Patents by Inventor Francis Casey
Francis Casey 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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Publication number: 20210341545Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining, from an electric field sensor, measurements of a net electric field resulting from a combination of respective electric fields from two or more electrical power conductors that are proximate to the electric field sensor. The apparatus detects a change in successive measurements of the net electric field. The apparatus determines, based on the change, that an electrical fault has occurred in one of the two or more electric power conductors. The apparatus sends to a server system, data indicating that the electrical fault has occurred in one of the two or more electric power conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin
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Publication number: 20210247433Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining a reference phase signal that is synchronized with an alternating current (AC) phase of a multi-phase electrical power distribution system. The apparatus obtains output signals from sensors, each output signal representative of an electromagnetic emission detected by a respective sensor. The apparatus identifies, based on comparing respective phases of the output signals to the reference phase signal, a particular AC phase of the multi-phase electrical power distribution system associated with a source of the emissions. The apparatus provides an indication of the particular AC phase to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin, Peter Evans, Shuyu Wang, Raymond Daly, C.O. Lee Boyce, JR., Joel Fraser Atwater
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Patent number: 11085972Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining, from an electric field sensor, measurements of a net electric field resulting from a combination of respective electric fields from two or more electrical power conductors that are proximate to the electric field sensor. The apparatus detects a change in successive measurements of the net electric field. The apparatus determines, based on the change, that an electrical fault has occurred in one of the two or more electric power conductors. The apparatus sends to a server system, data indicating that the electrical fault has occurred in one of the two or more electric power conductors.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin
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Publication number: 20210227125Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an infrared and visible imaging system. In some implementations, Image data from a visible-light camera is obtained. A position of a device is determined based at least in part on the image data from the visible-light camera. An infrared camera is positioned so that the device is in a field of view of the infrared camera, with the field of view of the infrared camera being narrower than the field of view of the visible-light camera. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that includes regions representing the device is obtained. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that represents the device is recorded. Position data is also recorded that indicates the location and pose of the infrared camera when the infrared image data is acquired by the infrared camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Peter Light, Joel Fraser Atwater, Crystal Elayna Winston, Mehrdad Roosta, Siyuan Xin, Chetan Mahadeswaraswamy
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Publication number: 20210158237Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing vegetation management processes. The processes can include obtaining first data identifying vegetation growth proximate to utility lines. The processes can include identifying a set of trees as being likely to interfere with a respective utility line near the tree. The processes can include determining, for each tree in the set of trees, an impact score that indicates a severity of a power outage that would be caused by interference of the tree with a power line. The processes can include selecting, based on the impact scores, individual trees to be trimmed. The processes can include generating trimming data that includes the location of the tree on a graphical map, and providing the trimming data for display on the one or more computing devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2020Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Joel Fraser Atwater, Leo Francis Casey, Page Furey Crahan, Andre Michel Hamrah, Peter Light
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Patent number: 11016132Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining a reference phase signal that is synchronized with an alternating current (AC) phase of a multi-phase electrical power distribution system. The apparatus obtains output signals from sensors, each output signal representative of an electromagnetic emission detected by a respective sensor. The apparatus identifies, based on comparing respective phases of the output signals to the reference phase signal, a particular AC phase of the multi-phase electrical power distribution system associated with a source of the emissions. The apparatus provides an indication of the particular AC phase to a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin, Peter Evans, Shuyu Wang, Raymond Daly, C. O. Lee Boyce, Jr., Joel Fraser Atwater
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Publication number: 20210141969Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating a representation of an electric power grid. One of the methods includes obtaining respective datasets, identifying one or more predictive models for each of the respective datasets that are each configured to processes a category of data to generate an output that specifies a partial representation of the electric power grid; and aggregating the respective outputs in accordance with a set of predetermined rules to generate a final representation of the electric power grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Phillip E. Stahlfeld, Amanda McNary, Peter Evans, Leo Francis Casey
