Patents by Inventor David J. Bergeron
David J. Bergeron 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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Patent number: 6469487Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 6453693Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Publication number: 20020023450Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
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Publication number: 20020020181Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Government of the United States of America, National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron
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Patent number: 6253563Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photo voltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Michael K. Ewert, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 4834325Abstract: A modular spacecraft system adapted for orbital flight is capable of expansion by the connection of at least two substantially identical spacecraft modules, each of which is capable of independent operation. Each spacecraft module comprises a spacecraft body, at least one solar array extendible outwardly from the spacecraft body, and at least one structural interface means for connecting one spacecraft module to another spacecraft module. Methods for deployment of a spacecraft module and for assembly of a modular spacecraft system utilizing a reusable space vehicle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1985Date of Patent: May 30, 1989Assignee: Space Industries, Inc.Inventors: Maxime A. Faget, Caldwell C. Johnson, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 4747567Abstract: A spacecraft is disclosed which comprises a spacecraft body, at least one solar array extendible outwardly from the spacecraft body, and articulation means for adjusting the position of the solar array relative to the spacecraft body independently about three axes, each of which is orthogonal to the axis adjacent to it. Each articulation means comprises a first rotatable coupling for permitting rotation of the solar array about a first axis substantially parallel to the surface of the spacecraft body, a second rotatable coupling for permitting rotation of the solar array about a second axis normal to the first axis, and a third rotatable coupling for permitting rotation of the solar array about a third axis normal to the second axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the array.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1985Date of Patent: May 31, 1988Assignee: Space Industries, Inc.Inventors: Caldwell C. Johnson, Maxime A. Faget, David J. Bergeron, III
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Patent number: 4728061Abstract: A spacecraft is adapted for orbital flight in two alternative modes, referred to as the earth-oriented and quasi sun-oriented modes. The spacecraft comprises a spacecraft body, at least one solar array extendible outwardly from the spacecraft body, passive attitude control means utilizing gravity gradient stabilization means which is extendible and retractable relative to the spacecraft body, and active attitude control means. The gravity gradient stabilization means is effective when extended to stabilize the spacecraft in the earth-oriented mode, and the active attitude control means is effective to stabilize the spacecraft in the quasi sun-oriented mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1985Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Assignee: Space Industries, Inc.Inventors: Caldwell C. Johnson, Maxime A. Faget, David J. Bergeron, III