Patents by Inventor Kevin Walters
Kevin Walters 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: 20240055946Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 11750065Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20230198367Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 11616428Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Publication number: 20230028112Abstract: A system is provided for controlling privacy in an exchange of an asset. The system receives an offer query of an offeror that includes an offeror reveal condition, an asset identifier of the asset, and offeror terms of exchange. The system accesses an offeree reveal condition and offeree terms of exchange for the asset. The system determines whether the offeror reveal condition and the offeree reveal condition are satisfied and determines whether the offeror terms of exchange and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied. When the offeror reveal condition, the offeree reveal condition, the offeror terms of exchange, and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied, the system reveals the offeror to the offeree and the offeree to the offeror.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
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Publication number: 20220399784Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 11502453Abstract: A method for latching an electrical connector includes aligning a connector with an inlet. A first surface of the connector is within a first distance of a second surface of the inlet. A puller arm of the connector is extended into the inlet to a second distance from the second surface of the inlet. The puller arm includes a gripping element configured to apply a first compressive force against the inlet. The puller arm is retracted relative to the connector while applying the first compressive force against the inlet. The puller arm remains in the inlet at the second distance, thereby inserting a first electrode of the connector into the inlet to connect the first electrode with a second electrode of the inlet. The first electrode transfers power to the second electrode from a high-power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2021Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: POWERHYDRANT LLCInventors: Kevin Walter Leary, Brian Hack, Aaron Cantrell
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Patent number: 11488156Abstract: A system is provided for controlling privacy in an exchange of an asset. The system receives an offer query of an offeror that includes an offeror reveal condition, an asset identifier of the asset, and offeror terms of exchange. The system accesses an offeree reveal condition and offeree terms of exchange for the asset. The system determines whether the offeror reveal condition and the offeree reveal condition are satisfied and determines whether the offeror terms of exchange and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied. When the offeror reveal condition, the offeree reveal condition, the offeror terms of exchange, and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied, the system reveals the offeror to the offeree and the offeree to the offeror.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: LedgerEdge Ltd.Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
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Patent number: 11404937Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20220154830Abstract: Systems and assemblies are provided for sealing an interface between a cylinder and a manifold corresponding to the cylinder. The cylinder comprises at least one port. A manifold interface is arranged adjacent to the at least one port. A seal is located inside of a circumferential pocket, wherein the circumferential pocket comprises at least a portion of the manifold interface. A spring is configured to preload the seal radially inward so that the seal stays in contact with the outer surface of the cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Kevin Walters, Michael Buchman, Cameron Wylie, Kaley Boyce, John Laporga, David DeGraaff
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Publication number: 20220037832Abstract: A method for latching an electrical connector includes aligning a connector with an inlet. A first surface of the connector is within a first distance of a second surface of the inlet. A puller arm of the connector is extended into the inlet to a second distance from the second surface of the inlet. The puller arm includes a gripping element configured to apply a first compressive force against the inlet. The puller arm is retracted relative to the connector while applying the first compressive force against the inlet. The puller arm remains in the inlet at the second distance, thereby inserting a first electrode of the connector into the inlet to connect the first electrode with a second electrode of the inlet. The first electrode transfers power to the second electrode from a high-power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Kevin Walter Leary, Brian Hack, Aaron Cantrell
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Publication number: 20220012699Abstract: A system is provided for controlling privacy in an exchange of an asset. The system receives an offer query of an offeror that includes an offeror reveal condition, an asset identifier of the asset, and offeror terms of exchange. The system accesses an offeree reveal condition and offeree terms of exchange for the asset. The system determines whether the offeror reveal condition and the offeree reveal condition are satisfied and determines whether the offeror terms of exchange and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied. When the offeror reveal condition, the offeree reveal condition, the offeror terms of exchange, and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied, the system reveals the offeror to the offeree and the offeree to the offeror.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
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Publication number: 20220012725Abstract: A system is provided for controlling privacy in an exchange of an asset. The system receives an offer query of an offeror that includes an offeror reveal condition, an asset identifier of the asset, and offeror terms of exchange. The system accesses an offeree reveal condition and offeree terms of exchange for the asset. The system determines whether the offeror reveal condition and the offeree reveal condition are satisfied and determines whether the offeror terms of exchange and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied. When the offeror reveal condition, the offeree reveal condition, the offeror terms of exchange, and the offeree terms of exchange are satisfied, the system reveals the offeror to the offeree and the offeree to the offeror.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
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Publication number: 20210288570Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 10985641Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: MAINSPRING ENERGY, INC.Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 10953869Abstract: An automated driving control device includes a registration unit configured to generate automated driving information used for driving a vehicle automatically based on a first image obtained by capturing an environment around the vehicle in a mode of driver driving; and a control unit configured to automatically drive the vehicle based on the automated driving information and a second image obtained by capturing the environment around the vehicle in a mode of automated driving. The registration unit includes an extraction unit configured to extract candidate feature points existing in the environment around the vehicle based on the first image; and a generation unit configured to select the candidate feature points that are determined to be structures fixed around a target position of the vehicle based on the first images captured while the vehicle moves, as feature points.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Satoshi Iio, Tetsuya Tomonaka, Yusuke Kinouchi, Yasuo Fujishima, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 10720611Abstract: A non-electrical battery can include a backing plate; a plurality of strings disposed in parallel relation on the backing plate, each string comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each string is attached to the backing plate and each string extends away from the backing plate; and a charging mechanism attached to the second end of each string to apply a force to the strings to increase a potential energy stored by the strings.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Kostrzewski, Tomasz Jannson, Kang Lee, Richard Koziol, Kevin Walter
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Publication number: 20200195093Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 10679507Abstract: A parking support system includes a parking path planning unit that plans a trajectory of each unit path when moving a vehicle to a target parking position by repeating a movement of the unit path including one forward movement and one backward movement in succession and calculates a vehicle control signal that causes the vehicle to move along the trajectory such that a steering angle of the vehicle is substantially 0 degrees at an arrival position of each of the forward movement and the backward movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuo Fujishima, Yusuke Kinouchi, Satoshi Iio, Tetsuya Tomonaka, Kevin Walters
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Publication number: 20200036273Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters