Patents by Inventor Leslie K. Norford

Leslie K. Norford 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).

  • Power line communication for low-bandwidth control and sensing
    Patent number: 11888548
    Abstract: Described are power line communication (PLC) systems, devices and techniques which are reliable and suitable for use in control applications which can operate with relatively low data rates while complying with governing regulatory rules. Such systems, devices and techniques enable demand-side management of electrical loads in a building or facility or other environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, Leslie K. Norford, Erik K. Saathoff, Adedayo O. Aderibole, Kevin Kircher
  • POWER LINE COMMUNICATION FOR LOW-BANDWIDTH CONTROL AND SENSING
    Publication number: 20220385335
    Abstract: Described are power line communication (PLC) systems, devices and techniques which are reliable and suitable for use in control applications which can operate with relatively low data rates while complying with governing regulatory rules. Such systems, devices and techniques enable demand-side management of electrical loads in a building or facility or other environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, Leslie K. Norford, Erik K. Saathoff, Adedayo O. Aderibole, Kevin Kircher
  • Flourescent lamp with integral proximity sensor for building energy management
    Patent number: 7923936
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp sensor system is provided. The fluorescent lamp sensor system includes a plurality of bulbs and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the bulbs. A balanced differential circuit measures changes in electric fields produced by the bulbs in front of the electrodes. The balanced differential circuit includes a symmetric current source associated with alternating the surface potential of the bulbs. A current mode detection circuit detects the current associated with the capacitive effects of the balanced differential circuit. A synchronous detection circuit isolates the capacitive effects of the symmetrical current source from stray signals that differ in either frequency or phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John J. Cooley, Steven B. Leeb, Al-Thaddeus Avestruz, Leslie K. Norford
  • FLOURESCENT LAMP WITH INTEGRAL PROXIMITY SENSOR FOR BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20080309243
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp sensor system is provided. The fluorescent lamp sensor system includes a plurality of bulbs and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the bulbs. A balanced differential circuit measures changes in electric fields produced by the bulbs in front of the electrodes. The balanced differential circuit includes a symmetric current source associated with alternating the surface potential of the bulbs. A current mode detection circuit detects the current associated with the capacitive effects of the balanced differential circuit. A synchronous detection circuit isolates the capacitive effects of the symmetrical current source from stray signals that differ in either frequency or phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Cooley, Steven B. Leeb, Al-Thaddeus Avestruz, Leslie K. Norford