Patents by Inventor Peter Emery von Behrens

Peter Emery von Behrens 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: 20130092153
    Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Stuart M. Heisler
  • Publication number: 20120152307
    Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Peter Emery von Behrens
  • Patent number: 7748405
    Abstract: A valve system including a number of shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated valves for controlling the flow of fluids is disclosed as is a variety of types of SMA-actuated valves and methods of operation. In one embodiment, a valve system includes a housing having a substantially closed cavity as well as a second port for communicating a fluid. Further, the valve system includes a first SMA actuator configured to control the position of the first seal to vary fluid flow through the firs port, and a first temperature compensator for adjusting the position of the seal by an amount proportional to temperature. A second SMA-actuated valve, driven by either a unidirectional or a bidirectional SMA actuator, controls the position of the second seal to vary fluid flow through the second port, and a second temperature compensator for adjusting the position of the second seal by another amount proportional to temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Alfmeler Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Ali Ghorbal, Sandheep K. Surendran, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Emery von Behrens, Jean-Pierre Maeder
  • Patent number: 7350762
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille member to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision Baugruppen und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Emery Von Behrens
  • Patent number: 7093817
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille number to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen Und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Roderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Emery Von Behrens
  • Patent number: 7017345
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen and Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Peter Emery Von Behrens, Dylan Miller Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 6972659
    Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members in slideable relation one to another. A latch holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member. A shape memory alloy member disposed within one of the structural members is used to move the latch holding the other structural member thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Emery von Behrens, Dylan Miller Fairbanks, Kathryn Ann Broughton
  • Publication number: 20040112049
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Emery Von Behrens, Dylan Miller Fairbanks
  • Publication number: 20040035687
    Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members in slideable relation one to another. A latch holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member. A shape memory alloy member disposed within one of the structural members is used to move the latch holding the other structural member thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Emery von Behrens, Dylan Miller Fairbanks, Kathryn Ann Broughton