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).

  • Publication number: 20150122305
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
  • Patent number: 8929094
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
  • Patent number: 8727291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sundance Renewable Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Scoggins, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140067291
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Texas A & M University
    Inventor: Robert S. Balog
  • Publication number: 20140003100
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
  • Publication number: 20130271926
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas P. Parker, Robert S. Balog
  • Patent number: 8482947
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray, Trishan Esram
  • Patent number: 8462518
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas Paul Parker, Robert S. Balog
  • Publication number: 20130027982
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
  • Patent number: 8325499
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip T. Krein, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8279642
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray
  • Patent number: 8227942
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
  • Patent number: 8207637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
  • Publication number: 20120104872
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
  • Publication number: 20120090139
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Sundance Renewable Solutions
    Inventors: David B. Scoggins, Robert S. Balog, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110305050
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Philip T. Krein, Robert S. Balog, JR.
  • Patent number: 8004865
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: SolarBridge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip T. Krein, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110084556
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Thomas Paul Parker, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Robert S. Balog, Trishan Esram, Jeremiah Noel Foley
  • Publication number: 20110083733
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SolarBridge Technologies
    Inventors: Marco A. Marroquin, Stephen P. Wurmlinger, Thomas Paul Parker, Robert S. Balog
  • Publication number: 20110026282
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick L. Chapman, Brian T. Kuhn, Robert S. Balog, Jonathan W. Kimball, Philip T. Krein, Alexander Gray