Patents by Inventor Darrell L. Summers

Darrell L. Summers 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: 6429368
    Abstract: A foldable solar cell array (10′) with multiple hinged panels, each with a segment of solar cells on a first face of each panel. Maximum power demands are met by employing a shortened outermost panel (20′) to minimize mass and inertia of the array. In a folded configuration, power generated from solar cells on the shortened outermost panel (20′) are supplemented by power generated from an additional segment of solar cells on a second face of the panel adjacent to the outermost one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell L. Summers