Patents by Inventor Gareth J. Knowles

Gareth J. Knowles 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: 10892540
    Abstract: A voltage interrupt device is provided transmits or conducts signals in the RF frequency range but stops all signal transmission when subject to a high energy, low frequency signal such as that generated when the antenna strikes a power line, for example, signals less than or equal to 200 MHz and greater than or equal to 600V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory Bower, Gareth J. Knowles, Edward Almasy, William M. Bradley, Matthew De Santis
  • Publication number: 20200271698
    Abstract: A galvanically isolated voltage sensor is provided which includes a mechanically integral piezoelectric transformer assembly coupled to a modulation circuit. The modulation circuit receives a source voltage signal to be measured and modulates that signal at a frequency equal to a resonance frequency of the transformer assembly and transmits the modulated to signal to the transformer assembly. The transformer assembly generates an output signal that is identical to the modulated signal subject to the transformer gain. The output signal is then demodulated and filtered so as to recreate the source voltage signal for analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. KNOWLES, Ross BIRD, William M. BRADLEY
  • Publication number: 20180219271
    Abstract: A voltage interrupt device is provided transmits or conducts signals in the RF frequency range but stops all signal transmission when subject to a high energy, low frequency signal such as that generated when the antenna strikes a power line, for example, signals less than or equal to 200 MHz and greater than or equal to 600V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Bower, Gareth J. Knowles, Edward Almasy, Michael W. Bradley, Matthew De Santis
  • Patent number: 9983234
    Abstract: A non-contact, current sensor includes a gapped magnetic core configured to circumscribe a current carrying conductor. A magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled to the gapped magnetic core. Current flowing in the current carrying conductor induces a magnetic field in the magnetic core that flows through the magnetostrictive element. The gapped magnetic core is provided with mounting sections to which the magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled. The mounting sections have a geometry that increases magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive element. A strain gauge is mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive element to measure displacement in the element induced by the magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley, Jonathan M. Zook, Ross Bird, Safakcan Tuncdemir
  • Patent number: 9871182
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a piezoelectric transformer based power converter that exhibits efficient operating point tracking ability while providing output regulation by means of simultaneous two-parameter control of the converter power stage. A regulation control stage provides the power stage a regulation control signal indicative of the difference between the measured output parameter and a set-point reference, therefore continuously controlling the gain of the converter to result in a stabilized, regulated output. Additionally, a frequency control stage simultaneously provides the power stage with a frequency control signal correlative to the difference between the current and desired operating points of the piezoelectric transformer. The power stage then translates the frequency control signal into an adjustment to the operational frequency of the input signal to the piezoelectric transformer, as to continuously drive the operating point to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Bradley, Ross W. Bird, Gareth J. Knowles, Jonathan M. Zook, Dennis L. Eldred, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9716463
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a piezovoltaic energy harvesting laminate that includes a photovoltaic laminar wafer comprised of a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a dielectric wafer that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. A boundary laminate interface is disposed between the photovoltaic laminar wafer and the dielectric wafer. The boundary laminate contains a metallization layer electrical terminal for the photovoltaic cells and a conduction layer of the dielectric wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley
  • Patent number: 9704817
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for securing proprietary semiconductor IC components including a target semiconductor IC; at least one laser diode array disposed adjacent to the target semiconductor IC and coupled thereto; a power supply coupled to the at least one laser diode array; a sensor for sensing a predetermined parameter operatively coupled to the laser diode array through the power supply; wherein the sensor detects the existence of a predetermined event and as a result of the detection of the predetermined event activates the power supply and energizes the laser diode array, causing the laser diode array to project focused laser energy into the target semiconductor IC, damaging the target semiconductor IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Lindsay Quarrie
  • Publication number: 20170074906
    Abstract: A non-contact, current sensor includes a gapped magnetic core configured to circumscribe a current carrying conductor. A magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled to the gapped magnetic core. Current flowing in the current carrying conductor induces a magnetic field in the magnetic core that flows through the magnetostrictive element. The gapped magnetic core is provided with mounting sections to which the magnetostrictive element is mechanically coupled. The mounting sections have a geometry that increases magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive element. A strain gauge is mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive element to measure displacement in the element induced by the magnetic flux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: Qortek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley, Jonathan M. Zook, Ross Bird, Safakcan Tuncdemir
  • Patent number: 9337411
    Abstract: Multilayered piezoelectric transformers, transformer elements and methods of constructing piezoelectric transformers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross W. Bird, William M. Bradley, Gareth J. Knowles
  • Patent number: 9331259
    Abstract: An intrinsic piezoelectric transformer circuit a piezoelectric transformer circuit is provided that has a primary side component including first and second electrodes, a secondary side component including first and second electrodes, and at least one tertiary component including first and second electrodes. A power bridge is provided which includes one or more switches, each switch has a gate terminal that is directly connected to the second electrode of the tertiary component of the piezoelectric transformer. The first electrode of the tertiary component of the piezoelectric transformer is connected to a reference for the one or more switches of the power bridge. The first electrode of the primary component of the piezoelectric transformer is electrically connected to a power bridge output and the second electrode of the primary component of the piezoelectric transformer is connected to a ground terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley, John Murray, Ross Bird, Jon Zook
  • Publication number: 20160043298
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a piezoelectric transformer based power converter that exhibits efficient operating point tracking ability while providing output regulation by means of simultaneous two-parameter control of the converter power stage. A regulation control stage provides the power stage a regulation control signal indicative of the difference between the measured output parameter and a set-point reference, therefore continuously controlling the gain of the converter to result in a stabilized, regulated output. Additionally, a frequency control stage simultaneously provides the power stage with a frequency control signal correlative to the difference between the current and desired operating points of the piezoelectric transformer. The power stage then translates the frequency control signal into an adjustment to the operational frequency of the input signal to the piezoelectric transformer, as to continuously drive the operating point to the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: QORTEK, INC.