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Patent number: 10972649Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an infrared and visible imaging system. In some implementations, Image data from a visible-light camera is obtained. A position of a device is determined based at least in part on the image data from the visible-light camera. An infrared camera is positioned so that the device is in a field of view of the infrared camera, with the field of view of the infrared camera being narrower than the field of view of the visible-light camera. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that includes regions representing the device is obtained. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that represents the device is recorded. Position data is also recorded that indicates the location and pose of the infrared camera when the infrared image data is acquired by the infrared camera.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Leo Francis Casey, Peter Light, Joel Fraser Atwater, Crystal Elayna Winston, Mehrdad Roosta, Siyuan Xin, Chetan Mahadeswaraswamy
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Publication number: 20200379025Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining a reference phase signal that is synchronized with an alternating current (AC) phase of a multi-phase electrical power distribution system. The apparatus obtains output signals from sensors, each output signal representative of an electromagnetic emission detected by a respective sensor. The apparatus identifies, based on comparing respective phases of the output signals to the reference phase signal, a particular AC phase of the multi-phase electrical power distribution system associated with a source of the emissions. The apparatus provides an indication of the particular AC phase to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin, Peter Evans, Shuyu Wang, Raymond Daly, C.O. Lee Boyce, JR., Joel Fraser Atwater
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Publication number: 20200350808Abstract: A compound motor-generator system including a first motor-generator and a second motor-generator. The first motor generator includes a stator having a set of three-phase field windings and a first rotor disposed inside and coaxial with the stator and configured to rotate relative to the stator. The second motor-generator includes a rotational stator and a second rotor coupled to a common shaft with the rotor of the first motor-generator and disposed inside and coaxial to the rotational stator. The rotational stator is configured to rotate relative to the second rotor and at a higher rotational speed than the second rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin
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Publication number: 20200275011Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an infrared and visible imaging system. In some implementations, Image data from a visible-light camera is obtained. A position of a device is determined based at least in part on the image data from the visible-light camera. An infrared camera is positioned so that the device is in a field of view of the infrared camera, with the field of view of the infrared camera being narrower than the field of view of the visible-light camera. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that includes regions representing the device is obtained. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that represents the device is recorded. Position data is also recorded that indicates the location and pose of the infrared camera when the infrared image data is acquired by the infrared camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Peter Light, Joel Fraser Atwater, Crystal Elayna Winston, Mehrdad Roosta, Siyuan Xin, Chetan Mahadeswaraswamy
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Publication number: 20200166556Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for obtaining, from an electric field sensor, measurements of a net electric field resulting from a combination of respective electric fields from two or more electrical power conductors that are proximate to the electric field sensor. The apparatus detects a change in successive measurements of the net electric field. The apparatus determines, based on the change, that an electrical fault has occurred in one of the two or more electric power conductors. The apparatus sends to a server system, data indicating that the electrical fault has occurred in one of the two or more electric power conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Leo Francis Casey, Siyuan Xin
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Patent number: 10500546Abstract: It can be difficult to remove atomically thin films, such as graphene, graphene-based material and other two-dimensional materials, from a growth substrate and then to transfer the thin films to a secondary substrate. Tearing and conformality issues can arise during the removal and transfer processes. Processes for forming a composite structure by manipulating a two-dimensional material, such as graphene or graphene-base material, can include: providing a two-dimensional material adhered to a growth substrate; depositing a supporting layer on the two-dimensional material while the two-dimensional material is adhered to the growth substrate; and releasing the two-dimensional material from the growth substrate, the two-dimensional material remaining in contact with the supporting layer following release of the two-dimensional material from the growth substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Steven Lloyd Sinsabaugh, Peter V. Bedworth, David Francis Casey, Jr., Scott E. Heise, Steven W. Sinton, Randall Mark Stoltenberg, Jacob Louis Swett
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Patent number: 10090786Abstract: While motors or generators stacked in series may allow for higher operating voltages, such motors or generators may also exhibit instability. To minimize instability, the motors or generators may be controlled to have an approximately equal current. An example motor system may include motor stacks connected in series, each motor stack exhibiting a respective stack voltage and a respective differential power (based on a difference in power between motors in the motor stack). A control system may average the stack voltages to generate an average stack voltage and generate a nominal stack power corresponding to each stack voltage. The control system may receive the differential powers, combine each differential power and nominal stack power for the respective motor stack to generate first and a second motor powers, and control each motor stack using the first and second motor powers.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Andrew David Goessling, Leo Francis Casey
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Patent number: 9948098Abstract: A power distribution system includes at least a ground power unit, an aerial vehicle, and a power station. The ground power unit is configured to convert an input AC power into DC power output, wherein the ground power unit includes at least a first bus, second bus, and a third bus, wherein the first bus is configured to operate at a first voltage level referenced to the third bus, and wherein the second bus is configured to operate at a second voltage level referenced to the third bus that is different from the first voltage level. The aerial vehicle may include a plurality of motor-generators coupled to a respective plurality of turbines, wherein the plurality of motor-generators may be configured to be energized by power received from a tether.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Leo Francis Casey, Geoff Dolan
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Patent number: 9853455Abstract: A power distribution system includes a bidirectional power converter, a battery, and a controller. The bidirectional power converter is operable to (i) convert AC power received at AC terminals to DC power at DC terminals and (ii) convert DC power received at the DC terminals to AC power at the AC terminals. The bidirectional power converter is disposed within a converter stack formed by a plurality of power converters having DC terminals that are coupled to each other in series. The battery is arranged to be selectively couplable to the DC terminals of the bidirectional power converter. The controller is configured to (i) determine that the DC voltage across the DC terminals of the bidirectional power converter is below a threshold voltage and (ii) couple the battery to the DC terminals of the bidirectional power converter based on the determination that the DC voltage is below the threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Leo Francis Casey, Geoff Dolan
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Patent number: 9502895Abstract: A photo-voltaic (PV) power generating system and a control system for PV array string-level control and PV modules serially-connected into strings of PV modules. The system includes plural parallel strings of serially-connected powergenerating photovoltaic modules that form a PV array, DC/DC micro-converters that are coupled to a DC voltage buss and to the output of a corresponding photovoltaic module or to the output of a string of photovoltaic modules; a gating or central inverter; and a control system. The micro-converters are structured and arranged to include at least one of: an active clamp device, a ground fault detection device, and a fractional power converter that injects power in series or in parallel with voltage or current from the power-generating portion onto the DC buss.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Perfect Galaxy International LimitedInventors: Leo Francis Casey, Joseph T. Mossoba
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Publication number: 20160164439Abstract: While motors or generators stacked in series may allow for higher operating voltages, such motors or generators may also exhibit instability. To minimize instability, the motors or generators may be controlled to have an approximately equal current. An example motor system may include motor stacks connected in series, each motor stack exhibiting a respective stack voltage and a respective differential power (based on a difference in power between motors in the motor stack). A control system may average the stack voltages to generate an average stack voltage and generate a nominal stack power corresponding to each stack voltage. The control system may receive the differential powers, combine each differential power and nominal stack power for the respective motor stack to generate first and a second motor powers, and control each motor stack using the first and second motor powers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Andrew David Goessling, Leo Francis Casey
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Patent number: 9325224Abstract: Disclosed are systems and rotor/stator assemblies with improved electrical isolation. An example rotor/stator assembly may include a rotor, a rotor housing, a rotor insulator, a stator, a stator plate, and a stator insulator. The rotor may be electrically isolated from the rotor housing by the rotor insulator, and the stator may be electrically isolated from the stator plate by the stator insulator. The stator may be disposed coaxial to the rotor. The rotor/stator assembly may function as a motor, and the stator may be configured to cause the rotor to rotate about the stator in response to an input of electrical energy to the stator. Alternatively or additionally, the rotor/stator may function as an electrical generator. The rotor may be configured to rotate about the stator, and the stator may be configured to produce electrical energy in response to rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Damon Vander Lind, Leo Francis Casey, George Edward Homsy
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Patent number: 9294017Abstract: While motors or generators stacked in series may allow for higher operating voltages, such motors or generators may also exhibit instability. To minimize instability, the motors or generators may be controlled to have an approximately equal current. An example motor system may include motor stacks connected in series, each motor stack exhibiting a respective stack voltage and a respective differential power (based on a difference in power between motors in the motor stack). A control system may average the stack voltages to generate an average stack voltage and generate a nominal stack power corresponding to each stack voltage. The control system may receive the differential powers, combine each differential power and nominal stack power for the respective motor stack to generate first and a second motor powers, and control each motor stack using the first and second motor powers.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Andrew David Goessling, Leo Francis Casey