Patents by Inventor William C. Alexander

William C. Alexander 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).

  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIDIRECTIONAL DEVICE FABRICATION
    Publication number: 20150214055
    Abstract: Methods and systems for double-sided semiconductor device fabrication. Devices having multiple leads on each surface can be fabricated using a high-temperature-resistant handle wafer and a medium-temperature-resistant handle wafer. Dopants can be introduced on both sides shortly before a single long high-temperature diffusion step diffuses all dopants to approximately equal depths on both sides. All high-temperature processing occurs with no handle wafer or with a high-temperature handle wafer attached. Once a medium-temperature handle wafer is attached, no high-temperature processing steps occur. High temperatures can be considered to be those which can result in damage to the device in the presence of aluminum-based metallizations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: IDEAL POWER INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Systems and methods for uninterruptible power supplies with bidirectional power converters
    Patent number: 9077185
    Abstract: Electrical power systems and methods using bidirectional power converters to provide, among other functions, uninterruptible power supplies for loads such as cell towers. The power-packet-switching power converter can be connected, for example, to a photovoltaic array, batteries, and a critical load such as a cell tower. An AC generator can also be connected in order to power the cell tower and/or to charge the batteries as needed. Green energy utilization is maximized, power conversion efficiency is increased, and system costs are decreased, by having only a single power conversion stage for all conversions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Systems, circuits, devices, and methods with bidirectional bipolar transistors
    Patent number: 9059710
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Systems, circuits, devices, and methods with bidirectional bipolar transistors
    Patent number: 9054707
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Systems, circuits, devices, and methods with bidirectional bipolar transistors
    Patent number: 9054706
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Power-packet-switching converter with sequenced connection to link inductor
    Patent number: 9042131
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing link voltages in a power converter, where single phase, three phase or universal systems can be used. Common mode management refers to shifting of voltages in a particular direction to perform transition between input and output ports, in addition to maintaining soft switching property. Voltages in power converters can be freely increasing and decreasing, and thus damage to the circuit can be caused if these voltages change are not controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Michael Barron, William C. Alexander
  • Systems, circuits, devices, and methods with bidirectional bipolar transistors
    Patent number: 9035350
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Systems, circuits, devices, and methods with bidirectional bipolar transistors
    Patent number: 9029909
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Power conversion with current sensing coupled through saturating element
    Patent number: 9007796
    Abstract: An architecture for current-modulating power-handling circuits, such as power converters, where a small saturating inductance is used to obtain a pulse edge when the main current value crosses zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR IMPROVED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
    Publication number: 20150061569
    Abstract: A car charging station in which battery buffering includes at least approximately as much energy as is required to charge one car rapidly. This is particularly advantageous when a photovoltaic array is connected through a power converter to charge the battery, and also to provide a lower rate of charge directly to the vehicle charge connections. Advantageously, a mains power connection can also be made through yet another port of the same multiport power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: IDEAL POWER, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Alexander, Guy Michael Barron, Christopher Cobb, Paul Roush, Paul Bundschuh
  • SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS, DEVICES, AND METHODS WITH BIDIRECTIONAL BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS
    Publication number: 20150061732
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ideal Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS, DEVICES, AND METHODS WITH BIDIRECTIONAL BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS
    Publication number: 20150054552
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: IDEAL POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS, DEVICES, AND METHODS WITH BIDIRECTIONAL BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS
    Publication number: 20150029769
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: IDEAL POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • Power-Packet-Switching Converter With Sequenced Connection To Link Inductor
    Publication number: 20150003115
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing link voltages in a power converter, where single phase, three phase or universal systems can be used. Common mode management refers to shifting of voltages in a particular direction to perform transition between input and output ports, in addition to maintaining soft switching property. Voltages in power converters can be freely increasing and decreasing, and thus damage to the circuit can be caused if these voltages change are not controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ideal Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Michael Barron, William C. Alexander
  • SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS, DEVICES, AND METHODS WITH BIDIRECTIONAL BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS
    Publication number: 20140375287
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: IDEAL POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS, DEVICES, AND METHODS WITH BIDIRECTIONAL BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS
    Publication number: 20140376291
    Abstract: Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Ideal Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Blanchard, William C. Alexander
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES WITH BIDIRECTIONAL POWER CONVERTERS
    Publication number: 20140368038
    Abstract: Electrical power systems and methods using bidirectional power converters to provide, among other functions, uninterruptible power supplies for loads such as cell towers. The power-packet-switching power converter can be connected, for example, to a photovoltaic array, batteries, and a critical load such as a cell tower. An AC generator can also be connected in order to power the cell tower and/or to charge the batteries as needed. Green energy utilization is maximized, power conversion efficiency is increased, and system costs are decreased, by having only a single power conversion stage for all conversions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ideal Power, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES WITH GENERATORS
    Publication number: 20140319911
    Abstract: Systems and methods where a power-packet-switching converter is used to interface a synchronous AC connection (e.g. to the utility power grid, or to a microgrid) to a DC source (e.g. a battery bank, or possibly a photovoltaic cell bank) and to a non-synchronous AC power source (e.g. a wind turbine or a motor-generator). The power-packet-switching converter not only provides voltage conversion and other functions (e.g. DC to AC, AC-AC with frequency change, 2-phase to 3-phase, power factor correction etc.), but also provides phase correction to convert asynchronous AC to synchronous AC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: IDEAL POWER, INC.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • POWER CONVERSION WITH CURRENT SENSING COUPLED THROUGH SATURATING ELEMENT
    Publication number: 20140036554
    Abstract: An architecture for current-modulating power-handling circuits, such as power converters, where a small saturating inductance is used to obtain a pulse edge when the main current value crosses zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ideal Power Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Power Transfer Devices, Methods, and Systems with Crowbar Switch Shunting Energy-Transfer Reactance
    Publication number: 20140009979
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: William C. Alexander