Patents by Inventor Ryan Linderman

Ryan Linderman 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: 20180226216
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching one or more sensor devices to a surface of an electrical component is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Steven M. Lanzisera
  • Publication number: 20180199453
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermal management and protection from moisture for an electronic device is described. The apparatus comprises an internal enclosure insert containing a printed circuit board (PCB) populated with at least one electrical component; a back plate coupled to the internal enclosure insert, wherein the back plate is coupled along an internal surface to at least one electrical component on the PCB; and a thermal radiation shield coupled to and surrounding the internal enclosure insert, at least one portion of the thermal radiation shield being separated from the internal enclosure insert by at least one air gap. When affixed to a mounting surface, at least one air gap is formed between the thermal radiation shield and the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Publication number: 20180149390
    Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Nicholas Barton
  • Patent number: 9920957
    Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Nicholas Barton
  • Patent number: 9911882
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to increase a speed of airflow through a heat exchanger are described. An optoelectronic device comprising a heat exchanger is coupled to an airflow accelerator. The airflow accelerator comprises a surface to guide the airflow towards the heat exchanger. An optical element is coupled to concentrate light onto the optoelectronic device. The size of the surface, position of the airflow accelerator relative to the heat exchanger, or both can determine increase in speed of the airflow. A photovoltaic (“PV”) system comprises rows of receivers; rows of optical elements to concentrate light onto the receivers, and rows of airflow accelerators coupled to the receivers to increase the speed of airflow through heat exchangers. The airflow can be deflected by an airflow accelerator towards a heat exchanger. A wind load can be reduced by the airflow accelerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Patent number: 9897346
    Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflector facing in a first direction, a second reflector facing in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction, and a rotational member having a long axis transverse to the first and second directions, the rotational member disposed between and coupled to each of the first and second reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Zachary S. Judkins, Brian Wares, Charles Almy
  • Publication number: 20170214360
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a power electronic device to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mounting bracket adapted to mechanically couple the power electronic device to the backsheet of the PV module such that the power electronic device can be interchangeably positioned in a retracted position and an extended position, the extended position having an air gap between the power electronic device and the backsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Patent number: 9685573
    Abstract: Arrangements of diodes and heat spreaders for solar modules are described. For example, a solar module may include a backsheet with a low profile, surface-mount diode disposed above the backsheet. A pair of ribbon interconnects is coupled to the low profile, surface-mount diode and may penetrate the backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith Johnston, Ryan Linderman, Lewis Abra, Matthew Dawson
  • Publication number: 20170142857
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for power conversion without a connection to ground. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inverter having an enclosure formed from an insulating material, wherein the inverter receives a DC input and generates, from the DC input and without any ground connection, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Publication number: 20170085218
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Patent number: 9584038
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for power conversion without a connection to ground. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inverter having an enclosure formed from an insulating material, wherein the inverter receives a DC input and generates, from the DC input and without any ground connection, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Publication number: 20170020033
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermal management for an electric device. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a primary heat spreader disposed within an enclosure that contains a printed circuit board (PCB) populated with at least one electrical component, wherein the primary heat spreader is thermally conductive and wherein the interior of the enclosure is at least partially filled with an encapsulating material; a secondary heat spreader coupled to an exterior face of a first wall of the enclosure, wherein the secondary heat spreader is thermally conductive; and a thermal interface coupled between the primary head spreader and the PCB, wherein the thermal interface is thermally conductive and electrically insulating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Patent number: 9537036
    Abstract: Interconnects for optoelectronic devices are described. For example, an interconnect for an optoelectronic device includes an interconnect body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A plurality of bond pads is coupled to the inner surface of the interconnect body, between the first and second ends. A stress relief feature is disposed in the interconnect body. The stress relief feature includes a slot disposed entirely within the interconnect body without extending through to the inner surface, without extending through to the outer surface, without extending through to the first end, and without extending through to the second end of the interconnect body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Keith Johnston, Thomas Phu, Matthew Dawson
  • Patent number: 9480185
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermal management for an electric device. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a primary heat spreader disposed within an enclosure that contains a printed circuit board (PCB) populated with at least one electrical component, wherein the primary heat spreader is thermally conductive and wherein the interior of the enclosure is at least partially filled with an encapsulating material; a secondary heat spreader coupled to an exterior face of a first wall of the enclosure, wherein the secondary heat spreader is thermally conductive; and a thermal interface coupled between the primary head spreader and the PCB, wherein the thermal interface is thermally conductive and electrically insulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Patent number: 9466748
    Abstract: A solar module includes a solar cell, a heat spreader layer disposed above the solar cell, and a cell interconnect disposed above the solar cell. From a top-down perspective, the heat spreader layer at least partially surrounds an exposed portion of the cell interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Matthew Dawson, Itai Suez
  • Publication number: 20160273808
    Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Nicholas Barton
  • Publication number: 20160270245
    Abstract: A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprises an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output. The inverter includes an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and a bulkhead connector interface having a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line. The first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the AC port. The second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Publication number: 20160261229
    Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically coupling a power conditioner to a photovoltaic (PV) module frame. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a bracket, adapted for mechanically coupling the power conditioner to the PV module frame, comprising at least one inner-flange tab and at least one outer-flange tab for trapping a flange of the PV module frame between them; and at least one self-locking mounting structure for locking the bracket to the PV module frame without requiring any holes in the PV module frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventor: Ryan Linderman
  • Patent number: 9353970
    Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Nicholas Barton
  • Patent number: D801825
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Burt's Bees Products Company
    Inventors: Ryan Linderman, Sarah Whitfield