Patents by Inventor Thomas Currier

Thomas Currier 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).

  • Patent number: 8881720
    Abstract: A system and method for providing real time control of a heliostat array or CPV/PV module that reduces actuation cost, the disclosure reduces the fixed cost of calibrating and repositioning an individual surface. This simultaneously removes the core engineering assumption that drives the development of large trackers, and enables a system and method to cost effectively track a small surface. In addition to lower initial capital cost, a small heliostat or solar tracker can be pre-assembled, mass-produced, and shipped more easily. Smaller mechanisms can also be installed with simple hand tools and do not require installers to rent expensive cranes or installation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: QBotix, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Currier
  • Publication number: 20120012101
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a robotic controller to automatically position multiple solar surfaces in order to increase solar energy generation from the solar surfaces. In an embodiment the robotic controller travels in a sealed track and adjusts the solar surfaces using magnetic communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Salomon Trujillo, Daniel Fukuba, Thomas Currier, Wasiq Bokhari
  • Publication number: 20110240007
    Abstract: A system and method for providing real time control of a heliostat array or CPV/PV module that reduces actuation cost, the disclosure reduces the fixed cost of calibrating and repositioning an individual surface. This simultaneously removes the core engineering assumption that drives the development of large trackers, and enables a system and method to cost effectively track a small surface. In addition to lower initial capital cost, a small heliostat or solar tracker can be pre-assembled, mass-produced, and shipped more easily. Smaller mechanisms can also be installed with simple hand tools and do not require installers to rent expensive cranes or installation equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BLACK SWAN SOLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Currier
  • Publication number: 20050006954
    Abstract: A method of controlling electrical load power consumption during operation of an aircraft (12) includes determining current operating conditions of the aircraft (12). An engine secondary power extraction limit is determined in response to the current operating conditions. Engine secondary power extraction is determined. Multiple secondary loads (18) are operated in response to the engine secondary power extraction limit and the engine secondary power extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Bowman, Farhad Nozari, Thomas Currier
  • Patent number: 4090557
    Abstract: A system for supplying steam to equipment which uses the heat of the steam and not the pressure for performing work such as commercial laundry equipment. The system is a closed loop having a steam boiler which supplies steam directly to the equipment. A control valve regulates the amount of steam flowing through the equipment which determines the heat imparted to the equipment. The equipment is free of heat traps or other components which retard the flow of steam therethrough. The used steam flows into an improved condenser having a plurality of compartments which slows down the velocity of the steam to help facilitate the condensing process and to enable harmful air trapped in the condenser to be removed. Pumps remove the air from the condenser and maintain a vacuum within the condenser and steam return line from the equipment to maintain the steam flowing through the equipment at a desired rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Inventor: Edward Thomas Currier