Patents by Inventor Francisco Castro

Francisco Castro 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: 10571274
    Abstract: A method of locating a maintenance vehicle in a solar power field can include driving the maintenance vehicle on a track. A plurality of flags are coupled to the track at spaced locations. Each flag can include an ID tag and a contact target or a non-contact target. The maintenance vehicle can include an ID tag reader and a sensor configured to detect the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include driving the maintenance vehicle along the track to a position adjacent to a flag of the plurality of flags, reading by the ID tag reader the ID tag of that flag, and sensing by the sensor the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include, based on the reading and the sensing, identifying a unique location of the maintenance vehicle in the solar power field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Bailey, Adam French, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez, Thomas Goehring, Jason Alderman
  • Patent number: 10365015
    Abstract: Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules and method thereof. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Adriani, Neil Morris, Kevin Hennessy, Anders Swahn, Thomas Peter Hunt, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20190123681
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dual tilt, ballasted photovoltaic module racking are provided herein. Under one aspect, a system for supporting first and second photovoltaic modules can include first and second elongated stiffeners respectively configured to be coupled to and support the first and second photovoltaic modules. The system also can include first and second feet respectively configured to be coupled to first and second grooves respectively provided within first and second ballasts. The system also can include a first stiffener hinge rotatably coupling the first and second stiffeners to one another, a first foot hinge rotatably coupling the first foot to the first stiffener, and a second foot hinge rotatably coupling the second foot to the second stiffener. At least one of the first stiffener hinge and the first and second foot hinges can include a respective mechanical stop inhibiting rotation of that hinge beyond a respective predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Kingsley, Jesse Atkinson, Sean Bailey, Karl Johnson, Brett West, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10270384
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dual tilt, ballasted photovoltaic module racking are provided herein. Under one aspect, a system for supporting first and second photovoltaic modules can include first and second elongated stiffeners respectively configured to be coupled to and support the first and second photovoltaic modules. The system also can include first and second feet respectively configured to be coupled to first and second grooves respectively provided within first and second ballasts. The system also can include a first stiffener hinge rotatably coupling the first and second stiffeners to one another, a first foot hinge rotatably coupling the first foot to the first stiffener, and a second foot hinge rotatably coupling the second foot to the second stiffener. At least one of the first stiffener hinge and the first and second foot hinges can include a respective mechanical stop inhibiting rotation of that hinge beyond a respective predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kingsley, Jesse Atkinson, Sean Bailey, Karl Johnson, Brett West, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20180159464
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dual tilt, ballasted photovoltaic module racking are provided herein. Under one aspect, a system for supporting first and second photovoltaic modules can include first and second elongated stiffeners respectively configured to be coupled to and support the first and second photovoltaic modules. The system also can include first and second feet respectively configured to be coupled to first and second grooves respectively provided within first and second ballasts. The system also can include a first stiffener hinge rotatably coupling the first and second stiffeners to one another, a first foot hinge rotatably coupling the first foot to the first stiffener, and a second foot hinge rotatably coupling the second foot to the second stiffener. At least one of the first stiffener hinge and the first and second foot hinges can include a respective mechanical stop inhibiting rotation of that hinge beyond a respective predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Kingsley, Jesse Atkinson, Sean Bailey, Karl Johnson, Brett West, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9937846
    Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam French, Timothy Wheeler, Kevin Hennessy, Jess Crowe, Luis Francisco Castro-Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20180087908
    Abstract: A method of locating a maintenance vehicle in a solar power field can include driving the maintenance vehicle on a track. A plurality of flags are coupled to the track at spaced locations. Each flag can include an ID tag and a contact target or a non-contact target. The maintenance vehicle can include an ID tag reader and a sensor configured to detect the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include driving the maintenance vehicle along the track to a position adjacent to a flag of the plurality of flags, reading by the ID tag reader the ID tag of that flag, and sensing by the sensor the contact target or the non-contact target. The method also can include, based on the reading and the sensing, identifying a unique location of the maintenance vehicle in the solar power field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Sean BAILEY, Adam FRENCH, Luis Francisco CASTRO HERNANDEZ, Thomas GOEHRING, Jason ALDERMAN, Craig B. E. WILDMAN
  • Publication number: 20170314819
    Abstract: Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules and method thereof. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Paul ADRIANI, Neil MORRIS, Kevin HENNESSY, Anders SWAHN, Thomas Peter HUNT, Luis Francisco CASTRO HERNANDEZ
  • Patent number: 9657967
    Abstract: Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Adriani, Neil Morris, Kevin Hennessy, Anders Swahn, Thomas Peter Hunt, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20170043700
    Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Adam French, Timothy Wheeler, Kevin Hennessy, Jess Crowe, Luis Francisco Castro-Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9453660
    Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Alion Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam French, Timothy Wheeler, Kevin Hennessy, Jess Crowe, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9328955
    Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet having a cabinet, thermal insulation, cover or liner, which help it form a cavity which can house objects to be refrigerated with at least one shelf and one door comprising a vegetable drawer which itself on its lateral and opposite walls having an appendage integrated by a head, an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar, a skate, a hump; which runs within a rail comprising a channel formed by a barrier, a lower bay, a neck in C with a straight which is inclined, a gulf and a stump; with the peculiarity that when the vegetable drawer is found in its resting or closed position, the front wall of said vegetable drawer is in close proximity to the vertical; the head (32) is coupled within the neck in C, the skate is in contact with the upper face of the lower bay, and the barrier is in contact with a portion of the lower face of the lower crossbar; and that when the vegetable drawer is extracted in its final runner position, the vegetable drawer has an ? inclination with relation to the horizont
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: MABE, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Luis Francisco Castro Solis, Lazaro Duarte De Robles, Juan Suarez Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20150176887
    Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet having a cabinet, thermal insulation, cover or liner, which help it form a cavity which can house objects to be refrigerated with at least one shelf and one door comprising a vegetable drawer which itself on its lateral and opposite walls having an appendage integrated by a head, an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar, a skate, a hump; which runs within a rail comprising a channel formed by a barrier, a lower bay, a neck in C with a straight which is inclined, a gulf and a stump; with the peculiarity that when the vegetable drawer is found in its resting or closed position, the front wall of said vegetable drawer is in close proximity to the vertical; the head (32) is coupled within the neck in C, the skate is in contact with the upper face of the lower bay, and the barrier is in contact with a portion of the lower face of the lower crossbar; and that when the vegetable drawer is extracted in its final runner position, the vegetable drawer has an a inclination with relation to the horizont
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Luis Francisco CASTRO SOLIS, Lazaro DUARTE DE ROBLES, Juan SUAREZ GONZALEZ
  • Patent number: 9028769
    Abstract: The oxygen generation system includes a chemical oxygen generator that creates oxygen through an exothermic chemical reaction that creates sufficient heat to pose a serious risk to a user. The oxygen generation system therefore includes a containment layer to permit safer administration of oxygen from a chemical oxygen generator by shielding a user from and/or dissipating the heat generated by the chemical generator. The oxygen generation system may be handheld and portable for use in extreme, remote, and/or hostile conditions, locations, environments, and situations with a simple activation method easily operated under stress without any preparation or maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Pacific Precision Products Mfg.
    Inventors: Francois Vigier, Ahmad Marshall, Gerald White, Tae Kim, Francisco Castro, Emmanuel Angelo Fantuzzi
  • Publication number: 20150069001
    Abstract: An exemplary method for installing at an installation site a photovoltaic module including a panel and support legs includes disposing the photovoltaic module over a support surface such that the support legs are in a stowed position; lifting the photovoltaic module from a support surface while engaging a magnetic field with the support legs so as to maintain the support legs in the stowed position; disengaging the magnetic field from the support legs of the lifted photovoltaic module so as to release the support legs from the stowed position to an installation position in which the support legs are rotated downwards relative to the stowed position; and lowering the photovoltaic module to the installation site with the support legs in the installation position so as to install the photovoltaic module at the installation site, the support legs supporting the panel at the installation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Adam FRENCH, Timothy WHEELER, Kevin HENNESSY, Jess CROWE, Luis Francisco CASTRO HERNANDEZ
  • Publication number: 20130305518
    Abstract: Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules and method thereof. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Alion, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Adriani, Neil Morris, Kevin Hennessy, Andrers Swahn, Thomas Peter Hunt, Luis Francisco Castro Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6860350
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for adjusting vehicle speed, beginning with a modulated laser pulse being emitted. A reference portion of the emitted modulated laser pulse is extracted, a reflected portion of the emitted modulated laser pulse is received, and the reflected portion is combined with the reference portion on a portion of an imaging array. A determination of a relative velocity is based on the combined reflected portion and reference portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Allyson Beuhler, Francisco Castro, Anthony Polak
  • Publication number: 20040256561
    Abstract: In a wide band light sensing pixel array (100) comprising pixel groups (105), a ratio of a visible exposure period to a near infrared exposure period is controlled by a control circuit (108) to be essentially equivalent to a ratio of a second nominal sensitivity to a first nominal sensitivity. The visible exposure period is an exposure period of a set of visible light pixels having the first nominal sensitivity. The near infrared exposure period is an exposure period of a near infrared light pixel having the second nominal sensitivity. A subset of the set of visible light pixels and the near infrared light pixel in each pixel group (105) and circuit components associated only with the subset can be turned off during a reduced color mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Allyson Beuhler, Francisco Castro, Wanqing Li
  • Publication number: 20040118624
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for adjusting vehicle speed, beginning with a modulated laser pulse being emitted. A reference portion of the emitted modulated laser pulse is extracted, a reflected portion of the emitted modulated laser pulse is received, and the reflected portion is combined with the reference portion on a portion of an imaging array. A determination of a relative velocity is based on the combined reflected portion and reference portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: Allyson Beuhler, Francisco Castro, Anthony Polak
  • Patent number: 6704046
    Abstract: A pixel image sensor having an array of pixel elements arranged in a color mosaic pattern, each pixel element being responsive to light of a particular color. Each pixel element is supplied with a reference voltage signal corresponding to the color of light to which the pixel element is responsive. The reference voltage signal determined the sensitivity of the pixel element. The white balance of the image sensor is adjusted by varying independently the reference voltage signals for each color. The color mosaic pattern of the array may include a pixel element responsive to white light. The output from the white pixel sensors may be used to adjust the color constancy of the image sensor. The image array reduces the need for post-capture processing of the image for white balancing, by incorporating the white balance operation into the capture process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dyas, Francisco Castro, Austin Harton, Barry Herold