    Inventors: William M. BRADLEY, Ross W. BIRD, Jonathan ZOOK, Dennis L. ELDRED, JR., Gareth J. KNOWLES
  • Publication number: 20150256118
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a piezovoltaic energy harvesting laminate that includes a photovoltaic laminar wafer comprised of a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a dielectric wafer that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. A boundary laminate interface is disposed between the photovoltaic laminar wafer and the dielectric wafer. The boundary laminate contains a metallization layer electrical terminal for the photovoltaic cells and a conduction layer of the dielectric wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: QORTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20140247633
    Abstract: An intrinsic piezoelectric transformer circuit a piezoelectric transformer circuit is provided that has a primary side component including first and second electrodes, a secondary side component including first and second electrodes, and at least one tertiary component including first and second electrodes. A power bridge is provided which includes one or more switches, each switch has a gate terminal that is directly connected to the second electrode of the tertiary component of the piezoelectric transformer. The first electrode of the tertiary component of the piezoelectric transformer is connected to a reference for the one or more switches of the power bridge. The first electrode of the primary component of the piezoelectric transformer is electrically connected to a power bridge output and the second electrode of the primary component of the piezoelectric transformer is connected to a ground terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: QORTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, William M. Bradley, John Murray, Ross Bird, Jon Zook
  • Publication number: 20140132118
    Abstract: Multilayered piezoelectric transformers, transformer elements and methods of constructing piezoelectric transformers are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Ross W. Bird, William M. Bradley, Gareth J. Knowles
  • Patent number: 8716880
    Abstract: A system for converting kinetic wave energy from a dynamic fluid into electrical power, the system including a structural housing containing a piezokinetic assembly having a plurality of electromechanical coupled elements, and a dynamic assembly, coupled to the piezokinetic assembly; and charge storage devices or power consumption devices in an electronics module coupled to the piezokinetic assembly. When the exposed to the dynamic fluid medium, the dynamic fluid medium's wave energy couples with the structural housing causing a resulting displacement of the dynamic assembly contained therein. The displacement of the dynamic assembly causes a plurality of the electromechanical coupled elements to simultaneously flex, generating an electrical charge which may be either stored in the charge storage device or which may directly power the power consumption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Ross Bird
  • Publication number: 20130278115
    Abstract: Multilayered piezoelectric transformers, transformer elements and methods of constructing piezoelectric transformers are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Ross W. Bird, William M. Bradley, Gareth J. Knowles
  • Publication number: 20110278990
    Abstract: A system for converting kinetic wave energy from a dynamic fluid into electrical power, the system including a structural housing containing a piezokinetic assembly having a plurality of electromechanical coupled elements, and a dynamic assembly, coupled to the piezokinetic assembly; and charge storage devices or power consumption devices in an electronics module coupled to the piezokinetic assembly. When the exposed to the dynamic fluid medium, the dynamic fluid medium's wave energy couples with the structural housing causing a resulting displacement of the dynamic assembly contained therein. The displacement of the dynamic assembly causes a plurality of the electromechanical coupled elements to simultaneously flex, generating an electrical charge which may be either stored in the charge storage device or which may directly power the power consumption device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: QORTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Ross Bird
  • Publication number: 20100188068
    Abstract: Disclosed is high efficiency power multiplying piezo transformer architecture having at least one piezo transformer assembly, the at least one piezo transformer assembly including of a plurality of piezo transformers circuits including a first outer and last outer piezo transformer circuits, each of the piezo transformer circuits having a primary side having a positive and negative electrode or terminal and a secondary side having a positive and a negative electrode or terminal. Each of the plurality of piezo transformer circuits forming the piezo transformer assembly is coupled to an adjacent piezo transformer circuit wherein the positive electrode of the primary side of each the piezo transformer circuit is coupled to a first node and each negative electrode of the primary side of each piezo transformer circuit is coupled to a second node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: QORTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Ross Bird
  • Patent number: 7556388
    Abstract: A thin nearly wireless adaptive optical device capable of dynamically modulating the shape of a mirror in real time to compensate for atmospheric distortions and/or variations along an optical material is provided. The device includes an optical layer, a substrate, at least one electronic circuit layer with nearly wireless architecture, an array of actuators, power electronic switches, a reactive force element, and a digital controller. Actuators are aligned so that each axis of expansion and contraction intersects both substrate and reactive force element. Electronics layer with nearly wireless architecture, power electronic switches, and digital controller are provided within a thin-film substrate. The size and weight of the adaptive optical device is solely dominated by the size of the actuator elements rather than by the power distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: QorTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Eli Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090070887
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for securing proprietary semiconductor IC components including a target semiconductor IC; at least one laser diode array disposed adjacent to the target semiconductor IC and coupled thereto; a power supply coupled to the at least one laser diode array; a sensor for sensing a predetermined parameter operatively coupled to the laser diode array through the power supply; wherein the sensor detects the existence of a predetermined event and as a result of the detection of the predetermined event activates the power supply and energizes the laser diode array, causing the laser diode array to project focused laser energy into the target semiconductor IC, damaging the target semiconductor IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gareth J. Knowles, Lindsay Quarrie