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).
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Patent number: 11863086Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Louis Beryl Kratchman, James A. Bickford
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Patent number: 11855578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2023Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Publication number: 20230283232Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Patent number: 11646695Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 14, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Publication number: 20230097313Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventor: James A. BICKFORD
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Patent number: 11525870Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventor: James A. Bickford
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Publication number: 20220271711Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Patent number: 11327102Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20220140784Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Patent number: 11228278Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Publication number: 20210184599Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Louis Beryl Kratchman, James A. Bickford
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Patent number: 10958191Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Louis Beryl Kratchman, James A. Bickford
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Publication number: 20200386803Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10859620Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20200304065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Publication number: 20200289013Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: James A. Bickford, Jesse J. Wheeler, Stephanie Lynne Golmon
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Patent number: 10686403Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.Inventors: Ron Hadar, Shmuel Arditi, James Bickford
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Patent number: 10585150Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: James A. Bickford, Marc S. Weinberg, Jonathan J. Bernstein, John Le Blanc, Eugene H. Cook
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Patent number: 10564200Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: James A. Bickford, Marc S. Weinberg, John Shattler Fullford, Ronald Steven McNabb, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200025840Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventor: James A. Bickford