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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Publication number: 20150122305Abstract: 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: January 5, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Patent number: 8929094Abstract: 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: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Patent number: 8727291Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a panel to a substrate. The apparatus includes a base member, and an attachment member for securing the base member to the substrate. The apparatus further includes a clip member including a U-shaped member and an angle-sided member. The U-shaped member includes a central portion and first and second walls defining a generally U-shaped access region for accepting the angle-sided member. At least one of the first and second walls includes a longitudinal flange extending laterally outwardly from an upper end thereof. Each of the U-shaped member and the angle-sided member includes a corresponding hole for accepting the attachment member therethrough. The apparatus further includes a securing member for pressing the longitudinal flange against at top edge portion of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Sundance Renewable Solutions, Inc.Inventors: David B. Scoggins, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140067291Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Texas A & M UniversityInventor: Robert S. Balog
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Publication number: 20140003100Abstract: 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: July 8, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
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Publication number: 20130271926Abstract: 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: June 11, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Patent number: 8482947Abstract: 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: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: 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: 8462518Abstract: 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: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas Paul Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Publication number: 20130027982Abstract: 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: October 2, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
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Patent number: 8325499Abstract: A method is provided for minimizing a double-frequency ripple power exchanged between a load and an energy source, the energy source delivering electrical power to the load through a single-phase power conditioner, and the power conditioner being coupled to an energy storage device. The method includes determining a phase shift of an AC output signal of the power condition and an average AC output power of the power conditioner. The average AC output power may be a predetermined value or a calculated value based on sensed or measured signals. The method further includes generating an AC signal at an energy storage device. The generated AC signal has an amplitude that is a function of the average AC output power and a phase shift substantially equal to 45 degrees minus an amount that is dependent on the determined phase shift. In some embodiments, the phase shift may be determined to be of a non-zero value.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philip T. Krein, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
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Patent number: 8279642Abstract: 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: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
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Patent number: 8227942Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink. The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
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Patent number: 8207637Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink. The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
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Publication number: 20120104872Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
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Publication number: 20120090139Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a panel to a substrate. The apparatus includes a base member, and an attachment member for securing the base member to the substrate. The apparatus further includes a clip member including a U-shaped member and an angle-sided member. The U-shaped member includes a central portion and first and second walls defining a generally U-shaped access region for accepting the angle-sided member. At least one of the first and second walls includes a longitudinal flange extending laterally outwardly from an upper end thereof. Each of the U-shaped member and the angle-sided member includes a corresponding hole for accepting the attachment member therethrough. The apparatus further includes a securing member for pressing the longitudinal flange against at top edge portion of the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Sundance Renewable SolutionsInventors: David B. Scoggins, Robert S. Balog, JR.
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Publication number: 20110305050Abstract: A method is provided for minimizing a double-frequency ripple power exchanged between a load and an energy source, the energy source delivering electrical power to the load through a single-phase power conditioner, and the power conditioner being coupled to an energy storage device. The method includes determining a phase shift of an AC output signal of the power condition and an average AC output power of the power conditioner. The average AC output power may be a predetermined value or a calculated value based on sensed or measured signals. The method further includes generating an AC signal at an energy storage device. The generated AC signal has an amplitude that is a function of the average AC output power and a phase shift substantially equal to 45 degrees minus an amount that is dependent on the determined phase shift. In some embodiments, the phase shift may be determined to be of a non-zero value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Philip T. Krein, Robert S. Balog, JR.
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Patent number: 8004865Abstract: A method is provided for minimizing a double-frequency ripple power exchanged between a load and an energy source, the energy source delivering electrical power to the load through a single-phase power conditioner, and the power conditioner being coupled to an energy storage device. The method senses a first AC signal at an output of the power conditioner and generates a second AC signal at the energy storage device. The second AC signal has a frequency substantially equal to a frequency of the first AC signal and a phase shift of about 45 degrees relative to a phase of the first AC signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philip T. Krein, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110084556Abstract: A system and apparatus for interconnecting an array of power generating assemblies includes a cable assembly having a plurality of continuous conductors and a plurality of cable connectors electrically coupled to the continuous conductors. The continuous conductors are configured to receive inverter AC power generated by inverters and deliver the combined AC power to an AC grid or other power sink. The cable connectors are configured to mate with corresponding connectors of the inventers to deliver the AC power to the continuous conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
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Publication number: 20110083733Abstract: 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: October 30, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: SolarBridge TechnologiesInventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas Paul Parker, Robert S. Balog
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Publication number: 20110026282Abstract: 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: September 21, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray