Patents by Inventor Steven E. Wheeler
Steven E. Wheeler 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: 20170085094Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method to operate a PV module includes measuring module output power collectively generated by a plurality of power conversion circuits of the PV module. The module output power collectively generated by the plurality of power conversion circuits is characterized by a module power output curve having a peak. A current measured output power is compared to a preceding measured output power. Based on a preceding direction variable indicating a side of the peak on which the PV module was previously operating and the comparison of the current measured output power to the preceding measured output power: a current direction variable indicating a side of the peak on which the PV module is currently operating is determined, and a switching period of the power conversion circuits is adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Forrest C. Meyer, Raymond W. Knight, Steven E. Wheeler, John P. Novotny
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Patent number: 9543890Abstract: In one example, a photovoltaic module includes a plurality of discrete photovoltaic cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows, and a substantially electrically conductive and continuous area backsheet. The photovoltaic cells in each cell row are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The cell rows are electrically connected in series to each other and include a first row and a last row. The backsheet forms a current return path between the first and last rows. The photovoltaic cells are configured such that, in operation, current flows substantially uni-directionally through the plurality of photovoltaic cells between the first row and the last row.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: TENKSOLAR, INC.Inventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Forrest C. Meyer, Raymond W. Knight, Steven E. Wheeler, John P. Novotny
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Publication number: 20160111573Abstract: In an example, a photovoltaic (PV) module includes multiple PV cells, a continuous backsheet, a circuit card, and a buried first polarity contact. The PV cells are arranged in rows and columns. The continuous backsheet is positioned behind the PV cells, includes a ground plane for the PV cells, and is electrically coupled between a first row and a last row of the PV cells. The circuit card is mechanically coupled to a back of the PV module and includes a first connector with a first polarity and a second connector with an opposite second polarity. The buried first polarity contact is positioned behind the PV cells, is electrically coupled to a back of each PV cell in one of the rows of the PV cells, and extends through a slot formed in the continuous backsheet to electrical contact with the first connector of the circuit card.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Steven E. Wheeler
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Publication number: 20140035373Abstract: In one example, a photovoltaic module includes a plurality of discrete photovoltaic cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows, and a substantially electrically conductive and continuous area backsheet. The photovoltaic cells in each cell row are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The cell rows are electrically connected in series to each other and include a first row and a last row. The backsheet forms a current return path between the first and last rows. The photovoltaic cells are configured such that, in operation, current flows substantially uni-directionally through the plurality of photovoltaic cells between the first row and the last row.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: TenKsolar, Inc.Inventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Forrest C. Meyer, Raymond W. Knight, Steven E. Wheeler, John P. Novotny
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Patent number: 8563847Abstract: In one example, a photovoltaic module includes a plurality of discrete photovoltaic cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows, and a substantially electrically conductive and continuous area backsheet. The photovoltaic cells in each cell row are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The cell rows are electrically connected in series to each other and include a first row and a last row. The backsheet forms a current return path between the first and last rows. The photovoltaic cells are configured such that, in operation, current flows substantially uni-directionally through the plurality of photovoltaic cells between the first row and the last row.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Tenksolar, IncInventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Forrest C. Meyer, Raymond W. Knight, Steven E. Wheeler, John P. Novotny
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Patent number: 7920347Abstract: In one implementation, an assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly comprises a rotatable test disc, a mounting surface configured to mount the head gimbal assembly, and a shroud covering the head gimbal assembly. The mounting surface is located in proximity to the test disc to facilitate loading the head gimbal assembly on the test disc. The shroud is configured to shield the head gimbal assembly from airflow produced when the test disc rotates.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Steven E. Wheeler, Timothy J. Fleming, Klaus Obergfell
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Publication number: 20100282293Abstract: In one example, a photovoltaic module includes a plurality of discrete photovoltaic cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows, and a substantially electrically conductive and continuous area backsheet. The photovoltaic cells in each cell row are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The cell rows are electrically connected in series to each other and include a first row and a last row. The backsheet forms a current return path between the first and last rows. The photovoltaic cells are configured such that, in operation, current flows substantially uni-directionally through the plurality of photovoltaic cells between the first row and the last row.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: TENKSOLARInventors: Dallas W. Meyer, Lowell J. Berg, Forrest C. Meyer, Raymond W. Knight, Steven E. Wheeler, John P. Novotny
