Patents by Inventor Theodore Gerard van Kessel
Theodore Gerard van Kessel 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: 10638676Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sergio Adolfo Bermudez Rodriguez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Patent number: 10593231Abstract: A system for monitoring stomach fullness includes an ultrasound transponder configured to transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected ultrasound signals. A processor is configured to process the received reflected ultrasound signals to determine level of stomach fullness and output fullness data indicative of the determined level of stomach fullness. A memory stores calibration data representative of calibrated levels of stomach fullness including empty and full. A stored program has executable codes to, upon execution, control the ultrasound transponder, compare the fullness data against the calibration data, and output alert data upon a match of a preset fullness level.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Amos Cahan, Theodore Gerard Van Kessel
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Patent number: 10582675Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sergio Adolfo Bermudez Rodriguez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Patent number: 10431705Abstract: Techniques for cooling concentrating solar collector systems are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for cooling a photovoltaic cell includes a heat exchanger having a metal plate with a bend therein that positions a first surface of the metal plate at an angle of from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to a second surface of the metal plate, and a plurality of fins attached to a side of the metal plate opposite the first surface and the second surface; a vapor chamber extending along the first surface and the second surface of the metal plate, crossing the bend; and a cladding material between the vapor chamber and the heat exchanger, wherein the cladding material is configured to thermally couple the vapor chamber to the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic system and method for operating a photovoltaic system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ayman Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Patent number: 9924645Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sergio Adolfo Bermudez Rodriguez, Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20180064040Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sergio Adolfo BERMUDEZ RODRIGUEZ, Hendrik F. HAMANN, Levente KLEIN, Theodore Gerard van KESSEL
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Publication number: 20170251613Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Sergio Adolfo BERMUDEZ RODRIGUEZ, Hendrik F. HAMANN, Levente KLEIN, Theodore Gerard van KESSEL
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Publication number: 20170172079Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Sergio Adolfo BERMUDEZ RODRIGUEZ, Hendrik F. HAMANN, Levente KLEIN, Theodore Gerard van KESSEL
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Publication number: 20170169725Abstract: A system for monitoring stomach fullness includes an ultrasound transponder configured to transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected ultrasound signals. A processor is configured to process the received reflected ultrasound signals to determine level of stomach fullness and output fullness data indicative of the determined level of stomach fullness. A memory stores calibration data representative of calibrated levels of stomach fullness including empty and full. A stored program has executable codes to, upon execution, control the ultrasound transponder, compare the fullness data against the calibration data, and output alert data upon a match of a preset fullness level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: AMOS CAHAN, Theodore Gerard Van Kessel
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Patent number: 9406817Abstract: Techniques for providing high-capacity, re-workable connections in concentrated photovoltaic devices are provided. In one aspect, a lead frame package for a photovoltaic device is provided that includes a beam shield; and one or more lead frame connectors affixed to the beam shield, wherein the lead frame connectors are configured to provide connection to the photovoltaic device when the photovoltaic device is assembled to the lead frame package. A photovoltaic apparatus is also provided that includes a lead frame package assembled to a photovoltaic device. The lead frame package includes a beam shield and one or more lead frame connectors affixed to the beam shield, wherein the lead frame connectors are configured to provide connection to the photovoltaic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, King Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyInventors: Ayman A. Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Supratik Guha, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Theodore Gerard van Kessel, Robert L. Sandstrom, Naim Moumen
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Publication number: 20160197222Abstract: Techniques for cooling concentrating solar collector systems are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for cooling a photovoltaic cell includes a heat exchanger having a metal plate with a bend therein that positions a first surface of the metal plate at an angle of from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to a second surface of the metal plate, and a plurality of fins attached to a side of the metal plate opposite the first surface and the second surface; a vapor chamber extending along the first surface and the second surface of the metal plate, crossing the bend; and a cladding material between the vapor chamber and the heat exchanger, wherein the cladding material is configured to thermally couple the vapor chamber to the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic system and method for operating a photovoltaic system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Ayman Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Patent number: 9310138Abstract: Techniques for cooling concentrating solar collector systems are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for cooling a photovoltaic cell includes a heat exchanger having a metal plate with a bend therein that positions a first surface of the metal plate at an angle of from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to a second surface of the metal plate, and a plurality of fins attached to a side of the metal plate opposite the first surface and the second surface; a vapor chamber extending along the first surface and the second surface of the metal plate, crossing the bend; and a cladding material between the vapor chamber and the heat exchanger, wherein the cladding material is configured to thermally couple the vapor chamber to the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic system and method for operating a photovoltaic system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, King Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyInventors: Ayman Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20140069501Abstract: Techniques for cooling concentrating solar collector systems are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus for cooling a photovoltaic cell includes a heat exchanger having a metal plate with a bend therein that positions a first surface of the metal plate at an angle of from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to a second surface of the metal plate, and a plurality of fins attached to a side of the metal plate opposite the first surface and the second surface; a vapor chamber extending along the first surface and the second surface of the metal plate, crossing the bend; and a cladding material between the vapor chamber and the heat exchanger, wherein the cladding material is configured to thermally couple the vapor chamber to the heat exchanger. A photovoltaic system and method for operating a photovoltaic system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ayman Alabduljabbar, Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20140069490Abstract: Techniques for providing high-capacity, re-workable connections in concentrated photovoltaic devices are provided. In one aspect, a lead frame package for a photovoltaic device is provided that includes a beam shield; and one or more lead frame connectors affixed to the beam shield, wherein the lead frame connectors are configured to provide connection to the photovoltaic device when the photovoltaic device is assembled to the lead frame package. A photovoltaic apparatus is also provided that includes a lead frame package assembled to a photovoltaic device. The lead frame package includes a beam shield and one or more lead frame connectors affixed to the beam shield, wherein the lead frame connectors are configured to provide connection to the photovoltaic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Abdullah I. Alboiez, Yaseen G. Alharbi, Alhassan Badahdah, Supratik Guha, Hussam Khonkar, Yves C. Martin, Theodore Gerard van Kessel, Robert L. Sandstorm, Naim Moumen
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Patent number: 8593815Abstract: Techniques for cooling in a data center are provided. In one aspect, a computer equipment rack is provided comprising one or more air inlets; one or more exhaust outlets; and one or more of: an air inlet duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the air inlets, the air inlet duct having a lateral dimension that approximates a lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than a length of the computer equipment rack, and an air exhaust duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the exhaust outlets, the air exhaust duct having a lateral dimension that approximates the lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than the length of the computer equipment rack.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alan Claassen, Hendrik F. Hamann, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, James Andrew Lacey, Yves C. Martin, Roger R. Schmidt, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20130200709Abstract: Techniques for electrical power transfer in photovoltaic systems are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic system includes an array of photovoltaic power producing elements (e.g., concentrator photovoltaic cells); a power receiving unit; and at least one ratiometric DC to DC converter connected to both the array of photovoltaic power producing elements and the power receiving unit. The array of photovoltaic power producing elements can include a plurality of the photovoltaic power producing elements connected in series or in parallel. In another aspect, a method of transferring electrical power from an array of photovoltaic power producing elements to a power receiving unit includes the following step. At least one ratiometric DC to DC converter is connected to both the array of photovoltaic power producing elements and the power receiving unit. The at least one ratiometric DC to DC converter is configured to alter a voltage output from the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Peter Daniel Kirchner, Dennis G. Manzer, Yves C. Martin, Thomas Picunko, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Patent number: 8373758Abstract: Techniques for analyzing performance of solar panels and/or cells are provided. In one aspect, a method for analyzing an infrared thermal image taken using an infrared camera is provided. The method includes the following steps. The infrared thermal image is converted to temperature data. Individual elements are isolated in the infrared thermal image. The temperature data for each isolated element is tabulated. A performance status of each isolated element is determined based on the tabulated temperature data. The individual elements can include solar panels and/or solar cells. In another aspect, an infrared diagnostic system is provided. The infrared diagnostic system includes an infrared camera which can be remotely positioned relative to one or more elements to be imaged; and a computer configured to receive thermal images from the infrared camera, via a communication link, and analyze the thermal images.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Supratik Guha, Yves C. Martin, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20110279967Abstract: Techniques for cooling in a data center are provided. In one aspect, a computer equipment rack is provided comprising one or more air inlets; one or more exhaust outlets; and one or more of: an air inlet duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the air inlets, the air inlet duct having a lateral dimension that approximates a lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than a length of the computer equipment rack, and an air exhaust duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the exhaust outlets, the air exhaust duct having a lateral dimension that approximates the lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than the length of the computer equipment rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alan Claassen, Hendrik F. Hamann, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, James Andrew Lacey, Yves C. Martin, Roger R. Schmidt, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Patent number: 8009430Abstract: Techniques for cooling in a data center are provided. In one aspect a computer equipment rack is provided comprising one or more air inlets; one or more exhaust outlets, and one or more of: an air inlet duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the air inlets, the air inlet duct having a lateral dimension that approximates a lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than a length of the computer equipment rack, and an air exhaust duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the exhaust outlets, the air exhaust duct having a lateral dimension that approximates the lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than the length of the computer equipment rack.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alan Claassen, Hendrik F. Hamann, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, James Andrew Lacey, Yves C. Martin, Roger R. Schmidt, Theodore Gerard van Kessel
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Publication number: 20110168247Abstract: Solar concentrator devices and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a solar concentrator device is provided. The solar concentrator device comprises at least one solar converter cell; a heat sink; and a liquid metal between the solar converter cell and the heat sink, configured to thermally couple the solar converter cell and the heat sink during operation of the device. The solar converter cell can comprise a triple junction semiconductor solar converter cell fabricated on a germanium (Ge) substrate. The heat sink can comprise a vapor chamber heat sink. The liquid metal can comprise a gallium (Ga) alloy and have a thermal resistance of less than or equal to about five square millimeter degree Celsius per Watt (mm2° C./W).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Supratik Guha, Theodore Gerard van Kessel, Yves C. Martin