Patents by Inventor Robert S. Balog
Robert S. Balog 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: 11929219Abstract: A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: QATAR FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTInventors: Robert S. Balog, Ibrahim Karaman, Moustafa Tawfik Omar Raslan
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Publication number: 20230147308Abstract: A power quality compensation system and a power quality compensation method are provided. The power quality compensation apparatus includes an input filter, a power electronic converter, a controller configured to control the power electronic converter, and a plurality of inductors connected to the power electronic converter. The power quality compensation method includes receiving signals from one or more sensors configured to detect voltage and current from an input side and an output side of the power quality compensation system, calculating reference signals, and using model predictive control to track the reference signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2021Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Robert S. Balog, Mohammad SHADMAND, Morcos METRY, Wesam ROHOUMA, Miroslav BEGOVIC, Aaqib PEERZADA
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Publication number: 20230090594Abstract: A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Robert S. Balog, Ibrahim Karaman, Moustafa Tawfik Omar Raslan
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Patent number: 11515101Abstract: A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: QATAR FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTInventors: Robert S. Balog, Ibrahim Karaman, Moustafa Tawfik Omar Raslan
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Publication number: 20210035748Abstract: A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Robert S. Balog, Ibrahim Karaman, Moustafa Tawfik Omar Raslan
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Patent number: 10790779Abstract: In some examples, a system comprises a first component; a second component configured to receive signals from the first component via one or more wires; and a controller. In at least some examples, the controller is coupled to the one or more wires and is trained with a classification model to distinguish between signals indicating arc events and signals not indicating arc events. In at least some example, the controller is further configured to: receive the signals; extract features that are at least partially related to the received signals; classify the extracted features using the classification model; determine an occurrence of the arc event based on the classification; and provide an output signal indicating an arc event.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Robert S. Balog, Jr., Zhan Wang
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Publication number: 20180351505Abstract: In some examples, a system comprises a first component; a second component configured to receive signals from the first component via one or more wires; and a controller. In at least some examples, the controller is coupled to the one or more wires and is trained with a classification model to distinguish between signals indicating arc events and signals not indicating arc events. In at least some example, the controller is further configured to: receive the signals; extract features that are at least partially related to the received signals; classify the extracted features using the classification model; determine an occurrence of the arc event based on the classification; and provide an output signal indicating an arc event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Robert S. Balog, Jr., Zhan Wang
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Patent number: 9806628Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the delivery of power from a DC source to an AC grid includes an inverter configured to deliver power from the unipolar input source to the AC grid and an inverter controller. The inverter includes an input converter, an active filter, and an output converter. The inverter controller includes an input converter controller, an active filter controller and an output converter controller. The input converter controller is configured to control a current delivered by the input converter to a galvanically isolated unipolar bus of the inverter. The output converter is configured to control the output converter to deliver power to the AC grid. Additionally, the active filter controller is configured to control the active filter to supply substantially all the power that is deliver by the output controller to the AC grid at a grid frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray, Trishan Esram
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Patent number: 9722504Abstract: An inverter for converting an input direct current (DC) waveform from a DC source to an output alternating current (AC) waveform for delivery to an AC grid includes an input converter, an output converter, and an active filter, each of which is electrically coupled to a bus. The bus may be a DC bus or an AC bus. The input converter is configured to convert the input DC waveform to a DC or AC bus waveform. The output converter is configured to convert the bus waveform to the output AC waveform at a grid frequency. The active filter is configured to reduce a double-frequency ripple power of the bus waveform by supplying power to and absorbing power from the power bus.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
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Patent number: 9627555Abstract: An electronics module docking system includes docking member removably coupled to a photovoltaic module. The docking system includes a first connector port electrically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is selectively coupleable to the docking member. The docking system includes a housing to enclose an electronics module. The housing may include second connector port that is selectively engageable to the power electronics module. The power electronics module and the photovoltaic cells are electrically coupled to one another upon selective engagement of the connector ports. The inverter housing is receivable by and removably coupleable to the docking member allowing the inverter housing to be removably coupleable to the photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Publication number: 20170093333Abstract: An electronics module docking system includes docking member removably coupled to a photovoltaic module. The docking system includes a first connector port electrically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is selectively coupleable to the docking member. The docking system includes a housing to enclose an electronics module. The housing may include second connector port that is selectively engageable to the power electronics module. The power electronics module and the photovoltaic cells are electrically coupled to one another upon selective engagement of the connector ports. The inverter housing is receivable by and removably coupleable to the docking member allowing the inverter housing to be removably coupleable to the photovoltaic module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Patent number: 9520508Abstract: An electronics module docking system includes docking member removably coupled to a photovoltaic module. The docking system includes a first connector port electrically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is selectively coupleable to the docking member. The docking system includes a housing to enclose an electronics module. The housing may include second connector port that is selectively engageable to the power electronics module. The power electronics module and the photovoltaic cells are electrically coupled to one another upon selective engagement of the connector ports. The inverter housing is receivable by and removably coupleable to the docking member allowing the inverter housing to be removably coupleable to the photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Publication number: 20160190975Abstract: An apparatus for securing a panel to a substrate includes a base member, an attachment member for securing the substrate within an opening of the base member; a clip member comprising a U-shaped member and a curve-sided member, wherein the U-shaped member includes a central portion and first and second walls defining a generally U-shaped access region for accepting the curve-sided member, wherein at least one of the first and second walls includes a longitudinal flange extending laterally outwardly from an upper end thereof, wherein each of the U-shaped member and a curved area of the curve-sided member includes a corresponding hole for accepting the attachment member therethrough, and securing member for pressing the longitudinal flange against a top edge portion of the panel, thereby securing the panel to the substrate, wherein the securing member is positioned between the angle-sided member and a top end of the attachment member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: David B. Scoggins, Robert S. Balog, JR.
