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).

  • Publication number: 20240055946
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
  • Patent number: 11750065
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
  • Publication number: 20230198367
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
  • Patent number: 11616428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230028112
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
  • Publication number: 20220399784
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
  • Patent number: 11502453
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: POWERHYDRANT LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Walter Leary, Brian Hack, Aaron Cantrell
  • Patent number: 11488156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: LedgerEdge Ltd.
    Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
  • Patent number: 11404937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
  • Publication number: 20220154830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin Walters, Michael Buchman, Cameron Wylie, Kaley Boyce, John Laporga, David DeGraaff
  • Publication number: 20220037832
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin Walter Leary, Brian Hack, Aaron Cantrell
  • Publication number: 20220012699
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
  • Publication number: 20220012725
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: David E. Rutter, David M. Nicol, Kevin Walter Rutter
  • Publication number: 20210288570
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
  • Patent number: 10985641
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10953869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Iio, Tetsuya Tomonaka, Yusuke Kinouchi, Yasuo Fujishima, Kevin Walters
  • Patent number: 10720611
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Kostrzewski, Tomasz Jannson, Kang Lee, Richard Koziol, Kevin Walter
  • Publication number: 20200195093
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
  • Patent number: 10679507
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Fujishima, Yusuke Kinouchi, Satoshi Iio, Tetsuya Tomonaka, Kevin Walters
  • Publication number: 20200036273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters