Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Nugent, Jr.

Thomas J. Nugent, Jr. 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: 12381422
    Abstract: A remote power system includes a remote power transmitter arranged to output a power beam in a startup mode and a remote power receiver arranged to receive the power beam. The remote power receiver has a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells (or other power converters) mounted to generate electrical power from energy in the power beam, startup power monitoring (SPM) logic to determine, based on electrical power generated by each of the plurality of PV cells, whether or not the remote power transmitter can operate in a high-flux mode, and a receiver-based transmitter circuit arranged to communicate an indication that the remote power transmitter can operate in the high-flux mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Laser Motive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Thomas W. Bashford, David Bashford, Alexander Hay
  • Patent number: 12355265
    Abstract: A remote power system includes a remote power transmitter arranged to output a high-flux power beam and a remote power receiver arranged to receive the high-flux power beam. The receiver has a plurality of photo-voltaic (PV) cells mounted to generate electrical power from energy in the high-flux power beam, at least one non-PV structure adjacent to each PV cell, and a plurality of structures to steer flux toward selected ones of the plurality of PV cells and away from selected ones of the at least one non-PV structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Thomas W. Bashford, Alexander Hay, David Bashford
  • Patent number: 12300755
    Abstract: A device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electricity comprises an expander that includes a conical shape having an axis and a curved surface that is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation away from the axis to expand a beam of the electromagnetic radiation; and one or more energy conversion components configured to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation expanded by the expander, and to generate electricity from the expanded beam of electromagnetic radiation. With the expander's curved surface, a beam of electromagnetic radiation that is highly concentrated—has a large radiation flux—may be converted into a beam that has a larger cross-sectional area. Moreover, one can configure, if desired, the curved surface to provide a substantially uniform distribution of radiation across the expanded cross-sectional area. With such an expanded beam the one or more energy conversion components can efficiently convert some of the electromagnetic radiation into electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., David Bashford
  • Patent number: 12270630
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Richard Gustafson
  • Patent number: 12242020
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a safety system that can be used with a high-flux power beam, such as in wireless power transmission. The system includes a transmitter that generates and transmits a power beam and a receiver that receives the power beam. A plurality of sensors is configured to independently detect if an object is near, impeding, or about to impede (i.e., impinging) the power beam. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect the object at different distances between the transmitter and the receiver. A controller triggers the transmitter to stop generating the power beam when any one or more of the plurality of sensors detects the object or a combination of the plurality of sensors detects the object. The controller triggers the transmitter to re-generate and transmit the power beam when each of the plurality of sensors fails to detect the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Laser Motive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., David Bashford, Carsten Erickson, Thomas W. Bashford
  • Publication number: 20250004162
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. KARE, Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., David BASHFORD, Mitchell A. KIRBY, Joseph SUMMERS, Sergiy DETS
  • Patent number: 12149293
    Abstract: A reflector assembly at a power beam receiver includes at least two sets of reflection surfaces positioned to shift some incoming light away from the center of the beam and towards the periphery. These surfaces may be positioned obliquely to one another, for example orthogonally. By shifting a portion of the power beam away from a higher-intensity center and toward a lower-intensity periphery, the reflector assembly may improve receiver efficiency without substantial redirection of power outside of a power-collecting surface of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergiy Dets, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240372025
    Abstract: A device for converting electromagnetic radiation into electricity comprises an expander that includes a conical shape having an axis and a curved surface that is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation away from the axis to expand a beam of the electromagnetic radiation; and one or more energy conversion components configured to receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation expanded by the expander, and to generate electricity from the expanded beam of electromagnetic radiation. With the expander's curved surface, a beam of electromagnetic radiation that is highly concentrated—has a large radiation flux—may be converted into a beam that has a larger cross-sectional area. Moreover, one can configure, if desired, the curved surface to provide a substantially uniform distribution of radiation across the expanded cross-sectional area. With such an expanded beam the one or more energy conversion components can efficiently convert some of the electromagnetic radiation into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Applicant: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, JR., David Bashford
  • Publication number: 20240322607
    Abstract: A free-space power receiver includes layouts of photovoltaic cells selected to optimize power extraction even when a power beam moves or changes profile on the receiver. The receiver may also include a circuit board having apertures therein whereby light may reach the photovoltaic cells. The circuit board may include suitable wiring for connecting the photovoltaic cells to one another and to a load for extraction of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, Jr., Thomas J. SAYLES, David J. BASHFORD, Thomas BASHFORD, Drew C. ELDEEN
  • Publication number: 20240275214
    Abstract: A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, JR., Jordin T. Kare, Alexander Hay
  • Patent number: 12055675
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Laser Motive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., David Bashford
  • Patent number: 11923694
    Abstract: A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a remote second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters based on a time value, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: LASERMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Jordin T. Kare, Alexander Hay
  • Patent number: 11867868
    Abstract: The plurality of emitters and the plurality of detectors form a light curtain that is patterned about the beam, and are positioned to surround the beam. The plurality of emitters each have a centerline and each have a divergence angle centered on the centerline. The placement and orientation of the plurality of emitters about the acceptance centerline of the beam receiver are configured to align the centerlines of the plurality of emitters substantially parallel to the incoming beam. The detection of one or more of the plurality of emitters by one or more of the plurality of detectors depends on the divergence angles of each of the plurality of emitters and the tilt of the beam receiver relative to the beam centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Sayles, Thomas W. Bashford, David J. Bashford, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230305185
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordin T. KARE, Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., David BASHFORD
  • Publication number: 20230194218
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., Richard GUSTAFSON
  • Patent number: 11681071
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., David Bashford
  • Publication number: 20230155690
    Abstract: A reflector assembly at a power beam receiver includes at least two sets of reflection surfaces positioned to shift some incoming light away from the center of the beam and towards the periphery. These surfaces may be positioned obliquely to one another, for example orthogonally. By shifting a portion of the power beam away from a higher-intensity center and toward a lower-intensity periphery, the reflector assembly may improve receiver efficiency without substantial redirection of power outside of a power-collecting surface of the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Sergiy DETS, Thomas J. NUGENT, JR.
  • Patent number: 11581953
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Richard Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20230016800
    Abstract: A dual-use electromagnetic beam system may be used as a remote power delivery system when not needed as an offensive weapon. For example, a system for disabling or destroying uncooperative or enemy assets such as UAVs or ground vehicles may be used during “down time” to provide power to assets that are separated from prime power sources by distance or by logistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., Richard GUSTAFSON
  • Publication number: 20220302765
    Abstract: A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a remote second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters based on a time value, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas J. NUGENT, JR., Jordin T. KARE, Alexander HAY