Patents by Inventor Darren T. Kimura

Darren T. Kimura 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).

  • SUPPORT OF HEAT COLLECTORS IN SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS
    Publication number: 20130228165
    Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Sopogy, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren T. KIMURA, Susanne M. SPIESSBERGER, Kip H. DOPP
  • Use of brackets and rails in concentrating solar energy collectors
    Patent number: 8443795
    Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sopogy, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren T. Kimura, Susanne M. Spiessberger, Kip H. Dopp
  • Components and solar energy collection system
    Publication number: 20120186579
    Abstract: Scalable arm assemblies for solar energy collector. In one instance, two end arms of two collectors are formed with identical hubs, end fittings, and bottom fitting but different connectors between hubs and fittings. Separate solar energy collector panels or wings may be interconnected with e.g. an interconnect that is asymmetric in one direction but symmetric in a second direction in cross-section. A solar energy collector may also have a unique sprocket drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Sopogy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip H. Dopp, Darren T. Kimura, Tommy Douglas Hindmarsh
  • Concentrated solar trough and mobile solar collector
    Publication number: 20110220096
    Abstract: Solar energy reflector, collector, array, and other equipment for converting solar energy to e.g. thermal energy. A reflector or collector may, for instance, comprise a plurality of longitudinal rails; a rib engaging and spanning the plurality of longitudinal rails; and a first mirror panel. The rib of the reflector or collector may have a slot that is parabolic or in the shape of a section of a parabola. A portion of the mirror panel such as an end portion or a portion located away from the ends may be positioned within the rib's slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SOPOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Naveen N. Margankunte, Josef A. Sikora, Darren T. Kimura, Peter J. Sugimura, Kip H. Dopp
  • Use of identical components in solar energy collectors
    Patent number: 7950387
    Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sopogy, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren T. Kimura, Susanne M. Spiessberger, Kip H. Dopp
  • PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110073104
    Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and methods for concentrating solar radiations with trough solar energy collectors are disclosed. A support assembly for a trough solar energy collector has a plurality of transverse ribs attached to longitudinal rails and end assemblies secured to the rails. End assemblies may attach to longitudinal rails through transverse ribs, and guy wires may span from one of the end sections to the other. Transverse ribs may be formed of two rib sections with semi-parabolic shape. Solar energy collecting panels may be placed on the ribs and secured with cowlings and transverse panel-retaining strips, for instance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SOPOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kip H. DOPP, Darren T. KIMURA
  • SOLID CORE STRUCTURE PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110067692
    Abstract: Foam backed solid support structure and trough solar energy collector. A support structure has foam or other polymeric material, a plurality of end arms, and a plurality of end caps secured to the formed foam material. The foam material is cut into a parabolic or semi-parabolic shape, and a reflective element may be placed onto the formed foam material and secured mechanically, with adhesion, and/or integrated with the surface. A solar energy collector formed using a polymeric core may have longitudinally-extending cowling, end caps, and end arms as described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: SOPOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kip H. DOPP, Darren T. Kimura
  • PARKING SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTORS
    Publication number: 20100236600
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatus and methods that may reduce or prevent damage to fragile components of solar collectors during storms, especially more violent storms such as hurricanes and sand-storms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: SOPOGY, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren T. Kimura, Susanne M. Spiessberger, Kip H. Dopp, Steve D. Varon, Sekou S. Crawford
  • Support of heat collectors in solar energy collectors
    Publication number: 20090314283
    Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Darren T. Kimura, Susanne M. Spiessberger, Kip H. Dopp
  • Use of brackets and rails in concentrating solar energy collectors
    Publication number: 20080127967
    Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: SOPOGY, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren T. Kimura, Susanne M. Spiessberger, Kip H. Dopp