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Publication number: 20160164427Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the delivery of power from a DC source to an AC grid includes an inverter configured to deliver power from the unipolar input source to the AC grid and an inverter controller. The inverter includes an input converter, an active filter, and an output converter. The inverter controller includes an input converter controller, an active filter controller and an output converter controller. The input converter controller is configured to control a current delivered by the input converter to a galvanically isolated unipolar bus of the inverter. The output converter is configured to control the output converter to deliver power to the AC grid. Additionally, the active filter controller is configured to control the active filter to supply substantially all the power that is deliver by the output controller to the AC grid at a grid frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2015Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray, Trishan Esram
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Patent number: 9329220Abstract: A method for detecting an arc event occurring in an electrical system includes sensing a voltage using a voltage sensing device coupled to a component of the electrical system, producing a signal waveform representative of the sensed voltage using the voltage sensing device, and sampling at a predetermined frequency the voltage signal waveform to generate a plurality of sample waveforms. The method further includes applying a wavelet transform to each sample waveform to decompose them into a predetermined number of detailed waveforms using a corresponding number of successive wavelet components, dividing each detailed waveform into a plurality of segments, analyzing the plurality of segments to detect a change in one or more of the properties of the corresponding detailed waveform, and determining an occurrence of the arc event based on the duration of the detected change of one or more of characteristics of the corresponding detailed waveform.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventor: Robert S. Balog
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Patent number: 9270448Abstract: Systems and methods for the secure distribution of encryption keys in a network are provided. A Kirchhoff-Law-Johnson-(like)-Noise (KLJN) secure key exchange protocol can be utilized in a network where keys are exchanged between hosts connected by a wire. Such a KLJN secure key exchange protocol provides information security that is information theoretically secure.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Elias Eliceo Gonzalez, Laszlo B. Kish, Robert S. Balog
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Patent number: 9225256Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the delivery of power from a DC source to an AC grid includes an inverter configured to deliver power from the unipolar input source to the AC grid and an inverter controller. The inverter includes an input converter, an active filter, and an output converter. The inverter controller includes an input converter controller, an active filter controller and an output converter controller. The input converter controller is configured to control a current delivered by the input converter to a galvanically isolated unipolar bus of the inverter. The output converter is configured to control the output converter to deliver power to the AC grid. Additionally, the active filter controller is configured to control the active filter to supply substantially all the power that is deliver by the output controller to the AC grid at a grid frequency.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray, Trishan Esram
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Publication number: 20150333617Abstract: An inverter for converting an input direct current (DC) waveform from a DC source to an output alternating current (AC) waveform for delivery to an AC grid includes an input converter, an output converter, and an active filter, each of which is electrically coupled to a bus. The bus may be a DC bus or an AC bus. The input converter is configured to convert the input DC waveform to a DC or AC bus waveform. The output converter is configured to convert the bus waveform to the output AC waveform at a grid frequency. The active filter is configured to reduce a double-frequency ripple power of the bus waveform by supplying power to and absorbing power from the power bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
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Publication number: 20150263853Abstract: Systems and methods for the secure distribution of encryption keys in a network are provided. A Kirchhoff-Law-Johnson-(like)-Noise (KLJN) secure key exchange protocol can be utilized in a network where keys are exchanged between hosts connected by a wire. Such a KLJN secure key exchange protocol provides information security that is information theoretically secure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Elias Eliceo GONZALEZ, Laszlo B. KISH, Robert S. BALOG
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Patent number: 9093919Abstract: An inverter for converting an input direct current (DC) waveform from a DC source to an output alternating current (AC) waveform for delivery to an AC grid includes an input converter, an output converter, and an active filter, each of which is electrically coupled to a bus. The bus may be a DC bus or an AC bus. The input converter is configured to convert the input DC waveform to a DC or AC bus waveform. The output converter is configured to convert the bus waveform to the output AC waveform at a grid frequency. The active filter is configured to reduce a double-frequency ripple power of the bus waveform by supplying power to and absorbing power from the power bus.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray