Patents by Inventor Dennis D. Earl

Dennis D. Earl 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: 7973235
    Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Batelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl, David L. Beshears, Lonnie C. Maxey, John K. Jordan, Randall F. Lind
  • Patent number: 7231128
    Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl, David L. Beshears, Lonnie C. Maxey, John K. Jordan, Randall F. Lind
  • Publication number: 20040187908
    Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl, David L. Beshears, Lonnie C. Maxey, John K. Jordan, Randall F. Lind
  • Publication number: 20040118447
    Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl, David L. Beshears, Lonnie C. Maxey, John K. Jordan, Randall F. Lind
  • Patent number: 6603069
    Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Muhs, Dennis D. Earl
  • Patent number: 6456383
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making absolute distance or ranging measurements using Fresnel diffraction. The invention employs a source of electromagnetic radiation having a known wavelength or wavelength distribution, which sends a beam of electromagnetic radiation through a screen at least partially opaque at the wavelength. The screen has an aperture sized so as to produce a Fresnel diffraction pattern. A portion of the beam travels through the aperture to a detector spaced some distance from the screen. The detector detects the central intensity of the beam as well as a set of intensities displaced from a center of the aperture. The distance from the source to the target can then be calculated based upon the known wavelength, aperture radius, and beam intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: UT Battelle, LLC, The University of Tennessee Research Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis D. Earl, Stephen W. Allison, Michael R. Cates, Alvin J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5914785
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making absolute distance or ranging measurements using Fresnel diffraction. The invention employs a source of electromagnetic radiation having a known wavelength or wavelength distribution, which sends a beam of electromagnetic radiation through an object which causes it to be split (hereinafter referred to as a "beamsplitter"), and then to a target. The beam is reflected from the target onto a screen containing an aperture spaced a known distance from the beamsplitter. The aperture is sized so as to produce a Fresnel diffraction pattern. A portion of the beam travels through the aperture to a detector, spaced a known distance from the screen. The detector detects the central intensity of the beam. The distance from the object which causes the beam to be split to the target can then be calculated based upon the known wavelength, aperture radius, beam intensity, and distance from the detector to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignees: The University of Tennesee Research Corporation, Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Allison, Michael R. Cates, William S. Key, Alvin J. Sanders, Dennis D. Earl