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Publication number: 20090323210Abstract: In one implementation, an assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly comprises a rotatable test disc, a mounting surface configured to mount the head gimbal assembly, and a shroud covering the head gimbal assembly. The mounting surface is located in proximity to the test disc to facilitate loading the head gimbal assembly on the test disc. The shroud is configured to shield the head gimbal assembly from airflow produced when the test disc rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Steven E. Wheeler, Timothy J. Fleming, Klaus Obergfell
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Patent number: 7065892Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a parts-handling device with respect to a computer vision camera includes the steps of moving a parts-handling device into contact with a touch-off block, and storing a value indicative of the position of the parts-handling device when it is in contact with the touch-off block. In addition, there may be two orthogonal surface on the touch-off block. By touching the parts-handling device against both surfaces, the parts-handling device can be calibrated for position offset in two orthogonal directions. For parts-handling devices that are rotatable, the parts-handling device may be rotated to a succession of predetermined angular positions and brought into contact with the touch-off block in each position. By combining the measured positions of the parts-handling device in each rotational position, the system can be calibrated to compensate for the offset from the camera to the parts-handling device as a function of rotational position as well.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller
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Patent number: 6983547Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller
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Publication number: 20030059100Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a parts-handling device with respect to a computer vision camera includes the steps of moving a parts-handling device into contact with a touch-off block, and storing a value indicative of the position of the parts-handling device when it is in contact with the touch-off block. In addition, there may be two orthogonal surface on the touch-off block. By touching the parts-handling device against both surfaces, the parts-handling device can be calibrated for position offset in two orthogonal directions. For parts-handling devices that are rotatable, the parts-handling device may be rotated to a succession of predetermined angular positions and brought into contact with the touch-off block in each position. By combining the measured positions of the parts-handling device in each rotational position, the system can be calibrated to compensate for the offset from the camera to the parts-handling device as a function of rotational position as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller
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Publication number: 20030048455Abstract: A goniometer includes a base, a compound member supported by the base, a light-directing element operably mounted on the compound member, optically connected to a coherent light source, and disposed toward an optical filter, a first actuator disposed along a first axis and operably coupled to the base for translating the light-directing element along a first arcuate path disposed in a first plane; and a second actuator disposed along a second axis and operably coupled to the compound member for translating the light-directing element along a second arcuate path disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is orthogonal to the second plane, and wherein the first and second axes are co-planar, for directing coherent light at an angle that is normal to the optical filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller
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Publication number: 20030048448Abstract: An apparatus for testing optical filters comprises a gantry system supported on a base or floor, including structure translatable in the X and Y directions relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a support mounted on the structure and a translatable platform disposed adjacent the structure. The support is translatable in the Z direction relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a flexure mounted on the platform, a probe assembly mounted on the support, and a light-directing element. The flexure is adapted to retain one of the optical filters. Translation of the platform causes the platform-mounted flexure to be translated from a first X, Y and Z position relative to the base to a second X, Y and Z position relative to the base. The probe assembly is adapted to pick up one of the optical filters from a third X, Y and Z position relative to the base and translate the picked-up optical filter to the first position for retention of the picked-up filter by the flexure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller
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Publication number: 20030038223Abstract: A flexure for holding small parts is integrally formed by EDM machining in the form of two adjacent four-bar linkages. The two four-bar linkages can be flexed apart and small parts such as electronic components or optical filters can be placed between them. When the linkages are released, they will spring back together and hold the parts in between.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller