brad Freeman, Charles Hume, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Patent number: 10523117Abstract: A photovoltaic power system for supplying power to an electric grid is provided, in which a plurality of photovoltaic panels are each configured for generating a DC power signal. A plurality of DC-DC power converters connected to the photovoltaic panels are provided for converting the DC power signal into a deadband DC signal having a rectified sine waveform with reoccurring deadband periods, which reduces the risk of arcing during power transmission. An electric network interface is used to convert the deadband DC signal received from the plurality of DC-DC power converters into an AC power signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Southwire Company, LLCInventors: Charles Hume, Brad Freeman, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Publication number: 20180131272Abstract: A photovoltaic power system for supplying power to an electric grid is provided, in which a plurality of photovoltaic panels are each configured for generating a DC power signal. A plurality of DC-DC power converters connected to the photovoltaic panels are provided for converting the DC power signal into a deadband DC signal having a rectified sine waveform with reoccurring deadband periods, which reduces the risk of arcing during power transmission. An electric network interface is used to convert the deadband DC signal received from the plurality of DC-DC power converters into an AC power signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2017Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Charles Hume, Brad Freeman, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Publication number: 20170179876Abstract: Systems for converting a standard direct current (DC) power from solar panels into a rectified DC power signal for further conversion into alternating current (AC) power are described herein. In some example embodiments, the systems may include distributed power converters and a grid interface unit connected by a trunk cable. In some example embodiments, the power converters may be embedded in the trunk cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Brad Freeman, Charles Hume, Dave Sykes, Aldo Della Sera
-
Patent number: 8678937Abstract: A shaft coupling is disclosed herein. The shaft coupling includes a tubular portion extending along a central axis. The tubular portion has a maximum inner diameter. The shaft coupling also includes a first set of internal splines positioned in the tubular portion. The shaft coupling also includes a dam rising above the maximum inner diameter in the tubular portion. The dam is spaced from the first set of internal splines along the central axis. The shaft coupling also includes at least one aperture for receiving lubricant for the first set of internal splines. The at least one aperture extends through the tubular portion along an aperture axis transverse to the central axis. A cross-sectional area of the at least one aperture decreases along at least part of the aperture axis. In another feature, the shaft coupling can include a passageway extending through the dam.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: Ryan Charles Humes
-
Publication number: 20110129291Abstract: A shaft coupling is disclosed herein. The shaft coupling includes a tubular portion extending along a central axis. The tubular portion has a maximum inner diameter. The shaft coupling also includes a first set of internal splines positioned in the tubular portion. The shaft coupling also includes a dam rising above the maximum inner diameter in the tubular portion. The dam is spaced from the first set of internal splines along the central axis. The shaft coupling also includes at least one aperture for receiving lubricant for the first set of internal splines. The at least one aperture extends through the tubular portion along an aperture axis transverse to the central axis. A cross-sectional area of the at least one aperture decreases along at least part of the aperture axis. In another feature, the shaft coupling can include a passageway extending through the dam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventor: RYAN CHARLES HUMES