Patents by Inventor James A. Bickford

James A. Bickford 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: 11863086
    Abstract: An electrostatic motor includes a cylindrical rotor and a stator. Electrodes are disposed on an inside cylindrical surface of the stator. Electrets and/or electrically conductive electrodes are disposed on the cylindrical rotor and a dielectric fluid fills space between the rotor and the stator to prevent discharge of the electrets. A mask is used to charge portions of an electret cylinder or other curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Beryl Kratchman, James A. Bickford
  • Patent number: 11855578
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Publication number: 20230283232
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Patent number: 11646695
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Publication number: 20230097313
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gradiometer that includes multiple torsionally operated MEMS-based magnetic and/or electric field sensors with control electronics configured to provide magnetic and/or electric field gradient measurements. In one example a magnetic gradiometer includes a first torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor having a capacitive read-out configured to provide a first measurement of a received magnetic field, a second torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor coupled to the first torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor and having the capacitive read-out configured to provide a second measurement of the received magnetic field, and control electronics coupled to the first and second torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensors and configured to determine a magnetic field gradient of the received magnetic field based the first and second measurements from the first and second torsionally operated MEMS electromagnetic sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventor: James A. BICKFORD
  • Patent number: 11525870
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gradiometer that includes multiple torsionally operated MEMS-based magnetic and/or electric field sensors with control electronics configured to provide magnetic and/or electric field gradient measurements. In one example a magnetic gradiometer includes a first torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor having a capacitive read-out configured to provide a first measurement of a received magnetic field, a second torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor coupled to the first torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor and having the capacitive read-out configured to provide a second measurement of the received magnetic field, and control electronics coupled to the first and second torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensors and configured to determine a magnetic field gradient of the received magnetic field based the first and second measurements from the first and second torsionally operated MEMS electromagnetic sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20220271711
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Patent number: 11327102
    Abstract: Aspects are generally directed to a compact and low-noise electric field detector, methods of operation, and methods of production thereof. In one example, an electric field detector includes a proof mass, a source of concentrated charge coupled to the proof mass, and a substrate having a substrate offset space defined therein, the proof mass being suspended above the substrate offset space. The electric field detector further includes a sense electrode disposed on the substrate within the substrate offset space and proximate the proof mass, the sense electrode being configured to measure a change in capacitance relative to the proof mass from movement of the proof mass in response to a received electric field at the source of concentrated charge. The electric field detector includes a control circuit coupled to the sense electrode and configured to determine a characteristic of the electric field based on the measured change in capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, Stephanie Lynne Golmon, Paul A. Ward, William D. Sawyer, Marc Steven Weinberg, John J. Le Blanc, Louis Kratchman, James S. Pringle, Jr., Daniel K. Freeman, Amy Duwel, Max Lindsay Turnquist, Ronald Steven McNabb, Jr., William A. Lenk
  • Publication number: 20220140784
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Patent number: 11228278
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Publication number: 20210184599
    Abstract: An electrostatic motor includes a cylindrical rotor and a stator. Electrodes are disposed on an inside cylindrical surface of the stator. Electrets and/or electrically conductive electrodes are disposed on the cylindrical rotor and a dielectric fluid fills space between the rotor and the stator to prevent discharge of the electrets. A mask is used to charge portions of an electret cylinder or other curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Louis Beryl Kratchman, James A. Bickford
  • Patent number: 10958191
    Abstract: An electrostatic motor includes a cylindrical rotor and a stator. Electrodes are disposed on an inside cylindrical surface of the stator. Electrets and/or electrically conductive electrodes are disposed on the cylindrical rotor and a dielectric fluid fills space between the rotor and the stator to prevent discharge of the electrets. A mask is used to charge portions of an electret cylinder or other curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Beryl Kratchman, James A. Bickford
  • Publication number: 20200386803
    Abstract: Aspects are generally directed to a compact and low-noise electric field detector, methods of operation, and methods of production thereof. In one example, an electric field detector includes a proof mass, a source of concentrated charge coupled to the proof mass, and a substrate having a substrate offset space defined therein, the proof mass being suspended above the substrate offset space. The electric field detector further includes a sense electrode disposed on the substrate within the substrate offset space and proximate the proof mass, the sense electrode being configured to measure a change in capacitance relative to the proof mass from movement of the proof mass in response to a received electric field at the source of concentrated charge. The electric field detector includes a control circuit coupled to the sense electrode and configured to determine a characteristic of the electric field based on the measured change in capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, Stephanie Lynne Golmon, Paul A. Ward, William D. Sawyer, Marc Steven Weinberg, John J. Le Blanc, Louis Kratchman, James S. Pringle, JR., Daniel K. Freeman, Amy Duwel, Max Lindsay Turnquist, Ronald Steven McNabb, JR., William A. Lenk
  • Patent number: 10859620
    Abstract: Aspects are generally directed to a compact and low-noise electric field detector, methods of operation, and methods of production thereof. In one example, an electric field detector includes a proof mass, a source of concentrated charge coupled to the proof mass, and a substrate having a substrate offset space defined therein, the proof mass being suspended above the substrate offset space. The electric field detector further includes a sense electrode disposed on the substrate within the substrate offset space and proximate the proof mass, the sense electrode being configured to measure a change in capacitance relative to the proof mass from movement of the proof mass in response to a received electric field at the source of concentrated charge. The electric field detector includes a control circuit coupled to the sense electrode and configured to determine a characteristic of the electric field based on the measured change in capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, Stephanie Lynne Golmon, Paul A. Ward, William D. Sawyer, Marc S. Weinberg, John J. LeBlanc, Louis Kratchman, James S. Pringle, Jr., Daniel Freeman, Amy Duwel, Max Lindsay Turnquist, Ronald Steven McNabb, Jr., William A. Lenk
  • Publication number: 20200304065
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Publication number: 20200289013
    Abstract: According to various aspects, a sensor system is provided comprising a first substrate configured to be coupled to a user, an electric field detector to detect a user electric field and comprising a second substrate, a proof mass positioned above the second substrate, one or more electrodes coupled to the second substrate, and a control circuit coupled to the one or more electrodes, the control circuit being configured to determine a change in capacitance between the proof mass and each electrode responsive to torsional movement of the proof mass responsive to the electric field, and a controller coupled to the first substrate and being configured to receive, from the detector, information indicative of each change in capacitance between the proof mass and each electrode, and determine, based on the information, characteristics of the electric field in at least two dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, Jesse J. Wheeler, Stephanie Lynne Golmon
  • Patent number: 10686403
    Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shut down, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
  • Patent number: 10585150
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to magnetic field detector systems and methods. In one example, a magnetic field detector system includes a proof-mass including a magnetic dipole source, a plurality of supports, each individual support of the plurality supports being coupled to the proof-mass, a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports, and a controller coupled to each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to measure a characteristic of a magnetic field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency of the measured resonant frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, Marc S. Weinberg, Jonathan J. Bernstein, John Le Blanc, Eugene H. Cook
  • Patent number: 10564200
    Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to electric field detector systems and methods. In one example, an electric field detector system includes a proof-mass including a source of concentrated charge, a plurality of supports, each individual support of the plurality supports being coupled to the proof-mass, a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports, and a controller coupled to each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to measure a characteristic of an electric field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency of the measured resonant frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Bickford, Marc S. Weinberg, John Shattler Fullford, Ronald Steven McNabb, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200025840
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gradiometer that includes multiple torsionally operated MEMS-based magnetic and/or electric field sensors with control electronics configured to provide magnetic and/or electric field gradient measurements. In one example a magnetic gradiometer includes a first torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor having a capacitive read-out configured to provide a first measurement of a received magnetic field, a second torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor coupled to the first torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensor and having the capacitive read-out configured to provide a second measurement of the received magnetic field, and control electronics coupled to the first and second torsionally operated MEMS magnetic sensors and configured to determine a magnetic field gradient of the received magnetic field based the first and second measurements from the first and second torsionally operated MEMS electromagnetic sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventor: James A. Bickford